Sandy M’s review of A Knight Well Spent by Jackie Ivie
Historical Romance released by Zebra 1 Oct 08
This is my first book by Jackie Ivie. I do have her other books in the TBR pile, have wanted to get them read — have ogled the covers whenever I see them — but it’s the usual too many books, too little time. I’m about to remedy that. I enjoyed Ms. Ivie’s writing style, full of richness with terrific characters and a lovely historical feel, and her humor, even during very dramatic scenes, is certainly a plus.
Rhoenne is a battle-scarred Norman knight who has been gifted with a fiefdom for standing by his king in Scotland when he meets a beautiful, young woman, a healer, whom he desperately needs at the time. After an extraordinary experience with her, he heads home to a castle full of people who’d rather see him dead than lording over them. To his amazement his brother shows up with his healer in tow, ready to make her his own. Rhoenne steps in, taking control and making sure she’s safe by claiming her for his own.
The difference, however, is Rhoenne will not truly be claiming her because of a curse in his family — the women die after giving birth to a Ramhurst heir, and he refuses to let a woman die in such a way. But being near her is too much to bear, so he hands over control of his home to her healing ways and his days and nights are spent patrolling his land, settling disputes, and wanting something he can never have. When he waits too late to make her his in name, however, his world is split wide open with betrayal at its core.
Never knowing that life could be so beautiful, Aislynn happily runs her laird’s home while doing her best to further her way into his heart. She knows of the curse that frightens Rhoenne, but only the fates can make that kind of judgment. When he finally acquiesces she finds heaven with this man who has her love. But when word comes he is to marry the king’s daughter, Rhoenne digs in for the long haul, determined to live his life his way and still maintain everything he has and wants. Rhoenne’s best friend and second in command, Harold Montvale, makes her see that nothing good can from the stance Rhoenne has taken against the king, and she agrees to his plan to save Rhoenne by giving up everything she holds dear. But traveling far and wide with a man whose guilt is as deep seated as her own takes it toll and by the time Rhoenne finds them, it may be too late for them all.
I really liked the love story in this book. Rhoenne does his best to stay away from Aislynn because of his belief, but, as he tells her, he’s just a man and can’t resist being with her, but I feel it’s more than that. They’re meant to be together, and that’s what makes her betrayal all the more painful for both of them. Even when he finds her again, as much as he tries to hate her, he just can’t. It’s not in him to do so. I also liked how it’s Aislynn who has the fortitude to take over and run the castle, even commanding some of Rhoenne’s men, and it’s Rhoenne who is lax in making sure his orders are followed, even by his own men, let alone the villagers.
Montvale nearly steals the show in every scene he’s in. He’s one man who can talk a blue streak, but there’s humor in every word and there’s a reason behind most of it. It’s also his love of and friendship with Rhoenne that makes his later scenes in the book so powerful. This is a great cast of characters in a lovely, rich story. I look forward to other books by Ms. Ivie.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Scotland 1141. A Norman king’s attempt to rule the Highland clans is making his favorite knight’s job difficult, indeed–and this is before a woman of mystery lays siege to the warrior’s heart…
She lives to heal.. He’s a giant of a man; what’s more, he’s the enemy. These truths should be enough to send Aislynn running far and fast from the wounded stranger in the woods. But he needs her help–and the reward he bestows changes her forever…
He fights to the kill… Formidable knight Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurst has been “gifted” with a fiefdom–and the unenviable task of taming the rebellious Highlanders that populate it. He also has a castle full of dissidents, led by his own half brother. Yet these challenges pale in comparison with attempts to forget the healer who saved his life and captured his heart…
And one love rules them both… Rhoenne believes a family curse places any woman he loves in mortal danger. When Aislynn is abducted by his profligate sibling, Rhoenne becomes her protector–even as he tries to resist her. But Aislynn has secrets of her own–and as deception and danger swirl ever closer around them, the truth may be their only salvation…
Read an excerpt.
