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In The Arms Of A Marquess (Rogues of the Sea #3)

by Katharine Ashe (Goodreads Author)

3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 · rating details · 227 ratings · 42 reviews

SHE'D NEVER FORGOTTEN HIM ...

Miss Octavia Pierce is witty, well off, and shockingly unwed. Still, she is far too successful in society to remain on the shelf forever, and her family has hopes that Octavia will finally make the perfect match. What they do not know is that years earlier Octavia was scandalously tempted by the one man capable of sweeping her off her feet ---...more

Paperback, 384 pages

Published August 30th 2011 by Avon

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Mar 10, 2012 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read, historical-fiction-romance, romance

Good book. I enjoyed the story, and following the trail to find out who is blackmailing Crispin and why, and the real story behind the fire that killed Ben's father and brother. I liked both Ben and Octavia. I could see right away that their attraction and feelings were real. When they were separated in India by Octavia's aunt, I could see why that happened -- they were still too young for a really good relationship. They were also still too immature to deal with the doubts put forth by their fa...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Marilyn Rondeau rated it 5 of 5 stars

It was love at first sight from the moment the very young Miss Octavia “Tavy” Pierce traveling to India and who was rescued by Lord Ben Doreé. Of course she hadn’t known who he was at the time, and he hadn’t yet become a Marquess. Now at the age of five and twenty and still shockingly unwed, the once gangly coltish Tavy has turned into a diamond and was summarily beckoned home to England to find a perfect match. What her family was unaware of was that Tavy still carried a torch for the one man w...more It was love at first sight from the moment the very young Miss Octavia “Tavy” Pierce traveling to India and who was rescued by Lord Ben Doreé. Of course she hadn’t known who he was at the time, and he hadn’t yet become a Marquess. Now at the age of five and twenty and still shockingly unwed, the once gangly coltish Tavy has turned into a diamond and was summarily beckoned home to England to find a perfect match. What her family was unaware of was that Tavy still carried a torch for the one man who had once scandalously shown her a passion that she’d never gotten over.    As a third son, as well as half Indian, Lord Ben Doreé had never expected to inherit his position of wealth and power, and he has never forgotten Octavia, who has come to him desperately needing help of a most dangerous and clandestine matter. Even though Tavy acts as unmindful of their once shared passion, as he seems to, she has never quite gotten over the passion they once shared. While everyone assumes she will accept the English lord who has asked for her hand, Tavy is still holding out hope that Ben will come around and renew the passion they once had.  *** Even though this started out a bit slow and to my mind somewhat weak, I ended up thoroughly enjoying IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS by Katharine Ashe (another new author for me). Tavy was not considered pretty, far too outspoken, and basically sent away to India to her Aunt and Uncle with hopes of gaining some maturity or quenching her thirst for adventure. Unfortunately, trying to tame Tavy was like trying to waylay a hurricane. Tavy embraced the exoticness of India, the bazaar, the total uniqueness of the the land, from the smells to the freedom she discovered when most were napping in the heat of the afternoon. I loved that Ms. Ashe gave Tavy the opportunity to innocently meet with Ben during those afternoon walks where they were able to develop their mutual attraction into something much more meaningful and the progression of their friendship into love was a delight until others made Tavy think that she was being cruelly used.   Tavy was beautifully fashioned and wholly fleshed out pretty much from the start, however it took more time to actually see what a fine person Benjirou Doreé truly was. The plot was imaginative in several areas; what had really happened at the fire that killed Ben’s father and brother; why did Lord Crispin seem so intent on forcing a betrothal onto Tavy; and what hanky panky was going on with a ship that seemed to be carrying a very suspicious cargo?   Bottom Line: You’re going to have to read IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS to find out and you will be just as surprised as I was! I am recommending this book very highly as a book to read and an author to keep your eye on!   Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com (less)

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Jan 01, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Two worlds collided when Ben Doree, not yet the Marquee of Doree, rescued a wide eyed Octavia Pierce her first day in the markets of India. A harsh reality is soon learned. Some “noble” Englishmen believe that a man of mixed blood, no matter his wealth and lineage, should never aspire to court an English rose much less marry one. That prejudice ran deep and had the ability to make rational men into methodical monsters!

If you love a h...more Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

Two worlds collided when Ben Doree, not yet the Marquee of Doree, rescued a wide eyed Octavia Pierce her first day in the markets of India. A harsh reality is soon learned. Some “noble” Englishmen believe that a man of mixed blood, no matter his wealth and lineage, should never aspire to court an English rose much less marry one. That prejudice ran deep and had the ability to make rational men into methodical monsters!

If you love a heart stopping period romance that sweeps you into the book from page one, have I got an easy recommend for you! Author Katharine Ashe is well on her way to making a name for herself as a fantastic Historical writer. After reading Ben and Tavy’s story it’s easy to see why. Her characters are multi-faceted and the plot has more layers than an onion. I literally couldn’t put the book down until I was assured not only of a HEA for Ben and Tavy but that all parties’ involved, secondary characters and side stories alike were resolved. Ms. Ashe does a fabulous job of tying up the loose ends by the conclusion of a thoroughly eventful journey.

Let me be very clear on one point, though. This is not a casual read. Ms. Ashe obviously puts a great deal of effort into creating a true and unique story that has historical facts interspersed throughout. Readers will come away feeling like that didn’t just read a part of English history but actually witnessed it. Her writing is very articulate and vividly exacting.

I often create a soundtrack to a story when I’m reading and for this novel I kept hearing the lyrics to Walter Egan’s 1978 hit single Magnet and Steel. The line that mirrored this book is “With you I’m not too shy to show the way I feel, With you I might try my secrets to reveal, For you are a magnet and I am steel”. Ben and Octavia are drawn to each other just like a magnet is drawn to steel and when they touch the love and physical chemistry practically explode off the page.

I couldn’t help but feel for Ben’s situation. When he thinks he can’t have Tavy he still provides protection. Ben feels compelled to keep secrets that weigh him down. I very nearly cried when he finally began revealing his true nature to Octavia and seeing her reaction. She is the kind of heroine that I can always get behind and cheer on. She’s normally honest to a fault but circumstances force her into a subterfuge that is obviously unnatural and distasteful to her character. It was actually pretty entertaining watching her lie while trying really hard not to lie.

In the Arms of a Marquess is an exquisite experience for Historical romance lovers. You’ll connect with the characters and join them for an epic journey that you’ll want to keep on your shelf and re-read over and again. Do yourself a favor and pick a copy of this wonderful book. I think you’ll be glad you did!

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Nov 14, 2011 Christine Morehouse rated it 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever read a story you were so desperate to read that you read it so fast that you needed to read it over again? But this time you promise you would pace yourself and devour every single word as if it was a decedent rich double chocolate brownie warm from the oven. Okay, so I am a bit dramatic. What I am not, is pulling your leg on a wonderfully captivating book that came to me via mail from Avon Romance for none other then the upcoming historical romance author Katharine Ashe. IN THE AR...more Have you ever read a story you were so desperate to read that you read it so fast that you needed to read it over again? But this time you promise you would pace yourself and devour every single word as if it was a decedent rich double chocolate brownie warm from the oven. Okay, so I am a bit dramatic. What I am not, is pulling your leg on a wonderfully captivating book that came to me via mail from Avon Romance for none other then the upcoming historical romance author Katharine Ashe. IN THE ARMS OF THE MARQUESS releases on August 30th and is just one of the fabulous book that twenty five cents of each book will be donated to the Ovarian Cancer research. This book is an extraordinary conclusion to what was an monumental seductive series by what I would consider to be stupendously gifted wordsmith

