What do you think?
Rate this book
King John #2
The Notorious Knight
She would have no man -
Far from the intrigues of the king's court, all Lady Gillian desired was to keep her family's estate safe - and to honor her vow never to marry. Then Sir Bayard de Boisbaston arrived at D'Averette castle to warn of possible danger and protect all within. Who was this man, to take over her castle? No matter that he was surely the handsomest knight in the realm, and made her rethink her steadfast vows.
He would have no other -
Chivalry demanded Sir Bayard protect Lady Gillian. Though he never expected to do battle with the lady herself. Gillian was a woman of fire and spirit who soon had Bayard plotting a conspiracy. One to convince the Lady Gillian that a knight of her own was useful, not only on the battlefield - but in the bedroom, as well!
Far from the intrigues of the king's court, all Lady Gillian desired was to keep her family's estate safe - and to honor her vow never to marry. Then Sir Bayard de Boisbaston arrived at D'Averette castle to warn of possible danger and protect all within. Who was this man, to take over her castle? No matter that he was surely the handsomest knight in the realm, and made her rethink her steadfast vows.
He would have no other -
Chivalry demanded Sir Bayard protect Lady Gillian. Though he never expected to do battle with the lady herself. Gillian was a woman of fire and spirit who soon had Bayard plotting a conspiracy. One to convince the Lady Gillian that a knight of her own was useful, not only on the battlefield - but in the bedroom, as well!
295 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
9 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Moore
226 books175 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Award-winning author Margaret Moore actually began her career at the age of eight, when she and a friend concocted stories featuring a lovely, spirited damsel and a handsome, misunderstood thief nicknamed "The Red Sheik."
Unknowingly pursuing her destiny, Margaret graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. During that time, she also became a Leading Wren with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where she learned to use a variety of weapons and had the weepy experience of being tear-gassed.
In addition to being a wife and mother of two, she's also been an award-winning public speaker, synchronized swimmer, an archer, and studied fencing and ballroom dancing.
Margaret sold her first historical romance and the premiere book of her Warrior series, A WARRIOR'S HEART, to Harlequin Historicals® in 1991. Since that time, she's written over 25 historical romance novels and novellas. She has also written for Avon Books, as well as a young adult historical romance for HarperCollins Childrens Books. She now writes for Harlequin's new single title imprint, HQN.
Her books have been published in France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Korea, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland and India.
Award-winning author Margaret Moore actually began her career at the age of eight, when she and a friend concocted stories featuring a lovely, spirited damsel and a handsome, misunderstood thief nicknamed "The Red Sheik."
Unknowingly pursuing her destiny, Margaret graduated with distinction from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. During that time, she also became a Leading Wren with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, where she learned to use a variety of weapons and had the weepy experience of being tear-gassed.
In addition to being a wife and mother of two, she's also been an award-winning public speaker, synchronized swimmer, an archer, and studied fencing and ballroom dancing.
Margaret sold her first historical romance and the premiere book of her Warrior series, A WARRIOR'S HEART, to Harlequin Historicals® in 1991. Since that time, she's written over 25 historical romance novels and novellas. She has also written for Avon Books, as well as a young adult historical romance for HarperCollins Childrens Books. She now writes for Harlequin's new single title imprint, HQN.
Her books have been published in France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Korea, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland and India.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 4, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Sir Bayard de Boisbaston, is a Knight of the King and aided his brother in finding traitors to the crown. But there was one traitor, who slipped through the cracks and is out for vengeance against his brother wife’s family. Bayard is then sent to help Lady Gillian and protect her from any harm from Sir Richard. Lady Gillian has worked hard to keep their family’s estate prospering and protected. She works along side the servants so that they can all benefit from hard work and determination. Gillian will do whatever it takes to keep everything running smoothly. But when Sir Bayard arrives, all Gillian sees is a man that could be a threat or an imposter. But even after she receives word that Sir Bayard is who he claims to be, she still mistrusts him. But Lady Gillian knows that there may be a threat to herself, but she is determined to live her life without fear. She is captivated by Sir Bayard, he is unlike most men in his position. He is understanding, strong and capable, a good leader but respects Gillian and her insistence to remain independent.
The Hero
Sir Bayard de Boisbaston is a Knight, and even though he is close to his brother, he has been trained by the toughest…his father. His father wasn’t easy on Bayard and pushed his limits in the worst way. Despite how tough his childhood was, his older brother has always been his work. Bayard became a Knight, and even though he has some regrets, he has tried to live a life of honor. When he meets Gillian, he isn’t sure what to think of her. At first she is a bit of a prude, not feminine in any way. But as time goes by, he starts to see how dedicated she is to the people she protects and works hard to provide a good life for. Bayard is a hero I always love reading about. He is honorable, loyal and honest. I love how protective he is of Gillian and is genuine in everything he does.
The Heroine
Lady Gillian has fought hard to have the confidence to take care of her family’s estate. She will do anything to protect it, no matter the cost to herself. Her father tried to teach her and her sisters how little they mattered in life. But Gillian has proved that she is capable, strong and resilient. She has a difficult time with trust and opening her heart to Bayard. She once fell in love and paid the price. And she refuses to risk getting hurt again. But Bayard, is different and even though they are forbidden to every marry, she can’t resist the feelings he evokes in her, and how he has changed her life and opened her up to new experiences and a passion she has never known. I love the way that Gillian, opens herself slowly to Bayard, and also to new experiences and stops letting the past take control over her present and enjoy the moment.
Plot and Storyline
The Notorious Knight is a wonderful story that takes place in the early 1200’s. This is part of a series but is not the first book, it in the middle of the series. But despite the setting, I definitely could recommend reading this as a stand alone. It brings you up to speed pretty quickly, but after reading this one, I am very curious about the first book now. Margaret Moore is such a talented writer, and I couldn’t get enough of Notorious Knight. It does start off a bit slow, but once it picks up the pace then I really got into it, and didn’t want to put it down. I really found the murder plot interesting, and adds a bit of a mystery and suspense feel to the story. But in the first half of the book, that sense isn’t super strong. It slowly eases into the most intense part of the plot. What was most intriguing was seeing the way these characters develop. The romance was a bit different. Its very slow, and at first these two just tolerate each other, but in a slow but steady way they learn to trust each other and open up in small degrees and then once they finally embrace what they have…its quite lovely. I loved the sparks that erupt between these two. Even though their’s is a forbidden love, they fall for each other anyway. Then the story truly picks up pace when the danger increases, those they trust the most betray them, and soon they will have to fight to survive. What was most interesting was the whole unable to marry. But from the author's notes and what I can remember from my history classes, this is the time when the Church had made some extreme measures on who can marry and they were very strict. This offered an interesting twist, with historical relevance and accuracy that made me fall in love with this story even more. A lovely medieval romance that kept me interested with each chapter, and excited to read more of this series.
The Cover
I love the pose here…so romantic and tender. I love the way they are facing each other and has such an intimacy to it. And that beautiful background adds the perfect touch.
Overall View
The Notorious Knight is a beautifully written romance that sweeps you away to the medieval era, in a time where deceit was everywhere, love within reach and loyalty was everything. SUPERB IN EVERY WAY!!
King John Series
Summary
Sir Bayard de Boisbaston, is a Knight of the King and aided his brother in finding traitors to the crown. But there was one traitor, who slipped through the cracks and is out for vengeance against his brother wife’s family. Bayard is then sent to help Lady Gillian and protect her from any harm from Sir Richard. Lady Gillian has worked hard to keep their family’s estate prospering and protected. She works along side the servants so that they can all benefit from hard work and determination. Gillian will do whatever it takes to keep everything running smoothly. But when Sir Bayard arrives, all Gillian sees is a man that could be a threat or an imposter. But even after she receives word that Sir Bayard is who he claims to be, she still mistrusts him. But Lady Gillian knows that there may be a threat to herself, but she is determined to live her life without fear. She is captivated by Sir Bayard, he is unlike most men in his position. He is understanding, strong and capable, a good leader but respects Gillian and her insistence to remain independent.
