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Tudor #2

One Forbidden Knight

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An unexpected seduction...
Catherine Linwood is amongst the favored of Tudor Queen Mary-until her physician father dies mysteriously. She's distraught, shunned and desperate for answers. Catherine's only ally is Sir Brandon FitzAlan... who is willing to risk his life to protect hers. While the handsome stranger's courage and wit soon capture her heart, his true allegiance and purpose is uncertain.

Brand is well used to the lies and shadows of court. Yet nothing prepares him for his sizzling attraction to innocent Catherine, or the deadly plot she is tangled in, for her father took a secret to his grave that could tear Catholic England apart. With one chance at salvation, Brand and Catherine begin a cross-country journey that reveals the shocking truth... and a burning passion that could save or destroy them both.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2015

34 people are currently reading
723 people want to read

About the author

Nicola Davidson

38 books727 followers
USA Today bestselling author Nicola Davidson worked for many years in media and government communications, but hasn't looked back since she decided writing erotic historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer, she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes dessert—even better!
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com

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5 stars
58 (27%)
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82 (39%)
3 stars
55 (26%)
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6 (2%)
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8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Julie .
4,251 reviews38k followers
October 8, 2015
One Forbidden Knight by Nicola Davidson is a 2015 Entangled (Scandalous) publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a solid historical romance set in the days of “Bloody Mary's” reign. Lady Catherine Linwood is the daughter of an esteemed physician, and is favored by the queen, until her father dies suddenly.

Catherine is immediately suspicious of the alleged cause of death. When she meets Sir Brandon FitzAlan, a bastard Knight, a man indebted to Catherine's father for his medical treatment of his mother, the two work together to figure out what really happened to Catherine's father, and end up falling hard and fast for each other. However, they may not live long enough to have their happy ending…


Catherine is an unconventional girl, uninhibited, educated, and loyal, while Brand has a few dark spots on his record and carries around a little baggage. Catherine seems like a cool salve for Brand's tortured conscience and bitterness toward his father, who will not publicly acknowledge him. I like both characters because they were mature, faced danger head on, with courage and honor, and proved their love was strong and could weather any storm.


This is a novella length story, but did not suffer from underdeveloped characterization. The plot does move quickly, but the story is fleshed out evenly with a nice mix of romance, intrigue and suspense. I'm not sure if this book is a part of a series, but even it is, it can be read as a stand alone. A perfect lunch break read for historical romance lovers!

Overall 4 stars
Profile Image for Stacy Reid.
Author 92 books3,424 followers
October 19, 2015
Catherine's father is dead, and she asked the fiercely loyal and somewhat tortured Brandon, friend of her father, for aid in finding the true cause of her father's death. I enjoyed this novella. Very fast paced with a lively and engaging plot. I was captivated from the first chapter and I read One Forbidden Knight in one sitting, eager to see how our lovers triumphed. The build up and the tension as they searched for the truth was well done, and my heart was pounding in certain bits. Kudos.

The romance between Carey and Brand was both sweet and hot. The attraction was believable and though a novella, when they declared for each other I felt the passion and I did a few happy sighs.

The history woven with the plot was wonderfully done, and enriched the overall feel of the story. I recommend this novella to historical romance lovers.
Profile Image for Angela Simmons.
254 reviews18 followers
October 21, 2015
Catherine and Brand were just so good together that I could not put this book down.

Here’s what’s going on. Catherine was a favorite of Queen Mary until her father, the queen’s physician, dies under mysterious circumstances. Desperate for answers, she turns to her father’s friend Sir Brandon FitzAlan.

Being the bastard of a noble, Brand knows just how much of a viper’s nest the Tudor court can be and there’s no way that he’s leaving Catherine to fend for herself while she searches her answers regarding her father’s death. Although their inquiry has drawn the attention of the Queen’s guards who will stop at nothing to keep the truth from coming to light.

As Brand and Catherine search for answers, their attraction for each other comes to light. Yet the secrets that Brand harbors could cost both of them their necks before they can explore their new found passion.

Okay, so I’m going to be honest. While I really did love this book, it started off a bit slow. It wasn’t until Brand entered the story that it picked up its pace and held my attention.

I really loved Brand. He’s a bit damaged, broody, and surly but, blimey, that man was yummy. He has quite a few secrets ranging from his wife’s mysterious death to his true religion, plus he’s also dealing with being the bastard son of a nobleman who just recently decided to acknowledge Brand as his cousin rather than his son.

Catherine, while I liked her determination, was a tad bit naïve but for this era (Mary Tudor’s reign), it actually worked. She wants answers about her father’s death—and she’s ready and willingly to do what she must to get them—but I don’t think she was really prepared for what she was going to uncover. When Brand enters the picture, she’s more than attracted to him but he’s doing his best to put her off and she’s not going to let him.

