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The year is 1311, and the battle for Scotland’s independence rages on…
Stripped of his lands by the English king who killed his father, James
Douglas will do whatever it takes to see his clan’s honor and fortune
restored. The ambitious young knight, whose dark visage, powerful
stature, and ferocity in battle has earned him the epithet “the Black,”
knows he must use fear, force, and intimidation to defeat the English,
put Robert the Bruce on Scotland’s throne, and restore the honor of the
Douglas name. Nothing and no one will get in his way. Not even the lass
who captured his heart in childhood and still holds it in her delicate
hands.
Joanna Dicson has loved James Douglas for as long as she can remember. That she is “only” the daughter of the marshal of Douglas Castle has never concerned her. Yet even as James’s ruthless reputation grows, and despite the warnings of others to guard her heart—and her virtue—against him, Joanna never dreams he will turn on her. He loves her and would never hurt her. But when James returns to Douglas to force the English garrison from his castle, Joanna learns that their love is nothing against his ambition. His marriage—like everything else—will be a means of bettering his clan. Heartbroken and humiliated, Joanna is left alone with a secret that may destroy them both.
Joanna Dicson has loved James Douglas for as long as she can remember. That she is “only” the daughter of the marshal of Douglas Castle has never concerned her. Yet even as James’s ruthless reputation grows, and despite the warnings of others to guard her heart—and her virtue—against him, Joanna never dreams he will turn on her. He loves her and would never hurt her. But when James returns to Douglas to force the English garrison from his castle, Joanna learns that their love is nothing against his ambition. His marriage—like everything else—will be a means of bettering his clan. Heartbroken and humiliated, Joanna is left alone with a secret that may destroy them both.
Genre: historical romance
Publishing date: December 2013
Mature content: yes
Review: The Knight is a novella, so if you've ever read any of Monica McCarty's Highland Guard books before, be prepared for a much shorter story, with a loss less historical details (although the author's note at the end shows you that fiction is very well weaved withing the know facts of history).
The Knight is essentially focused on the romance between James and Joanna, and contains only passing references to the war raging in Scotland at the time, and to the other members of the Highland Guard. This makes The Knight much easier to read as a stand alone book but, as a fan of the series, I would obviously prefer a full sized novel instead of a novella.
James is a very hard to love hero, because, truth be told, he treats Joanna horribly for about two thirds of the length of the book. Still, if you think about the time and place of the story, I'm pretty sure his actions are not out of context.
So, if you love historical romance and are looking for a quick read, this is recommended. Otherwise, my suggestion would be to read the whole Highland Guard series in the right order (as I, for once, I'm doing). You can find details on all the books in the series at the author's website.
Happy readings,
The Knight is essentially focused on the romance between James and Joanna, and contains only passing references to the war raging in Scotland at the time, and to the other members of the Highland Guard. This makes The Knight much easier to read as a stand alone book but, as a fan of the series, I would obviously prefer a full sized novel instead of a novella.
James is a very hard to love hero, because, truth be told, he treats Joanna horribly for about two thirds of the length of the book. Still, if you think about the time and place of the story, I'm pretty sure his actions are not out of context.
So, if you love historical romance and are looking for a quick read, this is recommended. Otherwise, my suggestion would be to read the whole Highland Guard series in the right order (as I, for once, I'm doing). You can find details on all the books in the series at the author's website.
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