Jinan Seton has finally found his quarry after searching for her for two years, but she isn't at all what he expected, Miss Viola Carlyle a gently raised lady has become Violet La Vile, a well known sea captain with a careful of loyal men. Getting her back the beautiful captain back to her family may be trickier then he imagined, especially when she doesn't want to go so they embark on an unusual wager, if she can make him fall in love with her in two weeks she gets his new ship if; however, she fails, she must accompany him homeThis is my first Katharine Ashe book and although on average I found I enjoyed it, there were some things about this book that I really liked and things about it that I really didn't.To start on a positive note what I did like was the strong female character, Viola was tough and not afraid of going after what she wanted, something that you don't always find in historical novels. Unusually it w the male character, the hero Jin, that I found I had little patience for. One of my pet peeves is characters that avoid their hero or heroine when they feel they don't deserve them, when clearly that isn't the case, if only some of the genuinely assholey heroes thought like that I would be happy, alas they never do. Jin was one of those I-am-such-a-bad-man-I-don't-deserve-her heroes. This just unnecessarily stretched the story on and on and I was beginning to get bored and just wanted them to sail away in to their happily ever after.However, what really kept my interest and will propel me quite happily to the next book in the series, is a series of letters between Lady Justice, a heretofore unknown lady journalist and Peregrine, the leader of the secret Falcon club who work for the crown finding lost people, and the organisation that Jin belongs to. They mock and tease and flirt with one another, whilst Lady Justice threatens to bring the organisation down by revealing its members. I can't wait o find out the identity of Lady Justice and can't wait to see her confront Peregrine.In general a good book, the romance was passionate and there some aspects of this that I really enjoyed and will tempt me to read the next in the series. Viola has a mind of her own and she does not take orders - not from anyone - especially from a subordinate. When she agrees to take Captain Jin Seton on as her quartermaster after sinking his ship, the Cavalier, she keeps a close eye on him for more than just the reason of possible mutiny - she can't seem to keep her eyes off of him.Jin's mission is to convince the brash and beautiful captain that she wants to return to England and to her family but knows he's up against a stubborn streak the ocean wide. When Viola inadvertently wagers him that she can make him fall in love with her, he finds his opportunity. If she loses, she must return willingly to England with him - if he loses, he must forfeit his new ship being readied for him after they return from Port of Spain. The last thing he expects is to lose but when she eventually agrees to return with him to England, he holds back the truth of his feelings for he will never be worthy of her. After all, Viola Carlyle was born a lady and he, only a slave.HOW TO BE A PROPER LADY by Katharine Ashe is everything I love in a historical romance. High seas adventure with a woman as equally good a sailor as any man. Katharine knows her high seas adventures and definitely knows her shipboard life. It's a story about a tough but vulnerable young heroine captivated by a man who was once known as the pirate, Pharaoh. It's about a man who carries a sense of abandonment and secrets that surprise and astonish the young breeches-wearing and beautiful captain.Katharine Ashe creates a whole cast of characters that make you smile, laugh, and cheer. Yet, swells your heart with emotion for a girl who's left behind in England without a sail in sight as the man who now owns her heart leaves without even a farewell. With accuracy and flair, with endearing emotion, Katharine will have you feeling the wind in your hair, the sea spray on your face and the swell of the sea beneath the ship while you sail the rocky course that is Viola and Jin's tense, exciting, and sensuous romance in HOW TO BE A PROPER LADY.I highly recommend HOW TO BE A PROPER LADY by Katharine Ashe if you love historical romance with secrets of a King's agent club swirling in the background and a romantic pair that will have you dreaming of the hero and wishing you were the heroine. *I purchased and read this one for my own enjoyment but just have to share my thoughts! Btw - that's 4 and 1/2 stars!!
What do You think about How To Be A Proper Lady (2012)?
Absolutely loved this storyline! I will definitely check out more by this author.
—Skylar
