England - 1486

Anne Kendall has volunteered to participate in, what could be, a dangerous mission. She is masquerading as Lady Rosamund Wolsingham, a widowed countess whose life may be threatened. While the real Rosamund travels to London to warn the king of what she overheard from his enemies, Anne is taking a more leisurely journey there, pretending to interview potential new husbands along the way. Accompanied by three knights, members of the secretive League of the Blade, they are one man short of a safe escort. When they arrive in York, Anne finds the fourth knight to guard her.

Astonished at the sight of Anne Kendall in the inn where he is staying, Sir Philip Clifford sets out to find out why she pretended not to recognize him, and why she seems to be traveling with an armed guard. Slipping into her room, he discovers the real Anne, the one he nearly seduced two months ago, and also discovers that his strong feelings for her haven't dissipated. When she reluctantly reveals that she is working with the League of the Blade, Philip, who had been turned down by them recently, is stunned. He is even more surprised when Anne tells him that she wants to join the league herself. Having made it clear to her that he is not interested in marrying her, that he needs a wealthy wife, Anne broke off their budding relationship. Now, in need of extra help, Anne convinces the other knights that Philip should accompany them, despite the fact that both Philip and Anne are having trouble separating their personal feelings from their assignments.

But who is trying to kill or hurt Lady Rosamund? When the group is attacked on the road, one of the attackers realizes that Anne is not Rosamund, but dies before he reveals what he knows. This mystery makes it even more dangerous as they descend on each potential husband's castles -- could it be one of the list of wealthy noblemen?

A story of passion, mystery, and adventure, ONE KNIGHT ONLY is a very well-written, nicely researched tale that is fast-moving and with a unique premise. I liked the determined, yet vulnerable Anne who vows to take care of herself and not rely on marriage to guarantee her future. Philip, confused by his feelings for Anne, wants to protect her, but admires her bravery, understanding why she wants to do this job. Secondary characters are important to the story, particularly the three knights who escort Anne. What secrets do they know that they're not revealing to her or to Philip?

An excellent read, don't miss ONE KNIGHT ONLY.

Jani Brooks