Swept Away by a Kiss

Katharine Ashe's debut historical romance is full of passion, intrigue, mystery, pirates, forbidden love, and more...name it and it's in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and couldn't put it down because I got caught up in the story of the two main characters, Steven and Valerie. Both have secrets they hide from each other until the story unwinds and they begin to reveal who they really are. This novel takes the reader from Boston to the open sea and it's hard no to get swept up by the atrocities Valerie is exposed to during her journey across the Atlantic home to England. From the very beginning of the story the reader knows Valerie and Steven are destined to be together, but it's impossible to figure out how they could ever live happily ever after. My favorite part of the book is when Valerie sees Steven again many months after she returns to her homeland, but Steven isn't who she thinks he is and she feels betrayed beyond belief. It's as if he is a completely different man than the Catholic priest she knew she shouldn't fall in love with. At this point in the book Ms. Ashe has hooked the reader and it is impossible to put the book down because it's imperative we know what happens next. The intrigue continues to keep you captivated and wishing the book were longer so the story never ends. This is a must read!!!!!! Looking forward to (in fact this reader can't wait) for Ms. Ashe's next book!!!

SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS is a MUST READ! Ms. Ashe's debut novel has 'swept away' my breath! I have FALLEN IN LOVE with her vibrant characters who spring to life off of the pages. I easily understood what drove both the hero and heroine and felt their struggles and triumphs as if they were my own. The romantic conflict had my heart wrenching, the passionate scenes (hot!) had my heart racing and the romantic ending left my heart sighing. Ms. Ashe's writing is exquisite - her prose is beautiful, her dialogue is witty, and her command of the era, the issues of the time and the setting is magnificent. This book is a KEEPER!

This book is exquisite. EXQUISITE! These are two of the most compelling leading romantic characters you will ever read about! I love Valerie--what an amazing, refreshing spirit--and I love Steven--he's so complex and sympathetic and strong and HOT--and I love how well they suit each other, flaws and all. You will love the historical backdrop and the plot that is so masterfully woven together. I highly recommend this book!

In 1810 after two years of exile in Boston, Lady Valerie Monroe is on her way back home as she knows her brother Valentine the earl forgives her foolishness. Although her upper crust American relatives led by Cousin Abigail are concerned that she travels alone on a Dutch merchant ship, Valerie cannot wait to reach Portsmouth. On the vessel Valerie meets passenger Jesuit priest, Etienne LeMarque who prefers the Anglo version of his given name Stephen. They are attracted to one another, but both hesitate. When pirates capture their ship, he keeps her safe until they are rescued. In England her hero whom she loves disappears breaking her heart. However, she is stunned when she enters a salon only to be introduced to her beloved Viscount Steven Ashford who loves her too. However, he has a quest to complete unaware that the adversary he seeks now has a pretty pawn to use to destroy him. This is a wonderful Regency romance starring two likable lead characters who are fully developed so that the reader understands what motivates them besides love. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Valerie goes on deck to breathe only to find her breath stopped upon seeing Etienne. He is shocked by his attraction as he has no time for the distraction of desire. Sub-genre readers will appreciate Katharine Ashe's fine historical. Harriet Klausner