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The Lion Of Kent #1
The Lion of Kent
Squire William Raven has only one goal--to finally receive his spurs and become a knight. When his lord, Sir Robert de Cantilou, returns from a five-year crusade in the Holy Land, William wants nothing more than to impress him.
After Sir Robert's return, noble guests arrive from France, bringing intrigue to the castle. William is oblivious to the politics, as he's distracted by nightly visits from a faceless lover--a man who pleasures him in the dark and then leaves--a man he soon discovers is none other than his master, Sir Robert.
But William can't ignore the scheming around him when he overhears a plot to murder Robert. He becomes intent on saving his lord and lover from those who would see him killed...
After Sir Robert's return, noble guests arrive from France, bringing intrigue to the castle. William is oblivious to the politics, as he's distracted by nightly visits from a faceless lover--a man who pleasures him in the dark and then leaves--a man he soon discovers is none other than his master, Sir Robert.
But William can't ignore the scheming around him when he overhears a plot to murder Robert. He becomes intent on saving his lord and lover from those who would see him killed...
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
October 18, 2016
I have been looking forward to reading this for ages and I'm honestly disappointed. This is clumsy and childish. The older character is ok but the younger one is a know-it-all crybaby for whom I felt embarrassed more often than not.
Harlequin-ish story.
I can't believe this was written by Aleksandr Voinov, it doesn't sound like him at all. Cheesy writing style, tiresome flat characters, ridiculous storyline.
The only thing I really liked was the knight ceremony, it's something I'd never read before.
But the romance? Insta-lust at best, and not even that managed to make me feel something. I never understood what they see in each other, and why they fall for each other. This was an empty shell, a shame, because I know what Voinov can really do.
The lion tale was pretentious and made me roll my eyes more often than not.
Harlequin-ish story.
I can't believe this was written by Aleksandr Voinov, it doesn't sound like him at all. Cheesy writing style, tiresome flat characters, ridiculous storyline.
The only thing I really liked was the knight ceremony, it's something I'd never read before.
But the romance? Insta-lust at best, and not even that managed to make me feel something. I never understood what they see in each other, and why they fall for each other. This was an empty shell, a shame, because I know what Voinov can really do.
The lion tale was pretentious and made me roll my eyes more often than not.
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March 21, 2015This is planned as one of three stories dealing with William Raven (a character I introduced in "Deliverance"). When I wrote "Deliverance", I didn't know that there were so many more stories in there, but that's how the muse works.
"Lion of Kent" covers the youth and first love of William. Part 2, which I'm currently outlining, will deal with his other love, Guy de Metz. And hopefully I'll manage to "bring the herd home" (aka, wrap things up) in a third part.
So, while "Deliverance" and "Lion of Kent" are independent stories - you don't need read both to enjoy them individually - they are also connected.
"Lion of Kent" covers the youth and first love of William. Part 2, which I'm currently outlining, will deal with his other love, Guy de Metz. And hopefully I'll manage to "bring the herd home" (aka, wrap things up) in a third part.
So, while "Deliverance" and "Lion of Kent" are independent stories - you don't need read both to enjoy them individually - they are also connected.
September 9, 2015
Written September 1, 2014
4.3 Stars - Voinov has impressed me again - a fantastic intense knight gem
I just finished an AMAZING three hours audiobook narrated by Sean Crisden. A Voinov / Cotoner historical M/M novella.
Recommended by Andrea (aka the Irish Smurfette). Thanks, honeybunny! I loved it.
***********************************************************
England 1176...
Squire William Raven has only one goal: to finally receive his spurs and become a knight. He is an illegitimate son of a death knight and has since his early teens received permission to live and train in Sir Robert de Cantilou castle.
When his lord, Sir Robert, returns from a five-year crusade in the Holy Land, William wants nothing more than to impress him. He has a short temper and loves fighting (during training) and when at last the chance pops up to show his battle-ability and bravery in the field, he takes it.
...be knighted by his lord's sword.
When he feels a tender warm hand on his flesh one night, he takes gratefully that gift as well.
Every New Year, we watched the knight film Ivanhoe when I was a child / teen. An old TV tradition here. Since then, have I loved all these knightly tales and romantic stories from the crusaders time. This was no exception. ~ I melted...
***********************************************************
Mr Voinov knows how to tell a story. The Lion of Kent isn't erotica but oh-my-god what awesome steaming hot it gets. A gasp treat! I just wish it didn't end after three quick hours.
