What do you think?
Rogues of the Sea #1
Swept Away by a Kiss
A SECRET IDENTITY
When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again ...
AN UNDENIABLE LOVE
Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both.
When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again ...
AN UNDENIABLE LOVE
Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2010
About the author
Katharine Ashe
34 books1,037 followersKatharine Ashe is the USA Today bestselling author of historical romances reviewers call “intensely lush” and “sensationally intelligent,” including two Amazon's Best Romances of the Year. A professor of history and popular culture, she writes fiction because she adores the grand adventures and breathtaking sensuality of historical romance. For more information, please visit her at http://www.katharineashe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 12, 2010
I have never heard of Katharine Ashe and picked up this novel simply because it was endorsed by Lisa Kleypas as "a breathtaking romance". She wasn't exaggerating.
Taking place in Regency England, the book begins with the heroine, Valerie Monroe, returning to London after a 2-year stay with relatives in Boston. The ship she sails on is overtaken by pirates and the nasty, creepy leader gets his jollies by tying Valerie up in an intricate knot system and forcing a Jesuit priest to untie her. His reasons are two-fold: the priest will be unmanned by breaking his sacred vows and will also rid the girl of her virginity...a tedious task the pirate has no patience for. However, the priest stays in control and Valerie remains a virgin. Unhappy with the results, the pirate keeps the two sequestered together as the voyage continues...positive that the priest is like all other men and will not be able to resist the temptation of an extraordinarily beautiful woman. The pirate's scheme is thwarted; but what he doesn't realize is the spark that has ignited between his two captors...and how close they did come to closing the deal.
Fast forward 6 months to a country house party Valerie is attending with her brother and his wife. She is being courted by a handsome, titled suitor, but her heart is back on the ship with a man she knows is totally off-limits to her, but, nevertheless, the one she has fallen in love with. On day one of the house party, Valerie is introduced to the hostess' godson and is shocked as she comes face-to-face with the tall, elegantly dressed gentleman. Her priest!
The chemistry between Valerie and Viscount Steven Ashford is what fuels this story. Every time they secretly meet, the passion between the two is so hot and so overwhelming it had me breaking out in a sweat...or crossing my legs...or both!
There is suspense throughout the story and a house party is a favorite premise of mine, but everything else pales to the sparks that fly when Steven and Valerie come together. It might seem like a turn-off to know that the two don't actually complete the act until page 300, but take it from someone who likes sex on page 1, you are NOT left frustrated! Ms. Ashe seems to have a talent for building sexual tension to the point you are about to lose it if he doesn't get inside her soon!
There are a few weak areas in the story...the characters' backgrounds are underdeveloped and the suspenseful aspect has a few holes but overall I still thought the book rated 5 stars. Kudos to Katharine Ashe on a great debut novel...I'm looking forward to her next book coming out in 2011!
Taking place in Regency England, the book begins with the heroine, Valerie Monroe, returning to London after a 2-year stay with relatives in Boston. The ship she sails on is overtaken by pirates and the nasty, creepy leader gets his jollies by tying Valerie up in an intricate knot system and forcing a Jesuit priest to untie her. His reasons are two-fold: the priest will be unmanned by breaking his sacred vows and will also rid the girl of her virginity...a tedious task the pirate has no patience for. However, the priest stays in control and Valerie remains a virgin. Unhappy with the results, the pirate keeps the two sequestered together as the voyage continues...positive that the priest is like all other men and will not be able to resist the temptation of an extraordinarily beautiful woman. The pirate's scheme is thwarted; but what he doesn't realize is the spark that has ignited between his two captors...and how close they did come to closing the deal.
Fast forward 6 months to a country house party Valerie is attending with her brother and his wife. She is being courted by a handsome, titled suitor, but her heart is back on the ship with a man she knows is totally off-limits to her, but, nevertheless, the one she has fallen in love with. On day one of the house party, Valerie is introduced to the hostess' godson and is shocked as she comes face-to-face with the tall, elegantly dressed gentleman. Her priest!
The chemistry between Valerie and Viscount Steven Ashford is what fuels this story. Every time they secretly meet, the passion between the two is so hot and so overwhelming it had me breaking out in a sweat...or crossing my legs...or both!
There is suspense throughout the story and a house party is a favorite premise of mine, but everything else pales to the sparks that fly when Steven and Valerie come together. It might seem like a turn-off to know that the two don't actually complete the act until page 300, but take it from someone who likes sex on page 1, you are NOT left frustrated! Ms. Ashe seems to have a talent for building sexual tension to the point you are about to lose it if he doesn't get inside her soon!
There are a few weak areas in the story...the characters' backgrounds are underdeveloped and the suspenseful aspect has a few holes but overall I still thought the book rated 5 stars. Kudos to Katharine Ashe on a great debut novel...I'm looking forward to her next book coming out in 2011!
October 20, 2019
..
In this first book of the "Rogues of the Seas" series, Swept Away By a Kiss, you will be introduced to the heroine, Lady Valerie Monroe. We learn that prior to the commencement of this tale, Valerie had been exiled to America under the watch of her cousins, two years ago by her father 'The Earl', as retribution to her rebellious behavior. The details of her father's reasoning are interspersed throughout the story. After his death, she was finally headed back home. On her way back home, her thought was "Not even a handsome, mysterious stranger could inspire her to recklessness again."
