A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience… When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
Gentlemen of Knights
Book 1 – Duke of Knights
Book 2 – Black Knight
Book 3 – Knight and Day
Book 4 – Dark of Knight
Book 5 – Shining Knight
more
Black Knight is the second book in the Gentleman of Knights series. In the first book you get to sort of see some of Heath’s good qualities but his bad qualities overshadow them. It makes him not overly likeable. Then comes book two and Elizabeth Johns takes a not very likeable character, redeems him and makes you love him! Heath is actually a very compelling hero and Cecilia is pretty wonderful too. The writing style is fantastic! I love a good bodice ripper novel but I truly enjoy how I can get so involved in this authors books to not even realize while reading it that it’s “missing” sexually explicit content. That’s some great writing! It’s just a very well rounded book, it flows nicely, the story is captivating and I enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend this book/series!!
True to form this author has created well written characters and developed plot!
Heath is a man who was on a self destructive path until a life altering event has him rethink his choices. He even makes a bold choice to marry.
Cecilia is a strong willed lady who has plans for her future, that are changed by her father.
As each of them work towards finding a way together, as well as finding themselves is a challenge they are both up to if they are willing to try.
I look forward to reading more of the Knight family!
I have yet to devour a book by Elizabeth Johns that I did not love! She writes with depth, conviction and true talent. This is a clean, compelling historical romance that captivated my attention from start to finish. I was disappointed in the cover, as I did not feel it really reflected the tone and story of the book, but I am so glad I did not let this discourage me from reading it. A delightfully satisfying romance that I recommend for all lovers of clean, historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother Rowley as possible. When he is shot in a duel & almost dies Rowley has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath heads off to Italy & decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favour of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient. Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him.
This is the second book in the series & is another well written page turning read that I read in two sittings & finished it well into the night. It could be read on its own but personally I love series & have to start from the beginning as I love how characters grow throughout a series. I was luke warm towards Heath after the first book so was pleasantly surprised how quickly my view of him changed & I soon found him to be anything but Black. I loved Cece who just wanted a peaceful life but was like a rabbit thrown into a car’s headlights. I loved how their relationship developed & how they came to love each other, I also loved the relationships between the Knight siblings & I’m so looking forward to Edmund’s story as he’s definitely my favourite sibling.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Black Knight
Gentlemen of Knights Series #2
Elizabeth Johns
https://www.facebook.com/Elizabethjohnsauthor/
Release date 06/11/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
A rake and an independent female find themselves tangled in the web of a marriage of convenience…
Book 2 in the bestselling series Gentlemen of Knights is now available. Read for free with Kindle Unlimited!
Lord Heath Knight is the quintessential wastrel second son. He has spent his youth raking and making merry to be as opposite of his brother as possible. When he finds himself almost dead, his dictatorial older brother has had enough and issues an edict for him to marry or be cut off. Heath decides to marry the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother the duke.
Cecilia Dudley is an heiress with a catch—her father is a cit. Her dowry is so vulgar that she has decided she would rather avoid marriage in favor of an independent life where she can live as she likes. When she suddenly finds herself married, she quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient.
Heath quickly realizes he cannot ignore his new wife. Cecilia cannot accept his wild past and the baggage that follows him. Will Cecilia be able to resist the charms of a seasoned rogue?
My review :
Will she find in herself to let go of her uncertainties to give a chance to her new marriage …
Such a moving read, a slow burn rollercoaster ride as the h&H chase one another from London to his estate and vice-versa.
It was the blurb that caught my eyes, while the marriage of convenience scheme is very much a trope in itself, it was the idea of it told to the heroine once the deed done which surprised me.
Marriage by proxy was common during medieval time and even a bit later too but it was new to me during the regency period, or for the many books I have read.
I loved nothing was rushed, that none the heroine nor the hero were subjugated by the other, enthralled but not to the point to act rashly or stupidly with no weak knee involved.
It is a very slow wooing as Heath is battling with is own mirror’s image in Cecilia’s imaginary. As while she wants to trust the man she faces, she can’t from her mind the portrait the gossips rags paint of him.
Heath is no saint, he was not nicknamed the Black Knight for nothing, yet since his injury, he retired from his wild way. Still, to spike his brother and his unwelcome threat, he marries whom he sees as the worst choice of a voice.
Little did he expect to find his wife attractive, if only she could give him the time of a day when with each step he takes toward her, his past sins come back with a violence in his face.
Cecilia had quite a lonely life, send as a girl in a school for blue blooded daughters, she was the outcast girl, she a cit’s daughter, tainted by her father’s money. Why she wasn’t looking for to marry in the nobility, she did not belong there. So when tricked by her father, she has few options to refuse it, but it will be only in name. After all, what to expect from the worst rakehell possibly known.
Mrs Elizabeth Johns took her time establishing her characters, we know from the beginning who they are and how very different from the other they are too. Yet, it is the mask they present to society. Because whatever his every flaws are, Heath is a kind and fair man, he is clever and witty, he does his best to reinstates his estate to his prior state, and while he wanted to poke his brother, he soon understands the wrongness of his action, but his new wife is one to intrigue him and he refuses to free her without trying everything to get her to notice him.
Cecilia might be young but she knows what she wants and certainly doesn’t. Yet, thanks to her father’s meddling, she is now married to the worse sort of man, a profligate. And while the man knows how to charm a door, there is more to him than his easy way and his melting smile. If only his past misdeeds were not flaunted at her head each time she ventures outside.
This is a seduction on the long run for Heath as while his wife is as much attracted to him as himself to her, she always fears the dark side of his personality and even if he has buried this part of him, how can he prove her he means every words he tells her.
Mrs Johns offers her a delightful and entertaining read of a new couple who will explore every doubts one’s action can awaken until they give up their distrust to finally have faith in one another.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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This is the second book in the Gentlemen of Knights series. I really enjoyed Heath, the second son, due to his wayward ways with his older brother and his sudden arranged marriage with a woman he never met. Cecilia Dudley is an heiress, with a large dowry, and never wanted to marry. Elizabeth Johns has developed wonderful characters, a grand adventure, and some wonderful supporting individuals along the way. I cannot wait until the next book in this series.
This is a sweet romance (I thought the cover was more risqué than the book!) about a reformed rakehell and an independent daughter of a wealthy cit who enter an arranged marriage. The point of contention was that this arrangement was done between Heath (H) and Cecilia’s father, all without Cecilia’s (h) knowledge or consent. I found Cecilia’s character a little bit difficult to like in the beginning. Granted her future was decided upon without her input, but this was standard protocol for the ton during this time period. Even though he was off to a bad start since his agreement to the marriage was in rebellion to his older brother’s decree, Heath was an endearing character. His patience and valiant effort in making the marriage work was redeeming against his youthful protest. An entertaining read.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Black Knight by Elizabeth Johns
Gentlemen of Knights Series Book Two
Heath Knight, also known as the Black Knight, is the duke spare. Something he doesn’t desire. Heath was living a rogues life until a duel gone wrong. As he recovers in Italy…his life changes in more than one way.
Cecilia Dudley wants independence. The last thing she wanted was the man who was a regular in the scandal pages. But, her father had treated her more like his business than his daughter and sold her off. She wasn’t happy…but if it was convenience only and she could have her independence…then fine.
Life never goes that easily. The ton gossips, more manipulations from her father, and a rogue who is much too handsome has Cecilia’s plans changing… Could this couple ever have a real marriage? Humorous with unique secondary characters, like Baxter. Exciting new series about the four Knight brothers and their sister.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2014/12/elizabeth-johns-book-list.html
Elizabeth Johns’ second book in her Gentlemen of Knights series, Black Knight, is a wonderfully sweet and clean enemies to friends to happily ever after story. I loved the characters and the Knight family dynamics. I haven’t read the first book yet, but I look forward to reading it and the following books. Heath’s character was very interesting. I liked the vulnerability and his true self that showed through time and his changes in life. I also enjoyed Cecilia’s character. It was easy to appreciate her fear, anger, and feelings of betrayal. It was a very interesting, well-written, and fun story!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
Lord Heath Knight has spent his life doing whatever he wants when he wants. When he almost loses his life in a duel his brother the Duke has had enough and gives Heath a choice, either find a wife and settle down or he will be cut off. When Heath is offered a a bride who comes with a dowry so huge no man would refuse. Heath knows his brother would never approve so he marries by proxy.
When Cecilia finds out her father has married her by proxy to a many she has never met she is beyond angry, but she may as well make the best of a bad situation and decides to set herself up a household and live her life as an independent woman! That is until her husband shows up.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It is the second in the Knights series but also a stand alone. Cecilia has been left feeling abandoned by her father, married to a man she doesn’t know or trust and is thrown into the one thing she never wanted, the ton! Cecilia is such a strong woman but still manages to maintain her humor. I loved Heath and loved watching him fall for Cecilia! Such a wonderful story, you defiant to read this one!
A Knight can come in many forms… in armour ready to face any enemy, as a defender of the weaker, on a mighty stead showing strength or as a Vicar with the backing of the Knight family name. All are courageous but the hero in this story Lord Edmund is indeed a savior to Lady Isabella as she was being sold by her father for one night to the highest bidder! Oh yes, her disgusting father who lost money to the most degenerate of men!
Saved and brought to the Knight family outside of London, Isabella lives in disguise and hopes not to be found. But of course, her father becomes desperate to find her and as she and Edmond become closer, the stakes get larger.
Loved their story that took a slower pace but in the end the heart wants what the heart wants!
A rake and a scoundrel Lord Heath Knight older brother the duke has dictated he marry or he’ll be cut off financially. He’s approached by one of the wealthiest merchants in London and a marriage is arranged to the most unsuitable lady he can in order to vex his brother. Cecilia Dudley is an heiress and has no plans to ever marry. Her father has married her by proxy to the “Black Knight” known for his wild and rakish behavior. A marriage of conscience or is it when they meet and sparks start to fly, the chemistry and attraction is sizzling. How can he ignore his beautiful and independent wife as they both quickly realizes a marriage of convenience is not so convenient? I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.
Black Knight by Elizabeth Johns is the second in the Gentlemen of Knights series. Heath’s brother, the duke, has determined that it is high time Heath is married if he wants to keep his stipend as the heir to the dukedom. In fact, he has given him a deadline. Given that Heath is recuperating on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, it is asking a bit much…until Sir Harold Dudley floats the idea of Heath marrying his daughter. His daughter, Cecelia, but Sir Harold is able to arrange a marriage by proxy. Cecilia is not the least bit happy with this turn of events when her father returns to England and tells her his happy news. She does not want to be married, certainly not to a notorious rake.
This is a good plot. It is the first proxy marriage I have read in some time. It also starts as a marriage of convenience, but all romance readers know what that means. It is the second one read recently where gossip gets out of hand and threatens to ruin lives. There is also a wonderfully independent grandmother, who takes things in hand when they threaten to get out of control. Even the duke eventually admits he overstepped. The Knight brothers are nothing if not charming, as well as very good looking. Heath, for all his days as a rake has determined that that part of his life is over and he is going to make something of the property left to him by his mother. It is fun to read how that goes, including Cecilia’s standoff with a Gypsy woman. This is an entertaining book with good characters and a charming story. I recommend it..
I received a free ARC of Black Knight from Dragonblade, through Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #blackknight
Black Knight by Elizabeth Johns is book Two in the Gentlemen of Knights Series. This is the story of Cecilia Dudley and Heath Knight. I have not read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book. Heath is a rake along with a few other things and when he gets injured in a duel his brother informed him that he will be cutting him off if he does not marry and start cleaning up his life. So Heath thought is to marry the most unsuitable women he can find. Cecilia’s father is a very wealthy man who has set on her a high dowry to make sure she marries but she and her father are looked down upon the town because he isn’t one of them. Cecilia really just wants to use her money for helping other and is not interested in marring but her father strongly has other ideals. This leads her to become the wife of Heath. But Heath starts to want to change but between his past that keeps come back to him and Cecilia not letting his past go it isn’t gonna be easy…not to mention the feelings he is starting to have for Cecilia. Enjoyed their story.
Another terrific book by Elizabeth Johns. She is at the top of my favorite author list.
Book one was awesome, but I think this may top it. Of course, the bad boy rakes always have a good story to tell. Heath’s story is a little more unique than most marriages of convenience. I stayed up a few hours passed my bedtime because I could not put this book down.
Heath and Cecilia’s characters were very well-written. Elizabeth John’s is great with character development not only for the main characters, but side characters as well. That leaves me with a list of characters that I now need books for….lol!
The story itself has those moments that made me laugh. Other moments made me tear up. The pages flow smoothly together. Each and every page is interesting enough that there were no slow, dull moments.
The Knight family is very entertaining and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend other books by this author.