Once a Knight

Sir David of Radcliffe has a castle, servants, and a daughter to support, and his lands are suffering from a terrible drought. So he hires himself out to Lady Alisoun for protection. He figures out that Lady Alisoun is such a rich widow that if he could get her to marry him, he'd save his holdings and his daughter. But Lady Alisoun has a phantom stalker who's trying to kill her, and she's been chased for her fortune before, so he's got to keep her alive as well as court her. ONCE A KNIGHT is a fast, fun medieval romance about two immoveable forces brought together by circumstance. Dodd's dialogue is smart and sharp and the pace is compelling enough to keep the reader engaged every step of the way. David and Alisoun are both unique, appealing and thoroughly human. I really enjoyed their characters, clashing personalities and all. Historical romance lovers can't fail to be delighted by this delicious page turner!

I loved the character David in this book. He is just so real. This book is very different than the usual romance where the hero is so perfect. This man is a normal guy who was the kings champion and now that he's older he has to deal with the fact that he can't beat everyone anymore and he has to use his wits along with his strength. I also very much enjoyed the relationship between him and Alisoun and how he fell in love with her.

Do not let the cover of this reissue fool you. This is NOT just another bodice-busting romance. The characters are complete originals, the plot is compelling, and the writing is intelligent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to more Christina Dodd!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story; there was none of the anochronistic internal dialogue that so often occurs in historical romances. The heroine was not the ridiculous, pouty (ineffectual)"little hellcat" that permeates the genre. She is a powerful woman who has lived her life in a society where women are afforded little protection and fewer rights. Some readers may be disappointed that there are no heated exchanges of bombastic, empty threats and no quasi-rape a la Kathleen Woodwiss. Too bad. I liked the slow, deep development of intimacy, the gradual unveiling of tenderness and comittment that bespeaks true romance whatever the time period. An excellent, fun story that (a real shock to me) my husband read and enjoyed!

If you're looking for the typical gut-wrenching medieval romance where the protagonists hate each other at first sight, look elsewhere. This is an extraordinary tale of love blossoming between a knight who has seen better days and a strong-willed "widowed virgin" who doesn't think she needs a man at all. How refreshing it is to see a medieval hero who is not arrogant and all-powerful, but turns out to be a true "Renaissance man" who demonstrates his love by his kindness and integrity until the heroine realizes in surprise that she returns his feelings. What a shame there aren't more light, entertaining, and comical romances such as this one! I salute the author for her talent and originality.