Review

This is book 1 in Ashe’s The Prince Catchers series. I loved the last few books in Ashe’s other series so I couldn’t help but long to read this book; especially since I’m a sucker for Dukes.

For me this book didn’t live up to the expectations I had, and I found myself wanting to throw Arabella Caulfield into the sea so I could take up with her Duke. I mentioned in other reviews how I like strong female leads, and Arabella is definitely strong but she’s so tenacious that she put me off. Her ability to hold grudges could come from her red hair or not, ultimately she puts Luc through the ringer constantly.

Luc is also a bit gruff. He’s used to getting respect because he’s a Duke, but Arabella only knows him as a sea captain at first. I cut our heroine a bit of slack for her attitude towards Luc, but everything afterwards is more for her protection as well as his. Luc is definitely a handsome devil, who’d do anything for those he loves. The fact that the woman he’s set his sights on won’t give him a chance is infuriating. He’s also brave, intelligent, and mighty handy with a sword.

My major problems were really then Arabella’s inability to grow as a character and the absence of adult communication that didn’t turn into an argument.

There were some other silver linings. The pacing of the story was good and the subplots were interesting. Murder the Duke, anyone? The villain was horribly villainous, which was great since I love to see a good villain get knocked down. Secondary characters were equally appealing and I found myself emotionally invested in Arabella’s sisters enough that I’d be willing to give the next books in the series a chance.

Overall, not every book can always be perfect. I’ve found Ashe’s books to be hit or miss for me in the past. If you’re a fan you may want to read anyway.