Review: I Loved a Rogue – Katherine Ashe

Posted March 8, 2015 by Elizabeth in Elizabeth B, Reviews / 0 Comments

Review:  I Loved a Rogue – Katherine AsheI Loved a Rogue by Katharine Ashe
Series: The Prince Catchers
Genres: Historical
Published by Avon Publication Date: February 24th 2015
Pages: 384
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Find on: Goodreads
three-half-stars

In the third in Katharine Ashe's Prince Catchers series, the eldest of three very different sisters must fulfill a prophecy to discover their birthright. But if Eleanor is destined to marry a prince, why can't she resist the scoundrel who seduced her?

She can pour tea, manage a household, and sew a modest gown. In short, Eleanor Caulfield is the perfect vicar's daughter. Yet there was a time when she'd risked everything for a black-eyed gypsy who left her brokenhearted. Now he stands before herβ€”dark, virile, and ready to escort her on a journey to find the truth about her heritage.

Leaving eleven years ago should have given Taliesin freedom. Instead he's returned to Eleanor, determined to have her all to himself, tempting her with kisses and promising her a passion she's so long denied herself. But if he was infatuated before, he's utterly unprepared for what will happen when Eleanor decides to abandon conventionβ€”and truly live.

Elizabeth B’s Thoughts

I really wish I could rate parts of this book separately; the second half is easily a 4 cocktail read, but the first half of the book was a struggle for me.

Eleanor is the oldest of 3 girls adopted by a country vicar. As her father marries, she is losing her β€œplace” in his household and discovers that she really longs for adventure. Her younger sisters conspire to have her take a journey to find their biological parents with the assistance of Taliesin, a longtime family friend and Gypsy turned gentleman.

I had a hard time with the first part of the book. Neither Eleanor nor Taliesin really struck a chord with me and I could not really relate to either of them as they both seemed to run hot and cold with each other and the reasons why weren’t clear. As the story progressed and we learned more about both characters and their history together, Eleanor’s feelings and motivations started to make more sense to me and I started to like her. I never really got a good feel for Taliesin, so while I was intrigued by him, I can’t say that I ever really liked him.

As Eleanor’s journey continues, there are several times when Taliesin tries to go his separate way but for some reason he comes back. After an adventure where he risks everything for her, Taliesin slips away supposedly for good and Eleanor wises up and goes after what she wants. There was a sense of β€œFinally” when Eleanor stopped waiting and started acting.

The second half of the book was packed with romance, intrigue, and adventure. There were secrets and histories revealed that I never would have expected. I loved the second half of the book! If you can put up with a slow start, this is definitely a book to read.

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I am a full time mom who works part time. I squeeze reading in wherever I can between work, volunteer stuff, and kid activities. I read a little bit of everything, but really enjoy indie authors and Happy- Ever-Afters. I've been reviewing for Cocktails and Books since January 2015.