Knight and Day

Gentlemen of Knights #3

by Elizabeth Johns

A Vicar...A Soiled Dove...An Unlikely Romance!

Lord Edmund Knight has dedicated his life to rescuing unfortunates and prostitutes which he refers to as his doves. One of his rescues comes with more baggage than he bargained for, and he is forced to hide her at his brother’s estate in far away Devonshire.

Lady Isabella Hartmere was ruthlessly placed up for auction by her father to settle gaming debts, but is miraculously rescued by a vicar in the nick of time. As her father becomes desperate to find her, the situation becomes more dangerous by the minute.

Both are drawn into the web of an old blood feud, but will keeping Isabella safe lead to an unlikely romance?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical, Audiobook, Regency Romance

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2020

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Jultri · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5. Vicar rescues daughter of a duke from being auctioned off to highest bidder by her father at a brothel. She goes into hiding, working as a nursemaid for the vicar's brother, another duke. Her father and other unsavoury people try to hunt her down and the vicar comes to the rescue once more offering a marriage of convenience.

Average writing. Stilted dialogue. Plot holes galore. Why did it take Edmund no time to work out Isabella's identity but no one else had the same power of deduction? What kind of duke would risk scandal and indignity selling his daughter at a public auction in a brothel, instead of organising a profitable match with a cut willing to pay handsomely for an aristocratic wife? Why did her brother and Edmund ponder over whether her father was wicked enough to hand her over Wethersby, when the father already showed his perfidy by selling the scantily clad Isabella at the auction. I could go on and on tearing the flimsily constructed plot apart. There were very little actual interactions between them, because most of the plot involved hiding her and hiding Edmund's other soiled doves and yet somehow love spurted from almost nowhere without much prelude.

ARC from NetGalley.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Such dangerous waters flow around the Knight family, they are so handsome but dangerous to know it seems.
At least they live up to their name, with honour and a passion for what they believe in, namely doing good for others.
The only thing they are missing is a white horse, which I’m sure they could find given time.

Edmund is the gentlest of the males in the family, his living is his life.
His faith and trust he puts in God and his family.
When Isabella needs help he’s there and he won’t stop until she’s safe.

Loved the book and the chemistry between these two characters, it’s mesmerising to read and very satisfying to see the results.
Can’t wait to have more from the Knights ,
And hopefully from Alex, Isabella’s brother.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

“Knight and Day” is a thrilling, action-packed ride through the regency lifestyle of the ‘bon ton’.

Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Morgan Many Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars of sugar-sweet, vicar & chaperone approved lovinnnn’!

Despite the dark context of saving women and children from forced prositution, a scary Bow Street Runner, and a middle-aged nobleman trying to buy a young woman at an auction... I found the mystery and external threat fun and a little different. In contrast to Book 2 (Black Knight), but more like to Book 1 (Duke of Knight, but without all THAT weird love story), the romance didn't feel like the dominant narrative. To be honest though, this was fine--but something readers/listeners should be ready for when they start.

The romance was sweet and a slow, slow burn. They are essentially interested and wanting to marry from the very start but circumstances keep them apart until the very end. Edmund is very stayed and careful, Isabella is sweet-tempered and unsure... which meant their blossoming love is very, VERY chaste. I have no issues with this (though steamy kissing at the very least is always appreciated), but there is virtually no tension as a result so just be mentally prepared for this as well. In other words, this is squeaky clean historical romance. Squeaky, G-rated, cleanliness. But it's well written, and there are some nice period details that build the world. Other, even minor, characters were vibrant and entertaining.

I was rather annoyed with the duel scene, but I was most annoyed with the fact that the last scenes are Edmund and Isabella taking a yacht to Spain as a ‘wedding trip’ but really are delivering information to the hero of the next book... Felix Knight. This is, I believe, Regency and the Peninsular War is rife in Europe (mention of the Battle of Badajoz previously in connection to Felix suggests we are in 1813ish?)... I get there was still travel but to Spain? There would be open ports and what not, but Spain wasn’t exactly thriving after 12 years of war. I found it illogical that Isabella would have gone on this mission. So those two things were silly.

I really enjoyed Alex Wyndham's vocal choices for the Edmunda and Isabella, as they matched the personalities very well. Ancillary characters like Eugenia's hoyden-ness and Heath's reformed rake-ness are nicely brought to life again, as in previous installments.

These aren't earth shattering stories, but are a fun way to pass a few hours and worth reading/listening to (for Wyndham's unparalleled talent as a narrator in particular). I will 100% continue with the series, even if it isn't the emotionally turbulent, steamy, angsty, densely historical HR I prefer.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Lord Edmund Knight is a vicar & has dedicated his life to rescuing unfortunates and prostitutes which he refers to as his doves. His brother Heath comes to him saying there is a be an auction & a lady is being auctioned. He rescues her & is forced to hide her at his brother’s estate in far away Devonshire as nursemaid to Rowley’s son. Lady Isabella Hartmere was ruthlessly placed up for auction by her father to settle gaming debts, but is miraculously rescued by a vicar in the nick of time. Now eighteen months later Isabella is nearing her twenty first birthday & her father is becoming desperate to find her, the situation becomes more dangerous by the minute.
This is the third book in the series & it could be read on its own but as ever with a series I have to start at the beginning. Edmund has been my favourite sibling & his story didn't disappoint. He has a heart of gold. Isabella is making the best of life after nearly being sold. The pair are attracted to each other from their first meeting but skate around it until they finally realise that they’ve loved each other for quite a while. Their troubles don't en there & the road to their HEA is littered with obstacles, including an assault, a duel, also secrets are revealed. I found it to be a vert well written book which I read in two sittings & was engrossed from cover to cover however not all questions are answered, so roll on book number four
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knight and Day
Gentlemen of Knights Book 3
Elizabeth Johns
https://www.facebook.com/Elizabethjoh...
Release date 09117/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

A Vicar...A Soiled Dove...An Unlikely Romance!

Book 3 in the Bestselling Gentlemen of Knights is now available! Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Lord Edmund Knight has dedicated his life to rescuing unfortunates and prostitutes which he refers to as his doves. One of his rescues comes with more baggage than he bargained for, and he is forced to hide her at his brother’s estate in far away Devonshire.

Lady Isabella Hartmere was ruthlessly placed up for auction by her father to settle gaming debts, but is miraculously rescued by a vicar in the nick of time. As her father becomes desperate to find her, the situation becomes more dangerous by the minute.

Both are drawn into the web of an old blood feud, but will keeping Isabella safe lead to an unlikely romance?

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will her rescuer become her future ...

Dragonblade Publishing is like an Ali Baba cave, in each corner a new author to discover, over the last few months, I have discovered many amazing writers.
Mrs Johns is one of them.
After his profligate of a brother’s story, it is the vicar of the family’s turn.
Edmund does more than delivering sermons every few church services, he rescues mislead persons like the soiled doves he saves from abuses. So he didn’t expect much more than the ordinary when he is called on another rescue mission, except this new lost soul is a lady sold by her own father to spite his enemy.
And what a lady she is, kind and well mannered. Raised to be a woman of good breeding, if she can come unscathed from the scandal brewing in the shadow.
Edmund acts as he always do, he finds a safe place for his new protégée but when he sees her again, he feels attracted to her in a different way, not only by her plight but also her gentleness.
Isabella was raised to be a lady and as a duke’s daughter, she is the epitome of property. Until her father turns against her and uses her as a pawn to extract his revenge from his long time nemesis.
For a properly raised lady, she faces her many predicaments quite well (well, except the sight of blood it seems!). She is no badass nor Wonder Woman but she stands for herself, she makes mistakes, she cries, and fears the unknown but when tested she does what is necessary.
Outside her family’s struggles, her dilemma is what to do when she is falling for her rescuer while she faces a scandal in the making. She wants more from him but fears he will only react kindly as the man of church he is and not the man with a heart she longs for.

Their journey is a long courtship where they get to know one another, slowly learning how perfect they might be for the other.
I loved how supportive his family and her brother are. Thus my interest for the next sibling’s story, I do hope her brother will have his too.
4 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[MichelleH H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gentleman of Knights series is my first by Elizabeth Johns. Her titles kept popping up in my radar, due I'm sure to other authors and titles of the same genre. I'm glad I gave these a try. The stories and characters suck me into that world easily from the first few paragraphs and I like the writing. I read books #1 & #2 and with the character of the gentle vicar brother popping in and out I wanted to read his book for a certainty. The main characters in Knight and Day are very easy to empathize with and to want a HEA for. Our hero, the vicar Edward Knight is a rescuer of girls taken to brothels against their will and even the odd child who needs to escape brutality. The latest girl rescued is Isabella, daughter of a Duke who in deep debt is selling his daughter to the highest bidder in the most despicable setting imagined. Edward is tipped off by his older brother. He is a large part of book #1 but his story is book#2, (he has quite a few people in that world T'd off at him.) Isabella is taken to the Knight country seat to work for there and becomes very happy there taking care of the baby son heir. Here in Johns' series the story includes a lot of page time with the Duke and Duchess from Book #1, which is, for me, always a favorite part of well written series.

In this, book #3, the plot may not be perfectly 5* believable but most definitely fun to tag along for the ride. Enough historical references to keep me rooted in the Regency. And the ending was completely unexpected. Then the very very end was quite a surprise too. 4.5* rounded up to 5*. I'll be wanting to read book #4. I will also want to read more of Elizabeth Johns in the future.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a vicar, Lord Edmund Knight has no real marriage prospects and, therefore, concentrates his efforts on his congregation in the poorer part of the city and finding ways to rescue unwilling ladies pushed into prostitution. When he gets an urgent call to rescue a lady from the auction block, he is horrified at his own reaction to her, especially given his profession. Lady Isabella's situation is worse than he could have imagined and he does his utmost to keep her safe, pulling in the rest of his family to do so. As the facts of the matter start to emerge, Edmund finds he is dealing with an old feud, a debt that has to be settled, and a lady who is the bargaining chip. From the opening pages, this novel is fast-paced and suspenseful as trouble escalates and Edmund discovers that there is more than one enemy who is determined to harm them. The book is well written with interesting characters. One cannot help but fall in love with Edmund in his efforts to solves the ills of a society where women had no rights. Isabella has strength of character and determination, but she is confused as to why her father would willingly auction her off. Fearing for her life and the outcome if she is found, she takes on the role of a servant. A gentle romance develops between Edmund and Isabella until they reach the point where they can no longer deny their feelings. However, after all that Isabella has been through, Edmund is reluctant to take away her choices. I enjoyed this novel, which is a standalone, and comes to a good conclusion, although not everyone can be happy. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Nan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. The first two were decent and I looked forward to learning more about the brother I liked best. But this was a fall in love/lust without a single conversations. Turns out that even a clergyman with a sense of purpose and integrity is primarily interested in a pretty face. Which pretty face makes a lot of DUMB decisions. This book lurched from one ridiculous scrape to another. Kidnapping. Attempted murder. Escapes. Arrests. And a really weird reveal.

[Anne Farrington · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot and characters for this installment of the Gentlemen of Knights series were dismal. We had met Edmund in the previous books - he is the pious vicar who repeatedly tries to save various prostitutes and children from London's seediest side. In this story, four of the "doves" that he had rescued and moved to his brother's estate are captured and beat up. He finds them and rescues them again from their captor "Old Ben". His other brother, Heath, alerts him to an auction that is taking place where the Duke of Frotham is selling his daughter to the highest bidder - who turns out to be the Earl of Weathersby. Frotham and Weathersby have a long standing feud and Frotham has a huge debt he owes to Weathersby. Edmund naturally is able to rescue Isabella and hides her at his brother's estate as nursemaid. If you buy off on the story so far - it becomes more unbelievable as it continues. Isabella is going to be given to Weathersby if her father can't pay the debt by her 21st birthday, and so now - after 18 months - both men start to look for her (like no one noticed she was gone for a year and a half)? They have a bow street runner investigating and he suspects the Knight brothers but hasn't been able to prove it. Isabella gets spooked (numerous times) and keeps running away and making the situation worse. Edmund is being chased - not only by the bow street runner looking for Isabella - but also by Old Ben who is looking for revenge. Then one day Edmund and Isabella realize they are deeply in love, but both fear the other doesn't want them due to all the difficulties (which increase when Bella finds out she's really illegitimate.) Bottom line - I kept hoping it would get better - but not really sure why I spent the time finishing it. While it has a happy ending (no surprise) the story was just so convoluted it was not a good read at all.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knight and Day by Elizabeth Johns features Sir Edmund Knight, who against the desire of his brother, the Duke of Knighton, has taken up a poor parish in Shoreditch, which is full of whores, thieves, and cutthroats. His mission in life is to save woman who do not want to be whores, for whatever reason. He steals them away and finds them a better life. This night, his brother Heath ass summoned him to an auction of young women, Isabella. He arrives just as the last woman is on the block. A beautiful creature, scantily clad, who goes for an enormous sum. Edmund hurries to the back door, ostensibly to claim his prize, and makes off with her, taking her deep into the country, to the home of his brother, the duke. He thinks she can work in the kitchen well away from prying eyes. On their journey he discovers she has not skills, she is a lady, auctioned against her will. Well he trusts his brother to sort it out.

This is a terrific story, one in which they discover, almost too late, that Isabella is not the only one being chased. It nearly proves fatal until they mystery is solved. Edmund's enemy is clever and thoroughly a reprobate. He does some things that are disgusting, but so clever. The characters are interesting and compelling, some even humorous, take the lad, Johnnie, for instance is who cheeky and sometimes irreverent. The lovers go though their share of tragedy but all's well that ends well. It is an endearing novel, with entertaining characters and situations. A small masterpiece. I recommend it.

I was invited to read Knight and Day by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #knightandday

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Knight brothers can elicit sighs and swoons .... even the vicar!

Vicar Edmund Knight firmly believes that his actions rescuing exploited women and boys from London streets speaks of his faith louder than his words from the pulpit. But one rescue becomes complicated because the soiled dove is the beautiful daughter of a peer. Furthermore, she stirs in Edmund a desire he has heretofore controlled by dedication to his ministry.

Lady Isabella Hartmere maintains that her ruined status makes her unworthy of the vicar whom she trusts to keep her safe and she secretly loves. She lives a hidden existence of secret identity in the vicar's brother's country household since Edmund saved her from her father's attempt to sell her for settlement of a gaming debt. Now after eighteen months professionals hired by her father make her safety precarious.

This plot moves quickly with action, surprises and twists. What's not to like about family secrets, peer feuds, duels and regency era organized crime?

Edmund embodies one of my favorite hero types: a younger upper society son who uses his resources and family influence to benefit the marginalized and exploited. Isabella sets a fine example of courage despite fear and loving compassion even for those who treat her ill. The Knight family dynamics and support can be envied greatly by those who do not come together so well in crises.

I recommend this book to those who prefer love, respect and devotion rather than hot steamy amorous encounters in historical romance full of action and intrigue. My favorite of the series thus far!

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
A Vicar...A Soiled Dove...An Unlikely Romance!

Lord Edmund Knight has dedicated his life to rescuing unfortunates and prostitutes which he refers to as his doves. One of his rescues comes with more baggage than he bargained for, and he is forced to hide her at his brother’s estate in far away Devonshire.

Lady Isabella Hartmere was ruthlessly placed up for auction by her father to settle gaming debts, but is miraculously rescued by a vicar in the nick of time. As her father becomes desperate to find her, the situation becomes more dangerous by the minute.

Both are drawn into the web of an old blood feud, but will keeping Isabella safe lead to an unlikely romance?

MY TAKE
I looked forward to this one. Edmund is such a good man, dedicating his life's work to rescuing women and children who have been victimized. Poor Isabella! What a mess. And what a vile man her father was. In some ways, it has the feel of the movie Taken except her father is the man who set her up! Yikes!

There's plenty of action that keeps the story moving, and it's lovely to get to see both of the older Knight brothers and their spouses again and even meet the youngest son.

4 1/2 stars

My only criticism is that the love between Edmund and Isabella happens too quickly. It didn't have the same emotional power as the relationships in the first two books. Maybe because there was so much action.

[Alicia Rivoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
All of my reviews are based on my personal opinion. Other readers may see the story and characters differently than I do.

THE GOOD
It was a sweet romance full of sacrifice and unselfish acts. Edmund was my favorite character in this story and his attempts to save those being forced into prostitution or other horrible situations was commendable.

THE NOT AS GOOD (not bad, just not to my taste)

Although this book had the potential to be a page turner, I found myself annoyed with Isabella. She made bad decision after bad decision because she was bored or some other strange reason. Her life was in danger and all she needed to do was stay out of sight and everything would have been fine, but she continually had to leave where she was. This ended up causing a lot of harm to other people and herself.

There were also quite a few editing mistakes and maybe a few historical inaccuracies, but it’s fictional, so it may have been the authors intention.

All in all, I still liked the book and would recommend it to others.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Edmund Knight has been rescuing the unfortunate women being preyed upon in London. Sometimes that can put him in the sights of some very dangerous people. His work as a vicar in a poor Parish helps those that need help to find him.  

Lady Isabella Hartmere has been in hiding for well over a year.  Now there is extra danger of someone finding her. She just might have to give up the wonderful work she is doing and go on the run again.  

Our heroine is a typical woman of her time,  under the control of her father who apparently is not the loving parent she thought. 

A very exciting story with wonderful characters that face terrible danger all through.  It will keep you well entertained from start to finish.  This is part of a series of stand alone books.  I can't wait until the next one. 

I loved it. 

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like everything Elizabeth writes, this is such an addictive book and series. I knew from book one that Edmund would have a complex story. I could not put the book down, yet now I am sad that I finished it.
The characters are all very compelling. Edmund and Isabella are brave, generous, considerate, and even a bit stubborn. The story took me through a myriad of emotions. The plot was perfect. The story held my attention throughout and moved at a good pace.
Now I am ready to dive into Felix's story because I think his book will be quite interesting. Of course, I also look forward to Eugenia's book and hope that Isabella's brother, Alex, gets a book.
I highly recommend this book, this series, and all other books written by Elizabeth Johns. Her Loring-Abbott series is a must read.
I was provided this ARC by Dragonblade Publishing. That in no way reflected my review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Edmund Knight has been rescuing unfortunate woman, it’s become his life calling as the Vicar. One night his brother sends a message of a high born lady being auctioned off to the highest bidder. The Duke of Frompton uses his daughter, Lady Isabella Hartmere to pay off his gambling debts by ruthlessly placed up for auction or he must turn her over to the wastrel Lord Wethersby by her twenty-first birthday. For her protection Edmund kidnaps her and hides her from society until she reaches her majority with his brother the Duke of Knight. Isabella is placed in the middle of a web of deceit and lies in the long standing feud between Frompton and Wethersby and only one person can save her. Edmund starts rethinking his thought on marriage as the attraction and love grow between as he attempts to save her from her father. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicar Edmund Knight could have any future or living he wanted carrying the Knight name. Much to his brother’s consternation, he desires to rescue, save, and reposition soiled doves. Lady Isabella sold to pay off her father’s gambling debts but is rescued in the nick of time and rushed away to Edmund’s hiding spot until she reaches her twenty first birthday. As her birthday draws near, so does her father’s search for her. Edmund and Isabella have a lot of time get to know one another and develop their feelings through a friendship first. There are many obstacles and hindrances, but true love does conquer all. While this is the third in the Knight brother series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I do look forward to the fourth installment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 STARS

I really felt a connection to the h/H. The h has certainly been put to the test. She is being sold by her father to the highest bidder to take her virginity. The H saves her and then more drama unfolds.

The H is a very kind hearted vicar who saves "doves" from going into a profession not of their choosing. Our h needs to be hidden by at least 3 groups and at times isn't successful. I lowered my rating, because the h is aware so many are after her, but she slips out to a park that is across the street from her parents. Another poor decision involving the h and the H's sister.

This is a clean story with only a few kisses. The H/h each felt they were not good enough for the other. There is suspense, drama and an interesting story line.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and clean. I hope the h's brother and the H's sister get together. (ljb)

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knight and Day by Elizabeth Johns
Gentlemen of Knights Series Book Three
Lord Edmund Knight is a third son and a vicar. His passion, besides serving the Lord, is saving the doves. The young women who are forced into the sex trade unwillingly. When his brother Heath sends him a message of a lady needing saving...it changes Edmund's life.

Lady Isabella Hartmere cannot believe what's happened in her life. Cannot believe how much her father must hate her to do what he's done to her. But, through all the bad things, there have been positives. She feels more comfortable and loved as a servant than she ever has as a duke's daughter.

Love this series. The Knights are a family of four brothers and a feisty daughter. I'm looking forward to the last two books in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[PumpkinPi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. While I appreciated being able to continue the adventures of the Knight family, this installment was not my favorite. Isabella has a chronic inability to just *stay put* when she is adequately hidden, running off and putting herself and others at risk in misguided attempts to keep others safe. The storyline as a whole was stressful, which I kind of knew Edmund's would be given his philanthropic endeavors, but the degree and incidence of violence was substantially increased from the previous two books, and it wasn't to my taste.

Hoping to see more of Alexander in the future.

Mostly clean, with some chaste kisses; I just need to learn to skip the epilogues, apparently, because this was not the first one where the MCs have spent a great deal of the epilogue "appreciating their married state". Nothing explicit.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the truth behind the danger faced by Isabella and Edmund?

Edmund Knight spends his time (when not devoting his energies to his Spitalfields church) rescuing women and young boys and girls from prostitution.

When he gets a message that a “lady” is to be auctioned at a notorious brothel he joins Heath (his brother) in rescuing her.

Isabella is then installed at Rowley’s home as nursemaid to the new baby until she reaches her 21st birthday and she gains some financial independence.

There are others after Edmund as they are opposed to his rescuing the women and children as they are more interested in the money they could gain from them.

I liked the way the two main characters developed over the story.

In the epilogue we get a hint of which of the siblings may be the centre of the next story.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lord Edmund Knight is a vicar that has dedicated his life to rescuing women sold into prostitution. One night, he receives word that a lady is being auctioned. Lady Isabella Hartmere is rescued and hidden by Edmund at his brother's estate. Eighteen months later, Lady Isabella is still being pursued and Edmund and others work to keep her safe until she comes of age.

The blurb sounded promising, but I didn't like this story at all. I would not call it a romance...there were two, maybe three, chaste kisses and that's it. The whole story was focused on hiding Bella and a feud and debt between her father and another lord who was in love with her mother. In my opinion, there were only tiny glimpses of development of a relationship between Edmund and Bella.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Knight can come in many forms... in armour ready to face any enemy, as a defender of the weaker, on a mighty stead showing strength or as a Vicar with the backing of the Knight family name. All are courageous but the hero in this story Lord Edmund is indeed a savior to Lady Isabella as she was being sold by her father for one night to the highest bidder! Oh yes, her disgusting father who lost money to the most degenerate of men!

Saved and brought to the Knight family outside of London, Isabella lives in disguise and hopes not to be found. But of course, her father becomes desperate to find her and as she and Edmond become closer, the stakes get larger.

Loved their story that took a slower pace but in the end the heart wants what the heart wants!

[Mary Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Clean story for those to whom it matters about a Vicar who is rescuing young girls from prostitution. This time he happens upon an aristocrat, who is being badly treated by her father due to his debt worries. A very complicated story. Isabella goes to work for Edmund's brother to keep her out of sight. Various calamities ensure that it takes a long time berfore we find out who the villains are and why they have acted as they do. The writing is good but I'd have liked a bit more passion to the building romance. It looks like there is a continuing mystery that arc over the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Anasthasia Brache · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this third book in the series about the Knight brothers. This story is about Edmund, the vicar. He has a mission is to help the downtrodden in the poor part of London where he lives and has his church. He has rescued multiple prostitutes that were forced into their profession. Now he is rescuing another one. He finds that she is not just some poor girl, but a true lady that has found herself in a horrible situation.

Lady Isabella is rescued from the brothel that she has been taken to and secreted away to the countryside where she enters into a domestic position at the home of Edmund’s brother.

Soon her safety is questioned as her presence and identity are suspected. Can Edmund keep her safe? Will an unlikely romance develop between them?

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life alone

While her parents spent the most of their lives with her older brothers in London, Isabella had been left in the country with her governess. She was lonely at times but grew up happy in the country house's lands and gardens. This left her quite unprepared for the plans for her that her father had put into place.
Edmund, a Duke's brother, had become a vicar, focusing much of his efforts on helping save young women who had been tricked into the prostitution trade.
When he and his brother and friends learn of a young woman in need of help, they jump into action to try and rescue her.
You won't want to miss this sweet, twisted tale that brings together two amazing people. I hope you'll take the time to read it and enjoy it as much as I.

[Dottie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was...ok...but at times I felt like this book wasn’t even written by Elizabeth Johns. I have loved past books, she is always an instant buy, and I look forward to new releases. This one seemed not up to her usual stellar story telling to the point it didn’t feel like I was reading one of her books. There were so many typos it was distracting. Isabella was not very like-able and had me rolling my eyes more times than not. I guess I expected more from Edmund’s story. I had to push through to even finish it, it was a chore at times. Elizabeth Johns said it best herself at the end of the book, it was “...more like a badly written penny gothic novel.” Took the words right out of my mouth.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edmund Knight has helped young women who did not want to be in bordellos but found themselves being forced into that life. He had brought Miss Thatcher to the Duke some time ago to help but to keep away from London as she was really a gentle lady. Here she is with the family and he is worried she will be discovered. Isabella is hiding from her father and the man he is trying to sell her to before her birthday.
Edmund and Isabella have many adventures trying to stay safe. They want to wed but there are many things to consider before that can happen. Then there are his "Doves" he is trying to keep safe. This was a great read.

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was bad. The plot was too farfetched. The heroine was tstl. Some parts were ahistorical imo. I listened to the audiobook while shopping because of the narrator's voice. I wanted something that didn't need my concentration.

I usually love action packed plots but this was just badly done. And the twist in the end almost made me mad.

Major spoiler ahead!!!

At about 85% we learn that the FMC was in no danger what so ever and the whole cat and mouse play to keep her from her real father, who was just trying to save her for God's sake, was for nothing. I hate big misunderstanding plotlines.