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For the beautiful widow, Princess Melanthe, those same laws and traditions conspire to consume her land and her independence. Her husband’s death has left her kingdom an inviting target for neighboring territories. Where Ruck sees a clear path, Melanthe must navigate through twisting alleyways, using shrewd deceit and devious strategy.
Can these two help each other overcome the powers conspiring against them? Will the passion in their hearts escape the constraints of their station? Is devotion enough?
Author Laura Kinsale has crafted a rich, sensual portrait of life during the Middle Ages. Using the subtlety and music of authentic Middle English for the dialogue, this complex romance is not for the faint of heart. But, those who take up the challenge will be rewarded with the most satisfying of historical romances.
The magnificent new novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow and the Star. A young English knight caught in the plots and secrets of court life faces certain death until Princess Melanthe takes pity on him, gifting the stranger with two emeralds. As the legendary Green Knight, he will return to fight for her honor. Original.
Anonymous
Posted October 18, 2003
For My Lady's Heart is hands down the best romance book that I have ever read. The Middle English language can be confusing at first. However, sticking with the book and the language brings the reader into an almost unknown or experienced world, that of the Middle Ages. As a history buff, I find few novels have satisfactory detail,or are just wrong about many details in this time. But this book will pull you in and not let you out until the final page. The hero and heroine are both complex characters fully drawn with their own strengths and warts too. Melanthe is the most wonderfully complex character I have read, who has plenty of surprises in store for her when she fall in love with Ruck, who is hiding his own whopper of a past. There is a nice bit about falconry, and plenty of romantic tension. Try it out, stick with it, and you'll love it like I did.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 25, 2009
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Kinsale never disappoints. This book is amazing! Beautiful, well written love story.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Like an ancient tapestry of chivalrous life, this dense novel teems with colorful characters: Melanthe, a complicated wealthy English princess struggling to survive murderous political intrigue and avoid an unwanted marriage to Don Gian of Navona; Ruck (Ruadrik), her heroic Green Knight who takes his vows to heart; and the mysterious assassin Allegreto, bastard son of Don Gian, assigned by his father to protect Melanthe and monitor her doings. The plague and bandits are always to be feared, and Ruck saves Melanthe over and over again from these dangers. Sole survivors - so they believe - they embark on a difficult journey ending at Ruck's hidden castle Wolfscar where they wed. But the murderous Don Gian prevails and to save Ruadrik, Melanthe leaves him and publicly denies their troth. Yet the Green Knight (green no more) won't be left and he uses the law and the boon of his king to assert his rights and prevent the impending nuptials. All will work out for the lovers, but not before additional challenges to Ruadrik and Allegreto of poisoned wine and daggers, rigged tournaments, near drowning, imprisonment, et al. For My Lady's Heart is not a quick read - indeed it's a challenging one - but it's worth the journey.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 22, 2004
I reread this novel because I wanted to refresh my memory before starting to read Shadowheart, its long-awaited sequel. For My Lady's Heart contains an interesting story and well developed characters, like all Laura Kinsale novels, and some of the most creative writing (Middle English) ever attempted in a romance novel. I highly recommend that others read (or reread) this one before starting on Shadowheart. I would just like to add a hearty WELCOME BACK to Laura Kinsale and my sincere hopes that she will not wait so long before giving us more of her marvelous work.
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Overview
For the beautiful widow, Princess Melanthe, those same laws and traditions conspire to consume her land and her independence. Her husband’s death has left her kingdom an inviting target for ...