Beyond Temptation: The Templar Knights

Beyond Temptation hooked me from the very first page and didn't let me go until the end. The early fourteenth century is depicted with great accuracy and care, the hero Richard is extremely sexy, brave but warm and tender, and the heroine Meg is great too, strong, independent and passionate - none of your wishy-washy heroines here. I don't understand a previous review that said there's no chemistry between Richard and Meg - for me, their attraction to each other blazed right off the page, and I've rarely read a romance where I was cheering a couple on as much as I did in Beyond Temptation. They're meant for each other, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their way. Philip IV of France's arrest of the Knights Templar and the terrible treatment they faced is brilliantly portrayed, and I was delighted to see such a sympathetic depiction of Edward II of England, who did his best to help the Templars. In conclusion, Beyond Temptation is a compelling, exciting, and moving love story, with countless obstacles and problems for the hero and heroine to face. Both of the main characters are very likeable and come across as real people with pasts, and some of the minor characters have their own novels, which I'm now reading. :)

I found the story BEYOND TEMPTATION to be a thoroughly fascinating and absorbing medieval romance. The story begins on Friday, Oct. 13, 1307 ~ the day King Philip the Fair, of France, ordered the immediate arrest and imprisonment of all men belonging to the Holy Order of the Templar Knights. Following the King's edict, a vile inquisition began that used terrible forms torture to force innocent men to make false confessions of heresy, or die with their righteous denial. Of the thousands of Templars Knights in France at that time, only very few were able to escape the country unharmed... Frantically forging through a rain soaked forest in France, four desperate horsemen dressed in garb emblazoned with the scarlet cross of the elite Templars Knights are being hunted like animals by the king's men; they stop momentarily to rest and discuss how they will make their way the last few miles to the coast and a chance to board a ship headed for the relative safety of England. The knights agree their best chance to evade capture is to split up and cautiously make their way to Hawksley Manor, Sir Richard de Cantor's home in England; and hopefully a refuge from the dreadful ordeal they were being forced to endure. When Sir Richard de Cantor arrives home he sadly finds his wife is in very fragile health; and is still suffering from the mental illness that had assailed her before his departure five years earlier. However, he also finds a lovely though unfamiliar woman has taken over the management of his home; someone who has a distinct dislike for Templar Knights and who seems to be annoyed that the Lord of the Manor has returned home unannounced. Meeting Lady Margaret Newcomb causes Richard to feel the stark ache of desire and an unwelcome longing for a women's touch and affections that challenge his most sacred vows. Lady Margaret Newcomb, youngest daughter of the Earl of Welton, was sent to Hawksley Manor to serve as a nurse companion to her ailing Cousin Eleanor because her father felt the lowly position would teach his daughter obedience and remorse for her past licentious behavior. Meg, although devoted to Eleanor, is willing to perform any menial servant's task so she can stay at the Manor; rather then be forced to return to the life of pain and anguish she was made to suffer when her father sent her to the nunnery. When Meg meets Richard she can't believe how attracted she is to the strong handsome knight with the mesmerizing green eyes, but she knows she must deny her feelings. Talented author, Mary Reed McCall weaves a powerfully enthralling and heartfelt romantic story around true historical events. She gives her readers an intensely emotional story of the hero, Richard; a tortured soul and a brave and honorable knight who not only must defend himself and the holy order he truly believes in, against a corrupt investigation by the French Inquisition, but who is also forced to return home to confront the heartrending tragedy that caused hi

The plot was described above. I really enjoyed this book, loved the h/h and their chemistry, the secondary characters, and the incredible tension near the end of the book. I literally bit my nails until I didn't have anymore. I encourage anyone to try this book. I have no idea how any romance lover could dislike it. This is part of a series and I plan on ordering the first book and purchasing the rest.

In 1307 France, the four Templar knights flee for their lives from the wrath of King Philip who hunts them and their brethren like animals. They agree to split up as each carries Templar treasure. Richard de Cantor suggests they meet at his estate in England Hawksley Manor. A few weeks later Richard reaches his home to find everyone holds him in contempt for what he did to his wife Eleanor especially after the death of their daughter. He meets Ella's cousin and companion Margaret Newcombe and learns that his wife is still ailing. Richard is shocked that he is attracted to Meg as he has not felt anything towards women since his chastity vow upon joining the Templars five years ago. He thinks on his marriage to Ella who he wed to protect, but failed. Richard realizes his penitence did not help his spouse heal as he is stunned by how thin she is and the vacancy in her eyes. Meg realizes that he is not an abusive animal, but sees his tender concern for his wife. As Richard and Meg fall in love, they must overcome living ghosts, family opposition and powerful opponents to find happiness. Readers will appreciate the strong lead couple and solid support cast who provide a deep insight into the Templars from differing perspectives, but also cleverly interwoven into the plot. Fans of the author will enjoy the return of Braeden (Richard's older brother) and Fiona stars of THE CRIMSON LADY. Although his spouse is eliminated to easily and her father displays no qualities beyond avarice, fans will receive immense satisfaction with this fine medieval romance. Harriet Klausner