Review: Once Upon a Knight by Jackie Ivie
This story has been highly anticipated ever since several of the characters were introduced in A KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and Jackie Ivie has certainly crafted an original story for her hero and heroine. There is plenty of fervent longing, misunderstandings and even some suspense to keep the reader engrossed throughout ONCE UPON A KNIGHT, as this Scottish tale set in 1457 comes alive with an abundance of sincere emotions and daring escapades.
When Vincent Danzel tries to talk with Sybil Eschoncan, he cannot believe how the woman seems to ignore him. The Scottish knight has always had a way with women, and he is not about to let this female get the best of him. Vincent has been challenged by his cousin to win the heart of Sybil without any physical touching, and to then leave her. His reward is to be much gold, and his love for winning a dare has him agreeing to the strange request. He quickly discovers what he thought would be an easy conquest is going to take some shrewd plotting.
Although Sybil had been forewarned of the arrival of a man not appropriate for her, she does not believe Vincent is the one at first. However, his persistence makes her wonder about him when he just keeps turning up in her life. Before long, their constant banter turns from teasing to yearning as intentions change and unspoken feelings are at odds with long held beliefs. What started out as a challenging game for Vincent soon turns into something much more crucial and has him questioning his current objective, as it seems he is not the only man paying attention to Sybil.
Historical stories about Scotland are always superbly written by Jackie Ivie. These engaging novels constantly feature brawny Highlander heroes whose compassionate side is frequently hid by their alpha natures, while the spirited heroines prove their effectiveness with strength of mind. There are usually some amusing moments interwoven with the instances where emotional concerns are at the forefront, and scenes in ONCE UPON A KNIGHT even go from playful to completely serious with just one word. Ms. Ivie’s special brand of wit, passion and adventure is definitely evident in this story, as sometimes all three can occur on one page, letting the reader feel a myriad of sentiments within the span of a few seconds. As the motives for why Vincent and Sybil react as they do toward each other is gradually revealed, one will be drawn in their unique personal lives and come to deeply care about these two. There are several conflicting goals with their different agendas, and Ms. Ivie certainly takes their orderly lives and turns everything upside down from the time they meet. I especially had a soft spot for Vincent because of how he struggled with past events and their lasting consequences. There are some enlightening encounters between Vincent and Sybil as facts become known, and the undeniable desire between them is depicted with sizzling heat. Their conversations are repeatedly candid, and some of their retorts are priceless. The description of the locale is also colorfully vivid, and many times I was transported to a time from long ago. ONCE UPON A KNIGHT is enchantingly adventurous, as risks are taken and hearts are in danger.
Filed
Under:
|
About the
Book:
Genre: historical ISBN: 978-1420101669 Page Count: 352 Price: $ 5.99 Reviewer: Amelia Richard |
|
Print This Post |
|
|
Sensuality Rating:
Sensuous Star Rating: 4.5 Stars Author's Website: http://www.jackieivie.com/ |
|
Carolyn david said:
can’t wait to read it.. all her books are wonderful