Thrill of the Knight by Julia Latham

If you love strong, independent historical heroines and caring knights, then this is the book for you. Lady Elizabeth Hutton is made a prisoner in her own castle by a conniving Viscount who wants to marry her and take her fortune. Elizabeth is betrothed to Sir John Russell, who is a mercenary for hire on the continent, which leaves her at the mercy of the kidnapping viscount. Or so he thinks, because Elizabeth has switched places with her lady’s maid in hopes of escaping and finding a way to rescue her people and herself.

John has been summoned back to England by his betrothed when her parents died and he’s there to fulfill his part of their betrothal contract. Though he’s been away from England for a long time he remembers Elizabeth from childhood and is eager to get the wedding out of the way.

Court intrigue in post War of the Roses England plays a part in the story along with a marriage contract that allows Elizabeth’s husband take over the title and ownership of his earldom. King Henry VII may or may not honor the contract between Elizabeth and John’s families since it was approved by the previous king, Edward.

To this humble reviewer, the lady doth protest too much. It was hard to imagine Elizabeth, a 15th century woman, being that independent and having so much say in her own life. The betrothal contract is another stretch in the plot, but Latham does an admirable job making it work well enough in the plot.

John and Elizabeth have some wonderful chemistry and also seem to respect and enjoy each other’s company, but the romance seems a bit forced at times, but that could be a product of the circumstances rather than character flaws.

They also inspire loyalty in those around them, most notably Anne, Elizabeth’s lady’s maid and Phillip, one of John’s knights. The hard work of all the characters helps Elizabeth realize that getting married to a loving man won’t force her to loose independence and John realize staying in one place can be an adventure of itself. Yay for tying themes into the whole book.

Characterization was good, if historical accuracy a bit lacking for my historian heart, but all in all an enjoyable, if lighter summer read.

Grade: C+