I admit. I have been a devoted fan ever since Katharine Ashe swept in with her wonderful debut SWEPT AWAY BY HIS KISS and captivating readers with her sophomoric rise of CAPTURED BY A ROGUE LORD where we first meet Lord Ben Doree`. And it was then and there reader I fell hopelessly in love with this distinguish rogue who had a very interesting past that more than intrigued this reader’s mind. As some of you may or may not know I am a sucker for a second chance at romance. I love the story that has the hero and heroine beating the odds at any cost. IN THE ARMS OF THE MARQUESS

To date, Octavia Pierce is a true blue come to life character for me. What I mean to say is the character of Miss. Octavia Pierce was so skillfully crafted that I could see myself in the Regency era taking tea and shooting the breeze with this character. Ms. Ashe’s characters come to life not only in their provocative and lush setting but in the generosity of their witty dialogue which I found to be such a pleasure to read.

A story is not just its hero and heroine alone and IN THE ARMS OF THE MARQUESS is certainly not lacking with a cast of characters so lush and vibrant that any reader will engage in the beautiful Regency world. The one character that stood out to me beside the two delightful protagonists was Lady Constance, who happens to be a beauty in her own right and once engaged to Lord Doree` older but now deceased brother. She is a worm and intoxicating character that I admit a bit of jealousy of. But the more I read the more I came to adore this character and rooted, pulling and praying that Ms. Ashe might…just might have Lady Constance’s story in the works.

Every story needs a great theme to run consistently through it. IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS Katharine Ashe gives readers a heart wrenching story of prejudicial betrayal that cut so deeply at the heart you wonder how any one of these character had survived. But survive they did. Octavia Pierce is not your average spoiled Regency beauty, by no means. The fact that the author saw this character as a brains and beauty hind of belle of the ball had me clamor to find out how she winds up with her one true love was the adventure I was sorely in need of. On first meeting these to characters they are young and impressionable like most are. And as young lover they see the world in only one way….their way. I immensely enjoyed watching Octavia ad Ben grow as a united couple but what really had me entrance was how they grew as individual. The theme of unconditional love and sacrificing for not only what you believe in but for the greater good for the one you love is a strong component of this magnetic story that made me want to stay with these characters as long as possible.

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Oct 12, 2011 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Colonial India, shipping trade intrigue, an Original heroine, a mixed-race hero neck-deep in secrets and lies, a confusing attraction (does he love her? is he only toying with her?)... I loved this book. (The title, though... ugh. Forgettable. With SO much plot, this was the best they could do? Really? I'm really beginning to get annoyed by generic titles like these.)

The only thing that kept this book from 5 stars for me was a bit *too* much intrigue. I really enjoyed the puzzles within puzzles...more Colonial India, shipping trade intrigue, an Original heroine, a mixed-race hero neck-deep in secrets and lies, a confusing attraction (does he love her? is he only toying with her?)... I loved this book. (The title, though... ugh. Forgettable. With SO much plot, this was the best they could do? Really? I'm really beginning to get annoyed by generic titles like these.)

The only thing that kept this book from 5 stars for me was a bit *too* much intrigue. I really enjoyed the puzzles within puzzles and the surprising connections that unfolded once Ben started tugging on the loose ends (to continue the metaphor), but I never *did* quite figure out what was supposed to be going on with Constance, Ben's rumored betrothed. Other than that, this was a delightful book. The pacing was good, the mystery knotty enough to keep me guessing to the end, and I *loved* the lead characters.

Independent-minded Original Tavy was one of the best heroines I've read in awhile... Ben's hot-and-cold behavior towards her threw her into (understandable) confusion, and she recognized that, under the circumstances, her attraction to him was insanity. Yet being unable to rid herself of the attraction didn't make her seem weak; it only underscored the strength of the chemistry between them. She's observant, canny, and gutsy. I also liked that, while she frequently winds up rushing into danger, she doesn't rush *heedlessly* into danger. (Usually.) She generally understands when she's about to do something dumb, and at least gives a thought to her protection (frequently, by manipulating her bodyguard-- I loved how she kept trying to get around Abha).

And Ben... yum. Granted, I wanted to beat him over the head a few times for how he treats Tavy, but he's lived with intrigue and prejudice and jaded women wanting to use him for a taste of the "exotic" for so long that I think he can be forgiven for some of it. Oddly, with Ben, I was a bit put in mind of a scene in the Scarlet Pimpernel, when Marguerite first asks Percy to help her brother. Percy is cold to her, believing her to be a traitor to her own people, after she's gone into the house Percy kisses the steps in every place her feet trod, and the balustrade where her hand rested briefly. Though he feels like a fool for still being in love with her, he can't help himself, and he'll do anything for her (except show her how much he still adores her). Ben's the same with Tavy, although less certain that she actually *deserves* his mistrust.

Oh, last note-- the chapter headings. Tavy turned the nautical dictionary her father gave her into a sort-of diary, which I found really charming. I sort of wish this had gotten explained a little earlier, because I started looking forward to the chapter headings once I realized the connection. Not only is it an intriguing idea for how to keep a diary (or memory-book, I suppose, since it wouldn't necessarily be chronological), it makes a cool conceit for the book.

(Now I have to go back and read the other titles in the series!)(less)

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Sep 20, 2011 Mary Gramlich rated it 5 of 5 stars

IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS by Katharine Ashe
08/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Should I become my own improvement project?

When you fall in love at a very young age and wait patiently for the man you love to return and he does not a normal woman would despair. Miss Octavia (“Tavy”) Pierce it turns out is an extraordinary woman as she not only moves on, she prospers. Tavy still longs at times for Ben Doreé, the man of her dreams to come back to rescue her another tim...more IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS by Katharine Ashe
08/11 - HarperCollins Publishers - Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Should I become my own improvement project?

When you fall in love at a very young age and wait patiently for the man you love to return and he does not a normal woman would despair. Miss Octavia (“Tavy”) Pierce it turns out is an extraordinary woman as she not only moves on, she prospers. Tavy still longs at times for Ben Doreé, the man of her dreams to come back to rescue her another time but does not think he will.

Tavy returns to London after spending a number of years in India growing up and around a different culture that she loved. Once back in London everyone assumes she will marry the man who has asked for her hand, but Tavy still holds out hope that the once third son Ben who has become Benjirou Doreé, Fifth Marquess of Doreé will come for her as he once did and they will be together in love.

Ben and Tavy are reunited at dinner parties, dance at balls, and dare to have a secret rendezvous or two but none of the stolen kisses, and tender caresses are enough and they both know the secrets between them are destructive. Ben does not want the distraction that Tavy provides as he is running a business both in public and private that needs his undivided attention as trying to prevent cultural disaster is a very time consuming job. Ben may save the known world but he is still it seems unable to tell Tavy what his true feelings have been for her all these years together and apart.

Tavy must deal with an annoying fiancée that is not a fiancée who won’t go away, family that is trying to steer her path away from Ben, and figuring out where her life should go. Will she unearth Ben’s secrets and discover that he is not the man she sees or will he tell her the truth and make her love him more? Even more puzzling is the secrets Ben did not know existed coming to life and the complexities of trying to figure out who is your friend and who is a deadly enemy.

This book is one that might appear to have too many pages, but trust me it has the perfect number. You need this amount to give you enough love, romance, suspense, danger, and well more love. At first the reader is not sure the mix of Tavy and Ben will work but trust me they are perfect together. Take this book for the “historical romance” that it is and enjoy without over thinking it.(less)

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Sep 09, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, historical-romance

It's been seven years since Octavia last saw the man stole her heart. Back then, she and Ben both lived in India. She hoped they would have a future together, but they were torn apart, each thinking the other betrayed them. But now they're both in England and it takes no time at all before they cross paths.

Octavia has a persistent suitor in Lord Crispin. He wants to marry her, but she knows she'll never love him --never burn for him, the way she does for Ben. But by all appearances, Ben is in a...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars

In the Arms of a Marquess is a bit more flavorful historical romance because part of the story takes place in Madras. Octavia Pierce is a proper English miss who falls head over heels in love with the Marquess of Doree, also known better to Octavia as Ben. She and Ben were neighbors of sorts while she resided in Madras with her uncle and aunt. She’s dazzled by Ben’s handsome looks and appeal, although his mother isn’t an English blueblood. For nine years, Octavia has pined for Ben. But Ben keeps...more In the Arms of a Marquess is a bit more flavorful historical romance because part of the story takes place in Madras. Octavia Pierce is a proper English miss who falls head over heels in love with the Marquess of Doree, also known better to Octavia as Ben. She and Ben were neighbors of sorts while she resided in Madras with her uncle and aunt. She’s dazzled by Ben’s handsome looks and appeal, although his mother isn’t an English blueblood. For nine years, Octavia has pined for Ben. But Ben keeps his distant, even when they both return to England and he’s been accepted into English society.

Ben longs for Octavia with every sense of his being and even has her watched for her own safety. Years ago, back in Madras after one night during a ball, he and Octavia gave into their passions but were caught by her aunt who made him believe he wasn’t worthy of Octavia. Since then he has stayed away from Octavia, but as the days go by, he can’t ignore his desire for her. And because of that, both fall into a seductive dance where they only have to take one more step to be together as a man and a woman should.

There’s a great deal of pining, longing and close to swooning from both Octavia and Ben. At one point I wanted to bash these two upside their heads because their angst over not being together became annoying. I’m sorry to say but Katherine Ashe doesn’t make a good enough case on why these two must stay away from one another. The all consuming passion between these two is strong, but there simply isn’t a good enough reason or a believable obstacle to keep these two apart. Ben thinks he’s not worthy of Octavia because of his birth. Octavia thinks she’s plain and unattractive to Ben who’s so dashing and handsome. This is a case of major misunderstanding and lack of communication from both parties.

I will give Katherine some due and would recommend In The Arms of a Marquess for that atmospheric historical romance that readers may be interested in. The writing at times was crisp and held my attention, but the overall tension did nothing for me. This is another example of a book that isn’t all that memorable with a mundane plot.

I can see Katherine has great potential, but not quite there yet, even though Lisa Kleypas blurbed this book. With that in mind, I do look forward to reading Katharine Ashe’s future releases and hope her next one will be a better read for me.(less)

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Oct 21, 2011 Daisy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

First off, let me tell you that this book is part of the Kiss and Teal initiative and I think that's wonderful! Raising awareness for ovarian cancer is important, I have seen the destructiveness of this particular kind of cancer and it's horrifying.

But on to the story, which is much more lighthearted, I assure you :)

I was reading this book on the Friday the whole drama with my friends went down and this was just what I needed. Some diversion, filled with emotion and romance and I really enjoyed...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Azhureheart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-ff

A nice romance, light and funny and the only villain was the miscommunication between Ben and Octavia (well... there was a villain but they could have been happy for years if they had just talked and trusted a bit more and be persuaded by others a bit less).

Ben was an interesting character but Octavia was a bit too nice. I wanted her to hate people sometimes, and to rip Marcus (or her aunt) apart. I liked that not everything in the book was about the ton and parties. I love that some of it happ...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Sonja rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this 3rd installment in the Rogues of the Sea series from Katharine Ashe! It's a reunion story beautifully told. I was completely swept up in the gorgeous settings and, of course, the heat between the main characters. I've come to expect Katharine to create two characters who are so completely meant for each other that they couldn't possibly ever be with anyone else, and she delivers that here, expertly. Aside from the wonderful chemistry between them and a plot that twists ti...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars

H/H fall in love meeting in India when young but hero has to sacrifice their love due to duty & her family (a nasty aunt) disapproval. Heroine is heartbroken but they both stay in love with each other. It's wonderfully romantic they things they do in the 7yrs they are apart. The story continues 7 yrs later when they meet again in England.

The writing is wonderfully romantic (some parts made me melt) & both H/H are wonderful characters but I can't figure out why I wasn't totally enamored w...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Spanglemaker9 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: period-romance

I always love finding a smart historical romance, and this one definitely was. The twisty plot was well thought-out and suspenseful. Loved the use of India, both as an early backdrop and part of the mystery that was unfolding. Also, props for the deft portrayal of the nobility's attitude towards India and its natives, including Ben and his in-between status.
Sometimes I didn't feel connected to what Octavia was thinking or doing. Something she would think felt out of left field for my understandi...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written story of Tavy and Ben, who fell in love as young people in India. Eight years later, separated by family, culture, and circumstance, they find each other again. The historical details about the East India company are interwoven into the story well and there's a mystery that is genuinely mysterious, at least for most of the book. I have to admit I was worried for a short time that the story was about to devolve into a typical heroine-gets- kidnapped-because-...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This book started out great, but gradually started going downhill. I can't quite decide whether it was too heavily edited or not edited enough. There are so many characters and plot points, and a lot of them are presented out of context only to be revisited later. But at the same time, it felt like whole sections of dialogue or interior monologues were cut out and characters were jumping to conclusions without any indication why they would suddenly have changed their mind. I wanted to like it a...more

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Feb 17, 2012 Shanyn Hosier rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

The rating for this book is a bit misleading. I liked it quite a bit more than Ashe's earlier "Swept Away By A Kiss," but not as much as the second installment of her Rogues of the Sea trilogy, "Captured By A Rogue Lord." It was frustrating reading, but in a far better way than "Swept Away."

Through the majority of the novel, the hero and heroine believe themselves at odds with each other, both victims of a tragic misunderstanding between them. This misunderstanding is fostered by manipulative fa...more The rating for this book is a bit misleading. I liked it quite a bit more than Ashe's earlier "Swept Away By A Kiss," but not as much as the second installment of her Rogues of the Sea trilogy, "Captured By A Rogue Lord." It was frustrating reading, but in a far better way than "Swept Away."

Through the majority of the novel, the hero and heroine believe themselves at odds with each other, both victims of a tragic misunderstanding between them. This misunderstanding is fostered by manipulative family members keen to thwart the young, unconventional couple, and they are nearly successful in permanently rending the lovers apart. Neither Octavia nor Benjirou (what perfectly romantic names!) trusts the other's motives despite a nearly cataclysmic physical attraction between them as well as an emotional connection that, despite their years of denial, just won't go away.

Octavia starts out as a wonderfully adventurous young English miss, thoroughly sympathetic in her fascination with all things exotic and new in India. Heartbreak and wretched guardians do their best to crush her spirit, but thankfully, a little flame still burns for Ben, for what they had together, no matter how briefly. While her willingness to mistrust Ben when they meet again is maddening, it's also quite reasonable, considering he doesn't make it very easy for her. But Tavy proves equal to the test.

Racism is a common undertone in Ashe's trilogy, and I applaud her efforts at exploration of the topic. Two of her three heros are biracial (one Native American/English, the other Indian/English) and both suffer excruciating prejudice despite their exalted social statuses. It is likely not coincidence they find themselves partners in a self-declared war against human trafficking. Lord Benjirou Doree, the highest ranking of the Sea Rogues, struggles with quite a few inner demons thanks to his mixed Indian princess-English marquess blood.

The suspense and intrigue of the story was excellently done - better than the romantic entanglement, in fact, though that was pretty enjoyable, as well. Ashe writes sensuality quite well, although if one reads all three books of the trilogy back-to-back, the scenes begin to lose steam, becoming a bit repetitive. In "Marquess," the dialogue for which I hold her in such high esteem starts out stilted, not regaining its former delightful tartness until Tavy and Ben embark on their first present-tense love scene at long last (a flashback to their star-crossed past and the incident that divided them feels a bit shoved in and not terribly organic - I wonder if it was relocated from another place during the editing process).(less)

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Jan 30, 2012 Rowena rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

I can't remember if I've read anything by this author but the blurb for this book seemed interesting so I picked it up. The book itself is well written and Ms. Ashe does a wonderful job of sucking me in but there were a few things that I couldn't get behind to make me fall in love with this book, as I was hoping.

First off, this book follows Ben and Octavia as they fumble their way to their happy ending. Their story is a long time coming too as it started seven years ago with the two of them fall...more I can't remember if I've read anything by this author but the blurb for this book seemed interesting so I picked it up. The book itself is well written and Ms. Ashe does a wonderful job of sucking me in but there were a few things that I couldn't get behind to make me fall in love with this book, as I was hoping.

First off, this book follows Ben and Octavia as they fumble their way to their happy ending. Their story is a long time coming too as it started seven years ago with the two of them falling in love with each other and then misunderstandings and secrets got in the way and did a whole lot of damage which I personally thought was a bit much, but that's just me. You see, Octavia spent many years in India, living with her uncle and then with her sister and brother in law. In that time, she met and fell in love with Ben and he with her but because of prejudices on her side and stoic pride on his side, their love wasn't enough for the both of them.

The way that these two fell in love was cute. He was infatuated and showed up everywhere she was so that he could get to know her. She looked forward to bumping into him at the marketplace so that she could get to know him and I found myself smiling along with the both of them as they're remembering how things used to be. The book takes place in the present (well, you know what I mean) time but these two actually met seven years ago before he left and broke her heart.

There's a lot going on aside from the romance between Ben and Octavia. There's the mystery behind Marcus Crispin's need to marry Octavia and then there's that hair that was found on the ship that Ben purchased and just a whole lot of other things popping off that you find yourself wondering about and all is found out in the end but the getting there took some time.

My main complaint with this book was that there were far too many secrets, too many misunderstandings and it all made me dizzy. I spent part of the book confused because I couldn't keep all of the secrets and who had the secrets straight in my head and while that would usually be enough to keep me turning the pages, I found myself getting annoyed. The secrets and withholding that annoyed me the most were the ones between Ben and Octavia. For seven years, the two of them were heartbroken over stuff that could have been cleared up had they just opened their mouths and asked the questions they so desperately needed to ask. I wanted to smack some sense into Ben and smack Octavia a time or two just because they needed it.

Aside from all of the secret keeping, the book is actually interesting and the characters are charming which is what, in the end, saved this book from being a DNF for me. I'm glad that I read the book and I'm looking forward to more from this author so it's all good in the hood. Aside from all of the secrets and misunderstandings- this book was a cute, historical read which is saying something because I'm not a fan of books set in India and for part of this book, they're living in India and the descriptions and the local culture was very interesting.(less)

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Oct 05, 2011 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, review, romance, read-2011

My review is posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...

The gossips are abuzz over Miss Octavia Pierce’s return from India. Though she’s an “original,” and a beautiful one at that, she’s also twenty-five and unwed. Her parents are determined that Octavia should marry, but they don’t know that Octavia lost her heart years ago. Now, Octavia is back in England and while one man courts her, it’s another man who captivates her: the Marquess of Doreé, the very man who’d once...more

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Sep 13, 2011 May rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ye-olde-romance

While I liked the idea of this book - that two people who met nearly a decade ago in India and now meet again in England - I got lost in the details.

For me, there was no feeling of romance or reason to care about the relationship. In short, the entire thing felt off. Yes there's danger and twists and such... but the way the information is revealed is "meh" and the drama level surprisingly low.

I just couldn't get into it despite enjoying the author's way with words.

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Nov 12, 2012 Marjorie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Octavia Pierce is sent to India to calm her headstrong ways. However, she falls for Ben Doree, half Indian, Half English. They are forced to part by their parents. However, he goes back to England to become a marquess and she returns to English Society. She is still in love with him and he with her. However, they are both so sensitive to words that they keep losing their way to each other. Good book.

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Apr 09, 2013 Lourdes rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a BEAUTIFUL love story. I finished reading and keep going back to the sensation it left me with, the whole sentiment of the story. To me, is a book for the truly romantic.
As for the Rogues of the Sea theme, yes he's involved in the business and has a cover up operation, but he's not captain of his own ship like the other two. I was expecting him to go out on a boat until I realized he was more like the Godfather of the London docks. Despite this detail, the story was lovely and it reall...more

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May 03, 2013 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historic-romance, 2013

What an exciting and touching story this was! And I'm glad the heroine did not play heroics and get herself into any trouble, waiting for the hero to rescue her (as some romances do). I enjoyed the time I spent with this couple and the differences/misunderstandings they shared and finally worked their way to a satisfactory conclusion.

I'll look for more by this author.

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Apr 04, 2013 Louise Horrocks rated it 1 of 5 stars

Did not finish
Could not get into it
He loves her
She loves him
But he acts like he hates her because of the past
She is so hurt & confused
"Why doesn't she know how much I really love her" he wonders ...
*SNAP*
That's the sound of the book shutting in disgust

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Jan 08, 2012 Mey Buentipo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Crazy! Well the first book I read from Katharine Ashe. It is a fun to read. A page turner and I can't stop thinking what will happen next. Although, how do I wish that the heroine is that infatuated to the hero, and for the hero well... he seems difficult to describe. The story is more focused on the heroine even though it involves around the hero. There is something about it made me like and the same confused. The flow of the story is not stable, there are times that I have to go back to reread...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Mary Vilarino rated it 1 of 5 stars

A very slow and grinding read. Plot too predictable for words and the two main characters were the only two not in the know as it were. As for other characters you wondered what was their part in the book they were so inane.

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Jun 07, 2012 The Year of Reading Scandalously rated it 3 of 5 stars

Atypical and yet fully traditional at the same time. A good book that delighted and also frustrated me. The beginning enraptured me--I love more than anything tortured former lovers--but the end unraveled somewhat.

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May 09, 2012 Erin H rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: marquis

I have never read of a more annoying heroine than Octavia. I mean I understand being in love with Ben for 7 years but he treated her like dirt and she still wanted him. Even her "engagement" to Marcus was so unbelievable. The dialogue of these characters at times was ridiculous. I mean the way that Octavia talked to Marcus at times was not something I pictured her saying. I really liked Ben but at times he too annoyed me. He was beyond being secretive that at some points I didn't even really car...more

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Sep 11, 2011 Meredith rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, brits, chick-lit, historical-fiction, romance

A steamy historical romance with a multi-ethnic hero, explorations of Britain's involvement in India and a feisty heroine determined to save herself. I'm really liking Katharine Ashe's books.

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Aug 24, 2012 Ash Ash rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

Loved this books.. Ben Doreé is half English half Indian having trouble with getting accepted in both the societies.. He is an outcast in the Ton as he has Indian Blood in him, he is later accepted after he inherits the title Marquis of Doree.. He meets Octavia Pierce in India when she is just 16, he saves her in the docks when she comes to India for the first time.. Later after 7 years apart they meet each other, both of them still feel the attraction .. Octavia is on the verge of getting engag...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Diana marked it as to-read

A passionate lady.
A powerful lord.
An enduring love to defy the world.

Is it August 30th yet???

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About Katharine Ashe

The American Library Association’s Booklist named Katharine Ashe among its “New Stars of Historical Romance.” She is a two-time nominee in the Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Awards, and her novella, A Lady’s Wish, launched Harper Collins Publishers’ e-book imprint, Avon Impulse, to rave reviews.

Katharine lives in the wonderfully warm Southeast with her husband, son, two dogs, and a garden she likes t...more

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Books by Katharine Ashe

When a Scot Loves a Lady (Falcon Club, #1)

How to Be a Proper Lady (Falcon Club, #2)

How a Lady Weds a Rogue (Falcon Club, #3)

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In The Arms Of A Marquess (Rogues of the Sea #3)

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