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Knight's #3
A Knight's Temptation
A ruby pendant stands at the center of this tale of disgrace, plotting, redemption, and the reunion of childhood friends. Aldwin Treynarde is a squire who, in his youth, was banished from home for shooting Lord Geoffrey de Lanceau with a crossbow bolt and nearly killing the man. Later on, Aldwin discovered that he had been set up by the deceitful Baron Sedgewick, who fed him false stories about the lord's wrongdoings. Now, several years later, Lord Geoffrey sends out a call for volunteers to find a stolen, valuable jeweled pendant before it falls into the hands of the Baron and his wife Veronique. Aldwin accepts at once and hopes to make amends to Lord Geoffrey. If he excels in his duty, he hopes he might even be awarded knighthood. Meanwhile, Lady Leona Ransley and her aging father, who have possession of the pendant, want only to turn it in anonymously and collect the reward money. Under an assumed name, Leona arranges for a secret meeting with Aldwin in a seedy tavern, and, making yet another rash decision, Aldwin decides to kidnap her. She fights furiously against him and finally reveals her true identity: she and he had once been great companions. In fact, Aldwin had nearly caused her death 12 years earlier when they disturbed a bees' nest during a childhood game. By this point, the feckless squire desires his warrior captive more than any woman he has ever met, and he knows he has one last chance to protect her life. Only by settling the events of their past and fighting side by side will Aldwin and Leona be able to defeat their opponents and surrender to their greatest temptation—love.
388 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
453 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Kean
115 books428 followersCatherine Kean is an award-winning, Kindle Unlimited All-Star author of medieval romances whose creative muse has coaxed her to also write in other romance genres.
She wrote her first medieval romance, A Knight’s Vengeance, while her baby daughter was napping, and now has a backlist of over 20 published books. Catherine’s novels were originally published in paperback and several were released in Czech, German, and Thai foreign editions. She’s won numerous awards for her stories, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her novels also finaled in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the International Digital Awards (twice).
In 2019, she started writing paranormal romances for the Cat’s Paw Cove Romance series. When not working on her next book, Catherine enjoys cooking, baking, browsing antique shops, shopping with her daughter, and gardening. She lives in Central Florida with two spoiled rescue cats.
She wrote her first medieval romance, A Knight’s Vengeance, while her baby daughter was napping, and now has a backlist of over 20 published books. Catherine’s novels were originally published in paperback and several were released in Czech, German, and Thai foreign editions. She’s won numerous awards for her stories, including the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her novels also finaled in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the International Digital Awards (twice).
In 2019, she started writing paranormal romances for the Cat’s Paw Cove Romance series. When not working on her next book, Catherine enjoys cooking, baking, browsing antique shops, shopping with her daughter, and gardening. She lives in Central Florida with two spoiled rescue cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 19, 2017
Aldwin is on a quest for Lord Geoffrey to retrieve a ruby pendant. Leona is the daughter of Lord Ransley. She sets up a meeting with Lord Geoffrey's man (Aldwin) to claim the money for the pendant. Aldwin kidnaps Leona with the ruby pendant to take her to his Lordship. She fights him all the way to his meeting with Lord Geoffrey. Will Aldwin complete his quest? Can Leona escape him? Is there a happily-ever-after for them?
I enjoyed this medieval novel. The story of Aldwin and Leona is tender and a journey. The history is superb. I felt like I was there with the characters. The plot and subplots are tied up nice and tight. There is no cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book. There is a steamy love scene.
I enjoyed this medieval novel. The story of Aldwin and Leona is tender and a journey. The history is superb. I felt like I was there with the characters. The plot and subplots are tied up nice and tight. There is no cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book. There is a steamy love scene.
February 7, 2023
The tension and pacing are perfect throughout this audiobook. Fair warning: this story is difficult to pause once started.
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 10, 2021
1.5 stars
You'll want to read the first in the series before this, has a lot of storyline and characters continued from it.
You'll want to read the first in the series before this, has a lot of storyline and characters continued from it.
June 28, 2009
Catherine Kean, is an author I've been wanting to read for some time now. So when Catherine asked me if I wanted to review her book I was more than happy to. This was a delightful romance, with Lords and Ladies and big bad villain's. But it's also a story of forgiveness, redemption and love. I found the heroine a bit frustrating a times, but over all I enjoyed the story. There are a lot of references to events that happen in the first book, so you might want to read A Knight's Vengeance before this new one. I think any fans of Historical Romance, especially ones set in Medieval times will enjoy this book.
July 28, 2012
Great read! Had a very difficult time setting it down for much needed sleep! I loved the characters and their history and motivations. I felt like the conflict between the main protagonists easily could have become dark and overbearing. Somehow, the author walked the fine line and developed the story and the relationship soundly.
Leona's recently lost her mother and brother. Her father, a Lord, has been distraught with grief and out of his grief has allowed poverty and danger to take hold of his people and threaten his compassion, authority, and remaining family's safety. A dangerous pair and their mercenary army have wormed their way into the castle with a plan to take all Leona holds dear and use it against someone in a higher power. In an attempt to help her father, Leona sets a plan in motion to save her home, her father, and her people. However, she ends up abducted by the one person from her past who has caused her the greatest pain. Will she be able to escape this impulsive knave and save her father and their people or will Leona's abductor defeat her strong will and conquer her greatest fears, earning a piece of her heart in the process?
Leona's recently lost her mother and brother. Her father, a Lord, has been distraught with grief and out of his grief has allowed poverty and danger to take hold of his people and threaten his compassion, authority, and remaining family's safety. A dangerous pair and their mercenary army have wormed their way into the castle with a plan to take all Leona holds dear and use it against someone in a higher power. In an attempt to help her father, Leona sets a plan in motion to save her home, her father, and her people. However, she ends up abducted by the one person from her past who has caused her the greatest pain. Will she be able to escape this impulsive knave and save her father and their people or will Leona's abductor defeat her strong will and conquer her greatest fears, earning a piece of her heart in the process?
March 7, 2016
I always forget how much I like medieval romances. This reminded me quite a bit of the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves in imagery.
I enjoyed the setting and the basic storyline. Though I did struggle quite a bit with the characters. The hero's internal dialogue would have us believe he was a compassionate and chivalrous night, but I wasn't totally convinced by his actions. The way he treated the heroine on their journey left quite a bit to be desired. Especially the way he constantly accused her of tempting him, making it her fault he couldn't keep his hands off her.
At first I understood the heroine's attraction to him, but as the story progressed I started thinking she was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. I didn't really believe she fell in love with the hero based on his actions, but more because he was her captive.
There were parts I enjoyed, however, so this wasn't a total loss. On their own the characters were wonderful, it was just when they got together that I didn't believe in their actions and reactions.
I enjoyed the setting and the basic storyline. Though I did struggle quite a bit with the characters. The hero's internal dialogue would have us believe he was a compassionate and chivalrous night, but I wasn't totally convinced by his actions. The way he treated the heroine on their journey left quite a bit to be desired. Especially the way he constantly accused her of tempting him, making it her fault he couldn't keep his hands off her.
At first I understood the heroine's attraction to him, but as the story progressed I started thinking she was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. I didn't really believe she fell in love with the hero based on his actions, but more because he was her captive.
There were parts I enjoyed, however, so this wasn't a total loss. On their own the characters were wonderful, it was just when they got together that I didn't believe in their actions and reactions.
April 14, 2013
This is a very enjoyable historical romance. It's the 3rd in a series and while you can enjoy it as a stand alone there are many parts of the character relationships that will be better understood if you read the others first. There is an extreme amount of fuss about a ruby necklace. A very nasty villian that escaped in the 2nd book turns up here. ( I wondered why this villian just dissapeared). Some great battles some with many people involved and some just our two protaganists. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. Anyone who likes historical will love this.
May 19, 2017
I put off reading this as others have said you should read books 1 and 2 first. Although I read them a while ago I didn't want to re-read them again, so I took a chance. The author did a really nice job of explaining things as needed (from previous books) as the story went along. The story was well written, the characters realistic and kept my interest.
It actually teetered between four and five stars simply because I got tired of Leona's constant attempts at fleeing Aldwin. I understand her reasoning, it just got old.
Comment Comment | Permalink
It actually teetered between four and five stars simply because I got tired of Leona's constant attempts at fleeing Aldwin. I understand her reasoning, it just got old.
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abandoned
June 22, 2012I couldn't even make it past the prologue it was so bad. Who are these people giving it raving five stars reviews on Amazon. Harriet I understand, but the rest????
May 19, 2018
I love historical romances and since I have already read the previous two books in the series and loved them, I couldn't miss out on this one.
I liked the overall plotline and the backdrop of the story. I also liked the heroine. I like strong fiesty female leads. The hero was okay...he was cut out of the same cloth, I would say. He was like most of the male characters in romance books. But, I did like the heroine very much.
As for the romance, I seriously missed that inferno between the leads which was very prominent in the previous two books. So, the chemistry between the characters felt a bit forced to me.
Overall, a good historical romance.
I liked the overall plotline and the backdrop of the story. I also liked the heroine. I like strong fiesty female leads. The hero was okay...he was cut out of the same cloth, I would say. He was like most of the male characters in romance books. But, I did like the heroine very much.
As for the romance, I seriously missed that inferno between the leads which was very prominent in the previous two books. So, the chemistry between the characters felt a bit forced to me.
Overall, a good historical romance.
May 19, 2012
Catherine Kean’s A Knight’s Temptation is a lovely historical romance certain to brighten anyone’s day.
Our two main characters, Aldwin Treynarde and Lady Leona Ramsey, begin the novel as childhood acquaintances.
A friendly game of pretend between Aldwin and Leona almost costs Lady Leona her life, resulting in Aldwin’s banishment from his family.
The prologue ends with Aldwin being punished for his wrongs, leaving a feeling of angst in my chest.
Such angst is soon wiped away when I flip the page.
Chapter one quickly starts off with Aldwin on quest to recover a prized possession.
I love when novels just get straight to the point instead of leading the reader off into an endless backstory.
One of the things I most enjoyed about this novel is the attention to setting.
Being able to envision the setting so vividly in my head kept me reading.
The characters were not stick-figures either.
I found both Aldwin and Leona to be enjoyable enough.
I must admit that historical romances are not my favorite kinds of books, but I found this read to be good enough for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
If historical romances are for you, then I recommend checking out Catherine Kean’s novels.
Our two main characters, Aldwin Treynarde and Lady Leona Ramsey, begin the novel as childhood acquaintances.
A friendly game of pretend between Aldwin and Leona almost costs Lady Leona her life, resulting in Aldwin’s banishment from his family.
The prologue ends with Aldwin being punished for his wrongs, leaving a feeling of angst in my chest.
Such angst is soon wiped away when I flip the page.
Chapter one quickly starts off with Aldwin on quest to recover a prized possession.
I love when novels just get straight to the point instead of leading the reader off into an endless backstory.
One of the things I most enjoyed about this novel is the attention to setting.
Being able to envision the setting so vividly in my head kept me reading.
The characters were not stick-figures either.
I found both Aldwin and Leona to be enjoyable enough.
I must admit that historical romances are not my favorite kinds of books, but I found this read to be good enough for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
If historical romances are for you, then I recommend checking out Catherine Kean’s novels.
November 3, 2014
Read as part of the boxed set: Magnificent Medieval Men
I have already purchased 3 more books by this authoress and I cannot wait to read them. Catherine immediately grabs your imagination and draws you into the rich, and not often nice-smelling world, of the medieval.
The story begins with three children playing - two boys, and one girl. The girl, like many girls before her, wants to play the game the boys are playing but she is the one who gets tied to a tree. A near fatal mistake for 8 year old Leona Ransley.
Leona survives but her brother does not. Times as they are in the late 12th century two dark characters threaten Leona's home, and her beloved father.
Aldwin who is a knight with honour that keeps getting subverted by those who tell tales finds that he must remain true to his loyalties, and then he discovers that the young woman he kidnapped he is fast falling in love with. He must use both his crossbow and his mind to unravel lies from the truth, and even then, it may not end well.
Leona and Aldwin are instantly endearing because each is fallible. The romance is just that -- a romance not smut with a side of crossbow. Both try to deny their attraction, and then neither can put it aside.
I have already purchased 3 more books by this authoress and I cannot wait to read them. Catherine immediately grabs your imagination and draws you into the rich, and not often nice-smelling world, of the medieval.
The story begins with three children playing - two boys, and one girl. The girl, like many girls before her, wants to play the game the boys are playing but she is the one who gets tied to a tree. A near fatal mistake for 8 year old Leona Ransley.
Leona survives but her brother does not. Times as they are in the late 12th century two dark characters threaten Leona's home, and her beloved father.
Aldwin who is a knight with honour that keeps getting subverted by those who tell tales finds that he must remain true to his loyalties, and then he discovers that the young woman he kidnapped he is fast falling in love with. He must use both his crossbow and his mind to unravel lies from the truth, and even then, it may not end well.
Leona and Aldwin are instantly endearing because each is fallible. The romance is just that -- a romance not smut with a side of crossbow. Both try to deny their attraction, and then neither can put it aside.
May 28, 2013
Posted at Oh My Books!
I got A Knight's Temptation free a couple of weeks ago and the moment I started reading I was caught in this story.
Aldwin Treynarde is hoping to be awarded knighthood and be forgiven by his family and Lord Geoffrey for almost killing him. It was a mistake, and if he can find the stolen jeweled pendant before Veronique and the Baron, he's sure he's going to be forgiven.
Finding the pendant was easy, but Lady Leona Ransley didn't make it an easy task. She has her own reasons to have the pendant and not trust Aldwin, after all, it was his fault she almost died a few years ago.
Aldwin was the typical alpha male, but Leona wasn't the typical lady. She's very independent and sometimes even spoiled. Their past was always pursuing them, but still they managed to fall in love between fights. Aldwin was an interesting male, tender and trying to make amends for his mistakes, but I didn't like he always keep Leona tied.
Overall, it was an enjoyable story. I haven't read the previous books of the Knight's series, but I got into the story pretty fast.
I got A Knight's Temptation free a couple of weeks ago and the moment I started reading I was caught in this story.
Aldwin Treynarde is hoping to be awarded knighthood and be forgiven by his family and Lord Geoffrey for almost killing him. It was a mistake, and if he can find the stolen jeweled pendant before Veronique and the Baron, he's sure he's going to be forgiven.
Finding the pendant was easy, but Lady Leona Ransley didn't make it an easy task. She has her own reasons to have the pendant and not trust Aldwin, after all, it was his fault she almost died a few years ago.
Aldwin was the typical alpha male, but Leona wasn't the typical lady. She's very independent and sometimes even spoiled. Their past was always pursuing them, but still they managed to fall in love between fights. Aldwin was an interesting male, tender and trying to make amends for his mistakes, but I didn't like he always keep Leona tied.
Overall, it was an enjoyable story. I haven't read the previous books of the Knight's series, but I got into the story pretty fast.
July 28, 2014
Poor Leona is injured in childhood during a game with her brother and Aldwin, and they are parted. When they are grown, Aldwin has never forgotten the incident, and it has made him a better man. He wants nothing more than to be an honorable knight. While on a mission for his lord, he runs into Leona as part of a plot that he must stop, and is shocked that she survived when he had been told she hadn't. As he tries to keep her safe and out of trouble, their desires are kindled and romance thrives.
December 21, 2019
Leona stole a ruby necklace and tried to return it to its true owner. Along the way she is kidnapped, hunted, hurt, threatened, and almost killed. Aldwin is responsible for a lot of her torment including an incident when she was eight years old. This is an exciting book with lots of twists. A most enjoyable read.
February 27, 2021
Aldwin and Leona...Oil and water! Great story with lots of action, suspense and angst. OMG Veronique was E-V-I-L!!!! I loved her as the villan! Some of the brogue at times made it difficult to understand the words but it did authenticate the story. I'm digging knights a whole lot more because of Aldwin and Dominic!
May 23, 2017
Intrigue & Romance
Intrigue and romance are superbly melded together in this novel of historical fiction. Characters are vivid, the plot is suspenseful. The reader is left asking ,What's going to happen next? "
Intrigue and romance are superbly melded together in this novel of historical fiction. Characters are vivid, the plot is suspenseful. The reader is left asking ,What's going to happen next? "
June 30, 2010
I wish I could give half stars and I would have rated this one 4 1/2 - not quite as good as the first 2 in the series but I am still enjoying this author. On to Book 4.
February 24, 2014
A Knights Temptation
Great story. Lots of action, drama, knights and ladies. I love these stories and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Great story. Lots of action, drama, knights and ladies. I love these stories and cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
January 23, 2017
Great addition
I loved this story that started so heartbreaking! Good to read t he back story on Aldwin and his lady love Leona. Can't wait for the next book!
I loved this story that started so heartbreaking! Good to read t he back story on Aldwin and his lady love Leona. Can't wait for the next book!
February 9, 2018
Really enjoyed it and can't wait to read her future work!
April 29, 2018
Thrilling.
Great from first page to last. A love that began in childhood fated to last a lifetime for the would be knight and his lady.
Great from first page to last. A love that began in childhood fated to last a lifetime for the would be knight and his lady.
May 1, 2018
Not so much this reader's temptation. The "romance" was bristly and annoying, I don't get how the villains got away with any of their shit, and even the fucking pendant was barely explained. Meh.
January 31, 2019
What a neat book! I loved the romance budding between Aldwin and Leona. It was hard not to love these characters and anticipate them falling in love, in the end. The only part I did not like came closer to the end with a character named Veronique. I came up with an alternate ending for her where DeLanceau would not go back on his word and she would remain a live but not able to harm others anymore. I Really would've liked this alternate ending instead because the tale leaves you hanging and feeling unfinished. I also loved the fiery, rebellious personality of Leona and could identify for her need to run, all the time.
September 28, 2021
Medieval Tomboy
I found this installment to be somewhat unbelievable. Lady Leona was supposed to have learned her fighting skills from her brother Ward. However from the age of 8, after nearly dying from multiple bee stings, she did not reside with him. She lived with her uncle and aunt who saved her life. Anyway how did a Lady in the 12th century become so adept? Also she wanted to buy special shoes for the cooks daughter to straighten her crooked legs. Really?. In the 12th century? The actual story tried to cram too much in and was all over the place. This wasn't terrible and I want to read the next book to see if it gets back on track.
I found this installment to be somewhat unbelievable. Lady Leona was supposed to have learned her fighting skills from her brother Ward. However from the age of 8, after nearly dying from multiple bee stings, she did not reside with him. She lived with her uncle and aunt who saved her life. Anyway how did a Lady in the 12th century become so adept? Also she wanted to buy special shoes for the cooks daughter to straighten her crooked legs. Really?. In the 12th century? The actual story tried to cram too much in and was all over the place. This wasn't terrible and I want to read the next book to see if it gets back on track.
December 29, 2017
Let's draw a veil over how bad and disappointing it was.
May 8, 2018
I enjoyed this story but did feel it dragged on a little longer than necessary. I loved both of the lead characters and the ending was very satisfying.
April 24, 2021
Lovely
I loved the story from the very beginning. I couldnt put the book down. It is well written and very goid
I loved the story from the very beginning. I couldnt put the book down. It is well written and very goid
December 28, 2021
Quick fun read
Catherine Kean's stories are always fun to read. They are perfect for the in between stories when I am looking for a new series to enjoy.
Catherine Kean's stories are always fun to read. They are perfect for the in between stories when I am looking for a new series to enjoy.
November 24, 2013
This book is worth a read. It was not your average historical romance story. Besides the two main characters, Edouard and Juliana, there were others who had their own agendas which contributed to the tragedies, trials and tribulations that the main characters had to go through. This was a fantastic read. I highly recommend it to romance book lovers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews