What do you think?
Rate this book
Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight
Experience the drama unfolding in this medieval forbidden romance set around the wild Cornish coast
Caught between duty…
And forbidden desire!
Lady Elowen is traveling to her loveless arranged betrothal when she’s rescued from a storm by Lord Simon Trebarr—the enigmatic knight whose family has long been enemies of her own. She should hate him, yet an unwanted attraction has always simmered whenever he’s near… Within the walls of Simon’s Cornish castle, can Elowen resist experiencing passion before condemning herself to a life without it…even if it’s with the man who should be her enemy?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Caught between duty…
And forbidden desire!
Lady Elowen is traveling to her loveless arranged betrothal when she’s rescued from a storm by Lord Simon Trebarr—the enigmatic knight whose family has long been enemies of her own. She should hate him, yet an unwanted attraction has always simmered whenever he’s near… Within the walls of Simon’s Cornish castle, can Elowen resist experiencing passion before condemning herself to a life without it…even if it’s with the man who should be her enemy?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
6 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Oliver
19 books30 followersMelissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, grand palaces and all things historical.
Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight.
When she's not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.
Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight.
When she's not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 5, 2024
Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is an exciting and romantic story with layered characters, a vivid setting, action and intrigue, and a delicious forbidden romance. I always get so excited when a new historical romance by Melissa Oliver is released because I know I’m about to be pulled into an exciting and romantic love story. I was definitely not disappointed! This book gripped me from the start, and I ended up reading the whole thing in one day.
The story takes place on the wild Cornish coast, which is a wonderful backdrop to the story. With vivid descriptions and strong imagery, it’s so easy to picture the setting in all its breathtaking beauty. The characters are vividly developed, too, especially Lady Elowen and Lord Simon Trebarr. The story also has some Romeo and Juliet vibes complete with long-time feuding families, tons of pining and angst, and a delicious forbidden romance. However, that’s where the similarities end.
Though they’ve always been drawn to each other, Elowen and Simon know they can never be together, and neither has ever acknowledged or acted on their feelings. The animosity between their families, as well as a tragedy in their past, keep them at a distance. However, when Elowen is betrothed to another and is helped by Simon while making a treacherous journey to her future husband, their lives are irrevocably changed as they face the desire between them and everything that stands in their way.
Elowen and Simon have an incredible amount of chemistry, and I adored their enemies to lovers, forbidden romance. They’re both such fantastic characters with compelling stories, and you could practically feel the depth of their feelings and the electricity between them pinging off the page. I may have fallen a little in love with Simon. He’s such a dream, and I’ve officially added him to my list of favorite book boyfriends.
With enemy families, Simon’s new role as clan leader, distrust, Elowen’s betrothal, a possible wife for Simon, guilt and grief, a horrible father, and much more standing in their way, Elowen and Simon face difficult challenges, and I was curious to see how they could conquer them all when there were so many. Through it all, though, are deep and long-standing feelings for each other that both have hidden for years. It’s so romantic and lovely, and I may have swooned a time or two.
Special thanks to Melissa Oliver for providing m e with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
The story takes place on the wild Cornish coast, which is a wonderful backdrop to the story. With vivid descriptions and strong imagery, it’s so easy to picture the setting in all its breathtaking beauty. The characters are vividly developed, too, especially Lady Elowen and Lord Simon Trebarr. The story also has some Romeo and Juliet vibes complete with long-time feuding families, tons of pining and angst, and a delicious forbidden romance. However, that’s where the similarities end.
Though they’ve always been drawn to each other, Elowen and Simon know they can never be together, and neither has ever acknowledged or acted on their feelings. The animosity between their families, as well as a tragedy in their past, keep them at a distance. However, when Elowen is betrothed to another and is helped by Simon while making a treacherous journey to her future husband, their lives are irrevocably changed as they face the desire between them and everything that stands in their way.
Elowen and Simon have an incredible amount of chemistry, and I adored their enemies to lovers, forbidden romance. They’re both such fantastic characters with compelling stories, and you could practically feel the depth of their feelings and the electricity between them pinging off the page. I may have fallen a little in love with Simon. He’s such a dream, and I’ve officially added him to my list of favorite book boyfriends.
With enemy families, Simon’s new role as clan leader, distrust, Elowen’s betrothal, a possible wife for Simon, guilt and grief, a horrible father, and much more standing in their way, Elowen and Simon face difficult challenges, and I was curious to see how they could conquer them all when there were so many. Through it all, though, are deep and long-standing feelings for each other that both have hidden for years. It’s so romantic and lovely, and I may have swooned a time or two.
Special thanks to Melissa Oliver for providing m e with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
dnf
September 3, 2024DNF at p65 (beginning of ch 4)
I usually don’t mind instalust but something about this instalust wasn’t landing for me.
9/3/24
I usually don’t mind instalust but something about this instalust wasn’t landing for me.
9/3/24
June 19, 2024
Loving some enemies to lovers yearning
5 stars
I’ve always enjoyed a Melissa Oliver Mills & Boon Historical story and was keen to see where she would take us and what adventures she take us on with her newest book. The answer to the first question is the wilds of the Cornish coast and the answer to the second is a delicious tale of love conquering convention, legacy and expectations.
We start off with a prologue that both explains and shows not just the relationship between our eventual couple, Simon and Elowen, but why they specifically might be at odds. As neighbours, their families have been enemies for as long as both can remember - but that doesn’t stop the pull that each feels towards the other.
Before Simon rescues Elowen from the storm, the pair do encounter each other - and each time gave me that lovely swooping feeling in my tummy. The long stares, the yearning, the wanting - gah - it was an absolute delight. Part of me wanted them to stay in a permanent state of longing but of course I also wanted them to get together. That’s why I’m here, after all.
With Lady Elowen stuck in close quarters with Simon during the storms, their dynamic changes and they start to get to know each other to go alongside that sizzling chemistry. It was lovely to see our pair divulging secrets and finding common ground - it really cemented their relationship. And the chemistry never goes away and we get some nicely hot scenes between our pair as their relationship progresses.
Both Simon and Elowen were likeable, relatable characters who were easy to root for. Simon seemed more jovial of the two but that’s not to say Elowen was dour. She was just a woman of her time (Medieval, 1347) and knew that she was essentially beholden to the whims of the men in her life. This is the reason that I cut her some slack when I (and Simon) wanted her to just follow her heart and choose her own future. She wasn’t daft was our Elowen. But fear not, it all worked out in the end, thankfully!
As always, Ms Oliver paints a picture with her words and transports you into the time period that her books are set; I loved living in medieval Cornwall for the duration of this story. This book was a delight from start to finish and I really felt the highs and the lows, the joy and the tears of Elowen, Simon and their love story. Definitely 5 stars and recommended.
June 25, 2024
I love a good old forbidden romance. The stakes are just so high, and I love that feeling of being on the edge of my seat because I know shit is going to hit the fan and tear the two main characters apart. Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is an easy and addictive medieval romance. It’s one of those books that you start, and before you know it, the book is done. I love Melissa’s writing, she is a fabulous storyteller and knows how to weave together all the elements that make a good romance, which means when you read this book, you are going to be feeling so many glorious feelings. This was a great book to sink into.
Stranded with her Forbidden Knight starts off with a tragic and emotional hook. Elowen and Simon’s paths cross, and it’s clear that sparks are flying between them. The only problem is they are sworn enemies whose families are fighting over land that they both claim belongs to them. But tragedy strikes when Elowen’s twin brother dies after he catches them together. All of this happens over the first few pages, and all I can think about is how Melissa is going to bring these two together in a way that makes sense. So, of course, I had to spend my afternoon finding out what would happen next.
I loved the journey that Elowen and Simon went on in this book. There is tension between these two (obliviously), but there is also an attraction that gets harder and harder to ignore. I loved how even though these two were enemies and had little interaction with one another until now, they both could see the person underneath that mask they wore around others. They understood each other like no one else had before. That connection only gets stronger with the more time they spend together. The two main hurdles they have to face are the feud between their families and that Elowen is promised to someone else. The dialogue between these two was fabulous. It was sharp and witty, but there were those more tender, softer moments that had me melting. There isn’t a whole heck of a lot of action in this book, but there are moments when you cannot help but hold your breath because that tension is so strong you know a war could break out between these families at any moment.
Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is a love story bursting with emotion and drama, and it is something I will read again and again.
Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
Stranded with her Forbidden Knight starts off with a tragic and emotional hook. Elowen and Simon’s paths cross, and it’s clear that sparks are flying between them. The only problem is they are sworn enemies whose families are fighting over land that they both claim belongs to them. But tragedy strikes when Elowen’s twin brother dies after he catches them together. All of this happens over the first few pages, and all I can think about is how Melissa is going to bring these two together in a way that makes sense. So, of course, I had to spend my afternoon finding out what would happen next.
I loved the journey that Elowen and Simon went on in this book. There is tension between these two (obliviously), but there is also an attraction that gets harder and harder to ignore. I loved how even though these two were enemies and had little interaction with one another until now, they both could see the person underneath that mask they wore around others. They understood each other like no one else had before. That connection only gets stronger with the more time they spend together. The two main hurdles they have to face are the feud between their families and that Elowen is promised to someone else. The dialogue between these two was fabulous. It was sharp and witty, but there were those more tender, softer moments that had me melting. There isn’t a whole heck of a lot of action in this book, but there are moments when you cannot help but hold your breath because that tension is so strong you know a war could break out between these families at any moment.
Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is a love story bursting with emotion and drama, and it is something I will read again and again.
Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
July 28, 2024
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Award-winning author Melissa Oliver writes superb Medieval romances rich in atmosphere, intensity and emotion and her latest novel, Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight, is a sweeping and seductive tale that will hold readers spellbound from start to finish.
Lady Elowen is on the way to her arranged betrothal – and hating every second of it. Forced to wed somebody she does not love, all Elowen has to look forward to is a lifetime spent locked in a loveless marriage. Finding herself caught up in a storm, Elowen is rescued at the eleventh hour by a brooding knight whose family has long been enemies of her own, Lord Simon Trebarr. Elowen is fully aware that she should loathe and despise her family’s adversary – even though she has secretly always been drawn to enigmatic Simon. Yet, she has always known that she can never act upon her attraction towards him – until a storm forces them together and escaping from her feelings for him proves to be easier said than done…
In Simon’s Cornish castle, there is simply no running away from the depth of her attraction towards him. Elowen knows that she must remain steadfast and strong and remember that Simon is her family’s enemy. Yet, with fate having brought her into such close and unexpected proximity with the handsome knight, it soon becomes apparent that succumbing to temptation will prove inevitable.
With her impending marriage to a man she does not love looming, will Elowen give in to this illicit desire with the man she was sworn to hate? Or will finally acting upon this forbidden attraction make her realise that the only man she wants to marry is Lord Simon Trebarr.
Melissa Oliver’s splendid Medieval romances are beautifully written, wonderfully evocative and so enthralling that readers cannot fail but be captivated by them and Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is certainly no exception. An enemies-to-lovers romance full of emotion, pathos and sensuality, Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is a poignant and powerful Medieval tale from a writer who never fails to impress – Melissa Oliver.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Award-winning author Melissa Oliver writes superb Medieval romances rich in atmosphere, intensity and emotion and her latest novel, Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight, is a sweeping and seductive tale that will hold readers spellbound from start to finish.
Lady Elowen is on the way to her arranged betrothal – and hating every second of it. Forced to wed somebody she does not love, all Elowen has to look forward to is a lifetime spent locked in a loveless marriage. Finding herself caught up in a storm, Elowen is rescued at the eleventh hour by a brooding knight whose family has long been enemies of her own, Lord Simon Trebarr. Elowen is fully aware that she should loathe and despise her family’s adversary – even though she has secretly always been drawn to enigmatic Simon. Yet, she has always known that she can never act upon her attraction towards him – until a storm forces them together and escaping from her feelings for him proves to be easier said than done…
In Simon’s Cornish castle, there is simply no running away from the depth of her attraction towards him. Elowen knows that she must remain steadfast and strong and remember that Simon is her family’s enemy. Yet, with fate having brought her into such close and unexpected proximity with the handsome knight, it soon becomes apparent that succumbing to temptation will prove inevitable.
With her impending marriage to a man she does not love looming, will Elowen give in to this illicit desire with the man she was sworn to hate? Or will finally acting upon this forbidden attraction make her realise that the only man she wants to marry is Lord Simon Trebarr.
Melissa Oliver’s splendid Medieval romances are beautifully written, wonderfully evocative and so enthralling that readers cannot fail but be captivated by them and Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is certainly no exception. An enemies-to-lovers romance full of emotion, pathos and sensuality, Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight is a poignant and powerful Medieval tale from a writer who never fails to impress – Melissa Oliver.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 25, 2024
Years ago, Lady Elowen Bawden and Lord Simon Trebarr shared a moment that ended in tragedy and changed their lives forever, a moment that should have killed any attraction, but didn’t…
Now five years later, Elowen Bawden is widowed and has returned to her father’s house, only to learn that her father is planning to marry her off again. And Simon has inherited his family’s estates after the unexpected death of his brother. They see each other again for the first time in five years when Simon approaches Elowen’s father in hopes of forging peace between the families, and it is clear that the attraction they shared is as strong as ever and just as impossible. But fate has plans for these two and their journey to HEA is going to be a wild ride, but one that proves true love conquers all!
This book was exactly what I have come to expect from Melissa Oliver, great writing, and a wonderful story filled with relatable characters. Elowen and Simon are an amazing couple, they each have had their own demons to battle and despite the joint tragedies they share, they aren’t bent on revenge, and they don’t blame the other for circumstances beyond their control – how refreshing! But that doesn’t mean that their story is without heartache, loss and guilt, they are plagued with these things just like most romantic couples, they just handle it better! This story has death, self-esteem issues, duty, honor, familial obligations, unwanted betrothals, steamyish love scenes, loss, heartbreak, friendships, and finally a very hard-won HEA. I really loved this story and would happily recommend it to historical romance lovers, especially medieval fans!
4.5 stars rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Now five years later, Elowen Bawden is widowed and has returned to her father’s house, only to learn that her father is planning to marry her off again. And Simon has inherited his family’s estates after the unexpected death of his brother. They see each other again for the first time in five years when Simon approaches Elowen’s father in hopes of forging peace between the families, and it is clear that the attraction they shared is as strong as ever and just as impossible. But fate has plans for these two and their journey to HEA is going to be a wild ride, but one that proves true love conquers all!
This book was exactly what I have come to expect from Melissa Oliver, great writing, and a wonderful story filled with relatable characters. Elowen and Simon are an amazing couple, they each have had their own demons to battle and despite the joint tragedies they share, they aren’t bent on revenge, and they don’t blame the other for circumstances beyond their control – how refreshing! But that doesn’t mean that their story is without heartache, loss and guilt, they are plagued with these things just like most romantic couples, they just handle it better! This story has death, self-esteem issues, duty, honor, familial obligations, unwanted betrothals, steamyish love scenes, loss, heartbreak, friendships, and finally a very hard-won HEA. I really loved this story and would happily recommend it to historical romance lovers, especially medieval fans!
4.5 stars rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
June 18, 2024
Would you like to be stranded with the kindest of knights in this Medieval romance set in Cornwall?
In this forbidden love, not only has some tragedy brought despair to Elowen and Simon, but also determined their future. Elowen is no longer a vivacious lady after what had happened to her brother. That is what Simon thinks when he meets Elowen on the day her father announces her next betrothal. As a new lord, Simone must make peace between Elowen’s family and his, yet the long feud between these two families just creates another tension and conflict. What I couldn’t bear was the way her family treats her. It’s so painful to see that she has no choice over her own life.
When Simone rescues Elowen on her perilous journey, I felt really glad because, despite their family feud, he is gentle, kind and caring. The spark of their attraction is as powerful as when they were young. With the unclear choices and future, with the powerful passion that they can’t deny, I was entirely taken into their tumultuous journey, feeling every moment of their struggle and longing.
The story is admirably soul-stirring. While being taken into it, I was also entertained by the vivid and evocative setting of Cornwall. Through the turn of events, I was absolutely happy that the ending worked out for Elowen and Simon.
In this forbidden love, not only has some tragedy brought despair to Elowen and Simon, but also determined their future. Elowen is no longer a vivacious lady after what had happened to her brother. That is what Simon thinks when he meets Elowen on the day her father announces her next betrothal. As a new lord, Simone must make peace between Elowen’s family and his, yet the long feud between these two families just creates another tension and conflict. What I couldn’t bear was the way her family treats her. It’s so painful to see that she has no choice over her own life.
When Simone rescues Elowen on her perilous journey, I felt really glad because, despite their family feud, he is gentle, kind and caring. The spark of their attraction is as powerful as when they were young. With the unclear choices and future, with the powerful passion that they can’t deny, I was entirely taken into their tumultuous journey, feeling every moment of their struggle and longing.
The story is admirably soul-stirring. While being taken into it, I was also entertained by the vivid and evocative setting of Cornwall. Through the turn of events, I was absolutely happy that the ending worked out for Elowen and Simon.
June 22, 2024
Bad weather and a long-standing secret attraction
A Cornish Romeo and Juliet, our heroine was one of twins but lost her brother to an accident on the cliffs that led to both the hero and the heroine being blamed and their respective families growing even further apart. Some years later the heroine, while is still trying to recompense her father for being involved in the loss of his heir, is rescued from the raging elements as she travels to marry again at her father's behest. The hero is everything her father is not, and Simon, now Lord Trebarr, has always fascinated Lady Elowen. Similarly, Lord Trebarr is unable to hide his preoccupation with Lady Elowen. But the marriage documents to the disinterested Sir Richard have been signed.... Five stars. With themes of loss and obligation, as well as forbidden attraction and forced proximity, it is a very good put your feet up and read sort of book.
A Cornish Romeo and Juliet, our heroine was one of twins but lost her brother to an accident on the cliffs that led to both the hero and the heroine being blamed and their respective families growing even further apart. Some years later the heroine, while is still trying to recompense her father for being involved in the loss of his heir, is rescued from the raging elements as she travels to marry again at her father's behest. The hero is everything her father is not, and Simon, now Lord Trebarr, has always fascinated Lady Elowen. Similarly, Lord Trebarr is unable to hide his preoccupation with Lady Elowen. But the marriage documents to the disinterested Sir Richard have been signed.... Five stars. With themes of loss and obligation, as well as forbidden attraction and forced proximity, it is a very good put your feet up and read sort of book.
June 26, 2024
I'm never disappointed with a book by Melissa Oliver, she writes one of the best Medieval romance, her knights are upstanding and respectable, her ladies are fiery and spirited, and her plots are intriguing and fascinating.
Stranded With Her Forbidden Knight is set near the coast of the West Cornwall, where there are two families that despise each other. The Bawden and the Trebarr do not intend to bury the hatchet, not even when Lady Elowen Bawden is rescued by Simon Trebarr during a storm, and she is kept safe at the Trebarr's castle.
I loved both Elowen and Simon. They are great characters, they are strong and passionate, their growth is slow but so real. Their attraction and feelings are clear to everyone, so I adored when they finally put aside the appearances, and the old enmity, beginning to be more sincere with themselves and with each other. They get free from their surnames and they can live their lives for themselves.
I really enjoyed this novel, so I suggest you to get it as soon as possible.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
June 30, 2024
Historical fiction is my comfort read genre and this book gave me all the feels. Elowen's sense of duty but being constantly drawn to her family enemy Simon gave Romeo and Juliet vibes bit set in Cornwall. I loved this book and the way in which Simon and Elowen kept finding their way to support each other and that tension was delicious. I cant wait to see what comes next from Melissa Oliver.
September 7, 2024
Filled with run-on or awkwardly worded sentences, and words used incorrectly. The prologue was so ridiculous that it pretty much killed any interest I had in the story. Otherwise, I might have been able to overlook the awkward writing as I have for other Melissa Oliver books, but sadly this one just couldn't hold my attention enough to forgive the obvious lack of editing. DNF at 40 pages.
April 8, 2025
Feuding Families in Cornwall
Ms. Oliver transports the reader to 14th century Cornwall to introduce us to families feuding over land boundaries. A tragic accident kills the only male heir of one of the families, setting up dramatic events five years later.
After being widowed, Elowen Bawden is ignored by her father. He arranges a second marriage for her and sends her off to the groom with an ill-fitted escort and an approaching storm.
Simon Trebarr has become Lord after the deaths of his father and older brother. Emotions go from a simmer to a sizzle between Simon and Elowen during a bout of stormy weather. A read that’s difficult to put down.
Ms. Oliver transports the reader to 14th century Cornwall to introduce us to families feuding over land boundaries. A tragic accident kills the only male heir of one of the families, setting up dramatic events five years later.
After being widowed, Elowen Bawden is ignored by her father. He arranges a second marriage for her and sends her off to the groom with an ill-fitted escort and an approaching storm.
Simon Trebarr has become Lord after the deaths of his father and older brother. Emotions go from a simmer to a sizzle between Simon and Elowen during a bout of stormy weather. A read that’s difficult to put down.
September 6, 2024
This story of forbidden love is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet in that Simon and Elowen belong to feuding families. When Elowen’s brother dies during an incident with Simon, they both realise that they can never be together.
In a severe storm Simon rescues Elowen and has to take her back to his castle because the roads are impassable. Spending time together they find it impossible to resist one another. The chemistry between Elowen and Simon leaps from the page and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning.
The practicality that Elowen exhibits as a woman in medieval times with no freedom to choose how she spends her life, given that she is treated as a chattel by her father to be traded as a bride for financial gain, is devastating in its reality. From her first marriage, to her second scheduled marriage she is passed from one man to another as long as there is a benefit to her father. She has no choice and must be the obedient daughter, adhering to her father’s demands. This was the reality for many women in medieval times.
I felt transported to the wild medieval coastline of Cornwall in this novel, the bleak setting a perfect foil for the enthralling romance, which touches on feuds between families, filial duty, honour and the eternal battle between the head and the heart.
In a severe storm Simon rescues Elowen and has to take her back to his castle because the roads are impassable. Spending time together they find it impossible to resist one another. The chemistry between Elowen and Simon leaps from the page and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning.
The practicality that Elowen exhibits as a woman in medieval times with no freedom to choose how she spends her life, given that she is treated as a chattel by her father to be traded as a bride for financial gain, is devastating in its reality. From her first marriage, to her second scheduled marriage she is passed from one man to another as long as there is a benefit to her father. She has no choice and must be the obedient daughter, adhering to her father’s demands. This was the reality for many women in medieval times.
I felt transported to the wild medieval coastline of Cornwall in this novel, the bleak setting a perfect foil for the enthralling romance, which touches on feuds between families, filial duty, honour and the eternal battle between the head and the heart.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews