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Heart Trilogy #1
Heart of Honor
Krista Hart, publisher of the weekly London ladies' gazette Heart to Heart, is not afraid to speak her mind. Even on such unpopular issues as social reform - risking her reputation and her very safety - Krista will not be intimidated, although she knows full well she is the target of angry opposition for her outspoken views.
When she encounters a powerful Viking descendant imprisoned as a local sideshow attraction, Krista angrily demands his release. Although she tells herself that freeing Leif Draugr is simply the right thing to do, she can't deny being attracted to the fierce Nordic chieftain, especially after her father transforms him into a "proper" English gentleman.
But as anonymous threats against Krista become more and more aggressive, it is Leif who must face the unseen enemies desperate to silence her, even as they push her closer into the embrace of a warrior prepared to do whatever it takes to make her his.
399 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 19, 2006
175 people are currently reading
965 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
188 books3,170 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
February 11, 2010
Pages Survived: 206
Okay. Many problems with this story!
Number One: From page one, I could not connect with the character of Krista, or Leif for that matter. I'm not sure why it is, but from 1 to 206 I never really felt like I could understand the motivations or driving forces behind Krista's actions or thoughts. Or even, who she was as a person. I know that she is kindhearted, what with her reformation efforts, and yet I never felt like I had a believable reason as to her inner thoughts on these matters. The same can be said for Leif's character. While I logically know the explanations as to why these characters felt the way they did; why Krista ran her gazette and why Leif feels he must return. I know the reasons, I just never felt like I could emotionally connect with the characters. At all!
Number Two: The plot is just...flaccid. This is very disappointing, since based on the synopsis, this book had worlds of potential. There is so much Martin could've done with this plot, and yet, by page 206 I felt like the plot may as well have been about the characters inventing sawdust for as driven as it was.
Number Three: The seemingly lack of realism in the plot. Now, don't get me wrong, I like fantasy as much as the next girl. But as much as I long for the fictional, sometimes that fictional has to be presented in a believable light. The fact that Lief is a viking from an undiscovered island? And the fact that he is such a genius he can learn to speak a new language in under two months? I don't know, maybe I'm being too picky, but this was just one more facet as to why I just gave up on this book.
Number Four: Okay. Here's the kicker. Here's where I just threw up my hands and said "are you kidding me?" Right after Lief returns from the country, having spent a total of two months becoming a 'new man,' it comes to light that he's slept with a servant on the manor. And was thinking of Krista the entire time. ... Seriously? I mean...seriously?! The issues with that concept are so obvious I need not state them.
I could possibly excuse Number Four if in fact the character Lief were written better, if the book were written better, ect...but more importantly, in this book, it WAS inexcusable. If Lief were written in such a way that he was a devilish rake and was reformed by the end of the book, then maybe I could overlook this fact.
Such was not the case, however. What made this even more irritating was that Krista found out about Leif's "indiscretion" and barely even batted an eye.
Put simply, I must sigh and toss this book aside for the next one!
Okay. Many problems with this story!
Number One: From page one, I could not connect with the character of Krista, or Leif for that matter. I'm not sure why it is, but from 1 to 206 I never really felt like I could understand the motivations or driving forces behind Krista's actions or thoughts. Or even, who she was as a person. I know that she is kindhearted, what with her reformation efforts, and yet I never felt like I had a believable reason as to her inner thoughts on these matters. The same can be said for Leif's character. While I logically know the explanations as to why these characters felt the way they did; why Krista ran her gazette and why Leif feels he must return. I know the reasons, I just never felt like I could emotionally connect with the characters. At all!
Number Two: The plot is just...flaccid. This is very disappointing, since based on the synopsis, this book had worlds of potential. There is so much Martin could've done with this plot, and yet, by page 206 I felt like the plot may as well have been about the characters inventing sawdust for as driven as it was.
Number Three: The seemingly lack of realism in the plot. Now, don't get me wrong, I like fantasy as much as the next girl. But as much as I long for the fictional, sometimes that fictional has to be presented in a believable light. The fact that Lief is a viking from an undiscovered island? And the fact that he is such a genius he can learn to speak a new language in under two months? I don't know, maybe I'm being too picky, but this was just one more facet as to why I just gave up on this book.
Number Four: Okay. Here's the kicker. Here's where I just threw up my hands and said "are you kidding me?" Right after Lief returns from the country, having spent a total of two months becoming a 'new man,' it comes to light that he's slept with a servant on the manor. And was thinking of Krista the entire time. ... Seriously? I mean...seriously?! The issues with that concept are so obvious I need not state them.
I could possibly excuse Number Four if in fact the character Lief were written better, if the book were written better, ect...but more importantly, in this book, it WAS inexcusable. If Lief were written in such a way that he was a devilish rake and was reformed by the end of the book, then maybe I could overlook this fact.
Such was not the case, however. What made this even more irritating was that Krista found out about Leif's "indiscretion" and barely even batted an eye.
Put simply, I must sigh and toss this book aside for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2022
Ugh it was so fun and delightful.
February 7, 2017
No he podido conectar completamente con la historia aunque no soy capaz de descubrir exactamente por qué. Aunque al mismo tiempo quería seguir leyendo y no encontraba el momento de dejarlo, especialmente hacia el final.
Los personajes estaban bien construidos y ambos se dejaban querer, cada uno a su manera. Leif como vikingo estaba bastante bien creado y Krista, como mujer independiente de su época también. Sin embargo, estaba tan desconectada de la historia que notaba hasta el fallo más pequeño, o lo que a mí me parecieron fallos. Como el darle nombre, y mencionarlo en repetidas ocasiones, hasta al personaje menos relevante o la fijación de la autora por la ropa. Tampoco es tan necesario saber lo que llevan y como es la falda de la protagonista a cada rato. Ya me supongo que no va desfilando por ahí desnuda...
Creo que volveré a leer algo de la autora, posiblemente el segundo de la serie, para formarme una mejor opinión de ella.
Los personajes estaban bien construidos y ambos se dejaban querer, cada uno a su manera. Leif como vikingo estaba bastante bien creado y Krista, como mujer independiente de su época también. Sin embargo, estaba tan desconectada de la historia que notaba hasta el fallo más pequeño, o lo que a mí me parecieron fallos. Como el darle nombre, y mencionarlo en repetidas ocasiones, hasta al personaje menos relevante o la fijación de la autora por la ropa. Tampoco es tan necesario saber lo que llevan y como es la falda de la protagonista a cada rato. Ya me supongo que no va desfilando por ahí desnuda...
Creo que volveré a leer algo de la autora, posiblemente el segundo de la serie, para formarme una mejor opinión de ella.
February 1, 2019
Blurb’e tav oldum, Viking falan diyordu,
Kitabın başı iyiydi, ortaları idare eder kalanını sallayın derim ben
Gene salak bir kadın başroldeydi, allah affetsin
Kitabın başı iyiydi, ortaları idare eder kalanını sallayın derim ben
Gene salak bir kadın başroldeydi, allah affetsin
February 9, 2020
Quizá el mejor elemento del libro sea la originalidad. Este personaje masculino es cuanto menos, diferente, que en este género no es poco. Además la autora ya nos tiene acostumbradas a una narración intensa y buena, con detalles y personajes bien formados. El argumento es consecuente. Quizá lo único algunos clichés y algunos momentos """"machistas""" que en esta época tampoco podemos criticar, porque era tal cual.
Reseña en el canal de YT próximamente.
Reseña en el canal de YT próximamente.
July 10, 2019
3.5
çok uzundu ya! :D
çok uzundu ya! :D
December 29, 2016
The Heart Trilogy by Kat Martin takes place in Victorian era London at the Heart to Heart gazette run by Krista Hart and her father. While Heart to Heart is a ladies magazine, it also publishes editorials addressing political and social issues of the day. During this particular time period, one of the big social issues of the day was conditions for mine workers, particularly regarding child labor.
Krista Hart is a modern woman for the times - she flouts convention by having an occupation, as a writer at the gazette. Her livelihood earns her enemies because she writes the aforementioned editorials on important social issues. So when we meet Krista, she has a lot going on between work and her personal life... with threats from men angered by her editorials, and pressure to get married from her grandfather, the last thing Krista needs is to bring home a handsome and aggravating Norse barbarian. I liked that Krista was her own person and had a purpose beyond balls and beauty routines. She was brave to write about social issues that were unpopular with her peers, but she was also a bit foolhardy when it came to her safety and the reality of her situation. Leif was an irritating addition to her life and she treated him as such most of the time, so I found myself wishing she was softer in her treatment of him.
Leif Draugr is a Nordic beast of a man. He is destined to be the chief of his clan, but he yearns to travel and see the world outside of the remote Draugr Island. When Lief is shipwrecked off the coast of England, he is taken captive by English ne'er-do-wells and put into a circus sideshow. With his unkempt appearance and strange language, its not hard for people to believe him to be the barbarian advertised. I really liked Leif and the way he said whatever he was thinking... it definitely generated some laugh out loud moments. He was a true viking in appearance, speech and mannerisms... but he also cleaned up as an English gentleman quite well. I liked that Leif brushed off Krista's prickly behavior and didn't give up despite her saying that they could never be together. He was definitely the more favored character for me in this first installment of the series.
The romance between Krista and Leif was somewhat slow building, and it was more one-sided on Leif's part while Krista denied what was between them for the longest time. It was fun to watch Leif pursue Krista and not take no for an answer... not in a rapey way, but just an "I will win you over" way. This story requires you to suspend your disbelief quite a bit. For starters, this is pretty late (historically speaking) for a Viking to be shipwrecked from an undiscovered island where the people still live like they did in medieval times. Leif appears to be some kind of super genius that goes from captivity to polished Englishman (with exceptional grasp of the language) in less than two months time. But if you can ignore the unlikelihood of these aspects, then the story was entertaining.
The mystery of the threats against Krista was a nice addition to the story that gave us something to focus on while the romance was building. It did seem like the resolution for the enemies and saboteurs was anti-climactic, so I wish there would have been a little more to get my adrenaline going and really feel a sense of danger to Krista's person. However, this was not a romantic suspense so I won't complain too much about the lack of action. Overall the story was a nice diversion and held my attention well enough as I drove from Louisiana to Tennessee.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook that I received from the publisher, Tantor Audio. Stay tuned for my review of the next book in the series, Heart of Fire, which is on the calendar for next month.
April 4, 2015
Πριν από μερικά χρόνια η ΧΑΡΛΕΝΙΚ ΕΛΛΑΣ ΕΚΔΟΤΙΚΗ κυκλοφόρησε την εξαιρετική σειρά “Το Περιδέραιο της Νύφης” με την οποία πρωτογνωρίσαμε την Kat Martin. Αυτή τη φορά η Martin οδηγεί την υπόθεση αισθηματικό, ιστορικό μυθιστόρημα σε άλλο επίπεδο.
Το βιβλίο “Περήφανη Καρδιά” είναι το πρώτο της τριλογίας Από Καρδιάς.
Η συγγραφέας μας μεταφέρει στο Λονδίνο του 19ου αιώνα, όπου η αριστοκράτισσα Κρίστα –εγγονή κόμη- διευθύνει με μαεστρία το περιοδικό Από Καρδιάς. Έντονα πολιτικοποιημένη, δυναμική και εξαιρετικά μορφωμένη ανακαλύπτει σε μία επίσκεψή της στο τσίρκο τον Νορβηγό Λέιφ. Ο Λέιφ βρίσκεται παρά τη θέληση του να επιδεικνύεται ως νούμερο του τσίρκου. Η Κρίστα, με τη βοήθεια του καθηγητή πατέρα της, τον σώζει. Ένα ταξίδι ξεκινά ανάμεσα τους και κάποια στιγμή ο Λέιφ θα κληθεί να σώσει εκείνος την Κρίστα καθώς αδίσταχτοι άνθρωποι, ενοχλημένοι από τις δημοσιεύσεις του Από Καρδιάς, δε διστάζουν να απειλήσουν τη ζωή της.
Πρόκειται για ένα απίστευτα καλογραμμένο βιβλίο, όπως βέβαια μας συνηθίζει η Kat Martin. Το πιο εντυπωσιακό στοιχείο του εντοπίζεται στη μαεστρία με την οποία χειρίζεται η συγγραφέας το ψυχογράφημα των ηρώων της. Ουσιαστικά, χτίζει δύο εντελώς διαφορετικές κοινωνίες και τοποθετεί μέσα σε αυτές δύο εν δυνάμει εραστές. Δύο ψυχές με διαφορετικές καταβολές, εμπειρίες και προσλαμβάνουσες. Ο Λέιφ είναι ένας σκληροτράχηλος πολεμιστής, ένας Βίκινγκ. Τα πάντα πάνω του, από τα ρούχα του –ή την έλλειψή τους- μέχρι τον τρόπο που κινείται, σκανδαλίζουν τη συντηρητική κοινωνία του Λονδίνου. Η Κρίστα δεν είναι από αυτές που σοκάρονται εύκολα. Ίσα-ίσα που ζει τη ζωή της με τους δικούς της όρους. Όμως έχει καθήκοντα στα οποία οφείλει να παραμείνει πιστή και η έλξη που νιώθει για τον Λέιφ της δημιουργεί εμπόδια.
Η πρωταγωνίστρια του βιβλίου είναι ένας αγαπητός χαρακτήρας, μιας και όντας ιδιαιτέρως δυναμική και ανεξάρτητη μπορεί ο σύγχρονος αναγνώστης να ταυτιστεί εύκολα μαζί της, χωρίς ωστόσο να χάσει την αίσθηση εκείνης της εποχής. Η έκπληξη όμως του βιβλίου και ο πραγματικός λόγος που απαιτείται να διαβάσει κάποιος την “Περήφανη Καρδιά” είναι ο Λέιφ. Πρόκειται για έναν από τους καλύτερους και πιο γοητευτικούς ήρωες που έχω διαβάσει ποτέ μου. Η τοποθέτηση ενός, φαινομενικά, απολίτιστου Βίκινγκ στα σαλόνια του Λονδίνου αποτελεί έναν μοναδικό συνδυασμό. Ο Λέιφ με την ανεπιτήδευτη ειλικρίνεια του και τον ωμό τρόπο με τον οποίο θέλει την Κρίστα προκαλεί θαυμασμό και επιθυμία για περισσότερο διάβασμα. Κυριολεκτικά δε θες να αφήσεις το βιβλίο από τα χέρια σου.
Οι εκδόσεις Άρλεκιν για ακόμη μια φορά μας εντυπωσιάζουν με τις εκδοτικές τους επιλογές, αλλά και με το εξώφυλλο και την ποιότητ�� του βιβλίου τους.
Το βιβλίο “Περήφανη Καρδιά” είναι το πρώτο της τριλογίας Από Καρδιάς.
Η συγγραφέας μας μεταφέρει στο Λονδίνο του 19ου αιώνα, όπου η αριστοκράτισσα Κρίστα –εγγονή κόμη- διευθύνει με μαεστρία το περιοδικό Από Καρδιάς. Έντονα πολιτικοποιημένη, δυναμική και εξαιρετικά μορφωμένη ανακαλύπτει σε μία επίσκεψή της στο τσίρκο τον Νορβηγό Λέιφ. Ο Λέιφ βρίσκεται παρά τη θέληση του να επιδεικνύεται ως νούμερο του τσίρκου. Η Κρίστα, με τη βοήθεια του καθηγητή πατέρα της, τον σώζει. Ένα ταξίδι ξεκινά ανάμεσα τους και κάποια στιγμή ο Λέιφ θα κληθεί να σώσει εκείνος την Κρίστα καθώς αδίσταχτοι άνθρωποι, ενοχλημένοι από τις δημοσιεύσεις του Από Καρδιάς, δε διστάζουν να απειλήσουν τη ζωή της.
Πρόκειται για ένα απίστευτα καλογραμμένο βιβλίο, όπως βέβαια μας συνηθίζει η Kat Martin. Το πιο εντυπωσιακό στοιχείο του εντοπίζεται στη μαεστρία με την οποία χειρίζεται η συγγραφέας το ψυχογράφημα των ηρώων της. Ουσιαστικά, χτίζει δύο εντελώς διαφορετικές κοινωνίες και τοποθετεί μέσα σε αυτές δύο εν δυνάμει εραστές. Δύο ψυχές με διαφορετικές καταβολές, εμπειρίες και προσλαμβάνουσες. Ο Λέιφ είναι ένας σκληροτράχηλος πολεμιστής, ένας Βίκινγκ. Τα πάντα πάνω του, από τα ρούχα του –ή την έλλειψή τους- μέχρι τον τρόπο που κινείται, σκανδαλίζουν τη συντηρητική κοινωνία του Λονδίνου. Η Κρίστα δεν είναι από αυτές που σοκάρονται εύκολα. Ίσα-ίσα που ζει τη ζωή της με τους δικούς της όρους. Όμως έχει καθήκοντα στα οποία οφείλει να παραμείνει πιστή και η έλξη που νιώθει για τον Λέιφ της δημιουργεί εμπόδια.
Η πρωταγωνίστρια του βιβλίου είναι ένας αγαπητός χαρακτήρας, μιας και όντας ιδιαιτέρως δυναμική και ανεξάρτητη μπορεί ο σύγχρονος αναγνώστης να ταυτιστεί εύκολα μαζί της, χωρίς ωστόσο να χάσει την αίσθηση εκείνης της εποχής. Η έκπληξη όμως του βιβλίου και ο πραγματικός λόγος που απαιτείται να διαβάσει κάποιος την “Περήφανη Καρδιά” είναι ο Λέιφ. Πρόκειται για έναν από τους καλύτερους και πιο γοητευτικούς ήρωες που έχω διαβάσει ποτέ μου. Η τοποθέτηση ενός, φαινομενικά, απολίτιστου Βίκινγκ στα σαλόνια του Λονδίνου αποτελεί έναν μοναδικό συνδυασμό. Ο Λέιφ με την ανεπιτήδευτη ειλικρίνεια του και τον ωμό τρόπο με τον οποίο θέλει την Κρίστα προκαλεί θαυμασμό και επιθυμία για περισσότερο διάβασμα. Κυριολεκτικά δε θες να αφήσεις το βιβλίο από τα χέρια σου.
Οι εκδόσεις Άρλεκιν για ακόμη μια φορά μας εντυπωσιάζουν με τις εκδοτικές τους επιλογές, αλλά και με το εξώφυλλο και την ποιότητ�� του βιβλίου τους.
April 25, 2017
This book was hella long. Good but looooong.
October 12, 2020
Una hermosa historia de amor
June 24, 2020
Okay, so. I honestly wanted to give this book 2.5 stars since it was right at the junction of "not very good" and "unbelievably entertaining". So I rounded down in the interest of fairness.
The whole premise of this book is actually pretty fun. "Modern" Victorian girl meets Viking from an island that apparently got stuck in time around the year 1500? Heck yeah, that's the kind of nonsense I crave! And with a little more research and effort this book could have been genuinely good instead of ironically good. But ultimately it flopped because of the following things, among others:
1. The book takes place in 1842 and the heroine's name is Krista. According to behindthename.com, pretty much no one was named Krista until the 1960s.
2. Krista spends half the book complaining about how unattractive she is...because she's tall and blonde and curvy. Sure. That's never been considered attractive.
3. Every time the hero, Leif, encounters an English word he doesn't know he hyphenates it. Every. Time. He does this with names that a Norwegian person probably wouldn't have any trouble pronouncing, like Paxton and Petersen. (Pax-ton and Peter-sen is what they are turned into) Why?
4. Consistent, aggressive misunderstanding of how corsets worked and why women wore them. They're referred to as "torture devices" like eight times. Here's the thing: corsets weren't invented to be oppressive, they were there to act as a support garment, just like how modern women wear bras and Spanx. Most women didn't lace them that tightly and once you got used to them they were perfectly comfortable. Check out any of Karolina Zebrowska's videos on Youtube if you don't believe me.
5. When Leif heads out to the country to stay with Krista's dad and learn English or whatever he apparently gets with a servant girl but obviously was thinking of Krista the whole time...and when he gets back to London he tells Krista this. Advice for all the fellas in the audience: don't do that. Any of it.
6. If you're a woman in this book you are either Krista, Krista's personality-less best friend, or a gossipy ho, pretty much.
7. I kind of thought romance authors as a group had decided kidnapping wasn't sexy sometime around the year 2001 but apparently not.
All that said, there were some genuinely interesting and emotional moments and even the bad parts were pretty funny, so you know what? Drink some wine, read this book, have some laughs. Treat yourself.
The whole premise of this book is actually pretty fun. "Modern" Victorian girl meets Viking from an island that apparently got stuck in time around the year 1500? Heck yeah, that's the kind of nonsense I crave! And with a little more research and effort this book could have been genuinely good instead of ironically good. But ultimately it flopped because of the following things, among others:
1. The book takes place in 1842 and the heroine's name is Krista. According to behindthename.com, pretty much no one was named Krista until the 1960s.
2. Krista spends half the book complaining about how unattractive she is...because she's tall and blonde and curvy. Sure. That's never been considered attractive.
3. Every time the hero, Leif, encounters an English word he doesn't know he hyphenates it. Every. Time. He does this with names that a Norwegian person probably wouldn't have any trouble pronouncing, like Paxton and Petersen. (Pax-ton and Peter-sen is what they are turned into) Why?
4. Consistent, aggressive misunderstanding of how corsets worked and why women wore them. They're referred to as "torture devices" like eight times. Here's the thing: corsets weren't invented to be oppressive, they were there to act as a support garment, just like how modern women wear bras and Spanx. Most women didn't lace them that tightly and once you got used to them they were perfectly comfortable. Check out any of Karolina Zebrowska's videos on Youtube if you don't believe me.
5. When Leif heads out to the country to stay with Krista's dad and learn English or whatever he apparently gets with a servant girl but obviously was thinking of Krista the whole time...and when he gets back to London he tells Krista this. Advice for all the fellas in the audience: don't do that. Any of it.
6. If you're a woman in this book you are either Krista, Krista's personality-less best friend, or a gossipy ho, pretty much.
7. I kind of thought romance authors as a group had decided kidnapping wasn't sexy sometime around the year 2001 but apparently not.
All that said, there were some genuinely interesting and emotional moments and even the bad parts were pretty funny, so you know what? Drink some wine, read this book, have some laughs. Treat yourself.
July 25, 2011
Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)
Book 1 in the Heart Trilogy
Lief Draugr is a Viking. After leaving his home island in search of new and glorious places to explore, his ship breaks and he is left stranded, half-dead. The shepherd who nurses him to health sells the large, blond, ‘wild man’ to a traveling circus, where Lief is enslaved for nearly a year (the scenes Martin writes of his feelings and thoughts while he is in captivity are really heartbreaking – I felt like crying). Krista Hart is the publisher of a ladies’ gazette in London, Heart to Heart, which publishes very unpopular articles on things such as social reform. When visiting the circus, she discovers Lief in chains and demands his release. After that, the pair, along with Krista’s father, work to teach Lief how to be a gentleman while Krista faces threats on her life due to her newspaper’s outspoken views. At one point, Lief leaves with Krista's father for their country estate to work on his English and manners. When he comes back, the romance really begins.
What did I love about this book? Pretty much everything. So we’re going to start with the things I didn’t like, and get them out of the way so I can rave about how much I did like this book! First, the book was a little too long – like, 30 to 40 pages. It dragged a little at the end, and the length made me lose some of the anticipatory feel I should’ve had. Second, I disliked how long it took Lief to realize that he should stay in England for good. My HEA was far too delayed for my liking. Third, some events in the book were a little implausible – however not so implausible it wrecked my read. I’ve heard a lot of people say how annoyed they were that Lief learned English so quickly, but honestly it doesn’t surprise me (much, at least). Earlier this year, I went to Spain with two years of high-school Spanish backing me - nothing else. By the time I left my host family’s house three days later for France, I was talking rapidly and thinking more in Spanish than English. The human mind adapts amazingly well when no one around you speaks your language and everyone else speaks another one. Also, if Lief is as determined as he sounded, he would've spent every waking moment learning English and would've been far more successful than most readers seem to think he would be. I didn't find it annoyingly unbelievable at all.
Onto what I loved. I loved how funny this book was. Honestly, the first half of the book had me laughing at least fifteen times. I was having hysterics over Lief’s boldness. I also loved how beautifully Martin wrote Lief’s scenes of captivity – and later Krista’s ‘captivity’ as Lief drags her away to his island (it’s not as bad as it sounds, ladies. You’ll still love him). In the case of Lief’s captivity, every time I read about him in those early chapters my heart broke. Again and again. It was that powerful, and that sealed the book for me. I also loved how well I connected with Krista and Lief’s characters. I could feel and understand their motivation, their drive. I loved how Martin kept me with them every step of the way. I could feel their pain, their fear, their anguish. I was thoroughly involved in this story - completely invested in every scene and every move made by each character.
I also loved the unique premise of this book. In most Historicals, the male saves the female. However, in this case, Krista comes to Lief’s rescue before he comes to hers. It made them seem more like equals. I, for the most part, really enjoyed the plot. It was exciting, intriguing, and very distinctive. I have read books where you ‘turn the beast into a gentleman’ (The Making of a Gentleman by Shana Galen, anyone?) but none as well done as this one. Every time a doubt rose in my mind about something, Martin put my mind at ease, which is an incredible talent. She didn’t leave a single loop hole. I felt the pace was good throughout most of the book as well.
I, unlike others, liked that Lief didn’t remain chaste upon his freedom from his cage. Back where he came from, his old island, he was very used to having women all around him (the quintessential rake, but in a more barbaric and less refined fashion). It wasn’t part of his culture for him to be monogamous especially before even entering into a romantic relationship with Krista, and I liked that he was honest with her about his escapade with a maid while he was at her father’s estate learning to be an English gentleman. I liked that she didn’t make a big deal about it because, again, they weren’t in a relationship of any kind. I think that was my favorite thing, how true Lief was to his barbaric, Viking culture in the beginning. I really enjoyed watching him transform throughout the book, still retaining part of his wildness. It gave us some really great protective warrior scenes too – that fencing scene was delectable. Or maybe I just like the image of men waving around their swords…
“Sexy”ness rating: Hot, hot, hot!
Overall Rating: A
Bottom Line: This book is funny, heart-wrenching, sexy and charming – it’s an all-in-one package deal! Pick this up on your next trip to the bookstore and enjoy!
Book 1 in the Heart Trilogy
Lief Draugr is a Viking. After leaving his home island in search of new and glorious places to explore, his ship breaks and he is left stranded, half-dead. The shepherd who nurses him to health sells the large, blond, ‘wild man’ to a traveling circus, where Lief is enslaved for nearly a year (the scenes Martin writes of his feelings and thoughts while he is in captivity are really heartbreaking – I felt like crying). Krista Hart is the publisher of a ladies’ gazette in London, Heart to Heart, which publishes very unpopular articles on things such as social reform. When visiting the circus, she discovers Lief in chains and demands his release. After that, the pair, along with Krista’s father, work to teach Lief how to be a gentleman while Krista faces threats on her life due to her newspaper’s outspoken views. At one point, Lief leaves with Krista's father for their country estate to work on his English and manners. When he comes back, the romance really begins.
What did I love about this book? Pretty much everything. So we’re going to start with the things I didn’t like, and get them out of the way so I can rave about how much I did like this book! First, the book was a little too long – like, 30 to 40 pages. It dragged a little at the end, and the length made me lose some of the anticipatory feel I should’ve had. Second, I disliked how long it took Lief to realize that he should stay in England for good. My HEA was far too delayed for my liking. Third, some events in the book were a little implausible – however not so implausible it wrecked my read. I’ve heard a lot of people say how annoyed they were that Lief learned English so quickly, but honestly it doesn’t surprise me (much, at least). Earlier this year, I went to Spain with two years of high-school Spanish backing me - nothing else. By the time I left my host family’s house three days later for France, I was talking rapidly and thinking more in Spanish than English. The human mind adapts amazingly well when no one around you speaks your language and everyone else speaks another one. Also, if Lief is as determined as he sounded, he would've spent every waking moment learning English and would've been far more successful than most readers seem to think he would be. I didn't find it annoyingly unbelievable at all.
Onto what I loved. I loved how funny this book was. Honestly, the first half of the book had me laughing at least fifteen times. I was having hysterics over Lief’s boldness. I also loved how beautifully Martin wrote Lief’s scenes of captivity – and later Krista’s ‘captivity’ as Lief drags her away to his island (it’s not as bad as it sounds, ladies. You’ll still love him). In the case of Lief’s captivity, every time I read about him in those early chapters my heart broke. Again and again. It was that powerful, and that sealed the book for me. I also loved how well I connected with Krista and Lief’s characters. I could feel and understand their motivation, their drive. I loved how Martin kept me with them every step of the way. I could feel their pain, their fear, their anguish. I was thoroughly involved in this story - completely invested in every scene and every move made by each character.
I also loved the unique premise of this book. In most Historicals, the male saves the female. However, in this case, Krista comes to Lief’s rescue before he comes to hers. It made them seem more like equals. I, for the most part, really enjoyed the plot. It was exciting, intriguing, and very distinctive. I have read books where you ‘turn the beast into a gentleman’ (The Making of a Gentleman by Shana Galen, anyone?) but none as well done as this one. Every time a doubt rose in my mind about something, Martin put my mind at ease, which is an incredible talent. She didn’t leave a single loop hole. I felt the pace was good throughout most of the book as well.
I, unlike others, liked that Lief didn’t remain chaste upon his freedom from his cage. Back where he came from, his old island, he was very used to having women all around him (the quintessential rake, but in a more barbaric and less refined fashion). It wasn’t part of his culture for him to be monogamous especially before even entering into a romantic relationship with Krista, and I liked that he was honest with her about his escapade with a maid while he was at her father’s estate learning to be an English gentleman. I liked that she didn’t make a big deal about it because, again, they weren’t in a relationship of any kind. I think that was my favorite thing, how true Lief was to his barbaric, Viking culture in the beginning. I really enjoyed watching him transform throughout the book, still retaining part of his wildness. It gave us some really great protective warrior scenes too – that fencing scene was delectable. Or maybe I just like the image of men waving around their swords…
“Sexy”ness rating: Hot, hot, hot!
Overall Rating: A
Bottom Line: This book is funny, heart-wrenching, sexy and charming – it’s an all-in-one package deal! Pick this up on your next trip to the bookstore and enjoy!
May 26, 2025
płytka, nudna i przewidywalne zwroty akcji
November 16, 2020
This was really different but I liked it. The audio production was fun to listen to. The island stuck in time was an unexpected plot device as was the ancient Viking language. The romance was strange. They both loved each other but when one would admit it the other would back away. Then there’s the grandfather who wants an heir putting a spanner in the works occasionally. Truthfully there’s an extra star for the entertaining audio, because the plot is so so.
March 17, 2017
Decent story and great narration by Beverly Crick. (audible review)
This was a good story. Kept me entertained and curious how it was going to play out. I liked Leif and Kristen together. They made a good match and had some good chemistry together.
Kristen was smart, spunky and had spirit. Leif was also smart and resourceful.
The story line and plot were interesting and different for this genre for sure. But I liked that about the book. Not a typical HR. Interesting how the author brought a viking into London England. There was a lot of dialogue throughout the book and it wasn't really full of angst either. It was a bit long at 12 hours.
As for the narration, Beverly Crick did a great job. She has become a favorite female HR narrator. The men sound like men, everyone gets their own distinct voice, she does great accents and has a nice reading voice.
This was a good story. Kept me entertained and curious how it was going to play out. I liked Leif and Kristen together. They made a good match and had some good chemistry together.
Kristen was smart, spunky and had spirit. Leif was also smart and resourceful.
The story line and plot were interesting and different for this genre for sure. But I liked that about the book. Not a typical HR. Interesting how the author brought a viking into London England. There was a lot of dialogue throughout the book and it wasn't really full of angst either. It was a bit long at 12 hours.
As for the narration, Beverly Crick did a great job. She has become a favorite female HR narrator. The men sound like men, everyone gets their own distinct voice, she does great accents and has a nice reading voice.
May 16, 2014
Orjinal Adı :Heart of Honor
Edisyon Adı : Kalpten Kalbe
Yazar : Kat Martin
Goodreads Puanı: 5/3,73
Puanım: 5/3.60
Kat Martin'in kalemini seviyorum oldukça kuvvetli kalemi olan bir yazar. Heart Üçlemesinin ilk kitabı olan Kalpten Kalbe kitabının konusu oldukça değişikti.Biraz masalımsı bir tadı vardı romanın başlarında ama yazar kitabı yazarken sıkılmış olmalı ki kitabın ortalarından sonra biraz sıkılmaya başladım. Oldukça akıcı bir konusu olsa da iki apayrı dünyalardan gelmiş olan kişinin aşkı da çok farklı işlemeye çalışmış yazar ama kurgu sanki tam oturamamış gibiydi.
Yine de tam sıkılmadan severek okudum ama çok çok beğenmedim.Önceki okuduğum Kara Melek ve Gelinin Kolyesi isimli kitaplarını daha çok beğenmiştim. Farklı bir konuyu okumayı beklerken biraz kitap bitse de başka bir kitaba geçsem moduna girdim.
Aslında tam da bir kişiyi sıfırdan yeniden yaratma teması da vardı ve erkek kahraman bir Viking savaşçısı Alfa karakterde yaman bir erkekti. Kadın kahramanımız ise özgür ruhlu dönemin hayli ilerisinde olan bir asilzade İngiliz kadındı..İkisinin inatlaşmaları kişilik çarpışmaları başlarda hoşuma gitse de sonradan sinir olmaya başladım..
Kitabın en sevdiğim sahnesi bir sirk de kafese hapsedilen bu Viking savaşçısı olan Leif Draugr ile gazete sahibi Krista Hart'ın karşılaştığı sahne idi.
O sahne çok güzel idi orada Leif'in çaresizliği kurtulma umudu Krista'nın onu gördüğündeki yardım etme çabasından etkilendim.Onu profesör babasının yardımları ile sirkten kurtarıp onu tam bir İngiliz Beyefendisine çevirmek için eğitmeleri.
Çünkü bir Viking olan Leif tek kelime İngilizce bilmediği gibi İngiliz kültürüne ait bir şey bilmiyordu.Yeni medeniyetler için gemisi ve adamları ile yolculuğa çıktığında deniz kazası geçirdiğinde de ondan başka herkes hayatını kaybetmiştir. Korsanlar onu bularak bir sirke satmışlardır.
Derdini anlatamadığı ve devamlı dayak yediği için yarı delirmiş durumda kurtulmaktan umudunu kesmiş durumdadır.
İşte bu şartlarda gerçekleşen Krista ile karşılaşmasında onun dilini anladığını farkettiğinde bu genç kadından yardım ister ve Krista yardım etmek ister ve işte burada Krista'nın profesör babası ortaya çıkar Leif'e yardım etderek onu gaddar sirk sahiplerinden kurtarır..
Onu kendi evlerine alarak hem barınmasını sağlarlar hem de İngilizce öğreterek kendi kültürlerini öğretmeye çalışırlar Ona medeniyet dersleri verirken ,Leif'in bir İngiliz gibi giydirirken . Krista'da ona dans dersleri vermeye çalışır....
Çalışır diyorum çünkü Krista ve Leif arasındaki çekim ilk andan itibaren çok güçlü olması yüzünden bu çok da kolay olmaz..
Bu arada Krista çıkardığı gazete de yazdığı devrimci ve ilerici makaleler yüzünden tehdit mesajları da almaktadır. Fakat bunları başlarda pek önemsememektedir.
Tehditler tehlikeli olmaya başlayınca Leif Krista'yı korumaya başlar.Bu arada Krista ile ilgilenen Matthew Carlton ile Leif arasında rekabet başlar.
Krista ona aşık değildir ama ailesi için evlenmesi gerekmektedir. Kendisinden başka mirasçısı kalmayan büyükbabasının özel aldığı bir izin ile ünvanı Krista'nın çocuğuna kalacaktır.
Matthew sosyetenin çok gözde bir bekarıdır onunla ilgilenmesi bile şaşırtıcıdır.Ama ona karşı hiç bir şey hissetmemesine karşılık Leif'den bu kadar etkilenmesi Leif'in onunla ilgilenmesi işleri karıştırmaktadır..
Bu olmayacak bir şeydir. Çünkü Leif vatanına babasına verdiği bir sözden dolayı dönüp ailesine sahip çıkmak zorundadır..
Romanı okurken birbirlerini o kadar sevdikleri halde yokuşa sürmeleri bana tuhaf geldi sanki yazar hikayeyi uzatmak için kullanıyordu bunu. Okurken zevk alsamda bazı yerlerinde zaman zaman sıkıldığım bir roman oldu. Kötü demiyorum ama benim beklentim daha yüksekti. Kitap ilk çıktığında ben bu kitabı Gelinin Kolyesi'nin Kolye serisinden olduğunu düşünmüştüm ama kitabı alınca başka bir seriden olduğunu gördüm..
Kolye Serisi çok daha iyi idi bence..
Yazarın o kadar çok kitabı var ki umarım hepsini okumak nasip olur. Gerçekten de iyi bir yazar..Historical ve Viking severlerin beğeneceğini düşünüyorum...
Heart Trilogy
1. Heart of Honor (2006)
2. Heart of Fire (2008)
3. Heart of Courage (2008)
http://hulyami.blogspot.com.tr/2014/0...
Edisyon Adı : Kalpten Kalbe
Yazar : Kat Martin
Goodreads Puanı: 5/3,73
Puanım: 5/3.60
Kat Martin'in kalemini seviyorum oldukça kuvvetli kalemi olan bir yazar. Heart Üçlemesinin ilk kitabı olan Kalpten Kalbe kitabının konusu oldukça değişikti.Biraz masalımsı bir tadı vardı romanın başlarında ama yazar kitabı yazarken sıkılmış olmalı ki kitabın ortalarından sonra biraz sıkılmaya başladım. Oldukça akıcı bir konusu olsa da iki apayrı dünyalardan gelmiş olan kişinin aşkı da çok farklı işlemeye çalışmış yazar ama kurgu sanki tam oturamamış gibiydi.
Yine de tam sıkılmadan severek okudum ama çok çok beğenmedim.Önceki okuduğum Kara Melek ve Gelinin Kolyesi isimli kitaplarını daha çok beğenmiştim. Farklı bir konuyu okumayı beklerken biraz kitap bitse de başka bir kitaba geçsem moduna girdim.
Aslında tam da bir kişiyi sıfırdan yeniden yaratma teması da vardı ve erkek kahraman bir Viking savaşçısı Alfa karakterde yaman bir erkekti. Kadın kahramanımız ise özgür ruhlu dönemin hayli ilerisinde olan bir asilzade İngiliz kadındı..İkisinin inatlaşmaları kişilik çarpışmaları başlarda hoşuma gitse de sonradan sinir olmaya başladım..
Kitabın en sevdiğim sahnesi bir sirk de kafese hapsedilen bu Viking savaşçısı olan Leif Draugr ile gazete sahibi Krista Hart'ın karşılaştığı sahne idi.
O sahne çok güzel idi orada Leif'in çaresizliği kurtulma umudu Krista'nın onu gördüğündeki yardım etme çabasından etkilendim.Onu profesör babasının yardımları ile sirkten kurtarıp onu tam bir İngiliz Beyefendisine çevirmek için eğitmeleri.
Çünkü bir Viking olan Leif tek kelime İngilizce bilmediği gibi İngiliz kültürüne ait bir şey bilmiyordu.Yeni medeniyetler için gemisi ve adamları ile yolculuğa çıktığında deniz kazası geçirdiğinde de ondan başka herkes hayatını kaybetmiştir. Korsanlar onu bularak bir sirke satmışlardır.
Derdini anlatamadığı ve devamlı dayak yediği için yarı delirmiş durumda kurtulmaktan umudunu kesmiş durumdadır.
İşte bu şartlarda gerçekleşen Krista ile karşılaşmasında onun dilini anladığını farkettiğinde bu genç kadından yardım ister ve Krista yardım etmek ister ve işte burada Krista'nın profesör babası ortaya çıkar Leif'e yardım etderek onu gaddar sirk sahiplerinden kurtarır..
Onu kendi evlerine alarak hem barınmasını sağlarlar hem de İngilizce öğreterek kendi kültürlerini öğretmeye çalışırlar Ona medeniyet dersleri verirken ,Leif'in bir İngiliz gibi giydirirken . Krista'da ona dans dersleri vermeye çalışır....
Çalışır diyorum çünkü Krista ve Leif arasındaki çekim ilk andan itibaren çok güçlü olması yüzünden bu çok da kolay olmaz..
Bu arada Krista çıkardığı gazete de yazdığı devrimci ve ilerici makaleler yüzünden tehdit mesajları da almaktadır. Fakat bunları başlarda pek önemsememektedir.
Tehditler tehlikeli olmaya başlayınca Leif Krista'yı korumaya başlar.Bu arada Krista ile ilgilenen Matthew Carlton ile Leif arasında rekabet başlar.
Krista ona aşık değildir ama ailesi için evlenmesi gerekmektedir. Kendisinden başka mirasçısı kalmayan büyükbabasının özel aldığı bir izin ile ünvanı Krista'nın çocuğuna kalacaktır.
Matthew sosyetenin çok gözde bir bekarıdır onunla ilgilenmesi bile şaşırtıcıdır.Ama ona karşı hiç bir şey hissetmemesine karşılık Leif'den bu kadar etkilenmesi Leif'in onunla ilgilenmesi işleri karıştırmaktadır..
Bu olmayacak bir şeydir. Çünkü Leif vatanına babasına verdiği bir sözden dolayı dönüp ailesine sahip çıkmak zorundadır..
Romanı okurken birbirlerini o kadar sevdikleri halde yokuşa sürmeleri bana tuhaf geldi sanki yazar hikayeyi uzatmak için kullanıyordu bunu. Okurken zevk alsamda bazı yerlerinde zaman zaman sıkıldığım bir roman oldu. Kötü demiyorum ama benim beklentim daha yüksekti. Kitap ilk çıktığında ben bu kitabı Gelinin Kolyesi'nin Kolye serisinden olduğunu düşünmüştüm ama kitabı alınca başka bir seriden olduğunu gördüm..
Kolye Serisi çok daha iyi idi bence..
Yazarın o kadar çok kitabı var ki umarım hepsini okumak nasip olur. Gerçekten de iyi bir yazar..Historical ve Viking severlerin beğeneceğini düşünüyorum...
Heart Trilogy
1. Heart of Honor (2006)
2. Heart of Fire (2008)
3. Heart of Courage (2008)
http://hulyami.blogspot.com.tr/2014/0...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2014
As an American living abroad and a person that married into a different culture I was looking forward to seeing how Martin dealt with culture shock and the mixing of different worlds in a relationship. The answer: horribly.
Our hero Leif doesn't speak a lick of English but is fluent in the matter of months. After he learns he apparently never speaks his native language to Krista again, even though she is one of the few people that can converse in it. Or maybe he does - there were several times in the text we are told Leif is speaking Norse when I thought he was still rambling on in English. And the times he does speak in Norse his expressions are simpler and less nuanced, even though it's his mother tongue. What?
I've had a run of Alpha Assholes lately, and Leif is right up there. The gods have determined that we need to be together, so I'm going to kidnap you and put you through hell, because love. Even though I never really think about love, oddly enough.
The plot sags, characters' motivation is muddied or nonexistent, and too many times I was left thinking, "Wait, what? Why?!" I didn't fall into rage reading, though, so two stars it is.
Our hero Leif doesn't speak a lick of English but is fluent in the matter of months. After he learns he apparently never speaks his native language to Krista again, even though she is one of the few people that can converse in it. Or maybe he does - there were several times in the text we are told Leif is speaking Norse when I thought he was still rambling on in English. And the times he does speak in Norse his expressions are simpler and less nuanced, even though it's his mother tongue. What?
I've had a run of Alpha Assholes lately, and Leif is right up there. The gods have determined that we need to be together, so I'm going to kidnap you and put you through hell, because love. Even though I never really think about love, oddly enough.
