He was her bitterest enemy….
Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family—and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance….
And her dearest love
Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who’s stolen her fortune and her father’s legacy—the man she’s been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion.
©2011 Courtney Milan (P)2011 Audible, Inc.
"Excellent Historical Romance"
The story in this audiobook brings a breath of fresh air to the genre. What might appear at first glance to be a "been there done that" storyline for a historical romance (an upper-class woman who is unappreciated by her family but whose loyalty to them comes before her own happiness and a hero who is determined to have revenge upon that family but finds himself conflicted when he falls for the heroine) is turned into something unexpected by above average writing and atypical characterizations. Although I found the hero to be a bit idealized (he has surprisingly modern-seeming sensibilities) that was offset by the fact that he certainly had flaws and was a very well-developed character. The interactions between the protagonists was fun to read and the external forces at play in keeping them apart were unique.
The narration was above average and I was surprised (and vastly disappointed) to find only two other audiobooks narrated by Rebecca De Leeuw on Audible. Her character differentiation was excellent, her voice is very pleasant, and her ability to traverse the entire emotional spectrum in both male and female character voices without over-dramatizing was stellar.
bookworm
"COURTNEY, COURTNEY, COURTNEY - YOU DID IT AGAIN"
Excellent Victorian family saga of revenge vs. love with brilliant characters, a few twists to a great storyline and touching verbal interactions between the two lovers Ash and Margaret.
This is 'technically' book 1, followed by Unlocked - Margaret's friend Elaine's story, Unclaimed - Ash's brother Mark's story and Unraveled - Ash's brother Smite's story but they could each be a stand alone book.
Worth a credit? C.M.'s books never disappoint me so it's a big YUMMY YES.
"I loved it!"
I loved the story ! Coutney's style in writing is most artistic in describing the setting, environment, feelings and emotions. I really admire her writing style , an intriguing combination of elegance, sensuality, and humor.
The main hero character
It's first book for this narration. She was really good. She needs to work more on making the characters more alive. But not ad at all. She performed Ash Turner best
Interesting question !!!!!! Hmmmm ... It has to be the title !!! I love the titles of the who,e series
Audible addicted love mystery,lately stuck on love story. Mother of 1 Labrador and 1 perfect man. Work way too hard, and so ready to be retired
"Reviews are right"
I did so love this story and Ash's commitment and loyalty to Margarent Ann. Absolutely perfectly done away from the Norm, I would like to here a second book about the other too handsome brothers Mark and the other one who name fails me with his extremely cool self. I loved the ending and must admit I was in favor of Ash just giving up on Margarent.
Write another soon.
"Wow! What a winner! LOVED EVERYTHING about it!"
I have not read the print, but the narrator was OUTSTANDING...added so much to the experience. I was surprised to see other narrators used by Milan.
Margaret's realization that Ash deserved her loyalty.
Excellent characterisations, passion, emotion, thoughtful pauses and intonations.
Absolutely fantastic character development. I couldn't wait to listen!
"Wordy"
No.
It was OK, predictable.
Affected. Her voice was grating at times, trying too hard to portray a snobbish affectation. Voices of different characters sounded the same. She does have a clear, easy to understand narration.
No.
I was disappointed in this book, given the positive reviews. I liked it enough to finish it, and enjoyed parts of it. There were excruciatingly long passages of characters' thoughts, many times repeating the same thoughts/worries throughout the book. Ash was likeable, but way too good to be believable. Margaret had no backbone; the scenes with her father made me wonder why she bothered. The premise was a good one, plot was interesting, but characterizations, repetitions, and sleep-inducing internal monologues made this a 3 star read at best.
"Fine process of Unveiling on to her own"
Sweet and firm love.
Both Heroine and Hero, the support described by the Author that the Heroe gives the Heroine is a work of art.
As the Heroine belives in herself.
I did listen to it in one sitting, and cant wait for Unraveled and Unlocked.
ACX we are waiting for some more of Courtney Milan's books.
"Read this book do not listen to it."
I can't finish this book. The narrator is ruining a potentially good book. I cant say whether its good or not since I cant finish it yet. I will download on my kindle and read it. Sorry Rebecca De Leeuw, but you should not narrate books. I hate leaving this review and hope the author reads it and gets a new narrator. Try Moira Quirk or Ashford McNabb, they do a fantastic job narrating historical romance novels.
Retired RN High end of middle age or short end of old age! Adore Christian fiction, sci-fi fantasy, and mysteries.
"Offensive"
I found the language and content so obscene that I did not finish listening to the first chapter to even see if it had a plot. Nothing to listen to on an IHome, If books had ratings, this should be an X
Feast For Crows While Fire and Ice is earthy, the saga is fascinating to read, see, or hear.
The author created a world with credible personalities that brings this beyond a simple fantasy.
disgust
I would like books to have a rating from audiobooks to indicate if the book is appropriate to be listened to by anyone, of only with earphones and an Ipod.
Researcher, editor, writer, francophone, anglophile. Started listening to audiobooks to conciliate my love of knitting and novels.
"Well thoughtout storyline"
This one had an interesting story. It wasn't my favourite, but it was good. The story was well thought out. Hidden identity themed historical romance.