The Knight, the Knave and the Lady

by Juliet Landon

MARIETTA VOWED NEVER TO MARRY . . .

Until she fell off a horse, and Lord Alain of Thorsgeld rescued her with his very persuasive affections. Confused by his attention, Marietta ran away, but was once again rescued by her beloved Alain. He wanted her and had no scruples about throwing her stoic airs into disarray --- and seducing her into marriage!

Their nights were passionate, and the castle provided her with plenty of activity. Marietta began to love her role, and her husband, until she realized that she was playing second best to his dead wife --- a position that would lead her into danger...

Genres: Romance

296 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 1996

About the author

As the author of books on embroidery design, the progression in 1994 from fact to fiction was perhaps less daunting for Juliet than it might have been for a complete beginner. But in many ways, the requirements are similar: a strong imagination and sense of design; an eye for detail; a love of color, scenery, and research; and a willingness to share inner thoughts and feelings with readers. Dedication is also useful to Juliet, living in the country, as the temptation to spend time picnicking and sightseeing instead of writing is sometimes very strong.

Reviews

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probabilmente l’unico romanzo della Landon che salvo in pieno, tra quelli letti sinora.
C’è sempre l’elemento costante di un protagonista maschile possessivo e prepotente, molto più vecchio della fanciulla da sposare (ed è davvero fastidioso quando lui chiama lei “vipera”, “bambina mia”, “piccola” e promette di addomesticarla), però qui c’è una piacevole e vivida ricostruzione della vita di una piccola corte di signore feudale, con i locali per le dame, i servi, l’orto delle erbe aromatiche, le peschiere, le stalle, i gruppi di paggi e scudieri inviati dalle famiglie facoltose confinanti per stabilire alleanze o trovare un lavoro ai figli cadetti, ecc.
Se il contorno è preciso, la trama è sempre un po’ sopra le righe, però avvincente: Marietta investiga e fa di testa sua, il buon Alain le corre dietro.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second medieval romance i enjoyed partly because it is very well written as JL skillfully leads the reader into the bygone era. Scenes from the medieval daily-life are described especially of the heroine from her father's house to her life at her husband's castle. i liked the heroine and her role as the lady of the castle, maintaining order, growing herbs, creating her personal garden, organizing festivals for her husband/H etc. The background/atmosphere seemed so aptly medieval and it was interspersed with the blossoming romance between the leads. I also liked the H and how he could take charge and showed full responsibility as a husband despite successfully runninh a business of breeding horses and discovering their theft. the story is action packed as an elaborate plan is set to catch the thief leading to a very satisfactory ending. Despite the fact that some attitudes towards sex, murder, rape, and treatment of women may seem crude - i guess it qoes with the medieval times - i highly recommend this book.