A Fallen Lady

Ladies of Scandal, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Kingston

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Laura Kinsale presents...

He came looking for the disgraced object of scandal, and found a delightful woman too proud to reveal her heart. A memorable Regency heroine highlights Elizabeth Kingston's special talent to create characters who steal your heart, with Nicholas Boulton to bring them to life.

For reasons of his own, Stephen Hampton, Lord Summerdale, is determined to learn the truth behind the tangled tale of Helen's ruin. There is nothing he abhors so much as scandal - nothing he prizes so well as discretion - and so he is shocked to find that he cannot help but admire her.

But how can she trust a man so steeped in the culture of high society, who conceals so much? And how can he, so devoted to the appearance of propriety, ever love a fallen lady?

©2015 Elizabeth Kingston (P)2017 Hedgehog, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Sometimes you want to sink into a comfy chair and read about scandal, arrogant gentlemen and fallen ladies in a country village, with all that conjures of Austen and England and taking tea. I love Kingston's venture into the Regency, and Nick's perfect sexy, aristocratic voice!" – (Laura Kinsale, author of Flowers from the Storm)

"Narrator Nicholas Boulton has a voice made for audiobooks, a smooth baritone that conveys every nuance of a story. The writing in this historical romance is superb, and his narration elevates it even further. Stephen Hampton is dispatched to investigate what has become of the sister of a peer, who fled society in a scandal years before. He's surprised to find himself admiring the disgraced Lady Helen, and tries to befriend her. But Helen doesn't want or need a champion; she wants no part of the society that spurned her and would rather live on her own terms. The story takes its time letting their complex relationship unfold, allowing the listener to get to know the characters and become immersed in this wonderful story." - ( AudioFile)

"Strong writing, rich characterisation and a tender and (sometimes) angsty central relationship combine to make this an engrossing listen; and with Nicholas Boulton proving, once again, exactly why his name on the front of an audiobook makes us jump for joy, it’s highly recommended." - ( AudioGals)

Great Storytelling

I loved this one. I’m reading the second novel in this series now on Kindle. I just wish she had a longer booklist. I personally don’t enjoy medievals or I’d read her other books.

Always a great start to Kingston books

This was the first book that I read by Elizabeth Kingston and it led me to her other books.i am pleased that she started a career in writing, she excels in making you feel for the characters.

amazing story and best narrator ever

First, Nicholas Boulton is my favorite narrator of all time! He is amazing with any book. That said, this story is fabulous. The dialogue is amazing, love Marianne and her great lines! I want to listen to it again just to catch everything. Just love this author, one of my new favorites. Really look forward to finding more books by her.

Fantastic!!!! From start to finish!!!

Five Stars!!! All Around!!

This was a funny and engrossing story brought to life by Nicholas Boulton. His narration made me laugh out loud and cry at times, bringing each of Elizabeth Kingston’s characters to life. I LOVED his voice of Helen’s French friend - Maryanne. It was like listening to a female version of Hercule Poirot. His characterization of Maryanne was superb and her dialogue leapt off the page. I laughed out loud many times when Maryanne had her words of wisdom for Helen or Steven and in the same breath Mr Boulton could deliver an intense scene volleying back and forth between characters as if listening to a tennis match that you need to stop what your doing and completely listen to the narration so as not to miss a biting word. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Brilliant Narration. almost like watching a Movie

Would sincerely appreciate if Nick Boulton would read other genre. Especially dryer topics. it would definitely make the book easier to digest. Fantastic diction, clear pronunciation and brilliant performance.

Not All I Had Hoped For

I really wanted to like this. Laura Kinsale said "read it". Nicholas Boulton narrates it. Perhaps expectations were too high. I just never "connected" with the characters. Perhaps the characters were too authentic to the time/era. I'm not fond of a hero that is "shocked" by non-conforming women but if you don't mind then try it out. I will definitely be trying another story and hope it will be better.

"Keep your brain between your legs and keep it there throughout"

This book was SO full of love. Storyline drips with such amazing sentences I will never want to forget. Marianne was perhaps my favorite character. Her lines were so hilarious and well thought out that I found myself laughing out loud to some of her comments. (The scene where she fell off her chair from laughter and then asked for help to get back on but changing her mind is priceless).
I find myself still sitting here after 20 minutes of finishing the book in awe of EK's talent. She makes it seem a life actually lived with characters so well developed it makes your heart ache with sadness and swell with happiness at every turn. She has quickly become one of my all time favorite writers. Laura Kinsale books have always been a favorite of mine but I do have to congratulate her at presenting this amazing and wonderful writer whom in my view surpasses almost all others in quality, details, writing and emotions evoked in her readers. Job well done ELizabeth. You truly have talent.
To conclude I have to say Nicholas Boulton will never have an equal. This writer/narrator combo is one of the best you will ever be exposed to. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

the miscommunication got to be a little much

I liked the story a lot, the character development was good and it was very moving. I just started to get a little tired of the misunderstandings and reconciliations after a while. About an hour from the end it became a little much and I actually skipped through the final melodrama. That said, I loved the friendship between the women characters and how real they were.

Not bad

This book was not bad. Some areas were a little slow and dull, but it picked up a little at the end.

Intelligent writing and perfect narration

This book was such a refreshing change from some of the romance books I've tried to listen to and had to return lately because the stories just didn't hold my interest. Nicholas Boulton has narrated many of the audible releases by Laura Kinsale (e.g., Flowers from the Storm), and these are among my favorites. I'll be checking for more audible releases of Elizabeth Kingston and Nicholas Boulton.