Ruthless Knight

Legendary Bastards of the Crown #2

by Elizabeth Rose

Book 2:

Rook the Ruthless is one of the triplet bastards of King Edward III. At birth the king ordered them killed, since triplets were thought to be bad luck and spawned by the devil. But they were saved in secret and taken to Scotland to be raised in secret.

Now, two decades later, Rook lives in the catacombs of the ruins of Lanercost Priory, having had to hide years ago when Edward pillaged and burned their homeland. He and his brothers have been raiding the king, working together as the legendary Demon Thief, in vengeance after finding out the truth of who sired them.

Rook's brother Rowen has betrayed them, and Rook and Reed have to carry on the raids without him or his pirate crew. But when a raid gone bad leaves them in a horrible position, their legend is threatened to be put to rest. Rook's heart is black and he will never change his ways, letting his hatred of his father rule his life. But one night he finds a woman named Calliope in his catacombs, and he is captivated by her beauty and kindness. With her presence she brings light back into his life, and Rook starts to question the choices he's made as well as all his ruthless acts.

Can the Lord of the Underworld be brought from the darkness by the angel who sees a spark of light in his soul that he doesn't believe is there? Find out in Ruthless Knight - Book 2 of the Legendary Bastards of the Crown Series. Don't forget to also read the prequel, Destiny's Kiss, and the other two books in the series, Restless Sea Lord - Book 1, and Reckless Highlander - Book 3.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Medieval, Amazon, Fiction

289 pages, ebook

First published February 17, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.

Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:

Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest

RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude

Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets

International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude

Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme

Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights

Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales

Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown

Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

And More!

Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:

Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!

Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.

Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruthless Knight (Legendary Bastards of the Crown Book 2) by Elizabeth Rose is a well written and intriguing Medevial Romance set against the backdrop of the English countryside. While, Book 2 it can be read as a stand alone. However, I'd suggest reading Book 1 as well, "The Ruthless Sea Lord" Rowen's story, to get the full understanding of these intriguing triplets. There is also a series prequel, "Destiny's Kiss", which is the story of their beginning and the mother who raised them. Rowen, Rook and Reed, three triplets, by Edward III, and his mistress. Edward III, who wanted them killed at birth, due to the legend of triplets....spawns of the devil.

Rook the Ruthless, is considered the Lord of the Underworld, he is the middle triplet. Who is ruthless, resides in the catacombs of an old ruined monastery, and prefers the darkness of night to the light of day. Determined to revenge their father, Edward III, they reek havoc on the King. Rook and Reed believe their older brother, Rowen, has betrayed them with the King, for the love of a woman. How could he?
Enter, Calliope, a young Lady who resides with her greedy, and abusive uncle. She is full of life, trying to help the villagers, who her uncle abuses as well, in many ways. And finds a wounded Rook in the catacombs, while returning to the Castle, through the catcombs to the dungeon. Her uncle keeps her locked within the Castle walls. She is very Defiant. Curiousity, gets the better of her, she comes across Rook in his room.

Well written with well-developed and captivating characters and an intriguing storyline. "Ruthless Knight", was more romantic than action and battles. With this said, however, it is captivating and intriguing to watch Rook and Calliope's
story come to life. Can Calliope bring Rook toward the light, and bring him to a full flame? Will Rook, finally forgive his father, afterall it has been two decades, each have grown a bit? Or lose his true love and light of his life, to bitterness and revenge?

I enjoyed the scene during the tournment for Callope's hand in marriage. Rook is determined to win. Then the truth of possible treason, treachery and greed comes forth. Will Callope, her friend, Wardell, accused of releasing information be tried for treason, as well as Rook, or will the king pardon them. Afterall, Wardell is not the one releasing the information? A bit complex at times, and very intriguing.

Ms. Rose, has written a tale of revenge, bitterness, treachery, possible treason, intrigue, secrets, betrayal, light vs darkness and the power of true love. Romantic, compelling and powerful! I found myself reading way into the night, wondering how in the world will Rook and Calliope, find their HEA.
I wondered how Ms. Rose would help Rook and Reed forgive their older brother, Rowen, for what they believed was betrayal. I must say I loved how she managed to fix Rook and Rowen's relationship. Now, poor Reed feels alone and betrayed by both his brothers. I can't wait to read Reed's story, Book 3, "Reckless Knight" coming in March 2017!
What a fantastic read! A not to miss English Medevial Romance!

Ms. Rose manages to delight and intrigue her readers with her historical details, her charactizations and her captivating storyline. Another well done Medevial Romance. Strongly recommended to Medevial Romance fans of intrigue, adventure and passion. Pick up your copy soon, you will be glad you did.
I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read book #1 of the Legendary Bastards of the Crown and having so enjoyed it, I knew I was in for a treat with book #2 and I was right) This time it's Rook's story and what a story it is!

Hating his father, the King, and vowing never to forgive his brother Rowen for having given in to their father, Rook is determined to have people fear him and continue seeking his revenge against the King. When he meets Calliope, she is light to his darkness and it's a mutual attraction but he has nothing to offer her....he even lives in the catacombs, for goodness sakes! Calliope has such a caring heart and she just knows that Rook is a good man, if only she can make him see it.

I thought the story well written, fast moving and my heart just went out to Rook, for all the decisions he had to make. There are a few twists and turns I didn't see coming and was holding my breath near the end, so much was going on! I do recommend this book:)

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has suspense, humor and love. I do recommend reading in order starting with the Prequel, Destiny's Kiss, Restless SeaLord, Ruthless Knight and Reckless Highlander. I have read the first three and I can't wait to get started on the final book, Reckless Highlander.

It's so sad to start but has great endings. I can't wait to see Reed happy as his brothers are. You are a great author Elizabeth. Since reading this series I have purchased many of your books.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing storyline

I loved this book and I'm starting of by recommending it right off the back. This is a great book, I couldn't put it down. I love Rook and Calliope, they were great together. I can't wait for the 3rd book in this series. I suggest to read the first book Restless Sea Lord to get a full understanding of the triplets.

[Lauralee Wiltsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Rose has another wonderful read here. I really could identify with Rook's struggle of being pulled in two directions. On o e hand, he didn't want to lose his one remaining brother but on the other hand, neither did he want to lose the woman he loved, Calliope. I loved all the struggles Calliope and Rook went through because I believe that the path to love is never easy.

[Diana Aden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless Knight is the second book in the Legendary Bastards of the Crown series by Elizabeth Rose. This one is about Rook Douglas, who is one of the triplet bastards born to King Edward. Rook is filled with a lot of anger towards his older brother Rowen. He feels Rowen betrayed him and his younger brother Reed when he married a Lady, swore fealty to King Edward, and was knighted. When the brothers had learned they were bastard sons of King Edward they swore at that time they would do everything they could to get back at the King.

Rook survived over the years by hiding out and living in the catacombs of an abandoned priory and joining his brothers for the spoils they took in raids on the King's possessions and shipments. Once Rowen gave up stealing from the King, it became more difficult for Rook to get by with only Reed to help in the raids.

Rook becomes acquainted with a woman named Calliope one night when she escapes the rain and takes refuge in the catacombs. She lives in the nearby castle but was in the area to deliver food to the villagers as her uncle is very harsh and demands everything from his people. Rook is attracted to Calliope as she is beautiful and very kind but he is also very cold and inconsiderate in his actions.

Having read the first book in the series, Restless Sea Lord, which I greatly enjoyed, I found that I had a much harder time getting into this work. Not sure if it was Rook's character or the lack of swashbuckling action and really engaging secondary characters as was true of Restless Sea Lord. This story had its twists and turns but compared to the first in series, IMO it was a little lacking. Nothing against Elizabeth Rose, she writes well and I do enjoy her works and plan to read the next in the series. I want to know how all of the brothers find their HEA!
Rating: 3 1/2 - 4 Stars

[Dee Deacon Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed. That’s what is said about Rook the Ruthless, one of the King’s bastard triplets. Bent on revenge Rook and his brothers has made it their life’s mission to steal from the King and make his life miserable. Betrayed. Betrayed by the couple he thought were his parents; betrayed by his brother, Rowan, the oldest of the triplets. Now it’s up to Rook and his other triplet, Reed, to continue their thirst for revenge.
Lady Calliope Duval spends most of her days secreting food and medicinal supplies out to the villagers of what was once her father’s land and the remainder avoiding her uncle who is now laird of that land. Until the fatal day the some of the village men do not return from a raid led by none other than the Demon Thief where in an effort to return to the castle before it is discovered she is missing she runs into one of the men portraying that infamous thief. An encounter where she catches a glimpse into what that man can become.
Murder, revenge, treason, determination, longing, jousting, betrayal, and forgiveness all figure in. Calliope was the balm for Rook’s soul and Rook was Calliope’s knight-in-shining armour.
A sweet tale by Elizabeth Rose about the thirst for revenge and how love can change a person’s outlook. Although for me the tale was a little slow to start but it quickly picked up steam and held me captivated.

[Candace W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story and the characters are likable. I had a couple issues though.

One -- There really only seems to be one end to each of these stories, the brothers fall in love with a girl and then pledge allegiance to their father, the King. I haven't read the third book, but that's my guess as to what will happen.

Two -- The death of Joanna was poorly dealt with, she gets beat up while pregnant, then falls head first down some stairs and is pronounced dead. Then nothing. No further mention of her. A little disappointing. I understand that a fight broke out, but still some sadness or dealing with the fact that a young pregnant woman was just killed. I kept thinking it was part of the plan or something, like she would spring up and it was actually an attempt to frame her husband or something. Kind of disappointing.

Third -- The King being okay with his bastard sons returning and raiding him. He wanted to have them killed as babies. I get that he explains he regrets that decision now, but it still seemed like a large character change.

Overall though, despite my issues above, I still enjoyed it and will be reading the third book.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook Douglas is one of the triplets that are King Edward´s bastards. When they discovered who they were, they swore vengeance on the king. They gave been stealing from him for years.
Rook is devastated that one of his brother's has betrayed them.
Lady Calliope Duval is doing her best to make sure the peasants of her village do not starve to death. Her uncle who took over the lands on the death of her father takes everything.
Our hero is a very embittered man who feels abandoned, with no hope of change. Our heroine is selfless and always looks for the good in everyone.
While you could read this story on it's own it's more enjoyable to read the series in order.
You can't help but get involved in the lives if our characters. A hard look at the lives of medieval peasants and their reliance on a good overlord.
I loved it and can't wait to read the next one.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook the Ruthless, hidden in the catacombs

The second-born of the bastard triplets of King Edward III, Rook was rescued and hidden by a monk when the boys were separated at age 12. He has always wanted to be a knight, but all he looks forward to now is joining his brothers in the next raid against the king.

He has made a place for himself living in the catacombs with Brother Everad. He receives news of where another raid can be made by an informant who passes information to Brother Everad, then gets word to his brothers.

I didn't feel the story or the emotion so much in this book, nor was Rook''s ruthlessness very convincing. There were plenty of surprising revelations to keep the story interesting, though.

9

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damaged Triplet

This was exceptionally well-written, with the story of Rook, one of King Edward’s bastard triplets, becoming his own man. Lady Calliope lives with her hateful Uncle Ovid, who is a snake in the guise of Lord of the Realm. She sneaks from the catacombs carrying food to the village people who are slowly starving to death. This is where she first encounters Rook, who lives within the catacombs among the dead. Rook is a dark person and believes that living in the catacombs is a perfect reflection of who he is. Slowly, he begins to see a brighter future, thanks to Lady Calliope’s tender care. The historical background, the sadness, the love, and the hope for the future will have you reeling!

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

To love a thief

The second book in the series. I hadn’t read the first book but I found I could easily get into the story. The three bastard sons of the king are each getting their own story and this one is about Rook, the ruthless knight. The story goes in great detail to explain who Rook is and how he became the man he is today. And the their is Callie. I enjoyed her character a lot. She never stopped doing what she felt was right even if it could bring her own death. And when love comes into play both of their worlds will be turned upside down. Expect plenty of fighting as a thief learns what it is to really live and hopefully love.

[Suzanne Garrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish

I tried, I really did, but when you find stylistic issues on 11 pages of a 24 page chapter you just have to call it a day. Rose spoon feeds EVERYTHING to her readers, from character descriptions to a character’s internal thoughts.

I’m guessing she wasn’t taught the “show don’t tell” method. Her second crime was phonetically spelling a Scottish accent for just one of the triplet brothers.

If you’re looking for something that doesn’t tax your brain, and the issues I noted above don’t bother you, then yeah, but the book. Otherwise, save your money and buy something from Emma V. Leech, Merry Farmer or better yet, Natasha Wilds or Amanda Hughes.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook- the middle triplet who hid in the catacombs on that fateful night. Feels betrayed by the older brother and set on vengeance to the King
Lady Calliope- A heart of gold set to help the villagers though her Uncle set to keep her in the castle. But she carries a secret that could see her killed.
I enjoyed reading/listening to this engaging story that is well written with unforgettable characters. Sofar in theses three books (im including the prequel) I love how the Queen is portrayed the strong voice of reason and no to little fear to the king.

Narrator: Brain J Gill who did a marvelous job! Great job in making each character voice sound distinctive and great story teller.

[Jennifer Koehler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this book at first...

But it just got really hard to read. The story seemed like a good one, but the execution just didn't work for me. I felt next to nothing for either character and things were all so black and white that it rendered the story quite predictable and unrealistic. I get where the author was going with the hero. He was meant to have a grand transformation and see who he was always meant to be with the heroine's help, but it turned out not to be believable at all. He read more like someone who was only doing the right thing to get the girl.

[Jennifer Yeakel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triplets, Rowen, Rook and Reed, are the 3 Illegitimate children of King Edward.
They get separated as they try to run from the English.
Rook is saved by brother Everad and since then he has been living in the catacombs.

Rook and Reed continue to raid against the King, without the help from Rowen and his pirate crew.

Once Lady Calliope sees Rook in the catacombs she takes it upon herself to help save him.
As time goes by, they start to develop feelings for each other.

Will Rook align with his father, in hopes of becoming a Knight and winning Lady Calliope's hand in marriage.

[Michelle Dodd]

Rook is one of triplet bastards of the king, who has vowed vengeance against the king. He does not want to kill the king, just make his life as miserable as he can. He feels betrayed by the oldest triplet, who has married, declared allegience to the king, and has been knighted. Calliope secretly tries to help right the wrongs her uncle has done to the villagers. I did enjoy reading this book but not as much as the first book I think it might be because rook is a bit selfish and cold to begin with he does open up and gives to the serfs but he has to be told by calliope at the start.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling story by Ms Rose. This is the second story about one of the bastard triplets of King Edward III and follows the book Restless Sea Lord. Rook is the triplet who when the three boys were separated aged twelve on Burnt Candlemas 1355/6, was hidden in the catacombs by a monk and has forever since hidden out amongst the dead. Since the boys were reunited when they were 22 they have made it their mission in life to harry and steal from King Edward, who they hate with a vengeance. Not only did he order their deaths the night they were born but twelve years later slaughtered and pillaged the inhabitants of Lothian, where the boys were at the time living, in his attempt to conquer Scotland. However, with the betrayal of Rowen (accepting a wife, castle, wealth and a knighthood from their father) the legend of the Demon Thief is falling apart. Without Rowen's pirates they don't have enough men to steal from Edward's heavily guarded wagon trains and without Edward's gold Rook has no money to pay his mercenaries. Whilst he holes up in his secret room within the catacombs of the ruined Lanercost Priory he doesn't expect to find Lady Calliope from the nearby castle nosing around his belongings and so begins Rook's love story.
This can be read as a standalone if you so wish and is highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cheated this time and listened to the audio book first because I already knew I was going to love book 2 after having read book 1 and the prequel. Elizabeth Rose never disappoints with her fast paced novels filled with well developed characters, a detailed plot, romance and even a little humor. The narrator did an outstanding job of making the characters feel real. Excellent ebook as well as excellent audiobook. (I love hearing the accents and correct pronunciation of the characters speech).

[Diane creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thief wants to be a Knight

An interesting tale. It is a story about triplets that are the sons of the King by his mistress. This particular book tells the skerry if the middle son, Rook. He lives in dark caves when he can no longer afford mercenaries to raid the King who he hates. He falls in love and makes a turnaround in his life. By the end of the tale he has to make a big decision. I won't tell you how it ends but I am sure you will guess it.

[Anne Blyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook and Calliope's story did not disappoint. There was action aplenty and the return of all the characters that have become like family from the previous books. I love the way Elizabeth Rose creates characters that cross over many series and make the reader feel as though they are a part of the clan. Each character, even the secondary ones, is unique and complex and compels me to search out further books both in and connected to the series.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

“Ruthless Knight” is enjoyable overall. Rook and Calliope have good romantic tension, and the backdrop of medieval 14th Century England will appeal to historical romance readers.

Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook is one of triplet bastards of the king, who has vowed vengeance against the king. He does not want to kill the king, just make his life as miserable as he can. He feels betrayed by the oldest triplet, who has married, declared allegience to the king, and has been knighted. Calliope secretly tries to help right the wrongs her uncle has done to the villagers. Their story was very good.

[Amanda Geard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another read from my sickbed! Maybe it's my pain but i didn't enjoy this as much as the Restless Sea Lord, it was too bland. I didn't really care about Rook or Calliope or whether the got together, I found the whole plot ridiculous and with so little happening around them it dragged quite a bit.
It could be because i really am feeling awful, so I am going to give Reeds book a go....

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd triplet, Rook, was the one lead away on that fateful Burnt Candlemas night when the three boys were separated. He lived in the catacombs beneath an destroyed Abbey.
It takes a slip of a girl, to make him change his dark ways, and become the knight he always dreamed he wanted to be.
Again, an engaging tale.

[Phil Ellenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

A story of struggle to improve that to some degrees all should,at least have some familiarity.. Every person(except those with extreme who mania) occasionally deal with their own flaws. The lucky ones have someone who reminds them they have a good side and exerts them to crossover..this is a completely told tale of such astruggle

[LUAYNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

as always, ER delivers a great story. I've read most of her medieval books more than once and intend to read them again. I love the strong women and the strong men who love them. Keep the great books coming. Highly recommended.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow up in the series. Interesting storyline and colorful characters. The end to me was a little abrupt, but hope to have more loose ends tied up in the next installment. Overall I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next in the series.

[Janice Smith-gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read.

This book is even better than the first. However after reading the prequel about Ross and Annilise, and reading Rowen's story and now Rook's, we know that the boy's mother died and they were raised by their aunt. It get kinda tedious to read that info over and over and over again. Though it won't stop me from reading Reed's story now.

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruthless

I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series. This book has strong characters and some humorous banter. The end was very good. I recommend this book and I am about to get the next book in the series.