Karina Bardot, daughter to the Duke and Duchess of Essex has always been overlooked. Plain, and too involved in her novels, she was resigned to being a spinster for the rest of her life.No man could possibly match the heroes she read about in her quiet time, so, she was content with letting her books be the loves of her life.Quite thrilled with it actually.That was until her parents informed her … informed her of her sudden betrothal to a Marquis. She barely even knew of her own engagement, and now she is to meet her future husband? Now Karina’s forced to endure a season filled with endless parties, mind-numbing conversation, and dress shopping. Something she detested more than ballrooms. Captain Cole Black asked his men to do one job. Find the woman who stole expensive fabrics from their trade deal, and return to the ship posthaste. He was leery of being in London for too long, as having left the high society life, with its obligations and stifling rules of decorum long ago. Cole was confident that his men would return with the woman responsible for their delay, and continue on their journey. Only his men returned with someone else entirely. And the ship had already left port.
Drat.
Will Karina finally get the excitement, and adventure she’s been craving all along? And Will Cole finally realize that his greatest treasure is not lost at sea?
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Karina Bardot is the only daughter of the Duke and Duchess Essex. The only son, Ethan was the next Duke. She loved novels and her own compositions. The Duke had decided to arrange a marriage for her with a Marquis. She refused but was told she had to. Her dad was not happy. Her mother took her shopping for a new wardrobe. While there she was kidnapped and taken to a ship, that immediately sailed out of London. Captain Black, went down to talk to her and explained that there was a misunderstanding. He would return her to London in a fortnight or two. It was a lovely Island paradise and she loved it there. Then she found out he had not told her everything, about himself. He was an Earl and one her father had tried to betroth her to several years before. But he had refused. She was so hurt and angry, also her brother showed up to escort her home. They caught the first ship back.
There are some tearful parts and you feel so bad for the siblings. Her father would not change his mind. Her mother was furious. His son refused any introductions to any lady. Please, believe me when I say this was a wonderful story. The book was easily read and probably made more sense than my little paragraph. It was exciting and engaging. The characters were sweet and full of contrition. I can’t wait to read another of her books.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
This book was awesome. I enjoyed reading it so much. Great character development, and you can tell the author has a true love for historical romance. Very refreshing. Great full to read something different than 50 shades in this climate
“Will Karina finally get the excitement, and adventure she’s been craving all along? And Will Cole finally realize that his greatest treasure is not lost at sea?” As an eclectic reader, when I read the blurb for this book, it was a must read for me. I absolutely love historical romances. Ms. Renee is a new author to me, and I must say, I will check our current and will watch for future works. Enjoyed both characters immensely. Great plot. I could relate to Karina and her book boyfriend life. Loved Cole, my newest book boyfriend. Just loved him!
Oh my word, I absolutely loved this book! When Karina gets kidnapped while trying on new clothes for her betrothal, she couldn’t be happier. She’s being forced to marry a man who’s in love with another woman and wants nothing to do with Karina, only her family’s money. He’s proposed a deal and Karina is not amenable, but since she’s the daughter to a Duke and it’s 1870 London, she really doesn’t have much of a choice.
When the captain of the ship finds out that one of his men has mistakenly kidnapped a member of the ton out of a misguided sense of loyalty, he swears to protect her and take her to the island where he lives until he can return her to her family. Only the captain is keeping a secret, he’s really an Earl. Not only that, but about five years ago, their fathers had betrothed the two as a way to pay the Earl’s debt. After the Earl died, and his son became the Earl, he informed the Duke that he would not honor the arrangement. While he remembers meeting Karina, she does not remember that meeting and has no knowledge of his title.
Secrets are kept, when finally exposed Karina flees back to her family and London. Will the Captain chase her and bring her back, finally declaring his love to her? You’ll have to read to find out.
I love stepping into the past. Reading about the Victorian Era and the ton, with all their restrictions does something for me. I love to imagine myself dressed in the finery, attending a ball, sending a missive to a dear friend, the whole thing. This story transported me there. I was in 1870 London, and further on, the islands. The story is well written, the characters wonderful, and the story line engaging and easy to read. I definitely enjoyed this story and was sad to see it end.
*I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed this story a lot. Karina got the adventure she wanted, and I loved how she accepted her circumstances and everything that came along. Cole was a gentleman sailor, took good care of those around him. The attraction to Karina showed Cole that there could be more to his life. I recommend this story, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I freaking loved The Earls Secret Treasure! This book took me back to when I first started reading romance, back to the basics. A good old bodice ripper. With the romance of the time and the load of interesting characters you can’t lose. I loved reading about Karina and Cole but also meeting the side characters as well. The Earls Secret Treasure is a beautifully well rounded read that will have you flipping the pages faster and faster!
-Mackenzie