by Katharine Ashe
Series: The Prince Catchers #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Three very different sisters beguile society with their beauty and charm, but only one of them must fulfill a prophecy: marry a prince. Who is the mystery Prince Charming, and which sister will be his bride?
On the way to marry a prince in a castle, a lady should never:
1. Bribe an infuriatingly arrogant and undeniably irresistible ship captain,
2. Let him kiss her senseless on a beach,
3. Battle thieves at his side,
and
4. Exchange wedding vows with him, even under the direst circumstances.But daring, determined Arabella Caulfield isn’t just any lady. And Luc Westfall is no typical ship captain. He’s the new Duke of Lycombe, and to defeat a plot that could destroy his family he must have an heir. Now he knows just the woman for the job . . . and he’s not above seduction to turn this would-be princess into a duchess.
I love a good historical romance, and when you add in suspense and a little mystery I begin to drool. I Married the Duke is the first in the Prince Catchers series by Katherine Ashe and from the very first pages I was enthralled. Three charming, orphaned sisters, and a prophecy ensures this series will be a delight. Three word review: romantic, suspenseful with delightfully flawed characters.
The tale begins when the three Caulfield sisters show a gypsy the ring their mother gave them before placing them aboard a ship. It is the only clue to their heritage. The gypsy informs them that a prince holds the answers and that one of them will marry the prince. This first story belongs to Arabella who misses her ship to France, where she will be a governess for a prince in France. When she misses her boat to help three stranded children she finds herself at the mercy of Lucien Westfall, a pirate and sea captain, who has his own secrets. The tale that unfolds has secrets, romance and sinister plot to control a Dukedom.
Ashe introduces us to some wonderfully fleshed out characters that made me swoon, giggle and gasp. Arabella is strong, determined, and completely caught off guard by handsome Lucien. He isn’t a prince, he is a pirate but his rough good looks and strong arms unnerve her. I loved how she meddled and followed her heart. Lucien is a complicated pirate with plenty of secrets, and I adored watching Ashe peel back his layers as she exposed him to us. We meet plenty of other colorful characters, including Arabella’s siblings, a few villains and they each added to this delicious tale.
I Married the Duke has several general tropes woven into the tale from marriage of convenience to sinister plots, and it all worked beautifully to keep this reader engaged. The romance that develops felt genuine and Lucien made me melt. Who would have thought his comments regarding hair could curl my toes? At times,I was frustrated when one of them didn’t disclose information, but their cat and mouse game kept me entertained. I am anxious to discover more about the ring and the sister’s birthright. The plot for the kingdom was fascinating, and I loved how Arabella got into the thick of things unearthing clues and secrets. There were some steamy moments with just enough detail to heat the pages and steal my heart. I Married A Duke was a delightful tale, and I am anxious for the next sister’s adventure.
I Married the Duke, is the perfect start to this promising new series. Fans of historical romance, suspense and unique characters will delight in this engaging tale. Ashe is a delightful storyteller, and I look forward to reading more of her novels.
Four cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Chene Sterckx
This definitely sounds intriguing 🙂 So glad to hear you enjoyed it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks, I truly did 🙂
Lauren
I totally trust your taste when it comes to historical romances, so if you really liked this, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. I do love a suspenseful story + a PIRATE!? Yes please! Awesome review!!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lauren, I love the whole sister’s and mystery theme and yes the pirate was swoon-worthy. I am excited to continue this series.
Lark of the Bookwyrm's Hoard
Enticing review! This definitely belongs on my TBR list. I’ll go see if the library has it!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo enjoy, I loved it Lark 🙂
Felicia S. (
This one was already on my to-buy list when I have a budget spot for it. Glad to know it is as good as it sounds 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoyed it and hope you do too 🙂
glass
I haven’t read historical romance novels so far, one of my friends made me to promise her that I’d at least read first book of Highland Pleasures series.:)
Should I read this book too or is it better to skip it?
Glass @ Way Too Hot Books
kimbacaffeinate
I have not tried Highland Pleasure series, but I loved this book and cannot wait for book two.
aurian
Awesome review, now I need this one asap!
kimbacaffeinate
Squee, I am excited to read the next book!
Belle Read
I have this on my list of new series to start. Great review. I am looking forward to reading it.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Bella, I think it was a wonderful start to the trilogy.
sharonda
Historical Romances done right are always a pleasure to read. Great review Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Sharonda, I love getting swept up in a good one!
Berls
How fun! The characters sound great and the whole concept sounds like it is going to have a humorous edge. Great review Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
this was such a great beginning to the series 🙂
Jenea
Oooh, this does sound good! Wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Jenea I quite enjoyed it!
Michele
Such a beautiful, well-written review, Kimba! I love “swoon, giggle, and gasp”! Pretty cover, too 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michelle, this was such a good read!
Dani
Lovely review. I have to say I am curious about this book, thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
Dani, I know you would like this, it has so many elements that you enjoy 🙂
Candace
Okay, I can handle the cat and mouse game if there’s a PIRATE involved! Oh yes indeed, this one sounds fabulous!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly, Candace and he is swoon-worthy 🙂
Mary
Ooh, this sounds fantastic!! I do love a good historical where there’s lovely chemistry and plenty of meddling. Plus “The Prince Catchers” cracks me up.
kimbacaffeinate
That made me laugh too, this was a fun one and I loved the suspense and mystery aspect too 🙂
lupdilup
Adding it to my TBR. I love a good Historical romance novel, and you say a little mystery and suspense! Now I’m excited. I haven’t found anything as good as the Maiden Lane series yet, I’m hoping this can compare 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
*adds Maiden Lane series to list* Enjoy!
blodeuedd
Awwwww I wanna read this one 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, you would love this my friend!
DannyBookworm
Ah that sounds fantastic! I always love it when there is a prince and a poor girl, the classic Cinderella just never gets old!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Danny the ring and gypsies prophecy made this exciting.
Cyn
Hmm, I was kind of sitting on the fence with this, but people are really seeming to like it. Plus, I can’t resist a good
pirateship captain and sea adventure and marriage of convenience haha. Awesome review Kim!kimbacaffeinate
This was a fun one and I am anxious for book two 🙂
Adriana
You know the title I Married a Duke doesn’t sound as exciting until you describe it. I don’t know if I missed something but shouldn’t the title be something with a prince or is one of the other sisters going to marry a prince? This seems like it would be one of those romance stories that I squeal out loud while reading it lol. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Nope she Married the Duke, and we have to wait and see if one of the others marries a prince! This was a fun one and I love the whole mystery.
Pamela D
This series sounds fantastic. I will have to get this one from the library! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was good and I am excited about the next books!
kindlemom1
This sounds really good and I am right there with you about a good historical romance with mystery added in.
Have you ever tried the Lady Julia Gray series by Deanna Raybourn? I think you would love them Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
No I haven’t Ali, thanks for the recommendation, I will check them out 🙂
gaele
YAY – I’m glad you liked it… I’m really curious about where we go next with her sisters!
And the cover – HOW can you resist that? I couldn’t. LOL
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Gaele, I am excited about the rest of the series too 🙂