The Earl

Starred review from August 29, 2016
Aliases, mistaken identities, and a tumultuous chase through the Scottish Highlands by two sympathetic and fun protagonists make the second installment of Ashe’s Devil’s Duke Regency series (after The Rogue) a rollicking page-turner. In addition to changing her name from Emily to Zenobia, the winning heroine has achieved fame and earned income as Lady Justice, author of provocative pamphlets championing the rights of women, laborers, and the poor. Unable to find her missing sister, she reluctantly appeals to her nemesis, Peregrine, a member of the Falcon Club, for help—and discovers that Peregrine is Colin Gray, the new Earl of Egremoor. She was betrothed to him at birth, once loved him, and now despises him. After they cross paths with a highway robber who’s been using Colin’s name, they’re forced to run for their lives. As painful memories of their childhood friendship bubble up, they come to see through each other’s facades and challenge each other to be their true selves. Eloquent descriptive passages bring the countryside to life, and sweet and eccentric supporting characters add zest to this entertaining and emotionally satisfying tale. Agent: Kim Whalen, Trident Media.

October 15, 2016

Despite their late fathers' wishes and their onetime childhood friendship, free-thinking Emily Anne "Zenobia" Vale (aka women's rights pamphleteer "Lady Justice") and conservative and somewhat reticent Colin Gray, Earl of Egremoor, have gone their separate ways and have no intentions of marrying each other. Circumstances, however, send them haring across the countryside together on separate but linked quests, changing their world and their perspectives. Old hurts and betrayals make their path to love anything but smooth, and with plenty of issues to work through and truths to disclose, their humorous sparring and contentious courtship keep the plot on point and readers thoroughly mesmerized. VERDICT A wealth of fascinating historical detail, elegant prose, and well-drawn, complex protagonists blend in a lively romantic adventure that will please the most persnickety of romance fans. Ashe (The Rogue) lives in Durham, NC.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2016
Revenge is a dish best served cold--but what about justice?Colin Gray and Emily Anne Vale were once best friends and promised to each other by their fathers. Years later, they barely speak to one another even though they are still meant to marry. Colin has become the Earl of Egremoor, and Emily now goes by Zenobia in public--and Lady Justice in the broadsheets. Lady Justice anonymously crusades against the worst indulgences of the aristocracy in her pamphlets, leading the new Earl (among others) to seek to root her out and expose her. When Emily's sister goes missing, her alter ego has no choice but to seek help from Colin's alter ego, Mr. Peregrine, head of a group that specializes in finding missing persons. Both find their way to Scotland while searching, but soon after, two thieves send them on the run together. Emily is aware of Colin's secret identity, but he still doesn't know about hers. In close quarters, their hatred of each other burns bright--as does a fearful chemistry. A smart hero, an even smarter heroine, and a fast-paced plot all keep the reader rushing through this excellent historical romance. With a charming Scottish backdrop and the help of excellent research that drives the accuracy of the legal structure of the plot, Ashe (The Rogue, 2016, etc.) has built a book that both stands alone and enhances her Devil's Duke series. A dashing Regency romance that proves smarts are the sexiest attribute of all.

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Revenge is a dish best served cold--but what about justice?Colin Gray and Emily Anne Vale were once best friends and promised to each other by their fathers. Years later, they barely speak to one another even though they are still meant to marry. Colin has become the Earl of Egremoor, and Emily now goes by Zenobia in public--and Lady Justice in the broadsheets. Lady Justice anonymously crusades against the worst indulgences of the aristocracy in her pamphlets, leading the new Earl (among others) to seek to root her out and expose her. When Emily's sister goes missing, her alter ego has no choice but to seek help from Colin's alter ego, Mr. Peregrine, head of a group that specializes in finding missing persons. Both find their way to Scotland while searching, but soon after, two thieves send them on the run together. Emily is aware of Colin's secret identity, but he still doesn't know about hers. In close quarters, their hatred of each other burns bright--as does a fearful chemistry. A smart hero, an even smarter heroine, and a fast-paced plot all keep the reader rushing through this excellent historical romance. With a charming Scottish backdrop and the help of excellent research that drives the accuracy of the legal structure of the plot, Ashe (The Rogue, 2016, etc.) has built a book that both stands alone and enhances her Devil's Duke series. A dashing Regency romance that proves smarts are the sexiest attribute of all. COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.