The King's Man

Welsh Blades, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Kingston

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

Laura Kinsale Presents…an intense and haunting historical romance by talented new author Elizabeth Kingston. The sword-wielding daughter of a Welsh rebel crosses weapons with King Edward's favorite killer.

Ranulf Ombrier is notorious throughout England for his skill at swordplay and murderous reputation. But after years of doing his king's bidding, he follows his conscience away from Edward, all the way to the wilds of Wales. Gwenllian of Ruardean, Welsh daughter of a powerful Marcher lord, has every reason to leave Ranulf for dead when one of her men nearly kills him. As a girl she was married by proxy to a man Ranulf murdered, only to become a widow before she ever met her groom. In the years since, she has shunned the life of a lady, instead studying warfare and combat at her mother's behest.

Saving her enemy's life comes with consequences, and Gwenllian and Ranulf are soon caught up in dangerous intrigue. Forced together, they discover a kinship of spirit and a surprising, intense desire. But even hard-won love cannot thrive when loyalties are divided and the winds of rebellion sweep the land.

©2015 Elizabeth Kingston (P)2015 Hedgehog, Inc.

Critic reviews

"I love this book because it's a great, angsty medieval, brought to life in the old school romance tradition. It's got a kick-ass heroine (who isn't a brat) and a dark, brooding hero with a past. It's read by Nicholas Boulton. And we get to hear how those lovely Welsh vowels really sound, in Nick's to-die-for voice. Like many of you, I've been anxious to hear him read fresh new works, and we're making it happen. Enjoy! And be sure to let us know what you think of Nick's performance of Kingston's unique characters in the reviews." (Laura Kinsale, author of Flowers from the Storm)

"In a deep, gravelly voice, narrator Nicholas Boulton performs this tale of sworn enemies in Wales in the 1280s…Boulton incorporates a dozen different accents--from lilting Welsh to lightly accented English--without missing a beat and brings breathless, action-filled sword fights to life. Amid complicated political wrangling for control of the Welsh and Marcher lands, King Edward marries Gwenllian to Ranulf, which brings about a stormy, passionate peace--and some steamy sex. Listeners will be captivated by this story of loyalty, honor, and love." ( AudioFile)

Amazing

Well written story and of course N Boulton hit it out the park. So...when's the next book coming out???!!

Delightful Charmer!

This wonderful story by Elizabeth Kingston is definitely reminiscent of Laura Kinsale's writing style. Of course, Nicholas Boulton also adds to the pleasure of this delightful charmer. It is my hope that the author continues this story and makes it a series.

This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys flawed characters, strong female heroine with an intriguing historical story, Gwenllian and Ranulf, the main characters, have a special bond that transcends any social or family controversies. It's truly an endearing journey of love and trust.

There are some that say this book was actually written by Laura Kinsale under another name. The issue here isn't who wrote this book but rather if this book is worth a credit no matter who wrote it. And I say Yes, it is most definitely worth a credit. ;-) and Elizabeth Kingston truly is the real deal in my book. 😊

Perfect Laura Kinsale and Nicholas Boulton fix.

I love this book. Beautifully written and Nicholas Boulton brings it and it's wonderful characters to life with his performance....Perfect.

Extraordinarily Tale!!

What a great story! Elizabeth Kingston is amazing. The narration by Nicholas Boulton really did this story justice. Not your normal damsel in distress tale, but a tale of hurt, love, trust, strength and redemption. I laughed and cried near the end. A must have if you love historical romance.

Bravo Miss Kingston!

If you love Kinsale books, you will embrace this new author whole heartily. The main characters were fantastically flawed and the chemistry between them was pure entertainment. Spending a credit on this book is a no brainer. If you're looking for a great historical romance novel, you found it.

Fantastic!

Nicholas Boulton is a wonderful narrator for this rich story. He does just enough of an accent to distinguish characters without being annoying. Elizabeth Kingston's novel has a great balance between kick ass heroine, medieval pageantry, uncertain yet strong hero, and believable motivations to be an excellent story. Can't wait for her next book.

Excellent book

Well written and read. Look forward to reading more books by this author. Nicholas boulton does a fantastic job

Medieval romance better than I expected!

Started slow, built up momentum then couldn't hear it fast enough. Characters with complex, faults and vulnerabilities. Liked it! Recommended.

What a great surprise

The PLOT though! Fast paced, super engaging, always moving on to the next thing...flawless. I get frustrated listening to authors repeat themselves ad nauseam (Kristen Ashley, I’m looking at you) but this book took off immediately and never stopped. Brava Ms. Kingston. I will now commence binging.

Hot Medieval Romance

Ranulf Ombrier’s dreams have him running for Wales in search of redemption. He built his life and reputation by killing in name of the king. Kills that gave him fame, fortune and the fear of those he meets. In his search for absolution, he is seriously injured and only by the grace of an angel is spared from death. Gwenllian of Ruardean had every right to let the king's man die. His injury had been unintentional, but he was a known killer. A killer whose first kill had widowed her before she ever met her groom. A killer whose fortune came at a high cost to her. But in spite of living as a warrior, she was also a healer and letting him die was not an option. When Ranulf and Gwenllian cross paths, the last thing they expect is to end up on the same side of political manipulations. But while their heritages are different, their unexpected attraction to each other keeps bringing them together and making their goals one. Until their bonds are tested and loyalties are questioned. A sensual historical romance full of intrigue, fights and love. And if read by Nicholas Boulton it is even better… #sassyheroine #historicalromance #hotbrogue #tagsgiving #sweepstakes