The Queen's Knights

Rebel Lust Taboo #5

by Ophelia Bell

Her reign will come at a price.

Still reeling in the aftermath of sexual assault, Dr. Gwen Brennan struggles with feelings of powerlessness—until she joins the Whitewood Club’s masquerade night. There she reigns supreme, and it is only by her grace that anyone is allowed to touch her.

When a mysterious masked man steals her heart, she’s left with a choice: does she take a chance on forging a new relationship, or does she retreat into the arms of her stalwart bodyguard?

Can she have both?

Genres: Menage, Erotica, Dark Romance, M M F, BDSM, Smut, Contemporary

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2022

About the author

Ophelia Bell is the author of the super steamy Sleeping Dragons series. Ophelia loves hot alpha heroes, especially if they’re dragons, but believes the world needs more alpha heroines, so has made it her mission to make that happen. Ophelia grew up on a rural farm in North Carolina and now lives in Los Angeles with her sexy tattooed alpha husband and five-and-a-half attention-whoring cats (one of them is exceptionally large and might actually be a dragon in disguise).

Reviews

[Cécile Smits · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ophelia Bell is back with the next installment in the Rebel Lust Taboo series,and it's a hot one!
Then again,knowing Ophelia....
Getting the ARC of this beauty was a treat,and i enjoyed every minute of it.

Dr. Gwen Brennan hasn’t felt safe after she was sexually assaulted in her office.
But she’s had some very good advice,and after taking it,and accepting the man that came with it,she’s found a way to take back control.
Once a month,she’s Queen Justine at the Whitewood club’s Masquerade night.
With Percy by her side to keep her safe,she rules the men she picks to pleasure her.
Until one night,she picks a man that rocks her world….and she enjoys it so much,she even allows Percy to join in on the fun.
Which leads to a different dynamic between her and her trusted bodyguard…..
But who was the stranger?
The mask hid a lot,but his body had a beautiful tattoo…
Finding out who he was,in the last place she’d expected,leaves her a little stunned. Because she knows him!
He’s one of her students,called Lance…Letting him go is not an option,not for her,not for Percy,and not for Lance.
He’s determined to find out who assaulted her for reasons of his own as well as stopping the man from doing it to others.
Percy agrees,and they ask for Lance’s cop brother to help them.
Will they get to the truth and catch the man that assaulted her?
And what will happen when Percy and Lance share their pasts?
Is what happened to Percy going to break them apart….or bring them closer together?

This was a story of finding the courage to stand up for yourself after being knocked down.
A story of trusting others to be there for you,to help you get back on your feet.
And trusting others with something that has weighed on your conscience for too long….in spite of your fear they migh leave you after you tell them.
That takes a lot of guts!
It was also a story of facing your fears,and getting closure. In short,it was a story i really enjoyed reading!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need something steamy to read? Look no further!

From private clubs to MMF romance. This novel didn't hold back on the spice.
My only complaint would be the plot. It wasn't as fleshed out or as strong as it could be. The perpetrator can be easily guessed. Other than that, it was an entertaining read. I look forward to reading more novels by this author.

*Read as a standalone*

***I would like to thank Goodreads for hosting the giveaway and Ophelia Bell (the author) for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved each and every minute of this book and was enthralled the whole time. The mystery makes you think but also to realize that this could happen to any woman at any time. It also makes us realize that we need to take our power back if something does happen. I cannot wait to see if there will be more set in this world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Gwen, the female lead, is a professor who was sexually assaulted in her office several months ago. With police not doing much and feeling unsafe, she was encouraged to take a domme’s role as an outlet at the Whitewood club. Percy, one male lead, was assigned as her bodyguard and they’ve been close ever since. One masquerade night, Lance, the second male lead, sneaks into the club and is thrilled to be selected to service the Queen, though shocked when Percy is offered to service him. Then Gwen and Percy are shocked a couple of days later when his identity is revealed after other students hurt him. Now they need to work out if they can make a relationship happen…

This story is tri POV, well written and edited, and contains my favourite sort of Domme - one who is gentle but definitely in control and not into humiliation, shame, or degradation. I enjoyed Gwen’s growing self-confidence. I appreciated how Lance was the trigger for a deeper relationship between Percy and Gwen, as well as instigating his own involvement in the triad. I enjoyed Percy’s kinks (and learned a couple of new words for myself) and Lance’s enthusiasm. Whilst ménage is not my favourite, this was very well written and I enjoyed the relationship and character development, as well as the integration of secondary characters. I haven’t read others in this series but feel it genuinely stands alone. Honestly, I wish it had been longer. Great story with a really satisfying ending, though with some trigger points for some people.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fab read for the series and, let's just say, it's a hot one ;D This story shows the healing Gwen goes through after being sexually assaulted. She becomes a great Domme with Percy as her bodyguard. Lance gets added into the mix, and I felt he was the catalyst to Percy and Gwen moving forward together. These characters were fab with deep personalities and I was thrilled for them to get an HEA. Of course, it wasn't simple when the real world gets added to their 'throuple' relationship outside of the club. There is a ton of heat, some suspense and a great story to fully capture your interest and have you invested in these three finding a way to make their love work. Well done!

[Ophelia Bell]

Read an excerpt:
https://opheliabell.com/the-queens-kn...

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very spicy story. This is a mmf and does have some darker material that is about a past event. I loved how each of the three main characters evolves and overcomes their pasts. The Whitewood Club seems to have a way of helping those who enter. But it isn’t just any club and the heat inside there is skyrocketing. A safe place to explore the kinks you may have but only a select few are allowed in. The story also focuses most of the time on the life outside the club. And our three main characters will have to face reality and the problems it brings.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mystery and suspense of the storyline, it kept me not only engaged but all thinking the entire read. This was a one sitting read for me. It was easy for me to connect to Gwen. Her, Lance and Percy have so much heat and chemistry between them. There is a wide range of emotion that had me melting and other that broke my heart. This is an incredible story of healing and heat.

[Katie Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowser! Not for the faint of heart.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book simply wonderful read, great characters and an amazement scenario
This was a simply riveting read that I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of and I can say that you will enjoy every single moment of this simply amazing combination of characters and superbly written story that you will I am sure find as enticing as me.
Gwen has been very badly assaulted but she is trying to allow herself to attend a BDSM club where she will have a named protector that will allow her to feel safe enough to interact with a partner in an actual BDSM scene, something she had never believed she would ever be strong enough to get over what had happened to her.
As she grows stronger whilst she is at the club and is under the safety of the named protector it soon becomes apparent that her sun and her protector have decided to pair up together, they are going to do everything in their power to put Gwen back on track again with her life.
They have both realised that they have found a very special submissive in her and they do not want to lose her and will take things as slowly and carefully as is needed to enable them to build a life together.
I guarantee that you will enjoy reading this wonderful book, I know that you will love the way this book has been put together and am sure that others will enjoy this book as fully as myself.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Even if she can never know my identity, I want her to remember me.”

I just have to start by saying, this book was flippin’ fantastic! I adored Lance from the start. He was exactly what Gwen and Percy needed to wake them up and help them both move forward. I wonder if they would have continued to just drift along for years if he hadn’t come along. Clearly Gwen and Percy already had deep feelings for each other but it took Lance’s enthusiasm and in many ways innocence to really get things going. He turned them into a true family and I enjoyed every single moment.

I haven’t read any others in the series. It didn’t matter. What I needed to know was provided and to be honest wasn’t really that important to the story. The focus was on Gwen, her two knights and the relationship they were growing. I hated that it ended as I want more. I’m very intrigued by the small bits of information about the other trios, though, and have already purchased book one, Casey’s Secrets, with plans to read the other books in the series. This was my first book by Ophelia and I don’t know how I managed not to discover her before this, but I’m very grateful I have now.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Queen of Knights' is the fifth book in Ophelia Bell's "Rebel Lust Taboo" series. If you've read any of Ms. Bell's books then you already know they're hot as Hades 99% of the time. That .01% is usually the buildup. You need to take a few things to heart if you're trying to decide whether or not to read this book.
1.) Dr. Gwen Brennan is a professor at a university and she was sexually assaulted on campus which has, needless to say, left her somewhat traumatized. The Mistress of the exclusive Whitewood Hall BDSM club has helped put a plan into play to help Gwen regain her power. That plan brought in Percy.
2.) Percy was previously part of the security team at the BDSM club until he was offered the role of bodyguard to Gwen. Until that point, he has turned down any promotion that was offered to him, even though he is the highest-qualified man on the team. You see, Percy has been through his own trauma he's been trying to deal with.
3.) Lance is one of Dr. Brennan's students at the university. He found an invitation to Whitewood Hall's masquerade ball and snuck in thinking it was a typical type of party. His decision to stay and then participate will change all their lives.
It's physically hot, emotionally gripping, and a standalone within a great series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

College professor, Dr. Gwen Brennan, was sexually assaulted in her office by an unknown assailant. Determined to get her her sexuality back, she finds herself participating in the monthly Masquerade Nights at the Whitewood Club where she reigns as Queen Justine. She picks her "subjects" and they do as she says. With her faithful bodyguard, Percy, at her side, she is protected and free to indulge herself in whatever scene she chooses. Then, one night, she picks a young man who is going to change everything for both her and Percy.

Lawyer-to-be and competitive swimmer Lance cannot believe his luck. He finds an invitation to a party that turns out to be at the Whitewood Club. He then manages to get in, obtain a mask, and get chosen to scene with the very professor he has been lusting after all semester. As an added bonus, he gets her fierce protector too. Little does he know that this is just the beginning of a relationship that is going to change everything for him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for Ophelia Bell is back with the next installment in the Rebel Lust Taboo. Dr. Gwen Brennan hasn’t felt safe since she was sexually assaulted in her office. Now she’s always in control of her sexual encounters at the Whitewood Club’s monthly Masquerade Night. She’s hired Percy as her bodyguard, they’ve maintained a professional relational, they’ve grown close the last several month can she trust him with her desires? One night college student Lance attends the masquerade wearing a mask in hopes of being chosen by the Queen aka Gwen. He’s in disguise, she doesn’t recognize him as one of her students. All he wants to make all her fantasies come true. Gwen is trying to recapture her control and these men are her submissive, they worship and love her in the super steamy MMF romance where they explore their dark sides together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you really can't put down. Gwen is reclaiming her control after it was stripped from her after being assaulted. Her power is in dominance and control. Her unexpected servant for the night left an impression that opens a new door, and the one obstacle she has struggled with, trust, is growing. After crashing a party, Lance finds more than just a distraction from studying. When he is offered more he is more than willing to see where it goes. Percy has secrets and is hesitant to trust, but after so much time guarding Gwen he is willing to be open for so much more. Can three people find their way to something permanent. Lots of heat, a bit of suspense and a story you dive into and get lost.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasurable book to read. Gwen is a college professor and she was assaulted by someone in her office on campus. Percy was hired to protect Gwen and to help her with her fear and trauma from the attack. They visit a club to allow Gwen to feel in control of her sexuality.
Lance is a college student who finds his way into the club and into a scene with Gwen. Sparks fly and emotions come to the surface.
"Percy lets out a breath of surprise as if he's just as invested in my pleasure as I am."
"The kiss wakes up my every nerve and desire again."
"The look of utter adoration he gives me then means everything."
Beautifully written, I loved the main characters and their feelings for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ljamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book Gwen is a teacher in feminist studies. Gwen feels as though she has lost her power because she was attacked in her office at school. The cops couldn't find her attacker. Although she doesn’t believe they tried very hard. To regain her power she attends Whitewood Club, a very private sex club. In this club she is the dominatrix and the men don’t have any power. In order to be with her they must have their hands cuffed in chains. Gwen also has a bodyguard at all times named Percy. Gwen is shocked by a masked sub at the club with the most powerful sexual experience of her life. Gwen comes to find out this person is her student, Lance. Gwen, Percy, and Lance all start a relationship with each other. There are many hot, spicy, steamy scenes in this book. Will Gwen’s attacker be caught? Will she regain her power through her relationship with Lance and Percy?

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious and Gritty Romance!!

We meet Queen Justine on Masquerade Night at Whitewood Club. She has a body guard and strictly controls the interactions as she is recovering from an assault. Lance has snuck into the club. He is chosen to service the queen. Lance knows this is his professor Dr. Brennan, and is thrilled at the opportunity. As masks are worn, they do not know he is her student - until later.

The addition of Lance creates a new dynamic in the relationship. This is sexy and sensual; with the goal of recovery. An additional plan is to determine who the culprit is, so it can never happen again, and justice is served.

Exciting, emotional and romantic. A terrific read.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, spicy, steamy…. Gwen and Percy”s relationship truly evolves with the addition of Lance. Lance is younger than both and open to learning and exploring his sexuality. All three are scarred but together this ménage discovers strength to support each other. Their initial scene is hot AF and throughout the story the characters continue to heat up the pages. Ophelia writes a beautiful book full of romance, kink, mutual respect, and suspense. The characters are fully developed and the dialogue resonates with love, humor, respect, and caring. Percy and Lance are the ultimate protectors of Gwen while she is their Queen. Loved this book! The relationships built in this series are amazing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shell Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite and sexiest stories I read this year. Lance stole my heart at the beginning of the story with how he was into Gwen. This story had a lot of first times for the characters and I loved it. This was a messy, sinfully good story about a three some dynamic that got together by accident and actually worked out great. All three was looking for something solid and found it in each other. Whoever said three is a crowd never met these three. Check out this mystery story of an attack on Gwen that turn her into a queen with two knights. If you like sexy and kinky stories then this is it! Enjoy 🥰.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Gwen was attacked at her school and violated, she was lost. The police didn't find her attacker, so to regain her control over her own life, she becomes a dominatrix in the Whitewood Club, a very private BDSM club. She always has her bodyguard with her Percy to protect her. She has an intense scene with a masked man, who turns out to be her student Lance. Lucy, Percy, and Lance start a relationship and Percy and Lance decide they will find her attacker. The book was a little too predictable for me. Yes, there was sizzle, steam, drama, action, and some twist. As part of a 5 books series, this was my least favorite book. I just never connected with Gwen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Allisol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal and captivating story. I absolutely adore this trio and I could not put them out of my mind way after I finished the book. Gwen was an empowering and benevolent Domme. She was a fresh take on a more emotional Domme. I always feel a bit bruised when I read the hardcore discipline dominants stories. Lance was the sweet swirl in this throuple with his almost innocent curiosity that drives the sexual tone in the story. Percy was my favorite of the three. His demisexual character was a delicious treat and his possessive and protective traits were the cherry to my Ophelia Bell sundae

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen is trying to recapture her sense of control after an attack. Percy is her guard after she is introduced to Whitewood Hall. Lance is a student in Gwen's class and he has been crushing on her all semester. When he sneaks into the masquerade ball at Whitewood Hall, he is in for a surprise and finds out some truths about himself he wasn't prepared for. Super steamy MMF romance with a good plot to add some substance to the book. Although its book 5 and previous characters do make an appearance, there is no reason to read the books in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen was attacked in her office and was trying to get back to herself the only way she knew how being queen for the night. Percy was there to protect her but had his own issues. It's when Lance enters the picture that the whole dynamic changes. With these two men beside her she is able to finally face what happened to her. Sometimes you have to go outside your comfort zone to get what you want and it may surprise you. This book shows that you can heal after something bad happened with the right support.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts off with Gwen needing to find her voice and power after being attacked. She finds this at the club where she holds court with her masquerade event. Imagine her surprise when afterwards she realized the person she invited to play was one of her students!! And not only that but they both want more as does her bodyguard. Figuring out the logistics and whatnot while trying to find out who assaulted Gwen might be more than a normal new relationship can handle but these three are up for the challenge and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just say that this story was a very nice and pleasant surprise, and I'm glad I took a chance on it? I'm not usually a fan of stories that involve a Domme, but this story completely free me into its web and held me ensnared. Gwen is such an amazing female lead, and she's paired perfectly with Percy and Lance. It was a little hard to read about each of their traumas, but it made the story that much more to me. The story was well written and flowed easily, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much.

Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book and the opinions expressed in this review are my.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this steamy, sexy story. The characters are likeable and have layers that make you want to know more about them. I really like Percy and found him fascinating as a character. Gwen’s strength is inspiring and Lance’s journey of discovery is fun to follow along with.
I liked the setting for the book and the pace of the story was well kept up throughout the book. I enjoyed the club the author has created it added another dimension to the story.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Queen’s Knights by Ophelia Bell
Gwen survives a awful sexual assault but afterwards can’t let herself go unless she’s safe in her club with her protector.
She escapes in her role but when she realises her sun is a student things get very complicated especially when her sun and protector team up.
I absolutely love Ophelia Bell and her amazing writing, I won’t lie I prefer my mfc to be submissive but still a great read.
If you enjoy this definitely check out her dragon series which is my absolute favourite

[Carol Demmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lance is a student in Gwen's class and he is really attracted to her. When he finds an invitation to the club he discovers that she is the Queen of the masquerade. He is chosen to service her and her bodyguard, Percy, is told to service him. She is intriqued with what happens and when it is over they discover who Lance is and they procede to explore where their relationship will go. This was tastefully written and the story line was good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and Wonderfully Filthy

Lance has stumbled into Whitewood, not knowing what to expect, but finding Gwen and Percy and something that becomes more that something special. Oh wow, these three were absolutely beyond red-hot together, each sharing their pain and becoming stronger for it. I loved how fluid and dynamic their relationship was, with the trust they gave each other allowing them to expand their boundaries. No one writes as fine MMF romance as Ophelia Bell - I always know I’m in for an amazing read when I pick up one of her books.