What do you think?
Rate this book
The Prince Catchers #1.5
Kisses, She Wrote
Christmas in town has never been so steamy . . .
Handsome as sin and scandalously rakish, Cam Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr, is every young lady's wickedest dream. Shy wallflower Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire knows this better than anyone, because her dreams are full of the breathtaking earl's kisses. And not only her dreams—her diary, too.
But when Cam discovers the maiden's not-so-maidenly diary, will her wildest Christmas wishes be fulfilled in its pages . . . or in his arms?
Handsome as sin and scandalously rakish, Cam Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr, is every young lady's wickedest dream. Shy wallflower Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire knows this better than anyone, because her dreams are full of the breathtaking earl's kisses. And not only her dreams—her diary, too.
But when Cam discovers the maiden's not-so-maidenly diary, will her wildest Christmas wishes be fulfilled in its pages . . . or in his arms?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2013
61 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Ashe
33 books1,032 followersKatharine Ashe is the USA Today bestselling author of historical romances reviewers call “intensely lush” and “sensationally intelligent,” including two Amazon's Best Romances of the Year. A professor of history and popular culture, she writes fiction because she adores the grand adventures and breathtaking sensuality of historical romance. For more information, please visit her at http://www.katharineashe.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
November 20, 2015
5 “Let the fantasy begin.” stars!
Oh, how I love this story! And what a surprise, that, because I absolutely loathed Charles Camlann Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr, in I Married the Duke and could not, for the life of me, understand how this vile man could be deserving of his own story. Well, I was wrong about him, and I am so glad I was!!
Blurb...
Handsome as sin and scandalously rakish, Cam Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr, is every young lady's wickedest dream. Shy wallflower Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire knows this better than anyone, because her dreams are full of the breathtaking earl's kisses. And not only her dreams—her diary, too.
But when Cam discovers the maiden's not-so-maidenly diary, will her wildest Christmas wishes be fulfilled in its pages . . . or in his arms?
My thoughts...
I agree with other reviewers who said that this novella doesn't read like a novella. We had learned enough about both characters in I Married the Duke that the author didn't need to waste pages on their back-story and history. Instead, we get to dive right in to Cam and Jacqueline's tale and I loved every word of it.
Ms. Ashe really outdid herself with the beautiful prose and poetry. At the start I thought I'd be bored with it but, in truth, it took my breath away. This storytelling is sheer brilliance and I'm so very glad I didn't pass it over!
An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review.
December 12, 2013
I discovered a few months ago that I really enjoy Katharine Ashe's prose, and this relatively short novella was no exception. I found Kisses, She Wrote a sweet, sneakily smart and engaging holiday story. As a novella/short story fan, I felt the length was ideal: not so long that the characters' conflicts and conversations start to feel tiresomely repetitive and drawn out (a complaint I have about far too many of those 400 page romance novels these days!), yet still long and substantive enough to make me feel it was a worthwhile, satisfying read. The hero and heroine are connected to the H and h featured in Ashe's I Married the Duke, though you certainly don't have to have read that novel to appreciate this one.
I truly loved the heroine, which is definitely not a given for me! Jacqueline is endearingly shy, smart, candid and quietly self-aware, yet with more spirit and courage than one may initially assume. I also appreciated that there wasn't a painfully drawn out, overly explicit sex scene that so many novellas seem contractually obligated to include, though I realize that for some fellow romance fans that will be considered more of a drawback than an asset :) Please rest assured, though, that there IS chemistry and sensuality!
My one complaint is more about my own subjective preferences than the objective quality of this book: I just happen to be extraordinarily weary of the debauched rakes we find in so very, very, VERY many romance novels. To Ashe's credit, she does a fairly convincing job of showing how our alleged hero 'reforms,' due in large part to getting to know the heroine and reading her touchingly candid journal. But I'm the oddball romance fan who finds heroes who have merrily slept with every pulse-having woman in England and who spend their lives "partying" to be unappealing rather than sexy. Personally, I wish romances had fewer Regency era frat boys and more men of high intellect, compassion and substance, but that's just me ;) Even after getting to witness the hero's (semi-)reformation, I found myself thinking that our extremely kind, keenly intelligent heroine deserved better and even wondered how she could ever fully trust him.
If you like rakish heroes more than I do, though (and, to be fair, most romance readers do!), I highly recommend this enjoyable, well-written and very reasonably priced novella. Happy holidays!
I truly loved the heroine, which is definitely not a given for me! Jacqueline is endearingly shy, smart, candid and quietly self-aware, yet with more spirit and courage than one may initially assume. I also appreciated that there wasn't a painfully drawn out, overly explicit sex scene that so many novellas seem contractually obligated to include, though I realize that for some fellow romance fans that will be considered more of a drawback than an asset :) Please rest assured, though, that there IS chemistry and sensuality!
My one complaint is more about my own subjective preferences than the objective quality of this book: I just happen to be extraordinarily weary of the debauched rakes we find in so very, very, VERY many romance novels. To Ashe's credit, she does a fairly convincing job of showing how our alleged hero 'reforms,' due in large part to getting to know the heroine and reading her touchingly candid journal. But I'm the oddball romance fan who finds heroes who have merrily slept with every pulse-having woman in England and who spend their lives "partying" to be unappealing rather than sexy. Personally, I wish romances had fewer Regency era frat boys and more men of high intellect, compassion and substance, but that's just me ;) Even after getting to witness the hero's (semi-)reformation, I found myself thinking that our extremely kind, keenly intelligent heroine deserved better and even wondered how she could ever fully trust him.
If you like rakish heroes more than I do, though (and, to be fair, most romance readers do!), I highly recommend this enjoyable, well-written and very reasonably priced novella. Happy holidays!
December 2, 2015
(3.75 rounded down to 3.)
I've got to hand it to Ms. Ashe; she knows her stuff. I've fallen in love with her writing!
And the sexual tension between Jackie and Cam? Damn. *fans self*
(Full review to follow.)
I've got to hand it to Ms. Ashe; she knows her stuff. I've fallen in love with her writing!
And the sexual tension between Jackie and Cam? Damn. *fans self*
(Full review to follow.)
December 9, 2013
Kisses, She Wrote (The Prince Catcher, 1.5) by Katharine Ashe is a December 2013 Avon Impulse publication. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Princess Jacqueline is a plain, quiet wallflower that should have been married before now, but her brother has shirked his duty in that area. Now the queen has demanded that the princess marry at Christmas.
Cam Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr is a notorious rake. He also has his good points, like rescuing a woman from an abusive husband and becoming the guardian of her daughter after she dies.
Cam and Jacqueline are not all that interested in marriage, but both of them find they are about to be forced to marry people they don't care one wit for whether they want to or not.
But, when Cam happens upon Jacqueline's diary, he is stunned at the erotic and sensual language written in it. Every chance he gets he reads a little more of the diary. He also spends as much time as possible with the diary's owner.
Jacqueline and Cam become very good friends. Cam loves her forthcoming nature. But, he finds himself feeling something else as well. A feeling in his chest he has never experienced before.
As a result he finds he is able once more to put pen to paper and write some of the most stirring poetry.
But, his poetry tells a story that keeps the feelings between himself and Jacqueline alive. Is their love story doomed to remain on the written page or will they find a way to really be together?
I loved this short story/ novella. The writings in Jacqueline's diary are sensual and erotic for the period of time they were written in. Quite bold actually, since most ladies didn't know anything about sensuality until they were married.
By the same token, the Earl, known for his many affairs and doomed to be engaged to a cold beauty, writes some of the most bittersweet poetry.
I loved how the romance proceeded from a genuine enjoyment of one another's company to friendship to falling in love.
This story is a sigh worthy romance.
Overall this one an A.
Princess Jacqueline is a plain, quiet wallflower that should have been married before now, but her brother has shirked his duty in that area. Now the queen has demanded that the princess marry at Christmas.
Cam Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr is a notorious rake. He also has his good points, like rescuing a woman from an abusive husband and becoming the guardian of her daughter after she dies.
Cam and Jacqueline are not all that interested in marriage, but both of them find they are about to be forced to marry people they don't care one wit for whether they want to or not.
But, when Cam happens upon Jacqueline's diary, he is stunned at the erotic and sensual language written in it. Every chance he gets he reads a little more of the diary. He also spends as much time as possible with the diary's owner.
Jacqueline and Cam become very good friends. Cam loves her forthcoming nature. But, he finds himself feeling something else as well. A feeling in his chest he has never experienced before.
As a result he finds he is able once more to put pen to paper and write some of the most stirring poetry.
But, his poetry tells a story that keeps the feelings between himself and Jacqueline alive. Is their love story doomed to remain on the written page or will they find a way to really be together?
I loved this short story/ novella. The writings in Jacqueline's diary are sensual and erotic for the period of time they were written in. Quite bold actually, since most ladies didn't know anything about sensuality until they were married.
By the same token, the Earl, known for his many affairs and doomed to be engaged to a cold beauty, writes some of the most bittersweet poetry.
I loved how the romance proceeded from a genuine enjoyment of one another's company to friendship to falling in love.
This story is a sigh worthy romance.
Overall this one an A.
September 21, 2015
Sometimes it's hard to review books that haven't made much of an impression, and even harder if one's enjoyed the author's other work. Both I Married the Duke and I Adored a Lord were among my top discoveries last year, so I confidently expected to go a bundle on this novella. Unfortunately it's lacking the pace and bite of those stories.
KA is a fluent, intelligent writer & that hasn't changed - so the story is by no means a dead loss, but it isn't at all a satisfactory read. I think all the problems come from the plot, which has got three strikes against it -
1) It depends on the Earl of Bedwyr being able to surreptitiously read Princess Jacqueline's diaries (which reveal her Secret Love) not just once but continually. Uhhuh.
2) The external factors forcing the H&h to marry as they are directed (i.e. not to each other) are weak, and the H&h are correspondingly weakened by going along with the flow.
3) The Princess is meant to be shy & retiring, and the Earl can't reveal he knows she loves him (because, like, it's very bad form to read someone else's diary, and if my sister is reading this, I haven't forgotten or forgiven); so the whole H&h communication thing is shot to pieces before it starts. Which, on the whole, makes showing the development of a relationship difficult.
And that's before I get started on the Earl's second career as a poet (don't give up the day job, Bedwyr, dear).
Given it's a novella, there isn't just isn't space to rescue the shipwreck of a plot, so I won't go back to this. The longer stories in the series, however....oh, yes.
KA is a fluent, intelligent writer & that hasn't changed - so the story is by no means a dead loss, but it isn't at all a satisfactory read. I think all the problems come from the plot, which has got three strikes against it -
1) It depends on the Earl of Bedwyr being able to surreptitiously read Princess Jacqueline's diaries (which reveal her Secret Love) not just once but continually. Uhhuh.
2) The external factors forcing the H&h to marry as they are directed (i.e. not to each other) are weak, and the H&h are correspondingly weakened by going along with the flow.
3) The Princess is meant to be shy & retiring, and the Earl can't reveal he knows she loves him (because, like, it's very bad form to read someone else's diary, and if my sister is reading this, I haven't forgotten or forgiven); so the whole H&h communication thing is shot to pieces before it starts. Which, on the whole, makes showing the development of a relationship difficult.
And that's before I get started on the Earl's second career as a poet (don't give up the day job, Bedwyr, dear).
Given it's a novella, there isn't just isn't space to rescue the shipwreck of a plot, so I won't go back to this. The longer stories in the series, however....oh, yes.
December 29, 2015
3 estrellas y media.
"Kisses she wrote" es una especie de precuela de "Me casé con el duque" y aunque es corta (no está considerada una novela) es más romántica que la novela a la que precede. En "Kisses she wrote" nos encontramos una historia sencilla -completamente acertada dada la longitud- que se centra únicamente en la pareja; él, Cam, es un personaje que juega un papel importante en "Me casé con el duque, y ella, Jaqueline, es la princesa del país francés que también aparece en la siguiente novela.
Jaqueline escribe un diario secreto y lo llena de páginas sobre una supuesta e imaginaria historia de amor y de deseo entre ella y Cam. Cam un día encuentra este diario e intrigado se pone a escribir su propia versión de la historia en forma de verso medieval. Al mismo tiempo, Cam y Jaqueline se hacen amigos y después se enamoran, hasta que llega el momento que ella debe casarse con otro por el interés del reino y él con otra para proteger a su familia. Entonces los dos se dan cuenta de que se aman y que no pueden seguir adelante con esos matrimonios de conveniencia. Es una historia original y aunque creo que a la escena final le falta intensidad es muy romántica.
"Kisses she wrote" es una especie de precuela de "Me casé con el duque" y aunque es corta (no está considerada una novela) es más romántica que la novela a la que precede. En "Kisses she wrote" nos encontramos una historia sencilla -completamente acertada dada la longitud- que se centra únicamente en la pareja; él, Cam, es un personaje que juega un papel importante en "Me casé con el duque, y ella, Jaqueline, es la princesa del país francés que también aparece en la siguiente novela.
Jaqueline escribe un diario secreto y lo llena de páginas sobre una supuesta e imaginaria historia de amor y de deseo entre ella y Cam. Cam un día encuentra este diario e intrigado se pone a escribir su propia versión de la historia en forma de verso medieval. Al mismo tiempo, Cam y Jaqueline se hacen amigos y después se enamoran, hasta que llega el momento que ella debe casarse con otro por el interés del reino y él con otra para proteger a su familia. Entonces los dos se dan cuenta de que se aman y que no pueden seguir adelante con esos matrimonios de conveniencia. Es una historia original y aunque creo que a la escena final le falta intensidad es muy romántica.
November 26, 2017
It wasn't awful...... I just didn't really enjoy it. I liked the hero, but honestly hated the whole diary plot. I hated the poetry even more though. It also seemed rather tidy that she was already in a marriage contract and able to just get out of it (when that's so hard in other historicals).
November 20, 2013
A sweet holiday novella, Kisses, She Wrote was a wonderful historical romance. I really enjoyed reading this lovely book.
Both of the main characters were great. Jacqueline was a likable character. She was a quiet type of woman and she wasn't much for fighting. She knew that she had a responsibility as a princess and she accepted that. But, over the course of the book, she still found ways to assert herself and, in the end, nothing was going to keep her from what she truly wanted. I thought she was a lovely character. Cam was also great. He was a rake in the beginning, no getting around it. Who else would read the diary of a maiden princess? But, once his attention was caught, he wasn't going to look anywhere else. He was determined to win his princess over and he was so sweet about it. I thought he was absolutely adorable.
The romance was sweet. Jacqueline and Cam were lovely together. And, though the spice was minimal, there was definitely chemistry between them. I did get a little frustrated that both of them got so close to losing each other because they were doing someone else's bidding. But, it wasn't a big deal. I still thought they were lovely together. And, if anything, that allowed for a super sweet reunion that I totally loved.
The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was lovely.
Kisses, She Wrote was a wonderful historical romance novella. It was sweet and lovely and a truly great read. Lovers of romance, if you want a good holiday read, then you have to read this book.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Both of the main characters were great. Jacqueline was a likable character. She was a quiet type of woman and she wasn't much for fighting. She knew that she had a responsibility as a princess and she accepted that. But, over the course of the book, she still found ways to assert herself and, in the end, nothing was going to keep her from what she truly wanted. I thought she was a lovely character. Cam was also great. He was a rake in the beginning, no getting around it. Who else would read the diary of a maiden princess? But, once his attention was caught, he wasn't going to look anywhere else. He was determined to win his princess over and he was so sweet about it. I thought he was absolutely adorable.
The romance was sweet. Jacqueline and Cam were lovely together. And, though the spice was minimal, there was definitely chemistry between them. I did get a little frustrated that both of them got so close to losing each other because they were doing someone else's bidding. But, it wasn't a big deal. I still thought they were lovely together. And, if anything, that allowed for a super sweet reunion that I totally loved.
The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was lovely.
Kisses, She Wrote was a wonderful historical romance novella. It was sweet and lovely and a truly great read. Lovers of romance, if you want a good holiday read, then you have to read this book.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 11, 2017
3.5 stars!
This was my very first time reading Katharine Ashe and I have to say that the combination of her lush descriptions and flowy prose appealed to me immediately. And I loved Cam and Jacqueline. From their playful banter, to the unexpected kinship they found in each other and, of course, their red hot chemistry that admittedly I wasn't quite prepared for. But between Jacqueline's naughty diary entries, Cam's heartfelt (and unintentionally hilarious) poetry and the little stolen moments they shared that meant so much, I was a goner.
My main gripe was that I wish there had been a bit more Christmas-y things going on within the story but really, this novella, with all its charm and surprising depth was just lovely. Suffice to say that I will be reading more from this author as soon as possible.
This was my very first time reading Katharine Ashe and I have to say that the combination of her lush descriptions and flowy prose appealed to me immediately. And I loved Cam and Jacqueline. From their playful banter, to the unexpected kinship they found in each other and, of course, their red hot chemistry that admittedly I wasn't quite prepared for. But between Jacqueline's naughty diary entries, Cam's heartfelt (and unintentionally hilarious) poetry and the little stolen moments they shared that meant so much, I was a goner.
"You are the only one who understands me. You are the only one who does not judge me for what I am not, or ask of me what I am not willing to give."
"A man with a black heart cannot very well judge a girl with a diamond soul."
"Diamonds are cold and hard. And you are not black-hearted. You are gold." She ran her fingers through his hair. "You are sun."
Her diary. His poem. He didn't know which was which now, where they ended and reality began. "Don't confuse what you see with what lies beneath, princess."
"You cannot lie to me, my lord." Her fingertips slipped over his lips, caressing so gently, so softly. "I know you."
My main gripe was that I wish there had been a bit more Christmas-y things going on within the story but really, this novella, with all its charm and surprising depth was just lovely. Suffice to say that I will be reading more from this author as soon as possible.
May 1, 2022
I'm a particularly tough critic when it comes to novellas, but I seem to be on a roll and this was another fabulous one!
Highly recommend. I loved the interactions between Jacqueline and Cam and watching the development of their relationship. It's clear in the beginning that there's nothing on his side and hers is really just built on physical attraction and admiration from a distance, so I was wondering how it would play out and whether it would pull off feeling like "something more."
Happy to say it did, and super successfully!! I really got wrapped up in this one and started to feel emotionally invested.
Updated to 4 stars on second reading
Highly recommend. I loved the interactions between Jacqueline and Cam and watching the development of their relationship. It's clear in the beginning that there's nothing on his side and hers is really just built on physical attraction and admiration from a distance, so I was wondering how it would play out and whether it would pull off feeling like "something more."
Happy to say it did, and super successfully!! I really got wrapped up in this one and started to feel emotionally invested.
Updated to 4 stars on second reading
December 19, 2020
Some books are so tiring, they get you into a reading slump... It's one of those...
This novella felt like a 400pages book
This novella felt like a 400pages book
December 8, 2013
With all his faults, Cam Westfall has never seduced a maiden, wouldn’t even consider it, until he finds the secret diary of Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire. Her sensual entries become his addiction, and his muse.
Well written novellas with holiday themes are delicious and calorie free. A perfect holiday delight, Kisses, She Wrote delivers a heartfelt and surprisingly sexy happily ever after for two seemingly mismatched characters. Katharine Ashe has eloquently penned yet another must-read romance. If you’re looking for a short holiday diversion, pick this one up. You won’t be sorry.
New York Times Bestselling Author, Catherine Bybee
Well written novellas with holiday themes are delicious and calorie free. A perfect holiday delight, Kisses, She Wrote delivers a heartfelt and surprisingly sexy happily ever after for two seemingly mismatched characters. Katharine Ashe has eloquently penned yet another must-read romance. If you’re looking for a short holiday diversion, pick this one up. You won’t be sorry.
New York Times Bestselling Author, Catherine Bybee
December 18, 2014
No. Just....no.
I couldn't even finish this book...and it is a novella! I could NOT even get into the story. The hero wasn't even interested in the heroine until he started reading her diary. AND I had a problem with the heroine. She was quite boring. She hid her diary outside her room for anyone to stumble upon.
Sorry, Ms. Ashe, I usually love your novels but not this one.
March 2, 2015
The ending was Okay but very rushed and in the other hand the story was just a DRAAAAAAAAAAAG that could have been summarized into 5 Chapters instead of 9.
SORRY Miss Ashe this is sooooo not you
SORRY Miss Ashe this is sooooo not you
July 30, 2015
four and a half stars, i took a half coz i am thrifty like that. The real reason was that i wanted more!!!
The story was sweet, romantic, pleasant and i recommend it to every Kleypas fan.
The story was sweet, romantic, pleasant and i recommend it to every Kleypas fan.
December 16, 2015
Much better than the first book, so it gives me hope for the other two! ;)
January 2, 2019
An enjoyable novella. Cam is a great rogue with a heart of gold, and I loved Jackie and her diary.
December 1, 2013
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
3.5 stars
Third novel from the author that I’ve discovered this summer. Third success as for me even if I found this novel a little underneath the other two, mainly because of the hero. But that, I’ll explain later.
Kisses, she wrote is a short story Katharine Ashe wrote for Christmas. It’s related to the Prince Catchers trilogy by the main characters: Cam Westfall is the cousin of Luc Westfall, the hero of I married the duke, and Jacqueline de Sensaire is the princess of which Arabella Caulfield, heroine of the same book, was governess.
A good part of the story takes place during the events in I married the duke. But only those who have read the first opus will make the connection. For the others, you don’t need to worry because they can be read separately anyway.
I really liked the heroine. She knows what she wants but doesn’t feel interesting enough for the hero. What’s more, he has a nasty reputation to the point that she knows her family would turn down their union. So, to dream in peace, she writes her fantasies in a diary. By all appearances, she’s a young woman who doesn’t like Society but she’s conscious of what her family expects from her. She’s also learned always to hide her feelings, among other princess’ duties, that’s why the hero really discovers her through her diary. It’s this diary which makes Cam realize the futility of his life and his superficiality. That’s what I reproach the hero and why I find it a little underneath the other novels I’ve read by Katharine. I never stopped wondering how the story would have finished if he hadn’t come upon the princess’ diary, even if there would have been a story LOL.
On the other hand I really liked Cam’s evolution, his really subtle and discreet courtship, the fact he really learns to know the princess and that she becomes his muse in every area. I really loved his public declaration in the end which was very touching and which had me shut down the kindle on a very good feeling as to their future.
There is no sex scene in the story but a lot of sensuality, which shows the respect the hero has for the princess despite everything.
Kisses, she wrote is a story every historical romance reader will be able to like. I had a really good time with Cam and the princess.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
3.5 stars
Third novel from the author that I’ve discovered this summer. Third success as for me even if I found this novel a little underneath the other two, mainly because of the hero. But that, I’ll explain later.
Kisses, she wrote is a short story Katharine Ashe wrote for Christmas. It’s related to the Prince Catchers trilogy by the main characters: Cam Westfall is the cousin of Luc Westfall, the hero of I married the duke, and Jacqueline de Sensaire is the princess of which Arabella Caulfield, heroine of the same book, was governess.
A good part of the story takes place during the events in I married the duke. But only those who have read the first opus will make the connection. For the others, you don’t need to worry because they can be read separately anyway.
I really liked the heroine. She knows what she wants but doesn’t feel interesting enough for the hero. What’s more, he has a nasty reputation to the point that she knows her family would turn down their union. So, to dream in peace, she writes her fantasies in a diary. By all appearances, she’s a young woman who doesn’t like Society but she’s conscious of what her family expects from her. She’s also learned always to hide her feelings, among other princess’ duties, that’s why the hero really discovers her through her diary. It’s this diary which makes Cam realize the futility of his life and his superficiality. That’s what I reproach the hero and why I find it a little underneath the other novels I’ve read by Katharine. I never stopped wondering how the story would have finished if he hadn’t come upon the princess’ diary, even if there would have been a story LOL.
On the other hand I really liked Cam’s evolution, his really subtle and discreet courtship, the fact he really learns to know the princess and that she becomes his muse in every area. I really loved his public declaration in the end which was very touching and which had me shut down the kindle on a very good feeling as to their future.
There is no sex scene in the story but a lot of sensuality, which shows the respect the hero has for the princess despite everything.
Kisses, she wrote is a story every historical romance reader will be able to like. I had a really good time with Cam and the princess.
September 12, 2016
Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog
Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire is forever scribbling in her journal, but it's not until she meets Cam Westfield, the Earl of Bedwyr that things get interesting.
Just like all the ladies that meet Earl of Bedwyr, Jacqueline has developed a crush. She is a very shy girl and whenever she is in the presence of him she can barely speak get two words out of her mouth.
But that is not the case inside her journal and in her dreams. She writes about a romance that she can only hope to have in her dreams. She lives out her fantasies about her and Cam.
Unfortunately for Jacqueline, Cam finds her journal and reads those fantasies. Cam is inspired to get to know Jacqueline better and get back to the poetry he once wrote. As Cam tries to get Jacqueline to open up, she thrives on the attention and comes out of her shell.
Both are being pressured by their families to marry and not to each other. Can they overcome these obstacles to find their happily ever after with each other?
I really enjoyed this novella. During a time when you did what your family required of you, it was nice to see two people go after what they wanted in life (especially a princess!). Ashe does a wonderful job of telling a compelling story in such few words! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire is forever scribbling in her journal, but it's not until she meets Cam Westfield, the Earl of Bedwyr that things get interesting.
Just like all the ladies that meet Earl of Bedwyr, Jacqueline has developed a crush. She is a very shy girl and whenever she is in the presence of him she can barely speak get two words out of her mouth.
But that is not the case inside her journal and in her dreams. She writes about a romance that she can only hope to have in her dreams. She lives out her fantasies about her and Cam.
Unfortunately for Jacqueline, Cam finds her journal and reads those fantasies. Cam is inspired to get to know Jacqueline better and get back to the poetry he once wrote. As Cam tries to get Jacqueline to open up, she thrives on the attention and comes out of her shell.
Both are being pressured by their families to marry and not to each other. Can they overcome these obstacles to find their happily ever after with each other?
I really enjoyed this novella. During a time when you did what your family required of you, it was nice to see two people go after what they wanted in life (especially a princess!). Ashe does a wonderful job of telling a compelling story in such few words! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
December 23, 2015
This is not a new Christmas novella but it is a well written, fun story with very much will-he-or-won’t-he realize who is his true love. Cam reads the diary and is driven to write a poem but when he and Jacqueline are distanced he can’t finish the poem. He realizes that with her diary she becomes his muse. This creates some humorous sneaking around to find the next hiding place of the diary. All the while when Cam is in her presence, he is falling in love.
I found this book to be just the right length at 176 pages. It was long enough to develop the characters which I often find missing in novellas that are shorter. Katharine Ashe is one of my favorite authors. She has never disappointed me. Each book she writes has a unique plot and characters as does this one.
This one is perfect for curling up with cocoa and letting all of that holiday stress just flow away.
(I purchased this Kindle book and it is still $.99 on Amazon today 12/23/2015)
Http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
I found this book to be just the right length at 176 pages. It was long enough to develop the characters which I often find missing in novellas that are shorter. Katharine Ashe is one of my favorite authors. She has never disappointed me. Each book she writes has a unique plot and characters as does this one.
This one is perfect for curling up with cocoa and letting all of that holiday stress just flow away.
(I purchased this Kindle book and it is still $.99 on Amazon today 12/23/2015)
Http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
January 3, 2014
KISSES, SHE WROTE by Katharine Ashe is a delightful Christmas Regency Romance set in Brittany, France and England. #1.5 of "The Prince Catchers", but can be read as a stand alone. A novella. A story of one of the greatest gifts of all.....love. With secrets,desire, and a gallant hero and a imaginative heroine you can't go wrong with "Kisses, She Wrote". A quick fast paced read! A story of love and the Christmas season. Follow Cam Westfall, the Earl of Bedwyr and Princess Jacqueline of Sensaire on a steamy Christmas romance as their wildest Christmas wishes just may come true. Another delightful story by this amazing author. Well done! HEA's are not just for Fairytales! Loved it! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Above the Treeline.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
November 15, 2013
I liked the characters, but felt like I didn't get to see the hero and heroine interacting together enough to get a good feel for how they work together. When we did get to see Cam and Jacqueline together they were cute - flirty and smart, and I would have liked to have read more of that. Apparently the first book in this series, I Married the Duke, has their first meeting and we get to see more of Cam - more of his background and personality. I'm definitely going to read it.
I probably would have liked this story more as a full sized book rather than a novella. I thought it well written, with lovely characters; it just needed to be a bit more fleshed out.
ARC provided through Edelweiss.
I probably would have liked this story more as a full sized book rather than a novella. I thought it well written, with lovely characters; it just needed to be a bit more fleshed out.
ARC provided through Edelweiss.
January 1, 2016
This story rocked my world. I am a sucker for letter writing in romances and though there wasn't any 'letter writing', there was a sort of exchange of lovely, passionate words via the heroine's diary and the hero creating a fairy tale. The writing was very lush and the story itself had such poetry. I just really loved it. And to think it's a NOVELLA!
September 12, 2014
The aftertaste of reading this story was a feeling of wrongness; I am not sure if it was the deception, my lack of faith in the hero, or my lack of faith in the romance. I felt like the hero didn't even try.
July 28, 2014
2+
I didn't feel a real connection between the characters.
I didn't feel a real connection between the characters.
July 31, 2014
This was a fantastic story, really enjoyed it, it was just spectacular!
April 16, 2016
I don't see all the fuss about this one. Took me 5 days to finish a novella!
September 24, 2016
DNF AT PAGE 40 couldnt get into it at all felt like I was missing so info I didn't care for any of the characters
October 28, 2016
Couldn't get into it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews