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All the King's Men #2
Knight of Pleasure
THE GREATEST PASSION
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a French nobleman to form a political alliance, she agrees. But that's before the devilishly charming Sir Stephen Carleton captures her heart-and tempts her to betray her betrothed, her king, and her country.
IS WORTH THE GREATEST PERIL
Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers-until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. So when a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen has a chance to prove that he is more than a knight of pleasure...and that love can conquer all.
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a French nobleman to form a political alliance, she agrees. But that's before the devilishly charming Sir Stephen Carleton captures her heart-and tempts her to betray her betrothed, her king, and her country.
IS WORTH THE GREATEST PERIL
Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers-until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. So when a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen has a chance to prove that he is more than a knight of pleasure...and that love can conquer all.
363 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 10, 2009
67 people are currently reading
1065 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mallory
24 books1,070 followersMargaret Mallory, a recovering lawyer, is thrilled to be writing exciting tales with sword-wielding heroes rather than briefs and memos. Since abandoning the law for romance, she's become a USA Today bestselling author, and her Scottish and medieval romances have won numerous honors, including National Readers' Choice Awards, RT Book Reviews' Best Scotland-Set Historical Romance, and a RITA© nomination.
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful (and rainy) Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time with her handsome Highlanders, but she also likes to hike and travel. You can find information about Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 21, 2009
Knight of Pleasure was an unexpectedly pleasurable read. (Ha! Get it? *cue cymbals*) I have a certain track record with medieval romances- that is to say, I avoid them, but Knight demonstrated none of the problems I associate with that genre.
Margaret Mallory's characters are refreshingly human, rather than primitives with poor technology. I begin to see the appeal of the period, even though Mallory makes no bones about the drawbacks of the times too. People are stinky, events take place over months through the use of summary or narrative jumps rather than days, and women are not indulged endlessly, leggings and sword lessons aside. Even spoiled girls like Isobel come to some hard truths about life for women of the day. Isobel knows better than to refuse her king so she tries to make the best of her political marriage. No feminist rants or tantrums or dressing as a boy to escape (that comes later, LOL). She never launches into bizarre, anachronistic musings like, "Gee, life is difficult for women in my period." It's baffling the many times I've seen this in historicals.
Mallory's narrative reads relatively light on internal dialogue and quickly paced. She also shows, not tells. I can understand Stephen's appeal for Isobel because he proves his awesomeness again and again. Egads, he really is chivalrous! The word's not just waved like a flag to identify This Book as a Medieval Romance.
Stephen could live in our times, he's so sympathetic. He worries about the mayhem following his command's military victories, he has a close relationship with his brother, and little details like his brother's greater military history and prowess add texture. He agrees to culture a womanizing image (not unusual for him) to gather information for his king. He has wishes and ideas of himself independent of anything else. Nice. He is alpha or beta by turns, realistic and mature as their relationship problems are. He isn't overbearing, but he isn't fawning either. He has his pride.
Isobel's story, first typical, becomes fresh when we meet the full cast around 100 pages. What a cool dramedy then with interesting characters and layered conflicts. What will happen to the twins and Isobel's brother? They actually have a role in the action.
The action was a nice surprise! I was enthralled and especially thankful that the author chose real events to loosely ground her adventures, without adding unbelievable embellishments, rather than some wacky camp. I do love some politics.
I also loved seeing the star of the next book as a youth in this novel. Brilliant device. It's just too bad I didn't get to see Stephen as a youngster. I bet that was a sight!
While the writing is a little simple and unsophisticated, it is competent and smooth. Her style is not bloated, colloquial, or choppy. I really enjoyed the author's modern approach to her characters and conflicts and even dialogue. Instead of fumbling with medieval English, she writes a reasonable translation of the sentiments into modern language, mostly avoiding anachronisms or those jarring medieval expressions. She includes enough history to tide us over, chooses a clever, admirable warrior king and places her characters close to him (they all have to do his bidding, the poor sots, LOL).
Her quick pacing, realism, and action made this like watching a TV show. I want a Stephen. LOL. I was curious about this author, and now I'm glad I tried her. Jamie was dashing enough as a young man, I'm interested to read his book (we also met his heroine here), and after reading the excerpt, it looks like we jump right into the action too, whoop! I'm between three stars and four. I'll round up for such an independent hero. :D
Margaret Mallory's characters are refreshingly human, rather than primitives with poor technology. I begin to see the appeal of the period, even though Mallory makes no bones about the drawbacks of the times too. People are stinky, events take place over months through the use of summary or narrative jumps rather than days, and women are not indulged endlessly, leggings and sword lessons aside. Even spoiled girls like Isobel come to some hard truths about life for women of the day. Isobel knows better than to refuse her king so she tries to make the best of her political marriage. No feminist rants or tantrums or dressing as a boy to escape (that comes later, LOL). She never launches into bizarre, anachronistic musings like, "Gee, life is difficult for women in my period." It's baffling the many times I've seen this in historicals.
Mallory's narrative reads relatively light on internal dialogue and quickly paced. She also shows, not tells. I can understand Stephen's appeal for Isobel because he proves his awesomeness again and again. Egads, he really is chivalrous! The word's not just waved like a flag to identify This Book as a Medieval Romance.
Stephen could live in our times, he's so sympathetic. He worries about the mayhem following his command's military victories, he has a close relationship with his brother, and little details like his brother's greater military history and prowess add texture. He agrees to culture a womanizing image (not unusual for him) to gather information for his king. He has wishes and ideas of himself independent of anything else. Nice. He is alpha or beta by turns, realistic and mature as their relationship problems are. He isn't overbearing, but he isn't fawning either. He has his pride.
Isobel's story, first typical, becomes fresh when we meet the full cast around 100 pages. What a cool dramedy then with interesting characters and layered conflicts. What will happen to the twins and Isobel's brother? They actually have a role in the action.
The action was a nice surprise! I was enthralled and especially thankful that the author chose real events to loosely ground her adventures, without adding unbelievable embellishments, rather than some wacky camp. I do love some politics.
I also loved seeing the star of the next book as a youth in this novel. Brilliant device. It's just too bad I didn't get to see Stephen as a youngster. I bet that was a sight!
While the writing is a little simple and unsophisticated, it is competent and smooth. Her style is not bloated, colloquial, or choppy. I really enjoyed the author's modern approach to her characters and conflicts and even dialogue. Instead of fumbling with medieval English, she writes a reasonable translation of the sentiments into modern language, mostly avoiding anachronisms or those jarring medieval expressions. She includes enough history to tide us over, chooses a clever, admirable warrior king and places her characters close to him (they all have to do his bidding, the poor sots, LOL).
Her quick pacing, realism, and action made this like watching a TV show. I want a Stephen. LOL. I was curious about this author, and now I'm glad I tried her. Jamie was dashing enough as a young man, I'm interested to read his book (we also met his heroine here), and after reading the excerpt, it looks like we jump right into the action too, whoop! I'm between three stars and four. I'll round up for such an independent hero. :D
February 8, 2010
My review:
Wow! Another fun read from Margaret Mallory, who has such a knack for storytelling!
Stephen Carlton and Lady Isobel Hume made for some interesting – and hot – reading. Both were people who put aside their own wants and feelings to do whatever was necessary for the “greater good” and that just happens to be one of my favorite historical romance themes: the hero and heroine are kept apart by forces outside of their control, and have to battle not only the treachery around them, but their own emotions as well. There was a point in the novel where I had started pondering the question, is it better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all? Fortunately that question wasn’t put to the ultimate test.
I adored both Stephen and Isobel and was thrilled that they found their happily ever after and I’m also thrilled to have stumbled upon Margaret Mallory’s stories because one can never have too many ‘auto buy’ historical romance authors!
I'm anxiously awaiting Knight of Passion coming this June!
Wow! Another fun read from Margaret Mallory, who has such a knack for storytelling!
Stephen Carlton and Lady Isobel Hume made for some interesting – and hot – reading. Both were people who put aside their own wants and feelings to do whatever was necessary for the “greater good” and that just happens to be one of my favorite historical romance themes: the hero and heroine are kept apart by forces outside of their control, and have to battle not only the treachery around them, but their own emotions as well. There was a point in the novel where I had started pondering the question, is it better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all? Fortunately that question wasn’t put to the ultimate test.
I adored both Stephen and Isobel and was thrilled that they found their happily ever after and I’m also thrilled to have stumbled upon Margaret Mallory’s stories because one can never have too many ‘auto buy’ historical romance authors!
I'm anxiously awaiting Knight of Passion coming this June!
April 12, 2021
Lady Isobel Hume had hoped her widowed status would finally bring her the freedom she had so long desired. But that was not to be and now, once again faced with few options, she agrees to do her duty when the king decrees she marry a French nobleman to secure a political alliance. When she arrives in Normandy, she finds herself taken not with her arrogant betrothed, but with Sir Stephen Carleton, and is tempted to forsake her duty.
Stephen has always had his pick of women, but when he meets Isobel, all others lose their appeal. When Isobel finds herself in danger amidst a plot to kill the king, Stephen takes the opportunity to prove his devotion and sincerity.
First off, I loved the old school Medieval feel and setting of this book and enjoyed the author’s smooth writing style. The pace was fast and with enough action to keep me interested. I even wound up being charmed by Stephen as he cleaned up his rakish ways and his true honor and sweet nature shone through. The connection between him and Isobel was well drawn, and I loved his determination to have a future with her despite the obstacles in their way. My issue here was Isobel. She’s meant to be such a strong woman, skilled with a sword and such, but her actions didn’t show that very much. I kept waiting for her to grow a backbone and finally start fighting for what she wanted, rather than her endless complaining of her woes and the general suffering of women. Even when her maid cum spy presented her with information that could help her, Isobel was still reluctant to do anything. The final nail was when she assumed the worst of Stephen and his intentions without actually having a real conversation with him or allowing him to explain his feelings and actions without her jumping to conclusions. Thankfully, the supporting characters were there to be sensible and help set things to rights. Overall, I wound up being charmed by Stephen and rooting for him and I liked these two as a couple, I just wanted more spine and less air-headedness from the heroine. The plot itself was a bit predictable but I still enjoyed it and the setting, and I’ll continue on to Jamie’s story soon.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Stephen has always had his pick of women, but when he meets Isobel, all others lose their appeal. When Isobel finds herself in danger amidst a plot to kill the king, Stephen takes the opportunity to prove his devotion and sincerity.