The chemistry between Catherine and Brand was rather intense yet Brand, due to his past, was doing everything in his power to stay away from her, which only added to the sexual tension. I also liked that Catherine was the one who initiated their sexual encounters. She may have been a virgin but she knew she wanted Brand and wasn’t going to stop until he finally gave in. And when he finally did give in, it was rather steamy.

The suspense in this book was handled really well and seamlessly woven into the romance as they searched out answers and fled from the guards. While I was fairly certain I knew the ‘who’ and ‘why’, it was still a fun journey to take.

I really liked that this was set near the end of Queen Mary Tudor’s reign and dealt with her phantom pregnancies. It’s an era that really doesn’t pop up in fiction, especially historical romance, often, so it was a nice change. Although there’s one tiny problem that I had. Twice Mary is referred to as ‘Bloody Mary’ and it drove me a bit mad because she never received that moniker until after her death.

While this is a novella, the plot was well rounded, the characters fleshed-out, and the pacing was more or less steady. A few things could have been expounded further to stretch the story out a bit longer or to add more of the suspense aspect, but it wasn’t necessary to get the feel of the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. Brand and Catherine were just amazing together. Bits of humor were mixed in with suspense and a steamy romance making it nearly impossible to put down.

If you’re looking for a bit of Tudor intrigue mixed in with a steamy romance, give this novella a go.
Profile Image for Amanda Richardson.
997 reviews10 followers
August 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this novella, set during the time after King Henry VIII’s death during the reign of his daughter Bloody Mary. Catherine’s father is the queen’s chief physician and Catherine is one of the many young ladies who attend the queen. Catherine learns that her father has died on the road back to the palace and she is devastated.
Brand is a bastard knight and friend of Catherine’s father; he too is devastated to learn of the physician’s death. He meets Catherine and she expresses her disbelief about how her father died and he agrees to see if he can find out more information for her. This will lead them to running for their lives, but will they fall in love at the same time? Even if they do fall in love, will they live a long life to enjoy it?
I really liked the time period this novella was set in. The characters were memorable and the love scenes were passionate, but few because of the size of the book. I would really like to read more books by Nicola Davidson and more books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Bev Ross.
1,005 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2015
This review is from: One Forbidden Knight (Kindle Edition)
This was a very very good book! The thoroughly enjoyed it! I thought the authors depiction of the times was very accurate and the love story was very sweet! She was so naïve she couldn't wrap her head around the evil that was the Queen! Her father lived her and raised her with a good and pure heart so she couldn't understand what was happening! Her Knight on the other hand had spent his whole life subjected to life's cruelties as a bastard whose father wouldn't claim. He had a hard childhood the only person other than his mother to treat him decent was the physician ! Her father so he felt honor bound to protect her not thinking for one minute he would come to love her!!! I loved this book! It was very cleverly written! I would recommend this book to everyone! Lots of intrigue, action , romance, and history ! Nicola deserves a 10 star for this book!!
Profile Image for Petula.
3,089 reviews87 followers
October 15, 2015
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an Honest review but that does not colour my review in any way.

Bloody Mary is on the throne. It is dangerous time for many. Catherine is the daughter of the best physician in the realm. Catherine is in helping to sooth the pregnant Queen when news arrives of her father's death.
Brand goes to pay his respects at the grave of his friend, and meets Catherine for the first time. He naturally offers her his services if they are ever needed.
Catherine then makes an innocent request that puts them both in grave danger.
This is a action packed story. With some hot sex scenes. And lots of adventure. Our unlikely hero is battling emotional demons from his past. He doesn't have any faith in himself. Our heroine is an intelligent, but innocent woman who is the victim of politics.
I loved this book and will look for more from this author.
Profile Image for Sherilee Gray.
Author 53 books1,264 followers
October 21, 2015
The love story between Catherine and Brand was delicious. Packed with breathtaking romance, heart stopping intrigue and suspense, and smoking hot sex scenes steamy enough to melt your kindle this is a must read! Yes, it’s a novella, but it never felt rushed to me, the characters were well developed and drew me in from the first page. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone, though I loved the first, His Forbidden Lady, just as much and highly recommend going back and reading it if you haven’t already! One Forbidden Knight is a little dark, definitely sexy, but has some sweet moments in it as well!
A perfect read for historical romance lovers!
Profile Image for Gigi staub.
942 reviews18 followers
October 19, 2015
Catherine Linwood is amongst the favored of Tudor Queen Mary–until her physician father dies mysteriously. She’s distraught, shunned and desperate for answers. Catherine's only ally is Sir Brandon FitzAlan...who is willing to risk his life to protect hers. While the handsome stranger’s courage and wit soon capture her heart, his true allegiance and purpose is uncertain.

Brand is well used to the lies and shadows of court. Yet nothing prepares him for his sizzling attraction to innocent Catherine, or the deadly plot she is tangled in, for her father took a secret to his grave that could tear Catholic England apart. With one chance at salvation, Brand and Catherine begin a cross-country journey that reveals the shocking truth...and a burning passion that could save or destroy them both.

Review:

I always enjoy reading books around the Tudor period, though I don't think I have read one that involved the period during Queen Mary's reign. Most are either set in Henry the 8th's court or his daughter Elizabeth's court, so this was a nice change, even though Mary is not very nice...lol This historical romance had a little of everything, an innocent virgin, a bastard knight, dastardly goings on in a royal court, mystery, drama, romance and some sexy going ons in an alley ;0 Joking aside it was a well-rounded story, that made sense for the time period and it was written well. You can tell that Ms. Davidson has done her research and though Catherine and Brandon are fictional characters, the people and happenings around them are true to the times. This is a story short, just over a hundred pages so this was perfect for me to read on my lunch hour. Plus, it is a stand-alone so I did not have to worry about getting caught up with anything.

4Stars

*Received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Profile Image for Char Sowers.
674 reviews20 followers
October 19, 2015
"One Forbidden Knight" by Nicola Davidson - ****
I had been hoping for a serviceable Historical Romance, something that would introduce me to a "good enough" new "Period Piece" author since I mostly read Contemporary Romances. Despite my lackluster aspirations I was, excuse the vernacular, knocked on my ass by the potent sexuality and lovely romance of "One Forbidden Knight". This is a quick read with a bold and brash Hero and a sweet and winsome Heroine, who is also a revelation. Of course there are secrets and lies, mysteries which need answers, and truths that need to be revealed. The secondary character of Lucas de Vere is a hoot and a joy! This Historical Romance is a wonderful solution for the need for a quick "period piece" read.
This sexy and fast paced pre-Elizabethan Era Romance was a welcome return to the "Doublet Historicals" I used to love. Nicola Davidson has infused "One Forbidden Knight" with the royal intrigue and British politics of Queen Mary's court in an incredibly racy and wanton novel. The sexual and romantic chemistry is palpable from the first meeting of the Hero and Heroine. The ending is rather a bit too quick and easy but a gratifying Happily Ever After never the less.
To read the entire review please visit: http://bit.ly/1NQEGYK

This novel was provided by the Publisher for a honest review.
Profile Image for Heidi.
4,327 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2016
This novella is fantastic, it is set during the time after the death of King Henry VIII’s and during the reign of his daughter Mary or as history for tells her Bloody Mary.

Catherine is a young lady loving life, her father happens too be the queen’s chief physician and she among many other young ladies who gets to attend the queen.

Catherine is devastated when she discovers that her father has died on the road back to the palace.

Brand is a bastard knight and also a friend of Catherine’s father; he is also devastated to learn of his friends death. When he meets up with Catherine and she expresses to him of her disbelief of how her father passed away so he agrees to see if he can discover any information for her.

But in doing this it will have them running for their very lives, but will this leave them to fall in love?

I really enjoyed the time period of this novella it was so different to other historical romances that i have read but it worked sooo well. The characters were all spot on and the intimate scenes were passionate and hot.

A great read very well written.

4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
Profile Image for Avephoenix.
1,088 reviews
October 19, 2015
This is a solid historical romance set in the days of “Bloody Mary's” reign. Lady Catherine Linwood is the daughter of an esteemed physician, and is favored by the queen, until her father dies suddenly.

Nicola Davidson did a splendid job of making me feel transported by giving me detail historical description. She did a really good job by creating a vivid world full of character that felt so real, that it was easy to get lost in it.

The character development, the unique setting, plot progression, and pacing are the perfect combination to create an inviting and captivating story. The chemistry between the main characters is so tangible, and sizzling. From the start I was enchanted with Catherine and Brandon's characters. Their escapades and steaming chemistry was beyond scorching. It’s a very good, well-written story, and I’m looking forward to the next book.

I greatly enjoyed reading this awesome story which I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru Net Galley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachael.
521 reviews
November 5, 2015
*I received an ARC of this title from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.*

This historical romance novella is set during the reign of Bloody Mary in England and follows a very distraught Catherine who is desperate to find out the truth behind her fathers death. During a trip to his graveside, she meets Sir Brandon also visiting her late father. In conversation she realizes he was one of her father’s closest friends. She recruits him to help her seek out the truth behind his sudden death. She doesn’t believe the story she is being told and wants to find out what really happened.

It is a very quick read but still packed so much character and story into it. From the action packed, tense nail-biting moments to the romance that ensues between Catherine and Brand, this quick read will pull you in like it did me. What really did happen to her father? Can they uncover the truth without loosing their own lives? Read to find out!
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,076 reviews35 followers
October 25, 2015
This was a great historical short read! Nicola Davidson did an awesome job with keeping everything in the Era that she was writing about and made it all seem real life.

Catherine is the daughter of a well known physician that has mysteriously turned up dead. Catherine is dead set on finding out the cause of her father's death and what really happened. Catherine really has no one to turn to except Sir Brandon FitzAlan. Brandon is committed to help Catherine get to the bottom of things with her father's death as well as protect her at all costs.

Catherine and Brand end up getting pretty close on their adventure and sparks begin to ignite. The romance in this short story will leave you longing for more and fanning yourself.

This was such a great short read historical. Thanks Nicola Davidson for a great read and I look forward to many more from you in the near future!
3,543 reviews14 followers
November 24, 2016
One Forbidden Knight by Nicola Davidson is an awesome read. Ms Davidson has crafted a well written book filled with amazing characters. The suspense in Carey and Brand's story will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a fairly quick read though, so you won't have to sit there long. This is a perfect choice for those with limited time for reading. There is' plenty of drama and sizzle with bits of humor now and then to keep you glued to this fantastic story. I totally enjoyed reading One Forbidden Knight and look forward to reading more from the talented Nicola Davidson in the near future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews49 followers
October 19, 2015
Wonderful historical romance! Catherine is one of Queen Mary’s ladies in waiting and is shocked to receive the news that her father has died. Not believing the circumstances surrounding her father’s death she receives help from a friend of her father’s Sir Brandon FitzAlan. The story has plenty of drama and intrigue with smoking hot sex scenes. It is a fast paced read with excellent characters. I really liked it!
Profile Image for Vicki.
166 reviews42 followers
October 19, 2015
Loved this book! Catherine was a lovely heroine, and as for Brandon... wow! One of the best historical romance heroes I've come across in a long time! I raced through this book in an afternoon and can't wait to read more from this author! Thanks to Entangled Publishing for providing the review copy!
Profile Image for Fizza.
Author 38 books40 followers
September 9, 2015
An interesting historical romance, full of intrigue, deception and love. I loved the story and the mystery surrounding death of the Physician added a little more flavor to it.

Detailed review to come..
Profile Image for Talking Books.
870 reviews4 followers
August 31, 2015
From the start this reader was enchanted with Catherine and Brandon's characters. Their escapades and steaming chemistry was beyond scorching. Action aplenty throughout the read and a story that I wanted to just keep reading.
4stars
*Review copy received from Entangled Publishing
Profile Image for LOU71.
570 reviews
September 9, 2018
One Forbidden Knight is the second book in the Tudor series. I haven’t read the first book. Set in London 1558. It’s a swift-moving novella.

Lady Catherine Linwood is amongst the inner circle of favoured people of Tudor Queen Mary until Catherine’s physician father dies mysteriously. She’s now distraught, shunned, and desperate for answers. Her character is decisive, loyal, and naive.

Sir Brandon FitzAlan is Catherine’s only ally. Brand feels obligated to repay her father’s kindness in helping Catherine find answers. His character is broody but gallant.

Their romance goes from lust to love quickly but because it’s a novella, I tend to go with the flow in that department.

I casually recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kaija Rayne.
Author 15 books67 followers
July 13, 2017
I finished this a while ago and have just been so behind on my reviews.

As usual, Ms. Davidson knocked it out of the park on the steam and the gritty history tidbits I love. A very lovely, diverting read especially for less than $1.

I do prefer her Fallen series to this, but that's totally a me thing. I'm descended from the people in these Tudor books and it's always so weird for me to read about them that it tends to throw me out of the story a bit.

Characterization and steam are spot on, I'm still a fan!
Profile Image for Rae Latte.
1,342 reviews14 followers
March 16, 2023
A queen, a secret, and a family that is willing to do anything to protect it's community.

Don't miss an exciting adventure of one woman's journey to uncover the truth surrounding her father's death and a love that will surprise her giving the ultimate happiness she's ever known.

An historical romance full of adventure and romance.

I received an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review.
561 reviews
December 6, 2022
Brand(on) & Catherine

Better than the 1st in the duo. Another short one.

More plausible storyline than the 1st book, but really only if you rewrite to Queen Mary's version that the two snuck away without her notice/blessing.
492 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2023
How does she pack a full story into such a small space? Kiss, kiss, kiss this is a sweet story about an innocent woman eager for compassion after the unexpected death of a loved one. She finds her match and the attraction is smoking hot!
374 reviews
December 5, 2023
Interesting to read a romance set in the Tudor period, I haven't come across one before and this was a good balance of romance and plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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