The Hero
Sir Bayard de Boisbaston is a Knight, and even though he is close to his brother, he has been trained by the toughest…his father. His father wasn’t easy on Bayard and pushed his limits in the worst way. Despite how tough his childhood was, his older brother has always been his work. Bayard became a Knight, and even though he has some regrets, he has tried to live a life of honor. When he meets Gillian, he isn’t sure what to think of her. At first she is a bit of a prude, not feminine in any way. But as time goes by, he starts to see how dedicated she is to the people she protects and works hard to provide a good life for. Bayard is a hero I always love reading about. He is honorable, loyal and honest. I love how protective he is of Gillian and is genuine in everything he does.
The Heroine
Lady Gillian has fought hard to have the confidence to take care of her family’s estate. She will do anything to protect it, no matter the cost to herself. Her father tried to teach her and her sisters how little they mattered in life. But Gillian has proved that she is capable, strong and resilient. She has a difficult time with trust and opening her heart to Bayard. She once fell in love and paid the price. And she refuses to risk getting hurt again. But Bayard, is different and even though they are forbidden to every marry, she can’t resist the feelings he evokes in her, and how he has changed her life and opened her up to new experiences and a passion she has never known. I love the way that Gillian, opens herself slowly to Bayard, and also to new experiences and stops letting the past take control over her present and enjoy the moment.
After their father died and she'd made her promise to her sisters, it had been as if the spell had lifted. She was free--as free as a noblewoman could be, even if she wasn't beautiful and charming. She had been happy and content, thrilled to be the mistress of Averette. And then Bayard had come, at first to frustrate and annoy her, then to make her feel respected and admired and finally, desirable.
Plot and Storyline
The Notorious Knight is a wonderful story that takes place in the early 1200’s. This is part of a series but is not the first book, it in the middle of the series. But despite the setting, I definitely could recommend reading this as a stand alone. It brings you up to speed pretty quickly, but after reading this one, I am very curious about the first book now. Margaret Moore is such a talented writer, and I couldn’t get enough of Notorious Knight. It does start off a bit slow, but once it picks up the pace then I really got into it, and didn’t want to put it down. I really found the murder plot interesting, and adds a bit of a mystery and suspense feel to the story. But in the first half of the book, that sense isn’t super strong. It slowly eases into the most intense part of the plot. What was most intriguing was seeing the way these characters develop. The romance was a bit different. Its very slow, and at first these two just tolerate each other, but in a slow but steady way they learn to trust each other and open up in small degrees and then once they finally embrace what they have…its quite lovely. I loved the sparks that erupt between these two. Even though their’s is a forbidden love, they fall for each other anyway. Then the story truly picks up pace when the danger increases, those they trust the most betray them, and soon they will have to fight to survive. What was most interesting was the whole unable to marry. But from the author's notes and what I can remember from my history classes, this is the time when the Church had made some extreme measures on who can marry and they were very strict. This offered an interesting twist, with historical relevance and accuracy that made me fall in love with this story even more. A lovely medieval romance that kept me interested with each chapter, and excited to read more of this series.
I know that you're an honorable man. I've watched how you treat the women of my household. I've come to see that you're a good and noble man, in the best sense of the word, or I would not be here. I know what I ask is sinful and immoral, but I cannot bear the thought of never being with you, not even once. To never experience pleasure in your arms, loving you and being loved.
The Cover
I love the pose here…so romantic and tender. I love the way they are facing each other and has such an intimacy to it. And that beautiful background adds the perfect touch.
Overall View
The Notorious Knight is a beautifully written romance that sweeps you away to the medieval era, in a time where deceit was everywhere, love within reach and loyalty was everything. SUPERB IN EVERY WAY!!
King John Series
My Lord's Desire (1)
The Notorious Knight (2)
Knave's Honor (3)
The Warlord's Bride (4)
August 14, 2011
This was a well researched romance, something I enjoy very much. The political intruige, the insights into King John's rule and the laws about marriage were all woven in without them seeming to jar the narrative. Bayard is such a strong, sexy hero, and his chivalry makes him even more enticing. Gillian on the other hand draws your sympathy and admiration. A solid 3.5 rating for this well crafted story.
April 4, 2019
Fue entretenido, pero no taaaaaaaaan memorable. Deb ser que la actitud de ella de yo soy la señora fue lo que me aburrió un poco.
March 3, 2025
This novel delivers an engaging blend of political intrigue and fascinating insights into the medieval period. The story follows Sir Bayard Boisbaston, who arrives at Gillian’s castle to protect her from a dangerous plot at the request of his half-brother, Armand. What begins as a mission of duty soon turns into something more as Bayard and Gillian—both fiercely loyal and strong in their own right—develop a deep and compelling connection.
Their love story unfolds naturally, with their strengths complementing each other beautifully. The characters are well-developed, and the writing is immersive, making this an enjoyable and well-crafted medieval romance.
Rated: 3.5/5.0
Their love story unfolds naturally, with their strengths complementing each other beautifully. The characters are well-developed, and the writing is immersive, making this an enjoyable and well-crafted medieval romance.
Rated: 3.5/5.0
August 8, 2021
Per molti aspetti somiglia al precedente libro infatti anche in questo caso il "cattivo" non è palese per le prime pagine per poi diventarlo poco dopo, i due protagonisti si limitano a ben poco per gran parte del romanzo per poi diventare più passionali nelle ultime pagine, il carattere delle protagoniste molto simile e per finire il romanzo diventa più movimentato solo alla fine. Non mi sono annoiata ma ho trovato una certa ripetività che ha reso il romanzo un dejà vu.
Tutto sommato non è male ma spero in qualcosa di nuovo nel terzo libro.
Tutto sommato non è male ma spero in qualcosa di nuovo nel terzo libro.
March 20, 2019
Mais um enredo cativante escrito pela autora, e que nos deixa um gostinho de quero mais. Conseguimos perceber nessa história como o amor deles foi se construindo diariamente em meio a troca de farpas. Adorei esse livro e os seus personagens ❤
May 8, 2018
Ootused olid kõrgemad :D Tegelikult algusel polnudki nagu viga aga lõpp läks nii jaburaks ära. Lugesin eesti keeles.
February 14, 2022
Me gustó que se iban conociendo entre los protagonistas pero al final como que se desinfló un poco la lectura de todas maneras voy a leer el tercero de esta serie
August 10, 2025
qué bárbaro lo complicado que era casarse por allá del año 1200
June 25, 2014
Author: Margaret Moore
First published: 2007
Length: 291 pages
Setting: England, 1204
Sex: Explicit but not frequent. Caring.
Heroine: Second daughter. Chatelaine. Father was abusive (but could be seen as harsh within time period).
Hero: Bastard son. Soldier.
An enjoyable Medieval. Nothing overly remarkable but well-written with engaging characters and a good story. A nice use of history without brushing injustices under the carpet.
Corfe:
"'But I want you to believe that I'm not a lecher, that I was following orders when I surrended, that I truly didn't know Armand was suffering, although -- God and Armand forgive me! -- I should have realized that after John let the men of Corfe starve to death, his enemies would be less than chivalrous.'" p.152
In 1204, Eleanor the "Fair Maid of Brittany", 5th Countess of Richmond, was imprisoned by her uncle at Corfe Castle in the Isle of Purbeck.
"After an attempt to escape, 22 of them were recaptured and starved to death." (w'pedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor,...).
Series:
Book 1 My Lord's Desire - Armand de Boisbaston and Lady Adelaide
Book 2 The Notorious Knight - Sir Bayard de Boisbaston and Lady Gillian
Book 3 Knave's Honor - Lady Elizabeth d'Averette and Sir Oliver de Leslille
Book 4 The Warlord's Bride - Lady Roslynn and Lord Madoc of Llanpowell
Book 4.5 The Welsh Lord's Mistress - Trefor ap Gruffydd and Bron
References:
Author's website: http://www.margaretmoore.com/TNK.html
(ISBN 978-1-4268-0274-4)
-CR-
First published: 2007
Length: 291 pages
Setting: England, 1204
Sex: Explicit but not frequent. Caring.
Heroine: Second daughter. Chatelaine. Father was abusive (but could be seen as harsh within time period).
Hero: Bastard son. Soldier.
An enjoyable Medieval. Nothing overly remarkable but well-written with engaging characters and a good story. A nice use of history without brushing injustices under the carpet.
Corfe:
"'But I want you to believe that I'm not a lecher, that I was following orders when I surrended, that I truly didn't know Armand was suffering, although -- God and Armand forgive me! -- I should have realized that after John let the men of Corfe starve to death, his enemies would be less than chivalrous.'" p.152
In 1204, Eleanor the "Fair Maid of Brittany", 5th Countess of Richmond, was imprisoned by her uncle at Corfe Castle in the Isle of Purbeck.
"After an attempt to escape, 22 of them were recaptured and starved to death." (w'pedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor,...).
Series:
Book 1 My Lord's Desire - Armand de Boisbaston and Lady Adelaide
Book 2 The Notorious Knight - Sir Bayard de Boisbaston and Lady Gillian
Book 3 Knave's Honor - Lady Elizabeth d'Averette and Sir Oliver de Leslille
Book 4 The Warlord's Bride - Lady Roslynn and Lord Madoc of Llanpowell
Book 4.5 The Welsh Lord's Mistress - Trefor ap Gruffydd and Bron
References:
Author's website: http://www.margaretmoore.com/TNK.html
(ISBN 978-1-4268-0274-4)
-CR-
September 10, 2015
Sir Bayard Boisbaston turns up at heroine Gillian's castle at the behest of his half brother Armand who has recently married Gillian's sister Adelaide. He is to protect Gillian form a plot on her life and whilst there falls in love with her. Alas due to the Church policy of Affinity - siblings can't marry siblings from the same family. Who knew that before 1215 - 7 brides for 7 brothers would have been illegal?
I loved the history on this one - learnt some interesting facts and was thoroughly drawn into the Medieval World during the reign of King John - peopled with knights and ladies.
The story was fairly exciting - including villains and traitors aplenty.
Gillian was again one of Moore's typical heroines, plain in comparison to her beautiful sisters, down to earth and competent. While she wasn't my favourite heroine I did love the scene where she stood up to the priest who denounced her for living in sin with the hero.
Bayard wasn't a bad hero either, though not as brooding as some of her knights.
If you want Medieval romance, Margaret Moore is the queen and whilst this wasn't my favourite of her novels it was thoroughly enjoyable.
I loved the history on this one - learnt some interesting facts and was thoroughly drawn into the Medieval World during the reign of King John - peopled with knights and ladies.
The story was fairly exciting - including villains and traitors aplenty.
Gillian was again one of Moore's typical heroines, plain in comparison to her beautiful sisters, down to earth and competent. While she wasn't my favourite heroine I did love the scene where she stood up to the priest who denounced her for living in sin with the hero.
Bayard wasn't a bad hero either, though not as brooding as some of her knights.
If you want Medieval romance, Margaret Moore is the queen and whilst this wasn't my favourite of her novels it was thoroughly enjoyable.
October 17, 2010
It was nice to fill in the pieces. I read one of the later books in the series first, and I had to find out what happened to the other sisters.
I thought Lizette's story the most compelling, but this one was well crafted.
I thought Lizette's story the most compelling, but this one was well crafted.
May 7, 2015
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
November 29, 2019
I dislike it when modern values and ethics are used in a historical setting though I see why it may be tempting. At least in this story it's vital for the plot to work...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews