Knight of Pleasure

Written by Margaret Mallory

Narrated by Derek Perkins

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.

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Nov 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781452687568

Reviews for Knight of Pleasure

[brokenteepee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second in the author's All the King's Men series but I didn't need to have read the first book to enjoy the second.I AM enjoying it. It's a light and easy read; just what I like in between my heavier books. I tend to switch off from weightier books and then lighter books. As with most historical romances the female heroine is strong minded and not typical to the time but that is what makes these books so much fun. She does bow to her father's wishes early but finds ways to butt at the men directing her life after that.Of course there is a happy ending - it wouldn't be a romance without one and that is part of the fun. That and the boy meets girl, boy and girl keep away from each other, boy and girl keep getting thrown together until they ultimately realize they were meant to be. As I said, I am enjoying the book; it's a time period I like - Henry V - and right now we are in France. I suspect I will pick up the first one and look forward to the next in the series.

[rosetyper9 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read a ton of romance novels, many of them excellent, some not so excellent. This book is the first romance novel I have ever read that truly captures the essence of raw lust. It actually places your brain in the equation and you can see the characters, their feelings, emotions, and the total scope of the decisions they are making when they choose to be together. It is breathe taking and totally amazingly written...I was in complete shock as I was turning each page, that it continued to be the perfect representation of what a normal person feels like in that situation. I know the author must have put some of herself in these characters. I am still a bit shaky after reading it...crazy. I know, what's the big deal? its just a romance novel? I know this...but as I said no romance novel I have ever read made my mind latch to emotions and situations as fiercely as this one did. Ok, on to the rest of this...the plot was good, I don't know the history of King Henry V but everything seemed pretty normal, no crazy twists of history from what I can tell. It moved at a pretty good pace and there was no waiting around or gratuitous love-making inserts. The characters are amazing, and I can't wait to read the next book as well...I noticed that the two main characters in the next book should be together already before I read the next novel's page.

[dawn772 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This historical romance kept my interest throughout with its fast paced action. King Henry arranges a marriage between recently widowed Isobel and a french noble for political alliance. Sir Stephan is one of the knights who protects her while she awaits her betrothed.

[reesa00 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Run of the mill medieval romance. Hero and heroine spend a lot of the book apart as the heroine is engaged to another - not my favorite plot device.

[mountie9_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have read quite a few blogs in which people have mentioned how much they enjoyed this book, and well, I am jumping on the bandwagon. It is a delightful light read, perfect for an afternoon at the beach, a hot bubble bath or in front of a fireplace on a cold Canadian winters night (well maybe not this years winter, but you get the picture). The characters are interesting and not one dimensional which is something you don't often find in historical romance novels. The book has a riveting storyline that intertwines adventure and history so masterfully that I dare you to put it down. I do have to be honest, a couple of times I just wanted to smack Lady Isobel for some of her actions, but they ARE the actions of a women of that time, so it really shouldn't annoy me so. (But it does!) I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go into detail, because I hate when someone gives too much of the story away. The secondary characters are interesting and would like to know more about them, especially the 2 french orphans. The ending is really beautiful though, and not too sugary which is something else I dislike. One of the blogs I had read mentioned that there was graphic violence and sex, but I beg to disagree. It is sensual without being overly graphic and the violence is not overly violent (dude, if you are reading a book set in medieval times -- there is going to be violence, that is how life was back then). I would recommend to those who enjoy historical romances that are not wishy washy/lovey dovey. It is also pretty accurate historically, which many of you know is something that I require to really enjoy a historical romance.

[bookscookslooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second in the author's All the King's Men series but I didn't need to have read the first book to enjoy the second.I AM enjoying it. It's a light and easy read; just what I like in between my heavier books. I tend to switch off from weightier books and then lighter books. As with most historical romances the female heroine is strong minded and not typical to the time but that is what makes these books so much fun. She does bow to her father's wishes early but finds ways to butt at the men directing her life after that.Of course there is a happy ending - it wouldn't be a romance without one and that is part of the fun. That and the boy meets girl, boy and girl keep away from each other, boy and girl keep getting thrown together until they ultimately realize they were meant to be. As I said, I am enjoying the book; it's a time period I like - Henry V - and right now we are in France. I suspect I will pick up the first one and look forward to the next in the series.

[bookwormygirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lady Isobel Hume has been betrayed by the men in her life. Firstly, her father weds her to the highest bidder - a very old man whom luckily for her dies shortly after they are wed. Then before she can rejoice at the fact that she is finally out of her terrible marriage, she finds that her late husband has left all his fortune to someone else, leaving her with no choice other than to marry the man who now claims "her" lands or be at the mercy of their King. The King feels that Isobel can best be used to secure an allegiance to Normandy- and she chooses this rather than to succumb to her late husbands successor.Once under the King's protection, Isobel is provided a chaperon and there she meets William and his younger brother Stephen. Sir Stephen Carleton is known for being a ladies man. But once Isobel crosses his path he is taken in by her beauty, charm and innocence. Isobel is also smitten with Stephen but they can't defy the King's wishes. Through some instances of major flirting, several heated encounters, and a few not-so innocent rendezvous' - their attraction for one another grows. Isobel has always done everyone else's bidding and she feels that it's time for her to have one thing before she moves on and marries the next man... and that is to be with Stephen. But when the seduction quickly escalates and what starts off as a fling becomes something much more - they find themselves in a tight spot, for a fling will never suffice for either of them.I LOVED THIS STORY! And let me tell you, I really liked Ms. Mallory's first in the series, Knight of Desire - but I absolutely fell in LOVE with Knight of Pleasure. Call me a sucker for historical romance - but it was also so much more than that. Yes, the time frame the book is set in does play into my romantical notions... but Stephen and Isobel are just to die for. Isobel is this tough girl who knows how to wield a sword and although she's always followed rules (her father's, her late husband's and now her King's), she is a rebel at heart. I loved this about her. She was proud, she was strong and she was courageous. Stephen is carefree and light-hearted, he has a great sense of humor and his flirting and seduction of Isobel were just a treat to read. He's deadly with a sword and protective of Isobel... yep, be still my heart... what more could you want in your hero, right? This was just a beautifully written tale where you jump in and quickly become engrossed in the lives of these two characters. They are likeable, relateable and absolutely dreamy or, should I say, "steamy" together. I found myself rooting for them from the start. Ms. Mallory has once again done a fabulous job and has definitely recruited herself a devoted fan in me. I can't wait for the next one!

[authorlyndacoker · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My Thoughts:If ever a woman deserved to marry for love, it’s Lady Isobel Hume. But at the command of her king, she’s once more to give herself in a loveless union to a man she despises. Or, will she…?Lady Isobel Hume is a likable character from the very first page. I admired her character and courage. She isn’t a frivolous heroine, but a woman who strives to uphold her principles under the most trying of circumstances.It’s ironic that the very man who will tempt her to stray from her convictions is a man of conviction himself. Sir Stephen Carleton is a Knight worthy of the title. He tries in every way to protect the woman whom he also loves from his own desires.Author Margaret Mallory knows how to write a Historical Romance. The period feels authentic, the characters real, and the romance believable. There is just the right amount of suspense and hopelessness to make the inevitable happy-ending even more satisfying.My Favorite Quote:> “She’d been a traitors daughter; she did not want to be a traitors wife.”> “We shall make our pledges before witnesses tomorrow. But I shall hear your pledge to me now—before we do aught else.”