Suitable for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
DESCRIPTION:
A SECRET IDENTITY
When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again ...
AN UNDENIABLE LOVE
Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past, she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both.
An absolutely amazing debut novel from Katharine Ashe, an exceptional new voice in historical romance, Swept Away by a Kiss is the first book in an exciting new series—the story of a society jade who thinks she’s done it all until she meets the devil himself.
This was a rather confusing tale filled with intrigue, everlasting teasing, and lust. He was constantly tempted by a scandalous beauty he struggled to resist. You have to commend a man with a commendable sexual restraint, which is quite a rare quality. Is it not?
Let's not forget the nefarious criminal, whose villainous plans may destroy them both.
Judge Tabor: the ship she's sailing on is taken over by pirates and this sets up the story very nicely for the romantic relationship with Valerie and a pretend French priest, Father Etienne La Marque, who is actually Steven Ashford in disguise - a disguise he's used for several years in his efforts to halt human trafficking on the high seas.
This tale sweeps the reader into a spine-tingling and adrenaline-pumping voyage with a swoon-worthy hero.
I was disappointed that the cover does not match the clothing of the era.
“A breathtaking romance filled with sensuality and driven by a brisk and thrilling plot…. Katharine Ashe writes with eloquence and power—what a compelling read!”
—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas
--------------------------
Swept Away By a Kiss
(Rogues of the Sea Book 1)
by Katharine Ashe (Author)
Length: 388 pages
i listened to the audio version of this book, which was provided on loan from my local library.
..
In this first book of the "Rogues of the Seas" series, Swept Away By a Kiss, you will be introduced to the heroine, Lady Valerie Monroe. We learn that prior to the commencement of this tale, Valerie had been exiled to America under the watch of her cousins, two years ago by her father 'The Earl', as retribution to her rebellious behavior. The details of her father's reasoning are interspersed throughout the story. After his death, she was finally headed back home. On her way back home, her thought was "Not even a handsome, mysterious stranger could inspire her to recklessness again."
Suitable for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
DESCRIPTION:
A SECRET IDENTITY
When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again ...
AN UNDENIABLE LOVE
Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past, she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both.
An absolutely amazing debut novel from Katharine Ashe, an exceptional new voice in historical romance, Swept Away by a Kiss is the first book in an exciting new series—the story of a society jade who thinks she’s done it all until she meets the devil himself.
This was a rather confusing tale filled with intrigue, everlasting teasing, and lust. He was constantly tempted by a scandalous beauty he struggled to resist. You have to commend a man with a commendable sexual restraint, which is quite a rare quality. Is it not?
Let's not forget the nefarious criminal, whose villainous plans may destroy them both.
Judge Tabor: the ship she's sailing on is taken over by pirates and this sets up the story very nicely for the romantic relationship with Valerie and a pretend French priest, Father Etienne La Marque, who is actually Steven Ashford in disguise - a disguise he's used for several years in his efforts to halt human trafficking on the high seas.
This tale sweeps the reader into a spine-tingling and adrenaline-pumping voyage with a swoon-worthy hero.
I was disappointed that the cover does not match the clothing of the era.
“A breathtaking romance filled with sensuality and driven by a brisk and thrilling plot…. Katharine Ashe writes with eloquence and power—what a compelling read!”
—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas
--------------------------
Swept Away By a Kiss
(Rogues of the Sea Book 1)
by Katharine Ashe (Author)
Length: 388 pages
i listened to the audio version of this book, which was provided on loan from my local library.
..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2012
Deciding on a rating for this book was hard. So many things about it were superb, but others were sufficiently aggravating enough that I developed a kind of love-hate relationship with this story.
Ashe composes extremely well written prose with intelligent, PBS-worthy dialogue - definitely a strength of hers. She writes period detail that feels highly authentic, inspiring far more trust in me than many other historical romance authors. Her characterizations were gripping and thorough. The espionage subplot was extremely entertaining and quite possibly the best part of the book.
Now, for the not-so-great parts.
By the cover alone, I feared this story would be a bust. Note that the open back of the heroine's dress exposes a ZIPPER closure - ugh. And as one reads, it quickly becomes clear that the hero has sun-golden hair, not dark. But I understand an author doesn't always have much input in her cover art... so it's possibly more a complaint better directed to the publisher, not the author.
A confusing prologue dated 1799 and equally baffling but brief letter from the heroine to her brother, dated 11 years later, occupy the first 4 pages - a dizzying amount of time travel. After having read this book twice, I still can't figure out the purpose of either. They feel tacked on, as if an editor suggested the author somehow attempt to reassure readers of both characters' inner value, despite the outward appearances to come. Neither was effective.
Repeatedly throughout the book, the author harps on a prophesy given to Stephen long ago about his destiny, apparently involving a woman named Valerie. There are also frequent interstitials of Valerie dreaming scary, prophetic things. I kept expecting the author to explain this dalliance with the metaphysical, but it never happened. I still don't understand what purpose these served aside from attempts to remind the reader that, despite all appearances to the contrary, Stephen and Valerie are destined to be together. Kind of lame.
Approximately the first third of the book involves a shipboard voyage. The suspense of the kidnapping and chemistry between Valerie and the priest Etienne/Stephen is well written here, but the madness of Captain Bebain is contrived bordering on silly. Surely there was a better way to get these two together.
Unfortunately, once the hero and heroine reunite in England after their shipboard trauma, the romantic plot sinks like a stone. It devolves into the kind of narrative I loathe: bad boy hero treats heroine like crap in order to save her from himself, but she laps it up because she alone can see how wonderful he really is. Blech.
I liked the character of Valerie, especially her inner strength and intelligence. I sympathized with her frustration with being stifled by society and her yearning for adventure. But I wanted to throttle her for continuing to pursue Stephen no matter how wretchedly he treated her. Yes, Valerie correctly imagined Stephen was far nobler than he appeared, but the basic truth boiled down to this: Valerie lusted after him, and this is what kept her going back for more every time he cast her a smoldering look. Only her determination to keep pushing herself on him despite his horrible treatment of her led to her discoveries of his worth.
Stephen was an unmitigated jerk. Yes, he was a spy and serving a higher calling, but none of this excuses the cruelty with which he treated Valerie. She'd given him loads of proof she could be trusted with his secrets as well as demonstrated her competency, intelligence, and powers of observation - traits any real spy would have valued in a potential accomplice, if not lover. Beastly Stephen repeatedly tells the reader how hard it is for him to resist her as well as how it hurts him to cast her aside so often, but if he really felt so tenderly for her, surely he could have found a kinder way to do so. Instead, he behaved like a brute. While I'm happy for Valerie's happy ending, I remain unconvinced Stephen deserves any of it.
I'm glad I won this book as well as its sequel in a raffle. Had I only gotten this one, I never would have pursued more of the author's work. But since it was free and on hand, I read "Captured by a Rogue Lord" then immediately bought "In the Arms of a Marquess." Thankfully, I can report the next two books in the series live up to the author's beautiful and competent prose.
Ashe composes extremely well written prose with intelligent, PBS-worthy dialogue - definitely a strength of hers. She writes period detail that feels highly authentic, inspiring far more trust in me than many other historical romance authors. Her characterizations were gripping and thorough. The espionage subplot was extremely entertaining and quite possibly the best part of the book.
Now, for the not-so-great parts.
By the cover alone, I feared this story would be a bust. Note that the open back of the heroine's dress exposes a ZIPPER closure - ugh. And as one reads, it quickly becomes clear that the hero has sun-golden hair, not dark. But I understand an author doesn't always have much input in her cover art... so it's possibly more a complaint better directed to the publisher, not the author.
A confusing prologue dated 1799 and equally baffling but brief letter from the heroine to her brother, dated 11 years later, occupy the first 4 pages - a dizzying amount of time travel. After having read this book twice, I still can't figure out the purpose of either. They feel tacked on, as if an editor suggested the author somehow attempt to reassure readers of both characters' inner value, despite the outward appearances to come. Neither was effective.
Repeatedly throughout the book, the author harps on a prophesy given to Stephen long ago about his destiny, apparently involving a woman named Valerie. There are also frequent interstitials of Valerie dreaming scary, prophetic things. I kept expecting the author to explain this dalliance with the metaphysical, but it never happened. I still don't understand what purpose these served aside from attempts to remind the reader that, despite all appearances to the contrary, Stephen and Valerie are destined to be together. Kind of lame.
Approximately the first third of the book involves a shipboard voyage. The suspense of the kidnapping and chemistry between Valerie and the priest Etienne/Stephen is well written here, but the madness of Captain Bebain is contrived bordering on silly. Surely there was a better way to get these two together.
Unfortunately, once the hero and heroine reunite in England after their shipboard trauma, the romantic plot sinks like a stone. It devolves into the kind of narrative I loathe: bad boy hero treats heroine like crap in order to save her from himself, but she laps it up because she alone can see how wonderful he really is. Blech.
I liked the character of Valerie, especially her inner strength and intelligence. I sympathized with her frustration with being stifled by society and her yearning for adventure. But I wanted to throttle her for continuing to pursue Stephen no matter how wretchedly he treated her. Yes, Valerie correctly imagined Stephen was far nobler than he appeared, but the basic truth boiled down to this: Valerie lusted after him, and this is what kept her going back for more every time he cast her a smoldering look. Only her determination to keep pushing herself on him despite his horrible treatment of her led to her discoveries of his worth.
Stephen was an unmitigated jerk. Yes, he was a spy and serving a higher calling, but none of this excuses the cruelty with which he treated Valerie. She'd given him loads of proof she could be trusted with his secrets as well as demonstrated her competency, intelligence, and powers of observation - traits any real spy would have valued in a potential accomplice, if not lover. Beastly Stephen repeatedly tells the reader how hard it is for him to resist her as well as how it hurts him to cast her aside so often, but if he really felt so tenderly for her, surely he could have found a kinder way to do so. Instead, he behaved like a brute. While I'm happy for Valerie's happy ending, I remain unconvinced Stephen deserves any of it.
I'm glad I won this book as well as its sequel in a raffle. Had I only gotten this one, I never would have pursued more of the author's work. But since it was free and on hand, I read "Captured by a Rogue Lord" then immediately bought "In the Arms of a Marquess." Thankfully, I can report the next two books in the series live up to the author's beautiful and competent prose.
August 18, 2020
Adorei 😍 Sem dúvida o melhor de Katharine Ashe que li até agora.
Devia ter sido o primeiro, todos os livros desta autora têm encadeamento umas séries com as outras.
Romance de época com incidência histórica no tráfego humano/escravatura e como os segundos/terceiros filhos da aristocracia tentava travar quando a opção caía na espionagem. Tenho um fraquinho por histórias de piratas 🤗
As personagens femininas da Katharine são fortes, independentes.
Ao Steven deu-me vontade de lhe dar uns safanões, irritou-me. Mas é isso que faz um bom livro, desperta emoções em nós. Boas ou más.
Devia ter sido o primeiro, todos os livros desta autora têm encadeamento umas séries com as outras.
Romance de época com incidência histórica no tráfego humano/escravatura e como os segundos/terceiros filhos da aristocracia tentava travar quando a opção caía na espionagem. Tenho um fraquinho por histórias de piratas 🤗
As personagens femininas da Katharine são fortes, independentes.
Ao Steven deu-me vontade de lhe dar uns safanões, irritou-me. Mas é isso que faz um bom livro, desperta emoções em nós. Boas ou más.
October 18, 2022
Dit boek is ook in het Nederlands vertaald verschenen - Candlelight Historische roman 1080 , maar ik heb de originele Engels talige uitgave gelezen .
Ik vond dit een traag verhaal er gebeurde te weinig om mijn aandacht echt vast te houden en de romantiek was meer gebaseerd op lust gevoelens dan op het elkaar beter leren kennen en verliefd worden .
Ik vond dit een traag verhaal er gebeurde te weinig om mijn aandacht echt vast te houden en de romantiek was meer gebaseerd op lust gevoelens dan op het elkaar beter leren kennen en verliefd worden .
Read
February 25, 2026Dnf at 50%. I didnt like any of the characters.
March 25, 2020
3.5 stars
Note: Content warning in the spoiler tag at the very end of review.
When it comes to historical romance, most of the books out there are very anachronistic. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with that because historical romance can still be enjoyable even if it is anachronistic. If I had to make a list of historical romance authors whose stories come the closest to being historically accurate, in terms of historical events and dialogues, Katharine Ashe tops the list. Her prose, her dialogues, her clever use of historical events as complex settings for her stories — they are all so well done. Her author's note is so detailed and you can see exactly how she got inspired by history for her books.
Swept Away by a Kiss started off on a high note. Lady Valerie is on her way to England after being exiled to America for two years. She's traveling on a merchant ship along with another passenger, a French priest. Obviously he's a sexy French priest, I don't need to spell it out for you 😂 But things go south when Lady Valerie and the French priest are captured by pirates. The captain wants Valerie, but he doesn't want to be the one to take her virginity because it is too bothersome. So...he forces the priest and Valerie in close quarters so that the priest can just get rid of her virginity for him. I know! It is BANANAS 😂 But so damn addicting!!
The first third of the book takes place on the ship and eventually, Valerie and the priest manage to fight the captain and escape..after getting frisky with each other, of course. And let me tell ya, it was STEAMY 🔥 What Valerie doesn't know though is that the man she hooked up with is not actually a French priest. He's in fact an English peer, Viscount Steven Ashford, who had his own reasons for being in disguise. The hero is enshrouded in mystery and you only get bits and pieces from his backstory. You don't get a solid grasp of his character until the last third of the book. Six months later, Valerie bumps into Steven in England at a house party and man, let me tell you, the anticipation level was HIGH. I was salivating for them to meet again and I was not disappointed.
I would say that I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book the most. After their reunion, Steven is very hot and cold towards Valerie. I hate these kinds of heroes to be honest, but I could understand to a certain extent why he has to act as if he doesn't care about her. Steven is on a dangerous mission and he can't afford to put her life at risk. That being said, Valerie is a spitfire who quickly figures out what's happening and decides to take things into her own hands. I wish that Steven and Valerie had worked together instead of trying to stay away from each other. The whole mission got a little too overdramatic towards the end and I think that it could have all been resolved earlier on. Steven's stubborness also got really annoying and it got to the point where I just wanted to slap the shit out of him. Dumbass.
There is also a supernatural element that is part of the story, but the author doesn't really flesh it out as much as I would have liked. Steven has native American roots and his grandfather actually prophesized that Steven would fall in love with a woman named Valerie. Valerie herself has prophetic dreams throughout the book. But that supernatural element is kind of relegated to the background of the story. Nothing is confirmed. Steven just calls it "fate" and that's about it lol.
Content warning:
Note: Content warning in the spoiler tag at the very end of review.
When it comes to historical romance, most of the books out there are very anachronistic. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with that because historical romance can still be enjoyable even if it is anachronistic. If I had to make a list of historical romance authors whose stories come the closest to being historically accurate, in terms of historical events and dialogues, Katharine Ashe tops the list. Her prose, her dialogues, her clever use of historical events as complex settings for her stories — they are all so well done. Her author's note is so detailed and you can see exactly how she got inspired by history for her books.
Swept Away by a Kiss started off on a high note. Lady Valerie is on her way to England after being exiled to America for two years. She's traveling on a merchant ship along with another passenger, a French priest. Obviously he's a sexy French priest, I don't need to spell it out for you 😂 But things go south when Lady Valerie and the French priest are captured by pirates. The captain wants Valerie, but he doesn't want to be the one to take her virginity because it is too bothersome. So...he forces the priest and Valerie in close quarters so that the priest can just get rid of her virginity for him. I know! It is BANANAS 😂 But so damn addicting!!
The first third of the book takes place on the ship and eventually, Valerie and the priest manage to fight the captain and escape..after getting frisky with each other, of course. And let me tell ya, it was STEAMY 🔥 What Valerie doesn't know though is that the man she hooked up with is not actually a French priest. He's in fact an English peer, Viscount Steven Ashford, who had his own reasons for being in disguise. The hero is enshrouded in mystery and you only get bits and pieces from his backstory. You don't get a solid grasp of his character until the last third of the book. Six months later, Valerie bumps into Steven in England at a house party and man, let me tell you, the anticipation level was HIGH. I was salivating for them to meet again and I was not disappointed.
I would say that I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book the most. After their reunion, Steven is very hot and cold towards Valerie. I hate these kinds of heroes to be honest, but I could understand to a certain extent why he has to act as if he doesn't care about her. Steven is on a dangerous mission and he can't afford to put her life at risk. That being said, Valerie is a spitfire who quickly figures out what's happening and decides to take things into her own hands. I wish that Steven and Valerie had worked together instead of trying to stay away from each other. The whole mission got a little too overdramatic towards the end and I think that it could have all been resolved earlier on. Steven's stubborness also got really annoying and it got to the point where I just wanted to slap the shit out of him. Dumbass.
There is also a supernatural element that is part of the story, but the author doesn't really flesh it out as much as I would have liked. Steven has native American roots and his grandfather actually prophesized that Steven would fall in love with a woman named Valerie. Valerie herself has prophetic dreams throughout the book. But that supernatural element is kind of relegated to the background of the story. Nothing is confirmed. Steven just calls it "fate" and that's about it lol.
Content warning:
July 1, 2014
3.5
Back in May, I read a book called Wired for Story. It changed how I read (and write) stories. What it talks about is ultimately what I find Katharine Ashe's books to be lacking: a deeper understanding of character motivation.
The reason motivation -- often found in a life-changing event in the character's past -- is so important is that it tells the reader how the characters will react to the situations they're put in. To truly feel like we're a part of the story, some element of predictability needs to be there; we need to understand why a character acts a certain way.
And that, for me, is why I can't get flaily about Katharine Ashe's books (of which I've now read two and both had the same issue). They're good stories, for sure. But things just seem to happen, and I didn't always understand why. Because I didn't "get" the characters.
So, we know that Valerie and Steven have some kind of event in their past that shapes who they are from the very beginning, but it often takes a couple hundred pages before we get the full picture. But by then, it's not enough to make a true connection with either character.
What I liked about this book over When a Scot Loves a Lady, though, is no Scottish brogue to decipher. Win. Still a good story, but I'm uncertain at this point whether I want to continue reading more Katharine Ashe.
Back in May, I read a book called Wired for Story. It changed how I read (and write) stories. What it talks about is ultimately what I find Katharine Ashe's books to be lacking: a deeper understanding of character motivation.
The reason motivation -- often found in a life-changing event in the character's past -- is so important is that it tells the reader how the characters will react to the situations they're put in. To truly feel like we're a part of the story, some element of predictability needs to be there; we need to understand why a character acts a certain way.
And that, for me, is why I can't get flaily about Katharine Ashe's books (of which I've now read two and both had the same issue). They're good stories, for sure. But things just seem to happen, and I didn't always understand why. Because I didn't "get" the characters.
So, we know that Valerie and Steven have some kind of event in their past that shapes who they are from the very beginning, but it often takes a couple hundred pages before we get the full picture. But by then, it's not enough to make a true connection with either character.
What I liked about this book over When a Scot Loves a Lady, though, is no Scottish brogue to decipher. Win. Still a good story, but I'm uncertain at this point whether I want to continue reading more Katharine Ashe.
January 22, 2015
I regret that this book did not bring me as much enjoyment as it has to numerous other readers. Maybe it's my good girl Catholic upbringing, but I found the heroine's instant lusty attraction to the hero's Jesuit priest alter ego just a bit off putting. They exchanged very little words and none of them pleasant on board the ship, yet, one look or accidental touch from him left her in a quivering, wet heap. An unrepentant flirt with a scandalous past, she thinks nothing of using her females wiles to further her gains yet would call another similar minded female a slut for doing the same. There were plenty of other inconsistencies and confusions. The hero's hot and cold treatment did not always make sense, and there were things mentioned and introduced that lead to nowhere. Bottom line though is that I found the heroine a rather difficult character to sympathise with, egocentric, lust driven, blinded to the effects her improper behaviour might have on her family and already damaged reputation. Despite this, she was not censored by anyone but even embraced by the hero's aunt and godmother and declared virtuous before she had done anything to earn it. This was Ms Ashe's debut novel though, and her writing style was not bad,so I will cut her some slack.
August 2, 2010
Regrettably, this book did not sweep me away. I was so excited to get a book that took place on a the high seas with pirates, but that was quickly diminished, mostly because I had a very hard time connecting with Valerie, who came off as to stubborn for her own good. She made rash decisions that seemed foolish to me, and pointless in the growth of the story. I liked Steven, for the most part, but there were times that I though he was a bit to assuming, as to what he expected Valerie to do for him. Each time I felt that their chemistry was starting to click, one of them would do or say something that made me just plain irritated. I had hoped that they would have consummated their relationship earlier in the storyline, because too much teasing and tension just made it painful for me. I like sexual tension in a book, and don't need the steamy scenes, but when they continuously get so close to completing the act but always going away unsatisfied, I end up thinking, please just do it and get it over with.
March 18, 2012
The hero's pretending to be a priest and therefore cannot act on his attraction to the heroine. Uh, best setup ever! Need I say more? Plus, of course I love it b/c the heroine is named Valerie.
August 7, 2014
A Secret Identity
When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again . . .
An Undeniable Love
Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both.
What a cool story this was. So unique – that’s what I love about Katharine Ashe’s books is that they are really like no other. This book is almost two completely different books. The first part is about the pirate ship takeover and the tortuous situation that Steven and Valerie find themselves in and the second part is back in England where Valerie is still Valerie, but Steven is a completely different person.
The conflict they face on the ship in the first part is tortuous because the Captain, a crazy one of course, wants to break Steven, the priest, by putting him and Valerie in situations where he may be forced to take her virtue. The tension in these scenes is palpable. I did not see the resolution to this conflict coming. The ideal would have been that Valerie and Steven continue on with the tension from there, but the book picks up in England where they are reunited but Steven is a complete ass. Valerie’s so confused, as are the readers, but we understand that he is trying to protect Valerie until he can ensure the danger he is facing is gone. Hard core though this is, the reader must suffer through what Valerie feels and I tell you, I, as the reader, did! Rewards are always sweeter when earning them was tough and I, the reader, was well rewarded.
I highly recommend Katharine Ashe in general – she is an extremely talented writer – and I recommend this book. Did I mention this is her debut? Amazing talent! I’m onto the second one in the Rogues of the Sea series, Captured by a Rogue Lord, and I’m excited. While sad to see Steven and Valerie go, I am assured they appear in the next book, so I look forward to it.
When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again . . .
An Undeniable Love
Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both.
What a cool story this was. So unique – that’s what I love about Katharine Ashe’s books is that they are really like no other. This book is almost two completely different books. The first part is about the pirate ship takeover and the tortuous situation that Steven and Valerie find themselves in and the second part is back in England where Valerie is still Valerie, but Steven is a completely different person.
The conflict they face on the ship in the first part is tortuous because the Captain, a crazy one of course, wants to break Steven, the priest, by putting him and Valerie in situations where he may be forced to take her virtue. The tension in these scenes is palpable. I did not see the resolution to this conflict coming. The ideal would have been that Valerie and Steven continue on with the tension from there, but the book picks up in England where they are reunited but Steven is a complete ass. Valerie’s so confused, as are the readers, but we understand that he is trying to protect Valerie until he can ensure the danger he is facing is gone. Hard core though this is, the reader must suffer through what Valerie feels and I tell you, I, as the reader, did! Rewards are always sweeter when earning them was tough and I, the reader, was well rewarded.
I highly recommend Katharine Ashe in general – she is an extremely talented writer – and I recommend this book. Did I mention this is her debut? Amazing talent! I’m onto the second one in the Rogues of the Sea series, Captured by a Rogue Lord, and I’m excited. While sad to see Steven and Valerie go, I am assured they appear in the next book, so I look forward to it.
December 9, 2014
The beginning of this book was so unique and had so much tension, I couldn't put it down. And then there was a separation and we meet an entirely different hero. This was Ashe's debut novel so she was newer to creating angst. It was not quite right here, but she has mastered it in more recent books.
Swept Away By a Kiss opens with our heroine, Valerie, and our hero, Steven (disguised as a priest), on a ship returning to England. There is an instant forbidden spark between the two that only grows hotter and hotter when a pirate takes over the ship and forces them together. After dealing with the pirate, Steven remains behind and sends Valerie on to England where she struggles to move on from the events on the ship, never forgetting the priest.
Valerie later meets Steven at a house party and Steven pretends he doesn't know her. Steven is at the house party on a secret mission to expose one of the guests and does not want the villain to know Valerie is important to him. His internal dialogue tells us it's for Valerie's own protection, but I hated how he would draw her in and then coldly discard her. As for Valerie, at the beginning of the story, I admired her strength, but as she kept returning to Steven despite his cold treatment, I felt pity for her. She didn't know what us readers knew and it bugged me that she tolerated his horrendous treatment.
Everything gets resolved at the end in a way that suits Valerie and Steven's lack of conformity, but I felt that the angst was too drawn out and there were many threads (dreams, character backgrounds) that were never truly explained. This was not Ashe's best work, but it was fun to see how she has honed her style in her recent Prince catchers series. 4 stars.
Swept Away By a Kiss opens with our heroine, Valerie, and our hero, Steven (disguised as a priest), on a ship returning to England. There is an instant forbidden spark between the two that only grows hotter and hotter when a pirate takes over the ship and forces them together. After dealing with the pirate, Steven remains behind and sends Valerie on to England where she struggles to move on from the events on the ship, never forgetting the priest.
Valerie later meets Steven at a house party and Steven pretends he doesn't know her. Steven is at the house party on a secret mission to expose one of the guests and does not want the villain to know Valerie is important to him. His internal dialogue tells us it's for Valerie's own protection, but I hated how he would draw her in and then coldly discard her. As for Valerie, at the beginning of the story, I admired her strength, but as she kept returning to Steven despite his cold treatment, I felt pity for her. She didn't know what us readers knew and it bugged me that she tolerated his horrendous treatment.
Everything gets resolved at the end in a way that suits Valerie and Steven's lack of conformity, but I felt that the angst was too drawn out and there were many threads (dreams, character backgrounds) that were never truly explained. This was not Ashe's best work, but it was fun to see how she has honed her style in her recent Prince catchers series. 4 stars.
December 13, 2019
Full of intrigue and romance and murder and pirates, this novel is so good, too good.
Though first and foremost a romance novel, the illegal slavers plotline brings mystery and thrills to an already toe-curling story. With a strong-willed, clever heroine, who isn't afraid to get down and dirty, or use her charm and good looks to her advantage; and a hero bent on freeing the world from evil human traffickers, whilst trying desperately to keep the woman he loves safe from harm, what more could you ask for?
Expertly written, Katherine Ashe knew her characters well and gave them distinct voices and personalities (though I admit that some of the side characters could feel a bit two dimensional at times). Be warned though that, though written in 3rd person, the perspective changes wilfully between our two main characters paragraph to paragraph.
Though first and foremost a romance novel, the illegal slavers plotline brings mystery and thrills to an already toe-curling story. With a strong-willed, clever heroine, who isn't afraid to get down and dirty, or use her charm and good looks to her advantage; and a hero bent on freeing the world from evil human traffickers, whilst trying desperately to keep the woman he loves safe from harm, what more could you ask for?
Expertly written, Katherine Ashe knew her characters well and gave them distinct voices and personalities (though I admit that some of the side characters could feel a bit two dimensional at times). Be warned though that, though written in 3rd person, the perspective changes wilfully between our two main characters paragraph to paragraph.
November 15, 2011
Intially the premise caught my attention however it didn't maintain my attention. This was the only book where I felt throwing it across the room. The heroine, Valerie, was just an impulsive, selfish, and attention-seeking individual. I wouldn't want to talk to her even though the author describes her as an intelligent being. Oh please if she was intelligent shouldn't she stay away. I'm on the fence right now to finish the book because we all know how these historical "romances" ends. Otherwise I don't mind Ms Ashe writing style but the characters are those people you just want to shake them up for NOT using their brains!
March 17, 2021
I thought this would be a pirate romance, but it wasn’t. It had a lot of characters with similar names and I started skimming once they got off the ship early in the book. It was written in 2010 but felt very old school. Once again, it had the trope of “man wants woman badly but doesn’t think he’s good enough so he will be really cruel to her to push her away.” Use your words, people. Boo.
This was endorsed by the masterful Lisa Kleypas on the cover so I feel even more duped.
This was endorsed by the masterful Lisa Kleypas on the cover so I feel even more duped.
November 28, 2012
Değişik bir hikayeydi beğendim,karakterler gayet etkiliydi.Ne çok fazla entrika vardı nede çok fazla duygu karmaşası vardı kitapta.Yazar konuyu güzel işlemişti,ufak tefek tabiki şöyle olsaydı dediğim şeyler oldu ama güzel bir okuma süreci geçirdim.Birazda çeviriye özen gösterilseydi sanırım dahada güzel olacaktı.
October 28, 2025
I really like the thought of this book than the actual story. It could have been so much better.... disappointed.
The plot could have gone in a different way, it starts out with Lady Valerie meeting a priest on a ship. This could go so many directions.
I did like the steamy parts. I didn't like Steven after he admits who he is... he's on and off and it just didn't do it for me.
The plot could have gone in a different way, it starts out with Lady Valerie meeting a priest on a ship. This could go so many directions.
I did like the steamy parts. I didn't like Steven after he admits who he is... he's on and off and it just didn't do it for me.
November 29, 2024
The heroine was brave and smart, but she was too much for me. She refused to leave the hero alone. She kept seeking him out for sex.
July 11, 2025
This reminded me of Bridgerton. It was cute but also weird and a little confusing.
July 18, 2024
I really enjoy Katharine Ashe. I loved most of this book. It reads a bit dated, which isn't it's fault, it is 14 years old at this point. I do really lo e the Pretending To Be A Preast trope. Don't see that enough.
April 12, 2011
A man on a mission. A woman escaping her past. Wow!
It has been a long time since I've picked up a historical romance novel that swept me away (pun intended) as Katharine Ashe's did. OMG, the tension between Steven and Valerie leaps off the pages and left this reader punching her book a couple of times... (kiss dammit, kiss) - Lord, the 'rope' scene {no this isn't an erotic romance} Hot, hot, hot.
Ms. Ashe has used her day job, I believe as a history teacher?, and penned that knowledge into the pages of this book. Ms. Ashe richly describes the room, the wild, the stench of a back ally, in a way that draws you in and places you in the shoes of the hero and heroine. I look forward to reading, Captured by a Rogue Lord.
Well done.
It has been a long time since I've picked up a historical romance novel that swept me away (pun intended) as Katharine Ashe's did. OMG, the tension between Steven and Valerie leaps off the pages and left this reader punching her book a couple of times... (kiss dammit, kiss) - Lord, the 'rope' scene {no this isn't an erotic romance} Hot, hot, hot.
Ms. Ashe has used her day job, I believe as a history teacher?, and penned that knowledge into the pages of this book. Ms. Ashe richly describes the room, the wild, the stench of a back ally, in a way that draws you in and places you in the shoes of the hero and heroine. I look forward to reading, Captured by a Rogue Lord.
Well done.
March 19, 2012
3.5 really.
I love Katharine Ashe's stories, she's on my auto-buy list and I recommend her without thinking twice. However, I really got frustrated with this book. While Steven is really sweet the first half of the book he is like Jekyll and Hyde in the second part. He has really sweet moments with Valerie but mostly he's cold and awful to her. He changes his mind multipe times wihtin mere pages. Valerie is a really lovely heroine. She's fearless, smart and warm...after about 2/3rd into the book I couldn't remmeber remember thatshe was ever happy throughout the story..., it was a constant fight and struggle for her, poor girl.
I love Katharine Ashe's stories, she's on my auto-buy list and I recommend her without thinking twice. However, I really got frustrated with this book. While Steven is really sweet the first half of the book he is like Jekyll and Hyde in the second part. He has really sweet moments with Valerie but mostly he's cold and awful to her. He changes his mind multipe times wihtin mere pages. Valerie is a really lovely heroine. She's fearless, smart and warm...after about 2/3rd into the book I couldn't remmeber remember thatshe was ever happy throughout the story..., it was a constant fight and struggle for her, poor girl.
January 25, 2013
Arkadaşlarımın yorumlarını gördükten sonra korkarak başlamıştım ama sevdim ben kitabı :) Korktuğum gibi değildi.. Steven'ın gizemli halleri, neyin peşinde olduğu falan güzeldi ama kadına habire benim gerçekten ne olduğumu bilsen uzaklaşırsın deyip durdu ama ne olduğunu anlayamadım ben bir türlü kendisi de söylemedi sanırım :D Tamam insan tacirlerinin peşinde de bunu zaten Valerie de biliyordu biz de biliyorduk yani :D Keşke biraz daha dikkatli ve detaylı olsaymış bazı şeyler daha güzel olurmuş ama neyse yine de beğenerek okudum :)
December 22, 2010
I almost decided not to read this one due to the relatively low ratings it has gotten. I was definitely glad that I read it anyway because I would have missed out on a really interesting historical romance!
This book held my interest from start to finish, and it kept me wondering how they were going to end up together and what would happen next. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!
This book held my interest from start to finish, and it kept me wondering how they were going to end up together and what would happen next. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series!
June 28, 2013
Definitely not one of my favorites. I was really interested in reading Katharine Ashe's books, and I like to start from the beginning. However, this book book didn't flow well for me. The conversations would just jump to random places, and some things that were going one were overly explained and yet still very confusing. Many scenes just seemed to go way to quickly. I will give it the benefit of the doubt though as a first novel and see if the author progresses.
May 9, 2024
DNF 33%
Instalust; women that demand to know everything, have severe daddy issues, and don't seem to understand consent (or higher vows); men that suck at being undercover and/or keeping it in their pants (despite being a priest?)
It was a struggle to get even this far, and I don't have the fortitude to keep going 💀
Instalust; women that demand to know everything, have severe daddy issues, and don't seem to understand consent (or higher vows); men that suck at being undercover and/or keeping it in their pants (despite being a priest?)
It was a struggle to get even this far, and I don't have the fortitude to keep going 💀
June 5, 2010
couldn't really capture my attention
April 28, 2011
I didn't get into this book. I thought the prologue was good, but the rest of it was kind of boring, and I couldn't believe the characters. So, I didn't finish.
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