A hoyden plus Society’s darling equals... a recipe for disaster?
Lady Eugenia Knight was the youngest of five, and the only daughter of a duke, so was it any wonder she was a hoyden? When she made her London debut, naturally Society—and the gossip columns—were fascinated with her. When her best friend and her brothers married, she was left to her own devices with an inattentive aunt and a childhood family friend as chaperones to navigate the perils of the ton.
Graham Tinsley, said childhood friend and neighbor, had returned from his diplomatic post to learn the duties of the family viscountcy. Yet, he spent most of his time in London enjoying Society during the Season. As the Knight brothers began to marry, one by one, at an alarming rate, he found himself squiring Eugenia about and rescuing her from one mishap after another.
When her ruination threatens, he finds he is perfectly willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Yet what if Eugenia refuses to accept his gift?
Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing. Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
Graham is an awesome Hero, a wonderful character that has had influence throughout the series, it’s so good to see him settle, though not without a few battles and challenges before the happy event.
Eugenia is an accident waiting to happen. Wether she’s behaving or not she constantly gets in trouble, etiquette be damned, Genie is a bit of a Hoyden. She adored by her family and by her best friend Graham, but when his feelings change she’s thrown into confusion.
A very good read, well written as is the rest of the series, I’ve been hooked on this families exploits and challenges from the beginning. I’d love to see some spin offs . The Duke, Perth, her Aunt, and Ravenhill to see a good redemption story. Failing that I eagerly look forward to more books from this authors pen.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
I thoroughly enjoyed this highly entertaining and witty romance. Graham Tinsley is the hero every woman longs for. Despite having known Lady Eugenia since she was a little girl, he is nevertheless in love with her but realises that if he is to win her heart, he has to give her space to come to the realisation that he is exactly what she needs. Unfortunately, Eugenia knows she needs Graham, but it is to extricate her from the scrapes she manages to get into, many times without any effort on her part. Whilst she does love him, it is as a brother. When both Graham and Eugenia find themselves the targets of nefarious plots, they join forces, but Eugenia comes out of the situation with her reputation severely smudged, and Graham once again steps into the breach, trusting that Eugenia will finally come to her senses and see that he means what he says. This novel has many tender and gentle moments, but there are also really hilarious incidents that made me hoot with laughter. The story is well-written and entertaining and kept my interest from beginning to end. Although part of a series, it is a standalone and comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
4 stars for the story. I liked the story, or I would not have finished it. Compelling characters, no obvious clichés and a variety of original occurrences. The narrator, though, seemed to think it is time accurate to sound bored. Half of his sentences ended with a prolonged vowel, making it sound winy. He often mixed up or forgot the voices. The spoken parts were performed, but all the narrator lines had the same droning inflection.
What do I say about he final book of a most enjoyable series when it differs so dramatically from the prior books, as it undoubtedly should since the main character is the only female sibling in the Knight family? Many people would say that male and female BFF relationships cannot remain sustainable, but Eugenia and family friend Graham try their utmost.
Unfortunately I had difficulty relating to tomboyish, fun-loving, and spontaneous Eugenia who often slips into impulsive, rebellious, and undisciplined behaviors. However, I did get a few laughs and "I cannot believe she did that" head shaking moments with Eugenia. On the other hand, I could easily befriend Graham with his nonjudgmental, accepting, caring, protective, open-minded, easy to be around personality. Naturally his physique and title attracts every female regardless of age, which could generate a problem or two.
Author Elizabeth Johns provides plenty of action, scandal, emotional upheaval and a couple of villains to drive the plot. Of course, I especially like having all the main characters from the series making a final appearance.
I did enjoy this book, and recommend it to historical romance readers who like unusual friends-to-lovers tales with way less than helpless females matched to easy-going, popular men.
Lady Eugenia Knight the youngest of five siblings, and the only daughter of a duke, was brought up by her older brothers so it’s no wonder she's a hoyden. When she made her London debut, naturally Society and especially the gossip columns were fascinated with her. When her best friend and her brothers married, she was left to her own devices with an inattentive aunt as a chaperone to navigate the perils of the ton. Graham Tinsley, a close childhood friend and neighbour, had returned from his diplomatic post to learn the duties of the family viscountcy. Yet, he spent most of his time in London enjoying Society during the Season. As the Knight brothers began to marry one by one at an alarming rate, he found himself squiring Eugenia about and rescuing her from one mishap after another. This is the fifth book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on it’s own the Knight siblings are delightful. Graham was like another brother to Eugenia but when he sees she’s all grown up he starts to see her less & less as a sister. A well written book that flowed well & Had me engrossed from cover to cover. Strong characters added to my enjoyment. Eugenia was a joy, who fell from one disaster to another, some of which were out of her control, Graham was toe curlingly gorgeous & obviously smitten with Eugenia. A lovely friends to lovers story that often had me chuckling My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Be still my heart! What's not to love? Having known each other growing up, Graham and Eugenie are the perfect match. Of course her brothers had always been around, but with all of them either married or away, Graham was left with looking out for Genie, and yes, she was a handful!
Adored these two. Genie was really a tomboy that was trying to conform now that she was on the marriage mart. It seemed no matter what she did, her caricature ended up in the daily society pages.. Oh not flattering at all!
At some point Graham began to see her as the grown up woman she was, and his feelings began to change. He was such a handsome, upstanding gentleman who was hard not to adore, can I say? This has been a delightful series and just cannot get enough!
I really enjoyed this story, it is very likely a five star rating, I enjoyed it so much. It was a favorite of the series, second to only Heath’s story...
Except in my e-copy there was such a glaring flaw, it completely took me out of the story to investigate and re-read to make sure it was really there. Bare with me and my train of thought...In chapter eighteen, Genie is arranging flowers and has a great heart-to-heart with Rowley and then they are at the village assembly and she is waltzing with Graham, great chapter. But in the chapter before, chapter seventeen, Graham is in the village shopping for Genie when he runs into Edmund, after they speak, Edmund is going to go home with Graham when Mrs. Miller comes running and takes Edmund away. Then Graham goes to the Dower House, trying to catch a glimpse of Genie and hides in the trees. Insert chapter eighteen with the flowers, heart-to-heart, and assembly. The following chapter, chapter nineteen, it’s back to Genie leaving the Dower House feeling like Graham is near but doesn’t actually see him before she heads to Edmund’s home for a visit. While there, she visits with Edmund’s wife while waiting for Edmund’s return. Once Edmund arrives, he informs Genie that HE JUST SAW Graham in the village shopping for her and he was going to go back with him to visit the sick father when Mrs. Miller takes him away. Why, oh why is chapter eighteen, with the flower arranging, heart-to-heart, and assembly, inserted between these two chapters? Chapter seventeen and nineteen seem like they are a direct continuation of each other, seventeen tells us what Graham was up to, followed by nineteen of what Genie was up to with the tie-in of sensing Graham was near but not seeing him, which we can assume is actually Graham because he was hiding in the trees at the end of chapter seventeen. The beginning of chapter nineteen does say “the next morning” but Edmund makes it clear it was THE SAME DAY of when he ran into Graham in the village. I know this might just be the formatting of an e-book, there are always grammatical errors in them that are easily chalked up to being a cheap e-book instead of a printed copy, which I always overlook. A lot of e-books have weird errors or grammatical errors, it’s just the way they are sometimes. But the insert of chapter eighteen between those two chapters is so glaring, it makes me question the editing team and/or the publisher. It was just so strange and jarring to the flow of the story...
Otherwise, Genie and Graham’s story is a lovely, five-star read.
As you all know if you have been following me on Instagram I’ve seriously fallen back into my love of a good romance novel. With that in mind I decided to peruse @netgalley and see what they might have on offer, and I’m so glad I did.
Even though I hadn’t read the other books in Elizabeth Johns Gentlemen of Knights series it in no way distracted me from the overall storyline or took away from how I enjoyed how the characters inter played with each other.
In this book we follow the youngest of the five siblings, Eugenia Knight and her quest to find a suitable husband now her brothers and recently her best friend are all married. She feels a little alone and this needs to change. She’s also described as wild and a bit of a hoydon which means getting a suitable husband might be a challenge. During this we are introduced to Graham Tinsley who has grown up with the Knight Family as a close friend. He’s in town keeping a brotherly eye over Genie while her family are occupied elsewhere.
What transpires is then a lovingly set out romance with twists and turns, scandal and lots of Regency ballroom action which I loved. At times it felt like reading the plot of an Austen novel. The extra characters are half the joy of Austen and that’s what I found here. The brothers and their wives, the wallflowers, the gossips and family relationships were lovely to see play out. I especially liked the relationship between Graham and his father and wish there was a bit more exploration of this.
That being said the main reason we’re here is for the romance and that did not disappoint. Genie and Graham’s adventures together kept me wanting more. I loved the slow way it played out. So often these days you read a book, even regency romances, and within 50 pages the leads are in bed together. What we had here was a slow burn of a romance where two friends are forced to realise that what they feel is much more. It made the pay off at the end all the more satisfying.
At first I did find it a little hard to get into, but once I was a few chapters in I was hooked and loved it. Definitely recommended 😍
Shining Knight by Elizabeth Johns is the fifth in the Gentlemen of Knights series featuring the Knighton family. We have reached the fifth sibling, and only girl, Eugenia. Eugenia is a bit of a hoyden and is having trouble fitting in during her come-out season. Their next-door neighbor from the country, Graham Tinsley, has been keeping an eye on her for her brother the duke. Graham had been on the Continent for years and was only recently at home and amazed to see the difference in Eugenia, who had been a child when he left. She had several suitors, none of whom seemed really right, but certainly no wrong. There was even a duke. There were also men just after her money. She had been warned, and now, had been warned specifically about one man who would try to compromise her. She found him outside her window, after having made sure her door was locked. She had a knife. She could protect herself. Despite the fact it was obvious what had happened, she was ruined, and her most likely suitor had backed out after seeing it with his own eyes. Graham helped her fell to her home, to her brother, but not before suggesting she could marry him to keep the rumors at bay.
Graham had to be nearly knocked over the head to recognize his feelings for Eugenia, and how perfect their marriage would be. Once he recognized it, he was all in, and nothing would stop him. Eugenia had always been half in love with Graham, even when she was a child, but she recognized that he was offering for her to save her from disgrace, not because he loved her. She would save him from himself and hold out for the loved she felt she deserved. These are both very entertaining characters that have been placed in a situation largely out of their control. What brother wants to think of his good friend and his little sister? In reluctant partners, it is usually the man who is reluctant. Not this time and it is entertaining to watch the whole thing unfold. A rewarding romance that is worth the time.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Shining Knight by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #shiningknight
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the electronic copy of Shining Knight by Elizabeth Johns. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this delightful Regency romance prior to publication. My opinions are my own and nothing has influenced my rating.
Shining Knight is an enchanting traditional Regency romance with endearing characters and an emotionally charged plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and kept me engaged until the last.
Lady Eugenia Knight is the heroine, and an intriguing one to say the least. She’s not the typical Regency lady since she grew up spending most of her time with her brothers. At times, she’s a bit awkward and doesn’t enjoy London society, getting into mischief on more than one occasion. She prefers spending her time in the country much more than town. What I enjoyed most about her character is her unique and quirky personality.
Graham Tinsley is the handsome hero, and he has all the characteristics I enjoy most in a Regency gentleman. He’s known Eugenia most of his life, since he’s best friends with her brothers. In the beginning, he’s a bit clueless and doesn’t see her in any way other than affection, but as they spend time together, he quickly realizes how truly lovely and vivacious she is. He sees her kind nature.
I enjoyed Eugenia and Graham’s romance. It’s sweet, yet there is definitely a spark of electricity between them. Right from the beginning, I could see they were made for each other. I really wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy traditional Regency romances with characters you’ll fall in love with, and a plot that will have you sighing, then you will love Shining Knight as much as I did. I just realized I have the first book in this series on my Kindle and look forward to reading it. Happy reading!
Eugenia Knight is the last of five and the only girl. She was young when her mom died. She had no one but her brothers to help her learn. So she learned what they did. She spent almost every day in the gossip columns. Poor thing couldn't do anything right and she was so frustrated. She is lovely and so caring. Graham Tinsley left when he finished college and went into the Diplomat Corp. He spent six years on the continent. When he returned he could not believe how much she had grown. Six years is a long time. His father needed him to come home learn what he needed to take over. His dad was very ill. She called all the males in her life the herd. There were five of them, three had married, her brother Felix was in the Army and Graham had come back from overseas. She tries so hard but she is not made to be a dull lady. London is not for her. He said she was a free spirit and it would ruin her. This was a wonderful story. An eccentric young woman trying to find her place. Graham knows her very well and cares about her. As she cares for him. The characters are so appealing and Charming. The tale flows so well and is easy to read. She makes it so clear you can slip into your mind and see Genie at a full gallop in the park. Or maybe watch the little boy get chased by ducks and fall into the lake. I loved it and hope to read more of her. I highly recommend this truly enchanting and exciting novel. I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Eugenia Knight is the youngest and the only girl of 5 children. She had been raised by her 4 brothers. In addition to her own brothers, her neighbor, Graham Tinsley, is considered to be her brother too, calling them all the herd. Eugenia is trying to convince her brother, Rowley, the Duke of Knighton, to take her to London for the season. Graham has retuned after 6 years with the diplomatic service. When he sees Eugenia across the ballroom floor, he is shocked at how beautiful she has become.
Eugenia is used to being a part of her brothers when she was little, playing roughly and riding fast. The family tries to get her to be a bit more ladylike, but she is stubborn and enjoys having fun.
The family calls upon Graham to keep an eye on Eugenia as she attends balls and other events. They want her to find a good husband, and she considered to be an heiress. So many of the men she meets do not appeal to her and she doesn’t want a loveless marriage. But when an unsavory man tries to get her to marry him any way he can, things get desperate for her. Graham steps in and that’s when the two of them really look at one another for the first time as a couple.
This is a sweet story that I enjoyed immensely. It’s so refreshing to read a Regency romance that isn’t filled with spies, etc. Eugenia is a fun character and Graham is definitely swoon worthy. Don’t miss this book. Well done.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm absolutely in love with Graham and Eugenia, they hooked me right from the start and kept me turning the pages to see them happy and in love!
Normally I do not tend to reach for friends-to-lovers romances but this one really spoke to me and I am so glad I got to read it. The author did a great job making the friendship between the couple feel deep end genuine. Graham showed from his very first scene up until the end that he really knew Eugenia, who she is as a person, and what she would need in a partner. He stole the show in this book, he is a kind hero, supportive, and funny - he made it very easy to root for his happy ending.
The relationship between the two reminded me of Emma and Mr Knightley (post-picnic scene in particular) in the beginning but even more I enjoyed the mutual pinning they had going on and the obliviousness they had about their own feelings. Their relationship developed in such a satisfying and well paced way.
I would've enjoyed it if the Epilogue would've been set a little further into the future though, but I usually want to spend a little more time in HEA part of the book.
CW: attempted assault
I was provided an e-ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although the beginning was a little too stretched out, the rest of the story was fun and entertaining. Graham's patience went beyond anything one could imagine. Although he wanted to pull his hair out because of Eugenia's indecisiveness he held back. I felt bad for Eugenia. Raised by four brothers (the herd) she never quite caught on what London society would and would not accept. So, she became falderal for the gossips and the daily embarrassing cartoons. When Genie is attacked and it looked like she was compromised Graham came to the rescue. But Genie would not consider it. I loved how her brothers protectively surrounded her and guided her. All Genie wanted was to be herself not something society wished her to be. Graham knew this and adored her for it. I love how the grandmother was a feisty type of woman and she was funny and outrageous. I can see who Genie took after. An extremely entertaining story after you get through the beginning of the book. I do recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. Reasons I enjoyed this book: Easy-to-read Entertaining Funny Happily Ever After Unpredictable Wonderful characters
Lady Eugenia Knight aka Genie is quite the hoyden and keeps London’s society quite entertained with her antics. Her brothers are all married now Graham Tinsley, Viscount , a childhood friend and neighbor, has been attempting to keep Genie out of trouble. Oh my gosh she has the worst luck and is often embarrassing herself and her family. Her brother the duke gives an ultimatum it's time to find a husband. Grahan has decided it’s time to wed and he can still keep an eye on Genie. A wonderful story as Graham realizes little Genie has grown up, but now he needs to convince her his feelings are true and marrying her is no sacrifice. Eugenia wants a love match like her brothers, but she knows after the latest scandal her chances of love are nearly impossible. Graham is a wonderful hero and friend to the Knight family, he at last finds his true love in Eugenia if only he can convince her of his true love and not be confused about his feelings. I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent romance love story and a perfect ending to the Knight family series.
This is a stand alone story even though part of a series with crossover character's.
It became somewhat repetitive to me. The h and H have been friends for years and she considers him another brother. He also, thinks of her as a sister, but realized sooner that his feelings were changing. The h thinks he is just trying to save her reputation by offering to marry her. They have been each other's best friends and always speak the truth to each other. So why in his wanting to marry her didn't she believe him? The story dragged for me with going back and forth on whether to marry or not.
This is a clean story with only passionate kisses. I did enjoy 3/4 of the dialogue between the two. There are some funny moments with this couple that were entertaining.
We have two villains who caused problems. So thankful I didn't live in this time period A man tries to compromise the h's reputation is automatically ruined.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, and clean. (ljb)
Another enjoyable read in this engaging series. Again the book is well written, and the book cover striking. Lady Eugenia, what a lovely young person, brought up by her older brother, Rowley the Duke, and protected by 2 other brothers when they had time, with a governess and/tutor thrown in for good measure,but no real mother figure. Despite it all she was a happy person, and truth be told she did not have a malicious none in her body, so why were other debutantes so spiteful towards her, why because she had more spirit in her little finger than the host of them. Why Rowley who was happily married, should give permission to a Duke 30 years her senior and an Earl also years older than her, leave to court her. Graham Tinsley a childhood friend of the family Knight was left to look after Eugenia during her final season, and to save her from scrapes, and during this time their feelings changed towards one another. A sweet romance which I would thoroughly recommend, Graham was a delight and was made for Eugenia giving her the support to be her forward thinking self. I think I prefer this story so far.
Having lost her mother at an early age, Eugenia has been raised by the "pack" of boys comprised of her four brothers and their neighbor, Graham. Never having had a female to guide her upbringing, she finds herself having no idea how to act as a lady. Her initial outing in local society could not be called a success, though shed dreamed of attending the assembly since her early years. Graham has been away working for the foreign service for several years. Things had changed very much at the country house as each of the pack had left to pursue their lives. But the warmth of feeling she's always held for Graham proves to have never lessened when she sees him on his return. He is still so handsome and as Graham immediately recognizes, Eugenia is now the most beautiful young woman he's ever seen. You'll love both main characters. They embody the kindness and warmth that draws many to admire them for more than just their outward beauty. You won't want to miss this lovely, engaging book!
This book was absolutely perfect! I have loved This series since the beginning. Eugenia's story was as unique as she is. She was a fun character and it was great to see a heroine with flaws. I can relate to being more comfortable around guys and awkward around grouos of women. Graham loving Eugenia just the way she was and encouraging her to be herself is romantic in itself. The story had quite a few humorous moments that balanced well with the heart breaking scenes. Once again, Elizabeth Johns did a fantastic job. She describes the scenes with such detail, I can picture it in my head as I read. All the characters make me want to read more of this family. The pages flow nicely together and at a good pace. I read this book with as few breaks as possible. I look forward to EJ's next book or series. I can honestly say I have not been disappointed by any of her books.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an honest review..
Eugenia was a Hayden. There was no doubt about that.. Her mother had passed away long ago. With her father and four older brothers and their friends, she didn’t want to be left out of the fun activities. So she adapted and learned ever active skill the boys did. She wore pants, rode astride, shot guns and bow and arrows. She hunted, swam, fished, sailed. Sadly she possessed none of the ladylike skills that refined society ladies had long since mastered. She could not sew,embroider, play the pianoforte, sing, paint, or even be a proper hostess. She was a disaster when she went to London for her season to find a husband. Landon’s ton frequently criticized her and placed her in the scandal sheets. Her brothers all recently married were not there to protect her. Her chaperone was a older aunt who could not begin to keep up with her spirited niece. Her lifelong friend a neighbor, Graham always seemed to show up to prevent total ruin.
Lady Eugenia Knight has always run wild with her brothers and their neighbour, but that has not prepared her for the wilds of London society.
Growing up without a mother means nobody thought to teach her to be "ladylike". Our heroine is featured in far too many comic sheets.
Graham Tinsley has been a Knight family friend for years and will always be there to help protect his bestfriend. He didn't realize just how much it would entail.
A very amusing and fast paced historical romance. You will fall in love with with our spirited heroine on the first page. For someone surrounded by loving family, she is still frustratingly sad at times.
This is the final book in the Knight family series but you don't have to have read the others to enjoy this.
What a wonderful ending to the Knight series. While Felix, from Dark of Knight, is my true love, Graham might run a close second. The seeds for this book were planted lovingly throughout each Gentlemen of Knights book and they bloomed perfectly in Shining Knight. Eugenia, or Genie as she is known to her loved ones, seems to attract trouble like a magnet. The scandal sheets love to exaagerate her mishaps, much to her dismay. When one of the mishaps threatens her very future, and the family name, Graham steps in to save the day as a friend. The problem is, he realizes that friendship isn't all he wants and Genie doesn't want to be saved. Shining Knight is great on its own, but wonderful as the 5th book, so I do recommend reading them in order.
I am in love with this extremely Swoony, so heartwarming, loving, sweet heart melting, giddy book! From beginning til the end it was enchanting….it engulfed me. It's a book that's definitely a page turner! I love the way the brothers, sister in-laws and Graham cared and protected the only Knight sister Eugenia.
This book is full of exciting fun heartwarming moments and so many unexpected and shocking events that will definitely keep you so intrigued. Plus there are so many Swoony moments between Graham and Eugenia that you'd feel all giddy all throughout the read even more as things changed between them and they had to "fake it" but in reality they both feel real love for each other but is in denial. The ending will leave you smiling and feeling good inside. Such a SWEET romantic read! Definite must read!
Eugenia is the youngest of the Knight siblings and the only girl. She grew up essentially without parents, having been raised by her eldest brother Row and a succession of governesses.
Graham Tinsley grew up virtually part of the Knight family and previously considered Genie as a sister.
Eugenia has not had a successful entry into society following a series of unfortunate circumstances.
Things are made even worse by the attempts by a truly dreadful pair of siblings who have targeted both her and Graham with the intention of marrying each of them for financial gain.
Following one of these attacks Graham offers for Genie having discovered her loves her.
Genie is less convinced of his affections and believes he is only offering to help her
Eventually all works out well.
I am wondering who the rest of the series will cover and how they relate to the family.
Eugenia and Graham are best friends and have been for most of their lives! People hint at more but neither want to spoil their friendship!? Graham knows its the very best foundation for a relationship but Eugenia aka Genie not so much! Suitors are drawn to her dowry and two become very competitive! When a third vile and odious Lord becomes violent Genie is ruined even after stabbing the scoundrel! When Graham steps in to save the day Genie runs away more than once which is irritating because Graham isn't good with words but in all the ways that matter show her how they just fit! Will Genie figure it out before too late? Friendship is the very best basis for relationships period!!! Good read!
This fifth book in the Knight series holds true to the previous four. This book can be read as a stand alone but oh so much richer for reading in sequence. It is an entertaining story of two friends who weather difficult situations and struggle with the discovery of feeling more than friendship.
The characters are well developed and I as the the reader could picture them very well. The humor as well as the struggles are well done and with taste.
The plot holds the reader and is well developed to the point I was really involved with what was happening to the characters.
There is a trigger warning of attempted rape but is handled well with discretion.
Lady Eugenia finally gets her story! The youngest of five, with four being brothers, she has learned how to make herself heard. Graham may as well have been her fifth brother, but now that they are grown, he sees her as so much more than the girl she used to be. He knows what he is getting into, at least he thinks he does. I love friends to lovers, and this is a great example of why this trope can be so fun. I enjoyed the time it took to build as Eugenia needed to be sure she was loved for who she really was and not married out of convenience, even if for her own protection. A delightful ending to a great series. I received a copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.