Shadowheart

Medieval Hearts, Book 2

By: Laura Kinsale

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Length: 17 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

A fatally dangerous man...and the woman who stands in the way of all he's ever desired.

Beautiful and ruthless, the elegant assassin Allegreto will stop at nothing to regain his rightful place. And the perfect instrument has just fallen into his hands, in the lovely form of Lady Elena - the long-lost princess of the land he intends to wrest back from his enemies. But she is no mere maiden to be possessed. Even as he forces her to bend to his will, in the heat of desire and fury Elena finds the hidden power in her own soul, a merciless passion and command that will bind her dark lover and bring him to his knees. Her mastery may destroy him…or build an unexpected future from the bitter ashes of his life and dreams.

©2004 Hedgehog Inc (P)2014 Hedgehog Inc

Another Kinsale Winner!

Once again, Laura Kinsale has delivered a detailed story with an arduous subject for that time period. The medieval world comes alive with power struggles between families and the corrupt Catholic Church.

I realize this book isn't going to be everyone's 'cup of tea' but if you've read "For my lady's heart" you'll gain more understanding as to why Allegreto has become so ruthless and thinks that he is beyond redemption. We met Elena is the first book as a young 6 year old girl. In this book she has become a young woman of 17. Together they have a strange and unusual relationship. The erotic love scenes (s&m) were intense and sometimes difficult to listen to but their relationship does have an unusual sense of balance. This story is mysterious, intense, sensual and has a love and redemption aspect that I found touching and endearing.

If you enjoy the deeper darker side of Kinsale books you will love this. If not, you might want to skip this one.

P.S. I know I've said it before but Nicholas Boulton is one of the best narrators on Audible!! He makes good books even better!

A Serious Book...not run of the mill romance

Get ready to invest some thought into this book when listening. This is true Kinsale - serious writing. Complex story lines, more complex characters...and she will make you feel when listening to this book. I HIGHLY recommend this book - but only if you are looking for a more REAL, SERIOUS, and THOUGHT PROVOKING listen. I listen to Kinsale between "fluffy" regency romance because she really grabs you and brings you into a story.

BEAUTIFUL AND TOUCHING STORY!

It turned out to be one of my favorites. I find I don't have the right words to say how much I enjoyed this book. All I can say is this was a well-written book, and this author always has a way of using words that makes the passion and love between the two characters almost seem tangible. And Allegretto just simply took my breathe away! I am glad I got this book. Its a must-read for any one who enjoys a complex, yet profound love story.

Great Read if you like BADASS HEROINES!

If you could sum up Shadowheart in three words, what would they be?

Sexy, Intelligent, Bondage

What did you like best about this story?

Kinsale's exceptional use of language + Boulton's exceptional use of his voice.

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

Since listening to Nicholas Boulton narrate Laura Kinsale, i am unable enjoy a romance novel with any other narrator (or by any other author). The richness of his voice and the ease with which he switches between different characters is mesmerizing.

I am currently working my way through all 12 of Kinsale's novels ('Flowers from the Storm' is my favorite), after which i will just need to switch genres and bide my time, while i wait for Laura+Nicholas to release their next audio book.

Another riveting performance by Boulton!

Any additional comments?

Wow... Yes wow! I admit I had to go back and read snippets of Allegreto's character in the first book because I found he was so ill mannered, petuous and unbearable at times. I had trouble accepting him as the main character in this book until I came to know HIM in a different way- so many different ways. This is a totally different style of romance from Kinsale and YES with a bit of dominatrix......AHEM! Nicely done Laura :)

I hate the thought of rating one of the works of

one of my favorite authors so low but I truly disliked this book. The heroine was self righteous, cruel, twisted and vicious. The hero was foolish to stay with the creature. I'm not sure if Ms Kinsale will ever write another book with the winning story line, characters, feelings and emotions of Flowers from the Storm but I'm sure she can come up with a more appealing and less offensive story line than this one.
I will still read her books but I need a break after this book. I completed the book feeling raw and unsettled.

Mr Bolton, of course can do no wrong as a narrator, in my humble opinion.

Enjoyable in every way

The book was suspenseful, romantic, full of interesting characters, and well-read. This book took me through many miles of running!

WOW.. Earth Shuddering, LK out did herself.

Days later, I'm still trying to take this one in. I believe I will have to have another listen. I'm kicking myself for not downloading this one earlier. Deep stuff, no doubt!

truth

I did not want it to end. I fell in love with all the characters. best audio book I've ever listened to.

Noone does historical romance better!

Splendid narration and story. Laura Kinsale always delivers a blend of romance,, suspense and completion. These narrator is one of the best and deserves great praise for bringing the characters to life.

Medieval Hearts: Conclusion.

Would you listen to Shadowheart again? Why?

I have read this book in paperback form and listened with Audible; I would love to have the time to read it again but I doubt it because I have so many other tomes to listen to and read.

What other book might you compare Shadowheart to, and why?

Laura Kinsale books are in a class of their own but if I was pushed, they remind me of Dorothy Dunnett but on a much smaller scale, simply because she is unsurpassed!

What does Nicholas Boulton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Without Nicholas Boulton, I cannot imagine anyone else who can bring a book to life and add a completely new dimension to this or any other Laura Kinsale book. He is unsurpassed as a narrator. His voice is pure magic!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Sorry! I haven't a clue. I cannot think of this or any other LK book as a film in this day and age as it/they would be mutilated. Please keep something sacred and special for our imagination.

Any additional comments?

I can find no fault at all with any of Laura's books or Mr Boulton's performance.

fantastic

overwhelmingly good, easily as good as the first of this series. easily my favorite author narrator combination.
loved Allegretos character development from the first book and the culmination of characters toward the end. 10 stars!