One Perfect Knight [Mass Market Paperback]

Judith O'Brien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

In her acclaimed Maiden Voyage, Judith O'Brien spun "an extraordinary, enchanting tale" (Rendezvous) of a love that crossed the centuries. Now, in a story that tingles with magic and wit, she sends a delightful contemporary heroine on a star-crossed quest in a long-ago land that may be more than just the stuff of fairy tales...

Madison Avenue advertising executive Julie Gaffney is on the lookout for a good man and a love that will last forever. But heroes are few and far between in New York City, and -- after one too many disastrous blind dates -- Julie has all but given up. Then, while chaperoning a children's birthday party in a suburban medieval theme restaurant, Julie suddenly falls into a cold faint...and awakens in fabled Camelot, face-to-face with the greatest hero of them all -- the legendary Lancelot.

Behind the suit of armor is a man of deep passion and sensuous masculinity, a loyal knight who is about to be ensnared in a web of royal deception that will tarnish his name for all time. Entranced by his azure eyes and mesmerizing voice, Julie realizes she has a mission to fulfill. Only she can divert the tragedy that dooms Camelot...and Lancelot. But in saving the kingdom and the knight she has come to love, Julie puts her own heart in great peril...

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Madison Avenue advertising executive Julie Gaffney believes in true love and knights in shining armor. Unfortunately, she can't find either in New York City. But when she helps a friend chaperone her son's birthday party at a medieval theme restaurant and touches a gold suit of armor, she finds herself in medieval England, mistaken for a squire by none other than Sir Lancelot. It isn't until Julie is knocked unconscious and Lancelot revives her that he discovers that the squire is actually a beautiful woman.

When Julie sees the handsome knight in the presence of Guinevere and Arthur, the details of the Camelot legend come immediately to mind. Tragic events are about to unfold in this mystical land unless Julie can somehow put a stop to it. Has fate--or the magic of Merlin--brought her to Camelot? What evil machinations has the dark Malvern set in motion? And now that Julie has, at last, found true love and her knight in shining armor, will she and Lancelot find a way to live happily ever after? Filled with humor and magic, this time-travel tale seamlessly blends legend with contemporary reality. --Lois Faye Dyer

From Publishers Weekly

O'Brien's newest time-travel romance intertwines the legends of Camelot and a contemporary love story?and not with great success. When advertising executive Julie Gaffney mysteriously arrives in the magical city after touching a suit of armor, Sir Lancelot becomes her guide and protector as she enters the world of King Arthur and his knights. Sir Malvern, Lancelot's enemy, plots the destruction of Camelot by poisoning Arthur's mind with suspicions concerning Lancelot and Guinevere; meanwhile, Julie falls in love with Lancelot as she tries to thwart Malvern's evil machinations. In a physical struggle over King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, all three of them are transported to New York City. Lancelot begins working in a homeless shelter, Julie finds new inspiration in her career, and Malvern haunts an old bookstore searching for clues that hold the key to usurping Arthur's throne. Despite an interesting premise, readers will be frustrated by the superfluous subplots and characters that overwhelm the love story and squander the magic of Camelot.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671000403
• ISBN-13: 978-0671000400
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,234,190 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Dream World, March 16, 2001

By 

"little_kali" (CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Perfect Knight (Mass Market Paperback)

Julie Gaffney touches a suit of armor at a sleasy restaurant and is transported into the magical world of Camleot. Mistaken as Lancelot's squire George she first gets a glimpse of Lancelot through the eyes of a boy. Lancelot is strong, pure at heart, and very very handsome. When he comes to realize her true identity he begins to fall for her, and their romance begins. But in the midst of this all, Merlin is keeping close tabs on the two would-be lovers, hoping it will keep Lancelot far away from Guinevere's passionate arms, and to keep Camelot falling to it's knees when King Arthur is broken hearted at his knight's betrayal. Meanwhile Malvern has other plans, and steals Excalibur and hides it in Lancelot's room, hoping to pit both King Arthur and Lancelot against each other. Julie finds it and thinking it is Lancelot's sword she brings it to him, and one touch transports her, Lancelot and Malvern into her world, New York City. From the moment they arrive, Lancelot slowly begins growing weaker and weaker, the magic of his world slowly dying away and him with it. It's a beautiful story, but I don't want to ruin the end for you. Enjoy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Rather flat and disappointing., June 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: One Perfect Knight (Mass Market Paperback)

I usually enjoy this author's books, but this one leaves me unmoved. Perhaps it's because I find the characters uninteresting. Or the plot rather uninvolving. But overall, it took me a long time to finish this book. Something's missing. It lacks... zing.

5.0 out of 5 stars Medieval Romance in Modern-day New York, April 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: One Perfect Knight (Mass Market Paperback)

For all who have been dreaming of finding that knight in shining armour, this is the book for you. The beauty of Camelot contrasted with the ugliness of modern society leaves you hoping for days gone by. Relive the splendour of Camelot and believe that dreams do come true!