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Gentlemen of Knights #6

Dangerous Knight

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Sometimes the humorous one is deceptively dangerous...

Jack Owens purchased a commission in the army to escape his hateful grandmother and the dilapidated estate she refused to care for. He enjoyed serving as an officer and spy for the Duke of Wellington, and approached the adventures with humour.

Kate Rafferty had been sent to a girls’ school after the tragic death of her parents in a house fire whilst living in India. Once she finished school, instead of a London Season, she found her mother’s aunt to be her guardian and expected Kate to take care of her. The woman was a mean, old shrew who had run off almost all of her servants and had let her estate fall to ruin.

When at last the woman died, Kate sensed freedom and hurried to London to take charge of her inheritance. When Jack returns to London for the Prince Regent’s victory celebrations, he finds he has inherited a ward and his grandmother’s estate.

Neither wants to be saddled with the other, but the old lady means to manipulate them both from the grave… and they start to fall in love.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2021

286 people are currently reading
123 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
August 11, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Felix Knight takes a small cameo roll in this one, but it’s mostly about his fellow spies, and soldiers in arms who fight with him for Wellington.

These hero’s soon find that being sent back to Britain to be honoured doesn’t mean a rest and relaxation.
For some it means getting your life in order, meeting the woman to change your world, and that spying isn’t necessarily just for abroad. It happens at home too.

Excellent and thrilling adventure, great characters and entertaining storyline, loved every page.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,801 reviews309 followers
May 25, 2022
Another enjoyable story by Elizabeth Johns and great addition to this series. I had a little difficulty with this book in certain areas I felt like the story was just not progressing quickly enough. The MCs were nicely portrayed and I enjoyed the interactions between the H/h ❤️
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,079 reviews130 followers
August 14, 2021
This has to be my favorite of the series so far! Adventure, spies, a devious plot, wonderful characters, including all the handsome soldiers who have surrounded Wellington!

He was back in England with his fellow comrades to be honored at a grand celebration in London. That was when he found out his grandmother had died and left him guardian of a young lady and stipulations to inherit- the miserable woman!

She had endured being under the guardianship of the old harridan for several years and now all she wants is her inheritance and be free. So much for that!!

Simply loved this story and could not wait to see what would happen!
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,195 reviews123 followers
August 9, 2021
I enjoyed the flow of the story. I thought that the comrade and comfortable dialogue among the characters was easy to read. I say I would like to have read that the heroine was older than the age of twenty. Maybe twenty four or older would be great. Even better if the writer would give the readers a guesstimate age.The book seems almost relaxing for a reader. The entertainment was very enjoyable. The romance was rather interesting. The writer did great with creat a story that brought the readers a book with an abundance of entertainment.
Profile Image for InD'tale Magazine.
8,673 reviews336 followers
February 5, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0

A magical wand and a magnificent imagination are the only ways in which an author like Elizabeth Johns could create such an enticing romance, with beautifully poetic writing that sweeps readers directly into this Victorian love story full of yearning, dramatic plot twists, and enviable true love.

Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,547 reviews88 followers
August 14, 2021
Humour, suspense, and romance are always a good combination in a Regency romance, and I found all three in this novel. Orphaned Kate Rafferty is sent to live with her guardian after leaving school, and being strong-willed and competent, she finds a way in which to bring the dilapidated estate back to life, in spite of her aunt's ill-temper. Upon the death of the old lady, Kate thinks she is free and can claim her inheritance, but instead finds that her guardianship has been shifted to her aunt's grandson. Nevertheless, she makes the best of a bad situation and takes advantage of the chance to be in London. Sent home to receive the honors due to him, Jack Owens is known for his quick wit and smart mouth, but Wellington puts up with him as he always gets the job done. He is delighted to discover that his hateful grandmother has passed away, but appalled to find out that her guardianship of Kate has passed to him. Furthermore, there is a sting in the tail of her bequest to him, and Jake not only has to take responsibility for the girl but has to waste valuable time tracking her down. With a threat to the Crown, Jack's hands are full, but in Kate, he meets his match in every way. This novel is fast-paced and I found myself completely engrossed in the plot and the mystery to be uncovered. I loved both the main and the secondary characters and look forward to reading more about them. The romance comes to a happy conclusion with justice having been served. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Berly.
778 reviews28 followers
September 24, 2025
The 6th book in the series. A kisses only Regency Era romance.

