Book Review: The Knight's Bride Prize by Ella Matthews

Title: The Knight's Bride Prize
Author: Ella Matthews
Pages: 250
Publication Date: Nov. 26, 2024
Publisher: Harlequin
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical
Synopsis:

A dramatic Medieval convenient marriage story

Will he risk his mission… for her hand in marriage?

Part of The Knights’ Missions. On a secret quest to expose a traitor, Sir Hugh enlists in a tournament to win the hand of his target’s daughter, Lady Bronwen. But the clever, driven maiden jeopardises his plans when their unexpected attraction threatens to distract him from his duty! She’s desperate to escape her father, and Hugh can protect her by claiming his prize and marrying her. Yet honour demands the noble knight keeps their desire at bay, for completing his mission means betraying his new bride’s trust…

LINKS: Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Bookshop.org

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I’m happy to be on the tour today for The Knight’s Bride Prize by Ella Matthews, the second book in The Knight’s Missions historical romance trilogy. It’s a quick and entertaining story, and I was a little worried since I didn’t read the first book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.

Bronwen is a compelling protagonist, and I felt so bad for her. Her father speaks to and treats her horribly, and he’s now holding a contest with her as the prize. Throughout the story, Bronwen tries hard to gain some sense of autonomy and choice, and after witnessing the deterioration of her parents’ marriage, she wants to marry for convenience, not love. Sir Hugh is great, too. The epitome of an honorable knight, he prides himself on treating people with chivalry, which is the opposite of how he’s been treated by many people in his life. Sir Hugh enters the competition to spy on Lady Bronwen’s father as is his mission. I enjoyed the touch of mystery as Hugh tried to figure out if Lord Geraint had nefarious intentions.

The romance between Bronwen and Hugh is my favorite part of the story. I always enjoy a good love story, and the chemistry and pining in this one is fantastic. Neither wants to fall in love, but the connection between Bronwen and Hugh is undeniable. They are drawn to each other in a way that’s super romantic, and their romantic connection contrasts the tense and stressful competition and gatherings they must endure. Though there were a few times when Hugh and Bronwen frustrated me with their stubbornness, they were a great match.

I also like that the story highlights Hugh’s strong friendships with two other knights. The men seem more like brothers than friends, which is all the more wonderful considering Hugh’s background. I’m definitely curious to learn more about both men and their journeys. Luckily, I didn’t read the first book, so I can go back and read that while waiting for the final book in the trilogy!

Ella Matthews writes sweeping historical novels with a dash of danger, steamy scenes and full of romantic heart. She writes for Mills & Boon / Harlequin but is also planning some self-published novels, so watch this space for those.

She writes in beautiful South Wales, where you can’t go for a walk without tripping over the remains of a castle. She lives with her husband, who’s very technical and who’s set up her website but still doesn’t seem to know how to use a washing machine, her two children and an exceptionally timid rescue guinea pig. When she’s not writing, she’s working with teenagers on their literacy skills (she’s discovered there’s nothing a thirteen year old loves more than discussing commas!). She loves to hear from her readers, so please get in touch – ella@ella-matthews.com

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