I’m delighted to be part of the blog tour for Melissa Oliver’s new book The Return of Her Lost Knight! This is a wonderful historical romance filled with intrigue, a bit of suspense, and a swoon-tastic love story!
About the Book:
Her second chance
With her lost love…
To avoid a forced marriage, Lady Gwenllian plans to escape to a convent. She couldn’t possibly honor another when her heart still belongs to Ralph de Kinnerton, the man she had to betray to save his life—only to hear of his death shortly after. So how is it possible he’s here at this knight’s tournament? Now the pull of their unfinished past forces Gwen to question the choice she’d made for her future…
Purchase Links:
- Amazon UK- https://amzn.to/2Pls4l0
- Amazon US- https://amzn.to/3czoVXW
- Mills and Boon- https://bit.ly/3ft8HkK
- Harlequin- https://bit.ly/39obh7M
My Review:
The Return of Her Lost Knight is a wonderful historical romance with great characters, an interesting plot, and a beautiful love story. The story follows Ralph, a knight who has entered a knight’s tournament and is intent on reclaiming his land, title, and home from his rotten cousin. Memories of his life before he had to flee haunt him, especially the rejection of the only woman he ever loved.
Even though she loved him, Lady Gwenllian betrayed Ralph in order to save his life. Now, years later, Gwen plans to steal away and commit herself to a convent where she can hopefully escape the unwanted marriage that is being pushed upon her. She knows she’ll never love again, not since hearing of the death of Ralph. But when the pair reconnect at a knight’s tournament, they must both face the past before they can see if they have a future.
I loved this story and felt that the characters were dynamically developed and compelling. From the beginning, I was so curious to learn more about Gwen and Ralph and their connected past, which is slowly revealed throughout the story. The focus of the story is the romance between Gwen and Ralph, and it is wonderful! A lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance, both Gwen and Ralph have always done what they think is right, even if it’s not good for themselves. They are selfless and brave, and it’s clear that they love each other. They have such a strong connection, and I adored their angst-filled interactions. Their chemistry is fantastic!! However, miscommunication, lies, rumors, fake deaths, nefarious relatives, doubt, and more get in their way. Both characters have to decide what is most important to them and if their love is worth fighting for.
The setting, which primarily takes place at a knight’s tournament close to where Ralph grew up, is vivid and detailed and adds so much to the story. Being surrounded by competitive knights and rulers adds to the intensity to the story, as does Ralph’s need to win in order to reclaim all that was lost. It is here where Ralph and Gwen reconnect, and where Ralph tries to take his life back. It is also where he and Gwen first fell in love, and, as the tournament progresses, the pair revisits some of their most memorable (and romantic) spots.
While dealing with the complexities of their present, Gwen and Ralph also revisit memories of the past, both good and bad. These flashbacks and recollections offer a well-rounded view of their relationship and explain why they did what they did and what happened to each after they parted. I like these snippets of their lives, as they reveal so much about their lives. They explain what led both of them to this tournament and who has helped and hindered their lives. Their meetings and discussions of the past also show a long-lasting and deep connection to each other and the place where they grew up.
Though this is the third book in the Notorious Knights series, it can easily be read as a standalone. However, I loved that the main characters from the first two books had minor roles in this book! I always enjoy seeing what happens to the characters after the book ends, and I was so happy to find out more about these characters! I highly recommend The Return of Her Lost Knight (and the other books in the series) to readers who enjoy historical romance with compelling characters, an intriguing setting, and a swoon-worthy love story!
My Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance!!
- The well-developed characters.
- The tournament setting.
Favorite Lines:
To be able to move forward, you need to be able to let go of the past.
Don’t worry, Gwen. I’ll be here to catch you if you fall.
Life and circumstance ultimately change our perspectives and the very things we once wanted.
Life can be full of possibilities if you happen to look for them.
About the Author:
Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and three daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, grand palaces and all things historical. She is the winner of The Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers in 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight. When she’s not writing she loves to travel, paint and visit museums & art galleries.
Social Media Links:
- Twitter- @melissaoauthor
- Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/melissaoliverauthor/
Ooh, I’m adding this to my TBR! I do love a good past-lover-returns-from-the-dead-and-they’re-angry story. Such wonderful potential for angst and longing!
Lol – exactly! It definitely has that angsty longing, and I loved every second of it. 🙂