Romancing the Middle Ages

by Dana D’Angelo

Something about historical romances is just so…magical.

I love the Regency period. That time was leisurely and fun. But the era that I’m most drawn to is the middle ages. Here, danger lurks at every corner. And the dashing, sexy knight in shining armor comes charging across the plains to rescue a strong-willed damsel in distress.

For me, it’s not the political intrigue that interests me but the love and lives of extraordinary people. In my Knights of Honor Trilogy I try to capture the essence of this period. I’ve always imagined that life during this time was exciting, colorful, full of action and — let’s not forget the most important thing of all — romance. The knights back then adhered to a strict code of chivalry and courtly love. They would single out women and worship them from afar, writing long romantic poems and vowing to do brave acts in the name of love.

While doing research for my book, I came across a picture of a shield depicting a knight kneeling before his lady. On the shield was written: You or Death.

Now what warm-blooded woman can resist that kind of devotion?