I LIKE - my heart beats happy
4.3 Stars - Voinov has impressed me again - a fantastic intense knight gem
I just finished an AMAZING three hours audiobook narrated by Sean Crisden. A Voinov / Cotoner historical M/M novella.
Recommended by Andrea (aka the Irish Smurfette). Thanks, honeybunny! I loved it.
***********************************************************
England 1176...
Squire William Raven has only one goal: to finally receive his spurs and become a knight. He is an illegitimate son of a death knight and has since his early teens received permission to live and train in Sir Robert de Cantilou castle.
When his lord, Sir Robert, returns from a five-year crusade in the Holy Land, William wants nothing more than to impress him. He has a short temper and loves fighting (during training) and when at last the chance pops up to show his battle-ability and bravery in the field, he takes it.
...be knighted by his lord's sword.
When he feels a tender warm hand on his flesh one night, he takes gratefully that gift as well.
“Half of love is restraint. Patience and respect. Don’t waste your time on the unworthy.”
Every New Year, we watched the knight film Ivanhoe when I was a child / teen. An old TV tradition here. Since then, have I loved all these knightly tales and romantic stories from the crusaders time. This was no exception. ~ I melted...
***********************************************************
Mr Voinov knows how to tell a story. The Lion of Kent isn't erotica but oh-my-god what awesome steaming hot it gets. A gasp treat! I just wish it didn't end after three quick hours.
I LIKE - my heart beats happy
July 27, 2018
3.5 Stars
This was one of those stories I couldn’t help but devour in one sitting.
I relished in the immersive plot, the rich characters, and the atmospheric medieval setting, which was impressively created, in such a short page count, by Voinov and Cotoner.
The narrative was wholly engaging and the romance between Squire William Raven and his lord, Sir Robert de Cantilou, was erotic and deeply satisfying, even with a HFN ending – which was completely acceptable considering the time period and the circumstances involved.
This was one of those stories I couldn’t help but devour in one sitting.
I relished in the immersive plot, the rich characters, and the atmospheric medieval setting, which was impressively created, in such a short page count, by Voinov and Cotoner.
The narrative was wholly engaging and the romance between Squire William Raven and his lord, Sir Robert de Cantilou, was erotic and deeply satisfying, even with a HFN ending – which was completely acceptable considering the time period and the circumstances involved.
December 15, 2017
I’ve yet to read a Voinov book I haven’t liked, and this was no exception!
While short, the enigmatic characters drew me in—as they tend to do when I’m dropped in the middle of the action and not lectured at by one character or another who serves as the author’s soapbox or devil’s advocate.
Mystery man comes and jacks off our squire in the middle of the great hall after a party. Our Squire is a happy man with no thoughts other than to win his spurs and serve his master. Our Lord and Master is a bit more mysterious, having recently returned from a five year crusade in the Holy Land, where he apparently learned some techniques which served to invoke holy names.
So, this was fun. We had lust, a hot head Squire, some untrustworthy French nobles, some untrustworthy Englishmen, a sot of a brother spouting off bible verses, and an exciting boar hunt.
While short, the enigmatic characters drew me in—as they tend to do when I’m dropped in the middle of the action and not lectured at by one character or another who serves as the author’s soapbox or devil’s advocate.
Mystery man comes and jacks off our squire in the middle of the great hall after a party. Our Squire is a happy man with no thoughts other than to win his spurs and serve his master. Our Lord and Master is a bit more mysterious, having recently returned from a five year crusade in the Holy Land, where he apparently learned some techniques which served to invoke holy names.
So, this was fun. We had lust, a hot head Squire, some untrustworthy French nobles, some untrustworthy Englishmen, a sot of a brother spouting off bible verses, and an exciting boar hunt.
October 6, 2014
A quick complete short which did not take me deep neither to the time, place or to the protagonists.
BR with Mishy and Giulio
December 13, 2017
Heck yes! I really enjoyed it - I'm sure reading it would have been great, but Sean Crisden did a fantastic job with these characters. The story was simple and it works as the foundation of the sex it was obviously meant to be. The chemistry and relationship between William and Robert was crazy hot and I loved it... age-gap, virgin yup that's almost always going to make me happy :)
April 25, 2013
I liked this historical novella which was very well researched as you would expect by Mr Voinov and his co-author. Intrigue, sex (well, duh!!), fighting and men in tights (sorry, hose)....what more could you ask for? 4 stars 
This period of British history has always fascinated me. Knights, squires,
Kings and Queens
...wonderful.
The story revolves around William Raven, a squire and his Lord Sir Robert de Cantilou. William wants to become a knight but must wait until Sir Robert returns from the Crusades, which he does unexpectedly one morning together with a troupe of French nobles and his brother Stephen, a cleric, who I have to say was not very pleasant at all
!!
Sir Robert has been keeping a close eye on William as he's been growing up, and now that he's returned from the Crusades, decides that a little one-on-one action with William would be perfect.....and yes, even in those days, gays were worse than the stuff on the bottom of your shoe and very unlucky!! One day William eavesdrops on a conversation between one of Sir Robert's men and a French noble...they plan to kill someone...William assumes Sir Robert. In the meantime, a hunt is planned as entertainment for the guests and the whole castle is extremely busy getting ready, although Robert and William manage to squeeze in a little private time together. Now the tricky part...William must multitask (yes ladies, we know how well most men do that)...he must save his Lord from assassination, keep him happy in bed and find out who the plotters are!!
This is where my review ends....but I would like to know whether William is successful eventually as a Knight (hint, hint). Many thanks Aleks and Kate.
This period of British history has always fascinated me. Knights, squires,
Kings and Queens...wonderful.The story revolves around William Raven, a squire and his Lord Sir Robert de Cantilou. William wants to become a knight but must wait until Sir Robert returns from the Crusades, which he does unexpectedly one morning together with a troupe of French nobles and his brother Stephen, a cleric, who I have to say was not very pleasant at all
!!Sir Robert has been keeping a close eye on William as he's been growing up, and now that he's returned from the Crusades, decides that a little one-on-one action with William would be perfect.....and yes, even in those days, gays were worse than the stuff on the bottom of your shoe and very unlucky!! One day William eavesdrops on a conversation between one of Sir Robert's men and a French noble...they plan to kill someone...William assumes Sir Robert. In the meantime, a hunt is planned as entertainment for the guests and the whole castle is extremely busy getting ready, although Robert and William manage to squeeze in a little private time together. Now the tricky part...William must multitask (yes ladies, we know how well most men do that)...he must save his Lord from assassination, keep him happy in bed and find out who the plotters are!!
This is where my review ends....but I would like to know whether William is successful eventually as a Knight (hint, hint). Many thanks Aleks and Kate.
September 1, 2016
This was an enjoyable audiobook listen. I that thought the historical setting was a nice change of pace and the writing seemed polished, as Voinov always does. However, I didn't like the insta-love and I thought the characters fell a little flat. Still good, just didn't blow me away.
October 6, 2014
The plot wasn't very interesting and the characters were a bit plain, but a lot of sexy time made this book a pleasant Sunday read.
BR Sunday with Mishy and Sofia.
BR Sunday with Mishy and Sofia.
August 14, 2010
The accuracy of the historical writing in this piece was impressive as was how completely I felt pulled into the story. I want more of William and Robert! I want to read of their journey on crusade!
June 12, 2016
"Your eyes. [...] When the sun catches them right, they're the same colour as the eyes of a mountain lion. They hold the same ferocity, the same pride... the same lust for life."
William Raven—I do so love that name—is the Lion of Kent, an aspiring squire who gives everything to earn his spurs and become a knight, but even more so earn the respect, desire, and love of his lord, Robert.
Lord Robert is a confident man and just leader who's longing for the day William will be his equal.
It was very satisfying to see William grow and become a better man, to see him struggle with his temper and master it to be of better service and help to his lord. I liked him very much because he wasn't perfect but human, because he gave his best, had doubts but dared everything, anyway. He is someone who you can relate to and, moreover, who you can look up to and learn from.
Since this story is told from William's point of view, we get a less clear picture of Robert, but it's still vivid enough to recognise another great and distinct character. Robert appeals so much because he is so self-assured without being arrogant in the slightest. He's a strong and wise man but so very kind that you never feel less in his presence.
It was a great experience to spend time with these two men, to see them grow as a person but also to see them start a loving relationship.
I very much liked the setting of this story, too, and the world building was subtle and done very well. The writing is very atmospheric and dense. I had a clear feeling for the surroundings although there aren't any lengthy descriptions. The world just came to life very easily, more like an afterthought, supporting the plot and characters.
Another thing that I noticed and made me reflect was the handling of being a 'sodomite' in a time of faith and Christianity. Without having a clue about history myself, I found this very plausible in the book, because sodomy being a sin is a topic for our protagonists, and William has doubts about it. In my opinion, it is realistic that this occupied their thoughts, and I am really glad that they find a good way to be themselves, and that there is no guilt pulling them down. This was indeed very balanced and no hardship to read about.
The same is true for penetration and masculinity politics. This was again plausible and very well handled.
While we're on that topic, the sex was so overly hot, thrilling, and different, too. Desperate and passionate, but also new and tenderly awkward. A very interesting mixture.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and writing this review, I can see even more how well written and crafted the story is. 4 stars and highly recommended.
Another great audiobook. Remember, this is still something new and astonishing for me ;-) I actually can't wait to buy the next one. If only there weren't such things as budgets...
The narrator did a great job. I loved his voices and style. The french accents... OMG, fabulous :D
For an audiobook, this is actually pretty cheap -> So get it! Recommended :)
William Raven—I do so love that name—is the Lion of Kent, an aspiring squire who gives everything to earn his spurs and become a knight, but even more so earn the respect, desire, and love of his lord, Robert.
Lord Robert is a confident man and just leader who's longing for the day William will be his equal.
It was very satisfying to see William grow and become a better man, to see him struggle with his temper and master it to be of better service and help to his lord. I liked him very much because he wasn't perfect but human, because he gave his best, had doubts but dared everything, anyway. He is someone who you can relate to and, moreover, who you can look up to and learn from.
Since this story is told from William's point of view, we get a less clear picture of Robert, but it's still vivid enough to recognise another great and distinct character. Robert appeals so much because he is so self-assured without being arrogant in the slightest. He's a strong and wise man but so very kind that you never feel less in his presence.
It was a great experience to spend time with these two men, to see them grow as a person but also to see them start a loving relationship.
I very much liked the setting of this story, too, and the world building was subtle and done very well. The writing is very atmospheric and dense. I had a clear feeling for the surroundings although there aren't any lengthy descriptions. The world just came to life very easily, more like an afterthought, supporting the plot and characters.
Another thing that I noticed and made me reflect was the handling of being a 'sodomite' in a time of faith and Christianity. Without having a clue about history myself, I found this very plausible in the book, because sodomy being a sin is a topic for our protagonists, and William has doubts about it. In my opinion, it is realistic that this occupied their thoughts, and I am really glad that they find a good way to be themselves, and that there is no guilt pulling them down. This was indeed very balanced and no hardship to read about.
The same is true for penetration and masculinity politics. This was again plausible and very well handled.
While we're on that topic, the sex was so overly hot, thrilling, and different, too. Desperate and passionate, but also new and tenderly awkward. A very interesting mixture.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and writing this review, I can see even more how well written and crafted the story is. 4 stars and highly recommended.
Another great audiobook. Remember, this is still something new and astonishing for me ;-) I actually can't wait to buy the next one. If only there weren't such things as budgets...The narrator did a great job. I loved his voices and style. The french accents... OMG, fabulous :D
For an audiobook, this is actually pretty cheap -> So get it! Recommended :)
October 12, 2010
3.5 stars
I'm a bit torn on how I feel about this one. So, bullet points it is :)
First the good:
*William is delicious and I love him. In fact, all the characters--even the secondary ones--were beautifully shaped, interesting to read about, and distinct individuals. I want to read more about William and Robert both.
*The historical details are masterful. This was a writer who REALLY did his homework and built an immersive world without inundating the reader with details.
*The writing was overall quite good, sprinkled with the occasional and subtle use of period language that added to the sense of immersion. There were, however, a couple words that pulled me out of the narrative, such as "balls" (which was not a part of the lexicon even a few hundred years ago, let alone almost a thousand) in the midst of the sex scenes.
And the not-so-good:
*The sex scenes did nothing for me. Just not hot at all. I felt like every sex scene was wanting for feeling, especially since William had never engaged in sex with another man before. Where were the sensory details? I missed them quite a bit.
*Was there a plot? Perhaps I blinked and missed it. Now, I know this was really more of a novella than a novel, but it took a long time to get started, and once it did, it didn't really go anywhere. The entire book revolves around, essentially, William getting his spurs and his lord's love. This is of course a personal preference, but I've never really liked PWPs and want something meatier to sink my teeth into. Of note is that I felt like the much more interesting story--that of Sir Robert's crusade--happened off-screen.
Overall, I did enjoy this, and for the masterful hand of worldbuilding alone, I plan to read more of Voinov's work.
I'm a bit torn on how I feel about this one. So, bullet points it is :)
First the good:
*William is delicious and I love him. In fact, all the characters--even the secondary ones--were beautifully shaped, interesting to read about, and distinct individuals. I want to read more about William and Robert both.
*The historical details are masterful. This was a writer who REALLY did his homework and built an immersive world without inundating the reader with details.
*The writing was overall quite good, sprinkled with the occasional and subtle use of period language that added to the sense of immersion. There were, however, a couple words that pulled me out of the narrative, such as "balls" (which was not a part of the lexicon even a few hundred years ago, let alone almost a thousand) in the midst of the sex scenes.
And the not-so-good:
*The sex scenes did nothing for me. Just not hot at all. I felt like every sex scene was wanting for feeling, especially since William had never engaged in sex with another man before. Where were the sensory details? I missed them quite a bit.
*Was there a plot? Perhaps I blinked and missed it. Now, I know this was really more of a novella than a novel, but it took a long time to get started, and once it did, it didn't really go anywhere. The entire book revolves around, essentially, William getting his spurs and his lord's love. This is of course a personal preference, but I've never really liked PWPs and want something meatier to sink my teeth into. Of note is that I felt like the much more interesting story--that of Sir Robert's crusade--happened off-screen.
Overall, I did enjoy this, and for the masterful hand of worldbuilding alone, I plan to read more of Voinov's work.
May 29, 2015
I didn't recognise Voinov's hand in this book at all. Unfortunately.
***Rounded up to 2 stars***
***Rounded up to 2 stars***
January 3, 2017
4,5 stars
Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of Aleksandr Voinov. Consequently I had high expectations for this prequel of Deliverance. I was not disappointed.
William Raven is a squire whose aims to earn his spurs and become a knight. When his lord, Sir Robert de Cantilou, returns after a five-year crusade in the Holy Land, William wants nothing more than to impress him.
Furthermore, Sir Robert announces that his castle will host French noble guests who will be accompanied by his brother, a churchman. At the arrival of the guests, political intrigue entered the home of Sir Robert as William overhears a plot to murder Sir Robert. What should he do… inform Lord Robert or should he take matters in his own hands and save him??
The story is written in William’s POV. The setting is England in the crusade era during which the English crown, King Henry Sr. & Jr. and Prince Richard played a major roll and being the reason for many political intrigues. What I really appreciated is – and this count also for Deliverance – that Kate Cotoner and Aleksandr Voinov managed to tell and describe this particular period in the history in such an accurate way by giving authentic details to certain scenes without overwhelming you with historical facts and allowing you to read and embrace those details.
The authors succeeded in writing a story that grips you from the first word to the last. You enter a world of knights, armors and squires and have the feeling being a character in this particular period of history and watching the whole story develop. It is like you can taste the dust, the sand, the blood on your lips during the fighting/hunting scenes.
The love story between these two real men, young William and the older Robert, develops really beautifully. You read about the doubts, the fears of William committing what is in the Church’s eyes a sin, nevertheless feeling desire, want, love for Robert. What I missed though was Robert’s POV, his thoughts, feelings, …
The first sexual encounter between William and Robert (groping a stranger in the dark as William didn’t know it was Robert) was so hot and made me say YES when they finally come together and make love.
This is not a typical love story with a lot of sex scenes. Kate Cotoner and Aleksandr Voinov managed to write a story in which they balance history, plot and romantic love and this with a writing of high quality. I can highly recommend it and hope to read more books with this high level.
Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of Aleksandr Voinov. Consequently I had high expectations for this prequel of Deliverance. I was not disappointed.
William Raven is a squire whose aims to earn his spurs and become a knight. When his lord, Sir Robert de Cantilou, returns after a five-year crusade in the Holy Land, William wants nothing more than to impress him.
Furthermore, Sir Robert announces that his castle will host French noble guests who will be accompanied by his brother, a churchman. At the arrival of the guests, political intrigue entered the home of Sir Robert as William overhears a plot to murder Sir Robert. What should he do… inform Lord Robert or should he take matters in his own hands and save him??
The story is written in William’s POV. The setting is England in the crusade era during which the English crown, King Henry Sr. & Jr. and Prince Richard played a major roll and being the reason for many political intrigues. What I really appreciated is – and this count also for Deliverance – that Kate Cotoner and Aleksandr Voinov managed to tell and describe this particular period in the history in such an accurate way by giving authentic details to certain scenes without overwhelming you with historical facts and allowing you to read and embrace those details.
The authors succeeded in writing a story that grips you from the first word to the last. You enter a world of knights, armors and squires and have the feeling being a character in this particular period of history and watching the whole story develop. It is like you can taste the dust, the sand, the blood on your lips during the fighting/hunting scenes.
The love story between these two real men, young William and the older Robert, develops really beautifully. You read about the doubts, the fears of William committing what is in the Church’s eyes a sin, nevertheless feeling desire, want, love for Robert. What I missed though was Robert’s POV, his thoughts, feelings, …
The first sexual encounter between William and Robert (groping a stranger in the dark as William didn’t know it was Robert) was so hot and made me say YES when they finally come together and make love.
This is not a typical love story with a lot of sex scenes. Kate Cotoner and Aleksandr Voinov managed to write a story in which they balance history, plot and romantic love and this with a writing of high quality. I can highly recommend it and hope to read more books with this high level.
October 22, 2013
Reading historical books is always a challenge and finding one that keeps me interested is not easy. However, The Lion of Kent was anything but boring.
The main character is William, a young man wanting and trying to become a knight of Lord Robert de Cantilou. The story follows him as he grows, fights, becomes a lover and a knight.
The characters of William Raven and Sir Robert and their developing relationship are interesting elaborated and enjoyable to read. The history feels very real. Hot tempered William is endearing and although Sir Robert remains a bit of a mystery the two men are absolutely great together.
My only complaint is that I would like to see more of William in a future story. A girl can dream...:)
September 6, 2014
This was a total disappointment. The characters were sketchy at best, the story was almost non-existent and the romance was so meh, I can't say I thought I took it as a real romance.
I was further disappointed by the audio narrator, who was terrible throughout but exceeded himself even further with an unbelievably fake French accents, which sounded more like drunken Russian and indistinguishable English accents for the characters. I almost threw my iPod when I heard his voice for William. The supposed lion sounded like a twink who's put extra effort to sound even more effeminate than required!
I was further disappointed by the audio narrator, who was terrible throughout but exceeded himself even further with an unbelievably fake French accents, which sounded more like drunken Russian and indistinguishable English accents for the characters. I almost threw my iPod when I heard his voice for William. The supposed lion sounded like a twink who's put extra effort to sound even more effeminate than required!
December 9, 2025
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for this medieval historical. Knights, political intrigues and some serious hotness. Good narration as well.
March 3, 2012
The novel finished too quickly.
I wasn't too fascinated with William - he didn't show much character growth or maturity. But I wanted to know more about Robert and his life during the crusade or his days in Constantinople.
I loved the setting - 12th century England. It's one of my favorite periods to read about.
I wasn't too fascinated with William - he didn't show much character growth or maturity. But I wanted to know more about Robert and his life during the crusade or his days in Constantinople.
I loved the setting - 12th century England. It's one of my favorite periods to read about.
December 17, 2012
Excellent historical m/m romance set in the age of knights and squires. I found the relationship between the squire and his lord to be very mature and well-developed, surprisingly free of any dub/con kink. The squire was a strong warrior in his own right and the lord was a good man. The sex scenes were steamy and the sub-plots interesting. Recommended.
October 16, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, because it was very well written. But I don't like insta-love and there was really nothing to recommend both MCs besides appearances. The conspiration plot was not really interesting.
March 30, 2019
Short unfortunately. Very enjoyable.
September 22, 2010
I was drawn to read this story since I recognized the name of Aleksandr Voinov. He is part of the duo that also wrote the SPECIAL FORCES series, which I so cherish. Before I started the novella THE LION OF KENT I had no clue that it was connected to a historical anthology story titled DELIVERANCE. Apparently the story of William Raven is expanded from DELIVERANCE with three short novellas and I hope each will be released at Carina Press.
My Review: THE LION OF KENT turned out to be a five chapter short read but one that irrevocably had my attention. The length of this novella had both a strength and a weakness. The strength was that in a short time frame the strong personalities of the characters really impressed me and drew me in to the story. The weakness was the plot which hardly had time to be fully fleshed out and became somewhat predictable. Save the plot I really was charmed by what I got to sample from the joint effort of the authors.
Together, Aleksandr Voinov and Kate Cotoner create a historic setting that feels authentic and emphasizes on the way of life in the days of England anno 1176. The writing is imaginative yet isn’t overly detailed and quickly drew me in to the story where I got a very good impression of the castle life, of the life as a squire in training and the passion blooming.
William Raven has a hot temper with the reputation for being all pride and hunger to become a knight. He is so eager and in his eagerness makes mistakes showing his age, but I couldn’t help it to be enamored by him. The first person narrative definitely puts the focus on William and his emotional turmoil. It is one of the reasons I really look forward to reading the other stories and get to know him even better. His character was a live wire of passion, of personal anxieties and determination to reach his goal. The moments of sheer lust between him and Robert smoothly entwines with a thin plot that gives William a chance to expand his experience both sexually and as a man.
Robert de Cantilou was a changed man coming back from a crusade and while he remains a bit of a mystery I really enjoyed the effect he had on William. He didn’t doubt his nature, he didn’t flaunt it but neither was he hiding it either. I could respect his morals, the way he guided William and I enjoyed the way they acted and interacted together. At first William feels like almost barely contained energy which is countered by the confidence Robert possess and this interplay changes throughout the novella in a more equal relationship.
Of course there are a few more characters who play their part in the plot or challenge William and Roberts in other ways while the attraction between the two men enter another level. Still, it is William who really puts his mark on me and the intrigue of how he will fair in life a major trigger for me to be on the lookout for future novella’s regarding him!
THE LION OF KENT is a novella where passions and danger blend in to a beguiling and character driven read.
My Review: THE LION OF KENT turned out to be a five chapter short read but one that irrevocably had my attention. The length of this novella had both a strength and a weakness. The strength was that in a short time frame the strong personalities of the characters really impressed me and drew me in to the story. The weakness was the plot which hardly had time to be fully fleshed out and became somewhat predictable. Save the plot I really was charmed by what I got to sample from the joint effort of the authors.
Together, Aleksandr Voinov and Kate Cotoner create a historic setting that feels authentic and emphasizes on the way of life in the days of England anno 1176. The writing is imaginative yet isn’t overly detailed and quickly drew me in to the story where I got a very good impression of the castle life, of the life as a squire in training and the passion blooming.
William Raven has a hot temper with the reputation for being all pride and hunger to become a knight. He is so eager and in his eagerness makes mistakes showing his age, but I couldn’t help it to be enamored by him. The first person narrative definitely puts the focus on William and his emotional turmoil. It is one of the reasons I really look forward to reading the other stories and get to know him even better. His character was a live wire of passion, of personal anxieties and determination to reach his goal. The moments of sheer lust between him and Robert smoothly entwines with a thin plot that gives William a chance to expand his experience both sexually and as a man.
Robert de Cantilou was a changed man coming back from a crusade and while he remains a bit of a mystery I really enjoyed the effect he had on William. He didn’t doubt his nature, he didn’t flaunt it but neither was he hiding it either. I could respect his morals, the way he guided William and I enjoyed the way they acted and interacted together. At first William feels like almost barely contained energy which is countered by the confidence Robert possess and this interplay changes throughout the novella in a more equal relationship.
Of course there are a few more characters who play their part in the plot or challenge William and Roberts in other ways while the attraction between the two men enter another level. Still, it is William who really puts his mark on me and the intrigue of how he will fair in life a major trigger for me to be on the lookout for future novella’s regarding him!
THE LION OF KENT is a novella where passions and danger blend in to a beguiling and character driven read.
November 23, 2010
I have to say, I love a good historical romance. Give me a good read about knights and crusaders, and I am one happy girl. Aleksandr Voinov and Kate Cotoner did a great job with this one. This baby had it all; Action, intrigue, great characters, seduction, hot sex, as well as an amazing historical accuracy and detail that transported me back to time and place.
I absolutely loved the characters in this one. I first read about Willam Raven in Aleksandr’s short story Deliverance, part of the Forbidden Love anthology, and just fell in love with him. Lion of Kent takes place before that and gave me a wonderful glimpse into a much younger William’s life. Young, impulsive, loyal, strong and determined. He had it all. Watching him want so badly to gain his spurs and become a knight, and to please his lord, yet fumble around every time he was watching him was completely endearing to me. Sir Robert de Cantilou, I loved as well. Strong, just, noble, dignified, everything I would expect as William's lord and mentor, and exactly what I wanted him to be.
