Excellent Historical Romance

The story in this audiobook brings a breath of fresh air to the genre. What might appear at first glance to be a "been there done that" storyline for a historical romance (an upper-class woman who is unappreciated by her family but whose loyalty to them comes before her own happiness and a hero who is determined to have revenge upon that family but finds himself conflicted when he falls for the heroine) is turned into something unexpected by above average writing and atypical characterizations. Although I found the hero to be a bit idealized (he has surprisingly modern-seeming sensibilities) that was offset by the fact that he certainly had flaws and was a very well-developed character. The interactions between the protagonists was fun to read and the external forces at play in keeping them apart were unique.

The narration was above average and I was surprised (and vastly disappointed) to find only two other audiobooks narrated by Rebecca De Leeuw on Audible. Her character differentiation was excellent, her voice is very pleasant, and her ability to traverse the entire emotional spectrum in both male and female character voices without over-dramatizing was stellar.

22 people found this helpful

Oh Come On!

Just how many times can one person be betrayed and misused by one's own family until they just stop trusting in them? For me a lot fewer times than this lady. Again we have strong women being stupid because of trust and daddy issues. This lady goes from watching her mother die from a broken heart, being misused by her brothers over and over again, to having a father who tells her to her face that he,"Thinks you are worthless". This even though you are the only one caring for him while he is sick! Enough! I don't know if I've become a little jaded in my life, but I'm beginning to feel let down by all my favorite writers. Oh, and I forgot that she gave up her virginity to a man that told her he would, "Do the right thing", after taking what he wanted. On top of that...he didn't do it very well at all, lol.

All that said, along comes the hero and he's the man responsible for the ruin your family is facing. He's doing this out of revenge, but he's really not a cold hearted man in his core. He tells you over, and over, with deed and words that you mean the world to him, and you turn your back on him for the father and brothers that have made your world hell? Come On!

Courtney Milan is one of the best writers I know when it comes to historical romance, so this book left me feeling down. I listen to forget my own troubles for a little while and expect to feel happiness at the end of the book. Just didn't get me there with this one. The narrator did a fair job with expressing emotion, but I just never really connected with her. I gave two stars because the listen was not a bad one, it was just not a good one for me either. I'm on the fence about saying it was worth a credit.

11 people found this helpful

COURTNEY, COURTNEY, COURTNEY - YOU DID IT AGAIN

Excellent Victorian family saga of revenge vs. love with brilliant characters, a few twists to a great storyline and touching verbal interactions between the two lovers Ash and Margaret.

This is 'technically' book 1, followed by Unlocked - Margaret's friend Elaine's story, Unclaimed - Ash's brother Mark's story and Unraveled - Ash's brother Smite's story but they could each be a stand alone book.

Worth a credit? C.M.'s books never disappoint me so it's a big YUMMY YES.

6 people found this helpful

LOVED!!!

Bless you, Courtney Milan, master of historical romance, for giving me this gift of a book. Holy crap, you are one talented lady.

I'm obsessed with everything Courtney Milan, and I'm beyond excited to have a new-to-me series from her to explore. I've loved every book by this author that I've ever read, and this book was no different. It was clever, sexy, smart, and impeccably written. Courtney Milan needs to teach a class so she can SCHOOL all the historical romance authors who try, and fail, to measure up.

The story isn't complicated, but the characters are. Ash Turner is a man who is determined. Determined to do right by his brothers, determined to win a dukedom, and determined to get revenge on those who have wronged him. Ash Turner is also a man who knows what he wants, and from the minute he laid eyes on Margaret, he knew he had to have her.

Margaret is trying to survive. Everything has been stripped from her but she remains loyal, strong, and unflinching. She hates Ash Turner on sight for what he has taken from her, but slowly, as they get to know one another, their relationship evolves and Margaret can't ignore him any longer.

I was absolutely obsessed with this romance. Just obsessed. This is a slow-burn romance, despite the insta-attraction, and I could not get enough of Ash and Margaret together. Their relationship was the stuff that makes me inspired to read romance. They had an epic, hard-fought romance that worked despite everything that had transpired between them.

I loved Ash in particular. He was a man who stood by his word and the ones that he loved, and I just adored everything about him. He wasn't without flaws, but he was crafted so well as a character that I loved every last imperfection about him. I think Margaret was a great character too, but I grew a tiny bit frustrated with her in the last portion of the book, which actually just narrowly bumped this book from making my all-time favorites list... but it was close. This book is honestly perfection.

The sex scenes... gah! Courtney Milan always gives her stories the exactly correct level of heat. This book was a celebration of all the sex could be. Perfection.

I'll mention a little about the narration, which was very good. Rebecca De Leeuw did a great job narrating this story, especially with her range of vocal differentiation and her nicely done male voices. Very, very easy to listen to, and Rebecca De Leeuw made me just want to listen more and more. Lovely.

Courtney Milan, I don't know how you do it, but you are just in the zone for me. I loved the length of this story, the content, and the plot line. I literally cannot wait to start the next in the series. In fact, I'm off to buy it now.

2 people found this helpful

Worth it

I usually prefer lighter stories, without too much pathos. While there is quite a bit of that, it’s balanced somehow by the growth we get to watch throughout the story in Margaret, as well as the strong, “cheerfully ruthless” Ash Turner. Their relationship unfurls throughout and is satisfying. Ash’s younger brother, Mark, is a delightful character with such unusual characteristics.
At some point, you want to shake Margaret for her continued loyalty to the three men left in her family. However, if you wait for it, the last quarter of book provides a very satisfying reward for her.
Often I think after some books, I could have written it better and be right! But this one is so layered and the characters so rich in personality, I’m a little awed at the author’s talent. Well done.

1 person found this helpful

I was disappointed and bored

I struggled to finish this book. It sounded whiney and incredibly drawn out. I loved Milan's Sinaster series so I had high hopes for this one. I was not impressed.

1 person found this helpful

Wow! What a winner! LOVED EVERYTHING about it!

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

I have not read the print, but the narrator was OUTSTANDING...added so much to the experience. I was surprised to see other narrators used by Milan.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unveiled?

Margaret's realization that Ash deserved her loyalty.

What does Rebecca De Leeuw bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent characterisations, passion, emotion, thoughtful pauses and intonations.

Any additional comments?

Absolutely fantastic character development. I couldn't wait to listen!

3 people found this helpful

Fine process of Unveiling on to her own

What did you love best about Unveiled?

Sweet and firm love.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Both Heroine and Hero, the support described by the Author that the Heroe gives the Heroine is a work of art.

Which scene was your favorite?

As the Heroine belives in herself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to it in one sitting, and cant wait for Unraveled and Unlocked.

Any additional comments?

ACX we are waiting for some more of Courtney Milan's books.

3 people found this helpful

I loved it!

What did you love best about Unveiled?

I loved the story ! Coutney's style in writing is most artistic in describing the setting, environment, feelings and emotions. I really admire her writing style , an intriguing combination of elegance, sensuality, and humor.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main hero character

Which character – as performed by Rebecca De Leeuw – was your favorite?

It's first book for this narration. She was really good. She needs to work more on making the characters more alive. But not ad at all. She performed Ash Turner best

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Interesting question !!!!!! Hmmmm ... It has to be the title !!! I love the titles of the who,e series

6 people found this helpful

I laughed & cried several times... Wonderful.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I do not usually get so invested in the books I listen to that I laugh and cry out loud. The characters and the story touched me so deeply. I loved this book. I love a brave hero and heroine. This had both.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ash and Margaret both for different reasons.

What about Rebecca De Leeuw’s performance did you like?

She is wonderful. You can just get lost in the story with her reading.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cried and laughed. The best of both worlds.

Any additional comments?

I cannot wait to listen to the next books in this series.

2 people found this helpful