First off, I loved the old school Medieval feel and setting of this book and enjoyed the author’s smooth writing style. The pace was fast and with enough action to keep me interested. I even wound up being charmed by Stephen as he cleaned up his rakish ways and his true honor and sweet nature shone through. The connection between him and Isobel was well drawn, and I loved his determination to have a future with her despite the obstacles in their way. My issue here was Isobel. She’s meant to be such a strong woman, skilled with a sword and such, but her actions didn’t show that very much. I kept waiting for her to grow a backbone and finally start fighting for what she wanted, rather than her endless complaining of her woes and the general suffering of women. Even when her maid cum spy presented her with information that could help her, Isobel was still reluctant to do anything. The final nail was when she assumed the worst of Stephen and his intentions without actually having a real conversation with him or allowing him to explain his feelings and actions without her jumping to conclusions. Thankfully, the supporting characters were there to be sensible and help set things to rights. Overall, I wound up being charmed by Stephen and rooting for him and I liked these two as a couple, I just wanted more spine and less air-headedness from the heroine. The plot itself was a bit predictable but I still enjoyed it and the setting, and I’ll continue on to Jamie’s story soon.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
August 24, 2025
Story: 4 stars
Audio: 4 stars
Good story, based on historically true events. The H was more likable than h; I felt that much of suffering and angst happened because she made some stupid decisions based on misunderstanding and assumptions. But the plot was packed with intrigue, action and suspense making it a fast pace audiobook. Overall, highly recommended to readers who love realistic historical romances. 👍🏻
Audio: 4 stars
Good story, based on historically true events. The H was more likable than h; I felt that much of suffering and angst happened because she made some stupid decisions based on misunderstanding and assumptions. But the plot was packed with intrigue, action and suspense making it a fast pace audiobook. Overall, highly recommended to readers who love realistic historical romances. 👍🏻
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 14, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Margaret Mallory’s Knight of Pleasure was quite a disappointment for me, especially if I compare it with book 1. Even though the historical aspects along with the actions later part of the book were very good, the central characters and plotline left much to be said. Sad, because I was really anticipating Stephen’s book. I wasn’t into the story at least for the 75% of it and was totally thinking about a lower grade, when the climax of the story just blew me away. I wish I had seen this continuation throughout.
As a heroine, Isobel started out as strong, even though burnt by life from an early age. Her father sort of sold her to this really old man, old enough to be her grandfather, in exchange of the money to get back their lands. Isobel always worshiped her father because her mother, after first few years of their marriage, turned a cold woman who understood nothing but prayer and always spoke of ‘her sins’ that she thought brought this disaster (losing the lands and money) upon them. Isobel was sure, now that she thinks back, her father loved her mother, enough to sold her get back the lands, in hopes that her mother would become warm and nice again, which she never did until her dying day. Isobel has a younger brother, Geoffrey, who is a dreamer; a nice and god fearing man. Isobel grew up to learn sword fight and things to defend herself. But she couldn’t really save her 14 yrs old self from this miserable marriage, which lasted 8 yrs. She never conceived and somehow tolerated the old man’s attentions in bed for a time. But she knew she’d get the money after his death and it kept her going. Unfortunately, some greedy bastard duped the old man Hume into thinking he’s his son and Hume bequeathed his everything to that man’. After her husband’s death, Isobel was shocked to find this, as her future was crushing down upon her. The other man, a lecher, had an eye on her always by Isobel couldn’t stand him and she won’t marry him no matter what. After 8 yrs of anger and silence, she can do nothing but ask for her father’s help. Both of them visit Bishop Beaufort, who is also Henry V’s uncle. The Bishop is very interested in this and of course, he sees that beautiful Isobel can be bartered away in a political marriage. So after disappointing them about Hume’s money and lands, he tells them about his next plan. King Henry was, at that moment, in Caen and trying for an alliance (my history is kinda rusty here, sorry for any mistake). A political marriage can help him out. Isobel is disappointed and kinda scared because she doesn’t wanna get married and feel helpless ever again. But the Bishop gives her no choice in this, unless she marries the man who holds her husband’s land. A dejected Isobel sets out with her father to Normandy for her marriage. They were to meet Robert Fass, now the King’s trusty adviser, who would help her navigate through it all.
(After I finish recovering from my swoon over Robert’s charisma... ooh lala)
Stephen was a good boy in Knight of Desire. I was thinking that he’d grow up to be someone different; a nobleman by birth and deed. But that wasn’t the case as I found out. His scene starts with him rising up from a married woman’s bed and some disgusting musings from his part about his sex life, which revolves around the same woman. I was shocked, plain as that. Then, I find him drinking and whoring away, as his life is now. Yes, he’s working for the King to some extent but he’s actually wasting away his life. Neither William nor Catherine is happy about it. Then I find him still utterly besotted with Catherine, even now that he is a grown man and should know better. He’s STILL looking for this perfect woman, someone like Catherine and since he is yet to find that woman, he has submerged himself into various loose women and drink. I was so disappointed in him that it just took the fun away. I felt no respect or affection for him, as I don’t care for rakes/womanizers, who live the life Stephen does. Then he gets the words from Robert that a new bride for a political marriage is coming here and they have to receive her. Before, we find that Robert is still doing his job, as excellent as ever as the King’s adviser and an occasional spy too. Upon hearing about the woman’s identity, Robert knew instantly who it was. He has to, since Isobel’s mother was his onetime lover when he was very young and he was in love with her. Unfortunately, we don’t know what actually happened, other than that he was forced out of his home and lived the life of a itinerant troubadour and a spy until now. He also left that girl pregnant. When I realized Robert’s real relationship with Isobel, it stunned me quite a bit. I just couldn’t visualize him as a father, which he really wasn’t to Isobel at any level. But he was determined to take care of her while she’s here, as a duty long overdue.
Isobel travels alone, only with a twittering maid. So far, she was holding up good and I liked her a lot. She didn’t know if she’ll meet her husband soon after her arrival. One thing I didn’t realize for a long time that Isobel was aware that Robert was her real father. She meets him on the dock, alongside William, Jamie and Stephen. And she’s instantly stuck on Stephen’s easy smile and charming words. From here starts her journey of becoming a TSTL, which was far removed from the woman I met earlier that I was flabbergasted more than once by her musings and actions! Don’t even ask me about Stephen. Anyway, I digress… After she’s settled, Isobel meets the King too, who explains to her about her marriage to a nobleman of Rouen, de Roche. Isobel can hardly reject the King’s order, so she concedes as it’s a duty to her for England. Stephen, on the other hand, couldn’t forget the beautiful Lady Hume. And upon asking about her to Robert, he gets a mild rebuke from him. Robert being a womanizer himself knows where Stephen’s mind is, so he warns Stephen off Isobel. But that doesn’t let Stephen act as her bodyguard of sorts. He would act possessively towards her. When Geoffrey comes for a visit, he mistakes him for de Roche as Isobel flings herself into her brother’s arms. Stephen did some grumbling but when Isobel realized what Stephen thought, she’s pissed. And she’s pissed on his on and off throughout the story, and then she would let him kiss and fondle her... Then she’d berate herself for letting herself carried away with a womanizer like him (she already knew of Stephen’s reputation) but she’d always subsequently daydream away about him as well. Can you tell that I was annoyed and pissed too? I mean just FREAKIN’ made up your mind woman!
Now, in between I got to learn that Stephen is actually a spy for the crown, like Robert. He had some uncanny abilities such as gleaning information that no one else knew, even as a child, so I wasn’t really surprised by this. He, Robert and a courtesan called Claudette were involved in this to some extent. You know I just a love Robert. I also adored Claudette. There were some mysteries surrounding her, just like Robert, which were never revealed. I only knew one of her cousins is a mistress to some mad French king, who doesn’t even know about his mistress! Umm, go figure. King Henry was supposed to marry this French King’s daughter, Katherine (as I said, sorry about my rusty history). Robert and Claudette exchanged easy banters and it seemed like, were good friends. I don’t know if they had any intimate past history, if ever, but they were focused on their mission of getting information. Sadly, I don’t get to see much of them together in the later parts. Stephen, of course, helped them, even if that meant sleeping with some woman they suspect. But he still didn’t really show any sign of changing his rakish behavior. Some of his reputation had to do with his spying (much like Robert’s) but not all of it.
But at the moment, Stephen is all focused on Isobel, even knowing that it’s impossible to have an honorable relationship with her. On the other hand, Isobel, knowing his rakish reputation, tried to tell herself that he’s no good for her. She had trust issue I understood, her father having betrayed her like that. Then one day Stephen finds her in one of the storerooms, practicing sword fight. He offers to train her because Stephen is really famous for his skills with swords. I was glad to know that he had some other skills than how to use his d*ck. Anyway, this starts their daily meeting, which wasn’t helping this unwarranted attraction between them. Sometimes Geoffrey and Jamie would join them but when they didn’t, Stephen and Isobel would end up kissing and fondling. You can guess what Isobel’s reaction was afterwards, as I’ve already mentioned. I found this extremely annoying at times and found myself muttering, ‘C’mon Ms. Author, give me something worthwhile to read. I’ve read too many books with care-free rakes (whom I can neither trust nor love) and TSTL heroines who do all the wrong things and act hypocritical and annoy the hell outta me!’ At least, after sometimes, Stephen was smitten and didn’t hide it but Isobel? Well, you’ll read about it soon.
Anyway, de Roche makes his appearance soon thereafter. Upon summoned by the King, Isobel finds out that her husband is neither old, nor feeble but a strapping handsome young man. But she was already smitten with Stephen, though she won’t admit it outright. I would find her ‘resistance’ appealing, if it was any resistance at all... which it wasn’t. She tries liking de Roche and his serious demeanor but comparing with Stephen’s charm, he fails utterly. On the other hand, Stephen can’t stand de Roche staking his possession where Isobel was concerned. Not even Robert’s repeated warnings help him. Meanwhile, he and William go to Falaise. They are disgusted by the massacre by the English army. They save two young and pretty twin brother and sister from a group of drunken soldiers. They bring Francois and Linnet back. Stephen can take Francois as his squire but Linnet is so beautiful a girl, he’s not sure where to put her. His answer was with Isobel, who was without a lady’s maid at that time. She takes Linnet in without any questions. Linnet was a bit apprehensive at first, but she soon puts her trust on Isobel, experiencing her kindness. These twins, they acted like 32 yrs old all the time, whereas they were 12 at best. Sometimes I couldn’t believe it, when they were spying, being quite reckless and giving advises to elder, more experienced people around them. This uncharacteristic maturity wasn’t very realistic IMO and made me roll my eyes quite a few times.
Among all these, Isobel was also trying to find a common ground here, to see if she can actually go to bed with de Roche. And Stephen, who already once almost made love to her, was sure to give in. On his way to Isobel’s room, he finds Isobel and de Roche in front of the door and de Roche’s hands on her. Stephen just couldn’t take it and goes to drink himself into oblivion. When Claudette and Jamie find him, he didn’t know what he was doing. And in his drunken state, he spills the secrecy of Jamie’s birth. It made Jamie angry and the next morning, he runs to the nearest abbey with Geoffrey, who was already contemplating joining the monks. Isobel, upon hearing, becomes very worried. But when she asks for de Roche’s help, he won’t and gets angry, something he does more often than not. Meanwhile, William hears of Stephen’s blunder from him own mouth. When Isobel informs them that Francois, who was now working in the stables, has seen them ride out to the abbey, they ran after them. Now, Isobel ‘had to’ prove something and so she does the next TSTL thing by riding out secretly after them, wearing Geoffrey’s clothes. Even Linnet asked her not but she didn’t listen and puts herself in danger. Soon, the brothers find her in tow. all of a sudden, they’re attacked by some people. It was a short but bloody battle, where William is badly injured. Stephen does his best to fend the enemies off. Even Isobel fights but she knew she can’t possibly handle all of the men. Somehow, they manage to fend them off and ride off with a gravely injured William to the abbey. Jamie is there and takes charge of his father. William gains back a little health with an old abbot’s help. That night, after coming so close to death, Isobel decides that for once she’ll have what she wants, which is Stephen. No, she won’t marry him mind you, as she made a promise to the King but will sleep with him. That’s what they do the next morning, venturing far from the abbey. Afterwards, Stephen was pretty sure that he’ll marry Isobel and for that, would weather the King’s wrath if needs be. But the fool didn’t know that for Isobel, it was just a onetime thing.
