I really enjoyed this book. It kind of has a little bit of everything. A strong female, a bit of romance and some action. It was an easy read, I enjoyed the characters and the writing was good.

Romance and Intrigue

Justin and Alicia are falling in love, but there is a secret that Justin is hiding. What happens when Alicia finds out the truth? It turns out that he is a rival author. Does he really have to be her opponent, or can the two work together towards the same goal? The two must overcome their misunderstandings, but those disputes pale when Alicia’s life is in peril. This story has romance and intrigue that reaches a crescendo towards the end of the story.

A poor review spirals author Lady Alicia into unknown territory but everything changes when she falls in love with her rival. Lady Alicia is a distinguished author but when her publisher shows her a review comparing her work to JC Melrose, she’s livid. She knows exactly who to blame, that other writer, JC Melrose. As all of her writing plans go up in smoke, she meets handsome Captain Justin Caulfield. Suddenly, he becomes her inspiration and words flow from her pen. The more time they spend together, the harder she falls for him. Little does she know Justin in her rival in more ways than one. Can Alicia and Justin work together to improve each other’s writing or will they tear each other apart to secure victory?

The Lady and Her Quill is a delightful Regency romance from start to finish. The story itself reminded me of an Austen romantic comedy with plenty of misunderstandings, comedic dialogue, enemies to lovers romantic tension, and a happy ending. I simply adored watching Lady Alicia deal with a scathing review and overcome her own insecurities as an author. Life for a female author was very difficult back then and I admired Alicia’s determination. The romance takes its time and I enjoyed reading as it unfolded. While the premise is a familiar trope, Ruth A. Casie breathes new life into it. Ruth A. Casie is an award-winning bestseller and her gift for historical romance is on display in The Lady and Her Quill. From the descriptive narration to the intricate historical details to the lush setting, The Lady and Her Quill is a feast for any romance reader. If historical romance is your reading jam, pick up The Lady and Her Quill. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5 stars

Both Alicia and Justin are successful authors. Alicia writes romances with heroines outside the norms of the day while Justin writes fiction from his own war experiences. A newspaper review points out that both their books' weakness is their characters of the opposite sex. Justin is also searching for a cohort of Napoleon's, The Frenchman. He is killing people close to Justin because when Justin was captured by Napoleon, they talked for two hours making The Frenchman angry. Huh? There is a lot of discussion about the role of men vs. women. Men act, women think first.... The story veered from the two of them getting to know each other to his group the League, spies, smugglers, etc. It got a little convoluted and I kept forgetting who some of the characters were. The writing style was a little off for me but I did enjoy Alicia and her frustration with society's restrictions for women.

A new author for me, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and strong writing skills of Ruth Casie. This book certainly set a precedence for the rest of the series.
What I find most interesting in this novel was the storyline, quite different and very well done.
Now having said that, at the same time, it did have parts that dragged and took a while to get going. I restarted this several times and found myself skimming in order to finish the first 1/4 of the book.
The characters are well done and have just enough development to get a good understanding of their backgrounds and motivations. This is a slow-burn romance with a bit of mystery thrown in.
While I wasn't crazy about this book, I do recommend it and would read the second book of the series.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

It's rare that a historical romance has an interesting and at least somewhat plausible plot that also has a realistic, sweet romance, and this book struck the perfect balance for me. Alicia and Justin were both fully-formed characters that didn't deviate much from the traditional relationship tropes normally in historical romance, but also didn't end up as stereotypical characters with predictable plotlines (beyond the expected HEA). I'd definitely read another in this series, and I enjoyed the author's voice and writing style enough that I'll be looking into her other novels.

The Lady and Her Quill is book one in a new series written by Ruth A. Cassie—if the rest of the books in the series are written as well, this series will be a hit. This book features two authors who are brought together initially after a bad review proclaims neither of them do well writing characters of the opposite sex. A challenge is issued and neither are willing to fail. As these two authors get to really know and understand each other feelings of respect and admiration begin to develop, which is the start of a beautiful slow burn romance. I always enjoy angst in stories and the author does a great job delivering!

Wait though this is NOT just a romance it has a suspenseful undertone that continues to build and some lovely drama and intriguing encounters which rounds out this story very nicely. I found all the characters easy to like which is always an added bonus!

I am ready for the next book in the series!

4 Stars ⭐️

The Lady and Her Quill is a story about Alicia and Justin who are both authors with very different styles. Lady Alicia writes romance, but with strong female heroines, JC Melrose writes about war and adventure featuring strong heroes. When a review is published after her last book, stating the both of the authors would benefit from learning how to write characters of the opposite sex, Lady Alicia is furious, Justin is also miffed. When they continue to run into each other, they become attracted to one another as well. Challenged by a friend to each write a story about the same topic, they end up in the middle of an actual case of espionage and in real danger.

This is the first book I have read by Ruth A. Casie, but it won't be the last. First attracted by the cover and synopsis, the story did not let me down. Of course, a book about two authors also called my name. I enjoyed this story of Alicia, Justin and their family and friends. Alicia is fun and a bit high-strung. She takes things personally and doesn't always stop to listen to others, she does like to talk. Justin uses his writing as therapy, writing about the horrors of war he saw firsthand or heard about from other soldiers. He also has a villain in his stories that represents a person from his past that he wants arrested or even killed. He has no desire to be involved in a relationship, but he can't seem to resist Alicia. I enjoyed their banter and the little tours they went on, making up stories along the way. As he and Alicia come to know and understand one another, mutual respect grows and they discover that they are very alike in their thoughts and deeds. This gives them the upper hand when it comes to facing down a foe. The secondary characters all round out this story nicely. The Lady and Her Quill is a well written story, that builds slowly until the climax. I enjoyed the conclusion and how all the different plotlines come together for a successful ending. I am looking forward to the next book in The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea.

This is my first book by Ms. Casie and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking for more of her books in the future. This is the first of the The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea series and it looks to be off to a great start. The character development was well-done and I enjoyed reading their interactions. The chemistry between them was quite evident. Alicia and Justin are both authors with two different writing styles. They are both being criticized and pushed in another writing direction by their publisher. It seems they are both being manipulated.They meet each other at Sommer by the Sea. As they continue meeting, their attraction to each grows and they begin to understand each other better. Aside from the writing, there is some danger that comes their way. The suspense is slow building but definitely keeps you glued. With a little mystery and romance added in, this was quite an entertaining and enjoyable read. I would love to read the next in the series!

I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I was given an advance reading copy for an honest review.
I wanted to love this book but the style of writing was so choppy, it was incredibly difficult to finish it. It took me a long time to read as the writing didn't flow. The story itself seemed interesting but the narration and dialogue seemed to confuse me. I see it has good reviews so I did try to get through it. However, I cannot say it was a positive read.

Loved this book brilliant I loved the story that the author were trying to write a novel and get they books published and connect with people and hope not to have bad reviews and critics on they book. I found these characters were amazing full of humour and great chemistry you loved I loved learning how they started the book and learning till it got published and the hurt and fun they had of writing they novels. Such a fun read as well you enjoy x

Successful author Lady Alicia Hartley is devastated by a recent review and takes herself off to Sommer by the Sea, whereupon she meets Captain Justin Caulfield. Whilst Justin is aware of Alicia’s achievements as a writer, she is unaware that Justin is actually JC Melrose. Yet Justin’s past also threatens any possible romance that they might have,
A lovely romance with drama to add into the mix. I enjoyed watching Alicia and Justin’s feelings grow for each other over long walks and tours of the town. As their pasts are revealed, we see their respect and admiration for each other develop. The suspense was always in the background and built steady towards the end. I also enjoyed Alicia’s ability to captivate Justin as she told several stories of the town’s history. This brought to life the history of the town.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The first in a new series The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea that will keep your attention from the moment you begin until the very end in The Lady and her Quill. Ruth A.Casie has given readers a book that is well-written and well-paced, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this slow burn romance, with a plot full of mystery danger, intrigue and adventure that brings this read together perfectly!

The Lady and Her Quill by Ruth A. Casie is a very different book, to say the least. It is about a woman author and a man author...very different from one another. When a reviewer suggests they get together and write, as one writes amazing women and the other writes genuine men, Lady Alicia Hartley does not take it as a serious suggestion. Rather, she is offended, and angry. She is already put off by her publisher, who wants to postpone releasing her next book, her little stories, as he calls them. Then she runs headlong into as man as she is leaving his office. What a day. She is on her way to Sommer-by-the-Sea to take part in a book reading and book festival. She had to let his sister and brother-in-law leave without her so now she is going by boat, which appears to be her only choice. How she hates boats. Justin Caulfield was simply dropping into see his uncle before he left for Sommer-by-the-Sea, when he ran into this spirited young woman. He and his uncle were finalizing plans for him to take over the publishing house. Little did he know how much more involved they would get.

This was a much more sedate romance than one normally reads for this time period. They both were very focused on their careers and hadn't given any thought to romance or adventure. Justin had had all the adventure he needed; in fact, writing was a release from all the war he had been involved with. Alicia was so ready to pounce when anyone suggested that her writing was not of value, that she could not see the forest for the trees. This was a terrific book. The characters were real and perfect for each other. Plus, I love the cover! It is heartening to read something with some content for a change. Congratulations, Ruth Casie, for a job well done!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Lady and Her Quill by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #ruthacasie #theladyandherquill

This book is full of really good characters and chemistry, with a slow burn romance and lots of mystery/intrigue which i love and looks to be a great series in the offing.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this series and author.

This was my first Ruth A. Casie's book, and definitely won’t be my last. I love the cover. This is the first book in The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea. This riveting historical Romance is a GEM. Lady Alicia and Captain Justin’s story is very well written, and entertaining. Alicia is such a lovely character, headstrong and outspoken. Justin, a retired Captain, is a very handsome gentleman, determined, and devoted. They are so perfect together. The storyline is filled with secrets, mystery, adventure, and danger. I loved the main characters, their slow burn romance, the original and entertaining storyline, and the impressive cast of side characters. The scenery is beautifully described, and easy to visualize. This series could be amazing in audiobook. Looking forward to reading The Lady and the Spy, the next book in the series.

The whole is greater than the sum of the parts, as the novel brings to light when two authors work in sync with one another. Lady Alicia, an independent young woman with very strong feelings about the quality of her work, is devastated when she discovers that her publisher is trying to push her in another direction. Captain Justin Caulfield is facing a similar dilemma, not realizing that both he and Lady Alicia are being manipulated by their publisher. However, apart from the war novels that he writes, Justin has an even bigger problem on his hands as he closes in on an enemy that has been responsible for the death of so many of his comrades. As he and Alicia come to know and understand one another, mutual respect grows and they discover that their thoughts run on similar lines, which gives them the advantage when facing a fiend. This novel is well written as the suspense slowly builds, coming to a successful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

The Lady and Her Quill is a delightful Regency suspense/romance. The heroine, Lady Alicia Hartley is a strong, smart and independent woman. As a successful author, she is certainly unlike other ladies of the era. Her adventure begins when she bumps into Captain Justin Caulfield at her publishers. Justin meets Alicia again in her seaside home town and they encounter coastal smugglers, Napoleonic spies and meddling publishers. Sparks fly, kisses happen and unknown identities revealed.

Will his unintentional unsaids tear them apart …

This is my first read by the author, so it was first the cover then the blurb which caught my eyes. Plus I am a sucker for scholar/bluestocking romance, having both in it, sold me to this book instantly.
Alicia is fun, a bit high-strung about her work but I suppose no one like to be criticized, even if it is constructive. She pours her feelings and souls into her stories, so having to see them under a different light, is rather painful.
Justin uses his writings as a therapy, to clear his mind from the horrors et witnessed and survived. This is his way to find peace, so he is more circumspect when his work receive a similar review to Alicia’s.

This book is an entertaining first in a new series, with two fierce heroes sharing the same love for words, yet as Justin finds himself caught into a misunderstanding, as they get embroiled in a game not of their making, a challenge which even put Alicia’s safety at risk.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I very much enjoyed this book,, two authors both unaware of the others profession, and in contention, and love it appears.
It’s full of really good characters and chemistry, and looks to be like a great series in the offing.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Ruth.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review