In the Arms of a Marquess [Mass Market Paperback]

Katharine Ashe (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 30, 2011

“Katharine Ashe writes with eloquence and power.”
—Lisa Kleypas

“You’ll be swept away by Katharine Ashe’s evocative writing.”
—Sabrina Jeffries

With only three books, Katharine Ashe has already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of historical romance fiction. In the Arms of a Marquess, the third novel in her Rogues of the Sea series, once again showcases this remarkable author—whom reviewers have enthusiastically compared to Johanna Lindsey—and her amazing ability to mix danger and passion with outrageous action and breathtaking sensuality. If you are not yet a Katharine Ashe fan, you will most assuredly be one after reading this enthralling tale featuring pirates, smugglers, mistaken identities, British lords and ladies…and a beautiful, successful, yet shockingly unwed Regency miss who seeks help in a most perilous clandestine matter from a rogue English marquis, the only man she ever truly desired.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Swept Away By A Kiss” is a breathtaking romance filled with sensuality and driven by a brisk and thrilling plot. Her characters are intelligent, vibrant and wonderfully complex. Katharine Ashe writes with eloquence and power--what a compelling read!” (Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author )

“...an exciting, danger-packed historical romance that I hated to see end. A superbly crafted story…I highly recommend IN THE ARMS OF A MARQUESS to anyone looking for a great read. Do not miss it!” (Romance Junkies )

“I loved it from beginning to end, and so will you.” (Bookishly Attentive )

“Every woman who ever dreamed of having a titled lord at her feet will love this novel.” (Eloisa James, Barnesand NobleReview.com )

“Ashe’s debut is worthy of high praise. She presents readers with an incredible romance with enough sexual chemistry to singe your fingers. The characters are complex and highly sensual, the plot riveting and the backdrop vividly detailed. This is both a page-turner and a keeper.” (RT Book Reviews-- 4 and 1/2 stars, Top Pick )

FIVE QUILLS! “A wonderfully captivating book… In the Arms of a Marquess is perfection. … Ms. Ashe’s characters come to life not only in their provocative and lush setting but in the generosity of their witty dialogue. … A magnetic story.” (Romantic Crush Junkies )

“Ashe delivers a unique adventure romance, weaving exotic aspects of India into a staid British backdrop. The strong and deliciously unusual characters propel the plot forward allowing the adventure, mystery and romance to perfectly merge into a thrilling read.” - 4 1/2 stars! (”FANTASTIC/keeper”) (RT Book Reviews )

RECOMMENDED READ! (Romance Novel News )

K.I.S.S. Hero! (RT Book Reviews )

From the Back Cover

She’d never forgotten him . . .

Miss Octavia Pierce is witty, well-off . . . and shockingly unwed. Still, she is far too successful insociety to remain on the shelf forever, and her family has hopes that Octavia will finally make the perfect match. What theydon’t know is that, years earlier, Octavia was scandalouslytempted by the one man capable of sweeping her off her feet—the man now known as the Marquess of Doreé.

A third son, never meant to inherit, Lord Ben Doreé hasabandoned his past and grown accustomed to his illustrious new position of wealth and power. But he has never forgotten Octavia, and now she desperately needs his help in a most dangerous, clandestine matter. Although she claims she has put the memories of the passion they shared behind her, Ben is determined toonce again have her in his arms—and in his bed.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon; Original edition (August 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061965650
• ISBN-13: 978-0061965654
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #603,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm an award-winning author of historical romance with a touch of adventure and powerful emotion, all set in England and the British Empire of the Regency era. I live in the wonderfully warm Southeast with my husband, son, dog, and a garden I like to call romantic rather than unkempt. I'm also a professor of European history. My latest novel, HOW TO BE A PROPER LADY, was an Amazon Editors' Choice for top 10 Books of the Month. I love to hear from readers. Please visit me at www.KatharineAshe.com .

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Hard time connecting with this book September 11, 2011

By Jen TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Mass Market Paperback

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 serious relationship of his own. When Octavia overhears someone blackmailing Crispin, though, she believes Ben can help get to the bottom of it. His investigation throws them together, setting them on a path to rekindling their love.

I had a very hard time connecting with this book. More than 100 pages into it, I was still waiting for a spark. But there was so much talk of India and trade and the politics of the time, I felt my eyes glazing over. I just wanted to get to the romance! And when we finally did begin to focus on Ben and Octavia, I got so frustrated. It was one big misunderstanding after another... words left unsaid that could have saved everyone a mountain of heartache. Just... ugh.

The love scenes were steamy and when the hero and heroine could finally get past their issues long enough to connect, I was really quite engaged. Unfortunately, that happened far too little for my taste. The big mystery about the blackmail scheme was convoluted and simply not exciting. This is the third book in the Rogues of the Sea series and the other installment I read didn't do much for me either. I don't think this author and I are a good fit.

A little less than 3 stars.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Mundane Historical Romance (C+ Grade) September 7, 2011

By Katie Babs VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

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.

Katiebabs

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Should I become my own improvement project? September 20, 2011

By Mary J. Gramlich VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

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 overthinking it.