THE GREATEST PASSION
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a Fre... read full description
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a Fre... read full description
reviews
Feb 07, 2010
new_user
rated it: 
Knight of Pleasure was an unexpectedly pleasurable read. (Ha! Get it? *cue cymbals*) I have a certain track record with medieval romances- that is to say, I avoid them, but Knight demonstrated none of the problems I associate with that genre.
Margaret Mallory's characters are refreshingly human, rather than primitives with poor technology. I begin to see the appeal of the period, even though Mallory makes no bones about the drawbacks of the times too. People are stinky, events take pl More...
Margaret Mallory's characters are refreshingly human, rather than primitives with poor technology. I begin to see the appeal of the period, even though Mallory makes no bones about the drawbacks of the times too. People are stinky, events take pl More...
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Jun 28, 2010
UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~*
rated it: 
My review:
Wow! Another fun read from Margaret Mallory, who has such a knack for storytelling!
Stephen Carlton and Lady Isobel Hume made for some interesting – and hot – reading. Both were people who put aside their own wants and feelings to do whatever was necessary for the “greater good” and that just happens to be one of my favorite historical romance themes: the hero and heroine are kept apart by forces outside of their control, and have to battle not only the tr More...
Wow! Another fun read from Margaret Mallory, who has such a knack for storytelling!
Stephen Carlton and Lady Isobel Hume made for some interesting – and hot – reading. Both were people who put aside their own wants and feelings to do whatever was necessary for the “greater good” and that just happens to be one of my favorite historical romance themes: the hero and heroine are kept apart by forces outside of their control, and have to battle not only the tr More...
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Jan 25, 2011
Theresa
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This is the second in the All the King's Men series and, as noted in my review of Knight of Desire, is being read because the third book in the series is being read by my book club and I as I've stated before, I'm a firm believer that series should be read in order.
In this book, Prince Harry is now King Henry and his armies have recently taken Burgundy in France. Our two star-struck lovers are Sir Stephen Carleton and Lady Isobel Hume. Sir Carleton is the half-brother of Lord William More...
In this book, Prince Harry is now King Henry and his armies have recently taken Burgundy in France. Our two star-struck lovers are Sir Stephen Carleton and Lady Isobel Hume. Sir Carleton is the half-brother of Lord William More...
Aug 28, 2010
Monica
rated it:
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 b
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Jan 11, 2010
Terry
rated it:
Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory is a savory delight that is sure to please. This is book two of the series of three and even more delectable than it's previous installment in book one. Most assuredly Margaret Mallory is an author with much promise and passion to keep us satisfied for quite some time.
Lady Isobel Hume is a sight to behold. Married off to an old man in her early teens, she has been through hell and back with a marriage made of profits to both sides instead of one More...
Lady Isobel Hume is a sight to behold. Married off to an old man in her early teens, she has been through hell and back with a marriage made of profits to both sides instead of one More...
Dec 09, 2009
Gaby
rated it:
Lady Isobel Hume has been betrayed by the men in her life too often. Her father married her off to a much older man in exchange for riches. It hardly seems fair that after Lady Isobel Hume survived eight years of a difficult and loveless marriage, she discovers that her husband has left the entire estate to a "stranger" who made the dubious claim of being his son out of wedlock. Lady Isobel refuses to marry her husband's heir and instead agrees to accept a marriage arranged by her king
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Dec 08, 2009
Nely
rated it:
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 c
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Mar 14, 2010
Julia
rated it:
Medieval romances are my favorite books and Margaret Mallory didn't disappoint. The damsel in distress wasn't completely helpless and was more of a helpmate to her Knight rather then a goddess on a pedestal. Another feature of romances that bores me after a while is virginity and the inevitable loss of it by the heroine. However, in this novel Isobel has already been married (to a jerk!) so "loss of viginity scene" is skipped. Also Stephen's love of Isobel makes him want to be a better
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Aug 01, 2011
Kristy
rated it:
I loved this book! I'm really disappointed to now realize it is the second book in the series. GRRRR I hate starting a series in the middle.
I notice after reading some romance novels, that sometimes the story line is a little weak, or I don't really feel that the two characters have fallen in love, rather than in lust. But I thought that there was a lot of relationship development in this book between Stephen and Isobel. I loved reading how Stephen, the man's man, a More...
I notice after reading some romance novels, that sometimes the story line is a little weak, or I don't really feel that the two characters have fallen in love, rather than in lust. But I thought that there was a lot of relationship development in this book between Stephen and Isobel. I loved reading how Stephen, the man's man, a More...
Dec 11, 2009
Bird
rated it: 
I'm fairly neutral on this one. Wasn't good, wasn't bad, hence the two star rating. Neither the hero nor heroine really stood out for me as anything special. I didn't like the whole "sacrificing for the king" aspect of the novel, where Isobel feels she must marry de Roche, as if political negotiations are hinging on this one marriage. Also, hearing about Henry being the "divine" ruler didn't sit well with me either. And the sex scenes felt cold to me, as if something was
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Oct 07, 2011
Stacy
rated it:
This was a good medieval book. It's set during the reign of Henry V, the majority of it takes place in Normandy. There is a nice bit of history involved but not too much that it takes away from the story.
The heroine, Isobel, is strong without being bitter and unyielding. The writer includes enough background to make her complex, giving her depth.
The hero, Stephen, is neither overbearing or weak. He is not quite as complex as Isobel though. He was in the first book of thi More...
The heroine, Isobel, is strong without being bitter and unyielding. The writer includes enough background to make her complex, giving her depth.
The hero, Stephen, is neither overbearing or weak. He is not quite as complex as Isobel though. He was in the first book of thi More...
Dec 29, 2009
Jess
rated it:
Isobel is the apple of her fathers eye. She is everything he's ever wanted in a child. Headstrong, courageous, beautiful and smart. So when he gives her in marriage to a man who is practically ancient, she feels as if she was betrayed in the worst way possible. When her husband dies he leaves her with no other option but to agree to wed a French noble man to help form a political alliance.
Stephen is a womanizer, and an amazing solider. However, he is looking for something more even t More...
Stephen is a womanizer, and an amazing solider. However, he is looking for something more even t More...
Dec 03, 2009
Bridget
rated it:
Lady Isobel agrees to wed a French nobleman, Sir Stephen, at her king's request. When the man that she is to marry asks her to defy her current king and the place that she calls home, she is faced with a difficult decision. This man who will soon be her husband has stolen her heart and now she is torn between what has been and what could be.
Sir Stephen has always been a ladies man. He may have met the one woman with the power to tame him. Will she succeed and make this man her partne More...
Sir Stephen has always been a ladies man. He may have met the one woman with the power to tame him. Will she succeed and make this man her partne More...
Mar 30, 2010
Jennifer
rated it: 
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 More...
The characters are interesting and not one dimensional which is something you don't often find in historical romance novels. The book has a More...
Feb 03, 2012
Bk70lvr
rated it:
I have read this book 6 times. It's what happens when you seriously love a story! Not to mention I've hoped each time that Stephen would jump out of the pages and...ahem, "sword fight" with me. No such luck, yet. This whole trilogy is great, especially the fun-filled, egotistical, oh-no-you-di'int banter MM brings in to each one. I find myself giggling a lot at these hot-headed, hot-bodied men! And their women. Of course, though, now that I've spoken and thought about these books...I t
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Jun 19, 2011
C.M.
rated it:
Again another book filled with court intrigue and political alliances. In these books it seems the hero/heroine have to really fight to be together and then sometimes they are still separated by marriages, years, children etc. before finally coming together in the end. The author doesn't shy away from violence though. This heroine does her best to fight for herself even though she understands her place is beneath men in her society.
I picked up the series hoping for more Highlander t More...
I picked up the series hoping for more Highlander t More...
May 26, 2011
Heidi
rated it:
Ok, this book gets three stars because it falls into the classic historical romance trap I hate which is... they get together too soon for my liking. The two characters that are going to be together are already making out by page thirty.... I need a little more tension than that please. Also I think the author might have had a bad marriage because the first book and this book both begin with the main character's husband dying and the main character being pretty excited about it due to a crappy m
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Jan 11, 2010
Emmanuelle
rated it:
I enjoyed reading this book, although not as much as the previous one, Knight of Desire.
Truly I don't know what exactly didn't work for me. The book was full of action, the characters were interesting and endearing (especially the secondary ones), the plot was solid. I really enjoyed the author's writing too. Then why 3 stars ?
Because honestly, I didn't care much for the hero and heroine. I found their romance lacking (in chemistry probably), even boring at times and more tha More...
Truly I don't know what exactly didn't work for me. The book was full of action, the characters were interesting and endearing (especially the secondary ones), the plot was solid. I really enjoyed the author's writing too. Then why 3 stars ?
Because honestly, I didn't care much for the hero and heroine. I found their romance lacking (in chemistry probably), even boring at times and more tha More...
Nov 16, 2009
Mandi
rated it:
Isobel has not had luck in love. Her father forced her to marry a very old man to gain enough money to buy back his lands from King Henry after losing them from siding against the King. Luckily for Isobel, her first husband dies after a short time and she is free of that misery - but more awaits her. Her late husband leaves all of his property to a very conniving man - one that Isobel wants nothing to do with. In desperation, she is given an option - marry a man that will help the King of Englan
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Jun 28, 2011
Angie
rated it:
I received a copy of Knight of pleasure from The Historical Romance 1st year anniversary. Yea! This book was quite a treat! Margaret, I loved it! The book is so well written. I seemed to fly through the pages. Great story and ending. I loved the characters Isobel and Stephen. Stephen is every bit Isobel's hero.(Swoon). I also liked the fact that if you choose to skip the steamy parts it didn't interfere with the overall story line. What an enjoyable read! Thanks Margaret
Mar 14, 2010
Reaganstar
rated it:
I actually loved this story, Isobel was made into such a strong character instead of the normal damsel in distress which I love... Women deserve the opportunity to show themselves in a protective and strong way. Love truly can conquer all and I love the way Margaret portrays that through this budding relationship. Nothing like a transformed ladies man. In my opinion this book was great, definitely a keeper for my shelves.
Jan 13, 2012
Alison
rated it:
I really enjoyed the first book of this series, but this one was just ok for me.
I was a little confused about King Henry. At one point the author mentions him being a childhood friend of Lady Catherine from the first book, but Prince HARRY was Catherine's childhood friend. The kind also seemed very young, but 13 years had passed since Knight of Desire...very confused.
I also think there should have been a little more communication between Isobel and Stephen. They se More...
I was a little confused about King Henry. At one point the author mentions him being a childhood friend of Lady Catherine from the first book, but Prince HARRY was Catherine's childhood friend. The kind also seemed very young, but 13 years had passed since Knight of Desire...very confused.
I also think there should have been a little more communication between Isobel and Stephen. They se More...
Feb 13, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
My second Mallory book (All the King's Men series) I read it in one day so yes I liked it.
Her stories are great and the historical details I really appreciate.
The heroine is lovely. Stephen our hero hmmmm thats where my problems seem to be with her books they are just not strong enough for me. Something is lacking and I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it is the connection between the h/h. In the end I did come to like Stephen more but he just didn't do it for me.
Her stories are great and the historical details I really appreciate.
The heroine is lovely. Stephen our hero hmmmm thats where my problems seem to be with her books they are just not strong enough for me. Something is lacking and I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it is the connection between the h/h. In the end I did come to like Stephen more but he just didn't do it for me.
May 09, 2010
Jacqueline
rated it:
Margaret Mallory's Knight of Pleasure is a first-rate medieval romance.
These are often not done well. However, Mallory combines romance and history effectively to create a sensual yet fast-paced, exciting novel. I look forward to her next book in this series.
Jacqueline Seewald
These are often not done well. However, Mallory combines romance and history effectively to create a sensual yet fast-paced, exciting novel. I look forward to her next book in this series.
Jacqueline Seewald
Jul 14, 2010
Melanie
rated it:
This book was a goodreads giveaway. My first and only win so far.
I do enjoy this time period, but for some reason, I just did not feel a connection to the story or the characters. I have not read this author before, but would consider giving her another try.
I do enjoy this time period, but for some reason, I just did not feel a connection to the story or the characters. I have not read this author before, but would consider giving her another try.
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Oct 12, 2011
Dawn
rated it:
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.
Mar 29, 2010
Wendy
rated it:
Goodreads Giveaway!
The book left me wanting. I couldn't decide if the book would be better categorized as a romance novel with mediocre attempts at mystery and suspense or a mystery novel with boring r-rated scenes. The writing was really not something to be praised. The dialogue was stilted, and it seemed that the author couldn't decided between modern colloquialisms and medieval jargon. The final resolution was just so painfully obvious and badly set up that I kept hoping that the More...
The book left me wanting. I couldn't decide if the book would be better categorized as a romance novel with mediocre attempts at mystery and suspense or a mystery novel with boring r-rated scenes. The writing was really not something to be praised. The dialogue was stilted, and it seemed that the author couldn't decided between modern colloquialisms and medieval jargon. The final resolution was just so painfully obvious and badly set up that I kept hoping that the More...
Jan 06, 2010
Lavada
rated it:
This is the second book in a series of 3. I didn't think it could possible be as good as William and Catherines but it is. Knights of Pleasure is William's younger brother Stephen's story. It's senuous, fast paced, action and a book you'll have a difficult time putting down. Even if the Historical period isn't your genre of choice you won't want to miss this story. I anxiously waiting for Jamie's story releasing in June 2010
Dec 28, 2010
Rachel
rated it:
I didn't like this one nearly as much as her first one. This is much more of your typical romance, whereas Knight of Desire had much more action and intrigue than romance. Still a quick and easy read.
Jan 11, 2012
Grandmaking553
rated it:
An excellent book, couldn't put it down. The way the author wrote this book it felt like I was there saw Isobel,Stephen,Catherine William... Felt the emotion, heartaches, fears, and the Romance.