The plot sags, characters' motivation is muddied or nonexistent, and too many times I was left thinking, "Wait, what? Why?!" I didn't fall into rage reading, though, so two stars it is.
July 21, 2010
i kept seeing this everywhere i went, and the first few times I didn't pick it up. i put the odds at about 92% it would be totally, utterly ridiculous, and a tiny 8% chance that it would be totally epic. Finally, I couldn't pass up that 8% chance. But it was awful. The characters were flat, the descriptions were repetitive, and the heroine (author) is completely culture-centric, e.g. even though she "loves" this guy and is pro-everything-reform, the Viking descendants are Barbarians with a capital B. Heaven forbid, they don't use forks!!!!!!!!! How can a proper lady possibly survive in this world???????????!?!?!?!
I guess the one good thing I can say about this one is that: I would have thrown it down in disgust, but I kept reading in spite of myself because I couldn't figure out how it was going to end. In its defense, I didn't figure it out until very near the end. And that is a hard thing to pull off.
I guess the one good thing I can say about this one is that: I would have thrown it down in disgust, but I kept reading in spite of myself because I couldn't figure out how it was going to end. In its defense, I didn't figure it out until very near the end. And that is a hard thing to pull off.
October 2, 2008
I really wanted them to be together... held my breath many times. He was so sexual... but also very caring towards her. There was no way she was going to keep saying no LOL. The mystery held little interest to me... (the reason why I started reading it) but it ended up being a great story anyway!
July 2, 2011
I read the third book of this series, and liked it better than this one. It's an odd combination of fantasy and romance (what would it be like to be a Victorian-era lady (who is a feminist working girl as well) in London who is wooed by a handsome Viking?). The third book had those elements, too, but this one was a bit over the top for me. Still an ok escape read, though.
November 9, 2018
This book was A-freaking-mazing. The main character was a strong, principled woman, thoroughly modern, all things considered. The story had some intrigue and some very delightful love scenes, and come on, who doesn't love a big, strapping viking?
March 15, 2019
Love this book. kick ass Heroine, strong Hero. a dash of mystery great book to curl up with on a chilly night. love that this is an unconventional Hero/Heroine pair. with his back ground and her being noble but like once removed. plus she follows her dreams and doesn't let anyone stop her.
May 29, 2024
La historia tiene como virtud principal q trae una trama completamente diferente a lo q es usual en romántica histórica, o tal vez sea mejor decir q tiene una muy saludable mezcla de los mejores elementos de la romántica-histórica.
Krista es una joven de su tiempo - estamos hablando de finales del s. XIX - y como directora de una revista femenina se ha convertido en una fiel defensora de mejorar las condiciones de trabajo en las fábricas y minas y acérrima enemiga de quienes se hacen ricos gracias a las condiciones laborales infrahumanas y la explotación infantil. Krista no es la clase de persona q permanece indiferente ante una injusticia, por eso cuando descubre a un hombre enjaulado en un circo, reducido a la condición de atracción de feria, no descansa hasta liberarlo.
Con la ayuda de su padre - un reputado profesor - Krista se hace cargo de devolver a Leif su dignidad de hombre, y así descubre que él proviene de una isla desconocida en la q habitan descendientes de los antiguos vikingos, q se han mantenido al margen de los avances del mundo y continúan viviendo como si todavía estuvieran en la Edad Media.
Leif de Daugr quería conocer el mundo más allá de la protección de los grandes riscos q rodean a su isla y para ello no dudó en desafiar a su padre. Sus ansias de aventuras lo llevaron a conocer lo peor del mundo exterior, llegando a ser reducido a esclavo para diversión de unos y provecha de otros. Pero gracias a Krista y a su padre, es liberado y está dispuesto a aprender todo lo q pueda sobre el mundo q tanto deseó conocer.
El personaje de Leif tiene un poco de Ceniciente por lo vulnerable q resulta su situación al principio, pero luego resulta tener mucho más de Eliza Doolittle - My Fair Lady, aunq pueda parecer ridículo comparar al gigante rubio q nos describe la autora con la delicada Audrey Hepbur - por lo increíble q es el impacto de ver arrojado al Londres de la época victoriana a una persona tan básica y primitiva q te hace pensar en viajes en el tiempo. Obviamente, en cuestión de meses termina absorbiendo todo lo necesario para sobrevivir y ahí ya la cosa cambia, porque Leif pierde totalmente su vulnerabilidad, pero me ha gustado particularmente q, a pesar de haberse pulido lo suficiente, no deja de ser el personaje primitivo venido de una tierra ancestral congelada en el tiempo.
La historia con Krista es obviamente lo q se espera. un amor imposible por la distancia q los separa, q no es social sino más bien mental, anímica. Leif esta decidido a volver a su tierra, y debe llevarse a Krista, ella no esta a dispuesta a renunciar a su vida en Inglaterra por vivir en un mundo q le suena básico y atrasado. El deber los empuja en direcciones opuestas y es muy difícil decidir quien se supone q debe ceder lo suficiente para q puedan estar juntos.
Y aunq se esperaba el final, el viaje hasta ahí resultó de lo más entretenido. Muy buena idea la de conocer ambos lados de la moneda, en lo personal ayudó definitivamente a decidir por donde debía inclinarse la balanza.
Ojalá el segundo libro sea igual o mejor.
Krista es una joven de su tiempo - estamos hablando de finales del s. XIX - y como directora de una revista femenina se ha convertido en una fiel defensora de mejorar las condiciones de trabajo en las fábricas y minas y acérrima enemiga de quienes se hacen ricos gracias a las condiciones laborales infrahumanas y la explotación infantil. Krista no es la clase de persona q permanece indiferente ante una injusticia, por eso cuando descubre a un hombre enjaulado en un circo, reducido a la condición de atracción de feria, no descansa hasta liberarlo.
Con la ayuda de su padre - un reputado profesor - Krista se hace cargo de devolver a Leif su dignidad de hombre, y así descubre que él proviene de una isla desconocida en la q habitan descendientes de los antiguos vikingos, q se han mantenido al margen de los avances del mundo y continúan viviendo como si todavía estuvieran en la Edad Media.
Leif de Daugr quería conocer el mundo más allá de la protección de los grandes riscos q rodean a su isla y para ello no dudó en desafiar a su padre. Sus ansias de aventuras lo llevaron a conocer lo peor del mundo exterior, llegando a ser reducido a esclavo para diversión de unos y provecha de otros. Pero gracias a Krista y a su padre, es liberado y está dispuesto a aprender todo lo q pueda sobre el mundo q tanto deseó conocer.
El personaje de Leif tiene un poco de Ceniciente por lo vulnerable q resulta su situación al principio, pero luego resulta tener mucho más de Eliza Doolittle - My Fair Lady, aunq pueda parecer ridículo comparar al gigante rubio q nos describe la autora con la delicada Audrey Hepbur - por lo increíble q es el impacto de ver arrojado al Londres de la época victoriana a una persona tan básica y primitiva q te hace pensar en viajes en el tiempo. Obviamente, en cuestión de meses termina absorbiendo todo lo necesario para sobrevivir y ahí ya la cosa cambia, porque Leif pierde totalmente su vulnerabilidad, pero me ha gustado particularmente q, a pesar de haberse pulido lo suficiente, no deja de ser el personaje primitivo venido de una tierra ancestral congelada en el tiempo.
La historia con Krista es obviamente lo q se espera. un amor imposible por la distancia q los separa, q no es social sino más bien mental, anímica. Leif esta decidido a volver a su tierra, y debe llevarse a Krista, ella no esta a dispuesta a renunciar a su vida en Inglaterra por vivir en un mundo q le suena básico y atrasado. El deber los empuja en direcciones opuestas y es muy difícil decidir quien se supone q debe ceder lo suficiente para q puedan estar juntos.
Y aunq se esperaba el final, el viaje hasta ahí resultó de lo más entretenido. Muy buena idea la de conocer ambos lados de la moneda, en lo personal ayudó definitivamente a decidir por donde debía inclinarse la balanza.
Ojalá el segundo libro sea igual o mejor.
January 7, 2013
4 von 5 Sternen
*Inhalt:*
Krista gehört zu den modernen Frauen ihrer Zeit und arbeitet in ihrer eigenen Zeitungsredaktion. Das sie gesellschaftskritische Themen anspricht, gefällt nicht allen Leuten und sie schwebt deshalb in Gefahr. Bei einem Zirkusbesuch entdeckt sie einen Mann in einem Käfig. Groß, kräftig, wild wirkend. Sie ist die Einzige die seine Sprache spricht und somit aufdecken kann, dass er nicht verrückt ist und gegen seinen Willen wie ein Tier gehalten wird. Leif ist nämlich ein Abkömmling der Wikinger und mit einem Schiff gestrandet. Kristas Vater studiert altnordische Geschichte und Sprache und nimmt Leif als Schüler auf, um von ihm mehr zu lernen und Leif das englische Leben zu lehren. Leifs Interesse an der fremden Kultur ist groß, aber auch sein Interesse an Krista. Doch ihre Herkunft und ihre Sitten sind so unterschiedlich, dass es sich ein gemeinsames Leben als äußerst schwierig erweist.
*Wie kam das Buch zu mir*
Ich war von „Heißer als die Sonne“ so begeistert, dass ich mir mehrere Romane der Autorin zugelegt habe. Dieses hier war darunter.
*Meinung:*
Ich war etwas überrascht, dass dieses Buch doch ziemlich kitschig und in erotischer Sicht oft recht plump wirkte. Das war ich von der Autorin nicht gewohnt. Es war jetzt nicht extrem störend, aber ich wunderte mich schon sehr über diesen Stilwechsel.
Die Grundidee war wirklich gut. In Sachen umfangreiche Handlung wurde ich bis jetzt von dieser Autorin noch nie enttäuscht. Auch dieser Roman hat wieder etliche Handlungselemente die einen bei Laune hielten. Zum einen natürlich die geschickt kompliziert entwickelte Liebesgeschichte, dann Kristas Arbeit bei der Zeitung, dass für die damalige Zeit (Regency) eher untypisch war und die Drohungen und Anschläge, die auf Krista und ihre Zeitungsredaktion verübt werden. Das ganze wird wieder sehr überzeugend geschildert und erhält im ganzen Buch die Spannung. Außerdem nimmt man der Autorin generell die Zeit in der ihre Romane spielen ab. Es wirkt sehr authentisch.
Der Schreibstil ist leicht zu lesen und schon eher ausschmückend. Allerdings in einem guten Maß, um voll in die damalige Zeit abzutauchen. Einzig die doch sehr 'wilde' stellenweise eher plump wirkende Art der sexuellen Annäherungen von Leif waren gewöhnungsbedürftig, da ich das so von der Autorin nicht gewöhnt war.
Die Spannung wird gekonnt aufrecht erhalten, was ja bei historischen Liebesromanen eine ganz schöne Herausforderung ist. Vor allem die Aufs und Abs der Liebesbeziehung, die vielen Missverständnisse dabei, aber auch die sehr glaubwürdig vermittelten Konflikte aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Herkunft der beiden Liebenden, sorgten für moderate Spannung über das ganze Buch über. Die ständigen Drohungen und Anschläge auf die Zeitung und somit auch auf Krista zogen sich auch gekonnt über das ganze Buch hin. Am Ende gibt es dazu ein Finale, aber ein richtiger Spannungsbogen entsteht nicht. Für mich ist das bei diesem Genre aber völlig in Ordnung.
Die Emotionen kommen bedingt herüber. Leif ist ein sehr impulsiver Mann und kommt leider schon ein wenig 'Tarzan'-mäßig herüber. Das fand ich schade, hatte es aber bereits am Anfang befürchtet. Es passt generell zum Inhalt des Buches, da er von einer abgeschiedenen Insel stammt und eben ein Wikinger ist. Da schnappt man sich schon mal eine Frau, schmeißt sie sich über die Schulter und zeigt ihr wo's lang geht. Trotzdem hätte ich mir da doch ein wenig mehr Stil erhofft. Krista dagegen ist ein Kopfmensch und trotzdem wird sie angeblich von wilder Leidenschaft überwältigt wenn sie Leif sieht. Naja, in Sachen Liebesgeschichte konnten mich die Emotionen daher nicht ganz überzeugen. Was Sehnsucht, Abschiedsschmerz, Angst... angeht, wirkte das ganze schon überzeugender.
Wie eben schon erwähnt ist Leif ein schwieriger Charakter und sehr von sich überzeugt. Oft nervte sein übertriebenes Selbstbewusstsein ein wenig, allerdings passte es zu seinem Charakter. Bis auf die übertriebene sexuelle Anziehungskraft wirkte Kristas Charakter überzeugender. Vor allem ist sie sehr interessant. Sie gehört für ihre Zeit zu einer sehr modernen Art Frau und bekommt mehr Freiheiten von ihrem Vater und Großvater, als es normal war. Trotzdem wirkte das ganze durchaus überzeugend, da vor allem der Vater als sehr eigenständiger und frei denkender Charakter dargestellt wurde, der seine Tochter über alles liebt. Alle anderen Nebencharaktere blieben aber etwas blass.
Das Buch war sehr erotik-lastig. Erotik war eigentlich ständig Thema, auch wenn es lange Zeit nicht zum eigentlichen Akt kommt. Leif ist sich seiner Sache sehr sicher und geht da mit dem Hochmut eines starken Wikingers heran. Krista ist wie oben schon erwähnt von ihrem Verlangen etwas überwältigt, was streckenweise albern und sie somit etwas naiv wirkte. Das wurde durch ihren sonst so starken Charaktere ausgeglichen, war aber manchmal wirklich grenzwertig und wird nicht jedem Leser gefallen. Die erotischen Szenen an sich hatten einen mittelmäßigen Kitschfaktor für dieses Genre. Sie wurden nicht unnötig in die Länge gezogen, wirkten sexy, aber hatten eben doch bei Wortwahl und Inhalt immer etwas Kitsch dabei.
Die Liebesgeschichte war wirklich interessant und bot jede Menge Abwechslung. Die unterschiedliche Abstammung und somit die unterschiedlichen Vorstellung einer Beziehung zwischen Mann und Frau führte zu einigen unterhaltsamen Szenen. Aber auch die Lösung der verschiedenen Konflikte war nicht überhastet und wirkte daher überzeugende. Das Ende weißt dann aber einen enormen Kitschfaktor auf.
Grundidee 4,5/5
Schreibstil 4/5
Spannung 4,5/5
Emotionen 3,5/5
Charaktere 3,5/5
Erotik 4/5
Liebesgeschichte 4/5
*Lesergruppe:*
Leser, die gern historische Liebesromane mit viel erotischen Anspielungen und Szenen lesen. Außerdem sollte man auf einen mittelmäßigen Kitschfaktor gefasst sein.
*Fazit:*
4 von 5 Sternen
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich von dem Schreibstil etwas überrascht war und ihn eigentlich nicht dieser Autorin zugeschrieben hätte. Das Buch hatte einen sehr hohen Erotikanteil, der leider ein wenig ins kitschige abdriftetet. Die Handlung war aber sehr unterhaltsam und hat einen immer zum weiter lesen veranlasst. Die Entwicklung der Liebesgeschichte zwischen zwei so unterschiedlichen Menschen konnte mich ebenfalls überzeugen. Allerdings ist dies kein Buch für jedermann.
Reihe:
Mein wildes Herz
Mein brennendes Herz
Mein mutiges Herz
*Inhalt:*
Krista gehört zu den modernen Frauen ihrer Zeit und arbeitet in ihrer eigenen Zeitungsredaktion. Das sie gesellschaftskritische Themen anspricht, gefällt nicht allen Leuten und sie schwebt deshalb in Gefahr. Bei einem Zirkusbesuch entdeckt sie einen Mann in einem Käfig. Groß, kräftig, wild wirkend. Sie ist die Einzige die seine Sprache spricht und somit aufdecken kann, dass er nicht verrückt ist und gegen seinen Willen wie ein Tier gehalten wird. Leif ist nämlich ein Abkömmling der Wikinger und mit einem Schiff gestrandet. Kristas Vater studiert altnordische Geschichte und Sprache und nimmt Leif als Schüler auf, um von ihm mehr zu lernen und Leif das englische Leben zu lehren. Leifs Interesse an der fremden Kultur ist groß, aber auch sein Interesse an Krista. Doch ihre Herkunft und ihre Sitten sind so unterschiedlich, dass es sich ein gemeinsames Leben als äußerst schwierig erweist.
*Wie kam das Buch zu mir*
Ich war von „Heißer als die Sonne“ so begeistert, dass ich mir mehrere Romane der Autorin zugelegt habe. Dieses hier war darunter.
*Meinung:*
Ich war etwas überrascht, dass dieses Buch doch ziemlich kitschig und in erotischer Sicht oft recht plump wirkte. Das war ich von der Autorin nicht gewohnt. Es war jetzt nicht extrem störend, aber ich wunderte mich schon sehr über diesen Stilwechsel.
Die Grundidee war wirklich gut. In Sachen umfangreiche Handlung wurde ich bis jetzt von dieser Autorin noch nie enttäuscht. Auch dieser Roman hat wieder etliche Handlungselemente die einen bei Laune hielten. Zum einen natürlich die geschickt kompliziert entwickelte Liebesgeschichte, dann Kristas Arbeit bei der Zeitung, dass für die damalige Zeit (Regency) eher untypisch war und die Drohungen und Anschläge, die auf Krista und ihre Zeitungsredaktion verübt werden. Das ganze wird wieder sehr überzeugend geschildert und erhält im ganzen Buch die Spannung. Außerdem nimmt man der Autorin generell die Zeit in der ihre Romane spielen ab. Es wirkt sehr authentisch.
Der Schreibstil ist leicht zu lesen und schon eher ausschmückend. Allerdings in einem guten Maß, um voll in die damalige Zeit abzutauchen. Einzig die doch sehr 'wilde' stellenweise eher plump wirkende Art der sexuellen Annäherungen von Leif waren gewöhnungsbedürftig, da ich das so von der Autorin nicht gewöhnt war.
Die Spannung wird gekonnt aufrecht erhalten, was ja bei historischen Liebesromanen eine ganz schöne Herausforderung ist. Vor allem die Aufs und Abs der Liebesbeziehung, die vielen Missverständnisse dabei, aber auch die sehr glaubwürdig vermittelten Konflikte aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Herkunft der beiden Liebenden, sorgten für moderate Spannung über das ganze Buch über. Die ständigen Drohungen und Anschläge auf die Zeitung und somit auch auf Krista zogen sich auch gekonnt über das ganze Buch hin. Am Ende gibt es dazu ein Finale, aber ein richtiger Spannungsbogen entsteht nicht. Für mich ist das bei diesem Genre aber völlig in Ordnung.
Die Emotionen kommen bedingt herüber. Leif ist ein sehr impulsiver Mann und kommt leider schon ein wenig 'Tarzan'-mäßig herüber. Das fand ich schade, hatte es aber bereits am Anfang befürchtet. Es passt generell zum Inhalt des Buches, da er von einer abgeschiedenen Insel stammt und eben ein Wikinger ist. Da schnappt man sich schon mal eine Frau, schmeißt sie sich über die Schulter und zeigt ihr wo's lang geht. Trotzdem hätte ich mir da doch ein wenig mehr Stil erhofft. Krista dagegen ist ein Kopfmensch und trotzdem wird sie angeblich von wilder Leidenschaft überwältigt wenn sie Leif sieht. Naja, in Sachen Liebesgeschichte konnten mich die Emotionen daher nicht ganz überzeugen. Was Sehnsucht, Abschiedsschmerz, Angst... angeht, wirkte das ganze schon überzeugender.
Wie eben schon erwähnt ist Leif ein schwieriger Charakter und sehr von sich überzeugt. Oft nervte sein übertriebenes Selbstbewusstsein ein wenig, allerdings passte es zu seinem Charakter. Bis auf die übertriebene sexuelle Anziehungskraft wirkte Kristas Charakter überzeugender. Vor allem ist sie sehr interessant. Sie gehört für ihre Zeit zu einer sehr modernen Art Frau und bekommt mehr Freiheiten von ihrem Vater und Großvater, als es normal war. Trotzdem wirkte das ganze durchaus überzeugend, da vor allem der Vater als sehr eigenständiger und frei denkender Charakter dargestellt wurde, der seine Tochter über alles liebt. Alle anderen Nebencharaktere blieben aber etwas blass.
Das Buch war sehr erotik-lastig. Erotik war eigentlich ständig Thema, auch wenn es lange Zeit nicht zum eigentlichen Akt kommt. Leif ist sich seiner Sache sehr sicher und geht da mit dem Hochmut eines starken Wikingers heran. Krista ist wie oben schon erwähnt von ihrem Verlangen etwas überwältigt, was streckenweise albern und sie somit etwas naiv wirkte. Das wurde durch ihren sonst so starken Charaktere ausgeglichen, war aber manchmal wirklich grenzwertig und wird nicht jedem Leser gefallen. Die erotischen Szenen an sich hatten einen mittelmäßigen Kitschfaktor für dieses Genre. Sie wurden nicht unnötig in die Länge gezogen, wirkten sexy, aber hatten eben doch bei Wortwahl und Inhalt immer etwas Kitsch dabei.
Die Liebesgeschichte war wirklich interessant und bot jede Menge Abwechslung. Die unterschiedliche Abstammung und somit die unterschiedlichen Vorstellung einer Beziehung zwischen Mann und Frau führte zu einigen unterhaltsamen Szenen. Aber auch die Lösung der verschiedenen Konflikte war nicht überhastet und wirkte daher überzeugende. Das Ende weißt dann aber einen enormen Kitschfaktor auf.
Grundidee 4,5/5
Schreibstil 4/5
Spannung 4,5/5
Emotionen 3,5/5
Charaktere 3,5/5
Erotik 4/5
Liebesgeschichte 4/5
*Lesergruppe:*
Leser, die gern historische Liebesromane mit viel erotischen Anspielungen und Szenen lesen. Außerdem sollte man auf einen mittelmäßigen Kitschfaktor gefasst sein.
*Fazit:*
4 von 5 Sternen
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich von dem Schreibstil etwas überrascht war und ihn eigentlich nicht dieser Autorin zugeschrieben hätte. Das Buch hatte einen sehr hohen Erotikanteil, der leider ein wenig ins kitschige abdriftetet. Die Handlung war aber sehr unterhaltsam und hat einen immer zum weiter lesen veranlasst. Die Entwicklung der Liebesgeschichte zwischen zwei so unterschiedlichen Menschen konnte mich ebenfalls überzeugen. Allerdings ist dies kein Buch für jedermann.
Reihe:
Mein wildes Herz
Mein brennendes Herz
Mein mutiges Herz
January 20, 2021
This was a reread.
I first read this years ago but had forgotten it until I saw it pop again. I really enjoyed the premise which was unique with a Viking who's basically been stuck in a time warp on an isolated island discovering the wonders of "modern" (1842) England.
Leif cracked me up with his lines. He was very blunt and confident in his desire for Krista and made no secret about it (no matter who was around). And Krista was likeable as an independent woman who ran her own company (a rarity in HR sometimes).
There were multiple open-door sex scenes and lots of kisses, though descriptions were a bit short.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and stayed up until 2 am to finish rereading it!
I first read this years ago but had forgotten it until I saw it pop again. I really enjoyed the premise which was unique with a Viking who's basically been stuck in a time warp on an isolated island discovering the wonders of "modern" (1842) England.
Leif cracked me up with his lines. He was very blunt and confident in his desire for Krista and made no secret about it (no matter who was around). And Krista was likeable as an independent woman who ran her own company (a rarity in HR sometimes).
There were multiple open-door sex scenes and lots of kisses, though descriptions were a bit short.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and stayed up until 2 am to finish rereading it!
January 11, 2023
Sama zasnova zgodbe mi je bila všeč, ker je nekaj drugačnega : tujec, ki ga nihče ne razume zaradi jezika, nato pa ga rešita dama in njen oče, ki poznata staro skandinavščino, vzameta ga pod okrilje in skušata vpeljati v družbo- on si želi pa le vrniti nazaj na svoj otok. Vmes se seveda zaljubi v damo, ampak... Ona ne želi iz Anglije, on pa ne želi ostati v Angliji. Seveda je ona tudi takorekoč že zaročena in skrbi tudi za izdajo glasila- ko ji začnejo zaradi člankov groziti, on postane njen varuh. Medtem pa načrtuje pot nazaj.
Zgodba postane kompleksna, dolga in na trenutke preveč obsežna, mislim, da bi se lahko veliko hitreje zaključila.
Zgodba postane kompleksna, dolga in na trenutke preveč obsežna, mislim, da bi se lahko veliko hitreje zaključila.
April 19, 2019
4.5 stars. I loved this book, especially as an audiobook with Beverly Crick narrating. That’s how I found it: searching for books narrated by Crick. The conflict keeping the two apart was realistic. The storyline of him being unfamiliar with the culture and language, and the heroine and her father teaching him was one I really enjoyed. His directness was also amazing.
The only downside was the hugely predictable and common last 1% of the story. I wish the author would’ve employed a bit more creativity there.
I wish there would be a book about the brother.
The only downside was the hugely predictable and common last 1% of the story. I wish the author would’ve employed a bit more creativity there.
I wish there would be a book about the brother.
May 14, 2019
I enjoy Kat Martin's books (including a later one in this series, which I had already read), but this was over-the-top. Part Victorian romance, with a reforming unconventional woman, and part Viking romance, the mix gives hilarious fish-out-of-water moments, and eye-rolling. There were a few too many coincidences and too-good-to-be-true moments, and too many "mayhaps."
Then again, one mayhap is usually too many.
A fun read, and well-written, so I did enjoy it, but not my favourite of her work.
Then again, one mayhap is usually too many.
A fun read, and well-written, so I did enjoy it, but not my favourite of her work.
July 9, 2020
Dragged
The story sort of dragged. Both characters has to make a tough decision and I liked that the heroine knew she loved the hero so much that she was willing to leave all she knew for him and states as much to him. Otherwise...The story coulda have been finished in about half as many chapters. And you do need to suspend a certain level of belief as I'm certain that half of the things that occurred in this story could not
Possibly have been tolerated during this period of time.
The story sort of dragged. Both characters has to make a tough decision and I liked that the heroine knew she loved the hero so much that she was willing to leave all she knew for him and states as much to him. Otherwise...The story coulda have been finished in about half as many chapters. And you do need to suspend a certain level of belief as I'm certain that half of the things that occurred in this story could not
Possibly have been tolerated during this period of time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews