A Midsummer Knights Romance: A Tournament World of Chivalry, Intrigue, and PassionBook 3: A Midsummer Knights Romance series. A prequel to the Stolen Bride series When a simple dare leads to the most enduring love… the Scottish warrior—Aaron Ross—they’ve forcefully betrothed her to. But Clara has a plan—she’s got one week to change the Scotsman’s mind and free herself from an unwanted marriage.
Graham Sutherland is accompanying his twin brother, the new Chieftain of their clan, to a tournament across the border of Scotland in England. After a failed harvest has threatened the livelihood of their clan, they’ve come up with a perfect solution. The twin brothers will steal the wealthy English brides of their rival clan Ross who will be in attendance thus bringing a bounty to their people.
When Clara and Graham meet at the feast, he’s all too happy to help her break her betrothal, for she’s the one he’s come to steal. Unbeknownst to Clara, the advice he’s asking for how to win a bride is all about her. Daring each other to fall in opposite directions, they may just fall right into each other’s arms.
Summer, 1193. England is in turmoil, and a great tournament is scheduled near the border of Scotland and England. The greatest knights and lords from England, Scotland, Ireland, and France have gathered to compete for a great prize. There will be celebrations and jousts and feasting. It will an exhibition of chivalry and warrior skills, a breeding ground for treason…and for love.
Other books in the series!
Forbidden Warrior by Kris Kennedy — April 14
The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin — April 28
The Highlander’s Dare by Eliza Knight — May 12
The Highland Knight’s Revenge by Lori Ann Bailey — May 26
My Victorious Knight by Laurel O’Donnell — June 9
An Outlaw’s Honor by Terri Brisbin — June 23
Never If Not Now by Madeline Hunter — July 7
more
4.5 stars rounded up
Lady Clara de Montfort was sent to the Rose Citadel in England to marry Baston Ross, a match that was arranged by her mother and her aunt’s husband, Prince John of England. Clara has no desire to weed and wants nothing more than to return home to Normandy with her pets and her ailing father. But she can’t refuse to wed Baston and risk angering her mother and uncle, so she hatches a plan, she will convince Baston Ross that he doesn’t want to marry her – easier said than done…
Graham Sutherland’s clan is starving and when the Ross clan refused to help them and instead aided their enemies, Graham convinces his twin brother Cormac, the chieftain of the Sutherland clan, to retaliate by stealing the wealthy brides that Brodie and Baston Ross are supposed to marry at the end of the tournament at the Rose Citadel. Each woman is dowered with enough wealth to save their people for many years to come. While neither brother is thrilled about marrying – the prospect of saving their people AND sticking it to the Ross clan is just too tempting to pass up.
They finally arrive at the tournament and it is clear that the brothers will not be fighting over the same woman – Clara draws Graham’s eye immediately and her attitude seals the deal – Graham wastes no time capturing her attention and the two soon form a friendship of sorts – but Clara believes that Graham doesn’t want to marry her, she thinks he just hates Baston and is willing to help her to annoy him. Things are going well between them, but Baston is just as determined as ever to wed Clara – their worst-case scenario is for Graham to “ruin” her, but he balks at the idea, even though he has no problem kissing her. He realizes he loves her, but when she overhears his conversation with Cormac, boasting that he will marry her, their HEA might be over before it even begins.
This was a well written, fast paced story with a fun, light writing style. Graham and Clara are both very likeable and are clearly meant for each other and don’t let things fester between them, the conflict isn’t drawn out and just makes the story a joy to read. There are wonderful secondary characters, steamy love scenes, some drama and a villain you almost want to like. I really enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend it.
While this book is the third installment of an author collaboration series and runs concurrently with the previous book (Madeline Martin’s The Highlander’s Lady Knight – which is about Graham’s brother Cormac and his lady), you do not have to read that book to enjoy this one, but if you are wondering about Cormac and Isolde, be sure to check it out.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Sometimes when you are reading books in a series you kind of lose interest by the time you get to the 3rd or 4th book, but NOT THIS TIME! I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were so likable and interesting, and the story itself was loaded with passion, some great action and a nice blend of humor. I thought that the story was very well-written, and it grabbed me from the very start right up until the last page. If only I could find someone like those two brothers…….I look forward to the next book and I highly recommend this one.
This is a humorous tale of a young noblewoman, Lady Clara de Montfort, who is escorted to a gathering at the home of an English border lord. Her mother plans for her to marry a boorish brute, who only wants her for her sizable dowry. But Clara plans to do just about anything to avoid this marriage.
Sir Graham Sutherland, is the twin of a Scottish laird. Graham is the ladies man that his brother the laird is not. They have a clan that is starving and is depending on the two brothers to find a way to save their future. Graham and his brother are attending the same event, and they’ve created a scheme with this in mind. The two brothers plan to steal away the betrothed women of their enemies, marry them and use their dowries for their clan. They are hoping not to have to resort to anything other than their natural charm, but who knows.
Although he’ll do anything to save his people, even to marry a woman he’s yet to meet, who may be less than his ideal, he’s not entering into this with a happy attitude. But he sees Clara and finds her to be much more than he had hoped. She’s not only beautiful, but brave, and witty. Can Graham convince Clara to give up her engagement and go with him? Will he even have any convincing to do?
This book is a delight. One in a series of stand alone books written by several different romance authors, it’s funny, sexy, and thoroughly entertaining. I would definitely recommend it.
English/Scottish Border
Rose Citadel June 1182
Loving this series by many talented authors that is just amazing! The last book by Madeline Martin featuring Cormac Sutherland and this one by Eliza featuring his twin Graham are happening at the same time
They are on a mission, coming to the large tournament to find their future wives, lass who are betrothed to the vile Ross brothers. Their clan desperately need the dowries to help feed their people. Graham sees beautiful Lady Clara Galveston who is set to wed Baston Ross as arranged by her parents. She could not stand the vile man. What she does not know is her life is about to change when she meets the handsome Graham.
Eliza brings her special humor and wit to the wonderful characters and I found myself laughing out loud. This is pure entertainment as the journey of these two take several twist and turns. Danger, braw highlanders, villains and an attraction that is gong to be hard to deny. Loved it and cannot wait to read more!
Graham Sutherland and his twin brother, Cormac, who is the chief of their clan, have a major problem to solve. How to raise enough money to save their clan from starvation and ruin. Their failed crops have made life in the clan a disaster. No one would help them survive the situation, especially Clan Ross. They turned their back on their neighbors and ignored the urgent need. So, Sutherlands made off to a tournament across the border into England. Lady Clara de Montfort traveled to England from Normandy, after she was betrothed to Bastion Ross by her uncle. When she meets the Ross Chieftain, she immediate decides she must break the betrothal. She can not stand him. Enter Graham Sutherland, hoping to win her over and help save their clan. Eliza Knight has provided an interesting adventure as we keep turning the pages to find out who will win the hand of Lady Clara.
Great story about Graham Sutherland and Lady Clara de Montfort. Lady Clara is betrothed to
Baston Ross a man she had no intention of being married to him. Then she meets Graham Sutherland which changes her plan to never marry a Highlander!
This story is so good that I hope you enjoy reading it!!
There is so much more to read and enjoy !!
BookReview
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HappyReleaseDay
Book: The Highlander’s Dare
By Eliza Knight
Series: Midsummer Knights, #3
By Eliza Knight
Release Date: May 12, 2020
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating:
Overall Rating: 5 Star & 5 Kilt Reviews
HAVE A FUN FILLED AND FABULOUS RELEASE DAY ELIZA KNIGHT!
I know this book will be flying off the virtual digital book shelves!
So happy for you another bestselling book for sure and I know you will have amazing over the top book sales!
I loved this book so so so much!
Scottish/ English Border
June 1193
The Sutherland clan is suffering horribly, as they are starving to death! Some of their clan have even died due to malnourishment and lack of food. The clan has had a bad harvest with bad crops due to heavy droughts. It is not like the Sutherland twins, Graham and his elder brother Cormac, who is the new chieftain, have not asked for relief. They had asked their neighboring Ross clan for assistance, yet they heartlessly refused! However, the heinous, despicable, black guards actually qgave aid to their biggest enemy – the MacDonald’s! Well it was time to pay the piper!
Now both Brodie and Baston Ross have both acquired two wealthy sassenach heiresses that they plan to marry. To kill two birds with one stone Graham hashes out a desperate but clever plan to both save the clan and get sweet vengeance against the hated Ross clan! Of course Graham realizes his life was going to change forever! He imagines Lady Clara de Montfort, as this ugly, nagging, Sassenach wench of a wife, but he would do this in a heartbeat just to save his clan! As his brother Cormac decided he would go after Chieftain Brodie Ross’s betrothed, Lady Isolde, since he was the Sutherland’s Chieftain so that made sense. The other problem is his brother, he doesn’t exactly have a smooth, silver tongue with the lassies. He needed to stop frowning, learn how to flirt and show his lady the dent in his cheek by smiling more often. Cormac is a far cry from a ladies man, but this plot has to be a win for the both of them to work. Unfortunately they only have a week at Lord Yves tourney at Rose Citadel for them to accomplish their goal to break these betrothals and steal their wealthy treasures in bloodthirsty England!
Lady Clara de Montfort of Normandy, France, has a
father Count de Evreux, who would always defend and protect her. He never would of allowed this farce of marriage to happen if he had been well. Sadly her uncaring, selfish, conniving mother and her Aunt, who is in a royal marriage to Prince John hatched up this plan. Lady Clara is being forced into a marriage she doesn’t want all-she doesn’t even want to be married to anyone and only wants to return to her father and animals in Normandy. This would be a royal marriage as well, to her it feels like she is being sold like a cow for coin. On top of that she is not allowed to bring her arrows as she loves to practice the sport of archery. She is only allowed to bring her horse and hawk. She is forbidden to bring her menagerie of pets that includes her four dogs, two cats, two sheep, three pet bunnies, a squirrel, coy pond which is so heartbreaking. So she only wants her betrothal to be broken as she is forbidden to do it, but will force this Baston Ross to do it! Clara will make him think how miserable she will make him and will be the most horrible wife, making him break the betrothal!
Now as she meets Baston Ross and finds him a total self-centered, conceited idiot. There was no way she was going to be tied down to him for the rest of her life. There had to be a way out than she meets the charming, Gregor Sutherland, a man who becomes her partner in crime to help her get rid of her unwanted fiancé. Unfortunately he isn’t the smartest lad and does not even understands her insults and sarcasm plus she sees his cruelty to others and how he lashes out to others he feels beneath him.
Clara soon meets her Shield, the most handsome and flirtatious Graham Sutherland of Scotlande. She soon discovers he is no admirer of her betrothed and realizes he can be her partner in crime. Feelings start to develop on both sides yet she knows Graham will never want to marry her and only consider her a friend. Except she doesn’t mind learning to kiss from this man. For Graham, Clara is an unexpected surprise as she is both beautiful, smart, kind, funny and independent.
Will Graham and his brother be able to save their clan from starvation? Will he realize this lass is worth more than her wealth and beauty to save his clan? Will his plan succeed in stealing another man’s bride? Will Baston Ross kill him out of jealousy for his possesion? Will he believe Clara is involved in a political plot? Will he ever open his heart?
Will Clara ever find out the real reason Graham Sutherland came into her life? Will she feel he’s another person who only wants her money and doesn’t see her self worth? Will this totally destroy her and shatter her tender heart? Would she ever be able to forgive Graham if she discovers his betrayal? Will she ever be able to escape her unwanted marriage to Baston Ross? Will she find out her Mother and Aunt’s and Uncle’s political shenanigans? Will she ever go back to Normandy and see her father and pets again? This and so many more questions to watch and see how this magnificent story unfolds.
I have been reading Eliza Knight for over a decade! Her stories always have had the quality of stirring my heart with so much depth and beauty-that has this mesmerizing effect on me. Her hero’s are absolutely swoon worthy, loyal, protective, brave, loving and honorable. Of course dented cheeks don’t hurt either! These heroine’s are strong, brave, honorable, sensual, independent, intelligent women and both the men and women have these magnetic caring souls. Of course the plotting is always fantastic with breathtaking settings, clever dialogue and multi dimensional main characters including secondary characters too. As an animal lover this a big plus for me too!
This is another book that Ms. Knight knocked out of the park in my humble opinion! It is a
riveting, fast-paced, page turning, romantic adventure that I couldn’t put down. I read in one setting it was absolutely phenomenal. I absolutely loved this story “The Highlander’s Dare” by Eliza Knight. She is one of my favorite authors as every book I have read I have always loved. This is actually a prequel to her (Stolen Bride) Series. I am a huge huge fan of her “Stolen Bride”series too! Also if you read this book carefully you might see a couple characters from a previous book or future book in the series. You can definitely read them as stand alone books, but I highly recommend you read them all. They are all written by bestselling authors which I have included in this review.
Make sure to grab a copy of “The Highlander’s Dare” by Eliza Knight today. A book you definitely do not want to miss!
Also coming in June check out a brand new series by Eliza Knight that looks unforgettable “The Rebel Wears Plaid” which will be the first book in The Prince Charlies Angels series coming out June 30th 2020. It will surely be another heart melter! Happy Reading!
Midsummer Knights Series
1)Forbidden Warrior by Kris Kennedy– Released
2)The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin—Released
*3)The Highlander’s Dare by Eliza Knight — Just Released
4)The Highland Knight’s Revenge by Lori Ann Bailey– May 26
5)My Victorious Knight by Laurel O’Donnell-June 9th
6)An Outlaw’s Honor by Terri Brisbin– June 23
7)Never If Not Now by Madeline Hunter — July 7
Disclaimer: I received a gift copy from the author for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Highlanders-Dare-Midsummer-Knights-Book-ebook/dp/B0851P4DCV
https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-highlanders-dare-eliza-knight/1136502588?ean=2940163858453
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-highlander-s-dare?utm_source=walmarthybrid&ut
https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-highlanders-dare/id1500021083
Lady Clara De Montfort travels from Normandy to Rose Citadel to meet her betrothed, Baron Ross. Despite pressure from her mother, aunt, and Prince John, Lady Clara has no desire to marry Baron Ross. Graham Sutherland has also traveled to Rose Citadel with his twin brother, Cormac. Graham and Cormac have plans of their own to disrupt the betrothal plans of the Ross brothers.
Eliza Knight has written a wonderfully entertaining story. I especially loved it when Graham and Lady Clara join forces and worked together to try and break Lady Clara’s betrothal. There is also the sizzling chemistry between Clara and Graham (sigh).
If you like a story with highland action, there is plenty of that too with jousts, feasting, chivalry, plenty of warrior skills, and of course treason.
A starving clan seek desperate methods to save their clan. The Southerland twins steal wealth brides for their dowries. Along the way they found coins don’t bring them love and happiness. Graham found his Phoenix and Clara her Shield and Laird Cormac and Isolde led the starving clan with pride, love, happiness and wealth. A heartfelt book of clan pride, love and struggles.
Graham Sutherland comes up with the idea the two brothers go a tournament and steal themselves a couple of English heiresses for brides to save their clan from starvation. Graham is accompanying his twin brother, Cormac the new Chieftain as they travel to the tournament where Graham see Lady Clara de Montfort. She immediately set his heart to racing and make quite the impression with her eye rolling and sarcastic attitude towards all Scots. I love the witty banter between these two. Clara wants nothing to do with her Scottish fiancé and will do anything to get him to beg off. Graham is more than willing to help and improve his chances of stealing her heart for himself. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.
With their clan struggling after poor weather and multiple crop failures, Graham Sutherland and his twin brother, the chief of the Sutherlands, decide to attend a tournament in England. They’re not going for glory but to steal the wealth English brides betrothed to their enemies from Clan Ross and secure their clan’s future.
Lady Clara de Montfort has been forced to leave her home in Normandy to attend the tournament because of her mother’s machinations. She is to marry Scottish warrior Baston Ross in an unwanted match that is being forced upon her, but Clara has other ideas.
When Clara meets Graham at the first feast of the tournament she enlists his help to annoy her betrothed into casting her aside. Graham is all too happy to help as it’s Clara he intends to steal for himself. He’s determined not to let his heart become entangled in the achievement of his goal, but he soon learns just how impossible that may be as he spends more time with Clara.
This was a quick read and I enjoyed the fast pace. I loved that Clara and Graham went after what they wanted regardless of the obstacles in their way and didn’t let anything come between them even when misunderstandings threatened them. I also loved the brief glimpses we got of the closeness between Graham and his twin. I have been thoroughly charmed by this tournament series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Highlander’s Dare by Eliza Knight actually plays out simultaneously as the story line in The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin. Heroes in both these books are related/on the same quest..secure a marriage with a rich English lass to help their clan. The fact it will hurt their worst enemy in the process only makes it even more imperative, folks.
The latter (book 2) features a responsible, alpha protective, clan header hero, who is surprisingly shy around a sassy, warrior trained heroine. While this book (book 3) has the polar opposite, younger bro, equally handsome but confident, cocky, who has earned his ladies man reputation, at least that is what is implied. This Casanova though can’t help but fall head over heels at first glance when he lays eyes on Clara. That’s a good thing, because she becomes his intended target from the get go.
Overall, it all unfolded at an enjoyable pace and happy conclusion. It was sweet to see this “never thought he’d love someone like this ever” verra handsome man meet his match. I liked the back and forth banter and observing them conspire together until they both won an even bigger prize than they were after…each other’s heart. I lowered my rating a tad because I cannot exactly pinpoint anything that happened I wasn’t expecting. In fact, I’m a little disappointed I wasn’t taken off my guard/or surprised at any point. Meaning, though there was drama, it played out expectantly.
I still enjoyed it, my fellow Scottish/English romance book loving friends, and would like to read all the books in this series.
Title: The Highlander’s Dare, Series: Midsummer Knights (Book 3), Author: Eliza Knight File size: 1289 KB, stand-alone but part of series, former ladies man/maho reputation, sweet but verra determined heroine, only gets graphic smexy late in book.
Midsummer Knights series:
Book 1 – Forbidden Warrior by Kris Kennedy
Book 2 – The Highlander’s Lady Knight by Madeline Martin
Book 3 – The Highlander’s Dare by Eliza Knight
Book 4 – The Highland Knight’s Revenge by Lori Ann Bailey
Book 5 – The Victorious Knight by Laurel O’Donnell
Book 6 – An Outlaw’s Honor by Terri Brisbin
Book 7 – Never If Not Now by Madeline Hunter
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or PR firm.)