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Knights of the Swan #1
Knight Secrets
Sworn to protect the crown, a Knight of the Swan must never surrender—not even to love . . .
England, 1415. Ordered never to leave the lonely tower on her family estate, Lady Clarice Margrave is suddenly set free when her home is plundered. Now she is determined to discover the truth behind her father’s alleged treason. But an act of daring only propels her into a new prison, with the very knight who destroyed her home as her keeper. Sir Ranulf, Lord of Sedgewic, is ruthless in his inquisition, though there is a searing tenderness in his touch. Is it possible her bold jailor is the Red Wolf of whom her father spoke—and the one man she might be able to trust?
As a knight, Ranulf never questions his troth, but his beautiful prisoner stirs his heart and mind like no other. Clarice is achingly vulnerable—and extremely closed-mouth about her possible ties to the plot against the king. Duty demands he keep his distance, though he yearns to take her to his bed and adore her until he discovers what lies within her heart. And he would—if he weren’t in danger of losing his own . . .
England, 1415. Ordered never to leave the lonely tower on her family estate, Lady Clarice Margrave is suddenly set free when her home is plundered. Now she is determined to discover the truth behind her father’s alleged treason. But an act of daring only propels her into a new prison, with the very knight who destroyed her home as her keeper. Sir Ranulf, Lord of Sedgewic, is ruthless in his inquisition, though there is a searing tenderness in his touch. Is it possible her bold jailor is the Red Wolf of whom her father spoke—and the one man she might be able to trust?
As a knight, Ranulf never questions his troth, but his beautiful prisoner stirs his heart and mind like no other. Clarice is achingly vulnerable—and extremely closed-mouth about her possible ties to the plot against the king. Duty demands he keep his distance, though he yearns to take her to his bed and adore her until he discovers what lies within her heart. And he would—if he weren’t in danger of losing his own . . .
254 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2017
35 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Wiley
6 books69 followersHistorical Romance Fiction Writer ~ The Knights of the Swan Series @KensingtonBooks @LyricalPress
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 28, 2017
Knight Secrets 'Knight Secrets' by C.C. Wiley is book Two in the "Knights of the Swan" series. This is the story of Clarice and Ranulf. Ranulf is a knight that leads the men to search for Lord Musgraves who is Clarice's father. Ranulf is investigating him for possible Treason. Clarice has always been hidden away so the servants talk her into hiding while they are searching the home/castle looking for Lord Musgraves and family (who are actually away on a trip). When it is safe to leave the castle Clarice goes in search for someone to help them. Clarice doesn't get far before she is taken in by Ranulf but she still hides who she is. I didn't understand anywhere in the book why Clarice was kept hidden but other than that I found this to be an enjoyable read.This was a clean romance so not graphic love scene but it does have some build up. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1... https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... https://twitter.com/soapsrus68https:/... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
March 27, 2017
It's a refreshing change to find a Historical romance that ISN'T a Regency. This one is set in 1415, during the early years of the reign of King Henry V of England. It even features a historically verifiable fact, Henry's departure for France in the summer of 1415.
Frankly, that's quite impressive; historical accuracy in romances set in the Middle Ages isn't exactly a given (don't talk to me about potatoes). Knight Secrets, however, is an exception; meticulously researched and beautifully written, the historical knowledge of the author is very much on display here.
There are a few questions left unanswered in the book, but I suspect that's deliberate, with a few loose ends to be tied off in other books in the series. They don't detract at all from the story, which is an excellent, period-accurate romance.
I may be a picky bitch about misogyny in contemporary romance novels, but frankly in a historical of this period I'd think it was inaccurate if the man WASN'T convinced of his own superiority. Everything about the world at that time only confirmed it. Ranulf, however, never gives in to his baser urges despite knowing that nobody would ever call him on it. He lets Clarice have her self-respect, and it makes for a thoroughly charming yet still believable romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'll be looking out for more of C.C. Wiley's work in future. 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Frankly, that's quite impressive; historical accuracy in romances set in the Middle Ages isn't exactly a given (don't talk to me about potatoes). Knight Secrets, however, is an exception; meticulously researched and beautifully written, the historical knowledge of the author is very much on display here.
There are a few questions left unanswered in the book, but I suspect that's deliberate, with a few loose ends to be tied off in other books in the series. They don't detract at all from the story, which is an excellent, period-accurate romance.
I may be a picky bitch about misogyny in contemporary romance novels, but frankly in a historical of this period I'd think it was inaccurate if the man WASN'T convinced of his own superiority. Everything about the world at that time only confirmed it. Ranulf, however, never gives in to his baser urges despite knowing that nobody would ever call him on it. He lets Clarice have her self-respect, and it makes for a thoroughly charming yet still believable romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'll be looking out for more of C.C. Wiley's work in future. 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
March 20, 2017
Knight Secrets is the second book in the Knights of the Swan series by C.C. Wiley. Although part of a series it can be read as a stand alone book, but if you are like me, you will love this book so much, you will want to go back and read the first book as well.
Lady Clarice Margrave has spent her life hidden away from the world. Her father, step mother and step brother often travel, but she is told she must stay in the tower on their lands, and make sure nobody apart from the servants ever see her. She doesn't question why, but of course she isn't happy, her life is a lonely one.
Her father has always been loyal to the King so she is shocked and disbelieving when an army of soldiers ride hell for leather to the gates demanding to be allowed in. Their leader announces he has orders to search the castle for the Musgraves, especially her father, who has been charged with treason! Before she has chance to tell the guard to rise the portcullis the army forces it's way in and fights with whomever stands in their way. Clarice is quick to hide away and thankfully isn't found. After a search proves fruitless the army leaves, but not without raiding the stores and taking anything they needed.
Sir Ranulf, Lord of Sedgewic, is the Knight that leads the army of men. He is determined that he will find and arrest the Musgraves. A turn of events when he does have contact with Lord Musgrave under the guise of a peddler, has him wondering if the man isn't guilty of treason after all.
Clarice finds herself having to leave the safety of the castle, she is in search of somebody her father says will help her, the man known as the Red Wolf. During her escape in search of him though she is captured by none other than Ranulf. She won't tell him who she is, but as she has been injured during her capture, he is determined that she stay with him while she recovers.
This book is so much more than just a beautiful story of romance between our Knight and our Lady. That in itself is a pleasure to behold, seeing how they ache for each other, but how they need to learn to trust each other before they can even think of giving in to their feelings. Apart from that though there are a couple of fabulous twists to the story, plus of course Clarice's determination to prove her father innocent of treason. Who has been slandering her father's name. How can she gain the King's ear, when to all intents and purposes nobody even knows that she is alive, let alone that she is a Lady and not a commoner. The book was exciting, and I never had any idea how it would end. I had to read it in one sitting because I would not sleep it I didn't find out.
Clarice and Ranulf have a passionate relationship, with the build up of lust being palpable between them, that said, their encounters lead to fade to black sex, so if you are looking for steamy sex scenes this won't be the romance for you. It suited me though, and add that to the rest of the drama of the book and I think it made the perfect read which I fully recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Lady Clarice Margrave has spent her life hidden away from the world. Her father, step mother and step brother often travel, but she is told she must stay in the tower on their lands, and make sure nobody apart from the servants ever see her. She doesn't question why, but of course she isn't happy, her life is a lonely one.
Her father has always been loyal to the King so she is shocked and disbelieving when an army of soldiers ride hell for leather to the gates demanding to be allowed in. Their leader announces he has orders to search the castle for the Musgraves, especially her father, who has been charged with treason! Before she has chance to tell the guard to rise the portcullis the army forces it's way in and fights with whomever stands in their way. Clarice is quick to hide away and thankfully isn't found. After a search proves fruitless the army leaves, but not without raiding the stores and taking anything they needed.
Sir Ranulf, Lord of Sedgewic, is the Knight that leads the army of men. He is determined that he will find and arrest the Musgraves. A turn of events when he does have contact with Lord Musgrave under the guise of a peddler, has him wondering if the man isn't guilty of treason after all.
Clarice finds herself having to leave the safety of the castle, she is in search of somebody her father says will help her, the man known as the Red Wolf. During her escape in search of him though she is captured by none other than Ranulf. She won't tell him who she is, but as she has been injured during her capture, he is determined that she stay with him while she recovers.
This book is so much more than just a beautiful story of romance between our Knight and our Lady. That in itself is a pleasure to behold, seeing how they ache for each other, but how they need to learn to trust each other before they can even think of giving in to their feelings. Apart from that though there are a couple of fabulous twists to the story, plus of course Clarice's determination to prove her father innocent of treason. Who has been slandering her father's name. How can she gain the King's ear, when to all intents and purposes nobody even knows that she is alive, let alone that she is a Lady and not a commoner. The book was exciting, and I never had any idea how it would end. I had to read it in one sitting because I would not sleep it I didn't find out.
Clarice and Ranulf have a passionate relationship, with the build up of lust being palpable between them, that said, their encounters lead to fade to black sex, so if you are looking for steamy sex scenes this won't be the romance for you. It suited me though, and add that to the rest of the drama of the book and I think it made the perfect read which I fully recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
March 26, 2017
'Knight Secrets' by C.C. Wiley is book Two in the "Knights of the Swan" series. This is the story of Clarice and Ranulf. Ranulf is a knight that leads the men to search for Lord Musgraves who is Clarice's father. Ranulf is investigating him for possible Treason. Clarice has always been hidden away so the servants talk her into hiding while they are searching the home/castle looking for Lord Musgraves and family (who are actually away on a trip). When it is safe to leave the castle Clarice goes in search for someone to help them. Clarice doesn't get far before she is taken in by Ranulf but she still hides who she is. I didn't understand anywhere in the book why Clarice was kept hidden but other than that I found this to be an enjoyable read.
This was a clean romance so not graphic love scene but it does have some build up.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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This was a clean romance so not graphic love scene but it does have some build up.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/blog
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
https://plus.google.com/+SissyHicks
https://www.pinterest.com/u2soapsrus/
March 31, 2017
Knights’ Secret by C. C. Wiley is a medieval romance. The book is listed as the first in a series called Knights of the Swan. Not a great deal of information is revealed about the group called Knights of the Swan, but enough to make you curious as the reader.
Lady Clarice’s life seems to be one of secrets. She is not allowed to leave the tower or meet with new people. So what is she to do when the castle is taken over? It is not like people would believe her according to her stepmother. Her father has been accused of treason and she knows it is wrong, so she sets out to find the truth. Only to be caught by Sir Ranulf, Lord of Sedgewick. Who is she supposed to trust and how should she prove her father’s innocence. And who really is Sir Ranulf?
Romances from the medieval times is rare. I thought the mystery was well presented and the characters were interesting. I didn’t always love the writing, but since I have never read C.C. Wiley before I was not sure if the writing was “how she wrote normally” or this was “an exception”. Knights’ Secret by C.C. Wiley was pretty good. I would like to read more of this series to find out more about the Knights of the Swan.
Lady Clarice’s life seems to be one of secrets. She is not allowed to leave the tower or meet with new people. So what is she to do when the castle is taken over? It is not like people would believe her according to her stepmother. Her father has been accused of treason and she knows it is wrong, so she sets out to find the truth. Only to be caught by Sir Ranulf, Lord of Sedgewick. Who is she supposed to trust and how should she prove her father’s innocence. And who really is Sir Ranulf?
Romances from the medieval times is rare. I thought the mystery was well presented and the characters were interesting. I didn’t always love the writing, but since I have never read C.C. Wiley before I was not sure if the writing was “how she wrote normally” or this was “an exception”. Knights’ Secret by C.C. Wiley was pretty good. I would like to read more of this series to find out more about the Knights of the Swan.
April 6, 2017
This is a suspenseful, dramatic story with some mystery thrown in. Ranulf is a man on a mission to find an enemy who gets sidetracked by a pretty, mystery woman. Clarice finds herself suddenly freed from her jailed solitude, but she doesn't know if where she ends up is a safe haven or another jail. Loneliness draws the two towards each other, but distrust keeps them at a distance. Both characters are extremely likable and the storyline is interesting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest opinion of it.
March 22, 2017
Medieval Shenanigans! An enjoyable read set in the reign of King Henry V in the early C15th. Treasonous plots, murder and lies versus honour, loyalty and compassion. I probably would have rated this story 5 stars but I never really understood why Clarice was abandoned so by her father. When her family were not in residence she stayed within the manor and its grounds but when they were, she appears to have been locked in the tower for "her own protection". One would have thought that a loving father could have come up with a better method of security for his only daughter. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
January 20, 2017
3.5 stars, I can't quite give this one four stars. Clarice has been hidden from the world on her family's estate. She never goes anywhere and her family (father, stepmother and stepbrother) would actually prefer that she not even go outside. There are many secrets in her family, but the big secret really didn't explain why she was virtually hidden away from everyone.
Her family is also accused of treason against the crown and the estate is over run by the king's knights. Clarice hides and isn't found, but after her family returns to the estate she runs away after some traumatic events.
Ranulf is looking for Clarice's family, he was the leader of the knights who investigated the estate, but he is surprised to find Clarice on his lands. She had been wounded and he took her to the castle to tend to her.
I love medieval romances, but this one fell flat. Maybe it was the style of the prose, I found myself re-reading paragraphs because the words were just unclear. There was also little or no passion between the main characters. I don't like "fade to black" love scenes and I don't like characters who could clear up all of their problems in two minutes of conversation.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Her family is also accused of treason against the crown and the estate is over run by the king's knights. Clarice hides and isn't found, but after her family returns to the estate she runs away after some traumatic events.
Ranulf is looking for Clarice's family, he was the leader of the knights who investigated the estate, but he is surprised to find Clarice on his lands. She had been wounded and he took her to the castle to tend to her.
I love medieval romances, but this one fell flat. Maybe it was the style of the prose, I found myself re-reading paragraphs because the words were just unclear. There was also little or no passion between the main characters. I don't like "fade to black" love scenes and I don't like characters who could clear up all of their problems in two minutes of conversation.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 29, 2017
Excessively disorganized, characters that have no fight or flight responses and characters that change their stances easily...making this novel a very poor read.
April 24, 2018
Why is this rated so highly? I was initially excited to try this. True medieval romance that isn't set in Scotland? Sign me up.
It didn't take long for me to realize that this was going to irritate me. The hero is too distracted, spends all his time trying to fight and wrestle with Clarise instead of, say, interrogating her? He's scattered and lacks any reasonable focus for someone who is supposed to be essentially a spy, or at least a muscle. I get that this is a romance novel and he's supposed to be distracted by her, but his attention to his job, his personal skills, and his problem solving felt amateur.
Clarise is your typical fuddy wimpy-useless-conclusion-jumping "heroine". No need to explain any further.
But what REALLY got me, was the writing. It was incredibly confusing. The first scene in the bedroom.. They're on the bed, now Clarise is suddenly on the floor? against the wall? Is she teleporting? There were other scenes where I felt like there was no segue for movement or even between trains of thought. It felt like I was reading an exquisite corpse in writing. I am baffled that this has such a high rating, the most generous rating should be a 3.
It didn't take long for me to realize that this was going to irritate me. The hero is too distracted, spends all his time trying to fight and wrestle with Clarise instead of, say, interrogating her? He's scattered and lacks any reasonable focus for someone who is supposed to be essentially a spy, or at least a muscle. I get that this is a romance novel and he's supposed to be distracted by her, but his attention to his job, his personal skills, and his problem solving felt amateur.
Clarise is your typical fuddy wimpy-useless-conclusion-jumping "heroine". No need to explain any further.
But what REALLY got me, was the writing. It was incredibly confusing. The first scene in the bedroom.. They're on the bed, now Clarise is suddenly on the floor? against the wall? Is she teleporting? There were other scenes where I felt like there was no segue for movement or even between trains of thought. It felt like I was reading an exquisite corpse in writing. I am baffled that this has such a high rating, the most generous rating should be a 3.
October 30, 2018
Clarice and Ranulf
After the death of her father, the Lord Margrave, Clarice is given a cryptic message to seek out the red wolf. She has been locked in the manor's tower her entire life but she knows that she must now escape.
Lord Ranulf, a Knight of the Swan, is sworn to protect King Henry V from enemies both within England and without. After hearing that the Lord Margrave is committing treason, Ranulf leads his men to the lands of Margrave but finds no Margrave in residence.
Clarice escapes the confines of Margrave Castle after wounding her evil step-brother and being wounded by him in the process.
When Ranulf finds her on his land, unconscious, he vows to find out her secrets. Will love also be found between the Lady of Margrave and the Lord of Sedgewic?
After the death of her father, the Lord Margrave, Clarice is given a cryptic message to seek out the red wolf. She has been locked in the manor's tower her entire life but she knows that she must now escape.
Lord Ranulf, a Knight of the Swan, is sworn to protect King Henry V from enemies both within England and without. After hearing that the Lord Margrave is committing treason, Ranulf leads his men to the lands of Margrave but finds no Margrave in residence.
Clarice escapes the confines of Margrave Castle after wounding her evil step-brother and being wounded by him in the process.
When Ranulf finds her on his land, unconscious, he vows to find out her secrets. Will love also be found between the Lady of Margrave and the Lord of Sedgewic?
July 27, 2017
This historical romance is set in the middle ages and is set in England. It's about Clarice who lives at the country estate of her father who is an advisor to the king and Ranulf is a Knight of the Swan who protects and serves the king. Clarice has spent her life in hiding to keep her safe, or so her family tells her, therefore no one outside the estate knows she's still living. When Clarice's father is accused of treason, it's Ranulf who shows up disguised as a peddler to find and arrest him.
The characters are well written as is the world C.C. Wiley created. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The characters are well written as is the world C.C. Wiley created. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 22, 2017
This is a great medieval romance. However the storyline has a lot more than romance. Add treason, betrayal, secrets, and danger, you get a very worthwhile read. If not for other responsibilities, I could have read this book from start to end without stopping. It is a true page turner leaving the reader guessing what will happen next. The characters, both main and secondary are likeable and the villains not so much, as they should be. This is the first book by C. C. Wiley I have read. It is so nice to find a new author whose work I really enjoy. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
Just a fluffer book something to warm my eyes during my next great read. Cliche, a nitwit heroine who attempts a backbone but fails drastically well because it is the time of lords and ladies 1415. Overall was not overly impressed same same but back in time. The romance was lackluster, the action was average and therefore did not get me hooked.
August 27, 2019
The story was okay. But the writing was weird, in that it appeared every other paragraph had been removed. The storyline lurched and jumped all over the place. Transitional sentences, scenes, etc were not there. It was a dizzying to keep up with the weird jumps.
October 20, 2018
Poorly written. The story jumped all over. Characters not really fleshed out. Needs a rewrite.
March 31, 2021
Lol, the cover was misleading.
I liked the adventure in this book. Betrayals and all that, while finding one's self.
I liked the adventure in this book. Betrayals and all that, while finding one's self.
May 23, 2021
Very entertaining.
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September 22, 2022DNF
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