Elizabeth Cole (1)Critiques

I found this hard to rate. I'm not really sure how I feel - I loved some bits and hated others. In theory, I should've loved this but something just put me off. It was just very all over the place. Sophie and Bruce were both strong characters with complex backstories and separately I mostly liked both of them - but together the romance grated on my nerves. I don't know - I just don't think this was my cup of tea.

In 1806, Georgian England, why does Cordelia Bering continue to refuse all marriage proposals, what secrets does she hide. Sebastien Thorne, a spy for the Crown, a member of a group called Zodiac, is determined to find out as he seeks to find out what Andraste means.
An enjoyable mystery romance, an easy to read story, with well-rounded characters. A good start to the series which I look forward to reading.

1806 Nathan Bancroft, ex-member of the Zodiac spy group is now a solver of people's problems. He is hired to find out why Vanessa Phillips pays a stranger a large amount of money each month. It seems her grandmother has become concerned for her welfare.
An enjoyable and well-written historical romance and mystery story

Not bad, but a bit too sugary-sweet.

Well, I thought I was going to crawl into bed and go to sleep but this sweet novella had other plans for me. :) How could I resist? Wounded hearts, wounded bodies, secrets, and rumors, and a castle. It was as good a way to end my night as it was to continue my morning. A perfect happy story in a perfect bedtime size novella.

A Dress the Color of Dusk by: Elizabeth Cole
Elizabeth Cole is quickly establishing herself as a favorite author of mine. Her characters manage to touch your heart and leave you wanting more.

Raven’s Rise: A Medieval Romance (Swordcross Knights Book 3) by Elizabeth Cole is a mesmerizing Medieval Romance. Set in Britannia.
While, book 3 it can be read as a stand alone.
This is the journey of Lady Angelet d’Hiver, and Sir Rafe. Rafe is known as the Knight of the Raven, he is low-born but charming, he goes from tournament to tournament for the prize money. Angelet, is lonely, a widow, tries to be a good wife, mother, and daughter in law, now she is be sent to a nunnery, not by choice but by force or forfeit her son to her shrewd father-in-law. She also suffers from a condtion where she has beautiful visions of heaven and fits, which causes everyone at Dryton Manor to avoid her, their wary of her condition. Of course, her escort is Rafe and his new friends, for a large sum of money. Things go terribly wrong, the gold is not gold but a trunk full of rocks, someone is trying to kill Angelet and Rafe, but why? Who took the gold?

Well written, fast paced, with a enjoyable and engaging cast of characters. The plot was intriguing, captivating and truly held my interest throughout. I was glued to the pages from the first page to the last. A heartwarming tale, which will keep the reader in on an emotional roller coaster ride. A sad tale of adventure, passion, mystery, secrets, suspense, longing, friends to lovers, and finding a HEA through the chaos that surrounds Rafe and Angelet.
My only complaint was not learning more of what happened about Angelet’s affictions. I would have loved to learn more. Overall, RAVEN’S RISE is a most enjoyable and fantastic read. Ms. Cole manages to deliver a story that is emotional, heartwarming and fascinating. I enjoyed her writing style, her characters, and her storyline. It did feel a bit rushed at the end, but overall, a great read. Strongly recommended, especially for Medieval fans. A welcome distraction. More, please! I can’t wait to be on the next grand adventure in the SWORDCROSS KNIGHTS series. I hope to learn more of some of the secondary characters, such as Simon, and Octavian, just to name a few. Well done, indeed.

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

3.5 stars. Love is Blind is a cute, clean Regency romance novella. The characters are likeable and the story moves along quickly. I was thrown by the multiple points of view (especially in such a short book) and shifts of point of view mid-scene, as well as some of the language, which didn't keep me "in period." Overall, Love is Blind is a good clean read for fans of Regency romance.

This was a very good book--strong characters, strong plot, and a working dialogue. The flow is steady--not too slow or too fast. It's reasonably paced. While this book is about two different spies who meet and eventually fall in love, I will say that this is NOT a "heavy" thriller. You might also notice that it doesn't dwell too much on the regency part of the story. It's not all about balls, parties, and courting. It's focused more on the spy mission and trying to get to the bottom of things without blowing your cover.

Special Note: There are a couple sex scenes in the book, but I'm happy to report that it's not a dominant theme or an underlying theme of the plot. The focus is more on the mission. If there was no sex, I would have added the final star.

What a wonderful eclectic steamy anthology of eight full length books by eight different authors – definitely worth the price for nearly 2000 pages of reading enjoyment!

To Wed the Widow by Megan Bryce:
An earl with four daughters needs an heir so calls home his brother home from India to provide an heir and a spare. Brother George’s eye is not caught or held by any of the young debutantes but instead finds Elinor, five times a widow, a woman he cannot forget. Will George do his duty? Will Elinor get what she really wants? Will the heir achieve his goal?

A Heartless Design by Elizabeth Cole:
Cordelia has secrets and doesn’t want them known. Sebastien’s activities as a spy have him looking for something and someone rather dangerous. How the two meet, overlap and become more over time provides a great story of daring with intrigue, foreign travel and a whole lot more!

Three Times the Scandal by Madelynne Ellis:
Talk about HOT! This book made me think that there is nothing new under the sun and what is no doubt considered risqué today was probably just the same long ago. People are people with needs and wants and desires that may not be vanilla…and this story more than proves that this is so! Fortuna learns a LOT and makes herself into a new and very different woman before the story ends.

The Sweetest Revenge by Dawn Halliday:
This was a darker story. Women work together to seek revenge against a man that harmed them and others. Will the revenge be achieved? Will Leo and Isabelle find what they need apart or with one another?

Dark Persuasion by Vicki Hopkins:
Charlotte Gray was blinded in childhood by two boys in a tree. Many years later those same two boys, now men, start courting her. All three have changed. Which of the young men will win her heart? Will she find a true love with either of the men? Can one forgive the person who has changed your life forever?

Loving the Marquess by Suzanna Medeiros:
Genetic illness has Nicholas looking for a way to beget an heir without passing on the disease. Louisa is trying to keep a roof over the head of her siblings and finds herself betrothed. As the story unfolds more and more comes to light and eventually a happily ever after is found for both of them.

Educating Elizabeth by Kate Pearce:
This is another wonderful romance with spies, a woman given as payment for a gambling debt and both good and bad men doing what they do best. There are twists and turns with adventure aplenty in this wonderful telling of the love story of Gervaise and Elizabeth.

Bewitched by Sandra Schwab:
Magic, standing stones, pagan religions, evil, revenge, family and more are part and parcel of Amelia and Sebastian’s story. I have always loved fairy tales and stories with magic and this was a very fun read to conclude the book with.

Thank you to NetGalley and CrushStar Multimedia LLC
Five Stars

A quick, enjoyable mystery/romance. There's a fair amount of action, too! Some of it was predictable, but not enough to make the story unpleasant.

A historical romance that also doubles as a espionage mystery. This book is part of a series; however, the novel can be read as a stand-alone. The writing flows well and the plot is fascinating. The characters, both the primary and the secondary ones, are quick-witted, fun, and adventurous. The MCs are a bit reckless at times, but the action scenes make up for it. I will be reading more of this author's work. A quick and playful read. For historical romance and mystery romance readers.

decent romance - some adult content - likable characters - no great moral or depth of plot - overall 70%½

The Regency Spy Who Loved Me!

Post French Revolution, French actress Sophie Bertrand is a spy for the British espionage group Zodiac. Sophie is one of Zodiac's best, utilizing her acting talents, street smarts and skills at seduction to create different personas to track down information to aid the British government. James Bond would be proud. Sophie is a loner and so is not happy when she is told she will be working with a partner on her next assignment. Bruce Allender, Lord Forester is titled, wealthy and also a dedicated spy. He is also Sophie's new partner. As opposites attract, these two are a lock to become a couple. Sophie is free wheeling and likes to work in the moment, instantly adapting to every situation. Bruce is a bit stuffy and likes to carefully plan out each step. Naturally they are assigned to act as husband and wife to learn the identity of a traitorous important government official at a country estate.

Sophie and Bruce are good at what they do and it is easy to become absorbed in how they learn to respect each other's different styles and gradually trust each other as partners in espionage. Bruce in particular, has to overcome his own prejudices of Sophie's gender and social class. Being an actress at the time was not considered something a nice girl (like say Meryl Streep) would do. Plus fictional James Bond gets to sleep around with no marks on his character but it didn't work out so well for actual spy, Mata Hari. Sophie struggles more on the romance end of things as she begins to trust Bruce enough to let go of her defenses and be herself with him.

The perspective goes between Sophie and Bruce as they attempt to work together to learn the traitor's name and deal with their mutual attraction. The story has a strong spy storyline that is not just a filler for the romance. It holds your attention and manages to keep you guessing until the unexpected reveal. Sophie and Bruce certainly make a spicy couple for the romance side of the story and they keep the heat up as well. They also manage to keep you wondering just how are these two opposites are going to get there happily ever after too.

Elizabeth Cole is a talented writer and she does not disappoint in her newest book. This is a great read that will grab you all the way to the end and even gives you a little lesson about the French Revolution so you can characterize this as educational reading!

A Reckless Soul is the second book in Elizabeth Cole's 'Secrets of the Zodiac' series but it works just fine as a standalone.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A Sweet Romance With a Ghostly Backdrop!

Family and friends are celebrating the Christmas holidays at Wyemont castle. Veronica (Vero) and Tristan are two of the guests and while Vero has been sent there to reluctantly look for a potential groom and Tristan is being paid to aid an old friend find a bride. The castle is home to supernatural stories and Vero and Tristan share an interest in the rumored ghosts. Each of them had separately visited the castle during their childhood and each of them had their own private ghost sighting. Although, they each saw different ghosts. Fighting a mutual attraction, Vero and Tristan work together to track down the truth behind the legends and leading up to a conflict between the past and the present. This is a terrific short story if you like a bit of the supernatural mixed with your Regency romance. It’s a fun read with solid writing and well developed characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Taking place during the Napoleonic wars, A Heartless Design by Elizabeth Cole is the story of the romance between an intelligent, headstrong woman determined to control her own life and a recently titled nobleman secretly working for his Majesty’s secret service. Well developed characters, good world building, engaging dialogue and just the right amount of physical action, kept me turning the pages to discover what was going to happen next. Adding just the right amount of romantic and sexual heat, Ms. Cole crafts an intriguing historical romantic suspense and a strong beginning for her new series.

A young woman, often referred to as “heartless”, Cordelia Bering is intelligent, independent and beautiful. Realizing marriage would limit her freedom, Cordelia has turned down every marriage proposal she’s received, regardless of who makes the offer. A woman with secrets, Cordelia manages her own money, her own house and more than a handful of servants. Inheriting her father’s gift towards design and engineering, Cordelia dreams of the day when her most treasured invention, The Andraste, can take to the seas. Keeping her father’s legacy alive, and making her own contributions in engineering, even though she has to make them under an assumed identity, keeps her busy during the day and enables her to live in the style to which she’s become accustomed.

An Earl by default, Sebastien Thorne works as a secret agent for his Majesty’s kingdom. Secretly a member of the “Zodiac”, Sebastien is tasked with discovering all he can about The Andraste, an invention no one seems to know anything about, but which enemies of the crown have developed an interest in. Determined to complete his mission, Sebastien encounters Cordelia at every turn and begins to wonder if she’s a spy working for the French or if fate has put her in his way as a stumbling block.

The scenes between Cordelia and Sebastien are well written and lots of fun. They have great verbal and sexual chemistry and Sebastien has a hard time keeping his hands off Cordelia, who he nicknames “Cor”. Both intelligent, and with secrets they are carefully guarding, they never the less continue to run into each other. When Sebastien begins to unravel the secrets Cordelia is hides behind, he discovers a strong woman willing to go to any length to care for and protect those she loves. He also discovers his perfect match.

As Cordelia begins to understand Sebastien and what drives him, she discovers a man who’s determined to keep his country and family safe from any enemy. She discovers his loyalty, his wit and his charm and falls head over heels even though she thinks marriage is something she can never have for herself.

Ms. Cole does a good job developing the secondary characters and I liked meeting and getting to know quite a few of them. I especially liked Cordelia’s widowed aunt and chaperone, Leonora, a woman who has a good sense of humor and is devoted to her niece and their happiness. I also enjoyed getting to meet Cordelia’s “staff” of servants, who all have secrets of their own and especially “Bond” her lady’s maid.

I also enjoyed getting to meet Sebastien’s mom and sister, who both try to make sure he’s not falling back into his “wicked” pre-army ways, and the members of the “Zodiac” we get to meet. While this book has more than one villain, only one is really well developed and it’s easy to dislike him from the start – he’s smarmy from the get go.

Will Cordelia and Sebastian be able to keep the plans for The Andraste safe? Will their fledgling relationship turn into something more permanent? You’ll have to read A Heartless Design to find out, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Callie is running for her life after witnessing a murder and it happens she can't go any further than small town Montana before succumbing to her injuries, where Jake finds her and whisks her off for life saving treatment. She is to be under his watch until she heals, by doctor's order. She just wants to keep running. They are attracted to each other, but both have some issues to work through in order to trust one another. Jake needs Callie to confide the truth to him, and when she does it is bigger than he realizes. Can he keep her safe and bring down the bad guy? Will they have a chance to grow a relationship?
This was a quick read. The story was good, if you believe in love at first sight. The plot was well thought out. It ran the expected course. There weren't many surprises, but it was still entertaining and sweet. One of my favorite characters was actually, Bruiser - the dog. He was brave and loyal.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

A HEARTLESS DESIGN by Elizabeth Cole is an exciting Regency Historical Romance/Suspense/Romantic Spy Thriller. A Secrets of the Zodiac #1 and what a beginning. Join “Heartless” Cordelia Bering and Sebastien Thorne, an elite spy to the crown on a journey of danger,mystery,spies,intrigue,secrets and romance. Oh did I forget to mention passion! Both Cordelia and Sebastien are more than they appear to the public. For Cordelia has a secret that has been keep for years and one that has saved her family and household from financial ruin. Sebastien has keep his activities for the Crown secret for years,appearing to be a penniless,rake. Oh but, what they both find is priceless!! Fast paced and action packed with suspense,intrigue,sensual tension and love. Cordelia's father was a engineer who designed a ship unlike any other,and someone wants the design at all cost including murder. But did he design this impressive ship or did someone else? This is the matter of great mystery, for Mr. Leah is the actual designer. To find who and what you MUST read "A Heartless Design". A powerful story and one you should not miss reading. I loved this story for it was not just an ordinary Historical Romance but it was romance along with secrets,mystery and intrigue. Oh yes, and it has a few twists and turns to go along with the romance. A Romantic Spy Thriller for sure. I can hardly wait for the next installment of "A Secrets of the Zodiac" series! Ms. Cole is a masterful storyteller who brings her characters to live on the pages of her story as well as intrigue and mystery! Well done indeed, Ms. Cole!! A MUST READ! Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More½

LADY IN PEARLS by Elizabeth Cole is an sweet Regency Historical Romance set in 1821 London.A Novella. A quick,fast paced story filled with passion,secrets,deception,finding answers,romance and love. Well written with charming,witty and engaging characters and an interesting plot. A fairy tale sorta of story. A string of pearls and a unique plot,want more.... For another quick,fun afternoon read, pick up "Lady in Pearls" you will not regret reading this one. I look forward to more from this author. I loved it! Received for an honest review from the author.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More½

By: Elizabeth Cole
Published By: SkySpark Book
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Review:

"Love On The Run" by Elizabeth Cole was a well written contemporary mystery, suspenseful romantic read. We find Callie Reed is on the run to Montana because she has just witnessed a murder. Who would have thought Callie would meet country sheriff Jake Brand who 'saves her life.' However, when Jake asked her one thing: 'the truth' will Callie be honest with him and tell him all. This is where I say you must pick up "Love On The Run" to find out will the truth come out and if so what will happen to these two: Callie and Jake? Will Jake be able to keep her 'safe and bring down the bad guy?

If you are in for a quick read, good story and even believe in love at first sight...then "Love On The Run" would be recommended as a good read for you.

Nice enjoyable read. "Callie decided that he couldnt wait for her to leave" Really don't you just want to get into the paage and give them a kick. Was page turner to get to the happy part. carmenmaranda

Love is Blind by Elizabeth Cole
Adrian Calwell has rescued Olivia Blake after another man at the ball has abandoned her. Olivia is blind and needs assistance in most things but allows him to lead her out of the ball after the dance.
When asked he informs her of the steps as she holds his arm.
Her cousin Emily helps by telling her what others are wearing and how good looking they are as she guides her around after Adrian has left her with her cousin.
You can't even imagine how useful it is when being blind in not only being offered an arm but told how many steps and how far away they are.
Problem is he will never get close again because he is a rake and has ruined many other females reputations. When she goes for a ride with him when the others are out she confides in him that Emily has turned down offers of marriage so
she can stay close by to her. Other outings occur till her mother and uncle find out then the girls are not allowed out at all. Next they go to the public gardens and secretly meet him and he tells her he's determined to find ways to keep meeting her.
He sends daily gifts of flowers. Her uncle intervenes and meet with Adrian also to find out what his plan is...
Adrian finds out who's spreading the ugly rumors and will duel with him at dawn....
I especially liked this one because of my blindness.

I won a review copy & it was a very good book. I loved how the book was written & the subject matter in the book. Made perfect sense to me.

Love On The Run by Elizabeth Cole
Callie, Calista Reed is on the road when Jake Brand the cop, or is he a cowboy gets her attention and she hands over the license. Problem is he saw her cut and knows it needs to be tended to, just before she fainted.
She gets driven to the medical center where the doc gets the bullet out of her leg and Jake states he will take her back to his house to watch her for the next several days and swears he will get the man who did this to her.
Montana is wild country but her plates had CA on them. With the heavy drugs she was on she woke up once and kissed him deeply and he tries hard to resist her. She dreams of her other life, with Malcolm and how she got shot by a gun...
Love the descriptions of not only the house and it's furnishings but the outside landscape, breathtaking!
Finding clues and working them out to solve the mystery of what she was hiding, he was good at. Love how he dealt with the kids he found at school.
As they spent more time together she trusts him now and she tells him what happened to bring her to Montana. He is honest with her and tells of his past life. He can't deny he wants her and she knows she wants him but it can't be...
Parts I liked the best were when they were outside enjoying the natural beauty of the land and just the simple things, a walk or sitting on the porch.
Besides being a romance book that heats up nicely it is also a mystery book. If she is to tell her side of the story she'd be put under FBI security til trial and taken away and she's not sure that is what she wants in her life..
He just wants to keep her happy and safe... Love all the action and the escape...

Wish there was another, Ty's story where others from this book would be included