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A True and Perfect Knight
Susan Charnley's debut novel is a captivating medieval romance, filled with emotion, drama, and well-drawn period detail.
Sir Haven de Sessions is one of King Edward's most loyal subjects -- a warrior reputed to be a true and perfect knight, beloved by the ladies and admired by the lords -- but he takes no pleasure in his current task for his sovereign. A longtime friend, Roger Dreyford, who had been his companion on Crusade, has just been executed for treason, and Haven has been entrusted to bring the traitor's wife to face the king's justice. Since Roger implicated his wife in his own treachery, Haven expects to find that, beneath her beautiful surface, Genvieve Dreyford is a greedy, manipulative shrew. Yet, in the course of the trying journey that they share, he sees instead the lady's clear devotion to her five-year-old son, her patient guidance of her difficult young sister-in-law, and her spirited response to adversity that reveals an unexpected wealth of generosity and good humor. As an honorable knight, Sir Haven soon finds himself torn between his oath to his king, his duty to protect the innocent -- and a potentially disastrous desire to claim the lovely Genvieve as his own.
Sir Haven de Sessions is one of King Edward's most loyal subjects -- a warrior reputed to be a true and perfect knight, beloved by the ladies and admired by the lords -- but he takes no pleasure in his current task for his sovereign. A longtime friend, Roger Dreyford, who had been his companion on Crusade, has just been executed for treason, and Haven has been entrusted to bring the traitor's wife to face the king's justice. Since Roger implicated his wife in his own treachery, Haven expects to find that, beneath her beautiful surface, Genvieve Dreyford is a greedy, manipulative shrew. Yet, in the course of the trying journey that they share, he sees instead the lady's clear devotion to her five-year-old son, her patient guidance of her difficult young sister-in-law, and her spirited response to adversity that reveals an unexpected wealth of generosity and good humor. As an honorable knight, Sir Haven soon finds himself torn between his oath to his king, his duty to protect the innocent -- and a potentially disastrous desire to claim the lovely Genvieve as his own.
315 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Rue Allyn
54 books109 followersAward winning romance author, Rue Allyn has a life long passion for happy ever after. She lives south of the border with her husband of more than forty years and their cat, Tonto. She has two sons and is a proud veteran of the US Navy. She writes heart melting romance in all sub-genres, but her favorite is historical romance, especially medieval. Subscribe to Rue’s News where you may learn more about Rue and receive a FREE download. https://www.rueallyn.com/subscriber-e...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 12, 2019
Sir Haven de Sessions was the favoured knight of King Edward due to his unfailing loyalty, generous chivalry and impeccable valour. Genvieve Dreyford widow of a traitor who had been Haven's best friend, knew his bright armour disguised a coal-black heart and vowed to have nothing to do with him. Then king Edward ordered Haven to bring her to Chester where he ordered them to marry.
Bowing to their sovereign’s will, they reluctantly wed. But in consummating their vows, they find a need that scorches with its intensity.
This is an updated re release. The Medieval period is not my favourite period in history but I found myself totally absorbed in this, enemies to lovers romance. A well written book which conveyed the harsh times people to survive in also how a perceived misdemeanour could result in death. I loved both Haven & Ginnie & how they locked horns from the start. He was hard on the outside but oh so gentle for example how he tended to her feet. She was feisty & strong & determined to fight for what she felt was right. I also loved Thomas who brought a lightness to the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Bowing to their sovereign’s will, they reluctantly wed. But in consummating their vows, they find a need that scorches with its intensity.
This is an updated re release. The Medieval period is not my favourite period in history but I found myself totally absorbed in this, enemies to lovers romance. A well written book which conveyed the harsh times people to survive in also how a perceived misdemeanour could result in death. I loved both Haven & Ginnie & how they locked horns from the start. He was hard on the outside but oh so gentle for example how he tended to her feet. She was feisty & strong & determined to fight for what she felt was right. I also loved Thomas who brought a lightness to the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 10, 2019
Yorkshire 1282 Yes he had heard her features were hideous and he only felt it right, since she had led his best friend to treason and he had died. Sir Haven de Sessions could not believe it when he saw Genvieve Dryford standing there almost defiant. Turning her face up in his hand he saw the lumps and bruising, but beneath "lay a bone structure that Aphrodite would envy" and she was dressed in a robe that hid any hint of a figure. "What happened to you?" He growled the question, angry with himself for even caring. "I was stoned." she said flatly. "By whom?" he asked. "Why by the king's good yeoman who thought to impress their King by stoning the widow of a traitor."
Wow, I just wanted to give you a taste of the beginning of this tale that had me hooked right from the start. Rue Allyn has written a story that will take you back to the harshness of Medieval times, when it was man against man and women often did not have much of a chance. The characters of Haven and Gennie are fascinating and as Haven has been ordered to take her to the King, the story begins to unfold.
The King orders Haven to take Genvieve as wife and being the honorable knight that he is, he vows to protect his dead best friend's family. There is so much to this story amid a plethora of emotions that pulled at my heart. Truly this story will stay with me awhile and go on my keeper shelf. After all we all want our Knight in shining armor and Haven comes pretty close.
Wow, I just wanted to give you a taste of the beginning of this tale that had me hooked right from the start. Rue Allyn has written a story that will take you back to the harshness of Medieval times, when it was man against man and women often did not have much of a chance. The characters of Haven and Gennie are fascinating and as Haven has been ordered to take her to the King, the story begins to unfold.
The King orders Haven to take Genvieve as wife and being the honorable knight that he is, he vows to protect his dead best friend's family. There is so much to this story amid a plethora of emotions that pulled at my heart. Truly this story will stay with me awhile and go on my keeper shelf. After all we all want our Knight in shining armor and Haven comes pretty close.
February 10, 2020
Sir Haven de Sessions was the favoured knight of King Edward due to his unfailing loyalty, generous chivalry and impeccable valour. Genvieve Dreyford widow of a traitor who had been Haven's best friend, knew his bright armour disguised a coal-black heart and vowed to have nothing to do with him. Then king Edward ordered Haven to bring her to Chester where he ordered them to marry.
Bowing to their sovereign’s will, they reluctantly wed. But in consummating their vows, they find a need that scorches with its intensity.
This is an updated re release. The Medieval period is not my favourite period in history but I found myself totally absorbed in this, enemies to lovers romance. A well written book which conveyed the harsh times people to survive in also how a perceived misdemeanour could result in death. I loved both Haven & Ginnie & how they locked horns from the start. He was hard on the outside but oh so gentle for example how he tended to her feet. She was feisty & strong & determined to fight for what she felt was right. I also loved Thomas who brought a lightness to the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Bowing to their sovereign’s will, they reluctantly wed. But in consummating their vows, they find a need that scorches with its intensity.
This is an updated re release. The Medieval period is not my favourite period in history but I found myself totally absorbed in this, enemies to lovers romance. A well written book which conveyed the harsh times people to survive in also how a perceived misdemeanour could result in death. I loved both Haven & Ginnie & how they locked horns from the start. He was hard on the outside but oh so gentle for example how he tended to her feet. She was feisty & strong & determined to fight for what she felt was right. I also loved Thomas who brought a lightness to the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Read
September 16, 2019Yorkshire 1282 Yes he had heard her features were hideous and he only felt it right, since she had led his best friend to treason and he had died. Sir Haven de Sessions could not believe it when he saw Genvieve Dryford standing there almost defiant. Turning her face up in his hand he saw the lumps and bruising, but beneath "lay a bone structure that Aphrodite would envy" and she was dressed in a rob that hid any hint of a figure. "What happened to you?" He growled the question, angry with himself for even caring. "I was stoned." she said flatly. "By whom?" he asked. "Why by the king's good yeoman who thought to impress their King by stoning the widow of a traitor."
Wow, I just wanted to give you a taste of the start of this story that had me hooked right from the start. Rue Allyn has written a story that will take you back to the harshness of Medieval times, when it was man against man and women often did not have much of a chance. The characters of Haven and Gennie are fascinating and as Haven has been ordered to take her to the King, the story begins to unfold.
The King orders Haven to take Genvieve as wife and being the honorable knight that he is, he vows to protect his dead best friend's family. There is so much to this story and a plethora of emotions that pulled at my heart. Truly this story will stay with me awhile and go on my keeper shelf. After all we all want our Knight in shining armor and Haven comes pretty close.
Wow, I just wanted to give you a taste of the start of this story that had me hooked right from the start. Rue Allyn has written a story that will take you back to the harshness of Medieval times, when it was man against man and women often did not have much of a chance. The characters of Haven and Gennie are fascinating and as Haven has been ordered to take her to the King, the story begins to unfold.
The King orders Haven to take Genvieve as wife and being the honorable knight that he is, he vows to protect his dead best friend's family. There is so much to this story and a plethora of emotions that pulled at my heart. Truly this story will stay with me awhile and go on my keeper shelf. After all we all want our Knight in shining armor and Haven comes pretty close.
December 1, 2013
After finishing up an intensive month of work and the holidays, I was in the mood for some nice, easy-reading simply for an escape (kinda like craving candy corn). There's nothing better to accomplish that end than to dive into a legacy romance-novel binge. A True and Perfect Knight caught my eye.
When reviewing a romance novel, it's fair to keep in mind that these are written to escape. I wanted a couple of hours of romance and feel-good fluff. I got it. I actually learned something about Welsh history I didn't know before. I spent $4 for this ebook and feel I got my fluffy money's worth.
When reviewing a romance novel, it's fair to keep in mind that these are written to escape. I wanted a couple of hours of romance and feel-good fluff. I got it. I actually learned something about Welsh history I didn't know before. I spent $4 for this ebook and feel I got my fluffy money's worth.
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July 5, 2022I wrote this book so I'm biased.
July 5, 2019
A True and Perfect Knight
by Rue Allyn
A True and Perfect Knight truly is the perfect Medieval Romance story. The storyline is exciting and vividly depicts the era; filled with distrust, treason, honor, loathing, lies, adventure, hope and passion. A medieval romance at its best.
Our two main characters are a perfect match of true dominance. Our heroin is a strong willed and a defiant maiden, who is badly bruised, yet kind, compassionate and proud; honoring the memory of her husband, despite the claims against him. Our hero is an honorable knight that follows his king's word as law and is happy to honor his king's request; but also, will honor a vow to protect his best friend’s family and finding his to be innocent and the memories are false. The support cast adds depth to the period description; but the plot belongs to the leading couple, a man and woman who have many reasons to distrust each other. Find genuine feelings, a passion that ignites, pleasure and happiness; while, learning to trust and love each other, with a happy ending.
Ms. Rue Allyn offer she readers a heart melting story every time, with her talent of creating her characters environment that engages her readers imagination. Ms. Rue Allyn captivates her readers, spiking her readers interest to follow her story through the pages of her books. I am honored to receive and free copy of her book and I am honored to review her book and look forward to reading more of her work. A True and Perfect Knight will be going on my keeper shelf to savor again. I am giving Ms. Rue Allyn and her book “A True and Perfect Knight” 4-stars.
by Rue Allyn
A True and Perfect Knight truly is the perfect Medieval Romance story. The storyline is exciting and vividly depicts the era; filled with distrust, treason, honor, loathing, lies, adventure, hope and passion. A medieval romance at its best.
Our two main characters are a perfect match of true dominance. Our heroin is a strong willed and a defiant maiden, who is badly bruised, yet kind, compassionate and proud; honoring the memory of her husband, despite the claims against him. Our hero is an honorable knight that follows his king's word as law and is happy to honor his king's request; but also, will honor a vow to protect his best friend’s family and finding his to be innocent and the memories are false. The support cast adds depth to the period description; but the plot belongs to the leading couple, a man and woman who have many reasons to distrust each other. Find genuine feelings, a passion that ignites, pleasure and happiness; while, learning to trust and love each other, with a happy ending.
Ms. Rue Allyn offer she readers a heart melting story every time, with her talent of creating her characters environment that engages her readers imagination. Ms. Rue Allyn captivates her readers, spiking her readers interest to follow her story through the pages of her books. I am honored to receive and free copy of her book and I am honored to review her book and look forward to reading more of her work. A True and Perfect Knight will be going on my keeper shelf to savor again. I am giving Ms. Rue Allyn and her book “A True and Perfect Knight” 4-stars.
September 16, 2019
An Odd Combination of Parts
I am not sure what I think about this book. I found some things to be odd or disconcerting, like the lustful attraction that the hero felt for the heroine immediately--even though he thought her to be a traitor. I feel slightly deceived by the blurb, which seemed to imply that the marriage between the hero and heroine would happen early in the book. It actually didn't occur until the midway point. The first part of the book is taken up with the journey from where the heroine lives to where the king is presently holding court; he will be deciding her fate. Her treasonous husband seems to have pointed the finger at her, stating just before he was executed that she had a role in his treason. The hero is hard to like at first because he just seemed so bullheaded in wanting to believe his dead friend’s thoughts about his wife rather than seeing what was happening in front of him. Some of the sensual scenes I found a little cringe-worthy. What happened later in the book didn't necessarily seem like they followed from what happened earlier. Much of the book is all about the relationship between the principals, but the last part of the book shifts this. The book is certainly an odd combination of parts, though I will have to admit that it did keep me reading just to see how the characters would continue to interact; I certainly wanted Haven to be a little smarter!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I am not sure what I think about this book. I found some things to be odd or disconcerting, like the lustful attraction that the hero felt for the heroine immediately--even though he thought her to be a traitor. I feel slightly deceived by the blurb, which seemed to imply that the marriage between the hero and heroine would happen early in the book. It actually didn't occur until the midway point. The first part of the book is taken up with the journey from where the heroine lives to where the king is presently holding court; he will be deciding her fate. Her treasonous husband seems to have pointed the finger at her, stating just before he was executed that she had a role in his treason. The hero is hard to like at first because he just seemed so bullheaded in wanting to believe his dead friend’s thoughts about his wife rather than seeing what was happening in front of him. Some of the sensual scenes I found a little cringe-worthy. What happened later in the book didn't necessarily seem like they followed from what happened earlier. Much of the book is all about the relationship between the principals, but the last part of the book shifts this. The book is certainly an odd combination of parts, though I will have to admit that it did keep me reading just to see how the characters would continue to interact; I certainly wanted Haven to be a little smarter!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
October 13, 2019
A True and Perfect Knight
Rue Allyn
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sir Haven De Sessions was King Edward's favored knight. He was loyal, with plenty of chivalry, and a dose of valor.
Genieve Dreyford was the widow of a traitor who was also his best friend, but when she turned her face up to his for the first time he saw the lumps and bruising he could tell she was a beautiful woman with a bone structure that even Aphrodite would envy. Genevieve knew that his armor covered a coal black heart and vowed to have nothing to do with him, but one cannot ignore an order from the king. Can they? Bowing to their sovereign's will, they reluctantly wed.
He vowed to protect his new family, but never expected to have the feeling he ends up with. Nor did she.
Will these two unsuspecting people be able to stop the rush of emotions that will swamp them or will they be swallowed whole by the harshness of life in those times?
Rye Allen brings you a story, a tale of enemies to lovers who will butt heads more times than once, but will win you over in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed both of these characters. She was strong and feisty and he was chivalrous and gentle at times. This is life in the medieval era. One of my most favorite eras. It was rich with striff and a very hard life to live, but this book had all the makings of a winner and I would definitely recommend it.
Rue Allyn
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sir Haven De Sessions was King Edward's favored knight. He was loyal, with plenty of chivalry, and a dose of valor.
Genieve Dreyford was the widow of a traitor who was also his best friend, but when she turned her face up to his for the first time he saw the lumps and bruising he could tell she was a beautiful woman with a bone structure that even Aphrodite would envy. Genevieve knew that his armor covered a coal black heart and vowed to have nothing to do with him, but one cannot ignore an order from the king. Can they? Bowing to their sovereign's will, they reluctantly wed.
He vowed to protect his new family, but never expected to have the feeling he ends up with. Nor did she.
Will these two unsuspecting people be able to stop the rush of emotions that will swamp them or will they be swallowed whole by the harshness of life in those times?
Rye Allen brings you a story, a tale of enemies to lovers who will butt heads more times than once, but will win you over in a heartbeat. I really enjoyed both of these characters. She was strong and feisty and he was chivalrous and gentle at times. This is life in the medieval era. One of my most favorite eras. It was rich with striff and a very hard life to live, but this book had all the makings of a winner and I would definitely recommend it.
May 23, 2021
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed A True and Perfect Knight by Rue Allyn. Haven and Genevieve couldn't start off their relationship on worse circumstances, but they find a way to love each other.
Haven has been sent by the king to bring the widow Dreyford to him to answer for her treasonous actions. Genevieve was married to Haven's best friend, Richard. Haven imprisoned Richard on the orders of the king and led him to his execution. Now he is taking the wife to meet her fate whatever that may be.
Genevieve is innocent of the treason charges but no one seems willing to listen to her. When Haven finds her, she has been stoned by the villagers and is living outside of the estate in a tent her young son, sister-in-law and a few retainers. She is shocked by Haven's accusations but has no choice but to comply with his orders.
Heat and sparks fly between the couple. But can Haven trust a woman who his best friend said he didn't trust? Can Genevieve trust a man who led her husband to his death and spews insults and accusations at her?
I enjoyed this book but really wanted Haven and Genevieve to actually talk to each other. They both needed love and compassion but were pretty stubborn. There were a number of obstacles they had to face and they slowly realized that they needed each other desperately. Will they be able to make it work when too many people are working against them?
Haven has been sent by the king to bring the widow Dreyford to him to answer for her treasonous actions. Genevieve was married to Haven's best friend, Richard. Haven imprisoned Richard on the orders of the king and led him to his execution. Now he is taking the wife to meet her fate whatever that may be.
Genevieve is innocent of the treason charges but no one seems willing to listen to her. When Haven finds her, she has been stoned by the villagers and is living outside of the estate in a tent her young son, sister-in-law and a few retainers. She is shocked by Haven's accusations but has no choice but to comply with his orders.
Heat and sparks fly between the couple. But can Haven trust a woman who his best friend said he didn't trust? Can Genevieve trust a man who led her husband to his death and spews insults and accusations at her?
I enjoyed this book but really wanted Haven and Genevieve to actually talk to each other. They both needed love and compassion but were pretty stubborn. There were a number of obstacles they had to face and they slowly realized that they needed each other desperately. Will they be able to make it work when too many people are working against them?
September 15, 2019
This is a quick-paced and intriguing historical romance. The setting of medieval England and Wales makes for an interesting story. The characters are well-drawn, with enough quirks to make them memorable. The plot catches your attention right away and keeps it right through the last paragraph. I very much enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2019
This is the first book by these Authors that I have read I found it to be well written Medieval romance. I will be looking to see what else they have put out. This is Sir Haven De Sessions and widow Genvieve Dreyford's story of suspense, drama, danger, treason, attempted murder, villains, lies, and romance. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2024
Trust works both ways!
A well written story of a knight loyal to his king. He delivers his best friend Roger for execution condemning his wife as his dying words are she can’t be trusted, but is that true.
Haven believes what Roger said and distrusts Genie. Edward the king has a surprise for them both.
The story is well written as Haven and Genie navigate their new lives.
Great story of betrayal, love, family, trust, and faith. I highly recommend this book.
A well written story of a knight loyal to his king. He delivers his best friend Roger for execution condemning his wife as his dying words are she can’t be trusted, but is that true.
Haven believes what Roger said and distrusts Genie. Edward the king has a surprise for them both.
The story is well written as Haven and Genie navigate their new lives.
Great story of betrayal, love, family, trust, and faith. I highly recommend this book.
September 12, 2019
Want to spend some time reading a wonderful book that takes you to Wales during Medieval times. This is it. I enjoyed this book so much. I received an ARC from the author. I will be reading this again. I just loved Haven and Genvieve.
November 12, 2019
I am not sure what I think about this book. I found some things to be odd or disconcerting, like the lustful attraction that the hero felt for the heroine immediately--even though he thought her to be a traitor. I feel slightly deceived by the blurb, which seemed to imply that the marriage between the hero and heroine would happen early in the book. It actually didn't occur until the midway point. The first part of the book is taken up with the journey from where the heroine lives to where the king is presently holding court; he will be deciding her fate. Her treasonous husband seems to have pointed the finger at her, stating just before he was executed that she had a role in his treason. The hero is hard to like at first because he just seemed so bullheaded in wanting to believe his dead friend’s thoughts about his wife rather than seeing what was happening in front of him. Some of the sensual scenes I found a little cringe-worthy. What happened later in the book didn't necessarily seem like they followed from what happened earlier. Much of the book is all about the relationship between the principals, but the last part of the book shifts this. The book is certainly an odd combination of parts, though I will have to admit that it did keep me reading just to see how the characters would continue to interact; I certainly wanted Haven to be a little smarter!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
November 14, 2019
This is the first book by these Authors that I have read I found it to be well written Medieval romance. I will be looking to see what else they have put out. This is Sir Haven De Sessions and widow Genvieve Dreyford's story of suspense, drama, danger, treason, attempted murder, villains, lies, and romance. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2012
i loved this story. At first you want to hate the hero but then he turns around.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews