Customer Reviews

A Knight Well Spent (Zebra Historical Romance)

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Rhoenne is one of the great nobles of Scotland, but he can hold his fief only as long as he's seen to be unstoppable. When he picks up a wound in battle, he pretends he's unhurt, leaving the injury to fester--until he arrives at a pond in time to see a beautiful woman practicing some pagan rite. The woman, Aislynn, is a healer and is able to save Rhoenne's leg, but Rhoenne finds himself drawn to her with a power almost beyond his rigid control. He desperately wants Aislynn, but he knows he cannot have her.

As a sworn liegeman of King David, Rhoenne cannot simply marry--he must marry whom the King commands, and all know that the King has decided to bind this powerful lord to him more closely by giving him his own daughter. Worse, Rhoenne's family has been cursed--every member of the family is born an orphan and Rhoenne has no desire to murder any woman, let alone the beautiful Aislynn.

Good intentions and lofty promises don't mean much when they conflict with desire, and Rhoenne and Aislynn find themselves drawn together--and falling in love. But when Aislynn learns that the love they share will lead to Rhoenne's destruction at the hands of his king, she knows that she must do something to save him--even if it means her own destruction.

Author Jackie Ivie spins an emotional and exciting story set in the 12th century. Ivie's strong writing, with plenty of humor mixed with danger and emotion, kept me turning pages. Aislynn, with her magical healing powers and her occasional but important psychic abilities, makes a wonderful heroine while Rhoenne is a powerful, yet loving man. For me, the real hero of the story is Harold, Rhoenne's lieutenant--a man with a big mouth who can say what needs to be said, and make decisions for the greater good, no matter the cost to him. I certainly hope that Harold will get his own story in the future.

If you're looking for a sexy historical with just a hint of magic, you'll definitely want to grab A KNIGHT WELL SPENT.

Set in Scotland, 1141. King David sits upon the throne. Formidable knight Rhoenne Guy de Ramhust has been gifted a fiefdom. As liege lord, Rhoenne has the difficult task of taming the Highland people that live there. Rhoenne arrives and receives the warm welcome of a lance in the leg before he even reaches Tyneburn Hall. (In Rhoenne's absence, his half-brother, Brent, has been in charge and ignoring the orders left for him.) Rhoenne would have expired had he not been found by a lovely healer with one brown eye and one green eye. Once tended, Rhoenne wanted her name and residence so he could send payment. She wished only to be forgotten. Yet as Rhoenne continued his ride to Tyneburn Hall, he could not get the image of the healer out of his mind.

Soon afterward Rhoenne finds Brent entering the hall with an unwilling wench. Once Brent is dealt with, Rhoenne seeks out the wench and is amazed to see it is the healer. Her name is Aislynn. Rhoenne becomes her protector. Due to his family curse, she is to be his healer. Nothing more - ever. In return, she gets control of the household and should she need or want anything, it will be granted.

Aislynn has secrets of her own. Upon her hip is the god-mark. Unpredictable dreams come to her; nightmares warn of imminent disasters and horror. Fear of being branded a witch, Aislynn has told no one. And when Rhoenne's actions on her behalf threaten to destroy Rhoenne and his people, Aislynn and his senior vassal, Sir Harold Montvale, must pretend to betray him so he will do what is best for the fiefdom.

***** BUY THIS! I totally believe this to be the best book Jackie Ivie has ever written. All the characters, including the secondary ones, are well developed and the plot is solid, believable. I came to care for Old Rosie and Sir Harold very much, but what I came to feel for Aislynn and Rhoenne was deep. I seldom cry while reading, but I actually felt the anguish of Aislynn and Harold as they did what they thought best for Rhoenne and the people. And I could not stop tears from forming when Aislynn must face Rhoenne after he believes she betrayed him.

Author Jackie Ivie writes scenes that will dance wildly upon readers' emotions. Unforgettable! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurt, First Earl of Tynebury a Sassenach Warrior and leader of men found himself wounded and still bleeding many hours after the last battle that he had led and won. Now he finds himself dealing with another force that he has no experience with - attraction. Aislynn was known as the Lady of the Brook a healer in all respects of the phrase with her touch, eyes that change colors based on her mood and herbs she grew and tended to. When she finds Rhoenne suffering and unable to help himself Aislynn knows that she is facing her destiny to heal this man and absorbing the impact of instantaneous attraction that she is unfamiliar with.

Rhoenne allows her to heal him but knows that he is in trouble with this exquisite creature in ways he cannot understand. He will not let her touch his heart as he fears what will happen should he find love and let it in. He knows how to run a castle, direct men in the battlefield but not how to manage love. He has experienced lust yes but not anything that would involve a lifetime with a woman that might love him and bear his child. Too much rested on his not falling in love or committing to one woman.

This plan would have held were it not for Rhoenne's half brother taking Aislynn prisoner and once Rhoenne see what has been done he steps in to take her away and secure her in his castle, his life and heart even though this is not what he wants to happen but he could not resist her magical ways and charming existence even pushing aside his family's curse and depth of responsibility that one feels as the Lord of his people.

While so much worked for them King David worked against whatever lifelong plans they made. King David had lorded the castle and lands to Rhoenne based upon his marriage to his daughter but now that time has arrived and Rhoenne says "nay". He takes a firm stand and lets the King know through months of missives that this marriage is not going to happen.

Rhoenne sets up his forces to fight off whatever attack will come his way but could he ever see betrayal as the one that takes him down. No he never could have thought that the love of his life and the man he most trusted would be the ones to turn against him - but is all what it seems or is this another one of the healer's tricks to make all that is wrong right?

This love story is one that touches your heart and challenges your ability to see beyond that which is being said. How much of what is happening could change with a word or be taken away with a direct order - so much but can love heal all wounds? Lovers of romance always believe that it can but Ms. Ivey makes you work for the trust!

Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurst has been given the gift of a fiefdom. It isn't just any fiefdom, mind you, but one in the highlands of Scotland complete with rebellious inhabitants. Rhoenne could handle these insubordinate highlanders but he also has to contend with a vicious half brother bent on doing anything he can to undermine Rhoenne's authority. When he is wounded while on his way to his new home, Rhoenne is aided by a beautiful witch named Aislynn. Rhoenne can't help but remember the healer who saved him and when she is kidnapped by his reckless brother, Rhoenne becomes her protector. After all, that is all he can be because any woman he loves ends up in mortal danger. Rhoenne refuses to allow Aislynn to be anything but safe. But Aislynn has plans of her own.

A Knight Well Spent is the perfect title for Jackie Ivie's newest release. After having finished this enticing historical romance, I can't help but think of all the ways I could keep Rhoenne occupied at night. And sleeping is not on the list!

For a wonderful and satisfying historical romance, A Knight Well Spent is a great addition to any bookshelf. Jackie Ivie hits pay dirt with this newest release.

Talia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Rhoenne, knighted and awarded a fief at a young age, forces himself now wounded to take another step, and sighs in relief at the sound of a running water and the beautiful Celtic maiden Aislynn, known as Lady of the Brook. She might be a sprightly thing, but her anger is something mighty fierce when this big sexy knight interrupts her blessing ritual! Feeling his fever, fate seems to bring him the one person he needs the most, a healer Aislynn. Aislynn recognizes his nobility, but with his Sassenach clothing and Norman tongue, this handsome knight can only be one thing --- her enemy!

Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurst, a man of prowess and honor is known as the Lion, a man of great strength and nobility. Granted his earldom by Scotland's King David, he must wed whom the king chooses. Like a true medieval knight in heart, Rhoenne goes to the chapel to give thanks for the healer and honors a vow as if it were a sacred duty. With a duty to bring the rebellious Highlanders under rule and control those within his own castle, Rhoenne brings further trouble on himself when he brings Aislynn to his home. Her beauty captivates him but also reminds him of his manhood and the vow he made to keep the family curse at bay. Aislynn might be able to heal the wound in his leg, but can love heal Rhoenne and the dark secrets within his heart and soul? Can honor sometimes come from breaking a vow for something higher than the vow itself? Although a serf and maiden, Aislynn has a calling as a healer that cannot be denied. Born with a mark, some call her a witch with the devil's mark. Can she heal Rhoenne without bringing upon herself accusations of witchcraft? Although Rhoenne may protect her from danger, can he protect her from himself? When her dreams warn her of impending doom, how far will Aislynn go to protect those she loves? Will Rhoenne and Aislynn survive the darkness within his heart? Can love truly conquer all, even fate?

A KNIGHT WELL SPENT takes the reader into the spirit of the Middle Ages with a heart-stealing hero and heroine. Jackie Ivie will have readers smiling, in tears and smiling again as Rhoenne and Aislynn's love reveals deeper and deeper levels of emotion. The author takes the reader to the heights of passion and darkest depths of despair and back again, creating a love that has the power to challenge fate and truly heal the darkest corners of her characters' lives. Jackie Ivie creates a romance that has the power to cross political and supernatural divides, forever changing both Aislynn and Rhoenne and the future lives of those around them.

