To Tempt a Knight

The Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars #1

by Gerri Russell

Sir William Keith owed allegiance to no one save the mysterious brotherhood of the Scottish Templars. But his task to protect the legendary Templar treasure brought him straight into the path of a bold lass who demanded he help find her kidnapped father, the treasure’s previous guardian.

William dared not abandon Lady Siobhan Fraser to her enemies. She was the best hope for finding the holy artifacts--and a dire temptation to his vow of chastity. How long could he deny the ecstasy that awaited him in her arms? For he knew all too well it’s the forbidden fruit that tastes the sweetest . . .

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Medieval, Historical Fiction, Scotland, Fantasy

278 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2009

About the author

Gerri Russell is the award-winning author of historical and contemporary novels including the Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars series and Flirting with Felicity. A two-time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and winner of the American Title II competition sponsored by RT Book Reviews magazine, she is best known for her adventurous and emotionally intense novels set in the thirteenth- and eighteenth-century Scottish Highlands. Before Gerri followed her passion for writing romance novels, she worked as a broadcast journalist, a newspaper reporter, a magazine columnist, a technical writer and editor, and an instructional designer. She lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband and three black cats.

Reviews

[Misfit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Siobhan Fraser (an Irish name for a Scottish lass, how odd) discovers that her father has been kidnapped by the evil Pierre de la Roche who covets the hidden treasure of the Knights Templar, including the Spear of Destiny - whoever controls the spear can rule the world (raising your eyebrows in disbelief yet?). Coming to her rescue is Templar Knight Sir William Keith as the two find the hidden map to the treasure and the adventure begins. *Yawn*

I really didn't have high expectations going into this, but I certainly didn't expect to find such a jumbled mess of cartoon cut-out characters, including an evil baddie in the mold of Snidely Whiplash -



I kept waiting for him to twirl his mustache (sorry, I couldn't resist). Never fear, it gets worse. Our plucky heroine is able to travel anywhere and everywhere ALONE with our hero with nary an eyebrow raised by anyone, she gets a quick lesson in swordplay and she's able to swing the broadsword like a man, leap tall buildings with a single bound.....

Actually that's really our hero who just like Superman can outfight any evil baddie who crosses his path, including fighting his way through forty (yes 40) armed men with nary a scratch. Aah, but to top it all off is some of the most insipid dialog I've come across in a while,

"We are one."

"I never imagined it could feel so good"

"I've never felt like this before"

Just the kind of talk I look for to liven up a sex scene. Not. In the end, it's just a big fluffy piece of preposterous nonsense - but never fear - there's more coming soon as this appears to be the first in a series. I don't know about anyone else, but I'll pass. Get it from the library if you must, I'm glad I did.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is so much wrong with this book I don't know where to begin/

1. I hate the heroine's name "Siobahn" or something like that.
2. a few "nay's" and "Tis" does not make a story Scottish.
3. "Cheecky" is not a word used in the 1300's
4. I loathe inconsistancy. This is chock full of it.

Other things that ruined the book for me:

So we have a Templar knight who had women before taking his vows 4 years ago. 4 years no sex, yet gives in so easily to his temptations, without any remorse and she allows it having no guilt as well. (Plus she's a virgin) yeah right.Oh and he miraculously lasts more than 1 minute at that.. hahahaha really? He also thought her plain? really? Wow I'm amazed he held out 4 years then just to give it up to a plain looking woman?

The sex was just that sex. No tenderness, No afterglow they just finish and pick up in a conversation about their quest.. no romance at all. The sex wasn't even written well it was meh at best.

As if I even need to mention...The writing was horrible. The characters 1 dimensional. I cared nothing for any of them. The antagoinst was cartoonish. People get severley wounded and can stand up and walk around minutes after being stitched. Damn I guess they made people stronger back then.

The "adventure" was lame the "puzzles" too easily solved, and the plot was long, boring and predictable. I skimmed over 50% when I truly should have just put it down and not finished it. I still don't know why I even skimmed.

I will not be reading anything more by this author. Skip this one.

[Rubi Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with my thoughts about this book. So much so, that I had to make a pro/con list to sort everything out. Here's what I came up with:

Pros:
- easy read
- paced well
- made me laugh (at more than a few points I almost fell off the treadmill I was laughing so hard)
- strong heroine; she didn't wait to be rescued (not sure she thought she needed rescuing) and was pretty set on rescuing her father whether anyone was helping her or not



Cons:
- not a comedy book
- while I loved her name, it was Irish. Now, it's entirely possible her mother (who was dead years before the story started) could have been Irish, but there's no mention of it and that's not the impression I got.
- he kept calling her "ma chere". He was Scottish. I get that he spent time in other places and could have picked it up somewhere, but the Scots have some beautiful endearments and it baffled me why he didn't use some of them.
- she was perfect. The term "Mary Sue" kept popping into my head. One lesson with a sword (during which she was preoccupied with his body against hers) that she could barely hold and she was able to wield it and fight off seasoned warriors?
- he was perfect. Is there a male version of "Mary Sue"? After escaping from his torture (hung over a pit with spikes & whipped) he faced 40 armed soldiers and, except for those SHE took out, managed to best more than half of them. The other half, he bested by breaking the floor. While standing in the middle of the room. With half the band of soldiers between him and the door. And still managed to escape. No lie. (For the record, while reading this rescue/fight scene is when I nearly fell off the treadmill)

Yes, it's a fluffy read. Yes, it has serious "REALLY??" moments. Still, I found it to be an amusing read that easily kept my attention while I was on the treadmill.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this off the library shelf next to some other medieval books I've been reading and didn't know anything about it. It was an okay story, and definitely lots of fluff which I was in the mood for which is why I kept skimming to the end. But it definitely is a category adult romance as the characters have moderately descriptive sex after fighting their principled reasons why they shouldn't for the first half of the book. Yet they still hold to other principles for the rest of the book.

I mean, really? I'm not even going to get into why a character's principles are so important to them that they fight against the ripping of clothes off their bodies and getting it on from the 2nd chapter, but then all of a sudden in the 14th chapter they are taken by surprise when the deed is done and their principles aren't even considered anymore. I just come to expect that from these kinds of books. The thing that bugged me about this story was mainly from the male main character. He is a Templar Knight and a lay monk who breaks his monastic vow of chastity but then still doesn't feel like he can offer to marry the girl because he is still bound by his vows? Then he goes to see the abbot or priest or whatnot and is told that because he's a lay monk that his eternal salvation is not compromised by being released from his vows and marrying. So now the knight is okay with committing to marry the girl and caring for the baby she is now going to have. If the religious guy hadn't said it was okay then would he have left her and the illegitimate child to their own care and protection? If yes, then that's a stupid character. If no, then why not commit to her and your kid but also explain that you need to "set it right" with the religious guy and face the consequences of it all?

Also, he pretty much broke his vows before going to see the religious guy ... I mean, you either keep vows or you don't keep them - there's not a lot of in between there ... and I'm pretty sure this guy "didn't" three separate times. But until the religious head officially "released" him, he was still concerned about the state of his soul with God? I think he should have been concerned after breaking the vows the first time, or the second time, or even the third time. The logic of all this just doesn't work for me which is why romance novels are not taken seriously, at least for me.

[The Book Worm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book recommended on Goodreads and because I'm a fan of Scotland-middle-ages- historical-fiction, I decided to give it a try.

I have to say, the first half of the book captured my attention, even if one or two details seemed a bit unrealistic. For example, William is severely wounded when he has to fight a lot of opponents at the same time, he can barely walk after he's rescued by his fellow Templars, his wounds have to be sewn with just one cup of ale as anesthetic and fifteen minutes later he's walking about as if nothing had happened. And in the next day he's fit to mount, then travel of foot and even climb from the bottom of a pit while carrying an unconscious Siobhan. I know medieval knights were tough, but they were still human.

I was prepared to overlook these details because I was getting kind of engrossed in the story. But half way through the book, William and Siobhan finally discover the cave where the treasure of the Templars is hidden. And then the description turns into a perfect imitation of and Indiana Jones movie. If I was already having doubts before, this settled it - not realistic at all.

After that, I sort of lost interest in the story and just read it through to reach the complimentary happily ever after. Apparently there are three more books in this series, but I don't think I'll be reading them anytime soon.

So, though I liked the accurate historical references at the end of the book and while the writing and the plot are not entirely bad, this is clearly a read-if-you-have-time-but-don't-expect-do-be-awed book. I did love the cover, and the detail of how the name of the author is written...

If you enjoy medieval Scottish romances, I would suggest Monica McCarty's highland guard series instead

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

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[Paranormal Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheltered and secluded with only her father for company for all long as she can remember, the heroine has always craved adventure like in the stories her father tells her. But she didn't mean for her life to change so drastically so quickly. In the span on a few minutes, her father is kidnapped, her home is burnt to the ground and she's now on the run from men who want to possess the treasure her father had given to her for safe keeping. Then her hero comes out of the darkness on a white steed and pledges to see her and her father safe upon his word as Templar.

The hero is tormented by guilt and loss. He's bore witness to so much death that it's turned him inside out. He's a harsh and stern man who's only purpose in life is the Templars, but even now his brethren has been branded heretics and forced into hiding. But he can still do his duty. Though his duty has never before come in such a temping package as the heroine. With her he confides all his deepest darkness secrets and fears as he feels such a connection with the girl. Truly, they did seem to be so in tune with one another as they travers the mountain side seeking the hiding place of the Mythical and powerful Spear of Destiny. Desire and passion runs hot between them and try as he might, the hero finds it near impossible to remain true to his vows. All he's ever had was his vows and the Templars but she makes him want for something more. A family, a wife and children and the chance at love. She makes him want to renounce his vows and become a man. As they first fight the maze that leads to the hidden resting place where her father secured the treasures, then battling to stop a mad man from using the spear for evil deeds, the hero must decide what he truly wants in life and fight for it with everything he has.

This book was styled after an action flick but set in historical Scotland. This is mainly because of the intense and fantastical battles the hero finds himself in frequently. Battling 14 men here while severely wounded. Climbing a mountain while trying to recover from said wounds as well as the heroine having a concussion. And lastly, fighting off 40 men with a dagger and suffering from whipping marks. It was crazy and so unbelievable it was almost comically. Yet regardless of this 100% inaccurate portrayal of life as this period in time, I did rather enjoy this book. I found it to be easy to read and it had a certain type of smooth fluidity about it. I adored the hero. I found him to be charming and tortured and sweet. He has had such a hard life yet with the heroine he's able to smile once more and be happy again. I enjoyed the heroine but some of her actions proved to be so incredibly stupid. She did flip flop from being this easy going girl who listened to the strong knight and took directions well, to just suddenly throwing herself into danger on a whim. I found their romance to be believable and rather sweet and therefore the over the top kill bill action sequences were bearable.

[Luvs2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this medieval romance—it’s fast-paced, has a fun adventure-quest, Scottish knights, plus a finely detailed setting and background.

Sir William Keith is one of the four surviving Scottish Templar Knights who had been charged to go on Crusade, taking the heart of Robert the Bruce as a talisman, to fulfill the Bruce’s dying wishes. But the knights are destroyed in battle, even though the Bruce’s heart was supposed to have kept them safe.

William returns to Scotland haunted by survivor’s guilt, but he determines to remain faithful to his vows as a Templar Knight, even though the order has been outlawed in Europe, the members hunted as heretics.

The zealot de la Roche has ambitions to destroy the remains of the order and steal the treasure the Templar Knights protect--holy relics including a spear that he believes will give him great power. He fears what the Templar Knights would do with such power, and vows to take it from them.

Realizing the danger, William seeks out the guardian of the treasure, and finds him already captured, but his daughter, Siobhan, has eluded the captors. She doesn’t trust William at first, but he takes her to safety at a monastery he trusts, where the monks help them translate her father’s surviving scroll with clues to where the treasure is hidden. Siobhan agrees to help William find the treasure and in return, William will help her find and free her father.

During their quest for the treasure, William finds himself strongly attracted to Siobhan, and she to him. But William has taken monk’s vows, and Siobhan knows that. The push-pull of their passion makes for nice tension.

William is a finely drawn, complex character of conflicting motivations. He’d been raised by monks, but spent time at the court of Robert the Bruce, learning of life outside the monastery walls before taking vows as a monk. He’d thought his life was moving on a simple, straightforward path, but with the slaughter of the other Templar Knights, plus his fears for his friends, and his newfound passion for Siobhan, he finds himself bewildered, needing to make difficult and painful choices.

Siobhan has been sheltered growing up, but raised by an unconventional father (a former monk and guardian of the secrets of the knights). She’s brave and passionate, and meets William with compassion but not timidity. She’s a worthy match for William.

I love historical adventure romance, and this is a good one. There’s hidden treasure, battle and swordplay, love and loyalty, family bonds that go beyond simple blood relations. I’d recommend it for lovers of historical fantasy or swashbuckling romance.

[Erin O'Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first published this review in Storm Goddess Reviews in May 2012.

The year is 1331. The place, somewhere in Scotland.

Scottish Templar knight Sir William Keith is a warrior monk, much-scarred, a man who has given the last four years of his life to the service of Christ and the protection of Robert the Bruce. In his quest for justice, he meets Siobhan, the lovely daughter of elderly Templar monk Sir John Fraser.

The protagonists come together in a moment fraught with peril. Sir John has been abducted by the supremely evil man Pierre de la Roche, who means to capture for himself the legendary Spear of Destiny. This spear, supposedly thrust into the side of Christ as he lay dying on the cross, is reputed to bring untold power to him who wields it. The spear had been carried from hand to hand, treasury to treasury, over the past thirteen centuries. As the story begins, we find that Sir John is the only mortal to know its hiding place, along with a vast treasure than has been brought to Scotland and guarded by Sir John, treasurer of the now underground Knights Templar. John has given the “treasure map” to his daughter, and he is in the grasp of de la Roche. Now even the recovery of the Spear may not save him.

It is up to William and Siobhan to locate the Spear and keep it from an evil master before de la Roche can use it to grasp power and use it to the sure destruction of all that is good in their world.

I wish that author Gerri Russell had called her book The Warrior Monk and the Lady. That would have captured far better the tension between William’s professed dedication to Christ and his undeniable physical yearnings for the beautiful Siobhan. And Siobhan, although a virgin and a lady, feels the same heady passion but holds back for fear of standing in the way of his vows.

To Tempt a Knight moves smoothly along its adventurous and sensuous path to a taut and joyful release of sexual passion somewhere in the mountains of the Cairngorm, as the two strong protagonists cannot escape the attraction that seems fated between them. As soon as their passion is consummated (roughly halfway through), the novel seems to lose a little of its bite and sensuality.

The action is fast-paced and the resolution very satisfactory. The heat level could be described as “moderate,” as their consummation is forthright yet handled in almost graceful terms. In fact, here and there the language ventures into the dreaded “purple prose” as the old tried-and-true “manhood” penetrates her shivering thighs.

Nevertheless, To Tempt a Knight is a satisfying read, better than just good. Lovers of Scotland romance will surely enjoy it.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met this author at a writer's conference in July 2016. During our conversation GERRI RUSSELL mentioned the magic word - Templars. But, she cautioned me, it was a "historical romance". I generally would not read a book that calls itself a "romance". However, any book about the Knights Templar intrigues me. So I decided I would read it. TO TEMPT A KNIGHT lives up to its genre - romance and history. Several of the characters in the book are real. Some of the events described are real. I checked out the history via the internet and found some of the places and events described.

This is the first of a series (about 4 books total). I look forward to reading more of the books. This book centers around William Keith, a lay Templar, who lives a celibate life in a monastery. His parents were murdered by his uncle and his estate was seized by his uncle. Keith made his way to Robert the Bruce's court in Edinburgh as a young man, eventually becoming a member of The Bruce's elite bodyguard.

In 1330, after The Bruce had died, William was sent on a mission with this elite group to deliver The Bruce's heart to Jerusalem. In Spain, near the city of Teba, the group met a Moorish army. The Moors routed the Templars but The Bruce's heart was saved and returned to Scotland. A year later Keith rescues a damsel in distress. Her name is Siobhan Fraser and her father, Sir John Fraser, is the Keeper of the Templar Treasure. Now the adventures begin. Keith and his fellow Templars are trying to keep the Treasure, especially the Spear of Destiny, from falling into the hands of de la Roche (a Frenchman) and Keith's uncle. There are romantic interludes interspersed among sword fights. The latter are really well done. The ending is not what I expected.

If you are a reader of "romances", you will enjoy this story. If you are a reader of Templar adventures, you too will enjoy the book. I gave the book 4 stars just because I am not a reader of "romances" and I do not know how well it fits that category. The writing is good. The history seems to be accurate. I recommend this book.

GO! BUY! READ!

[Monique Takens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik heb de Nederlandstalige versie gelezen : Verboden vrucht - Candlelight Historische roman 869
Ik hou er wel van wanneer er wat historie is verwerkt in een historische roman maar in dit boek was het voor mij de verkeerde soort historie , lezen over verbrandingen op brandstapels , pijnbanken en zwepen bekoelen mijn romantische gevoelens behoorlijk en horen niet thuis in een romantisch bedoeld boek .
Het verhaal was verder wel leuk hoor , zoek de schat à la Indiana Jones , maar was ook vaak erg onwaarschijnlijk . De held en heldin waren een soort van onvermoeibare superhelden .
Er zijn nog 3 delen in deze serie maar die zijn niet in het Ned. vertaald verschenen en omdat ik dit boek niet echt geweldig vond ga ik geen moeite doen om die 3 in de Engelse taal erbij te kopen .

[Jodi Ashland · Rating 3 out of 5]

To TEMPT A KNIGHT by Gerri Russell, I'd call a fast paced romantic supspense with a twist of history. While this first book in the series gave more historical and scenic details than the 2nd, it lacked some believable moments and the language became too modern at times. It was a fun, fast read, and I recommend it if you're not looking for true historical fiction. I preferred the plot in SEDUCING THE KNIGHT, 2nd in the series, as the arc of the covenant displayed powers in the book. It had a paranormal element in it as well. The sword in this book displayed no powers as repeatedly mentioned, which was a letdown.

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Tempting Reading

This is the first book I have read by Gerri Russell and I was drawn by the Templar storyline. This story draws you in from first chapter to last chapter. Siobhan and William take you on a wonderful journey of Faith, Belief, Loyalty, and Love. They battle the elements, the villains, the feelings of desire, and promises and vows made. Their journey is wrapped in the history of the Knights Templar, some facts ...some fiction, we may never know the real facts but it is a beautifully written take. Can't wait to continue the journey in Gerri Russell's series. Thank you for this captivating read.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Tempt a Knight was an amazing experience! The mystery surrounding the Templar legends set the stage Gerri Russell’s beautiful adventure. From the first sentence, I felt like I hit the ground running and didn’t stop until the end. This book has it all – sword fights, passion, torture, betrayal, heart ache, battles, grief, love, anger, scars, healing…and that’s just the beginning! I’m excited that this is the first book in the series and can’t wait for more to come.

[Mslvoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spear of Destiny / Longinus Spear / Holy Lance
- William and Siobhan struggle to protect -



I have always been fascinated with the setting of 14th century Scotland. This book is a great read and I enjoyed it.

[Mammu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just your typical historical romance, this time peppered with legend and characters from medieval Europe during the time of the Crusades. A good, engaging, light read for a lazy Saturday afternoon, which is what I had before I was called in to work.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome start into a new series about templar knight warriors and the woman who temp them. A reading adventure with a little budding romance and a lot of intrigue going on. Very amazing and also very vivid. Glad I picked this up.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, but was slow at times. I usually have a hard time putting down a book, but this one didn't hold my undivided attention. It was an interesting storyline and in the end I really liked the main characters.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters. I am always drawn to characters that I feel like I know. The females need to be strong women, I don't like the "please save me" type.

[Misfit]

Free on kindle today, although I have read it and do not recommend it, even for romance.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Tempt a Knight (The Brotherhood of the Scottish Templars, #1) by Gerri Russell
1331 This book summary fascinated me as I seek information about Templars and what makes them so great and sacred.
This story starts with Sir William and he arrives at the castle to determine the young lady, Siobhan is the only one there. He informs her of others had taken her father.
He had warned her to get the scroll. She has no idea what's on it but had always been told as a young child that it was sacred, his life’s work on it.
Sir William stops her and as they notice a band of men are arriving they head out in a different way. He takes her to the cliff area and they find a cave and she gets to talk a bit about her father, her house that is now burnt to the ground and everything with it, all but the scroll which he had rescued for her.
She hopes to see her father once again and knows Sir William is the only one who can make that happen. He hopes to reunite them and to find out if information on the artifacts is written down on the scrolls as to their location.
They are chased many times over before they get to safe location.
Like travel, purpose of mission, betrayals, loyalty, locations and friends who help, strategies against bad guys and how logic works. Lots of fighting excursions.
Adult situations. Love author's notes at the end and why she wrote the story as she did, so many explanations about mysteries and legends.
Love gift for dedicated garden, so touching! Afterword, I treasure more because it's about the research the author did wrapping history with her story, the intricate details, travels of the Spear. Other works by the author are listed.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was not sure what to expect. Way different than the laird series. I did learn a lot about the templars. Also the deviousness and revenge and death of families.
I probably move this to 3.5 stars as the story continued and the bravery if these fine men and one young lady, Sioban, the daughter of a psst Templar and keeper of the Templar treasure and secret sword.
With Frenchman La Roche out to kill all the Templars and find the treasure, Sir William Keith comes to dave Siobhan from being Kidnapped. They go on a long journey to find the treasure, the sword and her kidnapped father.
As a Templar William fights his attraction to Siobhan and the soulmate journey the take.
See where this leads them. Will they die at the hand of La Roche? Who will survive. Will a chadte life win over love?

[Veronica Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, and the author was clear in her afterword of letting the reader know that all the men may have existed in Scottish history, the Scotish Templar Knights did not exist. For hard core readers of anything Scotish and/or any Templar may not like the liberty the author took with the book. For those who want a book with adventure, romance and some family twist, this is a good start. Please note there are other stories about Robert the Bruce and his elite guard that are more poignant and factual, but was okay. Would I read the series? Not really. Would I read something else Gerri Russell has written? Yes, this book was written in 2009 and it got good reviews when it was released, because the story is good.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Weaving of Past and Present

This book was a quick read. It flowed nicely and kept its pace going from beginning to end. The Templars are a central part of the story and are particularly of interest to me. The love story is sweet and gentle. Overall, a great way to weave the past with the present.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching story

I enjoy history. This book includes that with a love story. I am almost 83 and never knew of my old world history but I have Lairds on my Scottish side and Earls on my English side.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just say NO!

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn't appeal to me like I had hoped. I just wasn't feeling the story or the characters.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story

A different storyline with interesting characters. The pace was slow at times, and a parts were a little far fetched, but overall a good story.

[Hildie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this is a fluffy read, but it's fairly historically accurate, and has some fun elements in it as well. If you like traditional romance this book is worth a shot.

[Rhonda LeFebvre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an exciting story.

Having been told Scotland and England, this was an interesting story I could picture in the countryside I saw. Thank you for taking me back.