Review: Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory

Knight of Passion is not your typical boy meets girl, boy wants girl, heaving bosoms and flirtations ensue story.

As the story opens, Jamie and Linett are young an in love/lust with each other and have been able to arrange a tryst in an empty room in the castle. Jamie doesn't know Lynette has arranged for them to be caught so that she might escape her father's promise of her virginity to Sir Guy, a snake among men. Naturally Jamie is devistated by her deception and leaves.

Five years later, we meet Jamie again, on his way to the castle to offer his protection to the newly widowed young queen. He meets an old man who's Lady is in trouble. As Jamie steps in to assist, he realizes the Lady is Linette. He hasn't forgotten her over the years, but her betrayal still stings. Lynette is on her way to see the Queen - a good friend. Of course Jamie and Linette end up spending time together, which neither of them wants. Jamie wants to find a nice, well-behaved wife while he's at court. Linette wants revenge against the person or persons who swindled her grandfather when he got to senile to realize he was being cheated; his death left Linette and her twin brother destitute and alone.

Lynette and Jamie keep ending up together and act on their passion,which has not quelled during their time apart. They agree it's temporary but exclusive. In reality Jamie wants to marry Linette but knows he must broach the subject slowly, building up to it so as not to scare her off. Linette doesn't want to be controlled by a man - she is single minded in her need for revenge.

Linette is the angriest heroine I have ever read in a historical romance. I was just as upset as Jamie that she would not give up her revenge for his love. I wanted a HEA for these two so badly, and every time it seemed they would get together, some clue would come up and Linette would go chasing it, leaving Jamie behind. I will say this about Jamie - he was not some pushover who waited around once he realized where Linette's intentions lay. Once he decided Linette was not going to give up her revenge, his courtship of Agnes was quite funny. Not to worry, for those of you who need a HEA - Ms. Mallory does deliver!

The secondary characters were quite engaging - the Queen was a bit of a ditz but you couldn't help but feel badly for her situation. Jamie's squire Martin was adorable - I hope we get to see him in a future book!

I know this review has rambled a bit - I didn't even get to the devil worshippers or the political intrigue! And, I totally guessed the wrong villian :)

As angry as Linette was, and as frustrated as I was with Linette and Jamie's lack of communication, I did enjoy this book. I give Knight of Passion 3 1/2 out of 5 stars!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.