Midsummer Moon

For anybody who has grown up in a large family where one person acts as mother/father/mentor/teacher/saint-in-residence, this book will resonate. The "saint" In Midsummer Moon is the master of the castle, His Grace the Duke of Damerell; and Ms. Kinsale has surrounded him with a cadre of deeply-flawed and delightful characters, who thwart and frustrate him at every turn.

This character-rich book offers the great narrator, Nicholas Boulton, a perfect opportunity to show off his extraordinary range. Of particular note are Boulton’s reading of Brother Shelby’s entrance into the story and the voice he gave to the duke’s nurse, “Pruneface.” I went back and listened again and again, just for the pure fun of it!

There is a romance in this book, but it is only one of many relationships that swirl around His Grace as he desperately tries to get the lives of the people he loves under control. His sweetheart, Merlin, says it best (and often): “Poor Mr. Duke…” I give this story a “5” as one of my all-time favorites from this author. Mr. Boulton gets a “4” because, well, Ms. Kinsale is the star.

This book was really cute. I totally enjoyed it, the characters were great and given SUCH personality by a fantastic narrator. It was more acted like a play. Fantastic. The story is about a very eclectic woman who invents things like her uncle before her. She is in danger from the French because one of her inventions is something that would give them power. Ransom takes it upon himself to keep her, and the item, safe. As continued attempts to kidnap her take place, he is now also tasked with who is trying to betray his trust among his household full of family and guests. It was a little silly with how instantly they fell in love, but thats often par for the course in romance novels. The ending is quite fun. I also appreciated that the book continued with an easy flow without TOO much suspense.

There was one scene where Ransom, who is afraid of heights, looked to jump over a wall, only to find it a cliff on the other side. I really felt the shock of that and was so relieved when he got down. Lol

I enjoyed every single character. I did think the character of Shelby sounded a lot like Carey Grant and so every time he spoke it was Careys face I oictured. Lol. I loved Ransoms little stuttering mephew. Fantastic addition. I have no clue how Nicholas manages such individual characters with such consistency. I have heard a lot of great narrators, but for some reason he really stood out so much. Could be because I tend to avoid men narrators. In any event, I am going to listen to another of her books. The narrator really makes or breaks an audio book. He hit this one out of the ballpark.

I find it a breath of fresh air found a new favorite narrator has turn me back into wanting to hear men vs women. A must listen you won't be disappointed makes you shock, happy,sad,laugh, irrated for me it was a perfect combination.

This book is about an autistic woman with a great capacity for inventions but reduced abilities to interact within the society and a duke with his shortcoming and debilitating fears. Both characters are lovely but I admire Merlin. She manages to win everyone over with her childish innocence, kind heart and brilliance. Her greatest asset is that she is persistent and dedicated to her goals. Yes she is very different and the book obviously points that out but how everyone behaves toward her and accepts her oddities is very endearing. <br/><br/>Merlin invents the “speaking box’ as well as a flying contraption which makes her highly sought after by not only her government (British) but also the French since this story takes place during the war. The duke must not only save and protect her but also encourage her to complete the speaking box, which can prove very beneficial for the Brits in the war. He takes Merlin to his estate but finds that she is not safe there either. The story takes great twists and turns and the family’s interpersonal conflicts that get worked through are very heartwarming in the process. <br/><br/>I love how Laura selects her main characters with disabilities and shows how it makes them any not worse but really just different but great in their own way.

I loved this story. Loved it! Not just a little, but over the moon loved it! Fun, romantic, sexy,

I've read some reviews and it seems that Merlin, our 'genius with little common sense' heroine, grated on some people's nerves, but not mine. Oh, no. Not mine! I love her! In fact,I found her to be refreshingly unique, and she's now one of my all time favorite heroines. She and Ransom, so different, so completely and totally different... but absolutely brilliant together. They made me laugh, made me sigh, kept me listening through the wee hours of the morning.

Nicholas Boulton is an amazing narrator. I wish he'd narrate ALL audio books. Heck, I wish he'd narrate my name! Just my name... I'd play it over and over and over. Such a deep, rich, sexy voice.

*sigh* I'm just rambling, so I'll quit here, except to say that Laura Kinsale and Nicholas Boulton are, hands down, my favorite author/narrator team. I can't get enough of them, and I hope that he'll narrate all her books.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!

Its among the best books I've ever listened to. Midsummer Moon is my favorite romance novel and I've been waiting for it to come out on audio for the longest time. This narration really brought it to life just as I'd imagined it.

My favorite character is Ransom, followed closely by Merlin. The way they provoke responses from each other is sweet, hilarious and touching all at the same time. They're very human in the way they sort through their circumstances. The hero is not at all the usual alpha male that is so prevalent nowadays. They're both real people, and that makes it a very refreshing story to hear. Of course, we can't review this book without pointing out the hedgehog - my favorite pet ever.

The narration was simply brilliant. Nicholas Boulton handled all accents, genders and feelings like a true artist. Wish he could narrate more romance novels. Bravo!

This is probably the best credit I ever used at Audible. I've been waiting for Laura Kinsale novels to come out for a long time. This pairing of author and narrator was all I could have hoped for. Hurry up and come out with more from both Laura Kinsale and Nicholas Boulton!

The story was just awful. I tried to stick with it, but making it halfway through the book was painful at best. The narration was good. I do not like writing bad reviews, and I sincerely apologize to the author for having done so.

It's a Laura Kinsale book narrated by Nicholas Boulton. What is there more to say? :) For newcomers, who do not know what to expect, I'd simply say that it's a marriage made in heaven.

Merlin is wonderful! I love her dedication to her dream and how unprepared she is to meet the real world. I personally really love a heroine who is ahead of her time. Moreover it's a funny story and the first chapter always cracks me up. The cast of character is colorful and alive. And Mr. Duke is so much fun to follow. He's a wonderful hero.

I listened to the audiobook version first so I don't know what it's like to read the book without hearing Nicholas Boulton reading it. I am sure the book stands on its own, but I am in love with that combination Laura Kinsale/Nicholas Boulton. Together it's so powerful.Nicholas Boulton brings unique voices to all the characters and infuse them with so much life. For a male narrators he does amazing women voices (which is rare). It's really like hearing a play. It's an interpretation and there could be a different one. I'm happy though that this one exists. I don't read a lot of romances but his interpretation makes me come back time and time again wanting to relisten because it was so much fun to be in the universe Laura and Nicholas brought to life together.

Oh yes, makes me laugh a lot. So many unpredictable bits and reaction coming from the heroine.

This is probably the most funny and light novel Laura Kinsale wrote. Even though the general tone is funny there is still character development and a general arc for the characters. I love everytbook Laura Kinsale ever wrote and don't feel the need to rank each book against the other. Just enjoy each of them for what they have to offer.

This was my first Laura Kinsale ever and I am left ambivalent. I’m currently listening to a second and reserving judgement.<br/><br/>I began enjoying this book greatly, especially Merlin’s abstracted attention and the hero-character’s combined bemusement and frustration with dealing with her. However the heroine’s ongoing and swift submission to his physical attentions, especially when she is furious at him in a late part of the text, and with very good reason, left me cold. There was an element but the Duke’s ongoing melodramatic passions (physical and emotional) started being more ham like and the increase in Merlin’s apologies, ‘rather die than hurt him’ and waiting to be rescued’s made me cross. <br/><br/>I loved the parts where her singleminded focus on what was important to her and her inventrix-genius were emphasised and recognised but too often these were down played for her innocence, naievity and lack of apparent understanding about the fact she is not asked for consent in *anything* but her hand in marriage (and even that isn’t offered as an actual decision). Many of the other women in this text also say “It was not his fault - it was mine! I should have believed in him/loved him more/etc” to excuse poor behaviour throughout the text which always irritates me. As does an underlying female response of “Oh I don’t mind you taking advantage of me, because I love you.” <br/><br/>The final chapter reestablishes Merlin as a strong-ish character but it does not make up for the the frequent limp-wristed-lapses of “He shouted at her and then kissed her and her knees went weak…etc” which seems contrived to me.<br/> <br/>I did like the phobia - and how the author worked with the irrationality that goes with it.<br/><br/>The hedgehog was a lovely element used well throughout the text and was, in my opinion the best character though I don’t believe it’s ever named.

See above

The Hedgehog

Disappointment

The narrator made the characters come alive, not by trying to sound like a girl by raising his voice rather by changing the way each character spoke. He gave them all credible and realistic personalities that made the book come to life.

I believe the heroine with her absentminded professor mind but she was still kind and honest and strong-willed.