A Taste Of Copper

Elin Gregory

Your master has the field for today, but his name, whatever it might be, is without honour.

Olivier the squire worships the Black Knight and takes a fierce joy in his prowess as he defends a bridge against all comers. Olivier only wishes that his master loved him as much in return instead of treating him as a servant and occasional plaything.

Then word comes that the King desires to cross the bridge. With an army approaching, a bright eyed archer enticing him to desert and the first cracks beginning to show in the Black Knight’s gruff demeanour, Olivier is left wondering if his honour is worth more than a chance for happiness.

Cover Art by: Meredith Russell

https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=33&products_id=69

About  Elin

Elin Gregory lives in South Wales and works in a museum in a castle built on the edge of a Roman fort! She reckons that’s a pretty cool job. It certainly provides more than enough inspiration for her writing.

“The button from a military jacket found in an orchard, a 16th century Venetian coin found between the cobbles of a Welsh street, a carnelian from a Roman signet ring – one can’t handle them without wondering who lost them, how much they regretted it and what kind of disaster was sparked off by the loss.”

Although Elin usually writes on historical subjects, she has also written contemporary and historical paranormals, science fiction, crime and a Western, none of which have, as yet, been published. She likes her heroes hard as nails but capable of tenderness when circumstances allow.

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Review

Title: A Taste of Copper

Author: Elin Gregory

Genre: Medieval, Knights

Length: Novella (113pgs)

ISBN: LLBEG001, B00NWQPAAY

Publisher: Love Lane Books (26^th September 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Your master has the field for today, but his name, whatever it might be, is without honour.

Olivier the squire worships the Black Knight and takes a fierce joy in his prowess as he defends a bridge against all comers. Olivier only wishes that his master loved him as much in return instead of treating him as a servant and occasional plaything.

Then word comes that the King desires to cross the bridge. With an army approaching, a bright eyed archer enticing Olivier to desert and the first cracks beginning to show in the Black Knight’s gruff demeanour, Olivier is left wondering if his honour is worth more than a chance for happiness.

Purchase Link: https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=33&products_id=69

Review: Olivier is the squire for the Black Knight, Maheris, and the man he is proud to serve as the Black Knight defends a bridge against those who would cross it. Olivier’s regard for his knight is high and he holds a love for Maheris and wishes that Maheris would return his feelings. When the King approaches with the intention of crossing the bridge with his army, the Black Knight and Olivier must hold onto their honour, but Olivier is being tempted by the King’s archer and the cracks begin to show in the Black Knight’s demeanour, can Olivier find happiness and keep his honour? Or will Olivier and his knight face a bitter end?

This is a great little story set in historical times with Knight’s and squires, archers and honour *rubs hands in glee* just wonderful. Olivier is serving his master as they defend a bridge at their Lord’s instruction, Maheris swore upon his honour to defend the bridge and even when confronted by their King that honour holds strong. Olivier is treated gruffly by Maheris and he wishes for just a gentle touch, but it isn’t till Maheris’ cracks that Olivier discovers the reasons behind Maheris actions.

I quite enjoyed this story and liked the added bonus of an illicit flirtation between the archer, Hywel, and Olivier; it really makes you wonder if Olivier will stand by his knight. We are treated to true knightly behaviour as Maheris faces down a king and his champions, we are treated to true squire behaviour as Olivier supports his knight and champion’s his knight to the king, and we are also treated to the true meaning of honour and the strength of the men as they fight for their honour.

This isn’t a story that is roses and sweet words, in fact you’d be lucky to get a grunt in acknowledgement to the softer feelings like love, because the time this is set in was heavily governed by the Church. But that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t a way for both Olivier and Maheris to get their feelings across, and they do a damn good job of it too. I have to hope that we will get a follow up story for Hywel, because that cheeky archer deserves some happiness as well.

So if you love knights, squires, fighting for honour, a love that’s hard to admit, great characters and a touch of rough love, then you will thoroughly enjoy this story.