Gisela Anne Balewyne is determined to build a new life for herself and her young son, Ewan. After surviving a drunken, violent attack from Ryle, her husband, Gisela flees to Clovebury with Ewan, where she begins working as a seamstress, saving her money so that she can afford to move farther away from Ryle's reach. But when Gisela realizes that she's being followed home one afternoon, she fears that Ryle has found her.

Four years after escaping an arranged marriage by joining King Richard's crusade, Dominic de Terre has returned, helping his friend and lord, Geoffrey de Lanceau, hunt down a criminal group that has stolen a shipment of precious silks. But while investigating in Clovebury, he spies Gisela, the commoner he loved against his wealthy parents' wishes, but was forced to leave when he went on crusade. Dominic's feelings for the beautiful Gisela have only grown stronger, but he's shocked to discover she has a three-and-a-half year old son but no husband, and that the carefree, happy woman he remembers has become a secretive, fearful recluse.

Gisela is torn when she recognizes Dominic. She has never stopped loving him, having only agreed to marry Ryle because she was pregnant with Dominic's child, but Ryle swore to destroy anyone Gisela loved if she ever dared to defy him, and she can't bear the thought of putting Dominic in harm's way. Her worries are only magnified when she learns about Dominic's investigation, because she is in possession of bolts of the stolen silk which are hidden in her shop; a commission from a wealthy French businessman who brought the fabric to her and insisted she work on the garments in secret. Gisela suspects the silk is part of the stolen shipment, and she wants to confide in Dominic, but she also desperately needs the money the Frenchman will provide.

When Dominic discovers the silk in Gisela's shop, he's stunned and furious to realize that she lied to him, especially after he learns that she also hid the truth about Ewan. But when the Frenchman shows up with Ryle in tow, and Dominic sees the monster that has filled Gisela with terror, he knows that Gisela and Ewan will need a knight on their side in order to slay the dragon that threatens them.

A KNIGHTS REWARD is a story with an interesting plot and a charming, honorable hero, but with a few flaws which are difficult to ignore. The pacing, particularly at the beginning and end, is very slow and the scenes are often repetitive. The characters are very likeable with the exception of Gisela, who is a tough character to understand since she continually makes assumptions which are against common sense. She trusts the villain to follow through on his promises, even after he openly threatens her, but she repeatedly doubts Dominic, who has never been anything but honest and loving toward her. It makes for an uneven reading experience, with moments of brilliance, usually when Dominic and Ewan make an appearance, but also periods of sluggishness. If you can forgive Gisela her foolishness, it's an entertaining read.