Stephen rides back to the castle to get more men. After he’s gone, the same men who attacked them, attack the abbey. They kill the chief abbot but somehow Jamie and Geoffrey held them off. The head of this group spies of Isobel in men’s clothing, which leaves her scared. Anyway, soon Stephen is there to save the day with his men. With William’s poor condition, somehow they make it back to the castle. The next day, Isobel goes to check on William and finds that Catherine is here. She also finds that Stephen is hopelessly besotted with his beautiful and ‘perfect’ SIL. It hurts Isobel. Ok, why? You were already planning to marry de Roche, so why are you hurt? Afterwards, Stephen tries to talk to her about marriage but Isobel won’t listen to anything he has to say. She’s determined to marry. She even tells him that she can’t trust him because of his womanizing, to which Stephen takes umbrage. How dare she bring those women up! He feels insulted. Huh??! Again I went like, ‘why are you feeling insulted f*cker? Those are the truth and you brought it upon yourself.’ So you can see why I was so on the verge of DNFing this book because I was utterly annoyed by this exasperatingly immature drama from both sides.
Now, to keep their involvement a secret and for the spying, Stephen had to put on his rakish mask and act. As she didn’t know the truth, his actions would of course make Isobel more determined that she won’t be happy with him. That he’d cast her aside sometimes later. But Stephen just couldn’t help himself when Isobel was in the same room, even when Claudette would warn him not to give himself away by staring at her. Isobel didn’t know about Claudette and she broke into an argument with Stephen once, when he was called away from her with a note from Claudette. It was a big misunderstanding. They almost have sex but the fact that she won’t marry him makes Stephen very angry. He asks Isobel to stall the marriage to see if she’s pregnant because he won’t let some other man raise his child. It was praiseworthy of him and I was kinda annoyed at Isobel now. In a rage, Stephen rides out in the night. We already saw that Robert has found some damning evidence of de Roche doing something fishy back in Rouen. Robert was always protective of Isobel for obvious reason and because of that, he was trying to stall the betrothal as well. But the king takes them all by surprise and the very next morning announces the betrothal. Stephen is back in the meantime and what seems to him is that Isobel has betrayed him. Misunderstanding, again... He leaves. She gives up and leaves with de Roche for Rouen. Robert is at a loss for words about what to do next. King Henry has no idea what he has just done.
In Rouen, Isobel finds some of the things aren’t alright, such as, no elderly relative to act as chaperone. Living alone with de Roche would prove to be harmful of her reputation but Isobel trusts him, albeit hesitantly. Then bringing Linnet wasn’t a good idea as de Roche, on occasion, would cast his lusty glance on her. In between, he drops hints that he wants to take their relationship to the next level, and very soon. Isobel stalls him somewhat by lying. De Roche now made her immensely uncomfortable. If she ever felt anything for him wasn’t there anymore. And she missed Stephen. Sometimes later, Stephen is in the city as the King’s representative. He hoped for a glance of Isobel, which he has when she arrives with de Roche. He drops hints, because he wanted to know if she’s pregnant. Stephen was very determined to do just about anything, if she was with child. But the shake of Isobel’s head takes away his dream. Stephen didn’t know that he could hurt that much. The fact that he’s losing her begins to set on him. And from this part, I finally started to enjoy the book because I saw real emotion from both sides now and believed that they both despaired of this horribly unfair situation. I couldn’t really blame Isobel. Her father was a traitor (which is why I think their lands were forfeited in the first place) and she wanted to prove that she can do something for England. She couldn’t have known what was in de Roche’s mind. And I felt the hurt Stephen it. It kinda made me cry, really. One thing Isobel does though, she sends Linnet away with Stephen to save her from de Roche’s hand. Stephen is quite disgusted by her cold behavior but Linnet soon explains him the ‘whys’ behind it all, including the letter Isobel discovered in de Roche’s study that confirms that he’s plotting against the English crown with someone called ‘T’. Now, Stephen is intrigued and a little more than apprehensive himself about Isobel’s safety. Then he gets some more interesting news about de Roche from ‘a friend’ of Claudette who stopped by.
With this, comes the part that was full of actions, something MM executed quite neatly IMO. Isabel sees the man that attacked the abbey and tried to kill them in de Roche’s study. After seeing the man, she’s very scared but tries to keep herself calm and think about how to save herself. She just feels that something is very wrong, and this feeling comes to haunt her in reality too soon for her liking. I can’t possibly express how much I LOVED this last part that hold me glued to the book. This is why I notched up the rating TBH. I loved how Isobel and Stephen worked together to save themselves and England, even though it was a bit gory for me. The sword fight scene was every bit as compelling as the deception part. And the book only gets better and by the time it ended, I felt quite a bit of affection for Stephen because he was determined to die in battle when Isobel still ‘wasn’t sure’ about their relationship. The King, upon learning of the troubles in Rouen, grants Isobel her lands. She’s now a wealthy widow and can live the quiet life she wanted to live in the first place. But can she, now that she has known Stephen? Ugh, but it made me wanna shake her. After all that they’d been together, how could she still be so confused? I also loved the last scene, just the night before Stephen was supposed to march with the King’s army.
I wish that the better part of the book was this good. As I found no fault with MM’s writing style, it could’ve been another splendid read all over like Knight of Desire. I also felt cheated about Robert and Claudette’s relationship, when it ended, it was said that they got married. Bummer! 3.75 stars. Next book is Jamie’s and his heroine is Linnet. Let’s see how that turns out for me.
Margaret Mallory’s Knight of Pleasure was quite a disappointment for me, especially if I compare it with book 1. Even though the historical aspects along with the actions later part of the book were very good, the central characters and plotline left much to be said. Sad, because I was really anticipating Stephen’s book. I wasn’t into the story at least for the 75% of it and was totally thinking about a lower grade, when the climax of the story just blew me away. I wish I had seen this continuation throughout.
As a heroine, Isobel started out as strong, even though burnt by life from an early age. Her father sort of sold her to this really old man, old enough to be her grandfather, in exchange of the money to get back their lands. Isobel always worshiped her father because her mother, after first few years of their marriage, turned a cold woman who understood nothing but prayer and always spoke of ‘her sins’ that she thought brought this disaster (losing the lands and money) upon them. Isobel was sure, now that she thinks back, her father loved her mother, enough to sold her get back the lands, in hopes that her mother would become warm and nice again, which she never did until her dying day. Isobel has a younger brother, Geoffrey, who is a dreamer; a nice and god fearing man. Isobel grew up to learn sword fight and things to defend herself. But she couldn’t really save her 14 yrs old self from this miserable marriage, which lasted 8 yrs. She never conceived and somehow tolerated the old man’s attentions in bed for a time. But she knew she’d get the money after his death and it kept her going. Unfortunately, some greedy bastard duped the old man Hume into thinking he’s his son and Hume bequeathed his everything to that man’. After her husband’s death, Isobel was shocked to find this, as her future was crushing down upon her. The other man, a lecher, had an eye on her always by Isobel couldn’t stand him and she won’t marry him no matter what. After 8 yrs of anger and silence, she can do nothing but ask for her father’s help. Both of them visit Bishop Beaufort, who is also Henry V’s uncle. The Bishop is very interested in this and of course, he sees that beautiful Isobel can be bartered away in a political marriage. So after disappointing them about Hume’s money and lands, he tells them about his next plan. King Henry was, at that moment, in Caen and trying for an alliance (my history is kinda rusty here, sorry for any mistake). A political marriage can help him out. Isobel is disappointed and kinda scared because she doesn’t wanna get married and feel helpless ever again. But the Bishop gives her no choice in this, unless she marries the man who holds her husband’s land. A dejected Isobel sets out with her father to Normandy for her marriage. They were to meet Robert Fass, now the King’s trusty adviser, who would help her navigate through it all.
(After I finish recovering from my swoon over Robert’s charisma... ooh lala)
Stephen was a good boy in Knight of Desire. I was thinking that he’d grow up to be someone different; a nobleman by birth and deed. But that wasn’t the case as I found out. His scene starts with him rising up from a married woman’s bed and some disgusting musings from his part about his sex life, which revolves around the same woman. I was shocked, plain as that. Then, I find him drinking and whoring away, as his life is now. Yes, he’s working for the King to some extent but he’s actually wasting away his life. Neither William nor Catherine is happy about it. Then I find him still utterly besotted with Catherine, even now that he is a grown man and should know better. He’s STILL looking for this perfect woman, someone like Catherine and since he is yet to find that woman, he has submerged himself into various loose women and drink. I was so disappointed in him that it just took the fun away. I felt no respect or affection for him, as I don’t care for rakes/womanizers, who live the life Stephen does. Then he gets the words from Robert that a new bride for a political marriage is coming here and they have to receive her. Before, we find that Robert is still doing his job, as excellent as ever as the King’s adviser and an occasional spy too. Upon hearing about the woman’s identity, Robert knew instantly who it was. He has to, since Isobel’s mother was his onetime lover when he was very young and he was in love with her. Unfortunately, we don’t know what actually happened, other than that he was forced out of his home and lived the life of a itinerant troubadour and a spy until now. He also left that girl pregnant. When I realized Robert’s real relationship with Isobel, it stunned me quite a bit. I just couldn’t visualize him as a father, which he really wasn’t to Isobel at any level. But he was determined to take care of her while she’s here, as a duty long overdue.
Isobel travels alone, only with a twittering maid. So far, she was holding up good and I liked her a lot. She didn’t know if she’ll meet her husband soon after her arrival. One thing I didn’t realize for a long time that Isobel was aware that Robert was her real father. She meets him on the dock, alongside William, Jamie and Stephen. And she’s instantly stuck on Stephen’s easy smile and charming words. From here starts her journey of becoming a TSTL, which was far removed from the woman I met earlier that I was flabbergasted more than once by her musings and actions! Don’t even ask me about Stephen. Anyway, I digress… After she’s settled, Isobel meets the King too, who explains to her about her marriage to a nobleman of Rouen, de Roche. Isobel can hardly reject the King’s order, so she concedes as it’s a duty to her for England. Stephen, on the other hand, couldn’t forget the beautiful Lady Hume. And upon asking about her to Robert, he gets a mild rebuke from him. Robert being a womanizer himself knows where Stephen’s mind is, so he warns Stephen off Isobel. But that doesn’t let Stephen act as her bodyguard of sorts. He would act possessively towards her. When Geoffrey comes for a visit, he mistakes him for de Roche as Isobel flings herself into her brother’s arms. Stephen did some grumbling but when Isobel realized what Stephen thought, she’s pissed. And she’s pissed on his on and off throughout the story, and then she would let him kiss and fondle her... Then she’d berate herself for letting herself carried away with a womanizer like him (she already knew of Stephen’s reputation) but she’d always subsequently daydream away about him as well. Can you tell that I was annoyed and pissed too? I mean just FREAKIN’ made up your mind woman!
Now, in between I got to learn that Stephen is actually a spy for the crown, like Robert. He had some uncanny abilities such as gleaning information that no one else knew, even as a child, so I wasn’t really surprised by this. He, Robert and a courtesan called Claudette were involved in this to some extent. You know I just a love Robert. I also adored Claudette. There were some mysteries surrounding her, just like Robert, which were never revealed. I only knew one of her cousins is a mistress to some mad French king, who doesn’t even know about his mistress! Umm, go figure. King Henry was supposed to marry this French King’s daughter, Katherine (as I said, sorry about my rusty history). Robert and Claudette exchanged easy banters and it seemed like, were good friends. I don’t know if they had any intimate past history, if ever, but they were focused on their mission of getting information. Sadly, I don’t get to see much of them together in the later parts. Stephen, of course, helped them, even if that meant sleeping with some woman they suspect. But he still didn’t really show any sign of changing his rakish behavior. Some of his reputation had to do with his spying (much like Robert’s) but not all of it.
But at the moment, Stephen is all focused on Isobel, even knowing that it’s impossible to have an honorable relationship with her. On the other hand, Isobel, knowing his rakish reputation, tried to tell herself that he’s no good for her. She had trust issue I understood, her father having betrayed her like that. Then one day Stephen finds her in one of the storerooms, practicing sword fight. He offers to train her because Stephen is really famous for his skills with swords. I was glad to know that he had some other skills than how to use his d*ck. Anyway, this starts their daily meeting, which wasn’t helping this unwarranted attraction between them. Sometimes Geoffrey and Jamie would join them but when they didn’t, Stephen and Isobel would end up kissing and fondling. You can guess what Isobel’s reaction was afterwards, as I’ve already mentioned. I found this extremely annoying at times and found myself muttering, ‘C’mon Ms. Author, give me something worthwhile to read. I’ve read too many books with care-free rakes (whom I can neither trust nor love) and TSTL heroines who do all the wrong things and act hypocritical and annoy the hell outta me!’ At least, after sometimes, Stephen was smitten and didn’t hide it but Isobel? Well, you’ll read about it soon.
Anyway, de Roche makes his appearance soon thereafter. Upon summoned by the King, Isobel finds out that her husband is neither old, nor feeble but a strapping handsome young man. But she was already smitten with Stephen, though she won’t admit it outright. I would find her ‘resistance’ appealing, if it was any resistance at all... which it wasn’t. She tries liking de Roche and his serious demeanor but comparing with Stephen’s charm, he fails utterly. On the other hand, Stephen can’t stand de Roche staking his possession where Isobel was concerned. Not even Robert’s repeated warnings help him. Meanwhile, he and William go to Falaise. They are disgusted by the massacre by the English army. They save two young and pretty twin brother and sister from a group of drunken soldiers. They bring Francois and Linnet back. Stephen can take Francois as his squire but Linnet is so beautiful a girl, he’s not sure where to put her. His answer was with Isobel, who was without a lady’s maid at that time. She takes Linnet in without any questions. Linnet was a bit apprehensive at first, but she soon puts her trust on Isobel, experiencing her kindness. These twins, they acted like 32 yrs old all the time, whereas they were 12 at best. Sometimes I couldn’t believe it, when they were spying, being quite reckless and giving advises to elder, more experienced people around them. This uncharacteristic maturity wasn’t very realistic IMO and made me roll my eyes quite a few times.
Among all these, Isobel was also trying to find a common ground here, to see if she can actually go to bed with de Roche. And Stephen, who already once almost made love to her, was sure to give in. On his way to Isobel’s room, he finds Isobel and de Roche in front of the door and de Roche’s hands on her. Stephen just couldn’t take it and goes to drink himself into oblivion. When Claudette and Jamie find him, he didn’t know what he was doing. And in his drunken state, he spills the secrecy of Jamie’s birth. It made Jamie angry and the next morning, he runs to the nearest abbey with Geoffrey, who was already contemplating joining the monks. Isobel, upon hearing, becomes very worried. But when she asks for de Roche’s help, he won’t and gets angry, something he does more often than not. Meanwhile, William hears of Stephen’s blunder from him own mouth. When Isobel informs them that Francois, who was now working in the stables, has seen them ride out to the abbey, they ran after them. Now, Isobel ‘had to’ prove something and so she does the next TSTL thing by riding out secretly after them, wearing Geoffrey’s clothes. Even Linnet asked her not but she didn’t listen and puts herself in danger. Soon, the brothers find her in tow. all of a sudden, they’re attacked by some people. It was a short but bloody battle, where William is badly injured. Stephen does his best to fend the enemies off. Even Isobel fights but she knew she can’t possibly handle all of the men. Somehow, they manage to fend them off and ride off with a gravely injured William to the abbey. Jamie is there and takes charge of his father. William gains back a little health with an old abbot’s help. That night, after coming so close to death, Isobel decides that for once she’ll have what she wants, which is Stephen. No, she won’t marry him mind you, as she made a promise to the King but will sleep with him. That’s what they do the next morning, venturing far from the abbey. Afterwards, Stephen was pretty sure that he’ll marry Isobel and for that, would weather the King’s wrath if needs be. But the fool didn’t know that for Isobel, it was just a onetime thing.
Stephen rides back to the castle to get more men. After he’s gone, the same men who attacked them, attack the abbey. They kill the chief abbot but somehow Jamie and Geoffrey held them off. The head of this group spies of Isobel in men’s clothing, which leaves her scared. Anyway, soon Stephen is there to save the day with his men. With William’s poor condition, somehow they make it back to the castle. The next day, Isobel goes to check on William and finds that Catherine is here. She also finds that Stephen is hopelessly besotted with his beautiful and ‘perfect’ SIL. It hurts Isobel. Ok, why? You were already planning to marry de Roche, so why are you hurt? Afterwards, Stephen tries to talk to her about marriage but Isobel won’t listen to anything he has to say. She’s determined to marry. She even tells him that she can’t trust him because of his womanizing, to which Stephen takes umbrage. How dare she bring those women up! He feels insulted. Huh??! Again I went like, ‘why are you feeling insulted f*cker? Those are the truth and you brought it upon yourself.’ So you can see why I was so on the verge of DNFing this book because I was utterly annoyed by this exasperatingly immature drama from both sides.
Now, to keep their involvement a secret and for the spying, Stephen had to put on his rakish mask and act. As she didn’t know the truth, his actions would of course make Isobel more determined that she won’t be happy with him. That he’d cast her aside sometimes later. But Stephen just couldn’t help himself when Isobel was in the same room, even when Claudette would warn him not to give himself away by staring at her. Isobel didn’t know about Claudette and she broke into an argument with Stephen once, when he was called away from her with a note from Claudette. It was a big misunderstanding. They almost have sex but the fact that she won’t marry him makes Stephen very angry. He asks Isobel to stall the marriage to see if she’s pregnant because he won’t let some other man raise his child. It was praiseworthy of him and I was kinda annoyed at Isobel now. In a rage, Stephen rides out in the night. We already saw that Robert has found some damning evidence of de Roche doing something fishy back in Rouen. Robert was always protective of Isobel for obvious reason and because of that, he was trying to stall the betrothal as well. But the king takes them all by surprise and the very next morning announces the betrothal. Stephen is back in the meantime and what seems to him is that Isobel has betrayed him. Misunderstanding, again... He leaves. She gives up and leaves with de Roche for Rouen. Robert is at a loss for words about what to do next. King Henry has no idea what he has just done.
In Rouen, Isobel finds some of the things aren’t alright, such as, no elderly relative to act as chaperone. Living alone with de Roche would prove to be harmful of her reputation but Isobel trusts him, albeit hesitantly. Then bringing Linnet wasn’t a good idea as de Roche, on occasion, would cast his lusty glance on her. In between, he drops hints that he wants to take their relationship to the next level, and very soon. Isobel stalls him somewhat by lying. De Roche now made her immensely uncomfortable. If she ever felt anything for him wasn’t there anymore. And she missed Stephen. Sometimes later, Stephen is in the city as the King’s representative. He hoped for a glance of Isobel, which he has when she arrives with de Roche. He drops hints, because he wanted to know if she’s pregnant. Stephen was very determined to do just about anything, if she was with child. But the shake of Isobel’s head takes away his dream. Stephen didn’t know that he could hurt that much. The fact that he’s losing her begins to set on him. And from this part, I finally started to enjoy the book because I saw real emotion from both sides now and believed that they both despaired of this horribly unfair situation. I couldn’t really blame Isobel. Her father was a traitor (which is why I think their lands were forfeited in the first place) and she wanted to prove that she can do something for England. She couldn’t have known what was in de Roche’s mind. And I felt the hurt Stephen it. It kinda made me cry, really. One thing Isobel does though, she sends Linnet away with Stephen to save her from de Roche’s hand. Stephen is quite disgusted by her cold behavior but Linnet soon explains him the ‘whys’ behind it all, including the letter Isobel discovered in de Roche’s study that confirms that he’s plotting against the English crown with someone called ‘T’. Now, Stephen is intrigued and a little more than apprehensive himself about Isobel’s safety. Then he gets some more interesting news about de Roche from ‘a friend’ of Claudette who stopped by.
With this, comes the part that was full of actions, something MM executed quite neatly IMO. Isabel sees the man that attacked the abbey and tried to kill them in de Roche’s study. After seeing the man, she’s very scared but tries to keep herself calm and think about how to save herself. She just feels that something is very wrong, and this feeling comes to haunt her in reality too soon for her liking. I can’t possibly express how much I LOVED this last part that hold me glued to the book. This is why I notched up the rating TBH. I loved how Isobel and Stephen worked together to save themselves and England, even though it was a bit gory for me. The sword fight scene was every bit as compelling as the deception part. And the book only gets better and by the time it ended, I felt quite a bit of affection for Stephen because he was determined to die in battle when Isobel still ‘wasn’t sure’ about their relationship. The King, upon learning of the troubles in Rouen, grants Isobel her lands. She’s now a wealthy widow and can live the quiet life she wanted to live in the first place. But can she, now that she has known Stephen? Ugh, but it made me wanna shake her. After all that they’d been together, how could she still be so confused? I also loved the last scene, just the night before Stephen was supposed to march with the King’s army.
I wish that the better part of the book was this good. As I found no fault with MM’s writing style, it could’ve been another splendid read all over like Knight of Desire. I also felt cheated about Robert and Claudette’s relationship, when it ended, it was said that they got married. Bummer! 3.75 stars. Next book is Jamie’s and his heroine is Linnet. Let’s see how that turns out for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2009
Isobel has not had luck in love. Her father forced her to marry a very old man to gain enough money to buy back his lands from King Henry after losing them from siding against the King. Luckily for Isobel, her first husband dies after a short time and she is free of that misery - but more awaits her. Her late husband leaves all of his property to a very conniving man - one that Isobel wants nothing to do with. In desperation, she is given an option - marry a man that will help the King of England secure an allegiance to Normandy or marry the leech that stole the lands from her. Seeing as she has no real choice, she submits to the King.
Once in the castle, she must wait for her new betrothed to arrive. Robert, an advisor of the King is kind of given the role as chaperon, until her betrothed can arrive. He becomes her friend and ally at her time at the castle. She also meets William and his younger brother Stephen. Stephen is quite the ladies man but when he sees Isobel, something changes in him. He wants her like no other woman - but he can't go against the King's decree. Isobel is also smitten and gives into temptation. She has been tied down to a dirty old man, and feels like she deserves this small opportunity to have some fun before she is handed over to the next man. The more they flirt and seduce, the more they realize they want this to be more than a fling.
Knight of Pleasure is kind of a middle of the road read for me. Stephen is very much care-free and lighthearted character, but he is also deadly with a sword and extremely protective of Isobel. He is so good natured and funny, quite a contrast to his older brother William who was the hero in Margaret Mallory's Knight of Desire. He is very exuberant and full of life life and a fun character to read.
Isobel has a very mature attitude, but also has that "what the hell" vibe when it comes to Stephen. She was truly in misery during her first marriage and betrothed to another "winner," so why not have some fun with Stephen.
While the characters themselves were enjoyable, their actions didn't always sit well with me. Isobel is in love with Stephen, and it is not a secret. They have clandestine meetings and Stephen always acts noble in her presence, even if he gets a bit carried away with his lust. Isobel is not a stupid woman, so when Stephen steers her in the direction of marriage, she refuses him because she thinks he is still a playboy and she is jealous of a woman that she has no idea what he is really doing with her. Then minutes after her refusal, she is in his arms again. I understand if she refuses him because of her commitment to the man the King has chosen, which I don't think is the case here. But to refuse Stephen because you don't trust him with other women, and then fall in arms a short time later does not rest well with me.
Later on in the story, Stephen rescues two children, around eleven years in age and employs the boy as his page and the girl as Isobel's maid. The kids in my opinion were a bit too smart and devious. They were spying on noblemen who report to the king like it was nothing acting a bit too mature for their age.
Overall this book is good - Stephen had a very playful attitude which I enjoyed, and I really liked Robert in this book and thought his character really added to the story.
Knight of Pleasure is a fun read and one I think many will find enjoyable.
Once in the castle, she must wait for her new betrothed to arrive. Robert, an advisor of the King is kind of given the role as chaperon, until her betrothed can arrive. He becomes her friend and ally at her time at the castle. She also meets William and his younger brother Stephen. Stephen is quite the ladies man but when he sees Isobel, something changes in him. He wants her like no other woman - but he can't go against the King's decree. Isobel is also smitten and gives into temptation. She has been tied down to a dirty old man, and feels like she deserves this small opportunity to have some fun before she is handed over to the next man. The more they flirt and seduce, the more they realize they want this to be more than a fling.
Knight of Pleasure is kind of a middle of the road read for me. Stephen is very much care-free and lighthearted character, but he is also deadly with a sword and extremely protective of Isobel. He is so good natured and funny, quite a contrast to his older brother William who was the hero in Margaret Mallory's Knight of Desire. He is very exuberant and full of life life and a fun character to read.
Isobel has a very mature attitude, but also has that "what the hell" vibe when it comes to Stephen. She was truly in misery during her first marriage and betrothed to another "winner," so why not have some fun with Stephen.
To her astonishment, Stephen threw his head back and laughed. He had a wonderful, infectious laugh. It filled the small garden and lightened her heart.
He dropped down beside her. Smiling his most wicked smile, he leaned too close and asked, "You will pretend you do not know why I keep my distance?"
She swallowed and shook her head. "I do not know."
"You lie, Isobel, but I will tell you all the same."
She could not breathe with him this near.
"I stay away because whenever I see you"--he kept his eyes fixed on hers as he ran his finger slowly up her forearm--"all I want to do is drag you off to bed, and keep you there for a week."
While the characters themselves were enjoyable, their actions didn't always sit well with me. Isobel is in love with Stephen, and it is not a secret. They have clandestine meetings and Stephen always acts noble in her presence, even if he gets a bit carried away with his lust. Isobel is not a stupid woman, so when Stephen steers her in the direction of marriage, she refuses him because she thinks he is still a playboy and she is jealous of a woman that she has no idea what he is really doing with her. Then minutes after her refusal, she is in his arms again. I understand if she refuses him because of her commitment to the man the King has chosen, which I don't think is the case here. But to refuse Stephen because you don't trust him with other women, and then fall in arms a short time later does not rest well with me.
Later on in the story, Stephen rescues two children, around eleven years in age and employs the boy as his page and the girl as Isobel's maid. The kids in my opinion were a bit too smart and devious. They were spying on noblemen who report to the king like it was nothing acting a bit too mature for their age.
Overall this book is good - Stephen had a very playful attitude which I enjoyed, and I really liked Robert in this book and thought his character really added to the story.
Knight of Pleasure is a fun read and one I think many will find enjoyable.
December 21, 2013
Margaret Mallory'nin okuduğum ikinci kitabı Haz Şövalyesi.Üç kitaplık serinin ikinci kitabı.Bu seri V.Henry Zamanında geçiyor.Yüzyıl savaşları zamanında geçen bu roman Orta Çağ temaları entrikalar içinde güzel bir romantik aşk vardı..
Serinin adı Kralın Adamları. İLk Romanda William Fitzalan'ın hikayesini okumuştuk.İkinci romanda da uçarı kardeşi Sir Stephen Carleton'un serüveni.Kadın kahramanımız ise Lady İsobel Hume .
Oldukça akıcı bir kalemi var yazarın bence. Hiç sıkılmadan okuduğum gibi çeviri ve editte de bir sıkıntı yaşamadım..Çok sıra dışı bir konusu olmasa da zevk alarak sıkılmadan okuduğum bir kitap oldu benim için.
Konusuna Gelince:
Leydi Isobel Hume hayatına giren erkekler tarafından ihanete uğramıştır. Babası yüzünden çok küçük yaşta kendinden oldukça büyük olan Lord Hume ile evlendirmiştir.Fakat bu evliliğinde İsobel oldukça kötü bir ilk gece geçirmiş bu yaşadıklarını babasının bildiğini anlayarak ve bu evliliğe sebep olduğu için babasını hiç affetmemiş kocasından bir daha onunla görüşmek istemediğini belirterek onunla yüz yüze gelmekten uzak durmuştur.
Fakat yaşlı kocası öldükten sonra vaad edilen mülk ve miras ona kalmadığı gibi . Kocası da onu aldatmıştır.Tüm toprak ve mal varlığını Bartholomew Grahmn'a bırakmıştır.Çocukluğundan beri İsobal'de gözü olan bu genç adam Lord Hume'i aldatarak çocuğu olduğuna inandırarak mal varlığını ona bırakmasını sağlamıştır.
Graham İsobel'e kendisi ile evlenerek mülkünde kalabileceğini teklif etsede İsobel bunu red etmiştir.
Olaylar onu Kral V.Henry ile ittifak kurarak siyasi bir evlilik yapmaya iter. Evleneceği adam ile tanışamaya gittiğinde Sir Stephen Carleton ile tanışır önce onu evleneceği adam zannetse de onun olmadığını kısa süre de anlar.Evleneceği adam Normandiyalı bir asilzade Philippe de Roche'dir. Fransızlara barış getirmeye ve Normandiya'nın sadakatini sağlamakta kararlı olan Kral V.Henry bu evliliği İsobel'e yaptırmaya istekli olsa da en ufak bir ihanet olasılığında da kendisine haber vermesini ister.
Sir Stephen Carleton ise şimdiye kadar ağabeyi William Fitzalan'ın korumasında yaşamış. Meteleksiz çapkın bir şövalyedir. İsobel'e kendisini korumasını öğretmek için kılıç öğretmeye başlar. İsobel ile karşılaştığından beri aralarındaki meydana gelen yakınlaşma ile birlikte onun siyasal bir evlilik yapacağını öğrendikten sonra kendisini mümkün olduğunca uzak tutmaya çalışır. Ama bunu başaramaz..
Aralarında ki yakınlaşma ilerledikçe birbirlerine daha çok bağlanırlar.Fakat İsobel geçmişinde hayatına giren erkekler tarafından uğradığı ihanet ve Stephen'in geçmişi yüzünden bir türlü ona güvenemez. Sevmediği tanımadığı bir erkek ile evlenmeyi de göze alır..
Gelişen olaylar iki taraf için de karar vermesini gerektirecektir.
Ben bu hikayeyi çok sevdim açıkçası ..Historical Severlerin ve özellikle Orta Çağ severlerin bu romanı seveceklerinden eminim..
http://hulyami.blogspot.com/2013/12/h...
Serinin adı Kralın Adamları. İLk Romanda William Fitzalan'ın hikayesini okumuştuk.İkinci romanda da uçarı kardeşi Sir Stephen Carleton'un serüveni.Kadın kahramanımız ise Lady İsobel Hume .
Oldukça akıcı bir kalemi var yazarın bence. Hiç sıkılmadan okuduğum gibi çeviri ve editte de bir sıkıntı yaşamadım..Çok sıra dışı bir konusu olmasa da zevk alarak sıkılmadan okuduğum bir kitap oldu benim için.
Konusuna Gelince:
Leydi Isobel Hume hayatına giren erkekler tarafından ihanete uğramıştır. Babası yüzünden çok küçük yaşta kendinden oldukça büyük olan Lord Hume ile evlendirmiştir.Fakat bu evliliğinde İsobel oldukça kötü bir ilk gece geçirmiş bu yaşadıklarını babasının bildiğini anlayarak ve bu evliliğe sebep olduğu için babasını hiç affetmemiş kocasından bir daha onunla görüşmek istemediğini belirterek onunla yüz yüze gelmekten uzak durmuştur.
Fakat yaşlı kocası öldükten sonra vaad edilen mülk ve miras ona kalmadığı gibi . Kocası da onu aldatmıştır.Tüm toprak ve mal varlığını Bartholomew Grahmn'a bırakmıştır.Çocukluğundan beri İsobal'de gözü olan bu genç adam Lord Hume'i aldatarak çocuğu olduğuna inandırarak mal varlığını ona bırakmasını sağlamıştır.
Graham İsobel'e kendisi ile evlenerek mülkünde kalabileceğini teklif etsede İsobel bunu red etmiştir.
Olaylar onu Kral V.Henry ile ittifak kurarak siyasi bir evlilik yapmaya iter. Evleneceği adam ile tanışamaya gittiğinde Sir Stephen Carleton ile tanışır önce onu evleneceği adam zannetse de onun olmadığını kısa süre de anlar.Evleneceği adam Normandiyalı bir asilzade Philippe de Roche'dir. Fransızlara barış getirmeye ve Normandiya'nın sadakatini sağlamakta kararlı olan Kral V.Henry bu evliliği İsobel'e yaptırmaya istekli olsa da en ufak bir ihanet olasılığında da kendisine haber vermesini ister.
Sir Stephen Carleton ise şimdiye kadar ağabeyi William Fitzalan'ın korumasında yaşamış. Meteleksiz çapkın bir şövalyedir. İsobel'e kendisini korumasını öğretmek için kılıç öğretmeye başlar. İsobel ile karşılaştığından beri aralarındaki meydana gelen yakınlaşma ile birlikte onun siyasal bir evlilik yapacağını öğrendikten sonra kendisini mümkün olduğunca uzak tutmaya çalışır. Ama bunu başaramaz..
Aralarında ki yakınlaşma ilerledikçe birbirlerine daha çok bağlanırlar.Fakat İsobel geçmişinde hayatına giren erkekler tarafından uğradığı ihanet ve Stephen'in geçmişi yüzünden bir türlü ona güvenemez. Sevmediği tanımadığı bir erkek ile evlenmeyi de göze alır..
Gelişen olaylar iki taraf için de karar vermesini gerektirecektir.
Ben bu hikayeyi çok sevdim açıkçası ..Historical Severlerin ve özellikle Orta Çağ severlerin bu romanı seveceklerinden eminim..
http://hulyami.blogspot.com/2013/12/h...
Read
October 19, 2017DNF
AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS STORY STINKS? LIKE NOT EVEN DESERVING OF TWO STARS?
WELL I AM PREJUDICED, because firstly I enjoy my historical heroines as virgins, non widows and a fighter. The heroine here while was quite a force, but she still seemed weak in my eyes...her decisions don't sit well with me.
The hero also didn't bode well with me in fact this entire story raises my hackles and makes me want to punch someone.
I like angst, but I am starting to dislike the same storyline for this series where the heroine keeps getting married off to some old lecher and shit, and before that she will meet the hero and be fueled with passion only to deny them both a chance.
Gah! That fucks me up !
AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS STORY STINKS? LIKE NOT EVEN DESERVING OF TWO STARS?
WELL I AM PREJUDICED, because firstly I enjoy my historical heroines as virgins, non widows and a fighter. The heroine here while was quite a force, but she still seemed weak in my eyes...her decisions don't sit well with me.
The hero also didn't bode well with me in fact this entire story raises my hackles and makes me want to punch someone.
I like angst, but I am starting to dislike the same storyline for this series where the heroine keeps getting married off to some old lecher and shit, and before that she will meet the hero and be fueled with passion only to deny them both a chance.
Gah! That fucks me up !
January 5, 2014
the heroine was an ass but the hero and the supporting characters made up for it and made me enjoy this book
February 16, 2015
Knight of Pleasure is another brilliant installment in Margaret Mallory's All the King's Men series. The trademarks of her storytelling style that I've come to love are present. A rich historical backdrop, compelling characters, an exciting plot, and a sexy romance. In other words, it had me turning pages through the night like: 
But ya know. With me actually reading it and not turning them so fast it was all a blur ;)
A little disclaimer. The blurb on the book says, Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. Sounds dope right? This blurb had me picturing something along the lines of:
Full armor-type, warrior woman fighting professionally, i.e. Joan of Arc or Mulan or something. Our heroine is very much not like that. She was a tomboy growing up and one of the boys, getting to practice sword fighting until she was married off like all other medieval girls. Her fighting skills are shown to be, time and again, not as good as her male counterpart, as this is more of a hobby for her, not her way of life. A little disappointing, I'll admit, as the synopsis sounds a little more intense as far as the whole swordswoman thing. But it actually totally works, because Isobel is still a strong, fierce heroine, and her swordfighting is a little more realistic in this context as far as the time period goes. Yes, there was Joan of Arc, but she certainly wasn't the norm in the 15th century.
So, Isobel is a recently widowed young woman who is looking forward to at last having the run of her own household, without having to be under the thumb of any man. She is expecting to inherit her childless husband's lands. Not so fast. Through cruel fate, the lands that should rightfully go to her are taken from her, and Isobel is left with limited options. Life really was a bitch for a woman back in the 1500s. Isobel chooses the bravest course of action, and agrees to wed a man of Henry V's choosing. This man will be a French nobleman, and will help solidify her family's pardon after Isobel's betrayal against the English king. So, Isobel heads across the channel to Normandy to meet her intended and to do her duty, which may include a little spying for the king.
Enter our hero, Stephen Carleton. He was introduced to us in Book 1, as a charming, resourceful thirteen-year-old. In that book, he was the hero's little brother. Now, he is all grown up, and has deviated far from the promising path he was on. He's a drunken, dissolute womanizer, who's very disillusioned with life in the English army. He's already posted with the army in Normandy. When Henry V comes to Stephen with a chance at redemption in the form of an administrative position in their newly acquired territory-there's more to the job than meets the eye-Stephen accepts (I mean you can't really say no to your king), and lo and behold, ends up living in the same castle keep as Isobel.
Mallory really has the best of both worlds, the way she blends historical fiction with romance. Her medieval England and France feel so real. The story is steeped with historical facts that add to the intrigue of the plot. The tenuous life of ever-changing loyalties, and the uncertain, unfair fates of women are spot-on. Mallory doesn't sugar coat medieval life and its suck-y-ness. But the romance! Okay. Maybe she sugar coats that a little. No guy is that perfect-in medieval of modern times. But that's fine by me ;) I love than Isobel and Stephen are friends for so long to begin with, even while having chemistry you could cut with a knife. And when they finally get together...I may have to nominate it for Best. Sex. Scene. Ever. I'm serious. It's like:
Basically like all your favorite sex scenes from a well made period piece drama but times ten because it's a romance novel and you get to hear all the hero and heroine's tortured inner monologues about how they Just. Can't. Be. Together. (This is better in my book because I am if nothing if not a glutton for starcrossed lovers with actual real, pressing issues that are keeping them apart. I can't speak for everyone.) Anyway, you're welcome for the Illustrated Sex Scene Guide, and back to the book review.
The supporting characters, many of whom are reoccurring from Knight of Desire are wonderful; it amazes me that Mallory can develop them all so well. The good guys are great, and supportive, and lovable. The bad guys are really bad and actually inspire fear and cause you to hate them. There's plenty of action but also emotion. And the denouement was made me cry. I've never cried because of a romance novel before, so that's high praise! I guess I just grew to love Stephen and Isobel that much. And their romance was just so perfect. *sigh*
So go read this book. Read the first one first and then read this. And then read the last one in the trilogy, which I can recommend upon having only read the prologue because damn! It's a great prologue, which has totally sucked me in, and does not bode well for my sleeping schedule tonight... 
Happy reading all! Did I mention Margaret Mallory is my fav? :)
But ya know. With me actually reading it and not turning them so fast it was all a blur ;)A little disclaimer. The blurb on the book says, Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. Sounds dope right? This blurb had me picturing something along the lines of:
Full armor-type, warrior woman fighting professionally, i.e. Joan of Arc or Mulan or something. Our heroine is very much not like that. She was a tomboy growing up and one of the boys, getting to practice sword fighting until she was married off like all other medieval girls. Her fighting skills are shown to be, time and again, not as good as her male counterpart, as this is more of a hobby for her, not her way of life. A little disappointing, I'll admit, as the synopsis sounds a little more intense as far as the whole swordswoman thing. But it actually totally works, because Isobel is still a strong, fierce heroine, and her swordfighting is a little more realistic in this context as far as the time period goes. Yes, there was Joan of Arc, but she certainly wasn't the norm in the 15th century.So, Isobel is a recently widowed young woman who is looking forward to at last having the run of her own household, without having to be under the thumb of any man. She is expecting to inherit her childless husband's lands. Not so fast. Through cruel fate, the lands that should rightfully go to her are taken from her, and Isobel is left with limited options. Life really was a bitch for a woman back in the 1500s. Isobel chooses the bravest course of action, and agrees to wed a man of Henry V's choosing. This man will be a French nobleman, and will help solidify her family's pardon after Isobel's betrayal against the English king. So, Isobel heads across the channel to Normandy to meet her intended and to do her duty, which may include a little spying for the king.
Enter our hero, Stephen Carleton. He was introduced to us in Book 1, as a charming, resourceful thirteen-year-old. In that book, he was the hero's little brother. Now, he is all grown up, and has deviated far from the promising path he was on. He's a drunken, dissolute womanizer, who's very disillusioned with life in the English army. He's already posted with the army in Normandy. When Henry V comes to Stephen with a chance at redemption in the form of an administrative position in their newly acquired territory-there's more to the job than meets the eye-Stephen accepts (I mean you can't really say no to your king), and lo and behold, ends up living in the same castle keep as Isobel.
Mallory really has the best of both worlds, the way she blends historical fiction with romance. Her medieval England and France feel so real. The story is steeped with historical facts that add to the intrigue of the plot. The tenuous life of ever-changing loyalties, and the uncertain, unfair fates of women are spot-on. Mallory doesn't sugar coat medieval life and its suck-y-ness. But the romance! Okay. Maybe she sugar coats that a little. No guy is that perfect-in medieval of modern times. But that's fine by me ;) I love than Isobel and Stephen are friends for so long to begin with, even while having chemistry you could cut with a knife. And when they finally get together...I may have to nominate it for Best. Sex. Scene. Ever. I'm serious. It's like:
Basically like all your favorite sex scenes from a well made period piece drama but times ten because it's a romance novel and you get to hear all the hero and heroine's tortured inner monologues about how they Just. Can't. Be. Together. (This is better in my book because I am if nothing if not a glutton for starcrossed lovers with actual real, pressing issues that are keeping them apart. I can't speak for everyone.) Anyway, you're welcome for the Illustrated Sex Scene Guide, and back to the book review.The supporting characters, many of whom are reoccurring from Knight of Desire are wonderful; it amazes me that Mallory can develop them all so well. The good guys are great, and supportive, and lovable. The bad guys are really bad and actually inspire fear and cause you to hate them. There's plenty of action but also emotion. And the denouement was made me cry. I've never cried because of a romance novel before, so that's high praise! I guess I just grew to love Stephen and Isobel that much. And their romance was just so perfect. *sigh*
So go read this book. Read the first one first and then read this. And then read the last one in the trilogy, which I can recommend upon having only read the prologue because damn! It's a great prologue, which has totally sucked me in, and does not bode well for my sleeping schedule tonight... Happy reading all! Did I mention Margaret Mallory is my fav? :)
June 2, 2019
Rated 4 Stars
May 24, 2020
My review is on my blog
https://littlequirkychick.blogspot.co...
https://littlequirkychick.blogspot.co...
January 25, 2011
This is the second in the All the King's Men series and, as noted in my review of Knight of Desire, is being read because the third book in the series is being read by my book club and I as I've stated before, I'm a firm believer that series should be read in order.
In this book, Prince Harry is now King Henry and his armies have recently taken Burgundy in France. Our two star-struck lovers are Sir Stephen Carleton and Lady Isobel Hume. Sir Carleton is the half-brother of Lord William FitzAlan, who was raised from about age 12 by FitzAlan and his wife, and is now serving the King at Caen Castle in Burgundy. Lady Isobel has been widowed by her much older husband, a man who betrayed her by bequeathing his lands to another man and left Lady Hume with three choices: marry the man who will inherit the Hume land (a man she despises), go back to her father and hope he can arrange a new marriage for her (most likely the same type of marriage as her marriage to Hume -- a repulsive old man) or go to Caen Castle and marry a French lord and help secure the alliance between England and the newly conquered French people. She chooses the French lord.
Lady Isobel has been raised as quite the tomboy and while extremely beautiful, she is also quite proficient with the sword. Upon her arrival at Caen Castle, she mistakenly thinks that Sir Stephen is the man she is intended to marry but soon learns that he is not and that her betrothed has not yet come to the castle. She is soon quite relieved to learn that he is not her betrothed for she quickly views him as a lady's man who will never commit himself to one woman. All the women throwing themselves at him don't do much to prove her wrong.
But, as with all our favorite romance novels, the two are attracted to each other, but neither is willing to admit their true desire and constant misunderstandings ensue.
Then, Lady Isobel's betrothed arrives and despite a multitude of efforts to delay the official betrothal, the event is forced by King Henry and Lady Isobel is forced to leave with him, despite the danger that awaits her.
Can Stephen arrive on time to rescue his lady and prove that the that only pleasure he truly desires is Lady Isobel?
Yes, the last sentence is quite the moot point -- of course he does. But really, isn't the adventure in the getting there the twists and turns the story takes to get the couple to realize they belong together? Of course it is.
I really like this series -- in fact, I now hope that she writes many more.
In this book, Prince Harry is now King Henry and his armies have recently taken Burgundy in France. Our two star-struck lovers are Sir Stephen Carleton and Lady Isobel Hume. Sir Carleton is the half-brother of Lord William FitzAlan, who was raised from about age 12 by FitzAlan and his wife, and is now serving the King at Caen Castle in Burgundy. Lady Isobel has been widowed by her much older husband, a man who betrayed her by bequeathing his lands to another man and left Lady Hume with three choices: marry the man who will inherit the Hume land (a man she despises), go back to her father and hope he can arrange a new marriage for her (most likely the same type of marriage as her marriage to Hume -- a repulsive old man) or go to Caen Castle and marry a French lord and help secure the alliance between England and the newly conquered French people. She chooses the French lord.
Lady Isobel has been raised as quite the tomboy and while extremely beautiful, she is also quite proficient with the sword. Upon her arrival at Caen Castle, she mistakenly thinks that Sir Stephen is the man she is intended to marry but soon learns that he is not and that her betrothed has not yet come to the castle. She is soon quite relieved to learn that he is not her betrothed for she quickly views him as a lady's man who will never commit himself to one woman. All the women throwing themselves at him don't do much to prove her wrong.
But, as with all our favorite romance novels, the two are attracted to each other, but neither is willing to admit their true desire and constant misunderstandings ensue.
Then, Lady Isobel's betrothed arrives and despite a multitude of efforts to delay the official betrothal, the event is forced by King Henry and Lady Isobel is forced to leave with him, despite the danger that awaits her.
Can Stephen arrive on time to rescue his lady and prove that the that only pleasure he truly desires is Lady Isobel?
Yes, the last sentence is quite the moot point -- of course he does. But really, isn't the adventure in the getting there the twists and turns the story takes to get the couple to realize they belong together? Of course it is.
I really like this series -- in fact, I now hope that she writes many more.
February 13, 2012
Absolutely loved this one. The characters were strong, the plot well thought out and it had the perfect amount of action to keep you flipping pages. I found myself tossing the book down in frustration several times and walking away only to come back within the hour unable to keep away. I loved Stephen. I knew I would from the first book, but he exceeded my expectations. Isobel was a good character even though she wavered just a bit to me, one instant she was strong and defiant, then she was gullible and accepting to her role to be the submissive bride. A very minor complaint however, because I read the book in a day. She more than made up for it in the forest scene with William and Stephen. I found the exchange between her and her father at the end surprisingly touching. But to me Stephen's character made the book. Many of the characters from the first story return and play weighty roles in the story. I love when authors do that. There was also a great deal more adventure and angst in this one. Loved the tidbits of history peppered throughout story, as in the last, and I have to say Harry is the first king of England I have ever liked. MM once again added some historical facts at the end of the book, rounding out the story perfectly. I have become a fan of Margaret Mallory's and and off to the next in the series.
December 11, 2009
I'm fairly neutral on this one. Wasn't good, wasn't bad, hence the two star rating. Neither the hero nor heroine really stood out for me as anything special. I didn't like the whole "sacrificing for the king" aspect of the novel, where Isobel feels she must marry de Roche, as if political negotiations are hinging on this one marriage. Also, hearing about Henry being the "divine" ruler didn't sit well with me either. And the sex scenes felt cold to me, as if something was missing.
My one big caveat about the genre in general is that the central problem between the hero and heroine could almost always be avoided if they just sat down and talked for five minutes. There is always too much, "Why did he do that?" and "But doesn't she already know I loved her?" I get tired of reading novels where a misunderstanding is the only real issue the couple ever faces. (But I suppose it's pretty much par for the course, because without that wonderful plot device, what would historical romance authors fill 300 pages with?)
My one big caveat about the genre in general is that the central problem between the hero and heroine could almost always be avoided if they just sat down and talked for five minutes. There is always too much, "Why did he do that?" and "But doesn't she already know I loved her?" I get tired of reading novels where a misunderstanding is the only real issue the couple ever faces. (But I suppose it's pretty much par for the course, because without that wonderful plot device, what would historical romance authors fill 300 pages with?)
March 14, 2010
Medieval romances are my favorite books and Margaret Mallory didn't disappoint. The damsel in distress wasn't completely helpless and was more of a helpmate to her Knight rather then a goddess on a pedestal. Another feature of romances that bores me after a while is virginity and the inevitable loss of it by the heroine. However, in this novel Isobel has already been married (to a jerk!) so "loss of viginity scene" is skipped. Also Stephen's love of Isobel makes him want to be a better man which is something you don't hear a lot in romances, but you hear a lot in real life romances. It was sweet and believable. The rest of the supporting characters have flaws of their own and learn from their mistakes, specifically Isoble's father. Finally I liked how Mallory incorporated history in her book which peaked my interest in reading non-fiction books about the same period.
I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
September 26, 2021
Had a blind date with a book at Barnes and noble and couldn’t resist the medieval romance and bought both “Knight of Pleasure and Desire” wrapped up in one book. This is the second book in the series and it is stronger. It continues to follow the first book’s formula of a young “strong” lady married to a terrible husband who dies within the first chapter, and her path to trusting and finding love, with a knight during English-French conflict. The hero of the second book is the brother-in-law of the heroine of the first book which was a nice tie-in. The romance was raunchy and the conflict was occasionally far-fetched which made this a guilty read. Like the first, some of the raunchy scenes were a little long (/sometimes 4 whole pages!) and may be triggering to readers. Mostly for thematic content, I do not recommend to younger readers, would be more appropriate by readers 30+.
January 18, 2014
1.Kitabı okumadan 2.kitabı okuduğum için pişmanmıyım hayır ama neden ilk kitabı almadığıma kızdım kendi kendime bazı yorumlar güzel olmadığı yönündeydi ama bu hikayeyi okuyunca ilkini merak ettim doğrusu ve kesinlikle alınacaklar arasına girdi.
Bu hikayeye gelirsek başlarında rahatsız olduğum şeyler oldu bir anne olarak okurken bu sizi etkiliyor devam etmeyeyim dedim ama merak ettim ve iyiki devam etmişim.Çok muhteşem bir kurgu yok belki ama kitap okutuyor kendini.Karakterleride sevince merakla sayfaları çeviriyorsunuz.Bazen akıcı bazende durağandı ama sevdim, takip edeceğim bir seri. Bazı şeylere takılmazsanız seveceğinizi düşünüyorum en azından bu ara çıkan kitaplar içinde okunabilirler arasında :)
Bu hikayeye gelirsek başlarında rahatsız olduğum şeyler oldu bir anne olarak okurken bu sizi etkiliyor devam etmeyeyim dedim ama merak ettim ve iyiki devam etmişim.Çok muhteşem bir kurgu yok belki ama kitap okutuyor kendini.Karakterleride sevince merakla sayfaları çeviriyorsunuz.Bazen akıcı bazende durağandı ama sevdim, takip edeceğim bir seri. Bazı şeylere takılmazsanız seveceğinizi düşünüyorum en azından bu ara çıkan kitaplar içinde okunabilirler arasında :)
July 14, 2010
For a medieval historical romance I thought this was actually pretty good. In theory I like medieval romances, but most of them in my opinion are pretty bad. There's usually some SUPER ALPHA male hero who comes off to me as a big bully and I don't like how a lot of the one's I've read contain rape scenes. I know rape, especially for the medieval period, was quite a common threat for a woman. But I don't want to read about it.
However this was actually really good and seemed to take the historical period seriously. Towards the end of the book the heroine started acting silly but for the most part it was really engaging and well done.
However this was actually really good and seemed to take the historical period seriously. Towards the end of the book the heroine started acting silly but for the most part it was really engaging and well done.
June 2, 2012
Lady Isobel finds herself in a situation where she finally is a widow, but she loses her inheritance to her late husbands cousin. Left with nothing the king makes an offer where she can redeem her family´s dishonor by marrying a french nobleman of the kings choice.
Waiting with the king for her betrothed she meets sir Stephen, a man her protector Robert rather would see her end up with. But who could stand up against the king? Medieval romance and angst.
Waiting with the king for her betrothed she meets sir Stephen, a man her protector Robert rather would see her end up with. But who could stand up against the king? Medieval romance and angst.
May 9, 2010
Margaret Mallory's Knight of Pleasure is a first-rate medieval romance.
These are often not done well. However, Mallory combines romance and history effectively to create a sensual yet fast-paced, exciting novel. I look forward to her next book in this series.
Jacqueline Seewald
These are often not done well. However, Mallory combines romance and history effectively to create a sensual yet fast-paced, exciting novel. I look forward to her next book in this series.
Jacqueline Seewald
July 15, 2010
This book was a goodreads giveaway. My first and only win so far.
I do enjoy this time period, but for some reason, I just did not feel a connection to the story or the characters. I have not read this author before, but would consider giving her another try.
I do enjoy this time period, but for some reason, I just did not feel a connection to the story or the characters. I have not read this author before, but would consider giving her another try.
October 18, 2011
Another great story from Margaret
January 17, 2017
Knight of Pleasure (All the King's Men #2)
by Margaret Mallory
Genre: Historical Romance
Maine characters: Stephen Carlton and Lady Isobel Hume
Prince Harry is now King Henry and his armies have recently taken Burgundy in France. Our two star-struck lovers are Sir Stephen Carleton and Lady Isobel Hume.
Sir Carleton is the half-brother of Lord William FitzAlan, who was raised from about age 12 by FitzAlan and his wife, and is now serving the King at Caen Castle in Burgundy. Stephen is quite the ladies man but when he sees Isobel, something changes in him. He wants her like no other woman but he can't go against the King's decree. "To her astonishment, Stephen threw his head back and laughed. He had a wonderful, infectious laugh. It filled the small garden and lightened her heart."Stephen always acts noble in her presence, even if he gets a bit carried away with his lust.But at the moment, Stephen is all focused on Isobel, even knowing that it’s impossible to have an honorable relationship with her. Stephen is actually a spy for the crown, like Robert. He had some uncanny abilities such as gleaning information that no one else knew, even as a child.Robert and a courtesan called Claudette were involved in this to some extent.
Lady Isobel has been widowed by her much older husband. A man who betrayed her by bequeathing his lands to another man. He left Lady Hume with three choices: marry the man who will inherit the Hume land, go back to her father and hope he can arrange a new marriage for her or go to Caen Castle and marry a French lord. This would help secure the alliance between England and the newly conquered French people. She chooses the French lord. Isobel has not had luck in love. As hinted her father forced her to marry a very old man to gain enough money to buy back his lands from King Henry after losing them for siding against the King. Isobel has a younger brother, Geoffrey, who is a dreamer; a nice and god fearing man. Isobel grew up to learn sword fight and things to defend herself. But she couldn’t really save her 14 yrs old self from this miserable marriage, which lasted 8 yrs. . Upon her arrival at Caen Castle, she mistakenly thinks that Sir Stephen is the man she is intended to marry but soon learns that he is not and that her betrothed has not yet come to the castle. When he does and the wedding takes place it becomes a life or death.
by Margaret Mallory
Genre: Historical Romance
Maine characters: Stephen Carlton and Lady Isobel Hume
Prince Harry is now King Henry and his armies have recently taken Burgundy in France. Our two star-struck lovers are Sir Stephen Carleton and Lady Isobel Hume.
Sir Carleton is the half-brother of Lord William FitzAlan, who was raised from about age 12 by FitzAlan and his wife, and is now serving the King at Caen Castle in Burgundy. Stephen is quite the ladies man but when he sees Isobel, something changes in him. He wants her like no other woman but he can't go against the King's decree. "To her astonishment, Stephen threw his head back and laughed. He had a wonderful, infectious laugh. It filled the small garden and lightened her heart."Stephen always acts noble in her presence, even if he gets a bit carried away with his lust.But at the moment, Stephen is all focused on Isobel, even knowing that it’s impossible to have an honorable relationship with her. Stephen is actually a spy for the crown, like Robert. He had some uncanny abilities such as gleaning information that no one else knew, even as a child.Robert and a courtesan called Claudette were involved in this to some extent.
Lady Isobel has been widowed by her much older husband. A man who betrayed her by bequeathing his lands to another man. He left Lady Hume with three choices: marry the man who will inherit the Hume land, go back to her father and hope he can arrange a new marriage for her or go to Caen Castle and marry a French lord. This would help secure the alliance between England and the newly conquered French people. She chooses the French lord. Isobel has not had luck in love. As hinted her father forced her to marry a very old man to gain enough money to buy back his lands from King Henry after losing them for siding against the King. Isobel has a younger brother, Geoffrey, who is a dreamer; a nice and god fearing man. Isobel grew up to learn sword fight and things to defend herself. But she couldn’t really save her 14 yrs old self from this miserable marriage, which lasted 8 yrs. . Upon her arrival at Caen Castle, she mistakenly thinks that Sir Stephen is the man she is intended to marry but soon learns that he is not and that her betrothed has not yet come to the castle. When he does and the wedding takes place it becomes a life or death.
September 10, 2023
1.5/2 Stars
Well, it got off to an interesting start...but don't they all?
The hero Stephen was just as likeable as he was as a youth in the first book. And generally he never did anything to make me question his character or intelligence.
The heroine Isobel, however... what a trial she was. She seemed a fine heroine in the first chapters. Especially the first interactions with Stephen. But somewhere along the way we lose whatever potential we saw building at the beginning. She ended up being a silly indecisive and stubborn idiot.
I truly did not like her. With the melodrama and plot devices happening to keep Stephen and Isobel apart it felt a little bit like the author was trying too hard. Nevermore so than when Isobel outright refuses Stephens marriage proposal not once but twice. And each time she did refuse him she had the absolute dumbest reasons. She did it out of pure stubbornness and idiocy. She claimed to love Stephen but absolutely refused the idea he could care for her, but more so that he could be a faithful husband. That, to some degree I understood because Stephen being a ladies man was made to be part of his personality it was mentioned so frequently. But it was hardly the truth and I felt bad that she judged Stephen so unfairly when she had any opportunities to see him for his kind character and his caring heart.
Isobel was a fool with apparent abandonment issues that aren't remotely addressed until it's convenient to the plot to use them as a device to cause drama between the main couple.
This book was TRYING. It had plenty potential in the first half. I was very interested to see where it went. But things unraveled fast and before I knew it I was reading a completely unlikeable heroine who was behaving stupidly and wallowing in her poor decisions. The bad guy and intrigue plot was so predictable it was hardly worth seeing play out. And the amount of plot holes that left me with more questions than I could ask was astounding.
Poor Stephen deserved someone better than Isobel.
Well, it got off to an interesting start...but don't they all?
The hero Stephen was just as likeable as he was as a youth in the first book. And generally he never did anything to make me question his character or intelligence.
The heroine Isobel, however... what a trial she was. She seemed a fine heroine in the first chapters. Especially the first interactions with Stephen. But somewhere along the way we lose whatever potential we saw building at the beginning. She ended up being a silly indecisive and stubborn idiot.
I truly did not like her. With the melodrama and plot devices happening to keep Stephen and Isobel apart it felt a little bit like the author was trying too hard. Nevermore so than when Isobel outright refuses Stephens marriage proposal not once but twice. And each time she did refuse him she had the absolute dumbest reasons. She did it out of pure stubbornness and idiocy. She claimed to love Stephen but absolutely refused the idea he could care for her, but more so that he could be a faithful husband. That, to some degree I understood because Stephen being a ladies man was made to be part of his personality it was mentioned so frequently. But it was hardly the truth and I felt bad that she judged Stephen so unfairly when she had any opportunities to see him for his kind character and his caring heart.
Isobel was a fool with apparent abandonment issues that aren't remotely addressed until it's convenient to the plot to use them as a device to cause drama between the main couple.
This book was TRYING. It had plenty potential in the first half. I was very interested to see where it went. But things unraveled fast and before I knew it I was reading a completely unlikeable heroine who was behaving stupidly and wallowing in her poor decisions. The bad guy and intrigue plot was so predictable it was hardly worth seeing play out. And the amount of plot holes that left me with more questions than I could ask was astounding.
Poor Stephen deserved someone better than Isobel.
November 21, 2018
We meet Stephen Carleton in the first book of this wonderful series 'All the Kings Men'. In the first book he was a lovely young man with a beautiful smile, sense of humour and charm that undid the ladies, now as a Knight, he is no different....and still charming the ladies. Stephen is a delightful character and has set his sights on the beautiful Lady Isobel Hume. But Isobel has had a dreadful marriage for the past five years and feels betrayed by her late husband and her parents, she just cannot bring herself to trust those closest to her and that includes Stephen. A further betrayal by the King betrothing her to another unsuitable man leaves her on the edge. Will Stephen come to her rescue?
This is a fast paced and romantic adventure full of wonderfully likeable characters that Margaret writes so well. As with all of Margaret's books, not only do you have the historical detail but the clever dialogue between these characters, bringing an emotional and sensitive but also humorous outcome to this story. Margaret also describes how difficult life must have been for women having no say in their lives and used as possessions. But it is the relationship between Stephen and his nephew Jamie that is very special. Another passionate tale, I shall be sorry to finish this fabulous series!
This is a fast paced and romantic adventure full of wonderfully likeable characters that Margaret writes so well. As with all of Margaret's books, not only do you have the historical detail but the clever dialogue between these characters, bringing an emotional and sensitive but also humorous outcome to this story. Margaret also describes how difficult life must have been for women having no say in their lives and used as possessions. But it is the relationship between Stephen and his nephew Jamie that is very special. Another passionate tale, I shall be sorry to finish this fabulous series!
November 28, 2017
As before, I really do appreciate MM's effort for historical accuracy and the author's note at the end to explain any deviations. I was so taken with the both the plot and character development in 'Knight of Desire' that I couldn't start this next book in the series soon enough. Especially given how endearing Stephen had become.
WOW! So the detail is historically accurate, the hero is a rake but one with honor, yet we are given a headstrong heroine who is willing to marry horrific men out of duty until it comes to the hero. Then she starts flailing about, weeping and wailing, "why can't you just leave me alone"? Uggh this one was really tough to get through especially at the end. It had so much potential. The ending felt rushed, but at least Stephen gets his HEA. I assume Isobel is still carrying on about abandonment and something or other, out there in the historical fiction ether.
WOW! So the detail is historically accurate, the hero is a rake but one with honor, yet we are given a headstrong heroine who is willing to marry horrific men out of duty until it comes to the hero. Then she starts flailing about, weeping and wailing, "why can't you just leave me alone"? Uggh this one was really tough to get through especially at the end. It had so much potential. The ending felt rushed, but at least Stephen gets his HEA. I assume Isobel is still carrying on about abandonment and something or other, out there in the historical fiction ether.
May 2, 2018
Haz Şövalyesi
All the King's Men Serisi 2
Margaret Mallory
Hımm hmmm
İlk kitaba göre tam ters bir kitaptı sanırım kız karekter özelikle
Stephan'ı gördüğü an hersey bitti gibi oldu. Hızla gelişen olaylar yaşanılan onca şey kayıplar kitap heyecanlı devam etti
Stephan ve Isabel arası aşkı tam hissetmedim ama aralarında ki tutku kitabı okuttu. İkizleri buldukları an kitap renklendi. Ama yine eksik birseyler vardı. Çok çok beğenmedim yani kısaca ama güzel bir hikayeydi.bazen İngiliz kadınlarına acıyorum bunları okurken 😧
All the King's Men Serisi 2
Margaret Mallory
Hımm hmmm
İlk kitaba göre tam ters bir kitaptı sanırım kız karekter özelikle
Stephan'ı gördüğü an hersey bitti gibi oldu. Hızla gelişen olaylar yaşanılan onca şey kayıplar kitap heyecanlı devam etti
Stephan ve Isabel arası aşkı tam hissetmedim ama aralarında ki tutku kitabı okuttu. İkizleri buldukları an kitap renklendi. Ama yine eksik birseyler vardı. Çok çok beğenmedim yani kısaca ama güzel bir hikayeydi.bazen İngiliz kadınlarına acıyorum bunları okurken 😧
August 9, 2020
Isobel kind of bugs me. She is supposed to be so strong and independent, but I found myself screaming "Get off your ass and DO something." She sees her betrothed lock a paper in his desk. When the twins confront her with his supposed treason, she wonders how to get proof. In bed, she thinks. Yes. A hardened traitor is certain to spill the beans to his ENGLISH woman. Wonder what the locked paper says. Duh.
Okay, light finally shines and she remembers the paper. I think she is maybe just not too bright.
Okay, light finally shines and she remembers the paper. I think she is maybe just not too bright.
August 30, 2021
Stephan and Isobel.
Stephen and Isabel are such a great couple. Stephen is a knight. Kate is a young widow who was wed to a man almost 3 times her age when she was just 13. When he died 8 years later she finds out her dead husband gave her inheritance to another man with the promise he would marry her. The bishop gave her 3 choices none of which were good. She chose to marry a man of the kings choosing to bind England and Normandy by marriage. Along the way she meets and falls in love with Stephen and their complicated journey begins. I loved this book.
Stephen and Isabel are such a great couple. Stephen is a knight. Kate is a young widow who was wed to a man almost 3 times her age when she was just 13. When he died 8 years later she finds out her dead husband gave her inheritance to another man with the promise he would marry her. The bishop gave her 3 choices none of which were good. She chose to marry a man of the kings choosing to bind England and Normandy by marriage. Along the way she meets and falls in love with Stephen and their complicated journey begins. I loved this book.
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