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The Earl of Smugglers' Cove: Regency Romance: An Exciting Tale of Romance and Smuggling in Regency Cornwall
AN EXCITING TALE OF ROMANCE, MYSTERY, AND SMUGGLING IN REGENCY CORNWALL FROM AMAZON BEST-SELLING AUTHOR KATE CARTERET.
When Sir Edmund Tate dies, he leaves his daughter in the care of his old friend, The Earl of Northcott. He is a kindly guardian, one whom Clarissa grows very fond of. But he’s a man with a secret, and that secret sent his youngest son to live in the house on Smuggler’s Cove.
When the Earl hints at the secret in his last days, Clarissa wonders if she will ever discover the truth behind the rift which made father and son strangers for so many years and turned one brother against the other.
Left in the care of Philip Ravenswood, the successor to the Earldom of Northcott, Clarissa finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into a secret friendship with his handsome but unconventional brother, Felix, visiting the beautiful Smugglers’ Cove more and more. She is a little afraid of his reputation, but cannot stop herself falling for him.
When smugglers return to the old cove, dangerous men determined to keep Cornwall’s old tradition alive, can Clarissa find the truth and stop suspicion falling upon Felix. And can she uncover the biggest secret of them all to lift the veil from the lie the Northcott Estate has sheltered beneath for so long?
A tale of love, excitement, and mystery on the rugged, beautiful, and sometimes unforgiving Cornish Coast.
When Sir Edmund Tate dies, he leaves his daughter in the care of his old friend, The Earl of Northcott. He is a kindly guardian, one whom Clarissa grows very fond of. But he’s a man with a secret, and that secret sent his youngest son to live in the house on Smuggler’s Cove.
When the Earl hints at the secret in his last days, Clarissa wonders if she will ever discover the truth behind the rift which made father and son strangers for so many years and turned one brother against the other.
Left in the care of Philip Ravenswood, the successor to the Earldom of Northcott, Clarissa finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into a secret friendship with his handsome but unconventional brother, Felix, visiting the beautiful Smugglers’ Cove more and more. She is a little afraid of his reputation, but cannot stop herself falling for him.
When smugglers return to the old cove, dangerous men determined to keep Cornwall’s old tradition alive, can Clarissa find the truth and stop suspicion falling upon Felix. And can she uncover the biggest secret of them all to lift the veil from the lie the Northcott Estate has sheltered beneath for so long?
A tale of love, excitement, and mystery on the rugged, beautiful, and sometimes unforgiving Cornish Coast.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 21, 2019
Well-written and researched book about a young woman, Clarissa, who became the ward of her father's friend after he died. Caring for the Earl, upon his death mumblings, she comes to realize there lies a regretful secret. During her bereavement, it becomes her goal to unravel the mystery of the separation between the two brothers; Phillip whom she resides with at their castle and his wife, and Felix who lives near by at Smuggler's Cove. In doing so, she becomes close to Felix, despite his past mother's family's reputation of gaining wealth through being smugglers. Without spoiling the conclusion, despite twists and turns, together they unravel the mysteries for a happy conclusion. Novel was extremely entertaining from beginning-to-end and recommended to those who enjoy this multi-faceted genre.
December 29, 2019
Lots of intrigue
So good. Intrigue, a caring young woman, a misunderstood brother all make for a really good novel. I enjoyed it very much
So good. Intrigue, a caring young woman, a misunderstood brother all make for a really good novel. I enjoyed it very much
October 10, 2019
Man, I needed to read this book. I have read a string of middle-grade books, and I was craving something more adult. So when I saw that The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was up next on my TBR, I couldn’t wait to read it.
The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was an exciting mix of mystery and romance. The plotline centers around a young girl, Clarissa, who is the ward of Lord Northcutt. Lord Northcutt is dying and wishes to make amends with his son, who he hasn’t seen in years. Clarissa is forced to sneak Felix in the house so he can say his final farewells. On his deathbed, Lord Northcutt reveals that he has been carrying a secret for years but passes before he could tell what it was. Curious, Clarissa starts looking into it, with the help of Felix. She soon realizes that someone is desperate to keep it from coming out and will do anything to keep it buried. At the same time, Clarissa realizes that she is falling in love with Felix. What is the secret? Will Clarissa and Felix be able to discover it and come out unscathed?
The plot for The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove got off to a slow start. I didn’t mind it, though. The author laid the backstories of Clarissa and Felix in those first few chapters. She also did a fantastic job of beginning the mystery. After those chapters, the book took off. It became a quick read for me. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going on.
I loved the setting for The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove. It takes place in Cornwall, England. I can trace my roots back to that area on my father’s side, so I was fascinated by what I read. Especially the smuggling. I had no idea that it was such a huge thing back then. I loved that the author chose to include the local dialect.
I loved Clarissa. I did feel that she was between a rock and a hard place for the first half of the book. But she dealt with everything with grace. The second half of the book showcased how strong she was. She was living with people who were idiots. She dealt with smarmy men trying to woo her. She dealt with them with grace and class that I found admirable. I did think she was headstrong at times (thinking of a particular scene on the beach).
I loved Felix. He felt awful for holding on to his anger at his father. I mean, it was justifiable, considering what his father did to his mother. But he was able to put it aside and make amends before his father died. I liked how he treated Clarissa too. He didn’t treat her like a proper young lady. He went along with her desire to find out what his father’s secret was. And he was able to protect her at the end of the book.
The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove is a clean romance. Plain and simple, that means that there is no sex. There are some kissing scenes, but that is it. Clarissa and Felix’s romance was sweet. I loved it.
There are two mysteries in The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove. One centered around Felix’s father’s secret. I loved how the author executed that. The clues were spaced out. I did guess at what the secret was but, and stress but, I wasn’t expecting the full scope of the mystery. That took me by surprise.
The other mystery is about the smugglers. Again, the author did a fantastic job of making me wonder if there were smugglers in the cove. I wasn’t surprised by what was revealed. But I was surprised at who was involved. Looking back, it made sense.
The end of The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was explosive. The author did a great job of revealing what the secret was and if there were smugglers. What I enjoyed is that they were told almost simultaneously. It made for an epic ending. I also loved the epilogue. It made my heart go all fluttery when I read it!!
The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was an exciting mix of mystery and romance. The plotline centers around a young girl, Clarissa, who is the ward of Lord Northcutt. Lord Northcutt is dying and wishes to make amends with his son, who he hasn’t seen in years. Clarissa is forced to sneak Felix in the house so he can say his final farewells. On his deathbed, Lord Northcutt reveals that he has been carrying a secret for years but passes before he could tell what it was. Curious, Clarissa starts looking into it, with the help of Felix. She soon realizes that someone is desperate to keep it from coming out and will do anything to keep it buried. At the same time, Clarissa realizes that she is falling in love with Felix. What is the secret? Will Clarissa and Felix be able to discover it and come out unscathed?
The plot for The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove got off to a slow start. I didn’t mind it, though. The author laid the backstories of Clarissa and Felix in those first few chapters. She also did a fantastic job of beginning the mystery. After those chapters, the book took off. It became a quick read for me. I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going on.
I loved the setting for The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove. It takes place in Cornwall, England. I can trace my roots back to that area on my father’s side, so I was fascinated by what I read. Especially the smuggling. I had no idea that it was such a huge thing back then. I loved that the author chose to include the local dialect.
I loved Clarissa. I did feel that she was between a rock and a hard place for the first half of the book. But she dealt with everything with grace. The second half of the book showcased how strong she was. She was living with people who were idiots. She dealt with smarmy men trying to woo her. She dealt with them with grace and class that I found admirable. I did think she was headstrong at times (thinking of a particular scene on the beach).
I loved Felix. He felt awful for holding on to his anger at his father. I mean, it was justifiable, considering what his father did to his mother. But he was able to put it aside and make amends before his father died. I liked how he treated Clarissa too. He didn’t treat her like a proper young lady. He went along with her desire to find out what his father’s secret was. And he was able to protect her at the end of the book.
The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove is a clean romance. Plain and simple, that means that there is no sex. There are some kissing scenes, but that is it. Clarissa and Felix’s romance was sweet. I loved it.
There are two mysteries in The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove. One centered around Felix’s father’s secret. I loved how the author executed that. The clues were spaced out. I did guess at what the secret was but, and stress but, I wasn’t expecting the full scope of the mystery. That took me by surprise.
The other mystery is about the smugglers. Again, the author did a fantastic job of making me wonder if there were smugglers in the cove. I wasn’t surprised by what was revealed. But I was surprised at who was involved. Looking back, it made sense.
The end of The Earl of Smuggler’s Cove was explosive. The author did a great job of revealing what the secret was and if there were smugglers. What I enjoyed is that they were told almost simultaneously. It made for an epic ending. I also loved the epilogue. It made my heart go all fluttery when I read it!!
September 7, 2019
Kate Carteret - Regency Romance - The Earl of Smugglers Cove - Reviewed 9/7/19
Secrets, romance, smuggling, and danger!!!
When Clarissa’s father passes away his best friend, The Earl of Northcott becomes her guardian. Three years pass and the Earl is very ill, the doctor doesn’t give him long. While caring for this dear man he mentions that he has a secret that no one knows. Knowing about the estrangement between him and his son, Clarissa is sure that the secret has to do with him. Clarissa is also sure that Philip the successor to Northcott has not told Felix about the serious condition of their father due to them being estranged also. Then one night after a very bad day his last word before dropping into a very restless sleep he calls out his son’s name. Feeling unsure because of Felix’s reputation but knowing the right thing to do is to contact him and let him know what is going on Clarissa slips out of the house on this very mission.
What did I like? There is something about reading a regency romance that makes you feel all warm inside. It was such a beautiful time in our world. Things were hard but because of the difference in the values that people had, it just seems like it would have been the greatest time to have lived. I have enjoyed the books that I have read of Kate’s and she is spot on when she writes about this era. Whether it’s over the pond or right here in the USA the time was amazing.
What will you like? Well, there is action, deception, romance, gallantry, smugglers, riffed with secrets, and the mystery of the past affecting the future of all involved. I could go on with all the adjectives describing how exciting this book was but you will have to find that out yourself. Just know that this is well written and edited. The storyline is amazing and develops over the pages. The characters are unique and so loveable or hateable in some cases. An awesome read that you will not be able to put down so be sure to make time for it.
Secrets, romance, smuggling, and danger!!!
When Clarissa’s father passes away his best friend, The Earl of Northcott becomes her guardian. Three years pass and the Earl is very ill, the doctor doesn’t give him long. While caring for this dear man he mentions that he has a secret that no one knows. Knowing about the estrangement between him and his son, Clarissa is sure that the secret has to do with him. Clarissa is also sure that Philip the successor to Northcott has not told Felix about the serious condition of their father due to them being estranged also. Then one night after a very bad day his last word before dropping into a very restless sleep he calls out his son’s name. Feeling unsure because of Felix’s reputation but knowing the right thing to do is to contact him and let him know what is going on Clarissa slips out of the house on this very mission.
What did I like? There is something about reading a regency romance that makes you feel all warm inside. It was such a beautiful time in our world. Things were hard but because of the difference in the values that people had, it just seems like it would have been the greatest time to have lived. I have enjoyed the books that I have read of Kate’s and she is spot on when she writes about this era. Whether it’s over the pond or right here in the USA the time was amazing.
What will you like? Well, there is action, deception, romance, gallantry, smugglers, riffed with secrets, and the mystery of the past affecting the future of all involved. I could go on with all the adjectives describing how exciting this book was but you will have to find that out yourself. Just know that this is well written and edited. The storyline is amazing and develops over the pages. The characters are unique and so loveable or hateable in some cases. An awesome read that you will not be able to put down so be sure to make time for it.
September 14, 2019
I am a great fan of Kate Carteret’s writing. She always seems to strike just the right note with her characters, intriguing plots and romance. This is definitely one of her best ventures to date. Wonderful read!
The story unfolds with the impending death of the old Earl, Clarissa’s guardian since her father’s demise. The Earl has been kind to her and out of compassion for him Clarissa bravely decides to secretly contact his estranged younger son, Felix, in the hope of their reconciliation before the Earl’s death. Since the elder son Phillip refuses Felix entrance to the estate, Clarissa and Felix must coordination a secret, middle-of-the-night death bed visit for Felix. This begins a interesting series of secret rendezvous where Clarissa and Felix work together to uncover the unknown source of the family rift. Hidden diaries, smugglers, midnight dangers and close calls all weave a page turning tale where revelations and romance entwine into a most satisfying, but unforeseen finish.
Ms. Carteret writes with a light touch, pleasantness and always lovely, lyrical dialog. I recommend her work and this novel especially.
The story unfolds with the impending death of the old Earl, Clarissa’s guardian since her father’s demise. The Earl has been kind to her and out of compassion for him Clarissa bravely decides to secretly contact his estranged younger son, Felix, in the hope of their reconciliation before the Earl’s death. Since the elder son Phillip refuses Felix entrance to the estate, Clarissa and Felix must coordination a secret, middle-of-the-night death bed visit for Felix. This begins a interesting series of secret rendezvous where Clarissa and Felix work together to uncover the unknown source of the family rift. Hidden diaries, smugglers, midnight dangers and close calls all weave a page turning tale where revelations and romance entwine into a most satisfying, but unforeseen finish.
Ms. Carteret writes with a light touch, pleasantness and always lovely, lyrical dialog. I recommend her work and this novel especially.
September 5, 2019
The Earl of Smugglers’ cove was another wonderful book from Kate Carteret! It was a very exciting read from start to finish with the very well thought out mystery surrounding a secret that can destroy a family from beyond the grave. This book has a strong female lead named Clarissa who is a very clever woman and not one to back down from a challenge, always is quick to step in and do the right thing. This book does showcase very accurately how death and secrets can either bring a family together or tear the family apart with greed and power. I really loved this book like all of Kate’s other books it was extremely well planned and thought out, I could not put it down until the mystery was solved and secrets laid to rest. I highly recommend you give this book a read even if you don’t think you would like historical fiction the characters and plot are something readers can relate to today
September 9, 2019
I LOVED this one, I have read a few by this author and have thoroughly enjoyed them all! I would highly recommend!
The Earl of Smugglers' Cove is the perfect historical romance (which is quickly becoming a go to in my reading regime). The characters in this book are rich, you instantly feel like you know them, and you get right into their story. There's intrigue a plenty, and enough drama to keep you engaged. The setting is beautifully crafted and detailed. I love a story that takes you away like this one does. This is well paced and has great flow, and of course the ending is exactly what I want in a romance. <3
If you enjoy a good romance you owe it to yourself to read this one!
The Earl of Smugglers' Cove is the perfect historical romance (which is quickly becoming a go to in my reading regime). The characters in this book are rich, you instantly feel like you know them, and you get right into their story. There's intrigue a plenty, and enough drama to keep you engaged. The setting is beautifully crafted and detailed. I love a story that takes you away like this one does. This is well paced and has great flow, and of course the ending is exactly what I want in a romance. <3
If you enjoy a good romance you owe it to yourself to read this one!
September 26, 2019
This simply a mystery romance. Felix is the second son of the Late Earl of Northcott but was forced away from his home and father. Clarissa Is the only daughter of a Baron, survivor of her family and a war since 15 to late Earl do Northcott, for 3 years she was the only one who would spend time with him, hearing about secrets and about his diaries and his friendship with her father, she also stayed by his side as he laid dying until he uttered ‘Felix’. Clarissa now more then determine to give his dying wish and bring Felix to him, she will have to get creative to give father and son closure. But secrets, lies and hidden truths will be revealed soon or Clarissa will be forced to have her life changed in a bad way unless the wrongs are righted and thieves brought to justice.....
September 6, 2019
Delightfully intricate romance!
Clarissa doesn't know much about Felix, but she wants him to have the chance to see his father once more before it's too late. This story begins simply enough, but it soon becomes so much more complicated as Clarissa and Felix find themselves mixed up in a web of secrets and lies.
I was immediately drawn into this story by Clarissa's sweet nature and the loving relationship she had with her guardian. Felix is a wonderful character, a perfect gentleman in the truest sense. The story's twists and turns kept me glued to the book all the way until the satisfying HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Clarissa doesn't know much about Felix, but she wants him to have the chance to see his father once more before it's too late. This story begins simply enough, but it soon becomes so much more complicated as Clarissa and Felix find themselves mixed up in a web of secrets and lies.
I was immediately drawn into this story by Clarissa's sweet nature and the loving relationship she had with her guardian. Felix is a wonderful character, a perfect gentleman in the truest sense. The story's twists and turns kept me glued to the book all the way until the satisfying HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 12, 2019
I received a copy from the author.
This is a traditional regency with limited characters and locations.
Clarissa is a sweet young woman but not a wilting violet by any means.Her loyalty to her first guardian and Felix is beautiful.She does have some impulsive tendency that need to to be tempered.Felix is the perfect man to do that.He is likable and puts his hurt aside to do what's right.
This a well written book.It has a quiet quality to it that ramps up to the climax.The mystery part is well weaved into the story as is the romance.I highly recommend it.
This is a traditional regency with limited characters and locations.
Clarissa is a sweet young woman but not a wilting violet by any means.Her loyalty to her first guardian and Felix is beautiful.She does have some impulsive tendency that need to to be tempered.Felix is the perfect man to do that.He is likable and puts his hurt aside to do what's right.
This a well written book.It has a quiet quality to it that ramps up to the climax.The mystery part is well weaved into the story as is the romance.I highly recommend it.
September 14, 2019
A very exciting and emotional read all the way through. You also have intrigue, mystery, suspense, drama, surprises and so much more. Her father dies and then she is given to a friend of her father's to be her guardian. He gets sick and passes away. But there is so much more to this. Better to read it and see how the story flows as you get more information on it. I loved it. So enjoyable. Kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
September 29, 2019
I would love to say I was enthralled with this one but sad to say I wasn’t. Clarissa is an exceptionally strong character with Felix being the absolute gentleman, the perfect balance. The storyline is a good one just not a very romantic one. The romantic in me was looking forward to a bit more romance but instead, it turned out to be a mild, clean, very sedate and intriguing tale, with a bit of romance in the mix.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews