Loved by the Last Knight

Hawk Castle #1

by Lily Harlem

Mary of Burgundy is at a crisis point. What she needs is a knight in shining armor to ride into town and sweep her off her feet. Could that really happen? Will she be so lucky?

The year is 1476 and for Mary, the new Duchess of Burgundy, the French are encroaching and the pressure to wed is mounting. Dukes, lords, earls, and even a king want her hand. All she must do is choose and her stars will align once more.

But who should it be? Who can fulfill her every need?

Tales of a handsome and brave knight in a land far away have filled the castle. She has never met him. He’ll have to travel from Vienna and then fight when he arrives.

Is Maximilian of Austria up for the job? Not only as an intelligent leader and skilled warrior, but also as her husband and, just as importantly, her one and only lover for all of time?

Maximilian of the House of Habsburg adores his life filled with jousting, hunting and pleasure seeking, so when his father, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III, insists upon a political marriage, Maximilian delays the dangerous and expensive journey to meet his new bride.

But when he sees Mary for the first time—immaculate and pure—he knows that to be without her would be the same as not being able to breathe. His heart beats for her, his every thought is with her, and his body… The cravings are intense, the lust real.

Will he scare her with his true passion and close her off to him forever? One thing he knows is he’ll have to summon self-control and wait for her to love him the way he loves her. It is only then their souls will truly be connected for all of time.

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!Hawk Castle SeriesLoved by the Last KnightAdored by the ArchdukeEmbraced by the Emperor This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Romance, Medieval Romance, Medieval

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2024

About the author

Meet your next sexy as f*ck book boyfriend!

You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)

And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com

Reviews

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and Maximilian

What a beautiful romance! I have not read a medieval romance in awhile. This is about an arranged marriage and how they fall in love. Then King Louis starting war. It was a fun and steamy read.

[Emily Pallotta · Rating 2 out of 5]

To my friends and followers you may notice this is not the type of book I would normally read, but NetGalley was kind enough to give me the opportunity to read it in exchange for a review, so here we are.

I feel a little wrong reviewing this, because I realized within the first few pages that I am decidedly not the target audience for it. This is not the type of romance novel I enjoy, and I do not want to be unfair to it as I know there are many people who enjoy this type of book. But I do want to give my honest opinion.

The book just wasn’t for me. I know it’s historical, but I didn’t expect the amount of casual misogyny that was sprinkled throughout constantly and at times even romanticized. I didn’t like that the man was so experienced and worldly and had to teach the poor naive innocent woman how things worked. I didn’t like his possessive nature or the fact that he’d slept with dozens of women before yet got angry at the thought of other men even being friendly towards her.

Also, being that it was an arranged marriage trope, I would’ve loved to see a slow burn and some mutual pining and yearning but instead it was love at first sight, which is just less fun to me, I’m sorry.

I also didn’t love the writing style, but once again, that’s because I am not the target audience. This type of book is a very specific niche and it’s just not my niche, so keep that in mind as you read my review.

A couple things I did enjoy; the MMC was very into consent and making sure his wife was comfortable and okay with everything they were doing, and I appreciated that aspect. I will also say that even if the book wasn’t my cup of tea, I was never bored while reading it, and I breezed through it very quickly. It held my interest and kept me turning pages.

Again, I feel my review is a little unfair since this is just not my taste. But if this is the type of romance book you enjoy I have no doubt you’ll like this book much more than I did, so if that is the case, definitely check it out!

Thank you NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[✨Emma✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When I started this book, I had never really heard of Mary of Burgundy or Maximilian. I was only aware of the Habsburgs because of their infamous jaws. This won't teach you like a history textbook would, but I did learn in the process that Mary died when she was 25 so that does add somewhat of a tragic edge.

The highlight of this book for me was Harlem's writing. I've seen other writers attempt it and it just come out wordy and full of unnecessary metaphors, but I enjoyed seeing how she described the world of Ghent.

I was a big fan of Mary, I was not a fan of Maximilian. He was fine at some points, and I loved that he was a big fan of consent, but especially when he would get jealous it would just irk me.

At some points I felt that the characters were in fact not from circa 1470s Burgundy, but instead 2024 or some other modern year. I understand that some liberties are always taken when it comes to historical romance, no one expects them to be perfect.
I think the scene that got me was when Maximilian got all angry when they tried to view the bed sheets for a consummation of the marriage. That was a VERY common thing to do, but he got very upset when it happened. Mary and him would have known that was coming.

