What do you think?
Rate this book
Gentlemen of Knights #2
Black Knight
A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience...
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2020
692 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Johns
80 books360 followers Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 23, 2021
3 Stars for a nice take on the marriage by proxy/MOC trope and me really liking Heath Knight.
This was so wonderfully apt.
I liked that Cecilia doesn’t know how to be affectionate and intimate, or navigate society life. She is, in essence, a total introvert. There aren't enough openly loner heroines out there. Heath is the kind of person that Cecilia would need. There was a genuine tenderness and amity between the two of them (when Cecilia wasn’t being a fickle little fool) which was very welcome after the previous book (Duke of Knight, which felt a lot more like a powerful nobleman hate-lusting after one of his domestics and was just *bleh*). I am fine with clean HR, though I often worry it is carry-over from bygone eras of tabooing sex (an extremely effective tool of repression, especially women—just sayin’), but I personally think even a fade to black consummation would have made more sense and been better. Ten Points to Heath for bringing up consummating the marriage several times. He never badgers but is hopeful and longing and I found it sweet, not horny and weird.
Honestly, the saving grace of this was Lord Heath. He is steadfast, hard-working, and patient. His admittance to wanting to give his marriage a go from the start was nice. I do NOT think enough attention was paid to the grievousness of Heath's wild oat sowing. Johns clearly didn't want to deal with the quagmire that was Redeeming The Sister-in-Law's Assaulter and so… Johns shot him, sent him to Italy, had his reformation happen between books, and created a courtesan scandal as comeuppance. I was #TeamHeath though, which surprised me. I don't think he deserved all the silliness from Cecilia, it never felt deserved.
Which leads me to the Big Gripe and almost all stars lost are attributed to this: I find it hard to get behind someone who goes from saying, “I’m falling in love with someone I could not fully like,” to “I should stop wallowing in self pity or make the best of it,” (okay…. Can we just talk about how often writers do this in marriage of conveniences and then NEVER stick that? I think we should collectively ban this. It’s confusing and annoying and stupid. ALSO… There is A LOT to like about Heath here???) then to “I'm not sure I want my husband in THAT way” in literally one paragraph. Like what. I am swooning over the 100% reformed rake while he becomes the genetleman farmer (always sexy, very Devil's Daughter or The Devil Is a Marquess) on his derelict estate and you are like, “I’m afraid of falling in love with you.” BUT I THOUGHT YOU DIDN’T LIKE HIM CECILIA. Which is it Ms. Johns? Which is it!!!!!!!!! Also HOW was there such a hasty flight from such an understaffed household and Heath NOT notice. I have been inside these great British houses. They are not well insulated. You can hear everything. I take umbrage with this oversight. Great, Extreme, Dolores Umbrages. ANYWAYS. The capriciousness of Cecilia… now THAT is inconsistent. I just do not think that an independent-minded, introverted young woman would behave this way. If she did, it needed to be carefully fleshed out. The heroine Johns' initially presents to us was great. But there is a lot of behavior that was completely out of character and exceedingly difficult to connect to.
TANGENT. I was raised by a chef, and love eating, but I hate food porn in books. This is incredibly subjective, but I hate it. Alex Wyndham couldn’t make it better. Talking about buttered birds and vegetables does not lead me down the path to love. It makes me hungry and distracted. Not to mention, the academic in me screams: "Those are empty nothings that do not contribute to the narrative! WORDS THAT CAN BE SPENT DRIVING THE STORY. Every word counts DAMMIT!" 0.033 stars lost for the food porn. End Tangent.
There actually was A LOT here that was good, despite my complaining. There are elements of The Mésalliance and Ravishing the Heiress. But there were many wasted moments where true introspection and confronting class divisions were lost to food porn and Cecilia The Emotional Ping-Pong. I wouldn't say it lacks depth, but it doesn't hit the mark 100%. I think this is genuinely worth reading/listening to (probably more enjoyable on audio, with AW narrating) but you need to 1) Ignore the first book 2) Ignore Cecilia's mercuriality. Another 100 pages, sex, and addressing the Big Gripe and this would have been prime historical romance. As it is, it is enjoyable enough. I will continue with the series since AW is narrating more.
Ps. “The vixen bites, and then cares for her victim” he said softly, wanting to kiss her. Ummm, yes, please. Alex Wyndham’s voice for Heath was suuuupppppppperrrrrr sexy.
PPS. This review was far too long for a book I did not hate or love. Procrastination, me thinks? Yes. Procrastination.
“She looked like a temptress and he knew, somehow, that she would be horrified to know it.”
This was so wonderfully apt.
I liked that Cecilia doesn’t know how to be affectionate and intimate, or navigate society life. She is, in essence, a total introvert. There aren't enough openly loner heroines out there. Heath is the kind of person that Cecilia would need. There was a genuine tenderness and amity between the two of them (when Cecilia wasn’t being a fickle little fool) which was very welcome after the previous book (Duke of Knight, which felt a lot more like a powerful nobleman hate-lusting after one of his domestics and was just *bleh*). I am fine with clean HR, though I often worry it is carry-over from bygone eras of tabooing sex (an extremely effective tool of repression, especially women—just sayin’), but I personally think even a fade to black consummation would have made more sense and been better. Ten Points to Heath for bringing up consummating the marriage several times. He never badgers but is hopeful and longing and I found it sweet, not horny and weird.
Honestly, the saving grace of this was Lord Heath. He is steadfast, hard-working, and patient. His admittance to wanting to give his marriage a go from the start was nice. I do NOT think enough attention was paid to the grievousness of Heath's wild oat sowing. Johns clearly didn't want to deal with the quagmire that was Redeeming The Sister-in-Law's Assaulter and so… Johns shot him, sent him to Italy, had his reformation happen between books, and created a courtesan scandal as comeuppance. I was #TeamHeath though, which surprised me. I don't think he deserved all the silliness from Cecilia, it never felt deserved.
Which leads me to the Big Gripe and almost all stars lost are attributed to this: I find it hard to get behind someone who goes from saying, “I’m falling in love with someone I could not fully like,” to “I should stop wallowing in self pity or make the best of it,” (okay…. Can we just talk about how often writers do this in marriage of conveniences and then NEVER stick that? I think we should collectively ban this. It’s confusing and annoying and stupid. ALSO… There is A LOT to like about Heath here???) then to “I'm not sure I want my husband in THAT way” in literally one paragraph. Like what. I am swooning over the 100% reformed rake while he becomes the genetleman farmer (always sexy, very Devil's Daughter or The Devil Is a Marquess) on his derelict estate and you are like, “I’m afraid of falling in love with you.” BUT I THOUGHT YOU DIDN’T LIKE HIM CECILIA. Which is it Ms. Johns? Which is it!!!!!!!!! Also HOW was there such a hasty flight from such an understaffed household and Heath NOT notice. I have been inside these great British houses. They are not well insulated. You can hear everything. I take umbrage with this oversight. Great, Extreme, Dolores Umbrages. ANYWAYS. The capriciousness of Cecilia… now THAT is inconsistent. I just do not think that an independent-minded, introverted young woman would behave this way. If she did, it needed to be carefully fleshed out. The heroine Johns' initially presents to us was great. But there is a lot of behavior that was completely out of character and exceedingly difficult to connect to.
TANGENT. I was raised by a chef, and love eating, but I hate food porn in books. This is incredibly subjective, but I hate it. Alex Wyndham couldn’t make it better. Talking about buttered birds and vegetables does not lead me down the path to love. It makes me hungry and distracted. Not to mention, the academic in me screams: "Those are empty nothings that do not contribute to the narrative! WORDS THAT CAN BE SPENT DRIVING THE STORY. Every word counts DAMMIT!" 0.033 stars lost for the food porn. End Tangent.
There actually was A LOT here that was good, despite my complaining. There are elements of The Mésalliance and Ravishing the Heiress. But there were many wasted moments where true introspection and confronting class divisions were lost to food porn and Cecilia The Emotional Ping-Pong. I wouldn't say it lacks depth, but it doesn't hit the mark 100%. I think this is genuinely worth reading/listening to (probably more enjoyable on audio, with AW narrating) but you need to 1) Ignore the first book 2) Ignore Cecilia's mercuriality. Another 100 pages, sex, and addressing the Big Gripe and this would have been prime historical romance. As it is, it is enjoyable enough. I will continue with the series since AW is narrating more.
Ps. “The vixen bites, and then cares for her victim” he said softly, wanting to kiss her. Ummm, yes, please. Alex Wyndham’s voice for Heath was suuuupppppppperrrrrr sexy.
PPS. This review was far too long for a book I did not hate or love. Procrastination, me thinks? Yes. Procrastination.
June 10, 2020
Rake comes through!
Deciding to take his overbearing brother the Duke of Knighton's strictures to marry, Lord Heath Knight does, in a way guaranteed to grate on his brother's sensibilities.
Cecilia Dudley's father, a wealthy cit, contrives a wiley scheme to have his daughter married despite her wishes. A marriage by proxy to Heath "the infamous Black Knight." (Proxy! There's an interesting explanation about how that might have been valid in these times. Apparently "England recognizes marriages by proxy when they are legal in other countries.") The deal is that Cecilia will stay in town by herself building her independent life. Heath hies off to his property to bring it up to scratch. He's made to realize that in thinking about himself, he's cast his new wife upon the cutting tongues of the ton. He repairs to town. Cecilia is shocked, flustered and totally out of her depth when her husband comes calling.
Cecilia has a long standing conviction to enable charity endeavours. Heath's brother, the Vicar Edmund involves her in protecting and redeeming country lasses and children who'd found themselves working in brothels, preyed upon by denizens of the underbelly of London, and sometimes, those in the top ranks of society.
Cecilia is much put upon. By her father's handling of her wishes to not marry, the absenteeism of her parents due to her mother's ill health, the savaging of her by the scandal papers and the ton bullies, the pointed scorn from the courtesan Lady L who is at pains to tell the world about her relationship with Heath, and by Heath himself leaving her to suffer the outrageous slings and arrows.
Despite this I liked how the relationship between Heath and Cecilia grows. I loved the warmth and respect between Heath and his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess. Something that is often present in these novels, where we have the rakeshell and the beloved older relative who fully appreciate his softer side and hopes they come about. All in all this novel treads a well worn path but with its own particular touches and idiosyncrasies. Nothing radically new apart from marriage by proxy which I'd not realized is still valid. An enjoyable tale woven in its own special way.
A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley
Deciding to take his overbearing brother the Duke of Knighton's strictures to marry, Lord Heath Knight does, in a way guaranteed to grate on his brother's sensibilities.
Cecilia Dudley's father, a wealthy cit, contrives a wiley scheme to have his daughter married despite her wishes. A marriage by proxy to Heath "the infamous Black Knight." (Proxy! There's an interesting explanation about how that might have been valid in these times. Apparently "England recognizes marriages by proxy when they are legal in other countries.") The deal is that Cecilia will stay in town by herself building her independent life. Heath hies off to his property to bring it up to scratch. He's made to realize that in thinking about himself, he's cast his new wife upon the cutting tongues of the ton. He repairs to town. Cecilia is shocked, flustered and totally out of her depth when her husband comes calling.
Cecilia has a long standing conviction to enable charity endeavours. Heath's brother, the Vicar Edmund involves her in protecting and redeeming country lasses and children who'd found themselves working in brothels, preyed upon by denizens of the underbelly of London, and sometimes, those in the top ranks of society.
Cecilia is much put upon. By her father's handling of her wishes to not marry, the absenteeism of her parents due to her mother's ill health, the savaging of her by the scandal papers and the ton bullies, the pointed scorn from the courtesan Lady L who is at pains to tell the world about her relationship with Heath, and by Heath himself leaving her to suffer the outrageous slings and arrows.
Despite this I liked how the relationship between Heath and Cecilia grows. I loved the warmth and respect between Heath and his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess. Something that is often present in these novels, where we have the rakeshell and the beloved older relative who fully appreciate his softer side and hopes they come about. All in all this novel treads a well worn path but with its own particular touches and idiosyncrasies. Nothing radically new apart from marriage by proxy which I'd not realized is still valid. An enjoyable tale woven in its own special way.
A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley
October 3, 2020
"Black Knight" plays out in a melody of emotions that will capture readers from start to finish! Cecelia immediately garners sympathy given how alone she seems and how little power women had at that time.
Read full review in the 2020 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 7, 2020
This was super sweet! Really charming and entertaining - the romance between Heath and Cecilia is slow to burn but totally worth the wait. Their journey was fun and had some really sweet moments that built up their relationship in a really convincing way. Really enjoyable!
Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 6, 2020
Black Knight
Gentlemen of Knights Series #2
Elizabeth Johns
https://www.facebook.com/Elizabethjoh...
Release date 06/11/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience…
Book 2 in the bestselling series Gentlemen of Knights is now available. Read for free with Kindle Unlimited!
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
My review :
Will she find in herself to let go of her uncertainties to give a chance to her new marriage ...
Such a moving read, a slow burn rollercoaster ride as the h&H chase one another from London to his estate and vice-versa.
It was the blurb that caught my eyes, while the marriage of convenience scheme is very much a trope in itself, it was the idea of it told to the heroine once the deed done which surprised me.
Marriage by proxy was common during medieval time and even a bit later too but it was new to me during the regency period, or for the many books I have read.
I loved nothing was rushed, that none the heroine nor the hero were subjugated by the other, enthralled but not to the point to act rashly or stupidly with no weak knee involved.
It is a very slow wooing as Heath is battling with is own mirror’s image in Cecilia’s imaginary. As while she wants to trust the man she faces, she can’t from her mind the portrait the gossips rags paint of him.
Heath is no saint, he was not nicknamed the Black Knight for nothing, yet since his injury, he retired from his wild way. Still, to spike his brother and his unwelcome threat, he marries whom he sees as the worst choice of a voice.
Little did he expect to find his wife attractive, if only she could give him the time of a day when with each step he takes toward her, his past sins come back with a violence in his face.
Cecilia had quite a lonely life, send as a girl in a school for blue blooded daughters, she was the outcast girl, she a cit’s daughter, tainted by her father’s money. Why she wasn’t looking for to marry in the nobility, she did not belong there. So when tricked by her father, she has few options to refuse it, but it will be only in name. After all, what to expect from the worst rakehell possibly known.
Mrs Elizabeth Johns took her time establishing her characters, we know from the beginning who they are and how very different from the other they are too. Yet, it is the mask they present to society. Because whatever his every flaws are, Heath is a kind and fair man, he is clever and witty, he does his best to reinstates his estate to his prior state, and while he wanted to poke his brother, he soon understands the wrongness of his action, but his new wife is one to intrigue him and he refuses to free her without trying everything to get her to notice him.
Cecilia might be young but she knows what she wants and certainly doesn’t. Yet, thanks to her father’s meddling, she is now married to the worse sort of man, a profligate. And while the man knows how to charm a door, there is more to him than his easy way and his melting smile. If only his past misdeeds were not flaunted at her head each time she ventures outside.
This is a seduction on the long run for Heath as while his wife is as much attracted to him as himself to her, she always fears the dark side of his personality and even if he has buried this part of him, how can he prove her he means every words he tells her.
Mrs Johns offers her a delightful and entertaining read of a new couple who will explore every doubts one’s action can awaken until they give up their distrust to finally have faith in one another.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Gentlemen of Knights Series #2
Elizabeth Johns
https://www.facebook.com/Elizabethjoh...
Release date 06/11/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience…
Book 2 in the bestselling series Gentlemen of Knights is now available. Read for free with Kindle Unlimited!
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
My review :
Will she find in herself to let go of her uncertainties to give a chance to her new marriage ...
Such a moving read, a slow burn rollercoaster ride as the h&H chase one another from London to his estate and vice-versa.
It was the blurb that caught my eyes, while the marriage of convenience scheme is very much a trope in itself, it was the idea of it told to the heroine once the deed done which surprised me.
Marriage by proxy was common during medieval time and even a bit later too but it was new to me during the regency period, or for the many books I have read.
I loved nothing was rushed, that none the heroine nor the hero were subjugated by the other, enthralled but not to the point to act rashly or stupidly with no weak knee involved.
It is a very slow wooing as Heath is battling with is own mirror’s image in Cecilia’s imaginary. As while she wants to trust the man she faces, she can’t from her mind the portrait the gossips rags paint of him.
Heath is no saint, he was not nicknamed the Black Knight for nothing, yet since his injury, he retired from his wild way. Still, to spike his brother and his unwelcome threat, he marries whom he sees as the worst choice of a voice.
Little did he expect to find his wife attractive, if only she could give him the time of a day when with each step he takes toward her, his past sins come back with a violence in his face.
Cecilia had quite a lonely life, send as a girl in a school for blue blooded daughters, she was the outcast girl, she a cit’s daughter, tainted by her father’s money. Why she wasn’t looking for to marry in the nobility, she did not belong there. So when tricked by her father, she has few options to refuse it, but it will be only in name. After all, what to expect from the worst rakehell possibly known.
Mrs Elizabeth Johns took her time establishing her characters, we know from the beginning who they are and how very different from the other they are too. Yet, it is the mask they present to society. Because whatever his every flaws are, Heath is a kind and fair man, he is clever and witty, he does his best to reinstates his estate to his prior state, and while he wanted to poke his brother, he soon understands the wrongness of his action, but his new wife is one to intrigue him and he refuses to free her without trying everything to get her to notice him.
Cecilia might be young but she knows what she wants and certainly doesn’t. Yet, thanks to her father’s meddling, she is now married to the worse sort of man, a profligate. And while the man knows how to charm a door, there is more to him than his easy way and his melting smile. If only his past misdeeds were not flaunted at her head each time she ventures outside.
This is a seduction on the long run for Heath as while his wife is as much attracted to him as himself to her, she always fears the dark side of his personality and even if he has buried this part of him, how can he prove her he means every words he tells her.
Mrs Johns offers her a delightful and entertaining read of a new couple who will explore every doubts one’s action can awaken until they give up their distrust to finally have faith in one another.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 13, 2021
Loved this Knight for sure! We heard about Heath in the first story of his brother Rowley. Now it is his turn and all I can say is get ready for an amazing story!
When his brother gives Heath an ultimatum, to marry or he will cut off his funds, he makes the logical choice..Not! Although it ends up being the perfect one for him!
Cecilia Dudley is the daughter of a merchant, who is so very rich.. oh yes.. Papa decides to pick out her husband and chooses Heath. He persuades him to marry his daughter by proxy before they even meet!
I absolutely adored this story! There is a lot of humor but most of all, Health's true story comes out that has motivated him to go against everything his older brother expected.
Looking forward to more of the Knights!
When his brother gives Heath an ultimatum, to marry or he will cut off his funds, he makes the logical choice..Not! Although it ends up being the perfect one for him!
Cecilia Dudley is the daughter of a merchant, who is so very rich.. oh yes.. Papa decides to pick out her husband and chooses Heath. He persuades him to marry his daughter by proxy before they even meet!
I absolutely adored this story! There is a lot of humor but most of all, Health's true story comes out that has motivated him to go against everything his older brother expected.
Looking forward to more of the Knights!
December 28, 2020
This was a better book then the first but I still miss the depth of feeling I crave from books from this one. It's just a way an author writes I think. I enjoyed this story line and even liked these 2 characters a lot. It's a fun fluffy read. These books are fairly clean except for some crassness about sexual things. No sex scenes.
June 20, 2020
I enjoyed the second book in this engaging series concerning the Knight family. Heath is the second son and has done his best to thwart his older brother, the duke, at every occasion. Heath enters into a marriage of convenience with a wealthy heiress Cecilia. Cecilia’s money comes from trade and she had no wish to be married. She wished to be independent and help those in need. There are such complete opposites but there is an attraction. There are a number of misunderstandings and someone out to cause trouble before a happy ending can be achieved. The next book looks intriguing too.
February 13, 2023
This was good. I just wish the heroine didn't cry so much.
August 18, 2020
Rating 3 1/2
How bad can a rake be if his grandmother refers to him as her favorite? Lord Heath Knight has spent years living wild in defiance of his dictatorial brother the Duke of Knighton. After recovering from a near fatal duel wounding, Heath decides to comply with his brother's demand that Heath marry, but twittering society girls hold no appeal. So when a wealthy businessman offers his daughter sight unseen and a very large dowry, Heath jumps at the idea of marrying in secret and beneath his class in order to comply but defy the Duke's ultimatum.
Cecelia Dudley who has planned to live an independent life suddenly finds herself married by proxy to society's biggest rakehell: The Black Knight. But her father assures her that the marriage would be one of convenience only.
Unfortunately society does not readily want to release gossiping about its favorite bad boy. But Cecelia has no experience coping with gossip which makes her doubt the Heath she begins to see differently and to develop affection for.
As they work together to restore Heath's mismanaged country estate, bring in an abundant harvest, help rescue some of London's soiled doves, and navigate the stormy waters of sordid gossip, Cecelia may realize the love and support of a family she never had, and Heath may evolve into the man he was meant to be.
I most enjoyed the gypsy harvest celebration sequence and the humor in a pet mouse and in the undisciplined comments of the rescued doves housestaff. However, since one of my least favorite hero types is reformed bad boy (Personal experience has taught me that they never truly change their ways.), I suspect this will be my least favorite of the series.
I look forward to the Rev. Edmund Black's story!
How bad can a rake be if his grandmother refers to him as her favorite? Lord Heath Knight has spent years living wild in defiance of his dictatorial brother the Duke of Knighton. After recovering from a near fatal duel wounding, Heath decides to comply with his brother's demand that Heath marry, but twittering society girls hold no appeal. So when a wealthy businessman offers his daughter sight unseen and a very large dowry, Heath jumps at the idea of marrying in secret and beneath his class in order to comply but defy the Duke's ultimatum.
Cecelia Dudley who has planned to live an independent life suddenly finds herself married by proxy to society's biggest rakehell: The Black Knight. But her father assures her that the marriage would be one of convenience only.
Unfortunately society does not readily want to release gossiping about its favorite bad boy. But Cecelia has no experience coping with gossip which makes her doubt the Heath she begins to see differently and to develop affection for.
As they work together to restore Heath's mismanaged country estate, bring in an abundant harvest, help rescue some of London's soiled doves, and navigate the stormy waters of sordid gossip, Cecelia may realize the love and support of a family she never had, and Heath may evolve into the man he was meant to be.
I most enjoyed the gypsy harvest celebration sequence and the humor in a pet mouse and in the undisciplined comments of the rescued doves housestaff. However, since one of my least favorite hero types is reformed bad boy (Personal experience has taught me that they never truly change their ways.), I suspect this will be my least favorite of the series.
I look forward to the Rev. Edmund Black's story!
June 11, 2020
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother Rowley as possible. When he is shot in a duel & almost dies Rowley has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath heads off to Italy & decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favour of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient. Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him.
This is the second book in the series & is another well written page turning read that I read in two sittings & finished it well into the night. It could be read on its own but personally I love series & have to start from the beginning as I love how characters grow throughout a series. I was luke warm towards Heath after the first book so was pleasantly surprised how quickly my view of him changed & I soon found him to be anything but Black. I loved Cece who just wanted a peaceful life but was like a rabbit thrown into a car's headlights. I loved how their relationship developed & how they came to love each other, I also loved the relationships between the Knight siblings & I'm so looking forward to Edmund's story as he's definitely my favourite sibling.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favour of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient. Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him.
This is the second book in the series & is another well written page turning read that I read in two sittings & finished it well into the night. It could be read on its own but personally I love series & have to start from the beginning as I love how characters grow throughout a series. I was luke warm towards Heath after the first book so was pleasantly surprised how quickly my view of him changed & I soon found him to be anything but Black. I loved Cece who just wanted a peaceful life but was like a rabbit thrown into a car's headlights. I loved how their relationship developed & how they came to love each other, I also loved the relationships between the Knight siblings & I'm so looking forward to Edmund's story as he's definitely my favourite sibling.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 10, 2020
When Cecilia Dudley receives the news that she is already married by proxy to one of society's worst rogues, she is devastated. Her father claims that he is doing his best for her, but she has had no choice in the matter whatsoever. Lord Heath Knight, on the other hand, has been handed an ultimatum by his older brother, who also thinks he doing the best for Heath, leaving him with very little choice, but when he is approached by Sir Harold Dudley to marry his daughter who has an outrageous dowry, Heath takes the opportunity he needs to set his own estate to rights whilst delivering the slap in the face his brother needs. The plot of this novel has wit and charm as Heath realises that he has a responsibility towards Cecilia and then discovers that she is in fact a woman that he can respect and admire. With mice for companionship at his rundown manor, he starts a courtship by correspondence with his independent wife. It is only when the rumour mongers start casting aspersions on Cecilia that Heath decides its time to take matters in hand and at least give an appearance of having a happy marriage. The story is well written and romantic with some heartache along the way but ultimately comes to a conclusion where relationships are resolved and happiness is found. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, a copy of which I received through NetGalley as a gift. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 21, 2022
A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience...
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
This book is a marriage of convenience story.
I haven't read a book from this author before.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
This book is a marriage of convenience story.
I haven't read a book from this author before.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 13, 2024
These books are pretty boring, they have an okay plot but there’s nothing positive to say about the writing besides it’s not technically bad, no banter, no profound insights, not even the attempt, no real romantic moments… usually I encounter this with more smutty romances but then these are clean so it doesn’t even have that to distract us.
Alex Wyndham narrates the audiobook which is why I finished it, but even he couldn’t save this.
Alex Wyndham narrates the audiobook which is why I finished it, but even he couldn’t save this.
June 5, 2020
Heath has one smart cookie for a wife, "as soon as he left and the door was closed, Cecilia turned to Heath. “He is displeased.”Apparently she was more perceptive than he thought." I liked this book, I liked Heath.
September 23, 2020
Elizabeth Johns does not disappoint!
Read
April 3, 2021NO stars for this book! A book about a marriage-by-proxy in the 1800s should have been at least a little bit interesting, but it came across as hokey and stiff. Once again, as in Book 1 of this series, Book 2 has way too much animosity for a good romance novel. I struggled reading to Chapter 3 because all I seemed to read was angst so high one could cut it with a knife. There was little to no intrigue and there was absolutely no chemistry, again, between the Hero and the Heroine.
The father of the Heroine is an atrocious man who uses his daughter to move up in society...and yes, I know that's the way things worked in the 1800s, but the way in which he used his daughter, and the things he subjected her to, was appalling. The Heroine, however, is a spoiled brat who thinks she should be able to "live life the way she wants" in spite of the marriage vows, even though she wasn't made aware of the proxy wedding until after the fact.
We were all made aware of the reputation of the Hero in Book 1 of this series, so no one should be surprised he is still a selfish jerk in this one. Unfortunately for the both of them, his past rears its ugly head and bites them hard in the derriere. Two spoiled brats in a proxy/marriage-of-convenience relationship does not make for a good story...and this is nowhere near a good story.
Some of the characters from Book 1 that spill over into Book 2 brought their haughty, snobbish and/or selfish/naive reputations with them, unfortunately. It seems no one from Book 1 made any great changes before appearing in Book 2, sad to say. It would have been nice to see the Duke from Book 1 relaxed in character a bit, and the sister be a little less conceited and selfish, for she had no problem with guilt-tripping people into doing things her way and for her personal gain. Perhaps the vicar brother could have been a little less pleasant, too. I mean, sure, he's a vicar, but even he has seen the dredges of society and should, at this point, have a bit of an edge to him. And all of this took place before Chapter 5...and there are 21 Chapters total!
Oh, but in Chapter 5...surprise, surprise, surprise, the Hero begins thinking, "So far, he actually liked his wife"! Up to that point, he really hadn't been focused on her...at all. Not that he was focused on anyone else either. He was more or less the selfish jerk he portrayed in Book 1 and only wanted to renovate and get his estate to working properly.
I didn't like that the author made it appear the Heroine was building a closer relationship with the Hero's vicar brother, and then slapped the reader in the face when, upon feeling jealous about the Heroine's seemingly romantic relationship with his vicar brother, the Hero told the Heroine he meant to honor his vows and then the Heroine told the Hero she had signed no such agreement. So, did that mean she was open to cheating? Well, let's see...Upon visiting the Vicar at the church, "She gave him a coy look" when she told him to call her Cece. That sure looked like she might be considering it, right? Then there's the conversation where the vicar proceeds to inquire into the manner of her marriage to his brother. Chapter 8 has the Heroine and the Vicar brother having breakfast together...alone? Cheating, I'm against. Potential cheating or the appearance of cheating with a family member is totally unacceptable! Can you say...inappropriate for BOTH of them? This crosses SO many lines! Again, all this occurs before Chapter 9, with 12 more chapters to go. The author has the Heroine continuing on as if she were a single woman in the 21st Century with little to no scruples instead of a woman born in the 1800s.
Past Chapter 9, there is still little to no romance, no passion between the Hero and Heroine. How could there be with them living separate lives? The fact that their marriage became food for gossips and scandal should never have surprised them (OR the reader) since they chose to thumb their noses at society.
The way the book took a sudden turn was quite...confusing. It went from zero passion to a hot fire in very short span of time. Not quite a 5 alarm fire though. Just a sizzle. How can an author expect the reader to make that leap convincingly when it had no chemistry until the very end?
These first two books in the series were such a disappointment that this particular reader has decided not to waste any more time in finishing the series. Sorry, Author.
The father of the Heroine is an atrocious man who uses his daughter to move up in society...and yes, I know that's the way things worked in the 1800s, but the way in which he used his daughter, and the things he subjected her to, was appalling. The Heroine, however, is a spoiled brat who thinks she should be able to "live life the way she wants" in spite of the marriage vows, even though she wasn't made aware of the proxy wedding until after the fact.
We were all made aware of the reputation of the Hero in Book 1 of this series, so no one should be surprised he is still a selfish jerk in this one. Unfortunately for the both of them, his past rears its ugly head and bites them hard in the derriere. Two spoiled brats in a proxy/marriage-of-convenience relationship does not make for a good story...and this is nowhere near a good story.
Some of the characters from Book 1 that spill over into Book 2 brought their haughty, snobbish and/or selfish/naive reputations with them, unfortunately. It seems no one from Book 1 made any great changes before appearing in Book 2, sad to say. It would have been nice to see the Duke from Book 1 relaxed in character a bit, and the sister be a little less conceited and selfish, for she had no problem with guilt-tripping people into doing things her way and for her personal gain. Perhaps the vicar brother could have been a little less pleasant, too. I mean, sure, he's a vicar, but even he has seen the dredges of society and should, at this point, have a bit of an edge to him. And all of this took place before Chapter 5...and there are 21 Chapters total!
Oh, but in Chapter 5...surprise, surprise, surprise, the Hero begins thinking, "So far, he actually liked his wife"! Up to that point, he really hadn't been focused on her...at all. Not that he was focused on anyone else either. He was more or less the selfish jerk he portrayed in Book 1 and only wanted to renovate and get his estate to working properly.
I didn't like that the author made it appear the Heroine was building a closer relationship with the Hero's vicar brother, and then slapped the reader in the face when, upon feeling jealous about the Heroine's seemingly romantic relationship with his vicar brother, the Hero told the Heroine he meant to honor his vows and then the Heroine told the Hero she had signed no such agreement. So, did that mean she was open to cheating? Well, let's see...Upon visiting the Vicar at the church, "She gave him a coy look" when she told him to call her Cece. That sure looked like she might be considering it, right? Then there's the conversation where the vicar proceeds to inquire into the manner of her marriage to his brother. Chapter 8 has the Heroine and the Vicar brother having breakfast together...alone? Cheating, I'm against. Potential cheating or the appearance of cheating with a family member is totally unacceptable! Can you say...inappropriate for BOTH of them? This crosses SO many lines! Again, all this occurs before Chapter 9, with 12 more chapters to go. The author has the Heroine continuing on as if she were a single woman in the 21st Century with little to no scruples instead of a woman born in the 1800s.
Past Chapter 9, there is still little to no romance, no passion between the Hero and Heroine. How could there be with them living separate lives? The fact that their marriage became food for gossips and scandal should never have surprised them (OR the reader) since they chose to thumb their noses at society.
The way the book took a sudden turn was quite...confusing. It went from zero passion to a hot fire in very short span of time. Not quite a 5 alarm fire though. Just a sizzle. How can an author expect the reader to make that leap convincingly when it had no chemistry until the very end?
These first two books in the series were such a disappointment that this particular reader has decided not to waste any more time in finishing the series. Sorry, Author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience...
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
MY TAKE
Good grief! What a nightmare would it be to discovered you're married by proxy. And to a scandalous rake!
All Cecilia wants is to be independent and left alone. Of course she's horrified when her father informs her of what he's done. But he assures her everything will be fine. Heath Knight needs a wife (and money--don't they always need money?) but doesn't necessarily want one. Having one out of his hair sounds perfect.
Except he's not comfortable with the impression it gives with them not residing together. It's funny that he's never minded the Ton talking about him with his rakish behavior, but having a wife living on her own so soon after his marriage bothers him. Once he actually meets her, he's intrigued.
And here is where we get to see deeper into the real man underneath the destructive behavior. Motivations are huge, and they're ones Heath must deal with. The more time he spends in Cecilia's company, the more he comes to care for her.
What we don't really see is something I think happens between the first and second book. In the first, Heath is shot in a duel and is close to dying. That can be a wakeup call for anyone. By the time he agrees to the marriage, he's changed his focus from skirt chasing to setting up the estate he inherited. That's part of what motivates him to get married. He needs the money.
This is truly a story of redemption. We get to see it in full play in the third book, but it's nice to know there's a good bad hidden behind all those past bad decisions. And I loved that he and Rowley are beginning to heal their relationship.
Cecilia is a delight, and the two end up making a powerful pair.
I cannot end this without bringing up the issue I have in any book dealing with promiscuous characters. STDs. With as many woman as he likely bedded, the likelihood he has something is very strong. I wonder how many women in history who were branded as barren were made that way because their husbands gave them Gonorrhea. And that's if she lucky it's not Syphilis which was deadly back then. Since this is fiction, I'll pretend Heath didn't catch anything.
A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience...
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
MY TAKE
Good grief! What a nightmare would it be to discovered you're married by proxy. And to a scandalous rake!
All Cecilia wants is to be independent and left alone. Of course she's horrified when her father informs her of what he's done. But he assures her everything will be fine. Heath Knight needs a wife (and money--don't they always need money?) but doesn't necessarily want one. Having one out of his hair sounds perfect.
Except he's not comfortable with the impression it gives with them not residing together. It's funny that he's never minded the Ton talking about him with his rakish behavior, but having a wife living on her own so soon after his marriage bothers him. Once he actually meets her, he's intrigued.
And here is where we get to see deeper into the real man underneath the destructive behavior. Motivations are huge, and they're ones Heath must deal with. The more time he spends in Cecilia's company, the more he comes to care for her.
What we don't really see is something I think happens between the first and second book. In the first, Heath is shot in a duel and is close to dying. That can be a wakeup call for anyone. By the time he agrees to the marriage, he's changed his focus from skirt chasing to setting up the estate he inherited. That's part of what motivates him to get married. He needs the money.
This is truly a story of redemption. We get to see it in full play in the third book, but it's nice to know there's a good bad hidden behind all those past bad decisions. And I loved that he and Rowley are beginning to heal their relationship.
Cecilia is a delight, and the two end up making a powerful pair.
I cannot end this without bringing up the issue I have in any book dealing with promiscuous characters. STDs. With as many woman as he likely bedded, the likelihood he has something is very strong. I wonder how many women in history who were branded as barren were made that way because their husbands gave them Gonorrhea. And that's if she lucky it's not Syphilis which was deadly back then. Since this is fiction, I'll pretend Heath didn't catch anything.
January 29, 2023
The second book of the Gentlemen of Knights series started in a more interesting fashion than the first book had. Heath is the second son and has been pretty much a rake and wastrel most of his adult life. At the end of the first book, he had been shot in a duel and almost died. He went to Italy to recover, but then discovers that his older brother (Rowley, Duke of Knight from the first book) has told him he must marry or be cut off. He's approached in Italy by a very rich father who wishes to marry his daughter (Cecilia) off by proxy - into a marriage of convenience. Heath is told that the girl is aware and is amendable to such an arrangement, and he views it as a perfect way to get back at his brother while also increasing his funds with her dowry. Not surprisingly - when he returns back to England he finds that his new wife had not known about the arrangement and was furious with her father for selling her into such a marriage when she had planned to forego getting married and wanted to live independently.
While the story started well - Heath does such a rapid turnaround that it is more than a little unbelievable. He says he will respect her wishes to live independently - so he leaves her in London and heads to his ramshackle estate in the country. Seemingly leaving all of his previous rakehell lifestyle behind, he magically takes an extreme interest in farming and restoring the estate (including doing manual labor in the field). When rumors start flying around London that Cecilia has been abandoned, and that he is consorting with the Lovely Letitia - he returns to try to protect his wife from the gossips in the ton. She then goes back to the county and they start to become friends (never lovers) and both grow to love the country (even though both have lived in the city for most of their lives). When the Lady L starts even more rumors, they go back and forth to London trying to squash the gossip. Given his reputation, Cecilia isn't sure what to believe about her new husband.
There's more to the story of course - and overall it wasn't bad but I had trouble getting past the total and almost instantaneous reform of a notorious rake upon the first meeting of his proxy wife, AND at the same time becoming totally enamored of farming and his country estate when previously he barely knew they existed. I haven't decided if it's worth reading the next installment which is about Edmund, the next brother who is a vicar who tries to save prostitutes and give them shelter and training to start a new life.
While the story started well - Heath does such a rapid turnaround that it is more than a little unbelievable. He says he will respect her wishes to live independently - so he leaves her in London and heads to his ramshackle estate in the country. Seemingly leaving all of his previous rakehell lifestyle behind, he magically takes an extreme interest in farming and restoring the estate (including doing manual labor in the field). When rumors start flying around London that Cecilia has been abandoned, and that he is consorting with the Lovely Letitia - he returns to try to protect his wife from the gossips in the ton. She then goes back to the county and they start to become friends (never lovers) and both grow to love the country (even though both have lived in the city for most of their lives). When the Lady L starts even more rumors, they go back and forth to London trying to squash the gossip. Given his reputation, Cecilia isn't sure what to believe about her new husband.
There's more to the story of course - and overall it wasn't bad but I had trouble getting past the total and almost instantaneous reform of a notorious rake upon the first meeting of his proxy wife, AND at the same time becoming totally enamored of farming and his country estate when previously he barely knew they existed. I haven't decided if it's worth reading the next installment which is about Edmund, the next brother who is a vicar who tries to save prostitutes and give them shelter and training to start a new life.
June 11, 2020
Black Knight by Elizabeth Johns is the second in the Gentlemen of Knights series. Heath's brother, the duke, has determined that it is high time Heath is married if he wants to keep his stipend as the heir to the dukedom. In fact, he has given him a deadline. Given that Heath is recuperating on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, it is asking a bit much...until Sir Harold Dudley floats the idea of Heath marrying his daughter. His daughter, Cecelia, but Sir Harold is able to arrange a marriage by proxy. Cecilia is not the least bit happy with this turn of events when her father returns to England and tells her his happy news. She does not want to be married, certainly not to a notorious rake.
This is a good plot. It is the first proxy marriage I have read in some time. It also starts as a marriage of convenience, but all romance readers know what that means. It is the second one read recently where gossip gets out of hand and threatens to ruin lives. There is also a wonderfully independent grandmother, who takes things in hand when they threaten to get out of control. Even the duke eventually admits he overstepped. The Knight brothers are nothing if not charming, as well as very good looking. Heath, for all his days as a rake has determined that that part of his life is over and he is going to make something of the property left to him by his mother. It is fun to read how that goes, including Cecilia's standoff with a Gypsy woman. This is an entertaining book with good characters and a charming story. I recommend it..
I received a free ARC of Black Knight from Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #blackknight
This is a good plot. It is the first proxy marriage I have read in some time. It also starts as a marriage of convenience, but all romance readers know what that means. It is the second one read recently where gossip gets out of hand and threatens to ruin lives. There is also a wonderfully independent grandmother, who takes things in hand when they threaten to get out of control. Even the duke eventually admits he overstepped. The Knight brothers are nothing if not charming, as well as very good looking. Heath, for all his days as a rake has determined that that part of his life is over and he is going to make something of the property left to him by his mother. It is fun to read how that goes, including Cecilia's standoff with a Gypsy woman. This is an entertaining book with good characters and a charming story. I recommend it..
I received a free ARC of Black Knight from Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #blackknight
August 17, 2020
Really Enjoyed!!! Heath The Playboy Brother
Once again Elizabeth John's deliveries us another g
Gentleman of Knights Series you need to add to your reading list!! I completely loved how watching Heath grow from acting out due to how his brother treated him, making him get married or lose his inheritance. A Knight known to be a womanizer, yet underneath, a man who cared to help those in bad situations. The marriage without her knowing, having to learn the English ways, a girl from Italy who refuses to marry, beautiful and stubborn, she never wanted marriage but the arrangement between her father, did not need her consent to marry off to a man, her father chose him and offered her hand, fixing his problem and a father who needed her married. Heath promised her the freedom to live her life as she seen fit, though as time goes by her feelings grow for Heath along with her insecurities, he realized he was changed the first time they were apart, lost without her, his brother Edmund suggesting to write her. There is so many cute stories between the both of them as Heath realizing he rather settle down, fix up his mother's place, and farm, a Lord he was happy with, no desire to be a Duke like his brother as Emma his sister in law produced a heir.
I only wished in reading both would have professed their love, even though knowing they both fell in love. I can't wait until book 3 in this series!!!!
A a quick read with no cliffhanger, an extra bonus I completely loved!!! Wondering if book 3 will be about the wounded brother, or Edmund A must read series.. Even though stand alone historical novel, I suggest to read the first in this series to understand some of the characters. 5 stars all the way!!
Once again Elizabeth John's deliveries us another g
Gentleman of Knights Series you need to add to your reading list!! I completely loved how watching Heath grow from acting out due to how his brother treated him, making him get married or lose his inheritance. A Knight known to be a womanizer, yet underneath, a man who cared to help those in bad situations. The marriage without her knowing, having to learn the English ways, a girl from Italy who refuses to marry, beautiful and stubborn, she never wanted marriage but the arrangement between her father, did not need her consent to marry off to a man, her father chose him and offered her hand, fixing his problem and a father who needed her married. Heath promised her the freedom to live her life as she seen fit, though as time goes by her feelings grow for Heath along with her insecurities, he realized he was changed the first time they were apart, lost without her, his brother Edmund suggesting to write her. There is so many cute stories between the both of them as Heath realizing he rather settle down, fix up his mother's place, and farm, a Lord he was happy with, no desire to be a Duke like his brother as Emma his sister in law produced a heir.
I only wished in reading both would have professed their love, even though knowing they both fell in love. I can't wait until book 3 in this series!!!!
A a quick read with no cliffhanger, an extra bonus I completely loved!!! Wondering if book 3 will be about the wounded brother, or Edmund A must read series.. Even though stand alone historical novel, I suggest to read the first in this series to understand some of the characters. 5 stars all the way!!
July 14, 2025
I first must say that I absolutely hate the cover. This is not a steamy, boddice-ripping romance, but a clean one, and one would never know by its cover. The only reason I read/listened to this book was because I knew Elizabeth Johns didn’t write sex scenes in her romance novels, and this book continued on in the Knight brothers’ saga. I was interested in Heath’s story, so I read Black Knight, Book #2 in the Gentlemen of Knights series.
Having said that, Alex Wyndham did another good job in narrating one of Elizabeth Johns’ novels. However, in this one, I did not care for his voice of the Duke of Knighton, it just seemed weak, and, again, he seemed to struggle with the female voices.
As far as the story goes, I enjoyed it. Heath’s character was fun to read as well as watch him grow as a character. Cecilia was another interesting character, one who was fully naïve and untrusting at the same time. She wanted independence but was attracted to Heath despite herself.
Their relationship wasn’t so much budding, as much as thrown together and then getting to know one another rather quickly. However, Elizabeth Johns did a good job at developing their relationship, and you couldn’t help but root for Heath and Cecilia as a couple
I enjoyed this book better than the first one in the series. 3***¾*
Having said that, Alex Wyndham did another good job in narrating one of Elizabeth Johns’ novels. However, in this one, I did not care for his voice of the Duke of Knighton, it just seemed weak, and, again, he seemed to struggle with the female voices.
As far as the story goes, I enjoyed it. Heath’s character was fun to read as well as watch him grow as a character. Cecilia was another interesting character, one who was fully naïve and untrusting at the same time. She wanted independence but was attracted to Heath despite herself.
Their relationship wasn’t so much budding, as much as thrown together and then getting to know one another rather quickly. However, Elizabeth Johns did a good job at developing their relationship, and you couldn’t help but root for Heath and Cecilia as a couple
I enjoyed this book better than the first one in the series. 3***¾*
October 23, 2022
The topics of marriage by proxy as well as of rescuing orphans sounded interesting, the execution was not. There were so many inconsistencies I sometimes was close to dnf-ing.
- The heroine was granddaughter of a viscount and daughter of a wealthy baronet why was she not moving within the ton?
- Educated along with girls from the ton why didn't she become friends with some of them, not everybody is a bully? Why didn't she know the rules the ton lived by? What did or better said didn't she learn at the seminary?
- How could she think to do her philanthropic work without connections? Apparently she had some ideas but no practical sense.
Heath was a likable character, a reformed rake. He didn't squander her dowry but at once rebuilt his estate. Once again, the author's fantasy was too vivid for my taste: if you have a three story building and the water is dripping even on the first floor due to a leaking roof, you've got a huge problem because the building has wet floors and walls that require drying for months, you cannot just paint the walls and be done.
The plot with the pregnant widow claiming Heath to be the father didn't make any sense. In those times she would have been shunned not the supposed father, why didn't his "friend" speak up for him at once, apparently he was married to her.
There was a lot of potential with the ingenious valet (crop-machine), the rescuing of the doves, and the renovations of house and gardens, unfortunately the author didn't write more about it.
- The heroine was granddaughter of a viscount and daughter of a wealthy baronet why was she not moving within the ton?
- Educated along with girls from the ton why didn't she become friends with some of them, not everybody is a bully? Why didn't she know the rules the ton lived by? What did or better said didn't she learn at the seminary?
- How could she think to do her philanthropic work without connections? Apparently she had some ideas but no practical sense.
Heath was a likable character, a reformed rake. He didn't squander her dowry but at once rebuilt his estate. Once again, the author's fantasy was too vivid for my taste: if you have a three story building and the water is dripping even on the first floor due to a leaking roof, you've got a huge problem because the building has wet floors and walls that require drying for months, you cannot just paint the walls and be done.
The plot with the pregnant widow claiming Heath to be the father didn't make any sense. In those times she would have been shunned not the supposed father, why didn't his "friend" speak up for him at once, apparently he was married to her.
There was a lot of potential with the ingenious valet (crop-machine), the rescuing of the doves, and the renovations of house and gardens, unfortunately the author didn't write more about it.
March 8, 2021
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing, Netgalley and the author for an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is a very sweet take on the marriage of convenience trope with the heroine and hero being married by proxy at the insistence of her overbearing father.
Cecilia never wants to marry as she has plans to use her considerable dowry to improve the lives of those less fortunate in a constructive way - she doesn't want to just donate and fundraise, she wants to be involved.
Heath has never really taken his position as a Duke's heir seriously and lives to antagonise his starchy brother by following his orders to marry but doing it in a scandalous way. When Cecelia's father proposes a marriage by proxy sight unseen he jumps at the chance. Little does he know how much he will like his new bride and how guilty he will feel for trapping her into marriage.
Although Cecilia is determined not to like her rake of a new husband she can't help but see the genuinely kind-hearted person he is. While Heath tries to make up for the way he married his wife and she tries to maintain her independence a scheming widow enters the scene and threatens to destroy their marriage before it has even begun.
I enjoyed the story although the steam factor was lower than I am used to. I look forward to reading what happens with the rest of the Knight clan.
Cecilia never wants to marry as she has plans to use her considerable dowry to improve the lives of those less fortunate in a constructive way - she doesn't want to just donate and fundraise, she wants to be involved.
Heath has never really taken his position as a Duke's heir seriously and lives to antagonise his starchy brother by following his orders to marry but doing it in a scandalous way. When Cecelia's father proposes a marriage by proxy sight unseen he jumps at the chance. Little does he know how much he will like his new bride and how guilty he will feel for trapping her into marriage.
Although Cecilia is determined not to like her rake of a new husband she can't help but see the genuinely kind-hearted person he is. While Heath tries to make up for the way he married his wife and she tries to maintain her independence a scheming widow enters the scene and threatens to destroy their marriage before it has even begun.
I enjoyed the story although the steam factor was lower than I am used to. I look forward to reading what happens with the rest of the Knight clan.
June 6, 2020
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋
I adored Heaths uncontrolled character in the first book of this series.
He’s so naughty, but his reasons are understandable.
Seeing his whole persona explained in this book is wonderful.
Heath is brought up by his brother who is the Duke,(Rowley is a very dominant character but he has to be as his position in society),Heath just sees him as one who is putting him down , trying to control his life and stop him having fun , so he fights back harder.
His one confidant being his Grandma, and what a character she is,My favourite by far in the books.
To show his brother he is in charge he marries by proxy to a cit’s Heir Cecelia Dudley.
She’s really not happy about it, she’s a very strong character, feisty and very much the one who wears the trousers in their relationship.
I liked this woman, she gave Heath what for, made him believe in himself, although he was already beginning to quiet.
This is a strong book and series. Very well written and the characters felt perfect together, I’m so looking forward to the rest of the families stories.
Don’t forget to look out for grandma ,she’s got sass that woman.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
I adored Heaths uncontrolled character in the first book of this series.
He’s so naughty, but his reasons are understandable.
Seeing his whole persona explained in this book is wonderful.
Heath is brought up by his brother who is the Duke,(Rowley is a very dominant character but he has to be as his position in society),Heath just sees him as one who is putting him down , trying to control his life and stop him having fun , so he fights back harder.
His one confidant being his Grandma, and what a character she is,My favourite by far in the books.
To show his brother he is in charge he marries by proxy to a cit’s Heir Cecelia Dudley.
She’s really not happy about it, she’s a very strong character, feisty and very much the one who wears the trousers in their relationship.
I liked this woman, she gave Heath what for, made him believe in himself, although he was already beginning to quiet.
This is a strong book and series. Very well written and the characters felt perfect together, I’m so looking forward to the rest of the families stories.
Don’t forget to look out for grandma ,she’s got sass that woman.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
June 14, 2020
Lord Heath Knight has spent his life doing whatever he wants when he wants. When he almost loses his life in a duel his brother the Duke has had enough and gives Heath a choice, either find a wife and settle down or he will be cut off. When Heath is offered a a bride who comes with a dowry so huge no man would refuse. Heath knows his brother would never approve so he marries by proxy.
When Cecilia finds out her father has married her by proxy to a many she has never met she is beyond angry, but she may as well make the best of a bad situation and decides to set herself up a household and live her life as an independent woman! That is until her husband shows up.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It is the second in the Knights series but also a stand alone. Cecilia has been left feeling abandoned by her father, married to a man she doesn’t know or trust and is thrown into the one thing she never wanted, the ton! Cecilia is such a strong woman but still manages to maintain her humor. I loved Heath and loved watching him fall for Cecilia! Such a wonderful story, you defiant to read this one!
When Cecilia finds out her father has married her by proxy to a many she has never met she is beyond angry, but she may as well make the best of a bad situation and decides to set herself up a household and live her life as an independent woman! That is until her husband shows up.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It is the second in the Knights series but also a stand alone. Cecilia has been left feeling abandoned by her father, married to a man she doesn’t know or trust and is thrown into the one thing she never wanted, the ton! Cecilia is such a strong woman but still manages to maintain her humor. I loved Heath and loved watching him fall for Cecilia! Such a wonderful story, you defiant to read this one!
June 11, 2020
Black Knight by Elizabeth Johns is book Two in the Gentlemen of Knights Series. This is the story of Cecilia Dudley and Heath Knight. I have not read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book. Heath is a rake along with a few other things and when he gets injured in a duel his brother informed him that he will be cutting him off if he does not marry and start cleaning up his life. So Heath thought is to marry the most unsuitable women he can find. Cecilia's father is a very wealthy man who has set on her a high dowry to make sure she marries but she and her father are looked down upon the town because he isn't one of them. Cecilia really just wants to use her money for helping other and is not interested in marring but her father strongly has other ideals. This leads her to become the wife of Heath. But Heath starts to want to change but between his past that keeps come back to him and Cecilia not letting his past go it isn't gonna be easy...not to mention the feelings he is starting to have for Cecilia. Enjoyed their story.
June 17, 2020
Heath and Cecilia
It seems like forever since I have taken the time to read and enjoy an Elizabeth Johns story. I can’t help but ask myself why. One of my favorite autobuy authors and yet apparently, this is the second of a new series. I truly need to catch up.
The Knight family is intriguing. I love a family saga. This one is proving to be outstanding. Lord Heath Knight is a kindhearted rake. Cecelia Dudley is the kindhearted daughter of a cit. Yet, they find themselves ensconced in a marriage of convenience.
I don’t usually care for the marriage of convenience trope, but this one moved quickly. Though gossip and misunderstandings kept them apart throughout the story, they were drawn to one another and made the marriage work.
I credit Johns clear writing style. It is full of dry wit and she creates the most wonderful characters. I love the Knight family and I cannot wait to see what she does with each successive story. Now I have to read the first story. I’m sure it’s already in my library!
It seems like forever since I have taken the time to read and enjoy an Elizabeth Johns story. I can’t help but ask myself why. One of my favorite autobuy authors and yet apparently, this is the second of a new series. I truly need to catch up.
The Knight family is intriguing. I love a family saga. This one is proving to be outstanding. Lord Heath Knight is a kindhearted rake. Cecelia Dudley is the kindhearted daughter of a cit. Yet, they find themselves ensconced in a marriage of convenience.
I don’t usually care for the marriage of convenience trope, but this one moved quickly. Though gossip and misunderstandings kept them apart throughout the story, they were drawn to one another and made the marriage work.
I credit Johns clear writing style. It is full of dry wit and she creates the most wonderful characters. I love the Knight family and I cannot wait to see what she does with each successive story. Now I have to read the first story. I’m sure it’s already in my library!
July 9, 2020
Black Knight by Elizabeth Johns
Gentlemen of Knights Series Book Two
Heath Knight, also known as the Black Knight, is the duke spare. Something he doesn't desire. Heath was living a rogues life until a duel gone wrong. As he recovers in Italy...his life changes in more than one way.
Cecilia Dudley wants independence. The last thing she wanted was the man who was a regular in the scandal pages. But, her father had treated her more like his business than his daughter and sold her off. She wasn't happy...but if it was convenience only and she could have her independence...then fine.
Life never goes that easily. The ton gossips, more manipulations from her father, and a rogue who is much too handsome has Cecilia's plans changing... Could this couple ever have a real marriage? Humorous with unique secondary characters, like Baxter. Exciting new series about the four Knight brothers and their sister.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Gentlemen of Knights Series Book Two
Heath Knight, also known as the Black Knight, is the duke spare. Something he doesn't desire. Heath was living a rogues life until a duel gone wrong. As he recovers in Italy...his life changes in more than one way.
Cecilia Dudley wants independence. The last thing she wanted was the man who was a regular in the scandal pages. But, her father had treated her more like his business than his daughter and sold her off. She wasn't happy...but if it was convenience only and she could have her independence...then fine.
Life never goes that easily. The ton gossips, more manipulations from her father, and a rogue who is much too handsome has Cecilia's plans changing... Could this couple ever have a real marriage? Humorous with unique secondary characters, like Baxter. Exciting new series about the four Knight brothers and their sister.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
April 2, 2023
Clean Regency Romance
A sweet story of a rake's redemption and owning up to his responsibilities - a familiar figure from many a historical romance. However our heroine Cecilia is quite a departure from the usual other than being beautiful. Her father's from trade and even though her mother is a daughter of a peer and she has been schooled with the daughters of the ton, Cecilia feels the rejection and slights of being a cit. Her determination to make something of her life using her inherited wealth and her innate compassion for those struggling with poverty make her an ideal companion for Lord Edmund, the vicar but she's married off to the recovering from a duel Knight brother, Heath instead. The journey from a marriage of convenience to much more is accompanied by some mice, a dog, some doves, the Romany, harvesting oats and many horse/curricle rides. It's nice to meet the rest of the Knight clan again.
A sweet story of a rake's redemption and owning up to his responsibilities - a familiar figure from many a historical romance. However our heroine Cecilia is quite a departure from the usual other than being beautiful. Her father's from trade and even though her mother is a daughter of a peer and she has been schooled with the daughters of the ton, Cecilia feels the rejection and slights of being a cit. Her determination to make something of her life using her inherited wealth and her innate compassion for those struggling with poverty make her an ideal companion for Lord Edmund, the vicar but she's married off to the recovering from a duel Knight brother, Heath instead. The journey from a marriage of convenience to much more is accompanied by some mice, a dog, some doves, the Romany, harvesting oats and many horse/curricle rides. It's nice to meet the rest of the Knight clan again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews