Royal Mistress

By: Anne Easter Smith

Narrated by: Heather Wilds

Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jane Lambert, the quick-witted and alluring daughter of a silk merchant, is twenty-two and still unmarried. When Jane’s father finally finds her a match, she’s married off to the dull, older silk merchant William Shore. Marriage doesn’t stop Jane from flirtation, however, and when the king’s chamberlain, Will Hastings, comes to her husband’s shop, Will knows King Edward will find her irresistible.

Edward IV has everything: Power, majestic bearing, superior military leadership, a sensual nature, and charisma. And with Jane as his mistress, he also finds true happiness. But when his hedonistic tendencies get in the way of being the strong leader England needs, his life, as well as those of Jane and Will Hastings, hangs in the balance. Jane must rely on her talents to survive as the new monarch, Richard III, bent on reforming his brother’s licentious court, ascends the throne.

This dramatic tale has been an inspiration to poets and playwrights for five hundred years, and, as told through the unique perspective of a woman plucked from obscurity and thrust into a life of notoriety, Royal Mistress is sure to enthrall today’s historical fiction lovers as well.

©2013 Anne Easter Smith (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

All history, no romance!

I was really looking forward to a bit of a change from Regency, but this novel, though well read, had so much trivia about who married who, why and when and which uncles great nephews cousin....blah, blah, blah. Yawn!

Intriguing story but mediocre narration

I love Easter Smith. I've read all of her books. She has a way of drawing in all of my emotions, causing me to hope for a different outcome, even when I know the actual historical account. This is why I was so disappointed with the choice of narrator. Wilds has ruined for me every book that she’s performed. Her style is stilted and gives the impression that all of the other characters are cardboard figures standing still in the background waiting for her to take her thumb and for finger and move them across the board for their turn to speak. She narrated the book ”Queen Hereafter” the same way. Her narrration style takes away from the experience of curling up with a good book.

Enjoyable

Would you consider the audio edition of Royal Mistress to be better than the print version?

I have only "listened" to this book. It is probably just as enjoyable in the printed version. The book is set in a very specific period of English history which has been fertile ground to writers of historical fiction. The historical framework is factual although there is much conjecture on the part of the author. Ms. Easter-Smith is a good writer who knows how to construct an interesting, romantic heroine based on what we know of Jane Shore.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was an original ending although I do not think it adds to the quality of the book.

What does Heather Wilds bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator inhabits the very likable, although at times naive heroine.

Fantastic

I have read many books that have had Jane Shore in them and have often found her character interesting! This book does not disappoint and I absolutely enjoyed it. Historically liberal but overall fantastic story. Narration is superbly done. Enjoy this listen.

I wanted to love it but...

I wanted to love this book based on the sample, but upon listening to a few chapters I realized what it was lacking: 1) more dialogue and 2) a narrator with more variety to her voice. I hate not completing books, but for kicks I started listening to the Kings Mistress by Emma Campion and narrated by Donada Peters and the difference between the two became clear. The King's Mistress drew me in immediately and the narration is spot on from character to character and full of energy. I felt like I was there and can't wait to get in the car for my commute to find out what happens next. Sadly I may be returning this one.

awesome!

I loved reading it. I have already started listening to the audio book and enjoy doing my errands as I listen!

Annoying narrator.

What did you love best about Royal Mistress?

Enjoyed the story despite the narrator who sounded like she was reading the text for the first time.

Didn’t get past 1st chapter for the boredom and poor performance.

Just spent less than a week binging on Anne Easter Smith’s The King’s Grace, Daughter if York and A Rose for the Crown and am sadly disappointed in this book. So boring that I can’t get through the first chapter and the readers voice is so monotonous that I fell asleep 3 times. A waste of my credit. I’d like my credit back.

A true historical romance

Many romance, writers describe their stories as set in historical times, but provide little historical context. Not so Ann Easter Smith’s “Royal Mistress.” This was an absolutely beautiful novel combining fascinating information about medieval London, the reign of Edward IV and the struggles of a woman attempting to control her own destiny - Jane Shore. Jane was King Edward’s mistress for the last eight years of his reign. Ms. Smith describes Jane’s triumphs and tribulations during and after her time with the king. The characters are drawn in detail, describing both their strengths and weaknesses. The romantic relationship between Jane and King Edward and the conflicted feelings she had about other men in her life who desired her was well done. Ms. Smith also deftly described the plight of most women in the Middle Ages who were totally dependent on the men in their lives for their literal survival. This is an astonishing true story that takes you to a very different world and time. I loved every word.

Accidental finding

I came across this title by accident but thought that I would give it a try. Such a wonderfully written story and perfectly executed performance. Now I have three other books in my library by this author.

Awful narrator.

The story seemed interesting, but, I just couldn't bare the boring voice of narrator.
After having the audio for almost a year, I could only bare to listen to 1.5 chapters.