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Welsh Blades #1
The King's Man
Ranulf Ombrier’s fame throughout England for his skill at swordplay is rivaled only by his notoriety as King Edward I’s favorite killer. Ranulf's actions have gained him lands, title, and a lasting reputation as a hired butcher. But after years of doing his king's bidding, he begins to fear for his mortal soul and 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. But she has also studied healing and this, with her sense of duty to knightly virtues, leads her to tend to Ranulf’s wounds.
Saving her enemy’s life comes with consequences, and Gwenllian and Ranulf are soon caught up in dangerous intrigue. Forced together by political machinations, 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.
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. But she has also studied healing and this, with her sense of duty to knightly virtues, leads her to tend to Ranulf’s wounds.
Saving her enemy’s life comes with consequences, and Gwenllian and Ranulf are soon caught up in dangerous intrigue. Forced together by political machinations, 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.
Audible Audio
First published June 20, 2015
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About the author
Elizabeth Kingston
12 books315 followers
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Elizabeth Kingston lives in Chicago, where she can be found gleefully subverting tropes and inventing new ways to make fictional people kiss. When there's time for it (hint: there's always time for it) she shouts loudly about the intersection of historical romance and white supremacist narratives. Lipstick, skincare, and baked goods all rank high on her list of Other Interests. She sincerely hopes you enjoy her writing, and that you'll share it with others.
Elizabeth Kingston lives in Chicago, where she can be found gleefully subverting tropes and inventing new ways to make fictional people kiss. When there's time for it (hint: there's always time for it) she shouts loudly about the intersection of historical romance and white supremacist narratives. Lipstick, skincare, and baked goods all rank high on her list of Other Interests. She sincerely hopes you enjoy her writing, and that you'll share it with others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
June 25, 2017
This book was so great. I highly, highly recommend.
Things that were fantastic:
1. The writing
2. The dialogue
3. The characters
4. The plot
My favorite escape in the romance genre is historical, but I've been struggling for a while to find books where I can suspend disbelief enough to enjoy the story; it seems like everything I pick up recently includes 21st century heroines and heroes dropped in historical fiction settings. So... boo. Nicht gut.
But this book. THIS BOOK PEOPLE! SO GREAT!!!
I immediately bought the second in the series, and then made a huge sadface because there are only 2 books out in this series.
Go get them. Now. SO GREAT!
Things that were fantastic:
1. The writing
2. The dialogue
3. The characters
4. The plot
My favorite escape in the romance genre is historical, but I've been struggling for a while to find books where I can suspend disbelief enough to enjoy the story; it seems like everything I pick up recently includes 21st century heroines and heroes dropped in historical fiction settings. So... boo. Nicht gut.
But this book. THIS BOOK PEOPLE! SO GREAT!!!
I immediately bought the second in the series, and then made a huge sadface because there are only 2 books out in this series.
Go get them. Now. SO GREAT!
September 12, 2018
Finally!!! This story is excellent! It has everything: a medieval feeling, fine writing, wonderful characters, intrigue… you say and the story delivers!
Ou heroine is Gwenllian, a lady born, but who grow up as a knight! She reminded me very, very much of Brienne from GOT! During the whole time I imagined her like Brianne!
She saves the life of our hero, Ranulf even if he killed the man she was web by proxy defrauding her of her manor and her heritage. But she’s not interested in revenge. She doesn’t want the land. She just want to be left in peace.
Her mother, on the other hand, wants to use her as a symbol of the Welsh revolt against King Edward and manipulates Gwenllian to deliver Ranulf to the king where they both get involved in a conspiracy that ends with them married.
And so their battle of will begins.
They are both tortured souls.
Gwenllian cannot decide what is her role in life: to be a warrior or to be a woman?
Ranulf finds himself burdened with a wife he doesn’t want and doesn’t like, but that he respects as a fellow warrior and that confounds him greatly!
Ranulf also has a reputation that weighs heavily upon him: is he a cold blooded killer, or is he a semi-innocent man who was forced to become a killer?
Gwenllian respects him as a worrior, but doesn’t understand the man. He doesn’t speak with her, but their nights are incandescent!
Beside that she must act like a lady of the manor and she doesn’t know how…
She misses her armour, her sword, her men… Now she must live among other ladies who speak about wool, larder, mead…
But she tries until her mother reappear and bring in their home the conspiracy…
Things get complicated and both of them will be tested. Do they love each other? But more importantly do they trust each other?
Even if there’re very few romantic moments, this is a very romantic book. You can feel the honour they both feel: she for her mother and her family; his for his king and friend. But most of all you can feel the love even if they’re not aware of it!
Ou heroine is Gwenllian, a lady born, but who grow up as a knight! She reminded me very, very much of Brienne from GOT! During the whole time I imagined her like Brianne!
She saves the life of our hero, Ranulf even if he killed the man she was web by proxy defrauding her of her manor and her heritage. But she’s not interested in revenge. She doesn’t want the land. She just want to be left in peace.
Her mother, on the other hand, wants to use her as a symbol of the Welsh revolt against King Edward and manipulates Gwenllian to deliver Ranulf to the king where they both get involved in a conspiracy that ends with them married.
And so their battle of will begins.
They are both tortured souls.
Gwenllian cannot decide what is her role in life: to be a warrior or to be a woman?
Ranulf finds himself burdened with a wife he doesn’t want and doesn’t like, but that he respects as a fellow warrior and that confounds him greatly!
Ranulf also has a reputation that weighs heavily upon him: is he a cold blooded killer, or is he a semi-innocent man who was forced to become a killer?
Gwenllian respects him as a worrior, but doesn’t understand the man. He doesn’t speak with her, but their nights are incandescent!
Beside that she must act like a lady of the manor and she doesn’t know how…
She misses her armour, her sword, her men… Now she must live among other ladies who speak about wool, larder, mead…
But she tries until her mother reappear and bring in their home the conspiracy…
Things get complicated and both of them will be tested. Do they love each other? But more importantly do they trust each other?
Even if there’re very few romantic moments, this is a very romantic book. You can feel the honour they both feel: she for her mother and her family; his for his king and friend. But most of all you can feel the love even if they’re not aware of it!
January 14, 2016
Review written January 14, 2016
4.4 Stars - Great, simply great
The King's Man is written by a (new) US author Elizabeth Kingston. Now also as a 9 hours very praised audiobook narrated buy Nicholas Boulton (also well known as Laura Kinsale's favorite audiobook voice).
Oh yes, it was so very good to be in Ranulf Ombrier and Gwenllian of Ruardean's medieval old world. Intense, quite heavy, a oldish feeling, dramatic and not lighthearted at all, but wow so very grandly romantic. Not just "another" amusing sweet HR - more the feeling of a well written novel about big life-affecting love.
**********************************************
...Then back in the year 1280.
No time for review-writing during financial closing-time weeks in January. — Short and simple:
Highly recommended for lovers of good and thoughtful "epic" stories, grand romantic (and a bit steamy) historicals and very well (in the highest class) narrated audiobooks. Huge and warm applause from this satisfied girl. Once again something "new" and unique in my audiobook shelf.
**********************************************
I LIKE - to listen to very well-made audiobooks
4.4 Stars - Great, simply great
The King's Man is written by a (new) US author Elizabeth Kingston. Now also as a 9 hours very praised audiobook narrated buy Nicholas Boulton (also well known as Laura Kinsale's favorite audiobook voice).
Oh yes, it was so very good to be in Ranulf Ombrier and Gwenllian of Ruardean's medieval old world. Intense, quite heavy, a oldish feeling, dramatic and not lighthearted at all, but wow so very grandly romantic. Not just "another" amusing sweet HR - more the feeling of a well written novel about big life-affecting love.
**********************************************
...Then back in the year 1280.
« The sword-wielding daughter of a Welsh rebel crosses weapons with King Edward's favorite killer. »
No time for review-writing during financial closing-time weeks in January. — Short and simple:
Highly recommended for lovers of good and thoughtful "epic" stories, grand romantic (and a bit steamy) historicals and very well (in the highest class) narrated audiobooks. Huge and warm applause from this satisfied girl. Once again something "new" and unique in my audiobook shelf.
**********************************************
I LIKE - to listen to very well-made audiobooks
Read
August 23, 2020I'm not generally a medieval reader but I love Elizabeth Kingston's writing so I girded my girdle for this one and didn't regret it. The hero gets off to a bad start (in the book as well as life) but becomes immensely likeable, seriously damaged but striving for better. The heroine is terrifically determined, and that wonderful thing, a genuinely not-beautiful woman. There's real passion, a strong sense of a culture that isn't thinly disguised 21st century US, and a solid relationship. Hugely enjoyable, though I will admit the medieval dialogue read rather clunkily to me (I don't think you can win doing medieval dialogue tbh).
September 20, 2024
spectacular give me 14 of these right now
i love this song (he loses a fight against someone defending her honor only for it to actually be her)
“Never could I love an ordinary lady,” he said. “In this world or the next, I could only love you.”
i love this song (he loses a fight against someone defending her honor only for it to actually be her)
“Never could I love an ordinary lady,” he said. “In this world or the next, I could only love you.”
September 23, 2024
Such a beautifully written and complex romance with a rich historical background. I love this book and feel such admiration for the author.
I pondered the title a bit, as the book feels more like Gwenllian's than Ranulf's book. Of the two characters I felt so drawn to her and found her story arc so important even to women's lives today. Gwenllian is a plain young aristocratic woman who struggles to find a place in her world that honors who she is at heart. As background to the start of the story, we learn that she was betrothed in marriage to a harsh and violent man who is subsequently killed by the hero of the book, thus setting into motion her search for a new path in life. If she is not to be a wife, can she find another use for herself? She studies healing arts rigorously and with significant success. I love the many scenes of her picking and choosing wild plants and domestic herbs and studying carefully their effects on humans. In this respect she reminds me a bit of Claire from Outlander. That she subsequently saves the hero from death is no surprise given what we learn of her dedication to medicinal arts. She also trains carefully in sword fighting and this part of the story balances carefully Gwenllians's desire to learn the art of fighting as opposed to her mother's desire to mold her into a new kind of warrior to lead a rebel territory against England. There isn't much indication that Gwenllian has a passion for rebellion against King Edward, and I think that's important because when Gwenllian does have a passion for something, it consumes her and gives her life purpose. That seems like such a modern message, especially for women, and I suppose this theme above all others explains why this book was so enjoyable, well-crafted and compelling.
Ranulf enters Gwenllian's cloistered life in the wilds of Wales by happenstance. He is fleeing life as the King's greatest warrior and chooses wilderness to hide and to find mercy for his many murders, especially his killing of his foster father and Gwenllian's fiance. Out of respect to her betrothed, Gwenllian wants to kill him, but out of respect to her commitment as a healer, she heals him instead. Foreshadowing the end of the novel, it's important that Gwenllian chooses healing over killing, though she is equally adept at both.
One of the most fascinating parts of the book and perhaps even in romance writing is how to explain the sizzling chemistry between these two characters. Ranulf is described as an utterly perfect looking man and clearly a man who could have any woman he sets his eyes upon. Though Gwenllian sees herself as homely and awkward, I'm not sure there is an objective way to view her degree of beauty since beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. As a woman who desperately craves a purpose in life beyond being a wife and mother, she feels that she is "unwomanly," and her perception of her external charms is surely shaped by her belief that she is not feminine enough in her world. No other characters in the book spend time reflecting upon Gwenllian's physical charms or lack of them because each person views her through their own perception of what she means to them. That brings us to Ranulf and his view of her beauty, and it really is so fascinating the way the author handles this issue. Ranulf first sees her in the midst of a fever when she is clearly keeping him alive. She is beautiful to him then and her features appear soft and unfocused and "feminine." His next encounter with her is during their fight scene after baiting the Welsh men guarding him. When he realizes he is fighting her, the "angel of the hearth," rather than a man, and especially when he realizes she is beating him, Gwenllian is described as ugly and with features all out of proportion. Later though, when he gives in to his inexplicable desire to kiss her, she becomes an object of desire and he notes her beautiful eyes and feminine eyelashes. The sexual scenes in the book defy easy description too and are more impressionistic than realistic, conveying the unfiltered passion these two characters feel for each other. Once Ranulf understands he is in love with her, Gwenllian is described as the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. All of this is so wonderfully written that I cannot help but compare it to the superficial romances today that want to assure readers on page 1 that the heroine is a beauty admired by all men, and that we are all asked to agree upon a vacuous definition of female beauty.
I feared a little for Gwenllian when she is forced to marry Ranulf, as she is not a person who can relinquish her agency and independence to a husband. I was not sure how the story would resolve this quandary, but Ranulf and Gwenllian really talk to each other and negotiate a future for themselves in a very satisfactory and believable way. As Ranulf explains late in the book, he needs a partner in life akin to him and Gwenllian is his mirror half. But something deeper is at work in this book and it is the ability of both characters to love the other for who they are in their entirety. Characteristics like respect, character, integrity far supersede superficial traits and I have to think hard to find a romance that has made it clearer that love is much more than attraction to the outside facade of a person.
I pondered the title a bit, as the book feels more like Gwenllian's than Ranulf's book. Of the two characters I felt so drawn to her and found her story arc so important even to women's lives today. Gwenllian is a plain young aristocratic woman who struggles to find a place in her world that honors who she is at heart. As background to the start of the story, we learn that she was betrothed in marriage to a harsh and violent man who is subsequently killed by the hero of the book, thus setting into motion her search for a new path in life. If she is not to be a wife, can she find another use for herself? She studies healing arts rigorously and with significant success. I love the many scenes of her picking and choosing wild plants and domestic herbs and studying carefully their effects on humans. In this respect she reminds me a bit of Claire from Outlander. That she subsequently saves the hero from death is no surprise given what we learn of her dedication to medicinal arts. She also trains carefully in sword fighting and this part of the story balances carefully Gwenllians's desire to learn the art of fighting as opposed to her mother's desire to mold her into a new kind of warrior to lead a rebel territory against England. There isn't much indication that Gwenllian has a passion for rebellion against King Edward, and I think that's important because when Gwenllian does have a passion for something, it consumes her and gives her life purpose. That seems like such a modern message, especially for women, and I suppose this theme above all others explains why this book was so enjoyable, well-crafted and compelling.
Ranulf enters Gwenllian's cloistered life in the wilds of Wales by happenstance. He is fleeing life as the King's greatest warrior and chooses wilderness to hide and to find mercy for his many murders, especially his killing of his foster father and Gwenllian's fiance. Out of respect to her betrothed, Gwenllian wants to kill him, but out of respect to her commitment as a healer, she heals him instead. Foreshadowing the end of the novel, it's important that Gwenllian chooses healing over killing, though she is equally adept at both.
One of the most fascinating parts of the book and perhaps even in romance writing is how to explain the sizzling chemistry between these two characters. Ranulf is described as an utterly perfect looking man and clearly a man who could have any woman he sets his eyes upon. Though Gwenllian sees herself as homely and awkward, I'm not sure there is an objective way to view her degree of beauty since beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. As a woman who desperately craves a purpose in life beyond being a wife and mother, she feels that she is "unwomanly," and her perception of her external charms is surely shaped by her belief that she is not feminine enough in her world. No other characters in the book spend time reflecting upon Gwenllian's physical charms or lack of them because each person views her through their own perception of what she means to them. That brings us to Ranulf and his view of her beauty, and it really is so fascinating the way the author handles this issue. Ranulf first sees her in the midst of a fever when she is clearly keeping him alive. She is beautiful to him then and her features appear soft and unfocused and "feminine." His next encounter with her is during their fight scene after baiting the Welsh men guarding him. When he realizes he is fighting her, the "angel of the hearth," rather than a man, and especially when he realizes she is beating him, Gwenllian is described as ugly and with features all out of proportion. Later though, when he gives in to his inexplicable desire to kiss her, she becomes an object of desire and he notes her beautiful eyes and feminine eyelashes. The sexual scenes in the book defy easy description too and are more impressionistic than realistic, conveying the unfiltered passion these two characters feel for each other. Once Ranulf understands he is in love with her, Gwenllian is described as the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. All of this is so wonderfully written that I cannot help but compare it to the superficial romances today that want to assure readers on page 1 that the heroine is a beauty admired by all men, and that we are all asked to agree upon a vacuous definition of female beauty.
I feared a little for Gwenllian when she is forced to marry Ranulf, as she is not a person who can relinquish her agency and independence to a husband. I was not sure how the story would resolve this quandary, but Ranulf and Gwenllian really talk to each other and negotiate a future for themselves in a very satisfactory and believable way. As Ranulf explains late in the book, he needs a partner in life akin to him and Gwenllian is his mirror half. But something deeper is at work in this book and it is the ability of both characters to love the other for who they are in their entirety. Characteristics like respect, character, integrity far supersede superficial traits and I have to think hard to find a romance that has made it clearer that love is much more than attraction to the outside facade of a person.
May 19, 2019
"Wow, sam, that took you forever."
You're telling me. And it KILLED me (in the best way). This book was so so good, wonderfully performed by Nicholas Boulton. It was about identity and love in a way that is somewhat indescribable (at least to me, a lazy reviewer). It had cruelty and betrayal and forgiveness. It had the wonderful something of the hero and heroine needing each other to be just who they are. There were swoony lovely passages. And it was really very sexy. Very. ahem. I'm gonna go read some other people's more adequate reviews now.
You're telling me. And it KILLED me (in the best way). This book was so so good, wonderfully performed by Nicholas Boulton. It was about identity and love in a way that is somewhat indescribable (at least to me, a lazy reviewer). It had cruelty and betrayal and forgiveness. It had the wonderful something of the hero and heroine needing each other to be just who they are. There were swoony lovely passages. And it was really very sexy. Very. ahem. I'm gonna go read some other people's more adequate reviews now.
Read
May 5, 2025The only good thing about being laid up with a sinus infection was getting to binge the latter half of this beaut. If I’d known medieval romance like this existed back in 2019 I wouldn’t have needed to read so much Game of Thrones fanfic.
September 17, 2016
I've given this an A+ for narration (was there any danger it wouldn't be?!) and a B for content at AAR. I think that makes it technically 4.5 stars, but Nick Boulton's narration bumps it up into the 5 star bracket.
A couple of months ago, Laura Kinsale announced on her website that although Nicholas Boulton had finished recording all her books (boo!) he was going to be recording some more historical romances (yay!) - “recent titles that I've loved and appreciated for their quality and emotional intensity”. That recommendation together with the prospect of being able to listen to more of that velvety voice was enough to have me eagerly snapping up the audiobook of Elizabeth Kingston’s début novel, The King’s Man.
The story centres around two emotionally damaged characters who have spent most of their lives doing the bidding of others. Both of them are struggling to break free of the expectations that bind them to their pasts, but only together can they find the strength to be true to themselves and to lead their own lives.
Ranulf Ombrier, Lord of Morency, is known throughout the land as King Edward’s man, his enforcer, a man as ruthless as his master and one for whom no deed is too foul. At the beginning of the book, Ranulf awakens in a strange bed in a strange room and looks up to see what he thinks is an angel tending him. He has been severely wounded in a skirmish with a group of knights from Ruardean, a formidable stronghold on the Welsh Marches, and gradually comes to realise that he has been close to death. A death he would actively welcome as a way of finally escaping the memories that haunt him.
His ‘angel’ is Gwellian of Ruardean, a young woman who has been groomed since birth to be ready to lead the people of Wales in an uprising against the King. But having to constantly be what her domineering mother wants, to prove herself to be stronger and faster than the men around her, to inspire and lead is exhausting, and all Gwenllian really wants is to be left alone with her herbs and plants to further her knowledge of the healing arts. But her men respect her and look up to her, and no matter how much she wishes things to be different, they are what they are, and she accepts the weight of command to which she has been bred. Because of her unusual upbringing and military training, Gwenllian believes herself lacking as a woman – tall and leanly muscled, she knows she is unprepossessing and has none of the feminine accomplishments that ladies of her status are expected to have acquired.
While Ranulf is healing, he is rude and dismissive towards Gwenllian, seeing nothing in her of his ‘angel’ and wondering how he could ever have taken such an unattractive woman for such a thing. His taunts and barbs eventually lead to an armed confrontation between them – and when Gwenllian bests him, Ranulf becomes even more resentful. Yet even at this early stage in the story, and after such an inauspicious beginning, there is the sense that there is something growing between them, that these are two kindred spirits who are drawn to each other in spite of their wariness and distrust.
The King’s Man is very much a character driven story, in spite of the turbulent times in which it is set. The pacing allows time for the (at first) reluctant attraction between Ranulf and Gwenllian to build to an almost incendiary degree, and for the author to gradually reveal more and more about what makes them tick. Both characters have serious hang-ups; Ranulf was brought up by a cruel, ruthless man who never subjected Ranulf to the abuses he heaped upon everyone else, leaving him ashamed of the fact that he had loved his foster-father even as he had been ultimately driven to murder him. And Gwenllian has always been a pawn in the strategy of others, never allowed to live for herself or be herself – even her name is not truly her own, having been given to her because of the expectations that she would take on the mantle of her legendary namesake, the Welsh princess who led an army against the Normans more than a century earlier.
The romance between Ranulf and Gwenllian is intense, passionate and refreshingly free of so many of the tropes and stereotypes that abound in historical romance. I admit I was a little sceptical of the idea of Gwenllian as ‘warrior woman’, especially as women of the time were so powerless; but Ms Kingston has written her in such a way as to make it plausible and easy to accept.
Both Ranulf and Gwenllian are strongly-drawn, flawed characters who do not always do the right thing or act admirably. Yet they are compelling and easy to root for, especially when Gwenllian’s mother’s purpose becomes clear and it seems as though the couple are doomed to be on opposite sides in a long-brewing conflict.
I’m sure there were many other fans of historical romance audiobooks who, like me, were hoping that the final audiobook of Laura Kinsale’s oeuvre (so far) wouldn’t be the last we heard of Nicholas Boulton as a narrator in the genre. He really has raised the bar when it comes to audiobook narration, to a height only a very few can hope to match; and here, he once again proves himself a master of artistry and technique. The narrative is expressive and perfectly paced, and every single character, regardless of the amount of ‘screen time’ they get, is clearly and distinctly rendered, so there is never any question as to who is speaking at any given time. Mr Boulton has an incredibly wide range of timbre and accent, many of which he uses to excellent effect here, whether it be for the gravelly-voiced, Welsh-accented Madog, Gwenllian’s cousin and protector, or the tightly controlled, sometimes harsh-edged tone he employs to portray Ranulf, who is clearly a man wound incredibly tightly and full of hidden vulnerability and emotion. The principal female characters of Gwenllian and her overbearing mother are easy to tell apart in their scenes together, with Mr Boulton doing a terrific job with his interpretation of Gwenllian, getting to the heart of the character and skilfully conveying the self-doubt that lies beneath her warrior-queen exterior.
The King’s Man is a well-written, character-driven story, rich in historical detail and in the complexity of its characterisation. If I have a complaint, it is that Ranulf’s journey towards redemption is perhaps a little too easy for him, but overall, this is a strong début which is only enhanced by another incredibly accomplished performance from Nicholas Boulton.
A couple of months ago, Laura Kinsale announced on her website that although Nicholas Boulton had finished recording all her books (boo!) he was going to be recording some more historical romances (yay!) - “recent titles that I've loved and appreciated for their quality and emotional intensity”. That recommendation together with the prospect of being able to listen to more of that velvety voice was enough to have me eagerly snapping up the audiobook of Elizabeth Kingston’s début novel, The King’s Man.
The story centres around two emotionally damaged characters who have spent most of their lives doing the bidding of others. Both of them are struggling to break free of the expectations that bind them to their pasts, but only together can they find the strength to be true to themselves and to lead their own lives.
Ranulf Ombrier, Lord of Morency, is known throughout the land as King Edward’s man, his enforcer, a man as ruthless as his master and one for whom no deed is too foul. At the beginning of the book, Ranulf awakens in a strange bed in a strange room and looks up to see what he thinks is an angel tending him. He has been severely wounded in a skirmish with a group of knights from Ruardean, a formidable stronghold on the Welsh Marches, and gradually comes to realise that he has been close to death. A death he would actively welcome as a way of finally escaping the memories that haunt him.
His ‘angel’ is Gwellian of Ruardean, a young woman who has been groomed since birth to be ready to lead the people of Wales in an uprising against the King. But having to constantly be what her domineering mother wants, to prove herself to be stronger and faster than the men around her, to inspire and lead is exhausting, and all Gwenllian really wants is to be left alone with her herbs and plants to further her knowledge of the healing arts. But her men respect her and look up to her, and no matter how much she wishes things to be different, they are what they are, and she accepts the weight of command to which she has been bred. Because of her unusual upbringing and military training, Gwenllian believes herself lacking as a woman – tall and leanly muscled, she knows she is unprepossessing and has none of the feminine accomplishments that ladies of her status are expected to have acquired.
While Ranulf is healing, he is rude and dismissive towards Gwenllian, seeing nothing in her of his ‘angel’ and wondering how he could ever have taken such an unattractive woman for such a thing. His taunts and barbs eventually lead to an armed confrontation between them – and when Gwenllian bests him, Ranulf becomes even more resentful. Yet even at this early stage in the story, and after such an inauspicious beginning, there is the sense that there is something growing between them, that these are two kindred spirits who are drawn to each other in spite of their wariness and distrust.
The King’s Man is very much a character driven story, in spite of the turbulent times in which it is set. The pacing allows time for the (at first) reluctant attraction between Ranulf and Gwenllian to build to an almost incendiary degree, and for the author to gradually reveal more and more about what makes them tick. Both characters have serious hang-ups; Ranulf was brought up by a cruel, ruthless man who never subjected Ranulf to the abuses he heaped upon everyone else, leaving him ashamed of the fact that he had loved his foster-father even as he had been ultimately driven to murder him. And Gwenllian has always been a pawn in the strategy of others, never allowed to live for herself or be herself – even her name is not truly her own, having been given to her because of the expectations that she would take on the mantle of her legendary namesake, the Welsh princess who led an army against the Normans more than a century earlier.
The romance between Ranulf and Gwenllian is intense, passionate and refreshingly free of so many of the tropes and stereotypes that abound in historical romance. I admit I was a little sceptical of the idea of Gwenllian as ‘warrior woman’, especially as women of the time were so powerless; but Ms Kingston has written her in such a way as to make it plausible and easy to accept.
Both Ranulf and Gwenllian are strongly-drawn, flawed characters who do not always do the right thing or act admirably. Yet they are compelling and easy to root for, especially when Gwenllian’s mother’s purpose becomes clear and it seems as though the couple are doomed to be on opposite sides in a long-brewing conflict.
I’m sure there were many other fans of historical romance audiobooks who, like me, were hoping that the final audiobook of Laura Kinsale’s oeuvre (so far) wouldn’t be the last we heard of Nicholas Boulton as a narrator in the genre. He really has raised the bar when it comes to audiobook narration, to a height only a very few can hope to match; and here, he once again proves himself a master of artistry and technique. The narrative is expressive and perfectly paced, and every single character, regardless of the amount of ‘screen time’ they get, is clearly and distinctly rendered, so there is never any question as to who is speaking at any given time. Mr Boulton has an incredibly wide range of timbre and accent, many of which he uses to excellent effect here, whether it be for the gravelly-voiced, Welsh-accented Madog, Gwenllian’s cousin and protector, or the tightly controlled, sometimes harsh-edged tone he employs to portray Ranulf, who is clearly a man wound incredibly tightly and full of hidden vulnerability and emotion. The principal female characters of Gwenllian and her overbearing mother are easy to tell apart in their scenes together, with Mr Boulton doing a terrific job with his interpretation of Gwenllian, getting to the heart of the character and skilfully conveying the self-doubt that lies beneath her warrior-queen exterior.
The King’s Man is a well-written, character-driven story, rich in historical detail and in the complexity of its characterisation. If I have a complaint, it is that Ranulf’s journey towards redemption is perhaps a little too easy for him, but overall, this is a strong début which is only enhanced by another incredibly accomplished performance from Nicholas Boulton.
July 8, 2016
4.5 stars
I really liked the story even though I was reluctant to start reading it. This is my second book by the author, so I knew the writing would be good but reading it also meant leaving my ‘comfort’ Regency/Victorian era for rarely visited medieval times. And what a treat this was!The years between 1277 and 1283 are also known in history as time of Edwardian Conquest of Wales which marked the end of Welsh independence. By the 13th century Wales was divided between native Welsh principalities and the territories of the Anglo-Norman Marcher lords. Although English monarchs had made several attempts to seize control of the native Welsh territories, it was not until Edward's war that this was achieved on a lasting basis….
These turbulent and unsettled times serve as a background for the historical romance- romance that pairs a Welsh warrior maiden and the man who was called King Edward I’s favorite killer.I’ve never encountered such a heroine as Gwenllian of Ruarden. She was groomed since childhood to be a warrior, to be worthy of her legendary namesake and to lead the people of Wales in an uprising against the King. She became a true leader of her men earning their undivided loyalty and respect. It was a win for which she had to work much harder than any man to be proven worthy of being their leader. But it also came as a lost –loss of her ability to see herself and believe in herself as a woman. Such a strong and complicated heroine needed equally strong and worthy of her hero for their romance to work. And Ranulf of Morency became that hero. His actions as King’s enforcer gave Ranulf lands and title but, after years of doing his king's bidding, he begins to fear for his mortal soul. Hunted by his past he seeks solace and absolution away from the court in the wilds of Wales where he ended up almost killed by one of the Gwenllian’s man.
What started as battle of wills between Ranulf and Gwenllian gradually turns into mutual respect, friendship and, eventually, love. The path to their HEA is windy and complicated as you would expect it to be. Both of them are wonderfully complex characters wracked with personal doubts and fears and with complicated and conflicting loyalties. It seems the demons inside and powerful outside forces are always close by waiting for any weakness to break their fragile relationship. The characters’ belief that they are unworthy of being loved is challenged as they fight together, find salvation, forgiveness and strength in each other.
I’m amazed that this is the author’s debut. Her sophisticated writing, in-depth characterization, and intriguing plot makes this historical romance a real winner for me. I know I’ll be on lookout for any future work by the author regardless of the historical time period.
October 18, 2018
Audio – 5 stars
Story – 4.5 stars round down because of the lack of epilogue
Thank you, Annob, for mentioning this book in one of your reviews and putting it on my radar. I loved it.
It took me awhile to warm up to the hero, Ranulf. He makes a few hurtful and unflattering remarks about the heroine, Gwenllian because of her looks. Not only is she more Knight than Lady, her appearance is more masculine than feminine. She’s tall, broad shouldered and muscular. Eventually, he realizes Gwenllian is exactly the kind of woman he needs, wants and loves.
I totally fell in love with Gwenllian, and hated that married life had her making different albeit necessary lifestyle changes.
This was a slow but passionate romance.
Story – 4.5 stars round down because of the lack of epilogue
Thank you, Annob, for mentioning this book in one of your reviews and putting it on my radar. I loved it.
It took me awhile to warm up to the hero, Ranulf. He makes a few hurtful and unflattering remarks about the heroine, Gwenllian because of her looks. Not only is she more Knight than Lady, her appearance is more masculine than feminine. She’s tall, broad shouldered and muscular. Eventually, he realizes Gwenllian is exactly the kind of woman he needs, wants and loves.
I totally fell in love with Gwenllian, and hated that married life had her making different albeit necessary lifestyle changes.
This was a slow but passionate romance.
December 27, 2021
I so enjoy medieval English heroes paired with rebellious Scottish/Welsh heroines (who are angry about England attempting to conquer Scotland/Wales)… I’m a lost cause, sorry. I know the history is messed up. 😭
April 16, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up
This is not medieval cutesy. This is medieval bloody and muddy, with physical and political danger lurking around every corner and short life expectancies commonplace. The setting was very well written and I enjoyed feeling this time in history viscerally.
This book boils down to character studies of two people trapped by their upbringings, traumas, talents, and the ambitions of others set in the time of Edward Longshanks’ acquisition of Wales, and both the main characters were sympathetic and fascinating. However, I found the romance lacking in connection and understanding and the ending was underwhelming.
Ranulf has been near-fatally wounded in a surprise encounter, and finds himself nursed back to life by an angel who disappears before he is taken to a holding near the Welsh border. His captor, the calculating Elunid, knows the English king is furious that Ranulf has ignored a summons and returns him under guard to Windsor to curry the king’s favor. En route, Ranulf taunts and goads the men guarding him until one insult in particular draws the ire of a boy amongst the group, who challenges him. Ranulf sneers but Ranulf, the king’s champion, has finally met his match with a sword.
And that match is the angel who saved his life.
Gwenllian has been raised to lead an army of warriors by her mother, Elunid, and though she finds it wearying she does it well. Ranulf is humiliated by his defeat at the hands of a woman, and finds her uncomely and unnatural. But is that a glint of grudging respect in his eye? Could that respect explain why he saves Gwenllian’s life instead of escaping when they are threatened by a gang of thieves before reaching Edward’s stronghold?
Edward receives Ranulf with suspicion and Gwenllian with irritation and decides a marriage between the two will work in his favor. Gwenllian hates wearing a dress instead of armor and knows nothing about running a great house. Ranulf sees only trouble in an alliance with a Welsh family, and bigger trouble if Gwenllian’s role as a leader of men becomes known. Neither are happy but the king has spoken.
The romance was lacking for me because, while these two were incendiary in bed, they lived two completely separate existences in their own heads. Their thoughts and emotions were communicated to the reader by interior monologues, and only rarely in words to each other. When they did speak their truths to each other it was magic, but Ranulf only did it rarely and Gwenllian not at all, and I grew increasingly impatient to see some evolution in their relationship apart from what each one was thinking or feeling individually.
As for the big Welsh rebellion that all this had been paving the path for? That Elunid had plotted and groomed her daughter to lead? That Gwenllian had betrayed Ranulf for? That threatened the lives of every character in this book?
This is not medieval cutesy. This is medieval bloody and muddy, with physical and political danger lurking around every corner and short life expectancies commonplace. The setting was very well written and I enjoyed feeling this time in history viscerally.
This book boils down to character studies of two people trapped by their upbringings, traumas, talents, and the ambitions of others set in the time of Edward Longshanks’ acquisition of Wales, and both the main characters were sympathetic and fascinating. However, I found the romance lacking in connection and understanding and the ending was underwhelming.
Ranulf has been near-fatally wounded in a surprise encounter, and finds himself nursed back to life by an angel who disappears before he is taken to a holding near the Welsh border. His captor, the calculating Elunid, knows the English king is furious that Ranulf has ignored a summons and returns him under guard to Windsor to curry the king’s favor. En route, Ranulf taunts and goads the men guarding him until one insult in particular draws the ire of a boy amongst the group, who challenges him. Ranulf sneers but Ranulf, the king’s champion, has finally met his match with a sword.
And that match is the angel who saved his life.
Gwenllian has been raised to lead an army of warriors by her mother, Elunid, and though she finds it wearying she does it well. Ranulf is humiliated by his defeat at the hands of a woman, and finds her uncomely and unnatural. But is that a glint of grudging respect in his eye? Could that respect explain why he saves Gwenllian’s life instead of escaping when they are threatened by a gang of thieves before reaching Edward’s stronghold?
Edward receives Ranulf with suspicion and Gwenllian with irritation and decides a marriage between the two will work in his favor. Gwenllian hates wearing a dress instead of armor and knows nothing about running a great house. Ranulf sees only trouble in an alliance with a Welsh family, and bigger trouble if Gwenllian’s role as a leader of men becomes known. Neither are happy but the king has spoken.
The romance was lacking for me because, while these two were incendiary in bed, they lived two completely separate existences in their own heads. Their thoughts and emotions were communicated to the reader by interior monologues, and only rarely in words to each other. When they did speak their truths to each other it was magic, but Ranulf only did it rarely and Gwenllian not at all, and I grew increasingly impatient to see some evolution in their relationship apart from what each one was thinking or feeling individually.
As for the big Welsh rebellion that all this had been paving the path for? That Elunid had plotted and groomed her daughter to lead? That Gwenllian had betrayed Ranulf for? That threatened the lives of every character in this book?
November 14, 2025
However much they might know each other in the dark, they were entirely strangers when the sun shone.
This is a somewhat different romance novel about a love amid political intrigue and power struggles, set in England/Wales in 1280, when the English king, Edward I, had subjugated the Welsh.
”The King’s Man” is Ranulf of Morency, a lord with a questionable reputation as a legendary swordsman, a ruthless butcher and a mad beast. Rumor has it that he is a father-murderer and the king’s favorite killer, but he has fallen out of favor and must therefore marry the daughter of a powerful Welsh family. Gwenllian is an expert in herbal medicine and has saved Ranulf’s life earlier; first and foremost, though, she’s an excellent fighter, destined to save the Welsh people. Unfortunately, the forced marriage condemns her to play the lady of Morency Castle.
It takes time for the two main characters to grow closer on more than a physical level, as they both are strong, but tortured and very reserved people. They don’t talk much and don’t spend much time together. Instead, they watch, notice things, assess und draw conclusions. The reader, who knows their thoughts, sees early signs of mutual respect and growing affection; Ranulf and Gwenllian themselves, though, are in the dark for a long time. The story is a prime example of a slow-burn romance, and it’s equally beautiful and frustrating to witness. As for the steam? It’s not very explicit, but intense and heartbreakingly sensual. Holding hands has never felt so meaningful.
Despite some lengths and some issues with the language, I loved the book. It’s dark, deep, profound, and very emotional. The author created vivid images in my mind and touched my very soul. And even a few days after finishing the book, I’m still thinking of Ranulf, who is one of the best tortured heroes of all time. I wish he was my man!
4.5, rounded up because … well, Ranulf! ❤️
I'm leaving you with some of my favorite moments/quotes:
This is a somewhat different romance novel about a love amid political intrigue and power struggles, set in England/Wales in 1280, when the English king, Edward I, had subjugated the Welsh.
”The King’s Man” is Ranulf of Morency, a lord with a questionable reputation as a legendary swordsman, a ruthless butcher and a mad beast. Rumor has it that he is a father-murderer and the king’s favorite killer, but he has fallen out of favor and must therefore marry the daughter of a powerful Welsh family. Gwenllian is an expert in herbal medicine and has saved Ranulf’s life earlier; first and foremost, though, she’s an excellent fighter, destined to save the Welsh people. Unfortunately, the forced marriage condemns her to play the lady of Morency Castle.
It takes time for the two main characters to grow closer on more than a physical level, as they both are strong, but tortured and very reserved people. They don’t talk much and don’t spend much time together. Instead, they watch, notice things, assess und draw conclusions. The reader, who knows their thoughts, sees early signs of mutual respect and growing affection; Ranulf and Gwenllian themselves, though, are in the dark for a long time. The story is a prime example of a slow-burn romance, and it’s equally beautiful and frustrating to witness. As for the steam? It’s not very explicit, but intense and heartbreakingly sensual. Holding hands has never felt so meaningful.
Despite some lengths and some issues with the language, I loved the book. It’s dark, deep, profound, and very emotional. The author created vivid images in my mind and touched my very soul. And even a few days after finishing the book, I’m still thinking of Ranulf, who is one of the best tortured heroes of all time. I wish he was my man!
4.5, rounded up because … well, Ranulf! ❤️
I'm leaving you with some of my favorite moments/quotes:
September 18, 2018
Welsh history comes alive in this fascinating story of intrigue, treachery, and romance set in the 13th century, under the reign of King Edward the 1st. Listening to this as an audiobook (narrated by the adept and versatile Nicholas Boulton) turned out to be an excellent choice as it meant I didn’t have to stumble over the written Welsh words but could let his fluid tongue tell me the story, one which kept me thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.
Gwenllian of Ruardean is no great beauty, a fact she’s long accepted. Her strength lies in her healing hands and her sword. When a lone man in the woods is injured by her traveling party, she won’t leave him to die, even if she recognizes that he is Ranulf Ombrier, King Edward’s favorite hired killer. At one time she was betrothed to Ranulf’s foster father, a man he’s rumored to have killed in cold blood. But while Ranulf’s villainy is legendary, she holds all the power while he’s under her care.
Ranulf set off for a monastery close to Wales in an effort to dislodge the visions of the women his foster father abused and murdered. If it also took him out of King Edward’s reach, all the better. Nursed back to health by a mysterious woman with startlingly observant grey eyes, rumors tell him that she is the daughter of the Marcher Lord ruling Ruardean, yet he cannot find her to convey his thanks. ‘Escorted’ back to the King by a party of Welsh soldiers, Ranulf comes upon the surprising discovery that the swordsman willing to challenge him in a dual is none other than Gwenllian herself. Once her secret is out, Ranulf thinks to use it to his advantage but underestimates Gwenllian, as most men do, though not for long. Respect for the complex woman soon turns to desire.
But the King has his own plans for the rebellion he suspects is simmering in Welsh territory and transferring Gwenllian’s prior betrothal to Ranulf causes its own complications. Gwenllian’s mother, Elunid, had always planned on her daughter helping to regain Wales independence from England. Now that she’s married to an English Lord, will Gwenllian choose duty to country and blood or her burgeoning feelings for her new husband? The fate of many lies in her hands.
It’s hard to express in words how much I enjoyed this combination of history lesson and romance tied up in one neat package. Knowing absolutely nothing of the setting going into the story, it’s clear the author did her research and was able to knowledgeably set the stage for this era in history when Wales became subjugated to English rule. Just as interesting to me was her choice to make the heroine attractive not in a physical sense but in character and ambition. Gwenllian is sure of her place in her world and has the love and support of her family and fellow soldiers. She has had to prove herself time and again to be an able bodied and courageous fighter, especially with the innate prejudice and censure for a female in her role. She takes the example of the historical Gwenllian of old, her namesake to heart. Yet her feminine side, long ignored, can’t resist the pull of Ranulf for long.
Normally, a woman of Gwenllian’s plain features wouldn’t catch Ranulf’s eye but her exceptional skill, her drive, and her loyalty make her worthy of his respect and he soon sees in her a kindred spirit. And this, in turn, makes him appreciate her physical form. The result is a sexual attraction that burns between them and leads to some steamy intimate encounters. Where most see Ranulf as a villain, Gwenllian is able to appreciate the circumstances that made him who he is. She endeavors to show him that with a few simple changes, he can show the people of Morency under his care that he is not like his foster father. I loved seeing the changes in both Gwenllian and Ranulf as their relationship became more than just a marriage of (the King’s) convenience.
Gwenllian’s relationship with her mother Elunid is complicated, with Gwenllian feeling the weight of duty to her mother and her Welsh people on her shoulders. Elunid comes across sometimes as hard and unfeeling and the bond of love between them is tested. In the end, Gwenllian and Ranulf make choices that lead them to a happy ending, though at times it seemed that it might never come to pass. Such is the talent of a great storyteller, to keep you hanging on edge until the last page. The King’s Man is a taut, exciting tale of passion and intrigue in medieval England that gives lie to the idea that history is boring – it just needs the right teacher.
A copy of this story was self-purchased for review.
Gwenllian of Ruardean is no great beauty, a fact she’s long accepted. Her strength lies in her healing hands and her sword. When a lone man in the woods is injured by her traveling party, she won’t leave him to die, even if she recognizes that he is Ranulf Ombrier, King Edward’s favorite hired killer. At one time she was betrothed to Ranulf’s foster father, a man he’s rumored to have killed in cold blood. But while Ranulf’s villainy is legendary, she holds all the power while he’s under her care.
Ranulf set off for a monastery close to Wales in an effort to dislodge the visions of the women his foster father abused and murdered. If it also took him out of King Edward’s reach, all the better. Nursed back to health by a mysterious woman with startlingly observant grey eyes, rumors tell him that she is the daughter of the Marcher Lord ruling Ruardean, yet he cannot find her to convey his thanks. ‘Escorted’ back to the King by a party of Welsh soldiers, Ranulf comes upon the surprising discovery that the swordsman willing to challenge him in a dual is none other than Gwenllian herself. Once her secret is out, Ranulf thinks to use it to his advantage but underestimates Gwenllian, as most men do, though not for long. Respect for the complex woman soon turns to desire.
But the King has his own plans for the rebellion he suspects is simmering in Welsh territory and transferring Gwenllian’s prior betrothal to Ranulf causes its own complications. Gwenllian’s mother, Elunid, had always planned on her daughter helping to regain Wales independence from England. Now that she’s married to an English Lord, will Gwenllian choose duty to country and blood or her burgeoning feelings for her new husband? The fate of many lies in her hands.
It’s hard to express in words how much I enjoyed this combination of history lesson and romance tied up in one neat package. Knowing absolutely nothing of the setting going into the story, it’s clear the author did her research and was able to knowledgeably set the stage for this era in history when Wales became subjugated to English rule. Just as interesting to me was her choice to make the heroine attractive not in a physical sense but in character and ambition. Gwenllian is sure of her place in her world and has the love and support of her family and fellow soldiers. She has had to prove herself time and again to be an able bodied and courageous fighter, especially with the innate prejudice and censure for a female in her role. She takes the example of the historical Gwenllian of old, her namesake to heart. Yet her feminine side, long ignored, can’t resist the pull of Ranulf for long.
Normally, a woman of Gwenllian’s plain features wouldn’t catch Ranulf’s eye but her exceptional skill, her drive, and her loyalty make her worthy of his respect and he soon sees in her a kindred spirit. And this, in turn, makes him appreciate her physical form. The result is a sexual attraction that burns between them and leads to some steamy intimate encounters. Where most see Ranulf as a villain, Gwenllian is able to appreciate the circumstances that made him who he is. She endeavors to show him that with a few simple changes, he can show the people of Morency under his care that he is not like his foster father. I loved seeing the changes in both Gwenllian and Ranulf as their relationship became more than just a marriage of (the King’s) convenience.
Gwenllian’s relationship with her mother Elunid is complicated, with Gwenllian feeling the weight of duty to her mother and her Welsh people on her shoulders. Elunid comes across sometimes as hard and unfeeling and the bond of love between them is tested. In the end, Gwenllian and Ranulf make choices that lead them to a happy ending, though at times it seemed that it might never come to pass. Such is the talent of a great storyteller, to keep you hanging on edge until the last page. The King’s Man is a taut, exciting tale of passion and intrigue in medieval England that gives lie to the idea that history is boring – it just needs the right teacher.
A copy of this story was self-purchased for review.
February 21, 2019
Why do I avoid Medieval romance? Wasn’t it all rain and mud and bloody battles and ugly chain mail and poor hygiene back then? *gives history degree a sidelong look* Yep. How can that be romantic?
Apparently the answer is: get Elizabeth Kingston to write it.
This felt properly medieval. It really is all mud and blood and castles and sword fights. There is an earthy quality to the writing which is absolutely on point for the time period. Even the way the characters think feels entirely appropriate. There’s a lot of religious imagery and some morbidly dramatic overtones which felt apt for a time period characterised by religion, magic and death. Medieval romance could probably go Disney very easily, but this really doesn’t.
Then there’s Kingston’s writing more generally. Boy oh boy, can she bring it.
”As if she knew the lustful turn of his thoughts her heavy lashes lifted to reveal eyes of a startling clear gray, and whether she was mortal or not no longer mattered. Whatever she was, she was something holy, something sent to seek out the tattered bits of soul left in him. With a single look he knew it, and the recognition of it burned him like hot coals set on his skin… She eased his head back silently and took the cup away, still never taking her eyes from his. There was no judgment there. The gray of them went on forever, a wide mirror that held his entire life spread out before him like a landscape he could walk into.” (loc 105)
“An instant later, the hiss of steel sounded and firelight caught a blade that was thrust down and swiftly sheathed in the soft earth between his wide-spread knees.” (loc 775) (that this imagery is sexual works on so many levels).
“What a raw and tender thing, in the end, this heart of hers. Not even with a hundred swords could she protect it.” (loc 4185)
There are a ton of sword fights in this book and usually I’d be tolerating scenes like that and dismissing them as a boring indulgence in a romance novel. Not here. Kingston can write one hell of a fight scene. Blow by blow descriptions rendered with enough drama that you feel like you’re on your toes too - deflecting and parrying - as you read them.
Against the background of all this wonderful writing is a cracking romance between two fantastic characters.
Ranulf, the King’s Man but entirely jaded with his lot. He finds an unexpected match in Gwen and has to work harder than he expects to be worthy of her.
Then there’s Gwen, a woman warrior in a man’s world. She’s at sea when she finds she’s expected to cease to be a warrior and just to be a woman. Ranulf lets her be a warrior and a woman and it’s a wonderful thing to read.
As an aside, the way Kingston tackles Gwen’s unenviable position and the duality of her sorrow at giving up her sword/leadership and her exhaustion at having to work twice as hard as a man to succeed is absolutely outstanding and is another great element in an already jam packed novel.
So why not five stars? Just because. Don’t get me wrong, I loved this book. The romance was wonderful, but not quite sparkly enough for me two hit the elusive five star button. Plus. the plot meanders a little in the middle and the back half could have been punchier in general.
Still, this novel is quite an achievement and I am very excited to read the next one in the series.
Apparently the answer is: get Elizabeth Kingston to write it.
This felt properly medieval. It really is all mud and blood and castles and sword fights. There is an earthy quality to the writing which is absolutely on point for the time period. Even the way the characters think feels entirely appropriate. There’s a lot of religious imagery and some morbidly dramatic overtones which felt apt for a time period characterised by religion, magic and death. Medieval romance could probably go Disney very easily, but this really doesn’t.
Then there’s Kingston’s writing more generally. Boy oh boy, can she bring it.
”As if she knew the lustful turn of his thoughts her heavy lashes lifted to reveal eyes of a startling clear gray, and whether she was mortal or not no longer mattered. Whatever she was, she was something holy, something sent to seek out the tattered bits of soul left in him. With a single look he knew it, and the recognition of it burned him like hot coals set on his skin… She eased his head back silently and took the cup away, still never taking her eyes from his. There was no judgment there. The gray of them went on forever, a wide mirror that held his entire life spread out before him like a landscape he could walk into.” (loc 105)
“An instant later, the hiss of steel sounded and firelight caught a blade that was thrust down and swiftly sheathed in the soft earth between his wide-spread knees.” (loc 775) (that this imagery is sexual works on so many levels).
“What a raw and tender thing, in the end, this heart of hers. Not even with a hundred swords could she protect it.” (loc 4185)
There are a ton of sword fights in this book and usually I’d be tolerating scenes like that and dismissing them as a boring indulgence in a romance novel. Not here. Kingston can write one hell of a fight scene. Blow by blow descriptions rendered with enough drama that you feel like you’re on your toes too - deflecting and parrying - as you read them.
Against the background of all this wonderful writing is a cracking romance between two fantastic characters.
Ranulf, the King’s Man but entirely jaded with his lot. He finds an unexpected match in Gwen and has to work harder than he expects to be worthy of her.
Then there’s Gwen, a woman warrior in a man’s world. She’s at sea when she finds she’s expected to cease to be a warrior and just to be a woman. Ranulf lets her be a warrior and a woman and it’s a wonderful thing to read.
As an aside, the way Kingston tackles Gwen’s unenviable position and the duality of her sorrow at giving up her sword/leadership and her exhaustion at having to work twice as hard as a man to succeed is absolutely outstanding and is another great element in an already jam packed novel.
So why not five stars? Just because. Don’t get me wrong, I loved this book. The romance was wonderful, but not quite sparkly enough for me two hit the elusive five star button. Plus. the plot meanders a little in the middle and the back half could have been punchier in general.
Still, this novel is quite an achievement and I am very excited to read the next one in the series.
April 24, 2023
This was a page-turner from the get-go. It’s very different compared to the other medievals that I’ve read. I think the author has a very unique voice.
The main characters were just fantastic - flawed and perfectly human. Gwenllian was reared to be a woman warrior as per her namesake. This is one of the few times that I was completely sold on the premise. She was described as tall, pretty much an Amazon, I’d guessed and not very comely. Very muscly too when people prized softness and roundness in a woman. So, she was very different from the rests. She also had her own men to command. Secretly, she was a bit tired of it all as she had to fight every second to remain in command. She was a woman in a man’s world and she had to be the best at everything. It was a struggle then for women and it is still a struggle now. I think this was a very fascinating insight into a woman’s struggle in a man’s world.
Ranulf was a complex character as well. Known as ‘Edward’s butcher’ since he killed his foster father in his bed and has killed on Edward’s behalf since then. He wasn’t conscience less though. The foster father was good to him but a brute towards everyone else especially women. He loved him and hated him as well. He came to meet Gwenllian when he was actually running away from Edward’s summons. He just didn’t want to kill anymore. He wore a mask of sneering indifference and was basically a twat towards Gwen in the beginning.
You won’t find insta-lust here (okay, maybe a bit on Gwen’s part due to Ranulf’s comeliness) but this story is more on looking beyond the surface to see the treasures beneath. It wasn’t that they weren’t attracted to each other physically, but there had to be something more. It was great to see how they fell in love with each other.
I loved the fact that there was no other man/woman trope (I’d noticed that is a popular trope in medieval) and the author focused solely on the main characters burgeoning relationship. There were political machinations (how the Welsh tried to free themselves under England’s rule) and this did not detract the story from the main characters.
Fascinating characters, wonderful storytelling and a page-turner. It couldn’t get any better than this. This book is highly recommended for medieval lovers.
Steam factor: Mid-range. Not overly explicit but very sensual.
The main characters were just fantastic - flawed and perfectly human. Gwenllian was reared to be a woman warrior as per her namesake. This is one of the few times that I was completely sold on the premise. She was described as tall, pretty much an Amazon, I’d guessed and not very comely. Very muscly too when people prized softness and roundness in a woman. So, she was very different from the rests. She also had her own men to command. Secretly, she was a bit tired of it all as she had to fight every second to remain in command. She was a woman in a man’s world and she had to be the best at everything. It was a struggle then for women and it is still a struggle now. I think this was a very fascinating insight into a woman’s struggle in a man’s world.
Ranulf was a complex character as well. Known as ‘Edward’s butcher’ since he killed his foster father in his bed and has killed on Edward’s behalf since then. He wasn’t conscience less though. The foster father was good to him but a brute towards everyone else especially women. He loved him and hated him as well. He came to meet Gwenllian when he was actually running away from Edward’s summons. He just didn’t want to kill anymore. He wore a mask of sneering indifference and was basically a twat towards Gwen in the beginning.
You won’t find insta-lust here (okay, maybe a bit on Gwen’s part due to Ranulf’s comeliness) but this story is more on looking beyond the surface to see the treasures beneath. It wasn’t that they weren’t attracted to each other physically, but there had to be something more. It was great to see how they fell in love with each other.
I loved the fact that there was no other man/woman trope (I’d noticed that is a popular trope in medieval) and the author focused solely on the main characters burgeoning relationship. There were political machinations (how the Welsh tried to free themselves under England’s rule) and this did not detract the story from the main characters.
Fascinating characters, wonderful storytelling and a page-turner. It couldn’t get any better than this. This book is highly recommended for medieval lovers.
Steam factor: Mid-range. Not overly explicit but very sensual.
June 21, 2022
5 STARS
Loved this. Great writing and interesting Medieval plot. Strong female heroine, and fabulous tortured hero. Different than the usual. I didn't want to put it down. Starting book two straight away.
Loved this. Great writing and interesting Medieval plot. Strong female heroine, and fabulous tortured hero. Different than the usual. I didn't want to put it down. Starting book two straight away.
June 22, 2018
"Love and loyalty are not the same, and it is unwise to confuse the two."
This book. This book.
Nothing about Gwenllian of Ruardean was familiar, commonplace, or reasonable. There was no rhyme to her, and the discord struck his ear and his life, a calamity of noise when he wanted only peace.
My brain has kinda just flatlined. I don't know how to put my thoughts together but can I just say that I am so mad this has been sitting on my kindle, unread, for almost a year! The only upside is now the sequel is out and I have that too (grabby hands).
"Your head aches. [..] We shall send to the kitchen for a chicken."
"Chicken?"
"Is a cure well known, to tie a chicken to the crown of your head of where ever it may ache, to fix the anus upon the afflicted place."
Okay. Like. I've now read two medieval-era historical romances and both have been amazing. The bar is set so damn high for any future reads it's not even funny. But please if you have any, throw them my way! This was a delightful departure from the usual Victorian fare and that definitely adds to the special factor, too.
"You wish my blade in your heart?"
"Already you are like unto a blade in my heart, Gwenllian. Happily I would die from it."
In THE KING'S MAN we have an English vs Welsh match-up; the handsome and infamous King's assassin who is haunted by both ghosts from his past as well as his fierce reputation, an unlovely woman more at ease in chainmail and wielding a sword than she is in skirts, all set against a politics-heavy, slowburny journey between two individuals who would otherwise be enemies and who find instead that there is none so well matched for them in all the world.
Her eyes wept, but she did not turn her face from him. Let him see it, he who thought her strong. Let him not shy from her weakness, as she did not flinch as his dark places.
This romance was.. not fireworks or explosions but instead a slow, subtle, build that has overtaken you before you know it. The early discord between them is fun, the fact that she challenges him and defeats him is delicious, even as he then evens the score on another battlefield. But it's the moments in between all that, when they find themselves on the same side, reluctant but committed, that is truly wonderful.
However much they might know each other in the dark, they were entirely strangers when the sun shone.
The dialogue was so incredibly moving and yet never over the top. It was achingly gorgeous and full of emotion and I think had I switched to audio (Boultonnnnn), especially for the final two chapters, I would've been in tears. I definitely would've given this a five. And now I kinda want to reread (listen) it right now.. but no, the tbr, the tbr!
4.5 "I need no bards to sing of you, to know your worth" stars
This book. This book.
Nothing about Gwenllian of Ruardean was familiar, commonplace, or reasonable. There was no rhyme to her, and the discord struck his ear and his life, a calamity of noise when he wanted only peace.
My brain has kinda just flatlined. I don't know how to put my thoughts together but can I just say that I am so mad this has been sitting on my kindle, unread, for almost a year! The only upside is now the sequel is out and I have that too (grabby hands).
"Your head aches. [..] We shall send to the kitchen for a chicken."
"Chicken?"
"Is a cure well known, to tie a chicken to the crown of your head of where ever it may ache, to fix the anus upon the afflicted place."
Okay. Like. I've now read two medieval-era historical romances and both have been amazing. The bar is set so damn high for any future reads it's not even funny. But please if you have any, throw them my way! This was a delightful departure from the usual Victorian fare and that definitely adds to the special factor, too.
"You wish my blade in your heart?"
"Already you are like unto a blade in my heart, Gwenllian. Happily I would die from it."
In THE KING'S MAN we have an English vs Welsh match-up; the handsome and infamous King's assassin who is haunted by both ghosts from his past as well as his fierce reputation, an unlovely woman more at ease in chainmail and wielding a sword than she is in skirts, all set against a politics-heavy, slowburny journey between two individuals who would otherwise be enemies and who find instead that there is none so well matched for them in all the world.
Her eyes wept, but she did not turn her face from him. Let him see it, he who thought her strong. Let him not shy from her weakness, as she did not flinch as his dark places.
This romance was.. not fireworks or explosions but instead a slow, subtle, build that has overtaken you before you know it. The early discord between them is fun, the fact that she challenges him and defeats him is delicious, even as he then evens the score on another battlefield. But it's the moments in between all that, when they find themselves on the same side, reluctant but committed, that is truly wonderful.
However much they might know each other in the dark, they were entirely strangers when the sun shone.
The dialogue was so incredibly moving and yet never over the top. It was achingly gorgeous and full of emotion and I think had I switched to audio (Boultonnnnn), especially for the final two chapters, I would've been in tears. I definitely would've given this a five. And now I kinda want to reread (listen) it right now.. but no, the tbr, the tbr!
4.5 "I need no bards to sing of you, to know your worth" stars
December 12, 2025
I think this book kinda rewired my brain as to what a historical romance can be? I have genuinely never read anything like this. I wish I had another way to describe it other than “this feels like game of thrones fanfiction if you just removed the magic and added a ton of romance… and also specifically channeled Brienne of Tarth.” But that’s really all I’ve got. I do mean that as a compliment to Elizabeth Kingston, the art of fanfiction, and ya also probably GOT.
In some ways, I’m not sure I was even ready to read this book. I’m new to the historical romance genre, I’ve never read a medieval HR, and Elizabeth Kingston is kind of known for her old school style with trope subversion and generally unconventional romance. At least that’s what I’m gathering so far.
There was so much that I loved here, a few things I didn’t personally care for (in the direction of the narrative), and a whole lot that I’m not sure the average romance reader is ready for. “What is an average romance reader Allison?” idk. I’m probably going based off what I see people reading on TikTok. All I know is that I’m still wrapping my head around how I felt about this book and I like to think I’m pretty open to things. Regardless, I’m definitely interested in what this author is doing and will be reading more from her. She has the sauce.
Ranulf is a famed swordsman and the King’s favorite killer. But he’s had enough and so tries to run away from his responsibilities by scampering off to Wales. Gwenllian is a Welsh daughter of a powerful lord. She is secretly also, and I cannot stress this enough, a Lady Knight and respected leader of her people. I have to say this is “Lady Knight” representation before “Lady Knight” was on your 2025 fantasy bingo card.
Gwenllian is a very serious and honorable person. So when her party stumbles across and accidentally wounds Ranulf, the man who murdered her betrothed, Gwenllian decides to heal him instead of leaving him for the crows. The consequence for her virtuous behavior? Her mother bids she escort Ranulf back to the King. It’s basically a classic “here’s your misbehaving pet now can I myself have a treat?” political move. But the King, well he has machinations of his own… because this is medieval England guys, and rebellion is afoot.
So, I really loved the language that Kingston uses in this story. Like the actual medieval dialogue. It felt very accurate (I am no medievalist) while still being understandable. I am 95% sure Kingston is an author that bases her work in an accurate historical context. Heavily researched setting etc etc. There is not a wiff of modern vibes in this text and the atmosphere felt genuinely gritty and intense.
I also was completely fascinated by her characters. Ranulf finds Gwenllian ugly. A romantic dynamic that never ceases to delight me. He is also genuinely so rude to her and not in a cute way. This will turn off a large portion of readers I think, but there is a lot of reading between the lines of these insulting interactions. It’s kind of really good stuff. Especially when you add that he also lowkey thinks she is his angel of spiritual salvation and the measure of his soul’s worth and absolution at all that. But anyways.
I did like the romance. It felt like an extension of the characters fighting and surrendering to each other. It was mean, hot, and honest. It was never saccharine, in fact sometimes it was almost cruel… Ranulf is an arrogant and tortured man. :,)
What the jury is still out on for me is Gwenllian’s character. She is absolutely badass when you meet her. But the writing was on the wall for the direction her character arc was going in, and the whole time I was like “wait,,, noooo.” And I don’t mean that it was a direction that didn’t make sense for her character. It was more-so a direction I didn’t want to make sense for her character. I understood her choices, I just didn’t necessarily like them. And that’s on complex characters I suppose.
I could talk a lot about Gwenllian’s discomfort with performing femininity, how the “Lady role” expected of her chafes, how she feels guilt in wanting softer things, how she is exhausted by the constant fight to be strong and respected by men, how she struggles between love and loyalty. These are some of the inner turmoils that substantiate the decisions she ultimately makes… and yet her story still feels incomplete to me. I’m a bit unsatisfied maybe? This is importantly a book 1 in a series. Although I believe we follow her mother in book 2. So maybe there’s more to come for my Gwenllian? The plot was getting really intense and high stakes there for a second. I really had no idea how we were possibly going to get a happy ending, and we didn’t totally.
So ya, do you see how conflicted I am? I loved this… but I wanted differently for our characters and I need more from the overall story? Luckily there is more. I will read it.
In some ways, I’m not sure I was even ready to read this book. I’m new to the historical romance genre, I’ve never read a medieval HR, and Elizabeth Kingston is kind of known for her old school style with trope subversion and generally unconventional romance. At least that’s what I’m gathering so far.
There was so much that I loved here, a few things I didn’t personally care for (in the direction of the narrative), and a whole lot that I’m not sure the average romance reader is ready for. “What is an average romance reader Allison?” idk. I’m probably going based off what I see people reading on TikTok. All I know is that I’m still wrapping my head around how I felt about this book and I like to think I’m pretty open to things. Regardless, I’m definitely interested in what this author is doing and will be reading more from her. She has the sauce.
Ranulf is a famed swordsman and the King’s favorite killer. But he’s had enough and so tries to run away from his responsibilities by scampering off to Wales. Gwenllian is a Welsh daughter of a powerful lord. She is secretly also, and I cannot stress this enough, a Lady Knight and respected leader of her people. I have to say this is “Lady Knight” representation before “Lady Knight” was on your 2025 fantasy bingo card.
Gwenllian is a very serious and honorable person. So when her party stumbles across and accidentally wounds Ranulf, the man who murdered her betrothed, Gwenllian decides to heal him instead of leaving him for the crows. The consequence for her virtuous behavior? Her mother bids she escort Ranulf back to the King. It’s basically a classic “here’s your misbehaving pet now can I myself have a treat?” political move. But the King, well he has machinations of his own… because this is medieval England guys, and rebellion is afoot.
So, I really loved the language that Kingston uses in this story. Like the actual medieval dialogue. It felt very accurate (I am no medievalist) while still being understandable. I am 95% sure Kingston is an author that bases her work in an accurate historical context. Heavily researched setting etc etc. There is not a wiff of modern vibes in this text and the atmosphere felt genuinely gritty and intense.
I also was completely fascinated by her characters. Ranulf finds Gwenllian ugly. A romantic dynamic that never ceases to delight me. He is also genuinely so rude to her and not in a cute way. This will turn off a large portion of readers I think, but there is a lot of reading between the lines of these insulting interactions. It’s kind of really good stuff. Especially when you add that he also lowkey thinks she is his angel of spiritual salvation and the measure of his soul’s worth and absolution at all that. But anyways.
I did like the romance. It felt like an extension of the characters fighting and surrendering to each other. It was mean, hot, and honest. It was never saccharine, in fact sometimes it was almost cruel… Ranulf is an arrogant and tortured man. :,)
What the jury is still out on for me is Gwenllian’s character. She is absolutely badass when you meet her. But the writing was on the wall for the direction her character arc was going in, and the whole time I was like “wait,,, noooo.” And I don’t mean that it was a direction that didn’t make sense for her character. It was more-so a direction I didn’t want to make sense for her character. I understood her choices, I just didn’t necessarily like them. And that’s on complex characters I suppose.
I could talk a lot about Gwenllian’s discomfort with performing femininity, how the “Lady role” expected of her chafes, how she feels guilt in wanting softer things, how she is exhausted by the constant fight to be strong and respected by men, how she struggles between love and loyalty. These are some of the inner turmoils that substantiate the decisions she ultimately makes… and yet her story still feels incomplete to me. I’m a bit unsatisfied maybe? This is importantly a book 1 in a series. Although I believe we follow her mother in book 2. So maybe there’s more to come for my Gwenllian? The plot was getting really intense and high stakes there for a second. I really had no idea how we were possibly going to get a happy ending, and we didn’t totally.
So ya, do you see how conflicted I am? I loved this… but I wanted differently for our characters and I need more from the overall story? Luckily there is more. I will read it.
June 11, 2021
5 Stars!
There are books that you read, but might not remember many details. Maybe they were enjoyable enough, maybe not. Then there are books you read that you'll remember exactly how you felt when you were in the midst of reading them until you turned the last page. Yet, most especially, you will remember specific scenes that you found pivotal to your reading experience. That was The King's Man for me and I will remember much of this fantastic historical.
The writing itself is not to miss. It was daring, delicious, and delightful. Seriously, and I wasn't even trying to alliterate. The book was full of everything I love in a well written story. It was wonderfully detailed with scenes that didn't miss a moment in creating visuals for the reader. From the opening chapter to the very last paragraph, there was a meaningful purpose to every scene and/or dialogue. Not one wasted sentence. There were times when a reader could have easily dismissed these two characters as unlikable or not romance-worthy, but I hung onto every word as their characters evolved from antagonistic combatants to a respectful understanding of their place in each other's lives. And it all culminates into one of the most sigh-worthy endings.
July 4, 2018
I enjoyed the hell out of this book. Sometimes I didn't want to, but I did.
This is not a fluffy romance novel. This is not a book about hero that is rough and feared but then magically changes because love. This is not a book about a boyish girl who rebels against wearing dresses.
This is a book about romance between two people that could kill in a blink of eye. (Although only one of them actually does). Ranulf is the king's killer. Gwenllian was raised to be the warrior leader of her people. Gwenllian is not as good as a man with a sword, she is better. She doesn't hold her own in sword fight, she wins. Every. Damn. Time. She isn't pretty and her body is all hard muscle. She isn't even just plain. She's homely. The men around her don't even see her as a woman. There is nothing soft about her. I loved that. So much
Even more, she isn't just skilled with a blade, she's also a healer. A talented one. As she so eloquently puts it, if you know to strike someone down, perhaps you should also know how to heal them.
Ranulf was gruff and sometimes cruel. That didn't bother me as much as it I thought it would. This was 13th century England, not a parlor in Victorian England. Kindness didn't really get you far (especially among men). He was the man that did the king's dirty work. He acted like it. But at the beginning of the book, we learn that he is done being that man. He fears for his immortal soul and wants nothing to do with that life anymore.
Ranulf hated Gwenllian's skills with a blade for most of the book. It was completely realistic. I mean, really, what man in 13th century England would like knowing that he is the most feared swordsman for miles around yet can get his ass handed to him by a woman?
.
The romance between the H/h was just different. It wasn't love at first sight. It wasn't even warm fuzzies at first sight. Ranulf didn't get a personality transplant, he became a better person because he wanted to a better person. He wanted less fear and more respect. Their romance develops slowly, as it should between two people that really have no desire to ever actually be in love but nevertheless find themselves in love anyway. It was epic and passionate and just so sweet.
I loved it. This book is not for everyone, but if you're in the right mood, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
This is not a fluffy romance novel. This is not a book about hero that is rough and feared but then magically changes because love. This is not a book about a boyish girl who rebels against wearing dresses.
This is a book about romance between two people that could kill in a blink of eye. (Although only one of them actually does). Ranulf is the king's killer. Gwenllian was raised to be the warrior leader of her people. Gwenllian is not as good as a man with a sword, she is better. She doesn't hold her own in sword fight, she wins. Every. Damn. Time. She isn't pretty and her body is all hard muscle. She isn't even just plain. She's homely. The men around her don't even see her as a woman. There is nothing soft about her. I loved that. So much
Even more, she isn't just skilled with a blade, she's also a healer. A talented one. As she so eloquently puts it, if you know to strike someone down, perhaps you should also know how to heal them.
Ranulf was gruff and sometimes cruel. That didn't bother me as much as it I thought it would. This was 13th century England, not a parlor in Victorian England. Kindness didn't really get you far (especially among men). He was the man that did the king's dirty work. He acted like it. But at the beginning of the book, we learn that he is done being that man. He fears for his immortal soul and wants nothing to do with that life anymore.
Ranulf hated Gwenllian's skills with a blade for most of the book. It was completely realistic. I mean, really, what man in 13th century England would like knowing that he is the most feared swordsman for miles around yet can get his ass handed to him by a woman?
.
The romance between the H/h was just different. It wasn't love at first sight. It wasn't even warm fuzzies at first sight. Ranulf didn't get a personality transplant, he became a better person because he wanted to a better person. He wanted less fear and more respect. Their romance develops slowly, as it should between two people that really have no desire to ever actually be in love but nevertheless find themselves in love anyway. It was epic and passionate and just so sweet.
I loved it. This book is not for everyone, but if you're in the right mood, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
October 9, 2016
2.5 stars
It must be me. With such high reviews, I really wanted to like this book but it was just meh. And, slow. So slow. Slow on the romance, slow on the action, slow on the pacing. Plus, I had a really hard time feeling the chemistry between the H and h. The author describes the hero as uber handsome but the heroine as a plain Jane. Not just plain but ugly, as in crooked teeth, dull hair. Call me shallow but I want my heroine to at least be somewhat attractive to actually attract the hero, much less the handsomest man in the land. It's not like her inner beauty made up for it - I liked his inner beauty way more. I guess this explains my shallow 2.5 star rating.
It must be me. With such high reviews, I really wanted to like this book but it was just meh. And, slow. So slow. Slow on the romance, slow on the action, slow on the pacing. Plus, I had a really hard time feeling the chemistry between the H and h. The author describes the hero as uber handsome but the heroine as a plain Jane. Not just plain but ugly, as in crooked teeth, dull hair. Call me shallow but I want my heroine to at least be somewhat attractive to actually attract the hero, much less the handsomest man in the land. It's not like her inner beauty made up for it - I liked his inner beauty way more. I guess this explains my shallow 2.5 star rating.
October 26, 2017
Oh, be still my beating heart! I'm all excited because I've read two excellent HRs in rather quick succession. One, the newest Jayne Fresina story, is more lighthearted, witty, warm and romantic... and this one, oh, this one! It's one of those intense, complex, complicated ones with superior writing and an historical backdrop that feels real. No laughs here but lots of feels--drama, angst, love, tenderness, action, adventure, intrigue. It's all here and more.
The setting is 13th-century England and Wales. The heroine is a Welsh woman, daughter of an absent border lord (at the Crusades), raised by her ambitious, manipulative mother to be the leader of their stronghold, especially to protect them against the Normans and King Edward I. She's fierce, our Lady Gwenlian is, and takes after her namesake, the legendary woman warrior of old. She is also not very pretty or womanly. No embroidery or household duties (other than her interest in herbs and in healing) for her, as she is too busy wielding her sword (and wielding it so well she cannot be defeated by any man).
Then we have our hero, Ranulf Ombrier, fierce warrior and King Edward's man and loyal assassin for the Crown. He has been killing for years and is a tormented man fearing now for his immortal soul. This leads him into Gwenlian's territory. When her men seriously wound him, she nurses him back to health. But no, no, no, folks, that doesn't tell you much about this book. They don't fall madly in love then, cling to each other, marry, ride off into the sunset and live HEA. He's a king's man, she's a king's enemy. This story, these characters, their relationship, it's all super complicated, not only because of their conflicting loyalties but also because of their own emotional torments and turmoils.
I can't say that this is a perfect book, more like a 4.5 star one that I've rounded to 5. The writing is excellent and makes you really feel everything that is happening and that's great, but even this superior writer doesn't have straight in her head the various correct forms and tenses of "lie" vs "lay", and that surprised and disappointed me. Also her admirable and relatively successful attempt to keep dialogue authentic to the period and not full of anachronistic modernisms may turn a few readers off. (Not me, but I just mention it for those who may have an issue with this.) The development of love between H and h reflects all the doubts and inconsistencies of a complicated relationship and may at times frustrate some readers, but it is definitely worth the read, IMO. (And, yes, Virginia, there is an HEA.)
The setting is 13th-century England and Wales. The heroine is a Welsh woman, daughter of an absent border lord (at the Crusades), raised by her ambitious, manipulative mother to be the leader of their stronghold, especially to protect them against the Normans and King Edward I. She's fierce, our Lady Gwenlian is, and takes after her namesake, the legendary woman warrior of old. She is also not very pretty or womanly. No embroidery or household duties (other than her interest in herbs and in healing) for her, as she is too busy wielding her sword (and wielding it so well she cannot be defeated by any man).
Then we have our hero, Ranulf Ombrier, fierce warrior and King Edward's man and loyal assassin for the Crown. He has been killing for years and is a tormented man fearing now for his immortal soul. This leads him into Gwenlian's territory. When her men seriously wound him, she nurses him back to health. But no, no, no, folks, that doesn't tell you much about this book. They don't fall madly in love then, cling to each other, marry, ride off into the sunset and live HEA. He's a king's man, she's a king's enemy. This story, these characters, their relationship, it's all super complicated, not only because of their conflicting loyalties but also because of their own emotional torments and turmoils.
I can't say that this is a perfect book, more like a 4.5 star one that I've rounded to 5. The writing is excellent and makes you really feel everything that is happening and that's great, but even this superior writer doesn't have straight in her head the various correct forms and tenses of "lie" vs "lay", and that surprised and disappointed me. Also her admirable and relatively successful attempt to keep dialogue authentic to the period and not full of anachronistic modernisms may turn a few readers off. (Not me, but I just mention it for those who may have an issue with this.) The development of love between H and h reflects all the doubts and inconsistencies of a complicated relationship and may at times frustrate some readers, but it is definitely worth the read, IMO. (And, yes, Virginia, there is an HEA.)
April 29, 2019
Lady Gwenllian of Ruardean became a child bride by proxy and before she even laid eyes on her much older husband, she was made a widow by the murderous blade of her husband's teenaged foster son. It was the first of many lives taken by Ranulf Ombrier in the name of the King. Unmatched in sword combat, he has gained notoriety as the King's Man, his highly efficient killer. For his loyalty, he has been awarded his first victim's title and the Morency keep and lands - lands which Gwenllian and her mother believe should rightly belong to her.
Gwenllian is a most unusual heroine. Following her missed opportunity to be bride and Lady of Morency, her mother allowed her to receive combat training with the boys and later men of Ruardean. Her skills eventually surpassed that of the men and she became their accepted leader, a task she took on with a natural confidence knowing that she has rightfully earned that role.
The reputedly cold and ruthless Ranulf unexpectedly finds his conscience inconveniently inserting itself between him and King Edward's latest order. Distracted and haunted by the ghosts of his past, he finds himself injured and lost in Welsh territory. Rescued and tended to by Gwen, at the order of her mother, he is forcefully escorted back to face King Edward's judgement. This journey turns out to be quite an eye opening experience as the arrogant Ranulf gets taught a humiliating lesson in manners by Gwen, who defeats him in a closely matched sword fight.
She stood over him, sword-point poised at his throat, boot on his chest, and enough light on her face to bring the humiliation home. A war of beauty and ugliness waged on her face – homely and stern, some misalignment of the features preventing the beauty that her eyes and mouth promised. Black hair plastered against her flushed cheeks and she breathed heavily.
“Has my lord had… enough of my… womanly comfort?” she huffed. And there was no mistaking the light of triumph on her face.
Her eyes flicked down at Ranulf again. “I’ll not demand you to yield. I ask no more than you are beneath me, with legs spread.” The men laughed – her men, he realized with another dull shock.”
When a woman beats a man at his own game, what does he do? He gets bitchy and personal, jabbing her verbally where it hurts, insulting her femininity and her looks and threatening to expose her martial skills to ensure her social ostracism.
Not a fine moment for him, but though his words label her as ugly, his body parts react to her as a woman in typical fashion. I took a while to warm up to him, but to be fair, this man has a lot on his conscience, a mind and heart tortured by so much violence in his past - by his hands as well as by another. He seeks redemption and absolution. I'm not sure if he finds it in the end, but he finds love and a modicum of inner peace in the arms of Gwen. Gwen started off as a marvellous character, unusual and confident in her abilities with a sword. Without her chain-mail and sword, she becomes a different person, awkward and too self-conscious of all her real and imagined inadequacies as a woman. Unfortunately in the second half of the book, she never reattained that glorious height when she held the sword to his throat and demanded respect.
The writing is top-notch and the language feels authentic. The narration by Nicholas Boulton was sublime. This was a buddy read with Ursula with interjections from Sam, so thank you both for keeping me company and for recommending me to try out NB's voice magic.
Gwenllian is a most unusual heroine. Following her missed opportunity to be bride and Lady of Morency, her mother allowed her to receive combat training with the boys and later men of Ruardean. Her skills eventually surpassed that of the men and she became their accepted leader, a task she took on with a natural confidence knowing that she has rightfully earned that role.
The reputedly cold and ruthless Ranulf unexpectedly finds his conscience inconveniently inserting itself between him and King Edward's latest order. Distracted and haunted by the ghosts of his past, he finds himself injured and lost in Welsh territory. Rescued and tended to by Gwen, at the order of her mother, he is forcefully escorted back to face King Edward's judgement. This journey turns out to be quite an eye opening experience as the arrogant Ranulf gets taught a humiliating lesson in manners by Gwen, who defeats him in a closely matched sword fight.
She stood over him, sword-point poised at his throat, boot on his chest, and enough light on her face to bring the humiliation home. A war of beauty and ugliness waged on her face – homely and stern, some misalignment of the features preventing the beauty that her eyes and mouth promised. Black hair plastered against her flushed cheeks and she breathed heavily.
“Has my lord had… enough of my… womanly comfort?” she huffed. And there was no mistaking the light of triumph on her face.
Her eyes flicked down at Ranulf again. “I’ll not demand you to yield. I ask no more than you are beneath me, with legs spread.” The men laughed – her men, he realized with another dull shock.”
When a woman beats a man at his own game, what does he do? He gets bitchy and personal, jabbing her verbally where it hurts, insulting her femininity and her looks and threatening to expose her martial skills to ensure her social ostracism.
Not a fine moment for him, but though his words label her as ugly, his body parts react to her as a woman in typical fashion. I took a while to warm up to him, but to be fair, this man has a lot on his conscience, a mind and heart tortured by so much violence in his past - by his hands as well as by another. He seeks redemption and absolution. I'm not sure if he finds it in the end, but he finds love and a modicum of inner peace in the arms of Gwen. Gwen started off as a marvellous character, unusual and confident in her abilities with a sword. Without her chain-mail and sword, she becomes a different person, awkward and too self-conscious of all her real and imagined inadequacies as a woman. Unfortunately in the second half of the book, she never reattained that glorious height when she held the sword to his throat and demanded respect.
The writing is top-notch and the language feels authentic. The narration by Nicholas Boulton was sublime. This was a buddy read with Ursula with interjections from Sam, so thank you both for keeping me company and for recommending me to try out NB's voice magic.
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April 17, 2019
Written in an old-fashioned grammatical syntax which transport the reader to 11th century Wales. I loved the Heroine for most of the book, battle trained, a natural leader. Engaged in a careful balance act fitting in among both men and women, but not quite belonging to either side. It's the closest description of gender fluidity I've come across in a traditional M-F romance novel. For the most part wonderful, the resolution and ending to this captivating slow-burn romance lets it down somewhat.
February 12, 2024
Buddy read with my buddy, Nenia. I'm looking forward to some
Abandoned a few years ago, but I may come back to it considering how many of my friends really enjoyed it - especially my buddy read buddy, Nenia who wrote a great review.
Abandoned a few years ago, but I may come back to it considering how many of my friends really enjoyed it - especially my buddy read buddy, Nenia who wrote a great review.
heck-no
March 14, 2017Not worth it even if it's free.
Heroine is "Too ugly to rape." Qutoed by the hero.
Thanks Trish for sparing me this read.
Heroine is "Too ugly to rape." Qutoed by the hero.
Thanks Trish for sparing me this read.
Read
June 22, 2020This was wrong book wrong time. We’re leaving on vacation tomorrow at 3am. I got up at 5 today after staying up late last night so that I can fall asleep early tonight. Yesterday and the day before our rental house had a major malfunction - and it’s been so stressful. Plus I’m slammed with work as everyone tries to catch me while I’m still in town.
Amidst all this my escape is the Bargain Basement Jaime and Brienne. I’ve read this before. Except it was better. He was way more charming. And she didn’t turn into a sniveling idiot.
I gave up at 70% when I couldn’t take anymore of their
1 - not communicating
2 - using sex to somehow prove to the reader they have a relationship
3 - complete lack of sense of humor
4 - self-loathing
On top of all of this the writing is like too much perfume in a hot hot room.
Amidst all this my escape is the Bargain Basement Jaime and Brienne. I’ve read this before. Except it was better. He was way more charming. And she didn’t turn into a sniveling idiot.
I gave up at 70% when I couldn’t take anymore of their
1 - not communicating
2 - using sex to somehow prove to the reader they have a relationship
3 - complete lack of sense of humor
4 - self-loathing
On top of all of this the writing is like too much perfume in a hot hot room.
April 27, 2019
A total impulse buy thanks to a recommendation from Leah at The Ripped Bodice here in LA. Loved the period, and loved the high-stakes romance. It never felt like a sugar coated vision of Medieval England. The very real and dangerous conflicts between dueling families, knights and royals only made the romance stand out in more vivid and intoxicating relief, a ray of essential light in a time of widespread war and darkness. In terms of tone and atmosphere, think GAME OF THRONES without the magic or dragons. If Elizabeth Kingston ever decides to write a gay romance set in this period, I'll buy it with bells on. I've already purchased this entire series. Now I'm off to figure out what buying something with bells on really means. It has to be a good thing, I'm sure.
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