Overall, I really enjoyed this as my first Lily Harlem book. Would recommend!!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just didn’t connect with this book. The MMC was a jealous brute but not in the fun way I like. He was jealous of her pets for example, and that gives me the ick. I got his jealous of her cousin but after the pet jealousy… it didn’t do much for me as I normally love jealous men in paper. And there was a dubcon scene out of left field after how sweet and gentle they were with each other up until that point (I didn’t mind it just warning) There were a lot of mentions of god and the Bible for a book as open door as this was. Apparently this is based on real people who deeply loved each other so that was interesting as well. But I didn’t think the writing was bad and it might be for you if you like this time period and very Alpha Warrior Man.

[Emi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

The book as a meal: Overly sweet buns, but today I was craving that sweetness, so it was fine
The book left me: Warmed, but a little disappointed

Why did this call out to me?
I like romance, I like medieval books, I like a bit of "guilty" and "sinful" loving, so this was up my alley. I also really like the cover, stunning artwork

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Pick-up-able. I just wanted to continue reading it and finding out what would happen next. Not much happens, but it was entertaining enough to keep me going

Issues:
Needs more show and less tell
Do we need to use the words "husband" and "wife" in every sentence?
No proper stakes to propel the story

Good things:
Immaculate vibes
Surprisingly filthy

How did it feel to read?
It felt very cozy, and a lot of the book had a "warmth" to it. Sadly, I also felt like I was listening to a new couple talking to each other inapropriately in a public place. Very awkward

What mood would I read this in?
I would read this in winter by the fire, longing for the warmer months. I think I would also read this on a plane, it is the perfect size for flight reading

Where does this fall in my tier list ranking?
C tier. It was entertaining enough, but fell short of my expectations. Some of my annoyances mentioned above really dragged the score down. I think someone I know would really like it, but ultimately it was not for me

[Venetia Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept of taking two real and important historical figures and spinning a romance around imagined details of their love life. But while Loved by the Last Knight got some of the historical context undeniably right, the historical context just didn't feel convincing to me. The court of Burgundy should have been bustling with courtiers, but much of the time the hero and heroine were simply alone together. This simply would not have been the case, historically.

Okay, I get that Harlem was having fun and not taking her history too seriously. But perhaps then the romantic tension and plot tension in general should have been ramped up to compensate. The hero and heroine didn't meet for a good number of chapters, and when Maximillian does finally set eyes on his future wife, here's how he feels:

Instantly, he knew what the gripping, intense new feeling was. He'd just fallen in love.

Not much tension left at that point, especially as Mary too chose Maximillian above her other suitors to be her husband. But I did enjoy the slow, sweet wooing Max conducts to induct a frightened Mary into the pleasures of the bedroom.

 I gave it up at the 50% mark.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

My introduction to medieval romances and at 9% of the way in and we’ve already learned of an impending arranged marriage, on page falconry in action, and news of a parent in battle being MIA, and then a rush order on your arranged marriage.

Thoughts while reading -

*highly readable
*if someone put mail for me on my pillow, I would be in an apoplectic rage
*I really do like a well written arranged marriage trope
*he falls first
*this sent me down a rabbit hole of research, into the real Mary and Maximilian
*definitely spicy

All right, I finished it the day after I started it - the story was visually written and compelling (even as I shook my head at some things, I tried to look past my own mindset into how things must have been in the later 1400’s), I’m definitely looking forward to the next titles of this series.

This was my first time reading the author, and I will absolutely be reading more of her work 🙂


Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

[Matilda BGR · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Evidently this is a fictional account of the marriage between Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian who ended up as the Holy Roman Emperor. I think I'd rather read a purely fictional story rather than making up things between two real people -- although I have enjoyed several of Philippa Gregory novels about the Plantagenets, Yorks and Tudors.

So maybe the issue is more that this was a weakly written book, lots of telling/not showing. Maximilian wasn't a great MMC, though he's written as a big believer in consent and women's pleasure. (Hard to imagine the real Maximilian acting that way.) Other than the consent kink he had going, he came across as fairly immature and hot-headed.

I realize that I read HRs with the idea that the FMC and MMC will have a long HEA, and so it sort of takes away from the story when you know that Mary of Burgundy died at 25, five years into her marriage (which, apparently, had been a happy one.)

[Suzy Vero · Rating 1 out of 5]

Loved by the Last Knight…. Sadly I was disappointed. The story is loosely based on actual historical figures, Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian of Austria, and their initial meeting, marriage and early days together. For me the writing including the dialogue, felt way too modern and it came across as flat …. I didn’t feel any grand passion, zest or excitement. The descriptions of the steamy scenes felt clinical.

Setting for the book is Austria and Burgundy in 1476. But near the beginning of the story the hero’s father( Holy Roman Emperor) mentions the Schoenbrunn Palace as where Mary, his new bride could live during the summer months… it’s just outside of Vienna. This royal palace wasn’t built until 1642 tho the land was purchased in 1569. I visited Vienna a couple of years ago, and knew something wasn’t right … so checked web sites for specifics. I find it very off putting when an author doesn’t get historical information correction a HR.

Overall, not my cup of tea… I had to skim read the last half. ⭐️

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5
Unexpected love found in an unexpected marriage makes for a beautiful love story. Never having met, Mary and Maximilian have what some would call a storybook marriage complete with lasting love. It is beautifully written, very descriptive in current happenings and has a HEA outcome. There is danger and war seems to be on the horizon. I loved Mary and the strong woman that she was during a time when women were considered as possessions. I was surprised at how educated they both were. I loved the story and would recommend it as a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this novel, with its beautiful cover, entertaining and lighthearted, despite the dire circumstances that the Duchess of Burgundy found herself in. Forced into a marriage, not of his own making, Maximilian bends to his father's will but not before he has carried out his own plans. At times the young man seems entitled and dismissive of the needs of Mary of Burgundy, but as he spends time with her he starts to feel protective towards her. Ultimately the threat against Burgundy is realized but fortunately, this romance comes to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this book through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Romance, But the Characters Were Not Fictional

Mary’ and Maximilian's marriage is arranged, but they manage to find the love of a lifetime. This book is well-written, and I enjoyed it.

The story is about real historical figures. I prefer to read stories about fictional characters because they are not as vulnerable as real people. They can live to be over one hundred years old, a nearly impossible feat for that time in history. I made the mistake of looking up Mary of Burgundy and finding out when she died. That shattered my illusion. Having said that, I did enjoy reading the book and wish I did not open that Wikipedia page.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Here's why:
In history there really was a Mary of Burgundy and a Maximilian of Austria.
The author, took real people and created a beautiful functional story about them
True history can be exciting but also a bit dry, this book gets your interest going and leaves you wanting to know more about them, their truths and lives. A fantastic way to get pulled into actual history.
Demonstrated the culture of the times, double standard between men and women. The domination of women and how they overcame this through perseverance and determination.
Fully engaging!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good love story and the tales of Knights of Old.

Lily has taken two figures from history, who were known to be the love of each others lives and wound a beautiful tale of what might have been with real events. I hadn't even finished chapter 1, and I found myself searching the Internet for more information on each person and pictures of places, palaces, and churches.

I am really looking forward to book 2 in this series.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️

This is my first book by this author. I was intrigued by the premise of the story it’s a medieval HR and has the arranged marriage trope.
However, the writing style, insta love, and lack of chemistry between the protagonist hindered my enjoyment.

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instant Love, Humor, Animal Lover:
My first time reading this author and I certainly enjoyed every word. I characters were easy to imagine and their relationship totally captured my interest. The passion between them has smoldering sparks flying that took my heart to pounding more than one.
I truly enjoyed reading this sizzling love story that has a wonderful ending
Adult advisory: 3/5

[Yan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how the novel is based on historical figures and the character is kind to animals (even though that part may be the writer's imagination). But the male character was a brute (might be true for that context?) and easily jealous. And wow his jealousy also died down equally fast.
Picked up and put down this book several times but finally finished it.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whoa, whoa, whoa now. I was enjoying this book and how lovely Max was so tender and loving towards Mary, when out of the blue we get a really violent scene of dub con. Maybe even non con. Either way, no. Sorry, but no. What the heck happened there???

[deborah rhodes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't get the memo

I understand the need to be descriptive in a story, but the very negative way the author described being fat in the most derogatory way had me ending my reading at 11%. Yes this is my soapbox to stop fat shamimg.

[Catherine Rospotynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story of another time and land.

Adventure, romance, historical fiction and strong female and male characters throughout. This was a look at the strengthening of Burgundy region of Europe with an Austrian duke.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute and entertaining. I learned a lot about the time period. I’ll definitely read the next one.

Thank you to netgalley for proving me with an advanced reader copy.

[Albi (albireadingromance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It is spicy, sweet, and romantic. I loved that Mary thought Maximilian was deformed, lol. Can't wait for book two!

[kristine bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story.

I was unable to put this book down. For two people who were unsure of their marriage Mary and Maximilum found love with one another.

[Kathryn Kremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling historical

I didn't know anything about the marriage of Mary of Burgundy and Maximillian Habsburg before reading this book. It was well researched as far as I could tell.

[Mrs Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

The best book I have read in a long time I couldn’t put it down! I will certainly be looking at her other books

[jennacita · Rating 1 out of 5]

There wasn’t enough of a chemistry between Max and Mary and the book lacked basic plot structure. There could have been a great opportunity to delve in Lars and Jeanne’s relationship but there wasn’t. After watching the Starz show Maximilian, I wanted to read this to get more content between Mary and Max, but it just fell flat and lacked depth. Mary’s character fell flat and her naivety was overdone and honestly really annoying, This had potential though.

[Jeanie V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

KU