Sue’s Book Review . . . Swept Away By A Kiss, by Debut & GIVEAWAY!
by sue on May.13, 2010, under Book Chat
Swept Away By a Kiss will sweep you away, written by delightful new author Katharine (with an ‘a’) Ashe
Lisa Kleypas calls it, ‘A breathtaking romance . . ‘ 
Here’s the cover copy:
SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS
A Secret Identity
When pirates storm Lord 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 that will stop at nothing to crush them both.
You’ll like this book if:
1-You like pirate romances?
2-Strong hero’s?
3-Strong heroines?
4-Edge-of-your-seat kind of read?
5-Raw emotion that makes your stomach hurt?
This book is for you! The author reminds me of Johanna Lindsey in storyline, with a little edgier touch to her writing like that of Meredith Duran or Joanna Bourne. Intrigue like that of Amanda Quick, but emotion like that of Lisa Kleypas. Really, pre-order this one now!
Steven, aka Etienne, is our priest, nobleman, actually, as he takes on a few persona’s. Valerie is a strong heroine — was shipped to Boston by her brother & guardian after her plans to elope fell thru! After a few years in America she is allowed to come home only to be abducted onto a pirate ship. Realizing she fell in love with a man, a priest she could never have, her family is invited to holiday in the country only to meet her priest as a nobleman, godson to their hosts. Confused, betrayed but still in love, Valerie confronts Steven to, well, to tell him a thing or two, only to find out there is more to this man than meets the eye. Steven watches her & burns for her, but, he cannot get involved, with anyone, while he continues on his quest.
Our author leaves us with an educational note at the end of the story that lets us know she is a history buff & has aligned her story to the early 1800’s . . . a very interesting time period. Katharine has a PHD in History; ‘while allegedly taking notes on ancient texts in the Vatican Library, I furtively filled my laptop with steamy chapters about a heretic priestess and the inquisitor-knight to whom she burns to surrender.’
Katharine takes on a time in history & a topic of which few authors address - - - as the cause Steven & his god parents seek to abolish deals with the Atlantic slave trade. Steven turns out to be a half breed of sorts himself, & childhood friends with a boy from a different lineage, all of which make him even more inclined to put an end to this horrible trade.
GIVEAWAY - Romcon Offer - 5 randomly chosen commenters - GOOD LUCK!:
Winning ticket is good for ONE ($125) Reader Registration to RomCon 2010 - July 9-11, 2010 in Denver, CO. Winners must be US residents. The base ticket grants admission to all RomCon 2010 award ceremonies and core reader events, but does not include meals, travel, or hotel accommodations. Meals are available for purchase when the attendee registers. The ticket has no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for cash. Unclaimed tickets expire June 15, 2010.
Question of the Day: Do you like different time periods, or different topics addressed in your historcial romance books? Espionage, adventure all make for an edgier story . . . is that what we like? Or are we more interested in the hero & heroine & less focus on the historical basis of the book?
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Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Shape-shifter Dev Peltier thought he knew it all. But one night when a Dark-Hunter, who is also an official member of the Dogs of War, sashays into his bar, he realizes he might have met his match. But as old enemies and new move into New Orleans, Samia realizes that Dev just might be the only hope she and mankind have to save the world.
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May 15th, 2010 on 7:49 pm
Thank you for your post, Katherine and Sue.
Yes, I go for historicals rich in intrigue and adventure. But not gory, explicit violence; certainly not violence for the sake of cheap thrills. If there’s any violence, it should fit into the overall theme and story. I know that’s a cliche, but how else can I put it?
As for whether I read a historical romance for the hero and heroine’s story or other aspects—setting, actual historical events and situations interwoven into the story, adventure, and so on—well, this question is based on the idea that all these elements are separate from each other, that they function independently. In a good read, they don’t. They all work together to create a synthesis that’s greater than the sum of its parts. If this isn’t the case with a particular novel, there’s something seriously wrong with it.
I can go for historical romances set anywhere and any time. What matters most for this reader are the theme, plot, and characters.
However, I wish we had more choice in the settings of historical romances. Right now it’s pretty much limited to the UK, with the Regency era the preferred period, and the Georgian and the Victorian vying for second place. Settings that once generated plenty of titles, such as the Middle Ages and the Wild West, are rarely used.
And wouldn’t it be great if romance writers were allowed to set their works in countries in which people don’t speak English? Well, I think it would be, anyhow.
Yes, I’ve heard that historical romances that take place outside the usual settings don’t sell. Of course they don’t. They’re not being published. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Also, IMHO it’s not just the settings that could use some expanding. It’d be great if more historical heroes were ordinary men. Not the Duke of This-and-That or Lord Such-and-Such. Think of all the possibilities if a romance hero has to work for a living, and doesn’t automatically command respect.
Keep up the good work!
May 16th, 2010 on 2:35 pm
I agree with you - sometimes it is all about the ton & I love it when you get a good story of just a regular guy, non-blue blood. That’s why I’ve gotten more involved reading some of the Amer historicals / westerns like Elaine Levine http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1420105523; good stories where they fall in love because of circumstances not positions in society.
May 15th, 2010 on 4:49 pm
Not into historicals too much so the closer it is to current time the better
May 14th, 2010 on 7:56 am
I love the focus on the heroine and hero, but love to see where the story takes me in any time period or place.
May 13th, 2010 on 11:12 pm
Can’t wait to read this book! I have no doubt that it will become one of my favorite books that take me away from reality!!!!
May 13th, 2010 on 9:58 pm
I tend to get into a rut when I read historical romances. I like to read the same time period until I burn out on them.
May 13th, 2010 on 7:41 pm
You’ll like this book if:
1-You like pirate romances?
YES!
2-Strong hero’s?
YES!
3-Strong heroines?
YES!
4-Edge-of-your-seat kind of read?
YES!
5-Raw emotion that makes your stomach hurt?
YES!
yes, yes, yes
May 13th, 2010 on 3:27 pm
I used to dream as a young girl of being captured by pirates and thrown into the arms of a handsome, yet tender, rogue. That I would fall in love with. I never thought beyond that. What a life that woulda been!
Love you Lisa!
May 13th, 2010 on 3:23 pm
I love all of the above! I like different time periods, different topics, locations, everything. I like to read how the hero and heroine interact with historical figures and activities.
May 13th, 2010 on 2:18 pm
Oh my goodness - he’s disguised as a French priest?! Who could resist that? I definitely need to look into this book
So many books, so little time and money!
May 13th, 2010 on 1:10 pm
Ooo, PIRATES! I’ve been waiting for this one for almost a year, ever since I heard about it at the RWA conference in DC last summer! Personally, I’d love to see a wider range of historical time periods, and can’t wait to dig in to this one.
May 13th, 2010 on 1:11 pm
p.s. - don’t enter me in the RomCon giveaway either, as I’m already going.
May 13th, 2010 on 2:16 pm
Yeah — U rock — I’ll c U there
May 13th, 2010 on 11:11 am
Don’t enter me in the Rom Com giveaway! I like a mix in my books! I like to read a little of everything and want it mixed up with different places and times.
May 13th, 2010 on 2:16 pm
do U like time travel?
May 13th, 2010 on 10:28 am
Thanks for the heads up on this new book/author. Sounds interesting.
As to the day’s questions, I like any historical time period for my romances. Not into contemporary or strictly paranormal/fantasy books personally. I enjoy a book that has a good mystery or spy angle to it, but also books that use humor or less dangerous conflict btwn the H/H as the plot. Depends on my mood but also the story itself and how it’s plotted (does it make some sense?)/author’s style. The main focus (in the books I enjoy) are the H/H and how they achieve the HEA ending. While I want the history and setting elements to relatively accurate and in line with the period the book is set, I’m not reading for a history lesson or fact checking.
Please don’t enter me in the drawing. While I’d love to be able to attend, I’m unable to get away at that time.
May 13th, 2010 on 10:40 am
Great comment Donna Ann & I agree. — maybe Romcon next year
May 13th, 2010 on 9:44 am
Sounds like a great book. As to the question posed, the historical background helps set the piece but it doesn’t always need to come to the forefront. Never knowing how thoroughly the author researched, I eye what history I learn from these books with great wariness, but it can frequently prompt me to look into a topic if it interests me enough.
RomCon! Wow - this would be an awesome opportunity. Lots of great authors gonna show this year too: Feehan, Beverly, and so forth.
May 13th, 2010 on 10:39 am
That was very well said! Why couldn’t I think of that
That’s why I love to blog — great insight from all.
Thanks
May 13th, 2010 on 9:40 am
Wow Sue Thank you for interducing me to this book .I look forward to reading it.great review.
May 13th, 2010 on 10:38 am
thx Peggy! I don’t do many book reviews primarily because I’m not a great writer, but, this got my attention — Katharine is a lady to watch!
May 13th, 2010 on 9:31 am
Love the review. I’m pre-ordering now. I like things that are unique and out of the norm. I love it when history is a part of the book and is mixed with intrigue and mayhem. For me the perveribal cherry topper is the emotional link between the characters.
May 13th, 2010 on 10:37 am
This is the read for you — enjoy!
May 13th, 2010 on 9:16 am
What a fabulous review! “Raw emotion that makes [my] stomach hurt” - this book sounds absolutely irresistable!
I love Regency Romances with intense and passionate romance mixed with intrigue and adventure in the storyline. The combination of the two makes my heart race and puts butterflies in my stomach!
May 13th, 2010 on 9:18 am
I have a very large book room with lots of bookshelves (my basement
& most of my books go there — there is a re-read section, this bk immediately was placed there . . in fact, I’d like to reread this weekend! It was THAT good.
May 13th, 2010 on 9:08 am
Hi, Sue. Thank you so much for featuring my book today, and for your wonderful words!! I adore passionate, emotional romance where the hero and heroine cannot bear to be apart. Setting that love story in a dramatic historical world just adds to the adventure!
Thanks for your comments and good wishes, cories, Kaetrin, PamT, Melinda and Sonja. Come visit me at http://www.katharineashe.com or Facebook. I love to chat about great romance!
May 13th, 2010 on 9:16 am
Hey there — so sorry I missed you last weekend — but as you can see I knew who you were before I met you & loved your new book.
Congrats! I hope this is a great success as I think it should be.
If you were to tell readers a little about your book what would you say — I’m not sure I gave it the justice it really deserves. The connection you have between the hero & heroine was wonderful!
May 13th, 2010 on 9:57 am
Oh wow, Sue, the “justice” you gave it suits me wonderfully! I am thrilled that this is a re-read for you. Thank you!
I really love history. But I adore romance. Adore. I simply cannot get enough of the delectable sensation of falling fast and deep that I feel when I read a fabulous romance novel. SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS began with Valerie and Steven—a heroine with a seeking heart and a hero determined to do something meaningful with his life. Their story drew me into an amazingly rich world of intrigue. They struggle to do what they believe is right while what they really want above all else is to be together. That’s the core of it for me as a reader and writer, the delicious, heart-stopping coming together of two hearts, bodies and souls. Yum!
May 13th, 2010 on 7:35 am
Wow, what a great review!
May 13th, 2010 on 9:09 am
thanks, not being a ‘writer’ myself, I’m always a little nervous doing this - much appreciated
May 13th, 2010 on 7:01 am
Wow! This sounds wonderful. A spicy Regency Romance with fresh historical flair. Do we really have to wait until July?
May 13th, 2010 on 9:11 am
The blessings of being a romance buyer! I get advanced copies which is fun, but really fun when you find a new author you know your readers & booksellers will flip out over.
May 13th, 2010 on 5:51 am
I love romances - all time periods, all settings, doesn’t matter as long as it is a romance and ends HEA!
I’m not much on paranormal or fantasy but there’s always hope LOL!
This book sounds wonderful.
Good luck & God’s blessings for your success.
PamT
May 13th, 2010 on 9:12 am
I’m like you — HEA with great characters & I’m sold — you’ll love this.
May 13th, 2010 on 2:49 am
Wow! Pirates! This book sounds great. I’ll have to watch out for it.
I love different time periods in books. I like the Regency but it’s nice to see something different too. I like the history to be a backdrop to the relationship story because as much as I love history, it’s really all about the romance for me.
(I’m in Australia so please don’t enter me in this giveaway as I can’t get to Romcon (sadly!) but I wanted to comment anyway.)
May 13th, 2010 on 9:13 am
Hello down under
I love the name Kaetrin, is that popular in Australia? If I were younger & having children that would be a name I’d use.
If you like history, definitely get this book
May 13th, 2010 on 2:15 am
Hi! I’m going to put this on my list.
I like having something else going on in a historical than just the romance. It’s interesting for the leads to do more than just to fall and obsess about each other, not that that isn’t fun enough. I also enjoy learning about the time period if the author puts it in.
May 13th, 2010 on 9:14 am
Agreed, having a little different setting helps distinguish the books as well.
May 13th, 2010 on 6:28 pm
I agree with Kaetrin and cories…the backdrop to the romance matters to me. I like to feel I’m learning something by osmosis while I am busy falling in love! And it sounds like a great love story too! Strong hero + strong heroine = fireworks in my book!
I have already preordered “Swept Away By a Kiss” and CANNOT WAIT to get my copy!
May 13th, 2010 on 7:28 pm
Please don’t enter me for the Romcon ticket as I cannot attend.