Swept Away By a Kiss [Mass Market Paperback]

Katharine Ashe (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 27, 2010

“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

 

“You’ll be swept away.”

—New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries

 

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. Piracy, intrigue, rogue lords with a dangerous secret…can love unmask the Masters of Masquerade? Read Swept Away by a Kiss and find out!

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 )

A hero who is not what he pretends, a heroine who is determines to unmask him, and a sexual chemistry that burns up the pages. (New York Times bestselling author Sandra Hill )

“A wonderfully written, sensuous romance by an author who expertly weaves time and place into her story.” (Kat Martin )

“You’ll be swept away by Katharine Ashe’s evocative writing. This unforgettable tale will dazzle you with its memorable characters, fascinating plot, and sizzling tension.” (Sabrina Jeffries )

“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 )

“Packed full with adventure, witty repartee, an intriguing plot, wonderful characters, steamy hot love scenes and even pirates, this story is unforgettable. I highly recommend SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS, and I look forward to more works by author Katharine Ashe.” (4.5 Blue Ribbon Rating--Romance Junkies )

“From the danger and adventure to the sensuality and romance, Ms. Ashe has definitely gained a new fan in this reviewer.” (Coffee Time Romance )

“4 stars! Ms. Ashe has taken the extra step and given her readers a twist of originality, offering everyone the pure pleasure of a breathtaking romance.” (Affaire de Coeur )

“10 (Perfect!) TOP PICK! I absolutely loved this book. This is on my favorites list…The sexual tension between the two is nothing short of amazing, beautiful and steamy! … Fellow romance lovers run, don’t walk to your nearest bookstore and get this book.” (The Season )

From the Back Cover

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (July 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061965626
• ISBN-13: 978-0061965623
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #726,555 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

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars 2.5 Stars - Wash, Rinse, Repeat--The HR Version November 22, 2010

By Some Girl

Format:Mass Market Paperback

*SPOILERS CONTAINED IN REVIEW*

Let me start by saying, I actually liked many facets of this book. I appreciated the main characters for the most part and liked some of the premise (i.e., I appreciate a historical novel that took the issue of slavery somewhat head-on).

But... the whole they-almost-get-together-he-acts-cold-she's-hurt-but-is-determined-to-not-be-submissive-so-pursues-him-yet-again thing just got old for me way too quickly. I couldn't understand why he just HAD to flirt with her and then push her away. It wasn't clear to me why she was claiming this "independence" for herself and yet kept getting caught up with him though he continually insulted her. I know I was supposed to believe they had this destined love which meant their pull to one another was undeniable, but I wasn't buying it enough to keep reading the same scene over and over again.

I think all the characters could have used more development. The villains were barely explored, the godmother was interesting but something of a throwaway, and I didn't feel I ever completely "got" the main characters. Also, Valerie's dreams weren't that well integrated/explained - I needed more for them to be valuable to me.

I've read worse books, but have also definitely read much better books. Not sure if I'll check out her next one.

ps: I also agree with the other reviewer who said she bought the book and had hopes for it since Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries had supportive quotes on the cover. Though I'm skeptical of the colleague/friend endorsement, I usually trust those two authors and was quite disappointed with this book--maybe my expectations were unfairly raised with their names connected to it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed February 22, 2012

By D. Hall

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I wanted to try out a new author for my historical romance fix. This book had glowing reviews and was endorsed by other good authors, however it was one of the dullest books I have ever come across. The book started off with loads of potential yet slowly died an awful death due to underdeveloped characters and an annoying repetitive theme between the hero and heroine of the novel, in which he hurts her, she is in shock, then takes him back. The book could have been great with an interesting slightly different story line, but fell far too short of the mark.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it very much! August 21, 2010

By Sonja Foust

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Thoroughly enjoyed this book-- pirates, priests, ships, castles, intrigue, and a lot of passion! I've never read such a well done "scandalous" lady, with a reputation for being loose. Those are hard to do and still make them likable, but Valerie was very endearing. I also enjoyed the two distinct halves of the book. Without giving spoilers, I'll just say that you get two distinct settings, and ALMOST two distinct heroes. Lots of fun! I recommend it!