For My Lady's Heart

Medieval Hearts, Book 1

By: Laura Kinsale

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Romance, 2014

Pursued by her enemies, flattered and courted for her lands, a powerful, devious princess is desperate to reach refuge. Haunted by the shadow of the young assassin set upon her, Princess Melanthe knows that an ice cold countenance is her only protection. To succumb to love is the greatest danger of all. She can trust only one man amid the lies, the mysterious Green Knight - a true knight who never wavers once he gives his heart; a man who cannot comprehend deceit. But as an impossible love grows between them, betrayal becomes their only future.

In a mesmerizing performance, Nicholas Boulton brings Laura Kinsale's classic medieval romance to vivid life, creating a colorful world and a unique listening experience that is both true to the times and easy to understand.

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Tis a Lovely Book

I hadn't read this since it came out in paperback many years ago. I absolutely loved it then. I wondered if now after many years and changes in taste (I very rarely listen/read the romance genre anymore), if I would still like it. And I loved it still. It's a unique, well researched, well written, and perfectly narrated book.

Refreshingly Different

Laura Kinsale has become one of my favorite authors so when this book became available on Audible I couldn’t wait to listen.

“For My Lady’s Heart” is a unique and intelligent book that's meticulously written with vivid depth and strong characters. Because the story is written in the “Middle English style” it took me a while to get into the rhythm of that style. As a result, this was a bit distracting (in the beginning) because I lost some connection with the characters and the story. That being said, I recovered and began to appreciate the fact that this book did not follow the usual romance novel blueprint but delivered a refreshing, complex and fascinating story. The hero, Ruck, is a strong, devoted, loyal and moral man and the heroine, Melanthe, is a beautiful, deceitful, nasty, and cold woman. Together they make the most unusual and unforgettable pair.

Really love the narration of Nicholas Boulton. He did a wonderful job with this book.

I know there will be some that will find this book “too unusual” but if you are looking for something diverse with substance I think you will enjoy it. 😸

Very hard to follow initially, MUCH better ending!

Let me first say that I LOVE L Kinsale and constantly check to see if there are new books out by her on Audible especially since I absolutely ADORE Nicholas Boulton. This one, however, is very difficult to follow for the first hour or two but after that it gets much better to follow. I recommend this book as I have the previous ones. Just don’t get discouraged at the beginning.

Medieval Magnificence

The rave reviews have it right. This is a terrific book, and unique.

It’s a romance, yes, but…

It’s historical fiction, yes, but…

A lot of listeners who normally don’t enjoy romance or history might enjoy this extremely well written blend of psychological tension, mystery, love (and yes, some sex), adventure, and flat-out fascinating characters.

I admit the opening few chapters are *so* unique as to be, well, a little strange. But they are rooted in a very real Europe of the fourteenth century (I'd say the main story takes place in 1376-77, based on the historical events and characters that make appearances). Ravaged by the plague--the “black death” that has wiped out almost a third of Europe’s population--the frightened people have turned to mysticism and to a Church riddled with hypocrisy, greed, and cruelty. Meanwhile the powerful families of England, France, and Italy are fighting--what else is new?--for control of one another's lands. The history is basically sound, even though some scenes seem almost paranormal.

Listen to this book and get to know Ruck the Green Knight, a man of mystery blessed with and burdened by a sense of honor perhaps too easily misplaced; and Princess Melanthe, desperate survivor of the viper’s nest that was politics among the noble families of medieval Italy; and Allegreto, assassin and victim of tortuous family ties.

Listen to this book and enjoy Laura Kinsale’s writing. As another reviewer pointed out, she never over-writes, over-explains, or over-describes. We discover the characters and their story gradually, through their own words and actions. And their words are distinctive and poetic, transporting you to a different world--which leads directly another reason to listen: Nicholas Boulton’s performance. The reviewers are right, he is, quite simply, great.

Exquisite!

Impeccable writing, breathless pacing and flawless narration made this book a complete win for me. I was almost sad when it ended and I am quite sure that I will be moving on to other books by this same author. Just amazing!

Off the beaten path .. dramatic love story

I almost can't call this a romance - because it is more of a dramatic novel. There is romance....but it is not the cookie cutter - lots of sex - a fluffy, easy listen. This is a book for someone who is searching for a deep, meaningful story that takes you somewhere new.

Kinsale is a wonderful writer. She writes in depth...paints pictures with her words. She isn't afraid to do something different.

This book in particular is written in Middle English - I LOVED this aspect. But I know not everyone will. This is not my favorite of Kinsale's books - but I am excited to move on to the next book Shadowheart.

I recommend this book - but why only 3 stars...well because I am scoring it in comparison to the first 2 books of hers I listened to ...The Prince of Midnight and Flowers from the Storm - both of which were some of the best words written to page IMO!

Side note: I LOVE how each of her books has a "Mascot Animal" - just so happens this book had my least favorite Mascot Animal - but I have ADORED every other animal in the other books!

The only Laura Kinsale book I couldn’t really get into

Don’t get me wrong, a mediocre Laura Kinsale book is still way better than most other authors in this genre but this book was too long and the heroine only somewhat interesting. Nicholas Boulton is amazing as always.

slow

Would you recommend For My Lady's Heart to your friends? Why or why not?

no, just did not hold my interest. Kept listening but finally gave up and moved on to another book.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

performance was mediocre, did not capture my interest.

Do you think For My Lady's Heart needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Do not know since I did not finish this one.

So very amazing!!

Wow!! Took me a bit to get into, to get use to language, but the story is so good, writing superb! Narration great, full of drama and suspense! After the first few chapters couldn't put it down until the end and went right on to the next book! Loved both Rudrick( never giving up!) and his princess
Thank you

Romantic! Romantic!

Would you listen to For My Lady's Heart again? Why?

yes

It grips the heart of romantics.

What was one of the most memorable moments of For My Lady's Heart?

The last to chapters.
Listen to them at least twice. Listen for how the Ruck and Malanthe find their places and roles.

What about Nicholas Boulton’s performance did you like?

Everything!