Susan's Review of The Prince by Katharine Ashe

The temptation of her lips…

Libby Shaw refuses to accept society’s dictates. She’s determined to become a member of Edinburgh’s all-male Royal College of Surgeons. Disguising herself as a man, she attends the surgical theater and fools everyone—except the one man who has never forgotten the shape of her exquisitely sensual lips.

…will make a prince say yes to her every desire

Forced to leave his home as a boy, famed portraitist Ziyaeddin is secretly the exiled prince of a distant realm. When he first met Libby, he memorized every detail of her face and drew her. But her perfect lips gave him trouble—the same lips he now longs to kiss. When Libby asks his help to hide her feminine identity from the world, Ziyaeddin agrees on one condition: she must sit for him to paint—as a woman. But what begins as a daring scheme could send them both hurtling toward danger…and an unparalleled love.

Katharine Ashe’s The Prince is an elegantly written historical novel. The mystery surrounding Ziyaeddin Mira and his friendship with Libby Shaw drew me into the story which features fabulous dialogue, unique characters and political intrigue.

I was fascinated that the author chose to have both main characters assume secret identities in the novel. Ibrahim Kent is a talented portrait artist who has many friends and social connections throughout Europe. The mystery surrounding Ibrahim’s true identity is revealed piece by piece in the story. As Prince Ziyaeddin Mira of Tabir, Ibrahim endured hardships and loss before he reinvented himself as an artist to separate himself from the political drama in his homeland. Libby Shaw is determined to be the first female doctor and is presented with an opportunity to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons. By day, Libby masquerades as Joe Smart while she attends medical lectures.

Libby and Ibrahim met at Haiknayes Castle and neither has forgotten their meeting. Ziyaeddin sees beauty in Libby’s body and desires to paint her. Libby recognizes that the handsome Ziyaeddin has unnerved her—and she’s not sure how to deal with her feelings. To avoid being caught masquerading as a man, Libby moves in with Ziyaeddin. Loved the poignant, honest conversations between the couple. Although the romance between the couple developed slowly, the sexual chemistry between Libby and Ziyaeddin sizzled during the course of the novel.

The Prince covers many topics in detail; politics, feminism, social conditions and medical training. The attention to detail and history is excellent. I skipped through pages which described the medical procedures and descriptions of Libby removing her whiskers and trousers because they were reiterated throughout the story. The woman disguised as a man storyline is my least favorite trope. I understand why the author chose this technique in the novel but, I feel that the disguise aspect of the story was repetitive and towards the end of the novel it was taken a bit too far. Libby was a unique character—extremely intelligent, determined and strong willed. Adding the OCD element to the storyline was unnecessary. I felt it clouded the reader’s perception of Libby instead of enhancing it.

In an unexpected plot twist, Ziyaeddin and Libby are tested at the end of the novel. Loved that the author portrayed Ziyaeddin as an honest man through the novel. He was tested and never wavered in his beliefs or in his love for Libby. Ms Ashe has created my favorite character-An honorable hero.

Katharine Ashe blends history, feminism and romance in The Prince. Ms. Ashe’s descriptive prose draws the reader into Libby and Ziyaeddin’s unique romance, The character’s passion and their poignant conversations kept me turning the pages.


Reviewed by Susan Gorman


ARC from Author


I purchased The Prince from Amazon.

Susan's Review of At The Christmas Wedding

Snowed in at a castle full of handsome lords, three young ladies are about to have the holiday of their lives…

From the authors of At the Duke's Wedding.

Loved this anthology! The authors took the time to create a fabulous house party theme and crafted three wonderful stories about the couples who are snowed in for the holidays at Kingstag Castle.

The Duke and Duchess of Wessex leave their holiday house party in the hands of their daughter Serena and Viola Cavendish, the duchess’s secretary. Serena and Viola must supervise the duke’s troublesome sister Bridget, keep an eye on the mischievous Lady Sophronia and Serena’s friends.

Each story contains enough character and plot cross over to make for an enjoyable, delightful read! I felt that I was reading a book, not three separate stories.

Bridget’s play was woven throughout each of the three novellas. Loved that each author understood the character and her desire to write the play. I enjoyed reading every paragraph devoted to Bridget and her zany play and the unscripted ending was perfect!!

