Review of THE LION OF KENT by Aleksandr Voinov and Kate Cotoner

The Lion of Kent
Aleksandr Voinov and Kate Cotoner
Carina Press
Published August 30, 2010
Novella; M/M, Historical Romance
NetGalley Review
Aleksandr Voinov Website
Kate Cotoner Website




Squire William Raven has only one goal—to finally receive his spurs and become a knight. When his lord, Sir Robert de Cantilou, returns from a five-year crusade in the Holy Land, William wants nothing more than to impress him.

After Sir Robert's return, noble guests arrive from France, bringing intrigue to the castle. William is oblivious to the politics, as he's distracted by nightly visits from a faceless lover—a man who pleasures him in the dark and then leaves—a man he soon discovers is none other than his master, Sir Robert.

But William can't ignore the scheming around him when he overhears a plot to murder Robert. He becomes intent on saving his lord and lover from those who would see him killed...



My Ratings~~
Review



Sexual



The story is told from the viewpoint of William. He’s frustrated because he is well past the age when he should have his “spurs” and be a knight. Just like your typical eighteen year-old (well, for Medieval England), William is brash and pretentious. He also has all the qualities you would find in an aspiring knight: Honor, loyalty, sincerity. I thoroughly enjoyed watching William as he struggled with becoming a knight and with his intense feelings for Robert. William is confident in his training as a knight, but whenever Robert is near watching him: Two left feet!

The relationship between William and Robert develops slowly. All the while, the authors hook you with a seductive Sir Robert; who is very patient with William. I picture Robert as being a bit older than William and much wiser; thus, teacher and student.

A theme that plays throughout is William’s inner struggle: His conflict between his love for Robert and his faith. How can something that is so genuine be considered evil?

William wanted to be Robert’s equal, yes, in virtues. And if what he felt and what they did in pursuit of physical pleasure was a true sin, then he wanted to be equal in this sin, too. Maybe such a sin would be forgiven if he possessed enough of the other virtues?

It was heartbreaking to watch William question his love for Robert.

A very enjoyable read; even for a novella. And you know me and novellas! Just think of the meat it could have had as a full length novel…….