Knight of the Captive Heart

Rowan de Veau was a man like no other that Christiana had ever seen…

Christiana was quite skilled at hiding her cursed femininity and blending into the crowd. As the only daughter of the Earl of Gladsbury, she knew that she was expected to behave as a pretty ornament and marry as her father dictated. In her heart, Christina enjoyed hawking and archery; she could ride astride as well as any male. She despised the lecherous looks she received from men as she grew older, so she did her best to hide her assets, even though it went against the Earl’s wishes. Yet she is unprepared when her father tells her that she must marry, or that the most likely groom is the Earl’s favourite knight. Guy de Bere is well-known to Christiana. She has noticed his cruel streak and has tried to avoid his attentions whenever she can.

The fifth son of an Earl, Sir Rowan de Veau of Normandy knows that he must make his own way in the world. He takes part in jousting tourneys to secure enough money to buy his own land and home. Sir Rowan is determined to make the lovely Diantha his bride but must build his fortune first so that her father will accept him. Rowan easily betters the Earl’s egotistical knight, Sir Guy. Rowan’s modest armoury and considered moves highlight the folly of Sir Guy’s fanciful heraldry and underhand tactics. Sir Guy’s attempts to dishonestly turn the joust his way are also seen by Christiana and the Earl. Over the next few days, Rowan becomes increasingly aware of the Earl’s daughter. She does not act like any woman that he has ever known, especially Diantha. Christiana’s obvious enjoyment of hawking and riding is more than just intriguing. She does not try to flaunt or falsely play down her maidenhood, yet Rowan is wondering why his thoughts keep returning to Christiana.

This is a tale of a knight and a fair maiden but it is unusual because both do not see how obviously suited they are. Rowan seeks only to be honorable and return to his first love. His character is admirable and this is made clearer to readers by the sharp contrast to the Earl’s existing favourite knight. Christiana has no intention of ever marrying and wishes that she had control of her own life. They share a friendship and readers are sure to be satisfied as the plot thickens and true emotions are laid bare. The author successfully keeps her readers on the edge of their chairs, unsure of what will happen next. I was sorry to see this story finish and would have loved to learn of Diantha’s feelings for Rowan. Maybe in a future release…

Reviewed by: Naomi