Suspenseful subplots enhance the main story, making this romance a thrilling ride from start to finish. The secondary characters of Rosie, Monteval and others add a richness and depth to this romance, giving the reader a glimpse into the loyalties, friendships, and subtle intrigue within a medieval liege lord's household. Jackie Ivie handles the medieval setting of this romance exquisitely. She uses medieval terminology, themes and locations precisely in just the right measure to make the reader to feel the medieval world amidst the emotion and romance. Medieval lovers will adore her portrayal of the troubled knight, a classic medieval theme, to which Jackie Ivie adds a unique richness. Juxtaposing Rhoenne's dark view of fate with Aislynn's Celtic beliefs, Jackie Ivie brings together two destined lovers whose love breaks through fate itself! A KNIGHT WELL SPENT weaves a very fine tale of medieval love indeed!

I'll start by saying that I gave Lady of the Knight five stars for it's writing and originality. I loved that book. So I took her next best rated book, a Knight Well Spent and tried it out with excitement. The descriptions in the two novels doesn't even seem like the same author. Yes, the writing style is the same, but this one was just annoying and way over the top. The story itself is interesting if not flat, but I believe Ms. Ivie must have had writer's block because she overused two words more than I could tolerate.... Sweat and Giggle.

Rhoenne is a great Norman lord in Scotland who diligently protects his fiefdom through intimidation and tales of his invulnerability. Therefore, when he receives a brutal injury to his leg, he ignores it and pretends that he's fine, until he finds himself near sepsis for the infection that's spreading throughout his leg. Luckily he comes across the beautiful Lady of the Brook, Aislynn, who is not only a healer but also a clairvoyant. Aislynn at first is annoyed by the site of Rhoenne but after realizing he's hurt, she heals him and falls completely enamored with him. As Rhoenne moves back to his manor, he also cannot stop thinking about the Lady of the Brook and when his slacker brother comes back from the forest, he finds that his brother has taken Aislynn to be his paramor. Rhoenne immediately intercedes and claims Aislynn for himself, only it's a claim in name only. Rhoenne suffers from a family curse that no woman has ever survived childbirth and he doesn't want to lose Aislynn so he won't have anything to do with her physically. Aislynn is sure she's in love if not lust and manages to seduce Rhoenne into believing everything will be perfect when she doesn't even believe it herself. She actually believes she will die in childbirth should she conceive.

Shortly after Rhoenne proclaims his love, he is ordered by the King to marry the King's daughter. Rhoenne decides that no one will do for him except Aislynn and he prepares for a siege from the king. Rhoenne's best friend, Harold, intercedes and convinces Aislynn she's the only one who can save their people by convincing Rhoenne she is not in love with him. Harold and Aislynn scheme up an interlude for Rhoenne to stumble upon, which he does, and Rhoenne is shocked, heartbroken and mad as hell. He calls Aislynn a whore and order Harold and Aislynn to leave, which they do. Harold and Aislynn grow a fierce friendship in the forest and he's extremely protective of her now that she finds she's carrying Rhoenne's child... this is all ultimately insignificant to the romance, but Rhoenne discovers the pregnancy and keeps a close watch on her from there, meanwhile believing his friend married Aislynn and waiting till the birth to kill Harold.

Since it's a romance, I don't think it's spoiling much to say that they all work out there issues from this point. Unfortunately, I can't say they didn't throw in the whole I'm not speaking to you because I'm not a mind reader garbage. We could have saved many a misconception throughout the story if these people simply spoke with one another. That and everyone, all the time, were sweating. They could be waking up from sleep and sweating, trying on new clothes and sweating, staring off into the horizon and you guessed it... Lastly, the giggling. Aislynn never laughed, mused, chortled, hiccuped.... just giggled. I don't think there are many readers who can stomach a giggling heroine. That alone should say it all.

It's the year 1141 and our Norman hero, Rhoenne, goes to a brook to heal his leg that was injured in battle. But someone's already there. At first he mistakes her for a young girl because she's so small, but he soon realizes she's a beautiful woman. She tells him she's the Lady of the Brook. Intelligent and perceptive, Aislynn is a Celt healer. She should be afraid of the hulking man; she should consider him her enemy. Instead, she helps Rhoenne with his injury, and he can't resist kissing her.

They think they've seen the last of each other, but as luck would have it, Rhoenne's nasty stepbrother, Brent, abducts Aislynn and takes her to the castle. Rhoenne returns home and punches Brent for leaving the castle unguarded. Aislynn saves Brent from choking to death on his own blood, and then Rhoenne discovers she's there. He claims her for himself to protect her, then she helps with the new injury to his hand caused by decking Brent.

Rhoenne feels a powerful attraction to Aislynn but he resists her because he made a vow. All women who have birthed a child in his family have died as a result. He's a big guy, and Aislynn is petite. No matter how much he wants her, he won't let himself have her. He won't risk her life to slake his lust. But how long can he truly be expected to resist the love that blossoms between them? And when he's ordered to marry the king's daughter? What then?

In A Knight Well Spent, master storyteller Jackie Ivie weaves a riveting tale of love and loyalty with an incomparable depth and intensity. Set in 12th century Scotland, Ms. Ivie has gifted us with a novel that will appeal to all readers who enjoy a well-crafted and sophisticated historical romance. It's a rare book that can make this jaded reader weep, and A Knight Well Spent did just that. But what is a romance without a bit of gut-wrenching angst to make the happy ending even sweeter? Excellent secondary characters round out the story, making this a book that's not to be missed. Very highly recommended.

5 Kisses, 1 Pepper, Recommended Read

~Lindy
Reviewer, TwoLips Reviews, LLC
www.TwoLipsReviews.com

In 1141, King David continues with his plan to unite the Scots, Picts and Normans under his rule. He especially needs a strong supporter to deal with the outrageous Highland clans. Thus he bestows on his favorite Norman knightly vassal Rhoenne Guy de Ramhurst a special gift, a fiefdom in the middle of the Highlanders who simply loath Normans. Rhoenne assumes he must have fallen out of favor to be gifted with this herculean task and a betrothal by his highness to David's daughter when he does not want to marry anyone.

His greeting to his new home is an arrow in the leg that leaves him fevered. The Lady of the Brook finds and heals him, but she vanishes afterward into the woods. At the castle, his so called allies are loyal to his half-brother Sir Harold and want Rhoenne to leave or die. However, it is Aisling the healer he wants, but she is his greatest challenge.

Readers will believe they are in the middle of the twelfth century amidst the feuding Highland clans (and the two siblings) as Jackie Ivie provides a vivid picture of the era. The story line is filled with action from the healing onset and never slows down yet the cast is solid and there is plenty of wry humor; especially the asides that bring the unique freshness to the historical. KNIGHT WELL SPENT is a night (or two) well spent reading.

Harriet Klausner

If I had to describe in one word most of the characters in A Knight well Spent it would be impulsive, right from the get go the heroine acts impulsively and others fall into suit.

Celtic healer Aislynn is interrupted in blessing her water by injured Lord Rhoenne. She is immediately angered and when he collapses she literally jumps on his chest to show her displeasure. She later recognizes that he is injured and assists with his healing. They part without Aislynn knowing that he is the Norman Lord of the castle.

Within a very short time she is taken to the castle by Rhoenne's brother, another impulsive action. Rhoenne is happy and dismayed to see Aislyn. He is very drawn to her but he knows he can not have her because of a supposed curse, all the women who birth children in his family die soon after delivering their child. Rhoenne's friend Harold Montvale, a trusted knight, tries to tell him this is a foolish curse but he will not be swayed. Aislyn though takes the matter in her own hands; she loves Rhoenne, and seduces him.

*Spoiler* King David of Scotland has issued that Rhoenne marry one of his daughters and now Rhoenne has a decision to make, for him the decision is easy, he loves Aislynn and is determined to be with her. His friend Harold decides he will save his friend from the king's anger, and with Aislynn's help find a way to destroy Rhoenne's feelings for her by staging a seduction scene; again totally impulsive behavior on their parts and an impulsive decision on Rhoenne's part when he discovers them. Now Aislyn must find a way to protect herself, Harold and Rhoenne.

This novel moves quickly with some interesting turns especially toward then end but I was not enamored with this story. It would have been wonderful if someone thought through their actions. I found Harold annoying in the extreme; his glib tongue was amusing at first but soon became irritating as it took him forever to get to the point in most of his conversations. The same could be said of others in the novel. Another aspect I found irritating is how the two men discussed Aislyn and her physical attributes as if she were not in the room. Aislynn was a sympathetic character but one who trusted others too easily, both Rhoenne and Harold were not worthy of her devotion.