My Valiant Knight

by Hannah Howell

Hannah Howell weaves enchanting stories set against the lush tapestry of Medieval Europe. Now, she brings her unique gift for recreating the splendor and excitement of that long-ago age to a novel of 13th-century Scotland—a tale ablaze with treachery, intrigue and unforgettable love.

Able to ride, wield a sword, and throw a dagger as well as any man, Ainslee of Kengarvey is more warrior than maid. Yet even her awesome skill as a horsewoman cannot help her outrace the knight who hotly pursues her.

An Anglo-Norman who has won favor with the King, Sir Gabel de Amalville must prove his fealty by crushing the rebellious MacNairn clan. Seizing the youngest daughter of Duggan MacNairn gives him a necessary advantage. He spirits her to his isolated castle keep—only to be passionately drawn to the sensual, flame-haired beauty. Now, as war sets the Highlands aflame, Gabel vows to follow no sovereign—but his own wildly yearning heart…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Medieval, Fiction, Paranormal Romance, M F Romance

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).

She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin

Reviews

[Monique Takens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Mijn dappere ridder - Candlelight Historische roman 173 .
Ik zou dit verhaal 2 en een half sterren ( rapport cijfer 5 ) geven als dat kon .

Dit verhaal speelt zich af in de Schotse hooglanden ad. 1210 . De heldin van dit verhaal is Ainslee MacNairn , 18 jaar oud en dochter en jongste kind van Laird Duggan van Kengarvey . Duggan is een bruut die zijn kinderen en alle mensen die afhankelijk van hem zijn als oud vuil behandeld en door middel van angst regeert . Maar hoe hij dan precies iedereen zo bang weet te krijgen dat niemand tegen hem in opstand komt wordt in het verhaal niet duidelijk en dat is gelijk 1 van de 2 redenen waarom ik dit verhaal zo laag waardeer . Reden 2 is de goeiige en domme held van dit verhaal nl. Gabel de Amalville een zogenaamde dappere ridder die zich meerdere keren in de luren laat leggen en zijn geliefde Ainslee zomaar uitlevert aan haar vader .

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't remember having read this book so I reread it, with no regrets too! I really enjoy the heroine. She's a strong woman who knows her own mind with a lot of skills that are not even rare for women to know in a time when women were expected to follow men's orders meekly, bear lots of babies (preferably male), and sit in a room doing needlework or something equally feminine instead of wielding a sword or having premarital sex! And while it's set in the highlands of Scotland, the hero is also a nice twist.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Hannah Howell, but this book just wasn't for me. Too much violence and I don't like the heroin getting beat to a pulp....twice....and then half starved...then shot with an arrow. Just doesn't scream romance to me.

[Elis Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yup, it’s another hostage story—but this is a good one. Ainslee of Kengarvey is the involuntary “guest” of Sir Gabel de Amalville, a man charged by the king to gain her father’s submission—or his head. Gabel intends to use her to obtain his goal.

Ainslee knows it won't work. Her father will never submit to a rule higher than his own, and he showed how much he cared for the women of her clan when he left them to be raped and slaughtered by one of their many enemy clans, the Frasers. She alone survived, and it seems to her that her father wishes she hadn’t. She still has nightmares where she hears her mother’s screams. Her father would rather kill her himself than surrender.



Ainslee knows it's foolish, but she can't resist the attraction she feels for her captor, even when more guests arrive—this time invited guests. The Fraser laird—the man who raped and killed her mother, and his witch of a daughter. Ainslee realizes immediately that these people were invited so that Gabel can consider the daughter as a potential bride. It stings to know that while he’s trying his best to get under her skirts, he only views her as a passing entertainment. The Frasers are every bit as untrustworthy and backstabbing as her father, but they still have the approval of the king, and Gabel is determined that his wife be someone who can advance his interests in court.


Even so, she lets herself be seduced—in a stable, no less.

The Frasers being who they are, Ainslee isn't surprised when someone tries to kill her. She doesn’t think Gabel will listen to the rantings of a jealous mistress, so she keeps her mouth shut, hoping that he’ll see for himself. By the time he does it’s almost too late for her, and his furious response makes the Frasers his enemies as well. Not a good thing, since they’re much more dangerous than her father.

When he father finally agrees to ransom her, Ainslee warns Gabel that he’s not to be trusted, but nobody is prepared for what awaits them.



I liked this one because Gabel is actually a decent man, worthy of the heroine’s care and love, even though he refused to see her as wife material (her clan is outlawed, after all, so aligning himself with them could put his own family at risk). And when he does her wrong, he sees it and regrets it. Ainslee, for her part, is a bit of a martyr—I’m pretty sure that no matter how hot the guy was I wouldn’t have him under my skirts while he was courting another woman, and I sure as hell wouldn’t be as forgiving as she is of some of the things her own family puts her through. But she also has spirit and a hell of a lot more courage than the cowering sods who are her brothers, the best of which will only protect her when he has nothing to lose by doing it.

I’ve been a bit rough on Howell lately because I’ve been reading some of the early Alpha A$$hole Hero books that were such a cornerstone of the romance genre during the 80’s and 90’s. So because this hero manages to be an alpha and still walk upright without using his knuckles for traction, this one gets four and a half stars.

[Susan Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ainslee is an awesome heroine: strong, courageous, skilled in the art of war, feisty and, of course, beautiful.

Sir Gabel is handsome, kind, brave and somewhat honorable. He is also an ass. Sir Gabel is so honorable he does not see the treachery around him which puts Ainslee at great risk more than once.
But truly honorable men do not seduce a virgin with no intention of marrying her or hand a tiny woman back to her extremely abusive father who would kill her in an instant.

Then we have Ainslee's useless brothers, cowards all. I don't care if they were terrified by their father. They were all more concerned for their own well-being than their sister's or castle folk's. It was quite disgusting.

I prefer my heroes to not be willing to have their love interest killed.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so love Ms. Howell's books and felt a need to re-visit the world she so brilliantly creates in each of her books. It has been years since I read this book and I actually enjoyed this book more the second time around! I see more re-reads of Ms. Howell's books in my immediate future. ;)

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly typical highland romance, complete with a ransom and lairds galore. While the plot was predictable, there was good character development and lots of action. I loved the feisty Aileen and oh-so-gallant Knight of her dreams!

[Debra Lambert Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ainslee of Kengarvey can throw a dagger, wield a sword and ride as well if not better then some men!!! Then she meets Gabel de Amalville. At first he holds Ainslee for ransom but then falls in love with her. I thought it was an excellent book--but then I really love all of Hannah Howell's books.

[Mumsgang · Rating 5 out of 5]

once again hannah howell spins a great story , for those of you who enjoy a good romance this is a book you will enjoy

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

another of my favourites

[Debora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bello per le ambientazioni, bello perché lei è davvero una ragazza tosta ed in grado di affrontare dei nemici, fa parte del clan più disprezzato della Scozia per colpa di suo padre, un uomo meschino e cattivo che uccideva e razziava chiunque volesse, perfino i suoi parenti non possono sopportarlo, lui un cavaliere normanno che deve parlare con suo padre, ma trova nella foresta lei che passeggia a cavallo con il suo fido amico Ronald che è anche un padre per lei, quando la vede decide di rapirla per poter chiedere un riscatto e anche parlare con il padre di lei per conto del Re, ma il fascino della ragazza lo strega e capisce da subito che vuole di più che tenerla prigioniera nel suo maniero, lei finalmente vive un momento di tranquillità perché non più con la sua famiglia, ma capisce presto che un'attrazione molto forte la lega al bel normanno, ci sono decide di colpi di scena, forse anche troppi, secondo me si sarebbe potuto parlare di altro senza dover attentare alla vita di lei ogni tre pagine, per il resto molto bello, il finale come potete immaginare è scontato, ma bello comunque.

[Huda Sarkowi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Am I the only one not loving this?
It was a drag, like a short story expanded into 300 pages of fictional historical romance by repetitive dialogues and unneeded situations. And when you thought it was finally the end, then came the need for the heroin to hear those 3 magic words from her husband, when he already fought to save her from a lifetime of misery. Where did the fiery, independent red haired woman go? And what happen to her dog?

[Gina Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite love story.......

This is one of the best stories I have read in a while that was not a (Murray) read. I have most of HH's books and this one I finished in a day. I loved the characters, and felt their frustration and pain,
It has a dysfunctional family with a lot of abuse that was hard to read. If you like the highlands with a little conflict and raising the Castle and rescuing the heroine you will like this read.

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

it started of really gd but then just dragged i still finished it but wouidnt read it again i feel like ainslee was 2 willing to give her virtute to the hero especially since there was no offer on the table for her he took her in the stables for god sake for a virgin come on!!! hero was jus not my cup of tea.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh

Super poor exposition with crappy dialogue. I was pretty cool with the characters, though. Seriously no one should give backstory to another character who already knows that story. You could give the exposition in the text and save us crappy dialogue.

[LadyAileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davvero bello: trama intrigante, stile scorrevole, dialoghi brillanti, grande cura nella descrizione degli ambienti e dello sfondo storico. Forse in alcune situazioni Gabel mi è sembrato poco cavalleresco ma a giudicare dal passato che ha vissuto è perdonato.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

not great

I’ve read thousands of romance novels and this one was just slightly better than boring. I gave it three stars because I didn’t quit halfway through. There are much better books out there, my advice is to pass this one by.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabel encantador

[TinaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Norman knight, Scottish lass, dastardly father and scheming clans… what more can you ask for in a Scottish romance.

[Amy Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I had a hard time putting this book down. Strong characters, strong & defiant female character with a sassy mouth. Would recommend this book.

[Meranda Semeniuk-Wappel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! I wish there were more books to make this a series! This book brought a lot of intrigue into this book and made it come alive.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Hannah!

[Nessa]

DNF.
THIS ONE LACKED CHEMISTRY AND THE PLOT WAS JUST AVERAGE...AND THE HERO WAS SHOVED TO THE BACK SEAT IN THIS STORY, he also wasn't very smart.

[joyce ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked

I liked reading this book and enjoyed the characters along with a believable story line a nice book to saviour over.

[Cherry-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in the mood to read about romance in the Scottish Highlands and was lucky enough to find a Hannah Howell in the library. I've read her before and found her stories to be breath-retaining. This one just did not do it for me. First I had to read paragraphs at least three time to get the gist of it. I could be at fault since I do have other things on my mind. However one of the reasons I read is because it provides a great escape to another realm. Then I actually wanted to sock Gabel so many times...he is so slow. OMG!! How slow should a man who is supposed to be a leader of this well kept keep and a King's fav and such a crowd fav attain that status by being such an absolute dolt? Jeez. I don't think this is one of Hannah's better efforts and when I noted this book was done around 1996 I forgave her since I think she was just growing out of her baby teeth. A good read but not a captivating one.

[Alisa Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set a little earlier (timeperiod) than the author's usual. Still an awesome book, as always.
Ainslee had an extremely hard life. And that is a very hard name to try to say or sound out. At the beginning I spent more time trying to figure out what her name was than reading.
But I love the character of Ainslee, she is strong and skilled. Not the normal for ladies in that time period. She knew how to fight like a man, and did fight with men. She also was not afraid to speak her mind.
Gabel, he was a great Knight. Always tried to see the good in people, but didn't fully trust everyone.
This book had lots of intrigue, sly and cunning people.
Definitely for any fan of Hannah Howell

[Katelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Scottish romances at times and I've read a few of Howell's books before. I don't remember being bored by any of them, but this one really just bored me to tears. I hate to be a grump about it, but I really had to fight to finish this. Why? Well it just seemed nothing really had much depth; I can't even really say anything about the characters they just seemed kinda bland to me. Also fight scenes were like 'o we are surrounded by bodies- poke! I stabbed you so you're dead now'. Not that I'm looking for swashbuckling gore or anything, but I would kinda like to be interested in the outcome. This book may be for you, but it really wasn't for me.

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ainslee gets captured and held for ransom by Gable. She's feisty and fearsome. She's good with weapons and sharp of wit. They end up 'involved' and he still hands her over to her abusive father for ransom money as well as treaty. He realizes that he wants her and so goes the rest of the story. It was actually pretty good. I really enjoyed this story. It was slightly different than Howell's usual and I liked that about it. The characters were great and it was fun getting to know them.

[moulin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring. Ainsley was childish and stupid. Gabel was an idiot and dishonorable knight. Knight was too good a title for him. Ugly the dog was a ridiculous addition. Ronald was flat in character and Justice has no depth. The story line was predictable and uneventful. There was no build up --no angst. They came together as two rutting animals. Waste of time.

[Nonieღserenity2bliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book by the author. Great characters but I wasn't too caught up in the story, especially the first half of the story. But it does get more interesting as the story progress. I think anyone who's a huge fan of highlander warriors will love this one.