This was a very complex book. Parts were great, parts confusing and parts were... disturbing. EIther way, I found this book difficult to put down and heaved a sigh of relief at the end. And the secondary characters - even there thought was put in as to how the reader would react and think about the outcomes for each character. It draws one in, and onto the next story.... ( )

An odd duck of a book. The characterization is all over the place, the plot hops around like a one-legged frog, and there's a whole "Eyes Wide Shut"-type section that falls totally flat. And yet the chemistry between the hero and heroine is absolutely convincing and compelling. ( )

I read this for the Key to my Heart square for Romance Bingo.

"Now, pray show me how to use this instrument to wound a man."
He could not move. "You speak of wounding a man like it means nothing to you."
"On the contrary. It means everything."
There it was again in her voice: the sharp edge of fear coated in determination.
"Have you?" he said.
"Wounded a man?"
"Wounded the man that you wish to wound?
Her throat constricted in a movement so jarring that it swept the air from Saint's lungs. He hated that she had been hurt. He hated the man that had hurt her. He hated that he had not been there to protect her then, and that he had no right to protect her now.

Read the Falcon Club books before you attempt this, no seriously, you're going to want to have read them. And do a refresher before you start this one.

"I need you," she whispered as the night gave way to pale sunlight filling up the room. "I need your kindness and strength and gentleness. I did not know that there were men like you." She stroked her fingertips on the counterpane between them, but she could not bring herself to touch him. "I love you."

This heroine would not work with any other hero but Saint. Confusion over Falcon club stuff hindered me and this felt a little more dry than what I'm used to from Ashe. Still good but not my favorite.




Soooooooooooob. I was (heartlessly!) denied an arc for this on Edelweiss. Will someone who is infinitely cooler than I am request it, read it, and post all about it so I can wrap myself up in jealousy/sadness and roll around on the floor this holiday weekend?

( )

Stopped reading at 20%. I thought this book was 1st in a new series, but its actually 4th in The Falcon Club series (which I have not read). It appears the earlier books are necessary as I was totally lost as I was reading. I felt like the story was keeping me at arm's length and I wasn't privy to what everyone else knew. Turns out I wasn't! So I will have to come back to this one after I find time to read The Falcon Club.

The Rogue by Katharine Ashe is a 2016 Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book in the Devil’s Duke series, but you will recognize the main characters from some of the author’s previous novels.

Constance was raised unconventionally by her father and destined for great things within his club. However, six years ago, Constance encountered the dashing Evan Sterling and was spoiled to any other man. Despite all her father’s machinations she has steadfastly refused proposal after proposal.

That is all about to change, however, because in order to maintain control over her mother’s inheritance, she must wed before her twenty-fifth birthday. Her father has even chosen the groom for her, a man she suspects of committing dark crimes amid rumors of a secret society.

And Sterling? As fate would have it, he has been commissioned to teach Constance to use a sword in order to defend herself. The six years they have been separated melts away in an instant and the two once more find themselves unable to control the fire that rages between them.

Constance is a woman ahead of her time in many ways, yet is still used as a pawn by the men in her life, and sadly, is scarred both externally and internally. Yet, she exhibits an incredible amount of bravery and intelligence which makes her a character I could cheer for. Here, with the help of Sterling, she is at last able to break free from those chains, and in the process receives the one thing she wishes for above all others… true love.

Sterling…well, what can I say? This guy was the most intriguing hero I’ve encountered in some time. For some reason, he reminded me of Sir Percy in the Scarlet Pimpernel. Maybe it was all that sword play and disguises, but it was also his sharp wit and biting humor. I fell in love with him the very same moment Constance did. He is so funny, sharp, valiant, and honorable, he literally took my breath.

But, this story also has a very dark tone at times, with Constance and Sterling attempting to penetrate an underground club for married couples only, hoping to discover who murdered a young woman, and what happened to two other women who have gone missing. To complicate matters further, it would seem Sterling is being framed for the murder. Can they uncover the truth before Sterling is charged with the crime and will they live to tell to the tale?

Katherine’s writing style sucks me into her stories right away. I sit down thinking I will read a chapter or two, only to find myself so utterly spellbound by the story, I come to my senses an hour later, realizing I have read nearly half the book. This book was no exception and I must say, I believe this series is going to rock your world.

This story moves at a quick pace showcasing the art of fencing and swordsmanship, and dabbling a little in the tantalizing world of disguises which always tends to lend a more erotic tone to a story. As many people can attest to, I love the scarred hero, and I like the darker tones in historical romances much more than the ones with pompous Dukes and Earls and silly virginal girls trying to defy polite society. I like a historical romance with a little danger and intrigue, a story with a little meat on its bones if you will, and this story has that, but it is not too heavy.

Constance and Sterling have a delightful chemistry amid all the serious problems they are dealing with, and exhibit some very humorous and sharp witted banter that was pleasing and charming.

Overall the story is well balanced, flows nicely, is deeply engrossing, and highly entertaining. ( )