This one could definitely be read without having read the others in the series. The other books feature siblings. I think a couple of them are mentioned in this one, but that's all.

The story was good, but I'm detecting that the author really likes to focus on different aspects of war. That's not my favorite story line. But the book was fine.
Profile Image for Pachy.
129 reviews
April 29, 2022
Absolutely loved it with my fav narrator
Profile Image for Petula.
3,085 reviews86 followers
August 7, 2021
On the heels of Wellington's great victory there will be a grand celebration in London.  A few of his best officers have been singled out for special honours and duties.  

Captain Jack Owens has no real interest of returning home,  his horrible grandmother has spoiled the place for him, but orders must be followed. 

There will be extra responsibilities waiting for him. 

Kate Rafferty has been the ward of a crotchety old lady for the last few years. With the old lady's death she hopes to start her independent life. She is an intelligent and capable young woman.  The news she recieved in London will cause her all sorts of problems. 

An action filled historical romance with fabulous characters and lots of intrigue.  There is a mystery to solve and dangerous people to catch.  

This book is part of a fabulous series but can easily be read on it's own.  

Good fun
Profile Image for Janet.
5,172 reviews65 followers
August 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
Jack Owens purchased a commission in the army to escape his hateful grandmother and the dilapidated estate Winterbourne she refused to care for. He enjoyed serving as an officer and spy for the Duke of Wellington. Kate Rafferty had been sent to a girls’ school after the tragic death of her parents in a house fire whilst living in India. Once she finished school, instead of a London Season, she found her mother’s aunt to be her guardian and expected Kate to take care of her. The woman was a mean, old shrew who had run off almost all of her servants and had let her estate fall to ruin, until Kate started to put the estate & house to rights. When at last the woman died, Kate sensed freedom and hurried to London to take charge of her inheritance. When Jack returns to London for the Prince Regent’s victory celebrations, he finds he has inherited a ward, his grandmother’s estate & he & his three fellow spies are tasked with solving a plot to disrupt the celebrations.
This is the sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own especially as the story evolves around the three other army officers who work with Felix Knight & all four are due to be knighted in the victory celebrations. I loved Jack who on the surface was full of humour & had a very witty tongue but could be focused & dangerous when needed. I also loved Kate who had a wise head on her shoulder for someone just short of her maturity. I loved how their relationship changed from immediate attraction when they didn't know who the other was, to horror at being attracted to their ward or guardian, to friends & finally to falling in love. There is also the mystery & intrigue surrounding an assassination plot & as bit by bit the truth is revealed not everything is as it seems. I also loved Philip, Maria & Gabriel so I hope their stories are to come. A very well written page turner, which I devoured in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
3,250 reviews33 followers
August 12, 2021
Dangerous Knight by Elizabeth Johns is number six in the Gentlemen of Knights series, which pretty much revolves around soldiers serving the Duke of Wellington in France. Captain Jack Owens is a spy, and a good one. Now he and three of his colleagues are to be knighted, at a special ceremony to be held in London and attended by Prinny, himself. When he arrives on the shores of his homeland, he receives mail that has been held up. He discovers his grandmother, the old harridan, has died, and it is time for him to come into his inheritance. Fine, he'll sell it all and return to France. Until he discovers that he cannot. He has inherited his grandmother's ward, she is now his ward, and cannot sell for five years unless he marries her, his ward. He can't even find her. No one seems to know where she is. Kate Rafferty spend five miserable years with the old woman, but in that time she cleaned up the estate and made it profitable again. Now she wants to collect her own money and live her own life. She does not want to be the ward of this stranger.

Kate is independent. She has been on her own since she was six years old. She doesn't want to wait a day, let alone six months (when she reaches her majority) to start living her life. But when she meets Jack Owen, things happen. Things she doesn't understand. Then she gets embroiled in this mess, whatever it is, and things go from bad to worse. Jack just wants to go back to his life. He doesn't want a ward, or a wife. She is different, though. She is interesting. Then, he kisses her and all is lost. They are a dynamic pair, there is no question. This is a terrific story culminating in an ending that no one expected. Different, compelling, frightening. It has it all. Things come jumping out of the past and cause nothing but trouble. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free E-ARC of Dangerous Knight by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dangerousknight
Profile Image for Farida  Yasser .
462 reviews18 followers
April 6, 2024
This book is a little bit tricky to rate. On one hand, I didn't hate it, there were many parts that were super fun to read and completely engaging. On the other hand, it left a lot to be desired.
The biggest problem was the romance, it was lukewarm and rather dull.
The couple barely managed to have a crush on each other, apart from the author making them spell their interest every few paragraphs, there was nothing to show for it. No sparks at all.
It was a shame because both characters were well written, they were textbook love interests so it was rather frustrating to see them have no chemistry.
Another issue was the mystery/investigation subplot. The MMC and his friend were supposed to be these bada** spies who were intelligent and super cunning, but in truth they were kind of helpless and rather slow to connect the dots. The FMC literally solved most of the mystery.
Their dialogues needed a lot of work too. They lacked character and depth, it was like:
- I have an idea
* Tell me what is your idea
- it's so and so
* Good idea, I agree with you
It felt so mechanical and at times childish.
The writing was easy to follow though, so it wasn't a chore to finish the whole thing. Although it tested my commitment in the beginning, it didn't deserve to be DNFed.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Emily Rainsford.
442 reviews199 followers
August 21, 2021
This is the second book in this series that I've read - I also read Book 4 (Felix). I enjoyed the other, but I'd have to say I enjoyed this one even more. Both Kate and Jack were fun, spunky main characters and their dynamic was enjoyable. I also enjoyed the setting of regency London.

The fact of the main characters being distantly related was a little weird, and while I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the plot, I did feel like I would have liked a little more of the romance. The resolution required quite a lot of suspension of disbelief with regards to the memory aspect.

Nonetheless I take these books for what they are, which is a fun, easy historical read, and I enjoy them when I'm in the mood for something lighter. I would definitely love to read Maria and Philip's story, I felt that maybe that was being set up as a possibility at the end there.

Overall, the characters and setting were enjoyable, there was enough plot to keep things interesting, and I found it a good little read.
Profile Image for Paula.
436 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2021
Dangerous Knight is a very exciting story that I enjoyed reading! Kate finds out after her guardian dies that she has yet another guardian. Jack, who has been fighting in a war, discovers that his grandmother, a disagreeable woman, has died and left him in charge of her ward. This isn't good news for a man who loves his life in the military. Then they meet each other, and he must tell her that his grandmother left instructions about the property he inherits. She actually wants him to marry the girl. Neither can imagine this stipulation, but they do eventually become friends. He is also a spy, and there has been a plan uncovered to assassinate the Prince Regent during the celebrations after he and three other men are knighted. Attempts are made on her life, then she is kidnapped, and she begins to remember things from her childhood that had been repressed in her memory before. Great clean, story, with lots of excitement!
382 reviews
April 3, 2025
Jack Owens escaped his grandmother’s oppressive rule by taking a commission in Wellington’s army. There he became a spy.

Kate Rafferty found herself in the same household after his departure as the lady was designated her guardian. Following the lady’s death Kate makes her way to London to take charge of her inheritance only to discover the aunt has stipulated that Jack be her guardian. Unbeknownst to Kate (and much to Jack’s horror) Jack cannot sell the house in Yorkshire for five years unless he marries Kate.

Jack had returned to London to take part in the celebrations set up by the Prince Regent and was then tasked to discover the plot behind the disappearance of some papers and the rumours of an assassination plot.

The truth behind some of the plot seems to be in Kate’s past as there are a number of attempts on her life.

Felix Knight appears as one of the other officers set to uncover the plots.


I loved the gradual development of the affection between Jack and Kate.
Profile Image for Michelle.
733 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2021
This author is actually new to me, but I'm definitely going back to read the rest of this series that I've missed, and will be following this author in the future. The ability to weave adventure and romance to make a story I simply could not stop reading until I had closure was a pleasant surprise for me. I always enjoy finding new historical romance authors to enjoy. The betrayal of countrymen, the pressure of having to get it right, the distracting and forbidden chemistry between ward and guardian in the midst of it, everything else I can't put into words without spoilers ruining the review (which I detest, unless there is warning)... all of this churns together into a beautiful recipe for an excellent story. Loved it! Side note: I enjoyed his sense of humor very much. #netgalley #dangerousknight
Profile Image for Imfullybooked2.
134 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2021
Amazing read! Can't wait for Book #7

This book #6 from the Gentlemen Of Knight has not disappointed me...it is yet another amazing read. This book has everything from mystery, adventures, danger, love, romance, heartwarming moments, and even some shocking scary heart pounding moments etc that will keep you absorbed into the story. The mystery of who did it and who is on the plan kept me hooked til the end. So many suspects and intrigues. The way Jack and Kate discovered each other was quite intriguing and so sweet. They were both ready to not like the other but instead there was a spark at first sight while not knowing who the other person was. 


The ending was shocking and so intriguing. There were so many unexpected discoveries that helped solve the mystery….completed the puzzle. Such a fascinating read! I'm ready for the next book of this series. 

910 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2021
A shrew for two

No-one could be prepared for the nastiness that was Jack's grandmother. He'd bought a commission as an officer in the British Army just to get away from her! Kate wasn't as lucky. She'd been sent to boarding school, after the deaths of her parents in India, expecting that at graduation she'd be introduced into society. Instead, she found herself a near slave in her wretched guardian's house, expected to wait on the miserable old lady's every whim.
Jack returns to England from Spain, where he acted as a spy for Wellington, to learn his grandmother has died and he now has a ward. Knowing nothing of either situation, he's even more unprepared for the family attorney's disclosure of the stipulations of his grandmother's will.
Great characters and a fascinating plot make this a delightful read.
Profile Image for Mary Hart.
1,115 reviews27 followers
August 14, 2021
4.5 stars

Good story. Kate ended up at Jack's grandmother. Despite the grandmother being a holy terror Kate manages to improve Jack's estate. On her death, Kate seeks out the solicitor only to find that Jack is now her guardian. Meanwhile Jack has returned to London to receive a knighthood and help Wellington find a terrorist who is threatening a celebration. The story ducks and weaves, Jack finds himself reluctantly intrigued by Kate even though his grandmother had tried to sort out a marriage in her will.

It's interesting how Kate's history becomes pivotal to the story. I hope to find other books in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,711 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2023
Captain Owens was being sent back to England by Wellington to be knighted by prinny. It was a honor he did not feel he deserved. He was one of the best spies in the British Army. He and his comrades were the face of the British elite.
Kate had been born in India but early in life her parents had died. She came to live with a elderly relative. The old woman sent her to school. By the time she finished school and returned home, the estate was in decline and her guardian was a invalid. For the next few years she cared for the mean old woman and gradually restored the estate. After the old lady passed away, Kate went to London to the solicitor to get her inheritance. She discovered, she now had a new guardian, a Captain Owens. She has never seen or heard of the man.
1,635 reviews15 followers
August 15, 2021
I've read 4 out of the 6 in this series. It is a stand alone so you won't be lost. Some minor endings of secondary character's are left dangling, but not for our H/h.

This is a clean story with only a few kisses but I still felt a connection to them. Romance builds slowly because the h is his Ward and the two shall not mix - per ton rules.

They're are several villains that kept you guessing if they were traitor's or trying to find out information. This isn't your normal romance story because it is filled with secrets, intrigue, violence, spies and even murder. All in all a nice mix that kept the story from dragging.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and clean. (ljb)
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,442 reviews30 followers
August 26, 2021
A guardian for his ward

Jack is a trained Captain, operative and spy! Jack has a humorous side which is at odds with his military career! Most dangerous men are tall, dark and brooding but not Jack definitely a new spin on a Knight! For his service to the crown he is returned to England for a Knighthood and a ward!? What?? Kate is equally dismayed she served and survived an old curmudgeon aka Jacks grandmother and deserves her freedom!
Kate actually disappears from Jack for a while and reappears in a most unlikely place! There is mutual attraction until they find out who they are to each other! There is alot of action and genuine chemistry!
Profile Image for Brandi.
1,404 reviews36 followers
August 27, 2021
This has been such a fun series and I enjoyed finally getting to Jack’s story. Jack has such charismatic wit and humor; you can’t help but love him. Kate becomes his ward, but she is so much more than his ward. Their chemistry is undeniable and seeing their story unfold was truly enjoyable. I appreciate clean, regency romances and this is another example of why I enjoy Elizabeth Johns. The series continues to be a lighthearted, enjoyable escape from reality, and I look forward to the next installment.

I received a complimentary copy, with thanks, from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,034 reviews18 followers
August 16, 2021
Jack Owens purchased a commission in the army to escape his hateful grandmother. His life in the army consisted of spying for Wellington coming home a hero. He returns home to a run downed estate and an unwanted guardian of a young lady and stipulations to inherit. Kate Rafferty has had enough of her shrew of a guardian and all she wants is her inheritance and be free. A captivating story as he navigates his way through being a hero, his estate and the new ward who is quite intriguing. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.
Profile Image for Melinda Ross.
311 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2021
I was seriously disappointed in this one. I have read all of Elizabeth Johns books, including all in this series. Many of her books deal with heavy topics. This one did not and while that isn't necessarily a bad thing the dialogue, the contrived connection to the Knights - why even make this part of the series, I don't get it, the pacing, the plot, etc. It felt like she tried to rush out something just to put out something.
958 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2021
Clean romance

A well written spy, mystery and romance rolled into a witty story.

This is book 6 in a series but can be read as a stand alone. I prefer to read them in order as it makes each book richer for me.

Jack and Kate are fun characters whose interaction is smart and witty. It is delightful to see them work together to help solve the mystery.

I would love to see two supporting characters have their own book… hint hint.
Profile Image for GG.
613 reviews9 followers
October 10, 2021
A great mystery with a romance thrown in. Jack was magnificent if a bit sarcastic. I felt bad for Kate, her life was difficult every which way she turned. On her own she is indomitable, then she meets Jack. They work their way to a solution and a HEA. Major Felix Knight from book 4, Dark of Knight makes several appearances.

I would have liked to see a HEA for Maria and Philip, they came pretty close. Perhaps there is another Knight book in the future?

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Iris Lim.
Author 37 books92 followers
October 15, 2021
After two very dry installments, this book was a true return to form for the series. It’s not really about any of the Knight siblings this time, but Jack and Kate are as intriguing as they come when it comes to romantic leads. The story reads more like an adventure story than a romance, but this author has always excelled at that. Now I continue to hope for additional stories to the Brethren in Arms series!
Profile Image for Margarida.
248 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2021
I liked the story of Kate and Jack. What a roller coaster of emotional states for them. Kate's our heroine. She's finally free to live her life... until she finds out she's not. Jack also should be free except he's not really either. It's like, don't like, like, love for these 2 as they are just destined to be together. Great story! It's part of a series--I'm not sure all are on unlimited. I read this as a stand-alone and I easily followed along.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,100 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2021
Great

An exciting and engrossing tale of murder, mayhem, and intrigue. Well-paced, a little ‘muddy’ in places where too many characters are involved. Kate’s sudden remembrance was fine, except she remembered every detail all at once, and opportunity missed for her and Jack to spend time together. That they fell in love was great, but they didn’t spend much time in each other’s company.
Still a good read & still recommended.
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