I loved watching the relationship between these two develop. I found the romance and the sex to be well written, true to the characters as well as their status as lord and squire. Some of the sex scenes were incredibly hot, others less so, but never was I disappointed.
I’ve actually not got one bad thing to say about this one. Not being a fan of novellas that’s saying a lot. When I finished it, I was actually glowing. Aleksandr and Kate made a great team, I hope to see more from the two of them, and I definitely want to see more of William.
This one… highly recommended.
I absolutely loved the characters in this one. I first read about Willam Raven in Aleksandr’s short story Deliverance, part of the Forbidden Love anthology, and just fell in love with him. Lion of Kent takes place before that and gave me a wonderful glimpse into a much younger William’s life. Young, impulsive, loyal, strong and determined. He had it all. Watching him want so badly to gain his spurs and become a knight, and to please his lord, yet fumble around every time he was watching him was completely endearing to me. Sir Robert de Cantilou, I loved as well. Strong, just, noble, dignified, everything I would expect as William's lord and mentor, and exactly what I wanted him to be.
I loved watching the relationship between these two develop. I found the romance and the sex to be well written, true to the characters as well as their status as lord and squire. Some of the sex scenes were incredibly hot, others less so, but never was I disappointed.
I’ve actually not got one bad thing to say about this one. Not being a fan of novellas that’s saying a lot. When I finished it, I was actually glowing. Aleksandr and Kate made a great team, I hope to see more from the two of them, and I definitely want to see more of William.
This one… highly recommended.
January 1, 2015
★★★★☆
Knights, Oh my!
Robert has returned from a five-year crusade and young William is not so young anymore. Although only 85 pages, a fully-fleshed out romance. William wants to prove himself so that his career path can take the next step to full-fledged knight. And he's overheard a plot against Robert. Except he's come to the realization that his night-time visitor to his bed is none other than the lord of the manor, Robert!
Robert holds himself back from taking the final step with William as he needs an equal partner. Will William get the opportunity to prove himself as worthy of being a knight?
Knights, Oh my!
Robert has returned from a five-year crusade and young William is not so young anymore. Although only 85 pages, a fully-fleshed out romance. William wants to prove himself so that his career path can take the next step to full-fledged knight. And he's overheard a plot against Robert. Except he's come to the realization that his night-time visitor to his bed is none other than the lord of the manor, Robert!
Robert holds himself back from taking the final step with William as he needs an equal partner. Will William get the opportunity to prove himself as worthy of being a knight?
November 13, 2012
I am not into middle ages, all that dirt and such is making me nauseous. Two unwashed and smelly knights who are doing anal makes me scared for life. BUT....
There is nothing like that in this book and luckily it is more about romancing squire and landlord in danger then hygiene habits or too much period stuff. The assassination plot put the additional drama, which was solved as quickly as it came to attention.
The verdict was simple. I enjoyed the book quite a lot. I like style of the author. But once was enough for me. I will probably never reread this book.
There is nothing like that in this book and luckily it is more about romancing squire and landlord in danger then hygiene habits or too much period stuff. The assassination plot put the additional drama, which was solved as quickly as it came to attention.
The verdict was simple. I enjoyed the book quite a lot. I like style of the author. But once was enough for me. I will probably never reread this book.
September 3, 2013
I listened to the great 3 hour audio book narrated by sean crisden. A great tale of a squire who wants to prove himself and discovers something about himself in the process. SHort and sexy ;)
November 4, 2015
Brilliant audio. Very enjoyable to listen to and a good historical story.
December 1, 2017
I always enjoy Voinov’s works. This one is a squire earning his spurs for knighthood. I loved the symbolism of Sir Robert taming the lion with William. Looking forward to read what happens next.
January 21, 2020
Voinov and I have had a bumpy relationship. I walk in ready to say ‘nope’. The Lion of Kent is short but it is solid.
The action sceneS were stellar.
It has a good send of place despite it’s shortness.
Both main characters were right even if I wanted more.
It worked.
The action sceneS were stellar.
It has a good send of place despite it’s shortness.
Both main characters were right even if I wanted more.
It worked.
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