Blog Tour Book Review: Bound to the Warrior Knight by Ella Matthews

About the Book:

Title: Bound to the Warrior Knight

Author: Ella Matthews

Series: The King’s Knights #4

Page Length: 288

Publication Date: March 28, 2023

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Synopsis: Wed to a stranger

Awakened by his touch

As the new wife to stoic knight Benedictus Monceaux, innocent Adela finds herself in a whole new world… Their union is one of convenience and power, but her feelings for the warrior unsettle and excite her. Hiding an inner strength, Adela knows she can be a strong ally to her husband—but she must walk a fine line between duty and desire, both at court and in the bedchamber…

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My Review:

After reading this book, I firmly feel that I would like to be bound to a warrior knight.

Benedictus and Adela have a slow-building love story that’s so easy to root for. They are both such wonderful, layered characters, and I found myself quickly invested in their stories. In an arranged marriage since Adela was a child, she and Benedictus did not meet until their wedding day. They initially struggle to connect since neither are great conversationalists. However, they slowly begin opening up to and trusting each other, which results in a lovely romance. Theirs is not rushed or forced. Instead, it is built on friendship and respect.

I like that Adela and Benedictus see past the walls they’ve each put up. Adela seems passive and meek, but she is incredibly strong and brave. And Benedictus seems harsh and unfeeling, but he is kind and understanding underneath. I also like the messages about different ways of showing love. Benedictus is not demonstrative in his feelings, but he shows them in his actions. When he remembers her favorite foods, meets her for dinner, and defends her in front of his parents, Benedictus is revealing his deep and true feelings for his wife. And when Adela drops by his office, socializes with his people for him, and embroiders him a bench cushion, she shows how much she cares. Their declarations are quiet and shown in their everyday actions, which I really loved. That’s not to say there are no grand gestures because Benedictus does that too, but the smaller ways are just as swoon-worthy.

I think their love story feels even more profound because of the family lives both endured. Neither has loving connections with the majority of their relatives, so when they begin to find happiness together, it’s extra special. I also like that they have such good friends. Theo never gives up on Benedictus, even when he pulls away. And Theo’s wife becomes a great friend to Adela, and, with Adela’s guidance, a trusted friend to Benedictus too.

I loved this romance, and though it’s the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, I need to go back and read the book I missed because Ella Matthews knows how to steal my heart. Special thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Harlequin Historical, and the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

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About the Author:

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. She writes medieval romances for Mills and Boon. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

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