Caroline Linden’s Map of a Lady’s Heart is my favorite story within the anthology. I thought that the all of the characters were relatable and appealing. Ms. Linden did a fabulous job setting the scene and introducing all of the castle’s guests to the reader. The scene where Wes asks Viola to go outside to view the stars at night was exquisitely written. Loved that Wes understood that his love for Viola was the treasure he'd spent a lifetime looking for.

Maya Rodale’s piece features Lady Serena, Lord Gosling, Greyson Jones and Bridget’s play. Grey has loved Serena for years. He did not pursue her because she was engaged to his best friend. Grey views the house party at his opportunity to see if he is really in love with Serena. Loved the hysterically funny scenes when Lady Bridget and her aunt cast Grey as Serena’s love interest in the play. The witty dialogue, laugh out loud scenes from the play and pacing in this novella are superb.

And Bridget’s play? Will the Lonely Spinster choose the Lord Captain Pirate or the Lovesick Swan?The conclusion to this story was very romantic and perfect for the happy couple and playwright!

Katharine Ashe’s descriptive voice and the back and forth banter between Charlotte and Frye make the third novella in the anthology a charming read. I could feel how cold it was outside, understand Charlotte’s feelings towards Frye and understand why Frye loved the feisty Charlotte beyond words. The romance between the couple was delicately paced as Charlotte truly believes that Frye has jilted her best friend. Loved the added touch of the couple celebrating Christmas Eve at the inn. My favorite scene occurred when Charlotte tells an unconscious Frye that he is “forbidden to die’. It’s touching, perfectly executed and yes….made me cry! Ms. Ashe treats us to several fun plot twists and turns before the couple arrives at Kingstag Castle.

I enjoyed this fabulous anthology. It’s filled with great characters, fun and games and so much romance!

Reviewd by Susan Gorman

Book purchased via Amazon

Susan's Review of The Duke by Katharine Ashe

Katharine Ashe continues her lush and sensual Devil’s Duke series with a sweeping story of unbreakable love.

Six years ago, when Lady Amarantha Vale was an innocent in a foreign land and Gabriel Hume was a young naval officer, they met . . . and played with fire.

Now Gabriel is the dark lord known to society as the Devil’s Duke, a notorious recluse hidden away in a castle in the Highlands. Only Amarantha knows the truth about him, and she won’t be intimidated. He is the one man who can give her the answers she needs.

But Gabriel cannot let her learn his darkest secret. So begins a game of wit and desire that proves seduction is more satisfying—and much more wicked—the second time around…

About the Book

The Duke

by Katharine Ashe

Series

Devil’s Duke #3

Genre

Adult

Historical Romance

Publisher

Avon Books

Publication Date

September 26, 2017

Katharine Ashe’s The Duke is a classic regency historical. The novel has five parts, spans a six- year period and begins in Jamaica and concludes in Scotland. It took me three days to read Gabriel and Amarantha’s journey as each step was carefully crafted.

I enjoyed reading the first part of the novel which was set in Kingston, Jamaica. Ms Ashe touches upon the subjects of slavery, freedom, faith and religion—these themes play out throughout The Duke. The description of Gabe and Amy’s first meeting drew me into the story. She calls him a ‘giant beast of a man” and these words set the tone for their future conversations. In my opinion, this section of the book was a complete story and should have been published as a standalone novella.

Amy’s journey to Gabe begins in the third part of the novel. Now widowed, Amy travels to Scotland in search of her friend. Amy has changed in the past five years. Her experiences have shaped her and she has grown. Amy is a very determined, headstrong character and I enjoying reading how she searched for what she perceived as the truth and her desire to be free.

Gabriel Hume, the Duke of Loch Irvine, has made several guest appearances in the Devil’s Duke Series. Based on the hints in the prior novels, I thought this novel was going to focus on mysterious rituals and be dark in nature. However, the author perfectly assembles the clues concerning the mysterious Duke together using her flawless descriptive voice and her clever dialogue. I was intrigued to finally read his story and was captivated by this kind, compassionate man who gave his heart to someone and waited patiently for her to love him completely.

Ms. Ashe’s beautiful writing style shines when Gabriel shares his truths with Amy. In my opinion, this chapter and the pages which describe the couple making love are exquisitely written. I could feel the emotion, caring and desire that this couple felt for each other. I wanted this couple who had overcome so much to enjoy their happily ever after—not keep fighting for it.

I enjoyed and recommend The Duke—the hero was perfectly written. Gabe is every woman’s wish and fondest desire. Kudos to Katharine Ashe for writing a free spirited, headstrong heroine who captures Gabe’s heart and writing their journey!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Avon

To read an excerpt from The Duke, please click here.

About Katharine Ashe

KATHARINE ASHE is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of historical romances reviewers call “intensely lush” and “sensationally intelligent,” including her acclaimed Devil’s Duke Series, and My Lady, My Lord and How to Marry a Highlander, 2015 and 2014 finalists for the romance industry’s most prestigious award, the RITA®.

Katharine lives in the wonderfully warm Southeast with her beloved husband, son, dog, and a garden she likes to call romantic rather than unkempt. A professor of European History, she writes fiction because she thinks modern readers deserve grand adventures and breathtaking sensuality too.

Katharine’s Links

    

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

Susan's review of Katharine Ashe's The Pirate and I

The Pirate & I (A Novella)

Book 2.5 in the Devil’s Duke Series

Years ago, Miss Esme Astell fell hopelessly in love with Charles Brittle, an unassuming and highly respectable London bookmaker.
Then he disappeared without a word.
The last thing Esme ever dreamed was to meet Charlie again —
In a dark alleyway —
In a drenching rain —
In a chase with the police —
In Scotland.

Can she resist falling again, this time for the dangerous scoundrel he’s become?

"Good evening, Esme.”
Lips framed in whiskers barely moved as the words came from them like a husky growl. His beautiful eyes were two hard, cool pieces of flint.
‘I need your nose.”

Imagine looking towards your bedroom window and finding a handsome man from your past staring at you?
A man whom you were secretly in love with?
And he’s asking for your nose?


Katharine Ashe’s The Pirate and I is a fast-pace, suspenseful novella. Set in Scotland, the story is a continuation of the author’s The Devil’s Duke Series.

Esme Astell has worked at a perfume shop on Gracechurch Street in London for five years. Her efforts had increased the sales of the shop but, her employer would not increase her wages. One of her London clients appreciates Esme’s sensory abilities and arranges for her to attend a meeting of the Society of Perfumers, in Scotland. Esme spent a good portion of her savings to travel to Scotland in hopes that she would be offered an apprenticeship at an elite Paris perfume shop.

Esme encounters a criminal on her way home from the meeting. She is stunned to discover that the criminal is Charlie Brittle, who worked at the printing shop across from the perfume shop in London. Esme had been secretly in love with him for years and was devastated when Charlie disappeared from London and was presumed dead.

Charlie needs Esme to help him find a dog. He needs the dog in exchange for his freedom. Charlie has a plan to leave Scotland for America and he is determined to have his freedom. Ms. Ashe always sets the mood with her descriptive writing, and The Pirate & I is enhanced by the way she adds the sense of smell throughout the novel. I could imagine drinking black tea and eating oven fresh bread at the Hart and Rose pub with Charlie and Esme and smelling the perfume, candlewax and fabrics at the ball.

Katharine Ashe does a superb job balancing the romance and intrigue in this story. The romance between the couple is enchanting and the author’s lush, descriptive, sensual voice shines when the couple makes love. Charlie cherishes Esme and his feelings are conveyed in both his actions and words. Esme recognizes that Charlie has changed. She asks about his scars and burns and accepts Charlie as the man he has become, not the man she knew two years ago. The secondary characters of Pate and Rory added to the underlying feeling of suspense the author created throughout the novel. The conclusion had several surprising plot twists which surprised and delighted me!

Katharine Ashe’s novellas read as full length novels—the characters are well developed and there are several intricate plotlines. This is the perfect weekend read –especially for those of us who are looking forward to reading The Duke!

5 Stars!

★★★★★

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the publisher

❤ MEET KATHARINE ❤

Katharine Ashe is the USA Today bestselling author of the acclaimed Devil’s Duke series, and eighteen other historical romances that reviewers call “intensely lush” and “sensationally intelligent.”  She is a two-time finalist for the prestigious RITA® Award of the Romance Writers of America — in 2014 for How to Marry a Highlander and in 2015 for My Lady, My Lord — and a three-time nominee in the Reviewers’ Choice Awards, including winner for Best Historical Romantic Adventure in 2012, and her novel How to Be a Proper Lady was an Amazon Editors’ Choice for the Ten Best Romances of the Year.  Her books have been recommended by Woman’s World Magazine, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, All About Romance, Booklist, Library Journal, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many others, and translated into languages around the world. 

Katharine lives in the wonderfully warm Southeast with her husband, son, dog, and a garden she likes to call romantic rather than unkempt.  A professor of European history and pop culture, she writes fiction because she thinks modern readers deserve grand adventures and breathtaking sensuality too.  Her favorite thing is to meet readers in person, but she loves connecting with readers by mail and email and on social media too!

Follow Katharine at:

❤ Website ❤

Facebook ❤ Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ Goodreads ❤ Pinterest

The Earl

Review of The Earl—Katharine Ashe

“Marriage is good for no woman, Clarice. It binds her securely to a master as chains, and silences her voice as surely as if she had a gag stuffed between her lips. Why should I want that? I have been blessed with an affectionate, negligent father and am free to do mostly as I wish, with the resources to do it. I have no desire to subject myself to a potentially harsher overlord. I have work yet to do—so much work that I haven’t time to stand here and argue this with you.” Lady Justice 

Katharine Ashe’s descriptive writing style shines in The Earl, the second installment in the Devil’s Duke Series. It is an elegantly written opposites attract love story which features suspense, fabulous dialogue, romance and history. I have been waiting for this story for several years and I was not disappointed! Lady Justice writes about social reform in her pamphlets. She and Peregrine are fierce political opponents who have appeared throughout Ms. Ashe’s Falcon Club series. The Falcon Club’s mission was to find missing people and return them. Lady Justice’s sister has been missing for seven months and she reluctantly turns to her rival Peregrine for assistance.

Lady Justice receives a note from Scotland which states that her sister is alive. She dismisses Peregrine and decides to find her sister on her own. Peregrine and Lady Justice meet unexpectedly at an inn in Scotland where they are mistaken for a pair of felons who have murdered a local woman. Outnumbered, they leave the inn on horseback. The couple is pursued from village to village. Lady Justice has no choice but to follow Peregrine. The trip through the Scottish countryside parallels the couple’s personal journey. To outsmart the people who are intent on capturing them, they must learn to trust and rely on each other. I was so immersed in the couple’s travels, that I felt that I was walking through the rugged countryside, down the puddle filled country roads and up the unforgiving mountainside with them.

Katharine Ashe creates characters who have purpose. Lady Justice and Peregrine are imperfect but, are perfect for each other. Both are strong willed and determined and these traits enable them to survive their ordeal. Ms. Ashe is not afraid to portray characters that appear to be strong but, in fact, are emotionally vulnerable. Lady Justice’s pamphlets show the importance and the value of the written word. The letters speak of social injustices, political reform and woman’s rights important topics in 1822 and in 2016. At first, the pairing of this couple surprised me. As I became immersed in the novel, I wanted them to elude the men who were chasing them and fall in love. The conclusion to The Earl was splendidly crafted–and made me cry-one person’s voice can make a difference!

Reviewer’s note: As a longtime Falcon Club reader, I chose not reveal the identities of Lady Justice and Peregrine in my review.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC from the Publisher

Graphic artwork: Graphics by Sharlene

Photo of Celeste by Susan Gorman

The Scoundrel and I by Katharine Ashe

"She backed away a step. 'You have ruined me."

The blue eyes flicked down her body, then up again before his grin broadened.

"Fairly certain I'd recall that." he said.

Her cheeks flamed. "That was not, of course, what I meant by those words."

His eyes laughed. "You don"t say?"

"You are a scoundrel, sir."

"Assuredly. Now tell me your troubles and I'll do my scoundrelly best to solve it."

The Scoundrel and I captivated me from the first paragraph. Katharine Ashe's rich, descriptive writing style lends itself to this Cinderella-themed story. Gabrielle Flood works at Brittle & Sons print shop where Lady Justice's  pamphlets are published. Gabrielle is startled by a stranger and drops a chase of type-set broadsheet on the ground scattering more than 50 pieces of type. Elle fears for her job and searches for the missing pieces on the street. She meets Captain Anthony Masinter; the scoundrel who startled Elle. He offers to help Elle and she reluctantly accepts.

Katharine Ashe is well-known for creating complex, honorable heroes in her novels and pairing them with forthright, educated heroines. She blends humor, passion and romance into each one of her stories. I was drawn to the character of Anthony Masinter as he was sincere in his motives to help Elle recover the missing pieces of type. Honor and duty are very important to this naval officer. Elle works at the print shop and proofreads the letters between Lady Justice and Peregrine. She believes that Anthony is a scoundrel but needs his help to keep her job. Elle cares for her ailing Grandmother and the scenes between these two characters are written from the heart.

There’s quite a bit of fun and great dialogue  between the characters during their journey. Anthony and his sister transform Elle from a shop girl to a princess. Loved the shout out to Lady Beaufeltheringstone from the author’s former Ballroom blog! Anthony and Elle attend Lady B’s ball as part of their scheme to steal some type from Anthony’s uncle. Loved the sense of suspense in these scenes.

 Anthony and Elle are keeping secrets from each other and the secrets are revealed as this well -paced novel reaches its conclusion. The last few chapters were intense and not what I expected. Katharine Ashe has the ability to deliver a 200 -page novella that reads like a novel! All of the characters are unique and well-developed, the plot is original and works within the Falcon Club series. I enjoy that the author writes great dialogue and keeps within her time period ( i.e. no Americanisms) in tone, dialogue and social setting. 

The importance of the written word is an important theme in the novel and the author gifts the reader with the collection of letters written by Lady Justice and Peregrine. After reading the letters, I can’t wait to read The Earl in October!! 

If you are looking for a fabulous summer romance filled with passion, humor and intrigue—pick up Katharine Ashe’s The Scoundrel and I!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC and graphics provided by the author.

Katharine Ashe---The Rogue

I have read and enjoyed all of Katharine Ashe's Falcon Club books. I have waited for three years to read Lady Constance's story and it's FABULOUS!!

Ms. Ashe is known for creating intelligent , one-of - kind heroines, such as Lady Constance Read, and pairing them with honorable heroes!


Saint left the room, crossed the antechamber and reached for the door handle. The panel swung open and abruptly she was before him, her cheeks flushed and her lips parted. She had changed her hair and wore jewels about her bare neck now. The lamplight set them aglitter, like the candid blue of her eyes. She practically glowed. 

She was an heiress, a woman of beauty and wealth and rank who had in her youth engaged in a careless flirtation with an idiotically susceptible young man. She was no grand villain, No matter that he'd spent years avoiding this moment, now he saw only the soft, quick surprise of that girl with whom he had spent one forbidden fortnight, the girl he had not for one day in six years forgotten. 

Ms. Ashe’s is an excellent storyteller. Her deeply romantic writing style and attention to historical detail lend itself to this story as the reader becomes immediately immersed in the novel. I could visualize Haiknayes Castle and the six -pointed star carved over it's front door. I felt the couple’s desire for each other as each scene unfolded. And, I believed that I was watching Saint teaching Constance how to fence in Lord Read's ballroom. 

The author does an excellent job crafting the novel's heroine and hero. Lady Constance Read is an agent for the Falcon Club who has been tasked with solving the murders of two young woman who were murdered on the grounds of Haiknayes Castle. Saint is an honorable man, a soldier and a master swordsman who has been hired to teach Constance the art of self defense. The couple shared a passionate kiss six years ago that neither has forgotten. I wondered if this couple would be able to rekindle their relationship or if Saint would let her go. Constance learns to trust Saint and they are both pulled into the mystery of the missing women. Saint puts Constance's safety before his own and vows to protect her because he loves her unconditionally. 

 
The Rogue is an intricately woven story which combines the quest for the kidnapper’s identity with Saint and Constance’s love story. The novel has an original and very intriguing storyline and there were several clever plot twists and turns. The last one hundred pages are very suspenseful and the writing is superb. Each of the author’s words adds to the building tension within the novel and leads to its fabulous conclusion. 

If you are looking for a fabulous regency read, I recommend The Rogue!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman 

Edited by Brian McGee 

Graphics by Celeste and Avon 

Book purchased from Amazon by the reviewer.

I Loved A Rogue by Katharine Ashe

Katharine Ashe has written a  heartfelt conclusion to the Prince Catcher series.  I Loved A Rogue features the characters of Eleanor Caulfield and  Taliesin Wolfe. This is the story that I have waited to read. I am happy to report that Eleanor and Taliesin's story is fabulous!

The story centers on the Caulfield sisters, Eleanor, Arabella and Ravenna who were found by a fisherman after a shipwreck. The sisters were sent to a workhouse until they were adopted by Vicar Martin Caulfield. They believe in a gypsy fortune which states that one of the sisters must marry a Prince if they are to learn their parent's names. Arabella and Ravenna are married leaving Eleanor to solve the mystery. The sisters are reunited with their childhood friend Taliesin Wolfe at Martin Caulfield's wedding. Taliesin agrees to accompany Eleanor on her journey.

I love a well written, emotional, well -paced second chance at romance novel. Katharine Ashe's lyrical prose draws you into Eleanor and Taliesin's story. Their love story is complicated , emotional and rewarding. Throughout the novel, the couple misunderstands each other's actions and motives. Their love for each other is strong but they have to overcome past events, solve the Prince Catchers riddle and recognize and trust their true feelings for each other. 

She had waited for years for Taliesin to return to her. She could acknowledge this now. In her heart, she had known he would come if she truly needed him.

The characters in this novel are beautifully written. Both the primary and secondary characters contributed to the storyline and add to the suspense aspect of the novel. I loved reading the interactions between the Caulfield sisters: Arabella , Ravenna and Eleanor.  Katharine Ashe crafts great sisters in this series. Each sister and their story is unique. The bond between the sisters is very strong and is at the heart of each novel.  I enjoyed learning more about Vicar Caulfield, meeting Robin Prince, his sisters and Taliesin's friend, Evan Saint.

*

Ms. Ashe weaves several historical elements into the storyline. These elements give authenticity to the story and add to it's suspense.  Talieson named his horse Tristan and Ellie's mare was Iseult. I  loved the references to the medieval Princess and the Knight who loved her which appear through the novel. Throughout  the novel the reader is aware of the difference between the social classes and the prejudice towards the lower class and gypsies. This theme is important as Taliesin must make an important decision which effects his relationship with Eleanor. I enjoyed how this piece of the storyline played out and how each of the main and secondary characters reacted to the situation.

I Loved A Rogue is a beautifully written story which will take the reader on an emotional and satisfying journey. I was swept away into the character's adventure and read the book in three sittings I enjoyed every word written by Katharine Ashe. The resolution of the book was very satisfying and rewarding. I was so involved in the story that the ending made me cry--tears of happiness. 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

*Quote card used with permission from Katharine Ashe and made by Sharlene Martin Moore of Graphics by Sharlene

At The Billionaires Wedding ~~ Miranda Neville, CarolineLinden,Katharine Ashe and Maya Rodale

The Lady Authors have invited us to a modern fairy-tale wedding which takes place in an old English county estate. Romance writer Jane Sparks and her technology billionaire fiancé Duke Austen have planned a private wedding at Kingstag Castle in Dorset, England. Things are going along smoothly until Jane learns that Kingstag castle has burned down! After an Internet search, Duke saves the day and locates an alternate site for the wedding . The wedding venue is now Brampton House, an older family home which is being renovated into a hotel. Duke writes a large check to speed up the construction process. Jane sends her wedding planner Arwen Kilpatrick to check out Brampton house. 

The cast of characters is amazing. Each person adds to the story and makes an appearance or two in the other chapters in the book. Kudos to the Lady Authors for the continuity in this well plotted, romantic anthology!

The Best Laid Planner--author Miranda Neville

Miranda Neville sets the stage for the book with her characters of Harry, the charming handyman and Arwen, the no nonsense wedding planner. Their conversations made me laugh out loud and smile at the same time! Harry gives Arwen a tour of Brampton house and the grounds. Harry has a quick answer to all of Arwen’s questions about the guest rooms not having mini bars or fridges and the lack of wait staff. Arwen notices that there is no cell reception or Wi-Fi anywhere in the house or outside on the grounds. Harry dodges her question by suggesting that she walk a quarter of a mile up a hill to the family mausoleum for cell service (everyone walks up a hill to use their cell phone and laptop, right?).

Will Harry the handyman be able explain to Arwen that the hotel doesn't have a hotel manager? Or a commercial kitchen license? That the Internet won’t be working until after the wedding? And that he’s really not a handyman?

 Will You Be My Wi-Fi? --author Caroline Linden 

Caroline Linden's depiction of over worked corporate attorney Archer Quinn is spot on. Archer misses the familiar buzz of the incoming mail signal on his laptop and is desperate to download his email and check his voicemail. He is stressed because he can't work while he is on vacation! Archer searches for a signal and happens upon a cottage with a strong Wi-Fi signal. He immediately annoys chef Natalie Corcoran who is living at the cottage while writing a cookbook. I loved this career focused couple who have had little time for a social life. The story was sweet, sexy and so fun to read!

Natalie tempts Archer with her desserts-- will the lack of internet force Archer to take a day off from work and spend time with Natalie?

Can Archer fix the old computer in Natalie's cottage and restore the Wi-Fi? After the hotel refrigerator breaks ruining all of the desserts, can Arwen convince Natalie to bake the rehearsal cake and provide the dinner desserts in an afternoon?

The Day It Rained Books by Katharine Ashe

I loved this Cinderella story which has modern social themes sprinkled through the story. Cali and Piers's story included issues such as literacy, workplace harassment and corporate take overs. The hardworking Cali appealed to me. I understood why she wanted to leave her troubles behind her and enjoy herself at the wedding. Who wouldn't want an all expenses paid trip to England to a Billionaire's wedding? Piers is such a great hero. He has everyone's best interests at heart although he makes a huge miscalculation. Can Cali overcome her fears and forgive Piers?

Will Cali's mysterious benefactor be revealed? When Cali returns home will she meet the man in the park?

The ending of this story was not what I expected and was a bit of a nail biter-- and so worth it !

The Moment When You Fall In Love by Maya Rodale

Damien Knightley is in trouble. He's been challenged by a competitor to print exclusive pictures of the top secret Jane Sparks and Duke Austen wedding. And he's bet his family's newspaper.

He's got an in.....he's dating Roxanna Lane, the maid of honor. Damien doesn't like to lose.

Jane's bachelorette party is a riot. Maya Rodale had me laughing out loud during this chapter. Roxanna presents Jane with a sash with the words The Future Mrs Austen on it. Mimosas are served with breakfast and the party begins. The scene in the bar with Jane and her bridal party is hysterical-- laugh out loud funny and sweet and old fashioned -- all at the same time.

Can Roxanna get Jane out of the bar before the bride gets arrested? Does Roxanna have enough time to write her rehearsal speech? Will Damien keep his newspaper? Will Damien open his heart to Roxanna?

Enjoyed this book so much that I bought the three books in Maya Rodale's series about Jane and Duke's love story.

Looking forward to the next Lady Authors anthology...romance writing at it's best!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Lady Celeste says to read the epilogue .....it's awesome!

A book with a six pack rating is a must read!!!

I Adored A Lord - Review

Katharine Ashe's 

I Adored A Lord is FANTASTIC!

The novel is set in a remote castle in the mountains of France. Ms. Ashe crafts a classic whodunit complete with a unique cast of characters. A wealthy English earl, his wife and daughters, the Feathers family , a Scottish Duchess and her daughter, a French war hero and his daughter, an Italian bishop and his niece and Lord Prunesly, his daughter and son gather for a bride-hunting party. The intended groom is Prince Sebastio. Each eligible young lady seeks to win the Prince's affections at any cost.

                                                                                                             

Our heroine Ravenna Caulfield reluctantly travels to the party with her employer Sir Beverley Clark and their friend Francis Pettigrew. I was drawn to the story's heroine. Ravenna's spirits are low. Her beloved dog, Beast, has died, her sister has married a Duke and her life of solitude and peace is changing. And she is wondering why she is at a house party filled with wealthy titled members of the aristocracy and their spoiled adult children.                                   
Our heroine and our hero, Vitor , first meeting does not go well. He surprises her and she responds with a pitchfork! It's classic meeting crafted by Katharine Ashe that readers will remember for a long time! Vitor is my favorite type of hero. He is an honorable man with secrets. Ravenna and Vitor's love story is played out during the course of the house party. I enjoyed how their romance progressed with the story. Their poignant romance was believable, it was not forced or rushed.

The adventure begins as one of the houseguests is murdered and Ravenna and Vitor join forces to figure out which guest is the murderer. The are a few surprises, a dog napping, a kidnapping, a scandalous secret or two and several confessions before the murderer's identity is revealed. I read the last 150+ pages in one sitting as I was invested in the characters and the outcome of the story. I admit, I cried at the ending. It was fabulous!                            

 I read between 2-3 books each week. I can count on one hand how many books have impressed me in 2014. Katharine Ashe's I Adored A Lord is one of them!

Lady Celeste Gives I Adored A Lord a Six Pack

I Adored A Lord is the second book in The Prince Catchers series and can be read as a stand alone novel.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman