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The King's Rogues #2
Spyfall
A dangerous love - who will be first to fall?
Cornwall, 1805
Rescued from a French prison by a mysterious benefactor, smuggler Nathaniel “Nate” Payne returns home to Cornwall a nearly broken man. He hopes to recover at his old haunt, but The Queen’s Head Inn has a new owner.
Susannah Linwood is a young widow with a dark secret fleeing a brutal past. She has made an honest success of the inn and intends to keep it that way, and not fall in with the likes of Nate. Even so, their mutual attraction is hard to deny. But Nate’s former lover, the local magistrate’s wife, schemes to uncover Susannah’s secrets.
To ease his conscience at surviving when so many did not, Nate writes to the family of a fellow English prisoner, not realizing it is a coded message for The King’s Rogues that brings Lieutenant Adam Hardacre to The Queen’s Head. While Hardacre recruits Nate into The King’s Rogues, Susannah learns a figure from her past is threatening blackmail, and worse, over the circumstances of her husband’s death.
Persuaded to return to France to evacuate stranded English agents, Nate realizes there may be a more pressing rescue mission at home with Susannah’s very life at stake.
Cornwall, 1805
Rescued from a French prison by a mysterious benefactor, smuggler Nathaniel “Nate” Payne returns home to Cornwall a nearly broken man. He hopes to recover at his old haunt, but The Queen’s Head Inn has a new owner.
Susannah Linwood is a young widow with a dark secret fleeing a brutal past. She has made an honest success of the inn and intends to keep it that way, and not fall in with the likes of Nate. Even so, their mutual attraction is hard to deny. But Nate’s former lover, the local magistrate’s wife, schemes to uncover Susannah’s secrets.
To ease his conscience at surviving when so many did not, Nate writes to the family of a fellow English prisoner, not realizing it is a coded message for The King’s Rogues that brings Lieutenant Adam Hardacre to The Queen’s Head. While Hardacre recruits Nate into The King’s Rogues, Susannah learns a figure from her past is threatening blackmail, and worse, over the circumstances of her husband’s death.
Persuaded to return to France to evacuate stranded English agents, Nate realizes there may be a more pressing rescue mission at home with Susannah’s very life at stake.
- GenresHistorical Romance
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2019
68 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
59 books354 followersUSA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Ellen Carter is an award-winning historical romance writer who pens richly detailed historical romantic adventures. A former newspaper journalist, Carter ran an award-winning PR agency for 12 years. She lives in Australia.
On the publication of her debut novel in 2013, Carter was heralded by critics as ‘a writer worth keeping an eye on’ with a style reminiscent of classic suspense novelist Daphne du Maurier. This impression has been borne out in her subsequent work.
Her full-length novels frequently feature psychologically complex relations between the central characters and often delve into dark themes.
Nonetheless, she also occasionally turns her hand to sweet romance (always with a touch of adventure) suitable for younger readers as well as older fans looking for a change of pace.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s full-length titles and several novellas have been published by Dragonblade Publishing since 2017. She also regularly contributes to various multi-author anthologies and is a member of The Bluestocking Belles group of Regency romance authors.
On the publication of her debut novel in 2013, Carter was heralded by critics as ‘a writer worth keeping an eye on’ with a style reminiscent of classic suspense novelist Daphne du Maurier. This impression has been borne out in her subsequent work.
Her full-length novels frequently feature psychologically complex relations between the central characters and often delve into dark themes.
Nonetheless, she also occasionally turns her hand to sweet romance (always with a touch of adventure) suitable for younger readers as well as older fans looking for a change of pace.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter’s full-length titles and several novellas have been published by Dragonblade Publishing since 2017. She also regularly contributes to various multi-author anthologies and is a member of The Bluestocking Belles group of Regency romance authors.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 5, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
💋💋
A heart pounding, action packed, romantic adventure, one that has you turning the last page and exhaling with satisfaction.
Wow , Elizabeth Ellen Carter just gets better and better in her writing.
When Nate is first introduced to the book , I took him to be shallow and a womaniser , but as time goes on he shows he’s made of so much more .
Strong and protective, a ladies man yes , but also dedicated to those he loves and believes in .
Suzannah has led a difficult life since her first marriage, her widowhood is no less a trial, although she does find peace in friendship.
Meeting Nate is her destiny, she just needs to find the conviction to realise that she deserves this happiness.
The characters are brilliant and endearing, the setting is stunning and recognisable as a part of my home country that I’ve visited many times .
The caves of Cornwall , the cliffs and pathways ,the seas one minute calm the next a storm rolling in .
It brought me happiness and peace to read such wonderful descriptions.
In all the book is excellent,enjoyable, addictive reading and very easy to recommend to others .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review on
💋💋
A heart pounding, action packed, romantic adventure, one that has you turning the last page and exhaling with satisfaction.
Wow , Elizabeth Ellen Carter just gets better and better in her writing.
When Nate is first introduced to the book , I took him to be shallow and a womaniser , but as time goes on he shows he’s made of so much more .
Strong and protective, a ladies man yes , but also dedicated to those he loves and believes in .
Suzannah has led a difficult life since her first marriage, her widowhood is no less a trial, although she does find peace in friendship.
Meeting Nate is her destiny, she just needs to find the conviction to realise that she deserves this happiness.
The characters are brilliant and endearing, the setting is stunning and recognisable as a part of my home country that I’ve visited many times .
The caves of Cornwall , the cliffs and pathways ,the seas one minute calm the next a storm rolling in .
It brought me happiness and peace to read such wonderful descriptions.
In all the book is excellent,enjoyable, addictive reading and very easy to recommend to others .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review on
October 7, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The prologue of “Spyfall” is action packed and pulls the reader into the story of an abused wife. The main characters, Susannah, Peggy, and Nate are well rounded with excellent back-stories
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The prologue of “Spyfall” is action packed and pulls the reader into the story of an abused wife. The main characters, Susannah, Peggy, and Nate are well rounded with excellent back-stories
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 6, 2019
Mrs Susannah Moorcroft is making a new life for herself after the death of her abusive husband. She and her friend have decided to run an inn on the coast. What she doesn't know is all the types of business the previous owner was involved with. Just when she settles into a happy life the past will come back to bite her.
Smuggler Nate Payne has been in a French prison for months, no knowing which of his contacts caused him to be captured. When he eventually makes his way home everything has changed.
There is a lot of danger for our characters in this story. England is at war with France and criminals and spys for both sides are everywhere. Great risks reap great rewards for those brave enough to take them. A very exciting adventure.
This is part of a series so you will meet characters from the other books, but each book can be read alone. I can highly recommend all of them.
Smuggler Nate Payne has been in a French prison for months, no knowing which of his contacts caused him to be captured. When he eventually makes his way home everything has changed.
There is a lot of danger for our characters in this story. England is at war with France and criminals and spys for both sides are everywhere. Great risks reap great rewards for those brave enough to take them. A very exciting adventure.
This is part of a series so you will meet characters from the other books, but each book can be read alone. I can highly recommend all of them.
July 9, 2019
An amazing adventure even more exciting than the title, which of course reminds me of the James Bond movie "Skyfall", only in another century! Brace yourself for a nonstop, fast paced, sigh worthy story that grabs you from the first page as the heroine Susannah runs for her life.
Susannah Linwood, a widow is trying to make a new life for herself by buying an old rundown inn, The Queen's Head. She and her once housekeeper, who is now her partner and friend, work to restore the place and earn their living. They manage to make it a success, but always in the back of her mind, her past lurks and she keeps her secrets close.
Nate Payne, a smuggler, had became inprisoned in France due to his activities, but had not figured out who turned him in and then who helped him in his release. He has endured untold brutality, enough to break a man. His goal is to get back to Cornwall to the Queen's Head Inn and recover. But the inn has a new owner.
Then it begins. Elizabeth Ellen Carter has perfected the suspenseful, romantic, adventuous story, with her attention to detail and characters that come alive with their emotions. I felt I was there and just wanted these two to find the happiness they deserved.
There are several twist and turns and the road may be a little bumpy but as I turned the last page I could only sigh and long for the next in The King's Rogues series!!
Susannah Linwood, a widow is trying to make a new life for herself by buying an old rundown inn, The Queen's Head. She and her once housekeeper, who is now her partner and friend, work to restore the place and earn their living. They manage to make it a success, but always in the back of her mind, her past lurks and she keeps her secrets close.
Nate Payne, a smuggler, had became inprisoned in France due to his activities, but had not figured out who turned him in and then who helped him in his release. He has endured untold brutality, enough to break a man. His goal is to get back to Cornwall to the Queen's Head Inn and recover. But the inn has a new owner.
Then it begins. Elizabeth Ellen Carter has perfected the suspenseful, romantic, adventuous story, with her attention to detail and characters that come alive with their emotions. I felt I was there and just wanted these two to find the happiness they deserved.
There are several twist and turns and the road may be a little bumpy but as I turned the last page I could only sigh and long for the next in The King's Rogues series!!
March 4, 2025
Part two of the King’s Rogues is another exciting adventure
Susanna Linwood has escaped from her abusive marriage following the death of her husband when he drowned in a marsh when he was following her.
She and her friend and servant Peggy arrive in St. Sennen (Cornwall) and set up running The Queen’s Head.
Nate Payne has just been liberated from a French prison having been captured on a smuggling trip. He returns to the inn expecting to be able to store his cargo only to discover a change of ownership has occurred.
Susanna is unwilling to allow this as her late husband was involved in illegal exploits .
Nate agrees to remove the items and then gets recruited by Adam Hardacre into the Rogues to help in the war against Napoleon.
Old enemies of both Nate and Susanna threaten the growing affection Nate and Susanna have for each other.
They have to work together and with Adam, Daniel and other people we have already met in the previous book.
The book ends with a threat from an existing enemy so we will have to await developments as to whether the man who has already betrayed his country and his friends will be brought to justice.
Susanna Linwood has escaped from her abusive marriage following the death of her husband when he drowned in a marsh when he was following her.
She and her friend and servant Peggy arrive in St. Sennen (Cornwall) and set up running The Queen’s Head.
Nate Payne has just been liberated from a French prison having been captured on a smuggling trip. He returns to the inn expecting to be able to store his cargo only to discover a change of ownership has occurred.
Susanna is unwilling to allow this as her late husband was involved in illegal exploits .
Nate agrees to remove the items and then gets recruited by Adam Hardacre into the Rogues to help in the war against Napoleon.
Old enemies of both Nate and Susanna threaten the growing affection Nate and Susanna have for each other.
They have to work together and with Adam, Daniel and other people we have already met in the previous book.
The book ends with a threat from an existing enemy so we will have to await developments as to whether the man who has already betrayed his country and his friends will be brought to justice.
October 1, 2020
Another wonderful book in the series
This is another wonderfully written book in the series. The plot is full of suspense and emotional twists and turns. The characters are crafted brilliantly, and show great strength. This is a book that would suit anybody who loves steamy historical romances, that have plenty of intrigue.
This is another wonderfully written book in the series. The plot is full of suspense and emotional twists and turns. The characters are crafted brilliantly, and show great strength. This is a book that would suit anybody who loves steamy historical romances, that have plenty of intrigue.
March 23, 2020
Intriguing
I found this story very unpredictable and kept me interested from the beginning until the end
I would have to recommend you
I found this story very unpredictable and kept me interested from the beginning until the end
I would have to recommend you
March 25, 2020
A good book
This story was full of love and suspense. It had to be hard in the days of smugglers and spies.
This story was full of love and suspense. It had to be hard in the days of smugglers and spies.
March 27, 2020
Another good one
This like the first story rides on the back of excellent chacters..lM Carter has the skill of creating fully diminsion characters in a fascinating plot
This like the first story rides on the back of excellent chacters..lM Carter has the skill of creating fully diminsion characters in a fascinating plot
March 28, 2021
Book #2 was good
I enjoyed the depth of characters & locations. It’s a good follow up to book 1, but could be read as a stand alone. I will buy more from this author.
I enjoyed the depth of characters & locations. It’s a good follow up to book 1, but could be read as a stand alone. I will buy more from this author.
Want to read
September 2, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2021)! 🎁
July 1, 2020
King's Rogues and Thier Wives
Loved the story. It has pirates, espionage, an escape from prison, second chances at life and love.
Susannah and Nate's story has that and much more.
Loved the story. It has pirates, espionage, an escape from prison, second chances at life and love.
Susannah and Nate's story has that and much more.
July 9, 2019
Nathaniel “Nate” Payne has spent months in a horrible French Prison. Suffering under the misuse and terrible surroundings, he is finally released by a mysterious benefactor. However, he returns to his old haunt a broken man. Hoping to recover his mind and spirit, he finds The Queen’s Head Inn has a new owner. Susannah Linwood is also hoping to recover her life, under a new name and business, by restoring the Inn. Each has a life to restore, bodies to heal and minds to recover. Enter the King’s Rouges Lt. Adam Hardacre and his need to find information about an English prisoner that was kept with Nate. Elizabeth has given us a wonderful adventure, full of spies, loot and romance. This is a book that keeps you turning the pages. I cannot wait for the next adventure to appear.
July 11, 2019
Widowed Susannah Linwood has a dark secret after the death of her abusive husband. Now she’s starting a new life for herself as the Queen’s Head Inn new owner. Nathaniel “Nate” Payne a smuggler returns home to Cornwall a nearly broken man after being imprisoned for eight months, freed by an anonymous benefactor. Nate decides writes to the family of a fellow English prisoner, not realizing it is a coded message for The King’s Rogues. Lieutenant Adam Hardacre comes to The Queen’s Head and Nate is recruited. Someone from Suzanna’s past is threatening blackmail. What a roller coaster adventure story, past paced and two people with secrets to hide. I loved this romance filled with action and adventure I voluntarily read and reviewed this excellent book.
July 9, 2019
Loved
Another great book written by Elizabeth Ellen Carter. I love to read books with a mystery and about spies.
The main characters are Susannah Moorcroft, her housekeeper/ friend Peggy, Nate Payne, Clem Pascoe.
Susannah was trying to start a new life after the death of her abusive husband, Jack Moorcroft. She used the money from the sale of her house and moved to St. Sennen and opens up an a place called the Queen’s Head.
Different things start happening and just when Susannah was feeling safe she saw an old friend of her dead husband.
This is a book that I would recommend.
Another great book written by Elizabeth Ellen Carter. I love to read books with a mystery and about spies.
The main characters are Susannah Moorcroft, her housekeeper/ friend Peggy, Nate Payne, Clem Pascoe.
Susannah was trying to start a new life after the death of her abusive husband, Jack Moorcroft. She used the money from the sale of her house and moved to St. Sennen and opens up an a place called the Queen’s Head.
Different things start happening and just when Susannah was feeling safe she saw an old friend of her dead husband.
This is a book that I would recommend.
July 9, 2019
Susannah Linwood has a secret - one that she is hopeful that no one will ever discover. She and her former maid, Peggy, have moved and purchased a tavern. Not realizing that the tavern has changed ownership, Nathaniel Payne returns from his captivity in France and is surprised and intrigued by Mrs. Linwood. But an angry former lover of one of these two is set on revenge. A devious plot is enacted and one of them is set for death.
Once again, Ms. Carter has written a book that must be devoured in one sitting.
Once again, Ms. Carter has written a book that must be devoured in one sitting.
July 16, 2019
Susannah Moorcroft can finally have a life free of abuse after watching her husband drown while fleeing for her life, yes she could have helped him but in the moment it was her life or his. Free at last she leaves her home with her housekeeper buys a neglected Inn and starts over. Nate Payne is a smuggler who finds himself inside a French prison as a guard helps him escape, the guard tells him he has until the count of 5 to run. Susannah and Nate both have secrets can they trust each other enough to move on towards a better life together?
August 5, 2019
Vividly recreated setting on the Cornish coast, with The Queen's Head Inn at the centre of the action this time. The joys and woes of a small community and its characters are endearing and serve as a breather as tension and danger build around the protagonists. I love that the King's Rogues group is slowly expanding and enjoy meeting up with previous characters and seeing what's happening with them.
Love this series of spies, smugglers, and seafaring heroes. And the potential for a Ladies Rogues series led by Lady Abigail feels more possible after this book. Bring it on!
Love this series of spies, smugglers, and seafaring heroes. And the potential for a Ladies Rogues series led by Lady Abigail feels more possible after this book. Bring it on!
October 17, 2019
Love finds a way
Susannah is a woman with a past! Nate or Nathaniel is a man with a past both have made mistakes in dealing with the opposite sex! Susannah runs a respectable inn! Nate was imprisoned for sleeping with another's man's vindictive wife! Unfortunately you can not outrun your past! These two are drawn to each other from the beginning! They are a perfect pair but when their past overtakes them will they open up their hearts or loose more than their relationship!
Susannah is a woman with a past! Nate or Nathaniel is a man with a past both have made mistakes in dealing with the opposite sex! Susannah runs a respectable inn! Nate was imprisoned for sleeping with another's man's vindictive wife! Unfortunately you can not outrun your past! These two are drawn to each other from the beginning! They are a perfect pair but when their past overtakes them will they open up their hearts or loose more than their relationship!
July 9, 2019
Dinge Marshes
Susannah and Nate were bound by secrets and scars you couldn’t see. Sadness, death, prison and spying drew them together in a forever love. You will see Olivia and John Hardacre emerge with the King’s Rogues to excite and lead you on more adventures. WHAT....that traitor Bickmore is loose again?
Susannah and Nate were bound by secrets and scars you couldn’t see. Sadness, death, prison and spying drew them together in a forever love. You will see Olivia and John Hardacre emerge with the King’s Rogues to excite and lead you on more adventures. WHAT....that traitor Bickmore is loose again?
July 16, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
July 20, 2019
Loved it! Gives you a feeling of life in a small English village in the early 1800's. Very descriptive, with lots of intrigue, secrets, and romance.
July 20, 2019
Napoleónic spy mystery a great read
One of the better Napoleónic era smuggling and spy reads out on the market today. Number two in the series rocks.
One of the better Napoleónic era smuggling and spy reads out on the market today. Number two in the series rocks.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews