Darkest Knight

by Gayle Callen

A MYSTERIOUS RESCUER Trained as a knight, yet sworn to the monastery, Reynold Welles had always lived by a strict code of honor. Yet the night he rescues beautiful Lady Katherine Berkeley from a treasonous kidnapper and an arranged marriage, he is captivated by the power of her enchanting loveliness. As she trembles within his protective embrace, he knows she is unaware of the fire she has ignited within him--a passion that burns with greater fury...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 038080493X
• ISBN13: 9780380804931
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Darkest Knight

I had the privilege of being one of the RWA judges on this wonderful romance. I knew in an instant it was a great find and gave it the highest rating possible. I was absolutely elated when it came out in print and I got to read the whole story. Wow! I loved every single page. Yes, this is a keeper and one of my all time favorites. I never loan out my copy for fear that I'll never get it back.

Chivary is not dead!

This book was exciting from start to finish. The heroine was a breath of fresh air in that she was not impossibly feisty, but not annoyingly timid either. She was a sheltered daughter of a lord with a slight physical impairment and some emotional issues who, during the course of her journey with the aide of a noble knight, blossomed into a courageous woman. The romance between her and the monk/knight seemed to grow gradually, as did their trust for one another, so it didn't seemed forced, but came so naturally between a man and a woman being in close proximity for long periods, and the many trials they faced drew them even closer. Reynold, the knight/monk, was also a character you couldn't help liking. He was a man who willed himself to make right choices, though sometimes they were wrong or not the best choice. His treatment of Katherine the heroine was so gallant and chivarous, not to mention gentle, he was through and through her loyal servant. He inspired Katherine by believing in her and her mission, and proving it by giving it due importance and help. Katherine's character was able to grow and develop and mature because of the support and devotion of her helping knight. The romance was also powerful in its development, but also frought with conflict as Katherine was already betrothed, and them both being religious, they inwardly had to grapple with sin and love. This book was difficult to put down. It's a great book to escape from the real world.

Delicious Reading & the Cover Art was Wonderful too!

Envisioning the cover stud as Reynold in the story made me cheer that he chose not to make the church his vocation in the end. It would have been such a waste! Reynold's honor, and struggle to do what was right really touched a chord in me. There was one too many gratuitous "almost-rape" scenes but the clever way Reynold had of saving Katherine from the first villain was inspired writing. The mystery, betrayal, distrust and struggle to maintain vows to church and to her betrothed all wove together to make a compelling novel. The historical elements were good too. I have re-read this many times and highly recommend it to others.

A wonderful romance!!!!

This story brought tears to my eyes at its very sweetness. I felt for Brother Reynolds struggle, with his vows and his guilt over the death of his brother. Reynold Welles is an unusual hero, so strong yet tender and compassionate. Devoting eight months of his life and fully willing to devote the rest of his life to the monastary to atone for the sins of his past. Katherine is a wonderful heroine. She distrust monks and at first in her mind, Brother Reynold is no better than the monks she has known. It does not take her long however to discover Reynolds true self behind his imense guilt. One of the best scenes in the story is the emotional scene as Reynold realizes what he has done in taking Katherines virginity. Tears were in my eyes as I read it! This is one of the best first novels I have ever read!!!!

Well designed fifteenth century romance

In 1485 England, Brother Reynold Wells, trained as a knight, rescues Lady Katherine Berkeley, who had been abducted to keep her quiet. To insure her silence, her kidnappers had arranged for Katherine to marry someone she did not wish to wed. Katherine finds her quiet rescuer odd and somewhat daunting. However, she knows that he is her only hope to reach King Richard and warn him of a treasonous plot, which is why her former kidnappers went to all this trouble to keep her mute. As Reynold, who has not yet taken his priestly vows, escorts the beautiful Katherine, he begins to fall in love with her. Though she intended to wed someone else, Katherine returns Reynold's feelings. However, duty calls for him to safely escort her home even if doing this is more likely to kill the monk than the foes who chase after them. In her debut novel, Gayle Callen provides readers of Medieval romance with a tender tale of love and honor. The story line provides a tasty picture of the fifteenth century. The characters, especially the tortured Reynold, will enchant fans of the era. Ms. Callen opens her writing career with a fine entry that is sure to gain her a fan following.Harriet Klausner