Only for a Knight

Clan MacKenzie #3

by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

For ten lusty years, Robbie Mackenzie has savored the sensual pleasures that only a man with no wife can taste. To the lassies of Scotland, he is a living legend, the sole heir of the Black Stag clan, and a prize catch indeed. But Juliana Mackay has no such interest in the rogue or his powerful family. Her mission--to deliver an unpaid debt for her dying mother--is the only thing that could force her within reach of the wayward knight. That is, until an accidental blow to the head sends her reeling right into the brawny arms of Robbie MacKenzie himself.

In the heat of the moment, their passions ignite. But Juliana has forgotten her own identity, as well as her mission-and Robbie has promised to marry a bride from a rival clan. How can these two star-crossed lovers resist the love that burns in their hearts...and the desire that consumes their souls?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Medieval, Scotland, Medieval Romance, Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

Sue-Ellen MacDuffie Welfonder
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay

Sue-Ellen MacDuffie was born and raided in Florida. She is a card-carrying Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent (free) trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty year career with the airlines. Bi-lingual, she flew international all those years, working her flights as foreign language speaker. Her flying career allowed her to see the world, but it was always to Scotland that she returned.

Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She spent fifteen years living in Europe and used that time to explore as many castle ruins, medieval abbeys, and stone circles as possible. Anything ancient, crumbling, or lichened caught her eye. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.

Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a four-hundred-and-fifty year old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.

Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier in Florida. Readers can learn more about her and the world of her books at: www.welfonder.com.

Reviews

[Analia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 estrellas.
Me gustó pero no me encantó. No logré conectar con Juliana y, Robbie no me pareció reunir las características propias de un caballero highlander. Me pareció "blando".
Lo que sí me gustó mucho fue reencontrarme con la Escocia medieval y la magia de las highlands con sus castillos, páramos y lagos. Sentí que yo estaba allí y ésa fue la razón de leer el libro (más de 10 años después que leí los primeros dos) porque la historia de amor entre los personajes no tiene grandes misterios.
Es recomendable para quien tenga deseos de viajar a Escocia.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Julianna, stricken by amnesia, is rescued by Robbie, who is betrothed to another.

Not well-written. A lot of loose ends, and the potential incest story was weak.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give up. The writing is not bad, its just that story is boring me to tears! Moving way too slow at page 234 and "nothing" has happened yet!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Please note: Only for a Knight was originally published in 2005 by Warner Books. This new edition has been entirely rewritten, re-edited, and contains fresh, never-before-read material."


Only for a Knight (MacKenzie #3)
by Sue-Ellen Welfonder, Allie Mackay is a totally re-write from it's original tversion, which increases the depth of the characters and so much more. While, Book 3 in the famous "MacKenzie" series, it can be read as a stand alone. If you've read the previous version of ONLY FOR A KNIGHT, you will find more than one change in this version of "Only For A Knight", such as the name of the heroine and a few other things. I enjoyed the original version, but this new and updated version was totally delicious.

Well written with Ms. Welfonder's usual aplomb, her unique way of bringing forth Scotland's myths, and legends, her historical details, shows how much research and love she has for Scotland.

Sir Robert MacKenzie is finally heading back to Kintail, the Highland territory of his father, Duncan MacKenzie, aka, the Black Stag of Kintail, a warrior and chieftain. Robert has been away from home for ten long years, when he left his clan, it was fraught with scandal, anger, heartache and tragedy. Now, he is coming home to claim his rightful place as the Chieftain's rightful son and due his duty, to the clan, marry for an alliance. Or will he?
Mariana Mackay, a Lass of the glens, which had lived in near poverty for most of her life. She is feisty to say the least, a determined lass, and has made a promise to her beloved mother, on her deathbed to repay the Black Stag of Kintail for his assistance all these years. You see, Mariana and her older brother, Edward were born out of wedlock, to Duncan MacKenzie's half brother, Edward MacKenzie, a rogue, scoundrel, and troublemaker, who left mistress and children in dare need, and a need to fend for themselves due to his faithlessness and his troublesome ways. Mariana has amnesia from a tumble with a sheep, this is how Robert rescues her, near drowning and freezing to rescue a ewe. Marianna and Robert will find secrets can destroy their budding relationship. Will the terrible secret tear Robert and Marianna's love apart, or is there more to the story?

Steady paced, adventure filled with forbidden love, sizzling passion, and all the wonders of Scotland, including the all to famous Devorgilla, who always brings her on touch to one of Ms. Welfonder's stories. Oh, I forgot to mention, Robert's step mother, Linnet has second sight and there us a ghost, as well.
I was shocked but was also very glad once the truth was known. Yes, then there is the misable, vindictive and vengeful betrothed- to be. Whew, she was simple horrid!

Once again, readers will find a well thought out tale of enormous preportion and a desire to learn the truth. I read "Only For a Knight" in one setting, just had to know the ending.

Ms. Welfonder, is one of my all-time favorite Medeival Scottish Romance authors. Another must read filled with intrigue and emotions! I would love to learn more on the fair but misable betrothed-to be, how her life turned out, sure hope she gets her due upcomings. Well done! ! Refreshing and sizzling!


Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Ivonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

este libro estuvo bien pero creo que le falto como algo, las cosas se resolvieron muy facilmente y rapidamente, lo que mas demoro creo que fue que entre los personajes principales hubiera algo ya que la pasion estaba ahi pero ella se abstenia a no hacer nada.
despues de leer un poco a la prometida uno pensaria que ella iba a causar un gran problema y todo pero no, se fue tan campante que uno quedo sorprendido.
el Venado Negro sigue siendo igual aunque despues de todo lo que paso, como que sus animos bajaron y pudo aceptar a su nueva familia sin rechazo y olvidando todo lo que habia pasado en el pasado.
fue un libro de amor a primera vista que aunque Robbie estaba convencido totalmente Juliana no tanto pero no se resistio mucho que digamos.

[Jenny U · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fact that for the majority of this book I thought the two main characters were cousins made the romance, well, really disgusting. Welfonder usually writes much better books.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robbie MacKenzie has been away from his father, the Black Stag of Kintail, and his home, Eileen Creag Castle for ten years, earning his reputation as a knight. He's finally coming home to wed his betrothed Lady Euphemia. Juliana MacKay grew up in a small croft with her mother and brother, thinking her father was Kenneth MacKenzie, half-brother to the Black Stag. Her mother's dying wish is for her to go to the MacKenzies and repay the laird for his help over the years. Very reluctantly, Juliana agrees to go. On the way, she tries to save a ewe in some water trouble and is knocked senseless for her troubles. Robbie saves her and takes her to the castle against her wishes. They are instantly in lust, but she can't remember her previous life. His step-mother meanwhile, has seen her in vision as Robbie's wife. Robbie means to have her (and does) but needs to honorably get rid of the fiancee who's fixed on revenge. Then they have to sort out if Robbie and Juliana are 1st cousins after she regains her memory. All eventually works out. Quite a bit of exlicit sex.

[Bobbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I enjoyed it. Some of the things that I liked about it are it takes place in Scotland in medieval times with knights and lairds and ladies, and castles, and the other thing I really liked were the two central characters the noble and honorable Sir Robert Kintail and Mariana. Robert's betrothed to Lady Euphemia to unite the two kingdoms, that is until he meets Mariana. I'd classify this as a sweet historical romance but it also has some humor and intrigue. Check this book out for an entertaining read. After I read it, I learned this author also writes contemporary paranormal books under the pen name Allie Mackay. I have to check those out too for that's one of my favorite genres.

[Ellen Dutcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb story

5 stars for another wonderful book. Sue -Ellen is a master story teller. This is the story of Duncan, Black Stag of Kintail's son Robert. Now betrothed to Lady Euphemia. Robert is in his way home after being gone many years seeking his own way. He rescues from near drowning Mariana and finds himself captivated. Injured he brings her to kintail. More drama and intrigue follow as his betrothed is up to no good with her own hidden agenda of revenge. Read this book to find out what happens.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness These Stories Keep Getting Better!

I absolutely loved loved loved this story. Robert and Mariana were so beautifully presented in this book. I can’t get enough of Sue-Ellen’s writing! Wow don’t know where I stumbled on to her stories but I’m so thrilled I did. Now on the the next story. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊😊😊💜💜💜💜💜

[Gail Salcedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won me back with Only for a Knight

I loved this story! I was disappointed with book number 2 and was worried that Roberts story would disappoint too, but it was a great story. It kept me reading to find out what would happen next. I can see that Kenneth had a story of his own, but can't find it to read. Maybe you are refreshing that story too? Hint, hint!!

[Betty Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story telling! I can't wait to read more. I wish that I had a list of all your books so that I could check them off as I read them. Betty Zane Jones.

[Darlene Summers · Rating 2 out of 5]

very disappointing

Although the parts of the book that were related to the actual storyline were good, the entire book seemed to be totally written about the sexual exploits of the all the characters. Thanks but I want to read 50 shades of gray I will

[Sabrina Bellesbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - Robbie- Mackenzie- is- sooo- sweet- stars!

[Patricia Wissore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Mariana and Robbie's story!

[Majo Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Estrellas: 2.5

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

Sue-ellen gives a wonderful story with historical views. A little wordy at times; but, worth it all. Thank you Ms. Welfonder.

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Sol Belenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amo las novelas históricas así que cuando agarré este libro estaba segura de que me iba a encantar. Sin embargo, no fue del todo así...

Nuestra historia comienza desde dos puntos de vista: el de Juliana y el de Robbie. Juliana es una humilde campesina cuya madre esta padeciendo una enfermedad terminal, motivo por el cuál le pide que cumpla su último deseo: devolver todo el dinero que el Venado Negro le enviaba para sobrevivir.

Es así que, aunque con bastante reticencia, ella emprende el camino hacia el castillo del infierno jajaja.

Robbie es el único hijo varón del Venado Negro y como tal, sabe que en algún momento tendrá que volver a su hogar. De modo que, después de 10 largos años decide regresar, sobretodo cuando tiene una promesa que cumplir: casarse con lady Euphemia de un clan rival -a la que por cierto no conoce-..

El destino juega sus cartas y ambos terminan cruzándose de camino al castillo, cuando Juliana por rescatar a una oveja termina siendo golpeada por ésta en la frente, causando su pérdida de memoria. Y allí entra Robbie en escena, rescatándola.

Al instante en que él la ve, queda flechado -en realidad, el hombre se prende fuego y se carboniza jajaajja-. Robbie trata de resistirse a la tentadora joven pero termina llevándola consigo a su hogar.

*A todo esto, creo que es relevante que diga que Juliana odia profundamente al clan McKenzie, pero dado su pérdida de memoria, ese hecho queda enterrado en lo profundo de su mente.

Una vez que llegan al castillo, se arma "el desastre" porque él tiene todavía el compromiso con lady Euphemia y además, tiene que enfrentar la negativa de su padre a romper tal promesa.

Así que mientras ella trata poco a poco de recuperar su memoria y él de remover los obstáculos que los separan, nace el deseo y la pasión que ni la más grande tormenta podrá apagar.

A que no suena bonita la historia hasta el momento???? Bien, me duele decirles que la novela presenta varios defectos:

- Al principio no entendía cuál era el gran problema, la rivalidad entre ambas familias y así seguí hasta el final del libro.

- Se nos presenta a lady Euphemia como la prometida insoportable y malvada, que está determinada a arruinarle la vida al protagonista. Ella tiene "el gran plan maestro" en marcha y yo esperaba verlo un poco en acción, pero no, lo gracioso es que si aparece 3 veces en todo el libro es mucho y además, todo el supuesto plan se desmantela en lo que un suspiro y ni siquiera volvemos a saber más de ella. Me pareció un personaje que estaba al dope.

- Nunca terminé de comprender la actitud de Duncan -el venado negro-. Primero no quería saber nada y luego estaba todo familiero. WTF?!

-Crítica concreta: se perdió mucho el tiempo en otras cosas que para mí no eran importantes, en lugar de profundizar más en otras cosas. Me dió la sensación de que la autora quería alargar la historia a toda costa, lo que logró que la lectura se volviera un poco tediosa.

-Demasiada espera! Sólo una escena entre los protagonistas, bastante corta y a lo último de todo T.T

-Simple comentario: Robbie se la pasaba excitado jajajajaj El hombre sí que era todo un potrillo XD

A pesar de todo, fue una bonita historia -aunque no me deslumbró-. Ciertamente no es una de mis favoritas pero puede que le de una oportunidad a otro libro de esta autora ya que a veces, puede no gustarnos una historia pero quizás otra si. Eso lo iré viendo.....

[Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Robbie was first introduced as a small child in Devil in a Kilt. In fact, his existence and Duncan Mackenzie's desire to prove that he was indeed his child is how he became wed to Linnet. Moving on...

No longer a small child, Robbie has been gone from home for 10 years now. He is expected to return to marry Euphemia Macleod whom he has been promised to since childhood. Though he does not know her, he has no desire to marry her. When he lays eyes on the beautiful lass about to drown, he knows then that it will be hard to honor his word... Though her gift has not been strong these past years, Linnet (who is miles away!) senses that this bonny fiery hair maid is to be Robbie's wife.

Juliane Mackay suddenly awakens in the arms of a charming stranger, none other than Sir Robbie MacKenzie. Something is wrong, why she can't even remember her own name! She does not know of her destination or the circumstances of how she came to meet this handsome stranger. Although she is unable to recall her past, she has a feeling that her journey was of great importance, but what could it be? Slowly she starts to piece her memory back together only to find that perhaps it would have been best to forget...

Lady Euphemia is fighting mad that Robbie has ruined her life. Plain in looks with no womanly curves her anger in increased by her soon to be husbands late arrival. Already she hates Eilean Creag castle, why she can barely breath with all of the smells swarming around the castle. Hence the reason she was put into Robbie's old chamber (from book 1 which we learn is tiny). She hates Robbie, but why? She has never met the poor man. She constantly complains and has more a wild side that I believe is best read by you :-)

Robbie has but to do one thing, find a reason not to marry Euphemia. He is willing to do what it takes. He has taken his concerns to his father who won't hear of it. Now, he must take matters into his own hands. There MUST be a way to convince her not to wed him. Little does he know, luck is on his side.

With love strong in the air there shouldn't be anything to keep them apart. Sigh, There is one other threat. Perhaps Juliana's journey held important information that could make or break her relationship with Robbie. Oh, only if she could remember!

This was a good story but not better than the prior novels. More romance than anything. There was not much danger. Not the type of danger/betrayal that are usually hr subplots. At first, the lack of action bothered me. Then I really started to adore Robbie and Juliana. I do wish that Robbie would have had more of a battle reputation. A nice read!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story back when it originally came out and loved it then....love it more today! Sue-Ellen has taken this story and done a total re-write and it's better than ever. While the plot is still the same there are some changes that add to the characters and just, over all, make this story a better read.

Robert is coming home after being gone some years basically working through some issues, and finding himself, to stumble upon a fiery lass who is wet to the bone from saving an ewe from drowning and in the process, has been knocked in the head and cannot remember who she is or where she's heading. She only knows deep to her soul that it's of importance and she must see it through. In reality, she's headed to Robert's home in Kintail to deliver something to it's laird, Duncan MacKenzie, and it has really stuck in her craw to have to do this for she hates this man. The only reason she has agreed is it was her mother's dying wish for her to make this journey. Here's where the story starts and gives us some banter that seriously left huge smiles on my face, some hot as all get out chemistry, a bit of mystery, a villain who can really make a person dislike their very existence, and a love that will move mountains. I was left in tears during two parts of this story.... one involving Robert and Mariana and another involving a ghost who's doings left this reader heart weeping for things past and things to come. I also loved seeing much loved characters from other books in this series... Marmaduke in particular, my scarred hero who always leaves me in fits of giggles.

If you've read Welfonder's DEVIL IN A KILT, this is Robbie's story. If you've read the previous version of ONLY FOR A KNIGHT, you will find one of the changes is the name of the heroine. It fit with this version and I did not think of the other while reading this one. She explains some of the changes and characters/places in the Author's Notes in this version and I'm here to say that this version was just an over all better read for these changes. My final thought here.... you really should pick up this story and lose yourself in a mighty fine Scottish romance!

[Jane Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK but not great. Toward the end two major dilemmas were resolved too quickly and easily.

I felt the author was in a hurry to finish the book and didn't want to take the time to show interactions with others, twists and turns, etc . In one case a 3rd party comes up and asks for something which solves a problem. In another case, someone touches a jar and has a vision which solves a problem. Other than that, it was an ok book, some interesting ideas, but not great.

[Liska De Freitas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le pongo 3.5 porque a pesar de que me encanta Robbie y todos los McKenzie y Julianna tambien siento que se desperdiciaron paginas en tonterias que le quitaron interes al libro.
No entendí como todo se resolvió de una manera tan rapida, cuando todo daba a entender que iba a ser dificil que la pareja protagonista del libro quedaran juntos. De verdad esperaba más de este libro. Sin embargo eso no quita que quiera seguir disfrutando de esta saga.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book very much, it was a bit slow here and there but all in all it was a great story. I am excited to read more of this clan and see where the next story will take me. I do have to say I am glad she keeps her characters in each book. I hate series that leave people out and you wondering where they are and how they are doing.

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in Sue-Ellen Welfonder's MacKenzie series. I'm a great fan of Scotland/Highlander themed books so naturally had to check ths out. It was just okay for me. It had a few moments but not enough.

[LInda L · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Scottish love story, with plenty of knights, mystery, sex, and general good times. If you like books about Scotland, you'll definitely love this one.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually pick up romance novels, but I was stuck one day at lunch with nothing to read and this was on the table to share. Good story, would definitely look at her other novels.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

it moves just a little slow for me

[Lenita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice romance with alot of action from the days of the scottish clans. A very enjoyable read. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good