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THE ROGUE
Devil's Duke #1
Katharine Ashe
Releasing February 23rd, 2016
Avon Books
In
the first book in Katharine Ashe’s stunning new historical series, to capture a
duke, a lady must first seduce a rogue.
Lady
Constance Read is independent, beautiful, and in need of a husband-now. The
last man on earth she wants is the rogue who broke her heart six years ago,
never mind that his kisses are scorching hot…
Evan
Saint-André Sterling is rich, scarred, and finished with women-forever. He’s
not about to lose his head over the bewitching beauty who once turned his life
upside down.
But
Constance needs a warrior, and Saint is the perfect man for the job. Only as a
married woman can she penetrate Scotland’s most notorious secret society and
bring a diabolical duke to justice. When Constance and Saint become allies-and
passionate lovers-he’ll risk everything to protect the only woman he has ever
loved.
MY REVIEW:
The Rogue by Katharine Ashe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rogue by Katharine Ashe is a 2016 Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Devil’s Duke series, but you will recognize the main characters from some of the author’s previous novels.
Constance was raised unconventionally by her father and destined for great things within his club. However, six years ago, Constance encountered the dashing Evan Sterling and was spoiled to any other man. Despite all her father’s machinations she has steadfastly refused proposal after proposal.
That is all about to change, however, because in order to maintain control over her mother’s inheritance, she must wed before her twenty-fifth birthday. Her father has even chosen the groom for her, a man she suspects of committing dark crimes amid rumors of a secret society.
And Sterling? As fate would have it, he has been commissioned to teach Constance to use a sword in order to defend herself. The six years they have been separated melts away in an instant and the two once more find themselves unable to control the fire that rages between them.
Constance is a woman ahead of her time in many ways, yet is still used as a pawn by the men in her life, and sadly, is scarred both externally and internally. Yet, she exhibits an incredible amount of bravery and intelligence which makes her a character I could cheer for. Here, with the help of Sterling, she is at last able to break free from those chains, and in the process receives the one thing she wishes for above all others… true love.
Sterling…well, what can I say? This guy was the most intriguing hero I’ve encountered in some time. For some reason, he reminded me of Sir Percy in the Scarlet Pimpernel. Maybe it was all that sword play and disguises, but it was also his sharp wit and biting humor. I fell in love with him the very same moment Constance did. He is so funny, sharp, valiant, and honorable, he literally took my breath.
But, this story also has a very dark tone at times, with Constance and Sterling attempting to penetrate an underground club for married couples only, hoping to discover who murdered a young woman, and what happened to two other women who have gone missing. To complicate matters further, it would seem Sterling is being framed for the murder. Can they uncover the truth before Sterling is charged with the crime and will they live to tell to the tale?
Katherine’s writing style sucks me into her stories right away. I sit down thinking I will read a chapter or two, only to find myself so utterly spellbound by the story, I come to my senses an hour later, realizing I have read nearly half the book. This book was no exception and I must say, I believe this series is going to rock your world.
This story moves at a quick pace showcasing the art of fencing and swordsmanship, and dabbling a little in the tantalizing world of disguises which always tends to lend a more erotic tone to a story. As many people can attest to, I love the scarred hero, and I like the darker tones in historical romances much more than the ones with pompous Dukes and Earls and silly virginal girls trying to defy polite society. I like a historical romance with a little danger and intrigue, a story with a little meat on its bones if you will, and this story has that, but it is not too heavy.
Constance and Sterling have a delightful chemistry amid all the serious problems they are dealing with, and exhibit some very humorous and sharp witted banter that was pleasing and charming.
Overall the story is well balanced, flows nicely, is deeply engrossing, and highly entertaining.
4.5 stars
View all my reviews
MY REVIEW:
The Rogue by Katharine AsheMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rogue by Katharine Ashe is a 2016 Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Devil’s Duke series, but you will recognize the main characters from some of the author’s previous novels.
Constance was raised unconventionally by her father and destined for great things within his club. However, six years ago, Constance encountered the dashing Evan Sterling and was spoiled to any other man. Despite all her father’s machinations she has steadfastly refused proposal after proposal.
That is all about to change, however, because in order to maintain control over her mother’s inheritance, she must wed before her twenty-fifth birthday. Her father has even chosen the groom for her, a man she suspects of committing dark crimes amid rumors of a secret society.
And Sterling? As fate would have it, he has been commissioned to teach Constance to use a sword in order to defend herself. The six years they have been separated melts away in an instant and the two once more find themselves unable to control the fire that rages between them.
Constance is a woman ahead of her time in many ways, yet is still used as a pawn by the men in her life, and sadly, is scarred both externally and internally. Yet, she exhibits an incredible amount of bravery and intelligence which makes her a character I could cheer for. Here, with the help of Sterling, she is at last able to break free from those chains, and in the process receives the one thing she wishes for above all others… true love.
Sterling…well, what can I say? This guy was the most intriguing hero I’ve encountered in some time. For some reason, he reminded me of Sir Percy in the Scarlet Pimpernel. Maybe it was all that sword play and disguises, but it was also his sharp wit and biting humor. I fell in love with him the very same moment Constance did. He is so funny, sharp, valiant, and honorable, he literally took my breath.
But, this story also has a very dark tone at times, with Constance and Sterling attempting to penetrate an underground club for married couples only, hoping to discover who murdered a young woman, and what happened to two other women who have gone missing. To complicate matters further, it would seem Sterling is being framed for the murder. Can they uncover the truth before Sterling is charged with the crime and will they live to tell to the tale?
Katherine’s writing style sucks me into her stories right away. I sit down thinking I will read a chapter or two, only to find myself so utterly spellbound by the story, I come to my senses an hour later, realizing I have read nearly half the book. This book was no exception and I must say, I believe this series is going to rock your world.
This story moves at a quick pace showcasing the art of fencing and swordsmanship, and dabbling a little in the tantalizing world of disguises which always tends to lend a more erotic tone to a story. As many people can attest to, I love the scarred hero, and I like the darker tones in historical romances much more than the ones with pompous Dukes and Earls and silly virginal girls trying to defy polite society. I like a historical romance with a little danger and intrigue, a story with a little meat on its bones if you will, and this story has that, but it is not too heavy.
Constance and Sterling have a delightful chemistry amid all the serious problems they are dealing with, and exhibit some very humorous and sharp witted banter that was pleasing and charming.
Overall the story is well balanced, flows nicely, is deeply engrossing, and highly entertaining.
4.5 stars
View all my reviews
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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. For more about Katharine’s books, please visit www.KatharineAshe.com or write to her at PO Box 51702, Durham, NC 27717.
Thanks for the great review, you've convinced me to read this! :)
ReplyDeleteMiranda,
DeleteThat's awesome!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Miranda,
DeleteThat's awesome!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!