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Assassins Guild #3
The Saint
Elizabeth Buckley has been in love with Edward Monk for most of her life. Unfortunately he's only ever had eyes for her older, prettier sister. Five years after he left the village to make himself worthy of a Buckley, their lives intersect. This time, she's determined to make him see her and bed her.
All Edward has to do is convince the girl he loves to set aside her betrothed and wed him instead. When her betrothed becomes tangled in a web of lies and murder, it's up to Edward to untangle him. If only he could keep his mind on the task, and not get distracted by the wrong Buckley girl.
As lies unravel and the Buckleys are brought to the brink of ruin, Edward must make the ultimate sacrifice, or risk losing everything he's worked so hard for.
All Edward has to do is convince the girl he loves to set aside her betrothed and wed him instead. When her betrothed becomes tangled in a web of lies and murder, it's up to Edward to untangle him. If only he could keep his mind on the task, and not get distracted by the wrong Buckley girl.
As lies unravel and the Buckleys are brought to the brink of ruin, Edward must make the ultimate sacrifice, or risk losing everything he's worked so hard for.
Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
175 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
100 books5,676 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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July 25, 2015I'm disappointed. The first book in this series was fabulous, the second was good but not great, but this one is a trope I dislike. Very much.
Edward Monk fell in love with Arabella as a young man. She's a flirt and he took her attention seriously and proposed marriage. He was turned down and thought the reason was his lack of standing in society (it is medieval times) so he left to make his fortune. What he doesn't know is that she was never serious about him while he has heart-shaped windmills in his head.
Arabella has a sister, Elizabeth, who DOES love Edward and has been heart-sick because he loves her sister. Arabella is engaged to a baron whom she is very much enamored with and she tells Edward of her sister's affection for him and her own lack of affection.
Edward fails as a hero, in my mind, because he blames Elizabeth for loving him. Because, try and follow his logic, if she didn't love him then Arabella would be free to love him without hurting her sister's feelings. Too Stupid To Deserve A HEA! He then decides to seduce Elizabeth, ruin her, and then drop her she can feel the heartache she has caused him (see what I mean about stupid). Real heroes don't plot revenge against heroines and get away with it. It's petty. It's unrealistic. It's not romantic. I'm done and on to book four.
Edward Monk fell in love with Arabella as a young man. She's a flirt and he took her attention seriously and proposed marriage. He was turned down and thought the reason was his lack of standing in society (it is medieval times) so he left to make his fortune. What he doesn't know is that she was never serious about him while he has heart-shaped windmills in his head.
Arabella has a sister, Elizabeth, who DOES love Edward and has been heart-sick because he loves her sister. Arabella is engaged to a baron whom she is very much enamored with and she tells Edward of her sister's affection for him and her own lack of affection.
Edward fails as a hero, in my mind, because he blames Elizabeth for loving him. Because, try and follow his logic, if she didn't love him then Arabella would be free to love him without hurting her sister's feelings. Too Stupid To Deserve A HEA! He then decides to seduce Elizabeth, ruin her, and then drop her she can feel the heartache she has caused him (see what I mean about stupid). Real heroes don't plot revenge against heroines and get away with it. It's petty. It's unrealistic. It's not romantic. I'm done and on to book four.
November 9, 2021
There was a lot of heartache in this one.
okay... I cried a lot. But there was just so much heartache every few pages that I couldn't handle it. I was so angry at the hero and heroine and wanted to knock their heads! It was utterly engrossing though and I needed to have a happy ending. It felt like there was a lot more going on in this one, than in past books. It was a wild ride, but I loved it.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So many angry moments in this. Why was Monk so pigheaded and naive in liking Arabella. It took him years to see her true side? And then with the whole marriage thing he just goes along with it. I didn't understand that at all. I was thinking Elizabeth should not take him back. And when he was talking about how it was Elizabeth's fault that Arabella didn't accept him and how he was going to make her pay! I am so glad he thought better of that.
But Elizabeth! Why did she keep pining for him. It was so sad to see her go after him, waiting for him to love her back. It just felt like she lost so much self worth.
Don't get me wrong, I am so glad things worked out, but getting there was a struggle! But I was utterly engrossed in the story. Archer never fails at pulling me into her books.
okay... I cried a lot. But there was just so much heartache every few pages that I couldn't handle it. I was so angry at the hero and heroine and wanted to knock their heads! It was utterly engrossing though and I needed to have a happy ending. It felt like there was a lot more going on in this one, than in past books. It was a wild ride, but I loved it.
SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
So many angry moments in this. Why was Monk so pigheaded and naive in liking Arabella. It took him years to see her true side? And then with the whole marriage thing he just goes along with it. I didn't understand that at all. I was thinking Elizabeth should not take him back. And when he was talking about how it was Elizabeth's fault that Arabella didn't accept him and how he was going to make her pay! I am so glad he thought better of that.
But Elizabeth! Why did she keep pining for him. It was so sad to see her go after him, waiting for him to love her back. It just felt like she lost so much self worth.
Don't get me wrong, I am so glad things worked out, but getting there was a struggle! But I was utterly engrossed in the story. Archer never fails at pulling me into her books.
May 11, 2021
Another version of professional murderer leaving his job for a woman. Except this time, he doesn’t fall for the woman he thinks. Monk pursues one sister, only to be rejected by her, and falls in love with the other sister. Some murders go down, and it seems like Monk will have to marry the original sister he was in love with to save the family, but all is sorted out and he gets to be with Elizabeth, who is now going to work for the assassins guild. The head of the assassins guild announces his plans to marry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2019
I loved this book. (Book 3 of The Assassins Guild)
I loved the fact that the two main characters, Edward Monk & Elizabeth Buckley, were not your typical main characters too. It was also good seeing the other main characters, from The Charmer & The Rebel appearing in this book as well.
I can honestly say, I think that this series has become my all time favourite series, by CJ Archer.
I sincerely hope, she will write some more books in this style again.
I loved the fact that the two main characters, Edward Monk & Elizabeth Buckley, were not your typical main characters too. It was also good seeing the other main characters, from The Charmer & The Rebel appearing in this book as well.
I can honestly say, I think that this series has become my all time favourite series, by CJ Archer.
I sincerely hope, she will write some more books in this style again.
May 8, 2024
Only moderately less painful to read, but better job on the plot
This wasn't so horribly obvious that I was able to guess whodunit halfway into the book at least, but I am getting quite tired of lazily reused turns of phrase and vocabulary across these books. I will truly be glad to be done with the last one in this series in the next book. Thank goodness they're rather short at least too.
This wasn't so horribly obvious that I was able to guess whodunit halfway into the book at least, but I am getting quite tired of lazily reused turns of phrase and vocabulary across these books. I will truly be glad to be done with the last one in this series in the next book. Thank goodness they're rather short at least too.
April 14, 2020
I thought the start of this series was slow almost gave up but I have enjoyed several other series by the author so hung in there. Each book has been enjoyable and a good read. As each of the men fall in love when they each never thought they would.
September 18, 2024
The Saint drags on forever
The Saint takes forever to become saintly. Edward is the most boring hero Archer has ever created. I just wanted to slap him and say, "Hurry up, fool. She won't wait forever!" Not my favorite of the C.J.Archer books I've read so far.
The Saint takes forever to become saintly. Edward is the most boring hero Archer has ever created. I just wanted to slap him and say, "Hurry up, fool. She won't wait forever!" Not my favorite of the C.J.Archer books I've read so far.
May 24, 2019
Another great read!
This story had twists and turns that I didn’t expect and it was so good! I love Elizabeth and Monks relationship! Can’t wait to read Hughes story next!
This story had twists and turns that I didn’t expect and it was so good! I love Elizabeth and Monks relationship! Can’t wait to read Hughes story next!
January 7, 2021
Third book in the Assassins series is just as fast paced as the first two. CJ Archer continues to write fun and exciting stories that hold ones interest.
July 11, 2021
I enjoyed the other books in the series immensely but this one fell flat for me. My least fav character and story. It all felt forced and slow.
March 16, 2022
Silly plot, disappointing. But I had to finish now that the series is close to the end.
January 12, 2024
** 310 pages
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March 14, 202410:20
May 28, 2024
I always enjoy a good mystery romance. The Saint is a fun quick read. It doesn’t take its self too seriously and that’s why I enjoyed it.
November 5, 2025
Sometimes these are kind of ridiculous, but I enjoy the stories. I will definitely finish this series, like I have finished all of her other series!!
November 19, 2015
I highly enjoyed this book. Although I will admit to wanting to smack Monk upside the head at the beginning. It was so clear that he only thought he loved Arrabella for who he thought she was, not who she actually was. But, I was so happy when he finally came to his senses and realized the other Burkley sister was actually the one for him. I loved how Monk got all protective and caring, he did not like to see Elizabeth hurt in any way, he dang near lost his shit when she got bruised. I loved Elizabeth. I liked how she wasn't one of those dumb characters who constantly do dumb stuff like go off by herself or confront the stranger alone and get herself into trouble. I also liked her sense of humor, her cleverness, and her strength. I definitely recommend this book. <3
"Flirting with the maids now, are we?" Edward said, pouring ale from the jug into the tankards. "Merely reminding myself of my masculinity. Being the dandy can shake it's foundations on occasion." "Dinner with Lynden being one of those occasions?" Hughe accepted the tankard with a grunt. "Next time he makes eyes at me, I'll thank you not to laugh."
-Monk & Hughe
Edward grinned. "A little murderous conduct will put to bed any rumors of feminine proclivities. Perhaps you ought to start a fight or two in the taproom later. Better yet, bed all the women in the village then start a fight." Hughe gave him a withering glare. "Have you quite finished?" "I could go on."
- Monk & Hughe
She poured him a cup of wine from the jug on the table. "Drink up. I believe it's the strongest wine in the house." He took the cup. "Tested it, have you?" "Frequently." He saluted her with the cup before taking a sip. It was indeed strong and burned his throat as it went down. "It may be the strongest, but it's also the foulest I've ever tasted." "You'll become used to it." He sat on a chair, close to her. "After three or four cups?" "More like ten." He laughed. It was good to laugh again. It felt like an age since he'd done so. The wine was certainly effective, if somewhat earthy. "I can't believe Lynden drinks this stuff. I thought him a gentleman of quality." She snorted softly. "You have seen the way he dresses. haven't you? I'm not sure quality is a word I'd use to describe that green doublet." "It did resemble the color of pond slime." "My cousin is not a man of half measures." She peered into her cup and wrinkled her nose. "Perhaps that explains this wine. It's certainly not halfway good."
-Elizabeth & Monk
"Get up, Edward." "No." She sighed. There was only one thing for it. She grabbed the sheet and stripped of off the bed. He did not cover himself as she expected him to. Instead, he looked at her and grinned wolfishly. "Like what you see?" he growled. "Um..." 'Like' was such an insipid word to describe the effect his nakedness had on her. She couldn't tear her gaze away from his powerful thighs and the thick member resting there. He cleared his throat. "Let me know when you're finished." The heat in her face rose, but she would not let him embarrass her. It ought to be the other way round! "It's quite fascinating. I've never seen one before. Thank you for the education." "Bloody hell." He snatched at the sheet, but she held it out of his reach. "Give me that back." She took it off the bed completely. "Get up." He cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. "If you insist." He stood. How was it that he seemed so much more magnificent without clothing? Surely it should be the opposite. He ought to be vulnerable and perhaps even appear smaller in his nakedness. But no. Edward Monk was a man who did not need padded shoulders in his doublet. He was a wonderful specimen of manhood. "Close your mouth," he said with a lopsided grin. "Ha. Very amusing."
-Elizabeth & Monk
"Shhh," he whispered into her hair. "I won't let them hurt you." She knew it too. Knew it deep down in the pit of her stomach that he would do anything to keep her safe. "I don't know why I'm crying," she managed. "You're crying because you were scared, and now you're relieved. It's all right. It's a natural reaction to a shock like that." "You wouldn't cry." He chuckled. "I'm somewhat less fragile than you."
-Monk & Elizabeth
"Flirting with the maids now, are we?" Edward said, pouring ale from the jug into the tankards. "Merely reminding myself of my masculinity. Being the dandy can shake it's foundations on occasion." "Dinner with Lynden being one of those occasions?" Hughe accepted the tankard with a grunt. "Next time he makes eyes at me, I'll thank you not to laugh."
-Monk & Hughe
Edward grinned. "A little murderous conduct will put to bed any rumors of feminine proclivities. Perhaps you ought to start a fight or two in the taproom later. Better yet, bed all the women in the village then start a fight." Hughe gave him a withering glare. "Have you quite finished?" "I could go on."
- Monk & Hughe
She poured him a cup of wine from the jug on the table. "Drink up. I believe it's the strongest wine in the house." He took the cup. "Tested it, have you?" "Frequently." He saluted her with the cup before taking a sip. It was indeed strong and burned his throat as it went down. "It may be the strongest, but it's also the foulest I've ever tasted." "You'll become used to it." He sat on a chair, close to her. "After three or four cups?" "More like ten." He laughed. It was good to laugh again. It felt like an age since he'd done so. The wine was certainly effective, if somewhat earthy. "I can't believe Lynden drinks this stuff. I thought him a gentleman of quality." She snorted softly. "You have seen the way he dresses. haven't you? I'm not sure quality is a word I'd use to describe that green doublet." "It did resemble the color of pond slime." "My cousin is not a man of half measures." She peered into her cup and wrinkled her nose. "Perhaps that explains this wine. It's certainly not halfway good."
-Elizabeth & Monk
"Get up, Edward." "No." She sighed. There was only one thing for it. She grabbed the sheet and stripped of off the bed. He did not cover himself as she expected him to. Instead, he looked at her and grinned wolfishly. "Like what you see?" he growled. "Um..." 'Like' was such an insipid word to describe the effect his nakedness had on her. She couldn't tear her gaze away from his powerful thighs and the thick member resting there. He cleared his throat. "Let me know when you're finished." The heat in her face rose, but she would not let him embarrass her. It ought to be the other way round! "It's quite fascinating. I've never seen one before. Thank you for the education." "Bloody hell." He snatched at the sheet, but she held it out of his reach. "Give me that back." She took it off the bed completely. "Get up." He cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. "If you insist." He stood. How was it that he seemed so much more magnificent without clothing? Surely it should be the opposite. He ought to be vulnerable and perhaps even appear smaller in his nakedness. But no. Edward Monk was a man who did not need padded shoulders in his doublet. He was a wonderful specimen of manhood. "Close your mouth," he said with a lopsided grin. "Ha. Very amusing."
-Elizabeth & Monk
"Shhh," he whispered into her hair. "I won't let them hurt you." She knew it too. Knew it deep down in the pit of her stomach that he would do anything to keep her safe. "I don't know why I'm crying," she managed. "You're crying because you were scared, and now you're relieved. It's all right. It's a natural reaction to a shock like that." "You wouldn't cry." He chuckled. "I'm somewhat less fragile than you."
-Monk & Elizabeth
February 19, 2017
I took one star off for the editing. I took one star off because the books are categorized as "Medieval" but there is nothing in the stories that would explain why they are "Medieval". Even the language is not medieval: the use of "fiance" and the F word is not from medieval times.
General on the four stories: The stories are okay, with a bit of suspense, lots of misunderstanding, lots of crying by the "strong" heroines. It's too bad the assassins turned soft because of their woman. The best one is the first one, but it all went downhill from there.
Unrealistic: A lady who knows nothing about saving lives, but yet putting herself and others at risk, thinks she can help her trained assassin husband.
The Charmer has the best romance. The Rebel has the best environment descriptions. The Saint has the best window inside Lord Lynden's heart. The Sinner has the best suspense.
General on the four stories: The stories are okay, with a bit of suspense, lots of misunderstanding, lots of crying by the "strong" heroines. It's too bad the assassins turned soft because of their woman. The best one is the first one, but it all went downhill from there.
Unrealistic: A lady who knows nothing about saving lives, but yet putting herself and others at risk, thinks she can help her trained assassin husband.
The Charmer has the best romance. The Rebel has the best environment descriptions. The Saint has the best window inside Lord Lynden's heart. The Sinner has the best suspense.
October 1, 2016
It was really just okay. I felt like nothing really was solve at the end. Not sure if that was done on purpose and I'm not sure if I will read the last one.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews