The Last Knight

by Candice Proctor

Rich in the emotional depth and historical detail for which Candice Proctor (aka C. S. Harris) is renowned, The Last Knight is a haunting tale of sacrifice, passion, and redemption played out against the last days of Henry II. Brittany, 1189: Nothing is more important to Attica d’Alérion than honor and her duty to her family. For the sake of her house she has agreed to a dynastic marriage with the sulky 13-year-old heir to a powerful nobleman, and when she learns of a treacherous plot against the King that could threaten the life of her beloved brother, Stephen, she risks everything in a desperate ride to warn him. The dangers of the road force Attica to join forces with Damion de Jarnac, a black knight with the burning ambitions of a disgraced younger son—and a deadly secret of his own. Surrounded by shifting alliances and betrayals, the two are increasingly forced to rely on only each other. And as the world around them crumbles into war, they find it more and more difficult to resist the hopeless passion that flares between them. But they cannot escape the day when conflicting loyalties and the tragedies of their time will force each to make an impossible choice between love and honor. “ . . . rings with clinks of armor, political intrigues, galloping horses and near-death escapes . . . Proctor, a consummate storyteller, adeptly captures the splendor, romance, and brutality of medieval Europe.”—Publishers Weekly “[a] superb tale of passion and redemption as one man’s quest for glory becomes an unexpected crusade to save his soul . . .” –from the original Random House edition From Publishers The year is 1189, and amid the swirling intrigues against ailing King Henry Plantagenet appear two spirited young people, each intent on a personal mission. Damion de Jarnac is a fearless rogue knight bound to his code of honor and by loyalty to his king. Attica d'Alerion, betrothed to a 13-year-old boy to cement a political alliance, honors family loyalty. Thus, when she learns a plot against the king may endanger her beloved brother, Stephen, she dons the disguise of a young boy and rides to warn him. Damion rescues Attica from a brigand ambush and agrees to escort her to her destination when he hears of the plot against Henry. He quickly realizes he is escorting a fearless young lady instead of a lordling, and a tumultuous romance develops between these strong-willed individuals. The book rings with clinks of armor, political intrigues, galloping chases and near-death escapes. As plot and tension escalate, Damion unhappily comes to see that Attica's brother is a traitor to the king, and he fears the decision he must make will forever banish Attica from his life. Proctor, a consummate storyteller, adeptly captures the splendor, romance and brutality of medieval Europe. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Medieval, Historical, Fiction, Medieval Romance, Historical Fiction

404 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Candice Proctor, aka C.S. Harris and C.S. Graham, is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than a dozen novels including the Sebastian St. Cyr Regency mystery series written under the name C.S. Harris, the new C.S. Graham thriller series co-written with Steven Harris, and seven historical romances. She is also the author of a nonfiction historical study of the French Revolution. Her books are available worldwide and have been translated into over twenty different languages.

Reviews

[Bgurl (don't h8 me cuz I'm honestful) · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOP 5 REASONS TO READ The Last Knight.



#5: DAMION DE JARNAC:



“His ruthlessness in battle was matched only by his brilliance and cunning, so he became known as Deathlightning. Some said the name inspired his device – a black shield emblazoned with a bolt of fiery lightning. Others said he adopted the shield before, in memory of the storm that ripped open the skies the night he killed his brother.” ~ Attica d'Alérion

Translation: DAMION IS HAWT!

#4: DAMION DE JARNAC:



“The rays of the dying sun cast a strange, fiery-red light across the knight's fierce, strong features, making him look like a demon, sprung from the fires of hell. She felt the urge to make the sign of the cross, though she didn't dare move a finger.” ~ Attica d'Alérion

Translation: DAMION IS HAWT!

#3: DAMION DE JARNAC:



“His breath shuddered in his chest, hurting him. He shook with want and denial. ‘I love you, Attica. I love your spirit, strength, and sense of honor. I love you in every way known to man. I love you too much to destroy your life by making love to you now.’
‘Then I would destroy it,’ she replied.
‘Don't you see?’ He worked hard to get the words out. ‘I love you too much to let you.’ Then, one step at a time, he backed away, until she was lost in the shadows of the night.” ~ Damion & Attica

Translation: DAMION IS HAWT!

#2: DAMION DE JARNAC:



“He'd known this about love. That it could run so strong and deep that, when combined with the heat of desire, it became dangerously overwhelming. He'd known this, yet thought he could resist. Now he was humbled. He wanted to look at her forever. He wanted to look at his children and see her features, her essence, mingled with his for all time. The thought of life without her was more than he could bear. He had known this about love, but he hadn't understood. Hadn't understood at all.” ~ Damion

Translation: DAMION IS HAWT!

#1. DAMION DE JARNAC:



“Geese mate for life. If they lose their mate, they live the rest of their lives alone.” He laced his fingers with hers and drew her around until she looked up at his face. “You are my mate for life, Attica. No matter what happens, I'll never love another.” ~ Damion

Translation: DAMION IS… WHATEVER! HE'LL HAVE YOU AT “TRAGIC”!



If you love TRAGIC, DANGEROUS, HONORABLE, ROMANTIC, LOYAL heroes (with great asses… probably) who ache, pine, yearn, and hunger for the only woman they’ll ever love; read Candice Proctor’s The Last Knight. You’ll love it.

The Last Knight by Candice Proctor: 5 “Damion is Hawt” Stars.

BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO PASS ON THIS BOOK BECAUSE OF THE "OW" REFERENCES: I'm posting ALL of the quotes where the OW is mentioned in my comments section below. This should give you a more accurate idea about whether or not this story is for you. Happy reading (or non-reading, if that's what makes you happy ;D)

For information about my rating system, see my profile page.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

The book started out great but the second half was lacking. Even so, this was a fun adventure story. It reminded me of Kathryn Le Veque books.

The story starts out with Attica taking care of a sick courtier. Before he dies he tells Attica that the French King and Richard Lionhart are planing a trap for King Henry ii during their peacetalks. She doesn't trust her fiancee 's family (smart move), so she sets out with only her groom so she can warn the King and save her brother. She cuts and dyes her hair and dresses in the courtier's clothes. Unfortunately, she is soon attack by bandits. A disillusioned Sir Damion de Jarnac rescues her. Together, he agrees to take the little "lordling" to her uncle. From the beginning, these two have great chemistry. Though, it does take Damion a little too long to realize his lordling is a girl. If I were her I might have felt a little offended it took him so long 😉

The author does a great job with the romance between the MC. I loved watching the romance develop. The history was also very accurate. I appreciate the MC being authentic to their own time and not having modern ideas. The villians were amusing. The problem for the MC was who to trust. This added some intrigue to the story.

problem: The adventure was less exciting in the second half of the book, which is the reason I took a star away. It wasn't bad just not as intriguing as the first half. It was still a good story though.

I would highly recommend this book! It was a fun book that is well written and well paced. An admirable adventure!

[Jultri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5. Well-written story set during a very politically volatile period in history where loyalties were constantly changing and kinship far from guaranteed alliance. Strong male and female leads who fell for one another perhaps a bit too fast over just a few intense days of acquaintance. Unfortunately, neither were free to give away their love. The noble-born Attica was already betrothed to young boy, weak of character but strong of connections, while Damion had pledged to serve the king with his sword and in which other manner the latter deemed fit. The middle section slowed down for me and there were a few inconsistencies in the plot especially towards the end. Still, it was an entertaining buddy read, made more pleasurable by the company, so thanks ladies.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A good read with likeable characters and an involving story. Although at times I got a little lost with who was who in the political machinations, overall I enjoyed the book. The suspense was maintained right to the very end as to how Damion and Attica could beat the odds and be together.

[Susani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully written love story. There is suspense, betrayal, mystery, forbidden love and the historical romance dilemma of duty vs love. I had a very hard time putting the book down, kept wanting to find out - what will happen next?! I loved the H. He was fabulous - honorable, tough, tender and so very hot! I had mixed feeling about the h - I loved her at times and not so much at other times. The book hit a couple triggers for me, so I ended up having a love/hate relashionship with the book.


Safety

H - Is experienced, but not a manwhore as far as we know.

h - virgin

ow/om drama - Not really. Drama was more over choice of do they choose duty and marry the ow/om that had already been chosen for them over their love. Did not like the h's hesitation of choosing towards the end.

Ow details - Too much for me on a past dead lover of the H's. We get to know her name, what she looked like, that the H thought her beautiful, that they didn't speak - not even while being intimate. He didn't love her, but when the H mentions her, it is with a tenderness I could do without. It was not a short term relationship and after she died, he kept her son with him. That info may not bother most, but for me, I did not like reading that. I prefer faceless, nameless ow, if mentioned at all. Just my personal preference.

Violence/bloody - Yes.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting read. If you’re on the lookout for the rare meticulously drawn medieval romance with a side of adventure and historical drama, look no further. The more I read of Candice Proctor’s historical romances, the longer I wish her backlist was.
This book was actually gearing up to be a 5 star read until about 45%, when personal drama took over the fast paced adventure dominating the first half of the book.
While I was just as engrossed in the romance, the pacing seemed a little off. The h and H went from diffidence to lust to all enduring love in the span of a few pages/hours, and even though forbidden romance angle was well done, its development all felt a bit rushed.
Finally, I was puzzled by the hero’s final chivalric turn after repeating that he was a law unto himself ad nauseam throughout the book. In the end, the heroine's brother turned out to be one of the men plotting against Henry II, but instead of letting him go as the h begged him to do, the hero insisted on killing him!...because, uh, honor and loyalty? to a king he'd been in service to for less than six months, versus the only family the love of your life has left? It felt like gratuitous violence and was then swept conveniently under the rug so the hero and heroine could have an HEA. It didn't work for me at all as an excuse to make the denouement more angsty.

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

A tedious tale where an irritatingly stupid heroine and a dimwitted hero somehow fumble their way to a happy ending.

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I must say, I loved Ms. Proctor's NIGHT IN EDEN. I am not a huge fan of medieval times and I was not expecting to love this romance. But I did like it.

Ms. Proctor is well-versed about this period of time. Women were considered as chattel. Many men valued their horses and dogs more. For most people this era was dirty. Secrets were common and trust was hard to give. Violence was the norm and THE LAST KNIGHT was not short on this.

It is 1189 and nineteen-year-old Lady Attica d'Alerion was betrothed to thirteen-year-old Fulk the Fat. Intending on completing her vows of marriage soon she learns of a secret and it affects her immediate family. Her only recourse is to disguise herself and try to locate her much-loved brother Stephen so she can let him fix the problem.

Damion de Jarnac is a black night. Assisted by his knave, Sergei, he works for King Henry in secret. He is on a mission of utmost importance and it will affect several countries. The two come upon a 'boy' who requests to travel with them to Lavel. Trust is not given freely and everyone has a story that they don't want to share.

Over a period of a few weeks Attica and Damion go from enemies to lovers. Neither takes their vows lightly. Sergei is the constant right thing in their lives. And up until the end our hero and heroine keep some secrets.

This is not a light or fluffy romance. Times are bad and evil lurkes in every corner. The journey for Attica and Damion is not an easy one and this romance reflects it. ANGELS ON CRUSADE by Samantha Winston is also a love story among darker times. And if you like young adult romances set during this era try THE RAGING QUIET by Sherryl Jordan.

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Splage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet romance with a lot of history, battles and vivid adventures. The hero is to die for! It was highly recommended to me, but I would say 3 and a halfer. They had a very deep, forever love, but not as passionate as I would have like it. The hero was so chivalrous and too good and moral - just take her, she wants it as much as you!!!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Purchased Kindle book
time period: 1189
Attica & Damion

3.5 stars

Normally this would be right up my alley...it was good, but I did not like it as much as other earlier Candice Proctor works. Still better than much of what is available.

Nice epilogue.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book set in medieval times, but my recent obsession with Showtime's "The Tudors" sort of fueled me to read this, along with my current infatuation with Candice Proctor. I have to say, I loved it and this book is in my top three CP novels! I thought the premise was exciting and the characters were wonderful.

Proctor does a spectacular job of creating a past and present world for her characters, while leaving the future unknown until the last possible moment. I love that they all have such richly layered and affected pasts which slowly unravel throughout the story to keep the reader interested. The conclusion to this book was satisfying, and I liked the choices Attica was presented with. I appreciated that it was her choice to do as she wished, despite the tragic circumstances she'd borne.

I was not sure how much I liked Attica to begin with, but I did like her in the end. She's not my favorite heroine, but she is strong and levelheaded and brave. Damion was deliciously dark and mysterious. I liked him more and more as the story went on, despite his flaws. I also thought the chemistry between the two was great. Attica was definitely an even match for Damion, and not overly vulnerable or frightened, and not a damsel in distress. I liked that most about her. I also liked the exciting chain of events while she and Damion are on the road. I liked the medieval setting, the tension while Attica was disguised, and the open faults and mistakes between the two.

I did not like the fact that Damion guessed her identity and revealed his suspicions so early on. I felt that Proctor could have played up that tension a little more, perhaps unraveling her true gender a bit differently. I thought the conspiracy between England and France was muddled in explanation and a little confusing at times, but I was able to finally figure it out towards the end.

Despite that, the book flowed nicely, a little slow in some spots, but a riveting read, as are her other books. I recommend this to anyone that is a fan of "The Tudors". It had several elements which reminded me of the show, even though the time periods are about 400-500 years apart.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Medieval-set anomaly within Candice Proctor's works, "The Last Knight" is marked by the same attention to history--and the same heat--as her other novels. Attica d'Alerion, a young woman very conscious of doing her duty to her Angevin family--discovers by chance what seems like a plot against Henry II. Desperate to reach the uncle and brother who could use this information, she flees the household of her betrothed (the memorably named Fulk the Fat). When trouble befalls her, she comes under the reluctant protection of Damian de Jarnac, a knight with a very bad reputation. It will take no brilliant deduction to realize that the two are meant for each other. Proctor imbues their relationship with a steady burn, powerfully writing about passion and longing. As the two fall in love, they battle many dangers, including daring escapes (one long extended chase does have just the littlest echo of "What's Up Doc?" about it). Ultimately, the thread running through this novel is the choice among honor, duty, and desire and whether it's possible to have all three. Proctor wastes some potentially fascinating secondary characters that she initially begins shading, then abandons, including Yvette, Viscomtesse de Salers, Attica's future mother-in-law, whose back story seems to fascinate the author briefly but whom she abruptly discards; or Attica's own mother, mentioned frequently but who never appears. Nevertheless, "The Last Knight" is an enjoyable example of Proctor's solid, brief career as a historical romance novelist before she turned to mysteries.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Reading medieval historical romances that are somewhat historically accurate, in this day and age of female emancipation and justice, can be a little difficult. Because the historical accuracy makes romance very hard to do. Women had very little agency over their lives back then. These nobel women were mere pawns in the persuit of men for power, land and titles, and were treated often very poorly.

So it’s a little hard to read when the heroine has absolutely no choice in the man she wants for her future. Romance dies very quickly when you have to read about a woman’s duty aka sex and bearing children.

That being said this was well done. Finding a good medieval romance is hard and I was surprised by the depth of the story. It wasn’t just the romance. This was a very well put together story with a lot of historically accurate details. I will definitely remember this one and read it again someday.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candice Proctor is very good at writing conflicts that are difficult, not some mere miscommunication. The stakes are high and require the MCs to love each other so much that they choose to overcome the conflict. I really like this about her stories. My main gripe with this story is the heroine’s behaviour towards the end. You may have heard of too stupid to live but have you heard of too loyal to live?? Anyway she got her head out of whatever notion about loyalty she had and walla, we have the HEA, praised be. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story with lush settings and a damn admirable hero. Loved the hero.

[Marsha]

I absolutely love this book. The lead character Damien is a hero: sensible, sensitive, and filled with an intelligence I wish more people developed today. A true knight, he is amusing and hard when circumstances require it. His lady Attica is no less wondrous. The descriptions of scenery and sound, tastes and odors transported me to the numerous locations. I did not want the book to end.

[Sunni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! This is the first I have read by this author, but plan on reading many others. The story takes a romantic turn that I certainly didn't expect, but was quite pleased with. The story is full of intrigue, mystery, romance, heart break, and devotion. It is a very good read.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully written well thought out medieval love story.
It wasn’t silly or over dramatic. It was thoughtful and sweet with twists and turns that kept you reading. A lot of backstory so I skimmed but I still wanted to read on and find out what happened.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all, but I did finish it. Barely

[John Milliner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my sort of book, but interesting.

[Huda Fiaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I lost interest at the middle part of the book.
The language in the book was sometimes hard to bear especially the words like " woman's and man's eyes and bodies". I mean wth is this.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK--really sluggish at first, but picked up.

Attica d'Alerion is 19 and betrothed to Fulk the Fat. A messenger arrives at her new home and falls ill. While tending him, Attica learns of a plot to overthrow King Henry II, who her brother serves. Not trusting her future in-laws, Attica decides to disguise herself as a boy and go warn her brother. On the road she meets Damion de Jarnac, a rougish knight with whom she falls in love, of course. Damion is working for Henry, trying to root out the traitors. Attica was right not to trust her in-laws, as they are among those against Henry, but so is Attica's brother. Damion is put in a bad situation at that point, and he must choose love or king. He chooses king, but all worls out in the end. Attica is allowed to break her betrothal and marry for love.

[Megan Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice girl pretending to be a boy story, but a little tedious. This saddly is due to history and the classic family issues of King Henry of England and his sons Richard & John. (See a Lion in Winter & you'll understand, or Robin Hood is the same issues a few years later, they all wanted to be king and couldn't wait there turn!)

[terezickka (Knižné Maniačky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nie zlý historický román. Vtipný, akčný a s hlavnou hrdinkou, ktorá mala odvahu a veľa riskovala. Tak trochu pripomínala miestami chlapca. Ku koncu mi síce niektoré jej rozhodnutia vadili. A čo sa týka rytiera? Jarnac je neskutočne skvelý chlap. Skrýva kopu tajomstiev, naozaj zaujímavých. Jediné, čo mi na knižke mierne vadilo, bol rozsiahly a nepotrebný opis pri niektorých častiach deja.

[Lena Donan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ako poznamenala sestra po prečítaní "mám pocit, že to všetko som čítala už kdesi"... pravda pravdúca. Tým sa kniha pre mňa stáva čistým priemerom, aj keď uznávam, že dobre napísaným. Ale ničím výnimočným. Takých je a takých ešte bude.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vec sa má takto: ak hľadáte niečo oddychové, nad čím nemusíte premýšľať, chcete romantiku začínajúcu urodzenou dievčinou prezlečenou za muža a ozajstným rytierom a končiacu happy endom (a navyše ste už prečítali všetko ostatné vo vašej knižnici), odporúčam.

[Mary23nm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread The Last Knight 7 years after the first time and surprisingly, for me, my 5 stars held up.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical detail, engaging characters. I will seek out all her books.

[Serena]

02.2016 BotM for Western and Medieval Romance Lovers.

[FeelNotFight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story. Love it from the beginning to the end, awesome job! I need more xD