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Brethren of the Coast #4
One-Knight Stand
Do old friends truly make the best lovers?
When Cara Felicity Douglas, known throughout the ton as Miss Perfect, sets her cap for childhood chum and Nautionnier Knight Lance Prescott, she enlists the aid of the Brethren women to chart a course for the altar. But her plans go awry, when her prospective bridegroom refuses to cooperate, and the hunter becomes the hunted. Soon Cara is forced to choose between staunch obedience of societal expectations, or throw caution to the wind and take a chance on love, as the young lady finds herself entangled in the trap she set for her knight.
After an injury at sea leaves Lance bedridden, and his rival captains Lance’s ship, he drowns in a dangerous mix of anger, frustration, and jealousy. Harboring more than physical wounds, a past tragedy haunts his present and future. When Cara proclaims him the man of her dreams, Lance vows, “I will never be your husband.” But Miss Perfect will not be deterred and acts completely out of character, making him an offer he dare not refuse, if only he can win her heart. For two people so alike in every way, what could possibly go wrong? In a word: Everything.
- GenresHistorical RomanceEbooks
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2014
62 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Devlin
53 books516 followersBarbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn’t been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80’s weren’t too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn’t too sure about her new chosen career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. However, on an uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English, continued on a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric, started writing historical fiction in her spare time, and completed five full-length novels featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast. Book six is currently in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 3, 2016
I liked this book much more than I did the previous book.
Cara and Lance share a bond that goes beyond the brother/sister brethren bond that they all share. Their bond is more akin to soulmates and most definitely not a brother/sister bond.
When Lance is injured and confined to bed, Cara nurses him back to health. Cara has decided that she has waited long enough for her hero to declare himself. She has resolved to be bold and take command of their destiny. The only problem is, she has no idea how to do that.
Cara enlists the aid of the brethren's wives/sisters. She considers their advice and goes against the course of action they recommended. She decides to seduce Lance.
This ends up being the start of a courting farce - Lance finally succumbs to Cara's seduction - he has loved her for years but feels unworthy of her, but once the deed is done - he tells her they will marry and lists all the reasons that it should be done, but fails to declare himself. Cara doesn't want to be a duty and turns down his proposal. Heartbroken, she leaves and refuses to see him.
She again turns to the brethren women for advice and a plan is hatched to get Lance to declare himself. They enlist Jason Collingsworth to pretend to court Cara to make Lance jealous - but they don't tell Jason exactly what transpired or who Cara's suitor is - he is given the impression that Cara has been ruined and the cad refused to marry her.
Lance is astounded that Cara refused him - isn't that what she wanted? Didn't he tell her that they would marry? Why did she refuse him? He is adrift and has no idea how to get his bride to the altar. When he asks her, she won't tell him and gives him cryptic replies. Now it looks like he is going to lose her to the newest Knight - the very one who has been captaining his ship while he has been recovering.
These two dance around each other for weeks and finally Lance discovers the deception regarding Cara's newest suitor. He decides to enlighten Jason the two of them hatch a plan for payback.
At times this story is amusing, but the miscommunication drags on a little too long for me. And what was at first amusing soon became annoying. It got to the point that when they finally resolve their issues and express their mutual love and devotion, I was just happy that it was over.
I liked the story and never doubted that these two loved each other or that they belonged together - I just wish it hadn't taken them so long to realize it themselves.
The book was very well written, flows pretty smoothly, has some spicy love scenes, a lot of amusing moments - especially with the other brethren members and has a very sweet HEA. While the book is part of a series, it could be read as a stand alone, but to fully understand the secondary characters - it would be best to read the books in order.
Cara and Lance share a bond that goes beyond the brother/sister brethren bond that they all share. Their bond is more akin to soulmates and most definitely not a brother/sister bond.
When Lance is injured and confined to bed, Cara nurses him back to health. Cara has decided that she has waited long enough for her hero to declare himself. She has resolved to be bold and take command of their destiny. The only problem is, she has no idea how to do that.
Cara enlists the aid of the brethren's wives/sisters. She considers their advice and goes against the course of action they recommended. She decides to seduce Lance.
This ends up being the start of a courting farce - Lance finally succumbs to Cara's seduction - he has loved her for years but feels unworthy of her, but once the deed is done - he tells her they will marry and lists all the reasons that it should be done, but fails to declare himself. Cara doesn't want to be a duty and turns down his proposal. Heartbroken, she leaves and refuses to see him.
She again turns to the brethren women for advice and a plan is hatched to get Lance to declare himself. They enlist Jason Collingsworth to pretend to court Cara to make Lance jealous - but they don't tell Jason exactly what transpired or who Cara's suitor is - he is given the impression that Cara has been ruined and the cad refused to marry her.
Lance is astounded that Cara refused him - isn't that what she wanted? Didn't he tell her that they would marry? Why did she refuse him? He is adrift and has no idea how to get his bride to the altar. When he asks her, she won't tell him and gives him cryptic replies. Now it looks like he is going to lose her to the newest Knight - the very one who has been captaining his ship while he has been recovering.
These two dance around each other for weeks and finally Lance discovers the deception regarding Cara's newest suitor. He decides to enlighten Jason the two of them hatch a plan for payback.
At times this story is amusing, but the miscommunication drags on a little too long for me. And what was at first amusing soon became annoying. It got to the point that when they finally resolve their issues and express their mutual love and devotion, I was just happy that it was over.
I liked the story and never doubted that these two loved each other or that they belonged together - I just wish it hadn't taken them so long to realize it themselves.
The book was very well written, flows pretty smoothly, has some spicy love scenes, a lot of amusing moments - especially with the other brethren members and has a very sweet HEA. While the book is part of a series, it could be read as a stand alone, but to fully understand the secondary characters - it would be best to read the books in order.
January 9, 2016
Another great book in the series. Cara is sweet and little Miss Perfect. I liked her character from the previous books. Lance's character is likable, but not as developed as Cara's, but you get a little background on him. The book let's you know what is going on in the lives of the other Brethren coupled from previous books, which I think is great. Overall a wonderful addition to the series. I look forward to reading the next book.
June 7, 2014
One - Knight Stand is the fourth book in the Brethren of the Coast series by Barbara Devlin. However, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Aside from the Outlander series, it can be challenging for me to find a historical romance book that I really enjoy. Luckily, Devlin puts in a lot of humor and suspense in her series that makes it a fun read. This book did not have the suspense and action the three previous books are known for, but it is still a great read.
This book focuses on two life-long friends that have secretly loved each other but never announced it to each other. It was fun to read how the heroine, Cara, went about trying to get Lance, her hero, to see her as more than a friend. I really liked this book and it is hard to pick my favorite characters from the series. The only thing that I had an issue with was Lance's pet name for Cara, sugar kisses. It was a bit too cheesy for me as it was used a lot, but that was my only complaint regarding the book and should not deter you from reading it. I highly recommend everyone check out the whole series if you enjoy historical romances. I promise you won't be disappointed!
This book focuses on two life-long friends that have secretly loved each other but never announced it to each other. It was fun to read how the heroine, Cara, went about trying to get Lance, her hero, to see her as more than a friend. I really liked this book and it is hard to pick my favorite characters from the series. The only thing that I had an issue with was Lance's pet name for Cara, sugar kisses. It was a bit too cheesy for me as it was used a lot, but that was my only complaint regarding the book and should not deter you from reading it. I highly recommend everyone check out the whole series if you enjoy historical romances. I promise you won't be disappointed!
February 6, 2015
By far my favorite book of the Brethren of the Coast series so far! The ladies conspiring against the gentleman and vice versa was great. Of course the ladies talking about their husbands private habits will have you laughing out loud! I'm always happy when a good girl get's a little naughty and Cara doesn't disappoint with her campaign to capture her soul-mate!
January 13, 2015
I absolutely loved this book just as I loved the other books in this series and I can't wait to embark on the next journey!!! I enjoyed reading Lance and Cara's story and learning more about them just as I did with the other knights and their wives!!!
April 9, 2015
Just keep getting better
Each time I finish one of these books, I fear the next will be a disappointment, but thus far nothing could be further from the truth. Ms. Devlin keeps the story lines interesting, at times humorous, and totally entertaining.
Chalk up another success.
Each time I finish one of these books, I fear the next will be a disappointment, but thus far nothing could be further from the truth. Ms. Devlin keeps the story lines interesting, at times humorous, and totally entertaining.
Chalk up another success.
May 1, 2018
After reading a few of these Brethren of the Coast series it's romance, boy vs girl on which one assumes they know what the other one is thinking thus making the incorrect decision and assumptions thus they don't get together, etc.... Nice but repetitive but I will probably read the rest of the series.
August 9, 2017
Friends to lovers
This is a great friends to lovers story. Deemed perfect by everyone in the tin Cara breaks every rule to win the heart of the man she loves. I enjoyed the chase.
This is a great friends to lovers story. Deemed perfect by everyone in the tin Cara breaks every rule to win the heart of the man she loves. I enjoyed the chase.
October 30, 2019
Loved it
August 30, 2014
Miss Cara Douglas the perfect child of the Admiral Douglas. But then again after all the stunts of the younger daughter Sabrina in book 3 what do you expect in the opinion of the ton.
Lance Prescott, The Sixth Marquess of Raynesford and member of the Brethren since birth. He has always known of his love for the one and only Cara Douglas but even though he was with her always as friends he would never claim his love. The guilt of his cousin Thomas was always the guilt that Plagued him into the danger of missions and his resolve where Cara was concerned.
Cara knew something was wrong with her beloved Lance the moment it happened. rushing to the docks the next morning to find out exactly what had occurred.
She goes to the women of the Brethren for answers as to how to get the man she has set her cap for. With her outrages sisters help she gets a lesson that would for ever shock the ton. Little miss perfect learns more then she should and sets her cap to win her man.
Lance has no idea what has been set upon him between the pain and medicine and his beautiful Cara to care for him during his recovery. His Jolly Roger stays at attention and flying at full mast. What is a man to do? Especially when his sugar kisses takes matters in her own sweet hands.
Can Cara win her wayward Marquess?
Will His duty and guilt make him lose Lance the only women that has ever mattered and he has always wanted?
Or will it take the Admiral/ Father to fix all this by Demanding satisfaction at dawn Or marriage proposed by the end of the night but will the Admiral get the wrong man? Can he sort out the meddling of his Brethren to insure his oldest her happiness?
This is yet again another awesome read by this author i have loved every book and wait impatiently for the next to come out. The history and lord and lady aspect has captured my heart again. This series will not disappoint and will leave you wanting more.
Lance Prescott, The Sixth Marquess of Raynesford and member of the Brethren since birth. He has always known of his love for the one and only Cara Douglas but even though he was with her always as friends he would never claim his love. The guilt of his cousin Thomas was always the guilt that Plagued him into the danger of missions and his resolve where Cara was concerned.
Cara knew something was wrong with her beloved Lance the moment it happened. rushing to the docks the next morning to find out exactly what had occurred.
She goes to the women of the Brethren for answers as to how to get the man she has set her cap for. With her outrages sisters help she gets a lesson that would for ever shock the ton. Little miss perfect learns more then she should and sets her cap to win her man.
Lance has no idea what has been set upon him between the pain and medicine and his beautiful Cara to care for him during his recovery. His Jolly Roger stays at attention and flying at full mast. What is a man to do? Especially when his sugar kisses takes matters in her own sweet hands.
Can Cara win her wayward Marquess?
Will His duty and guilt make him lose Lance the only women that has ever mattered and he has always wanted?
Or will it take the Admiral/ Father to fix all this by Demanding satisfaction at dawn Or marriage proposed by the end of the night but will the Admiral get the wrong man? Can he sort out the meddling of his Brethren to insure his oldest her happiness?
This is yet again another awesome read by this author i have loved every book and wait impatiently for the next to come out. The history and lord and lady aspect has captured my heart again. This series will not disappoint and will leave you wanting more.
September 9, 2014
I will admit that this wasn’t my favorite Brethren of the Coast novel, but I’m still gonna fangirl it up because I am now convinced that Barbara Devlin’s “worst” is better than most author’s best.
While the last book found us with the younger Douglas sister, now we see the older (Cara) get her chance at love. I liked how we jumped right into things with a rather exciting storm-at-sea scene, as the sea captain stuff is one of the reasons I love this series, and Cara is a very enjoyable character. For me, Lance took a little longer to not feel a touch flat in places, but since he had such dramatic developments at points, that may just have been a “in comparison to” for the less dramatic moments.
Aside from that, the reason this one wasn’t quite at the top was because the “happy war” (because romance is always war at first for these boys and girls) felt a little meaner at points, at least once Alexa and Jason were in the game. Although I liked Jason Collingwood. He was an amusing character in the fray.
That aside, I loved seeing more of Rebecca because she’s still my favorite. I always love Devlin’s women, though I love her men too, so it was great to revisit the other characters in The Family. Cara’s ending (the epilogue) was just wonderful for her, and the birthday party? I laughed out loud a couple times. Like, seriously. I don’t do that very often.
So, yeah, Barbara Devlin still rocks it. I’m still fangirl. I want my t-shirt. ;D
And I just looked at Amazon and saw that the fifth book comes out just two days before my birthday, so…thank you Barbara for a lovely birthday present! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens between Alexa and Jason, although I think I can’t wait most to see what romance is spun for Elaine…
Anyways! 5 Fireballs. If you like historical romance, read these books!
While the last book found us with the younger Douglas sister, now we see the older (Cara) get her chance at love. I liked how we jumped right into things with a rather exciting storm-at-sea scene, as the sea captain stuff is one of the reasons I love this series, and Cara is a very enjoyable character. For me, Lance took a little longer to not feel a touch flat in places, but since he had such dramatic developments at points, that may just have been a “in comparison to” for the less dramatic moments.
Aside from that, the reason this one wasn’t quite at the top was because the “happy war” (because romance is always war at first for these boys and girls) felt a little meaner at points, at least once Alexa and Jason were in the game. Although I liked Jason Collingwood. He was an amusing character in the fray.
That aside, I loved seeing more of Rebecca because she’s still my favorite. I always love Devlin’s women, though I love her men too, so it was great to revisit the other characters in The Family. Cara’s ending (the epilogue) was just wonderful for her, and the birthday party? I laughed out loud a couple times. Like, seriously. I don’t do that very often.
So, yeah, Barbara Devlin still rocks it. I’m still fangirl. I want my t-shirt. ;D
And I just looked at Amazon and saw that the fifth book comes out just two days before my birthday, so…thank you Barbara for a lovely birthday present! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens between Alexa and Jason, although I think I can’t wait most to see what romance is spun for Elaine…
Anyways! 5 Fireballs. If you like historical romance, read these books!
June 22, 2015
I really disliked this story. I read much more than I should have.
It was too repetitious. There was a constant back and forth between the men and women to create schemes, strategize, and pretty much do everything to screw up what should have been a simple and sublime romance. By the end, I hated Cara -- who showed none of the "level-headedness" she is supposedly known for. Being a woman in love DOES NOT mean that your good sense has all flown south for the winter.
Cara, by the end, made me so angry and disgusted with her that if she fell into a lake and were drowning, I wouldn't do a thing to help her.
Lance was annoying but not terribly as bad as Cara since she was the one to begin this whole mess. If she had been forthright with the gentlemen she loved she would not have fallen into this mess of mad scheming.
I cannot blame the strictures of the times and how men and women (unmarried) were to act in public. *spoiler alert* Cara seduces Lance whilst he is injured. Therefore, propriety is thrown out the window.
Neither ever realised this or cared to think that event happened.
This story was an unfortunate reminder as to why I care very little for those stories that involve the wealthy and their Seasons in which to court and search for a spouse.
I have two books in this series left to read but it is time for a break. I think I shall return to the medieval romance where men get dirty, and women do not shrink from honest sweat.
It was too repetitious. There was a constant back and forth between the men and women to create schemes, strategize, and pretty much do everything to screw up what should have been a simple and sublime romance. By the end, I hated Cara -- who showed none of the "level-headedness" she is supposedly known for. Being a woman in love DOES NOT mean that your good sense has all flown south for the winter.
Cara, by the end, made me so angry and disgusted with her that if she fell into a lake and were drowning, I wouldn't do a thing to help her.
Lance was annoying but not terribly as bad as Cara since she was the one to begin this whole mess. If she had been forthright with the gentlemen she loved she would not have fallen into this mess of mad scheming.
I cannot blame the strictures of the times and how men and women (unmarried) were to act in public. *spoiler alert* Cara seduces Lance whilst he is injured. Therefore, propriety is thrown out the window.
Neither ever realised this or cared to think that event happened.
This story was an unfortunate reminder as to why I care very little for those stories that involve the wealthy and their Seasons in which to court and search for a spouse.
I have two books in this series left to read but it is time for a break. I think I shall return to the medieval romance where men get dirty, and women do not shrink from honest sweat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2018
The best thing I ever did was pick up my first book by Ms. Devlin at the recommendation of an author friend. Book after book, Ms. Devlin continues to impress and astounds me with how she manages to bring these characters to life. One Knight Stand is no different.
Cara was always the perfect sister, perfect friend, and most definitely the perfect daughter of Admiral Douglas of Loving Lieutenant Douglas. Of course we all know that perfection is overrated and any child of Admiral Douglas and Lady Amanda couldn't possibly be that boring. Cara has decided that she wants her long time friend Lance and very much her mother's daughter, she is not about to let anything stand in her way, not convention, and definitely not Lance himself. Cara's antics are very much reminiscent of something her own mother would have done in her youth.
Well written and entertaining, One Knight Stand is an enjoyable read that I could not put down once I began reading. This one is definitely a keeper.
Cara was always the perfect sister, perfect friend, and most definitely the perfect daughter of Admiral Douglas of Loving Lieutenant Douglas. Of course we all know that perfection is overrated and any child of Admiral Douglas and Lady Amanda couldn't possibly be that boring. Cara has decided that she wants her long time friend Lance and very much her mother's daughter, she is not about to let anything stand in her way, not convention, and definitely not Lance himself. Cara's antics are very much reminiscent of something her own mother would have done in her youth.
Well written and entertaining, One Knight Stand is an enjoyable read that I could not put down once I began reading. This one is definitely a keeper.
July 13, 2015
I have enjoyed every book in the Brethren of the Coast series, and this one didn't disappoint. Lance & Cara's story is fraught with many problems, including they have grown up much as a brother and sister. That's certainly not how Cara see's Lance, but can she get him to see her in the same way? Barbara Devlin has developed many hero's in this series, and no one more daring than Lance.
I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you've read the first 3 books of the Brethren, you will not want to miss getting to know Miss Perfect, aka Cara Douglas and Lance Prescott. If you haven't read any of the Brethren yet, you can still read this book as a stand alone. It's a wonderful story, it's funny, charming, sexy and heated.
I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you've read the first 3 books of the Brethren, you will not want to miss getting to know Miss Perfect, aka Cara Douglas and Lance Prescott. If you haven't read any of the Brethren yet, you can still read this book as a stand alone. It's a wonderful story, it's funny, charming, sexy and heated.
July 25, 2014
By far my favorite book of the Brethren of the Coast series so far! The ladies conspiring against the gentleman and vice versa was great. Of course the ladies talking about their husbands private habits will have you laughing out loud! I'm always happy when a good girl get's a little naughty and Cara doesn't disappoint with her campaign to capture her soul-mate!
September 25, 2014
Another hit...
just those 3 little words...Cara has set her cap and takes matters into her own hands but he just won't declare himself...men! While he had proposed several times but for all the wrong reasons, so she won't accept...journey along with her to see what happens in this wonderful book..
just those 3 little words...Cara has set her cap and takes matters into her own hands but he just won't declare himself...men! While he had proposed several times but for all the wrong reasons, so she won't accept...journey along with her to see what happens in this wonderful book..
July 22, 2015
The truth shall set you free......right?
I was a bit weary in the beginning. Cara was unlike her character in the previous books. Lance was acting a fool....our was he? Got a little hard to follow for a bit, but was worth the read.....again the humor was well placed and only added to the plot.
I was a bit weary in the beginning. Cara was unlike her character in the previous books. Lance was acting a fool....our was he? Got a little hard to follow for a bit, but was worth the read.....again the humor was well placed and only added to the plot.
April 8, 2016
What do you do when you develop romantic feelings towards a childhood friend? What do you do when you realize you’ve found your soul mate and aren’t sure it’s mutual? Discover another must read from Barbara Devlin. Check out my blog for my full review.
December 5, 2014
Another great read while i wasn't sure about Cara and Lance given how they were i warmed up to them alot through the stories and everything they went through and how there story progressed
July 8, 2014
a farce...miscommunication, false assumptions, impetuous behavior....a comedy of errors leading to heartache but true love finds a way at last.
December 27, 2014
I found it a bit difficult to buy into the idea that neither knew that the other had been love struck for years, but it was still an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2015
Another good book
While it's not the type of book I normally read, I found myself caught up in the story. I will finish the rest of the series.
While it's not the type of book I normally read, I found myself caught up in the story. I will finish the rest of the series.
July 30, 2016
What a mischievous little delight
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews