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Gems of London #2
A Curio for the Count
To find his future he must own his past...
Raised as an Englishman, Armand Danger, Comte de Ytres, is troubled by a dream from his childhood that leaves him speculating on his French past.
He is convinced an elaborate clock belonging to his late father, executed in the French Revolution, holds the answers he seeks.
Miss Jade Bridges works as a valuer in her family's London antiques shop and auction house. One day she receives mysterious letter from an anonymous client willing to pay any price for a very specific statue clock.
While in pursuit of the clock, Jade and Armand meet and there's immediate attraction. But how can it amount to anything when they are rivals for the very same object?
As the couple grow closer and attraction deepens, they agree to join forces to find the timepiece together.
Then an antiques dealer is killed. It appears someone else is willing to extract a fatal price to possess the clock for themselves.
What is it about this curio for the count that someone is willing to commit murder for it?
Raised as an Englishman, Armand Danger, Comte de Ytres, is troubled by a dream from his childhood that leaves him speculating on his French past.
He is convinced an elaborate clock belonging to his late father, executed in the French Revolution, holds the answers he seeks.
Miss Jade Bridges works as a valuer in her family's London antiques shop and auction house. One day she receives mysterious letter from an anonymous client willing to pay any price for a very specific statue clock.
While in pursuit of the clock, Jade and Armand meet and there's immediate attraction. But how can it amount to anything when they are rivals for the very same object?
As the couple grow closer and attraction deepens, they agree to join forces to find the timepiece together.
Then an antiques dealer is killed. It appears someone else is willing to extract a fatal price to possess the clock for themselves.
What is it about this curio for the count that someone is willing to commit murder for it?
- GenresHistorical Romance
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2023
25 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
58 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 24, 2023
I found this story entertaining. Jade and Armand brought most of the entertainment as well as the excitement. There were a few moments I found a bit humorous. These moments are when Armand goes on the hunt for the precious artifact. The book is an easy reader and a page turner. The characters are charming and whimsical.
February 24, 2023
An original clock plays an important part in Armand Danger's nightmares. Fleeing France as a child with his mother, Armand searches for answers with the help of Miss Jade Bridges, a valuer in her family's antique shop and auction house. Someone else is looking for the clock. As the Count de Ytres, Armand uses his title to open doors for his investigation. Only a trip to France to talk to his Maman will give him answers, but he won't leave without Jade as his wife. Mystery, murder and a key. Not much of a surprise to the identity of Mr. Smith. Some open bedroom door.
January 18, 2023
Raised as an Englishman, Armand Danger, Comte de Ytres, is troubled by a dream from his childhood that leaves him speculating on his French past. He is convinced an elaborate clock belonging to his late father, executed in the French Revolution, holds the answers he seeks. Miss Jade Bridges works as a valuer in her family's London antiques shop and auction house. One day she receives mysterious letter from an anonymous client willing to pay any price for a very specific statue clock. While in pursuit of the clock, Jade and Armand meet and there's immediate attraction. As the couple grow closer and attraction deepens, they agree to join forces to find the timepiece together.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. a well written book that drew me in & I found it very hard to put down. The pace was good & the characters well portrayed. I really liked both Armand & Jade who were attracted to each other from their first meeting but they were from very different backgrounds. I loved the mix of romance & mystery & was engrossed & captivating wanting there to be a HEA & the mystery surrounding the clock to be revealed. An exciting, page turning novel
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. a well written book that drew me in & I found it very hard to put down. The pace was good & the characters well portrayed. I really liked both Armand & Jade who were attracted to each other from their first meeting but they were from very different backgrounds. I loved the mix of romance & mystery & was engrossed & captivating wanting there to be a HEA & the mystery surrounding the clock to be revealed. An exciting, page turning novel
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 10, 2023
A clock with a secret and a lot of replicas! This book gives bits a pieces of the the Danger family history as Armand dreams about events that happened when his was 3. If he could only figure out what the clock means.
I really liked the danger and romance along the way in searching for the clock. What a perfect combo. The romance between Jade and Armand just seemed easy. He kept coming into her shop/auction to furnish his home and then they became partners in crime in looking for the clock.
My favorite part of the book was definitely the costume party. I don't know what had me pulled into the book more, the sneaking around or the steamy romance.
The clock and this book was the key to good time!
Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I really liked the danger and romance along the way in searching for the clock. What a perfect combo. The romance between Jade and Armand just seemed easy. He kept coming into her shop/auction to furnish his home and then they became partners in crime in looking for the clock.
My favorite part of the book was definitely the costume party. I don't know what had me pulled into the book more, the sneaking around or the steamy romance.
The clock and this book was the key to good time!
Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
January 11, 2023
Danger, Intrigue and romance while looking for a clock that answer's questions about Armand's past and family. The romance between Jade and Armand built gradually over 6 months as he shopped for furniture for his home. I was intrigued from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. I hadn't read the first book but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this story. Loved it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 25, 2023
A Curio for the Count by Elizabeth Ellen Carter was just enough different to make it a really good Regency romance. Count Armand Danger lived with his stepbrother, Charles who was an earl, and his wife, Arabella. It was a good life. Charles’ father had died several years earlier and Armand’s mother had returned to France from whence she and Armand had fled during the revolution. The only fly in the ointment was that Arabella was constantly after him to marry, and did her best to introduce him to appropriate women. It was getting on his nerves. One day he saw an advertisement for an auction made up of furniture and household goods as well as curios. He decided to attend and there he felt comfortable. He bought some furniture and then realized he need a place to put it and so he bought a townhouse. He continued to return to the auction and made friends there, including one of the owners, Jade, who started tipping him off to good deals, and things she thought he would like. Eventually the townhouse was fully furnished and Armand moved in. That did not keep Arabella from finding women for him. He had been having dreams all his life about the night he and his mother had fled. He saw his father and a clock and a giant woman and the house of the dead. He couldn’t put it all together. Until he saw the clock at the auction house. He bid on it but lost. He needed to look at it so he followed the man who had purchased it. This started a firestorm of events.
This book had an excellent plot. In the stories about the war with Napoleon and after never mention any of the French refugees that flooded England, many of them Aristocracy. It was refreshing to read about this character. He was a lovely man and well-written as was the love of his life, Jade, although I thought she tamed considerably after her marriage, which I didn’t love. The plot was good and most of it possible. It was a well-written book with red herrings and wonderful details along the way. I liked it!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Curio for the Count by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #ElizabethEllenCarter #ACurioForTheCount
This book had an excellent plot. In the stories about the war with Napoleon and after never mention any of the French refugees that flooded England, many of them Aristocracy. It was refreshing to read about this character. He was a lovely man and well-written as was the love of his life, Jade, although I thought she tamed considerably after her marriage, which I didn’t love. The plot was good and most of it possible. It was a well-written book with red herrings and wonderful details along the way. I liked it!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Curio for the Count by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #ElizabethEllenCarter #ACurioForTheCount
January 26, 2023
4.25 stars. This is an excellent Regency romance by an underrated writer, and unfortunately it seems to be a bit under the radar. I will admit I missed the first book in this series, so may have to backtrack. This one works fine as a standalone, though, and has a intriguing plot involving a Count living in England with a family connection to the French aristocracy, and Jade Bridges, an independent woman who works as a valuer in an auction house. Their lives become intertwined as both end up searching for the same rare clock, which Count Armand Danger knows originally belonged to his family and is intent on recovering.
I felt the MC's and their relationship were very well developed; they come across as a realistic couple instead of falling into cookie-cutter stereotypes. As usual for this author, there are interesting historical insights and the plot is nicely paced. What stood out to me, outside of the romance, were the inside details of Jade's job, and how strongly you empathize with the Danger family's losses at the end (yes, the last name is a bit silly, but don't let it turn you off from reading the book). Jade's relationship with her brother was also refreshing, as so many HR's I've read lately feature an overbearing or emotionally weak brother.
If I'm going to nitpick, I would just say that I expected Jade to stay a bit feistier through the second half of the book and not give up her vocation so easily due to marriage. I know it's realistic for that time period, but it's a bit of a bummer. Also, I couldn't quite get a handle on Armand's sister-in-law and the woman she set up him with last. I wondered if they were meant to play a larger role in the storyline but the author changed her mind?
The heat level is a 2-3. Nothing too graphic or over-the-top, but there is a nicely spicy scene at a risque costume party. Love scenes are tastefully written.
If you're someone looking for a bit of mystery and steam in your next HR, I would definitely recommend this book.
I felt the MC's and their relationship were very well developed; they come across as a realistic couple instead of falling into cookie-cutter stereotypes. As usual for this author, there are interesting historical insights and the plot is nicely paced. What stood out to me, outside of the romance, were the inside details of Jade's job, and how strongly you empathize with the Danger family's losses at the end (yes, the last name is a bit silly, but don't let it turn you off from reading the book). Jade's relationship with her brother was also refreshing, as so many HR's I've read lately feature an overbearing or emotionally weak brother.
If I'm going to nitpick, I would just say that I expected Jade to stay a bit feistier through the second half of the book and not give up her vocation so easily due to marriage. I know it's realistic for that time period, but it's a bit of a bummer. Also, I couldn't quite get a handle on Armand's sister-in-law and the woman she set up him with last. I wondered if they were meant to play a larger role in the storyline but the author changed her mind?
The heat level is a 2-3. Nothing too graphic or over-the-top, but there is a nicely spicy scene at a risque costume party. Love scenes are tastefully written.
If you're someone looking for a bit of mystery and steam in your next HR, I would definitely recommend this book.
January 23, 2023
What a journey this author takes us on. This had everything for me in a story to hold my interest. Romance, unknown villains, mystery, suspense, twists, some violence and ups and downs to their HEA.
The h works alongside her brother in an auction house. They are not nobility but certainly caters to them. She walks freely between the working class and the nobility. But, she knows her place is with the working class.
The H is a Count from France. His father was murdered and the H left France with his mother when he was 3. As an adult he starts having nightmares about the last time he saw his dad. This story is so emotional with the memories he has. He remembers the last time he saw his father he was do something with a clock. That is where the story takes off. Who has the clock, is it real or just a nightmare memory?
The H/h fit together perfectly and it takes each a long time to realize they are meant for each other. There romance was perfect, not rushed and builds at the right pace. There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4+ out of 5 and only described a couple times in detail. It was filled with love and passion.
The last chapter before the epilogue had me in tears - which rarely happens. Plus the epilogue was a cherry on top!
No cheating, stand alone story, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and some spice. I would love to have a story on the h's brother. I recommend this story and author. (ljb)
The h works alongside her brother in an auction house. They are not nobility but certainly caters to them. She walks freely between the working class and the nobility. But, she knows her place is with the working class.
The H is a Count from France. His father was murdered and the H left France with his mother when he was 3. As an adult he starts having nightmares about the last time he saw his dad. This story is so emotional with the memories he has. He remembers the last time he saw his father he was do something with a clock. That is where the story takes off. Who has the clock, is it real or just a nightmare memory?
The H/h fit together perfectly and it takes each a long time to realize they are meant for each other. There romance was perfect, not rushed and builds at the right pace. There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4+ out of 5 and only described a couple times in detail. It was filled with love and passion.
The last chapter before the epilogue had me in tears - which rarely happens. Plus the epilogue was a cherry on top!
No cheating, stand alone story, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and some spice. I would love to have a story on the h's brother. I recommend this story and author. (ljb)
January 16, 2023
An intriguing novel that makes one take notice of the effects of war on young children and the devastation on the lives of the people who become victims of mob violence. My heart ached for Armand as he tried to make sense of the nightmares that plagued him, leaving him questioning whether his dreams are real or fear-induced memories. At the center of the plot is a beautiful custom-made clock, the search for which brings Armand, Comte de Ypres, into Miss Jade Bridges and her brother's antique business. Even at their initial meeting, the attraction between Armand and Jade is clear, but they come from two different worlds, making the possibility of a match almost impossible. With Armand's sister-in-law determined to see Armand married, he has to tread carefully so as not to offend her, but also to allow him time and space to examine his relationship with Jade. With other parties also seeking out the clock, the plot becomes suspenseful and reeks of betrayal. I loved both Armand and risk-taking Jade, and despite their different characteristics, they are perfect for one another. Armand's dreams eventually lead him to the truth and he and Jade find their future happiness. I received a copy of this well-written and exciting romance as a gift through DragonBlade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 2, 2023
This was an entertaining and enjoyable addition to the Gems of London series. The book can be read as a standalone, so you don't have to read the first one to follow this, but the series has been delightful so far, so I would definitely recommend reading both. Armand and his mother fled France during the revolution and came to England when he was a young boy. A dream from his childhood keeps nagging at him and he is anxious to find out about his French past. He is in search of a specific clock that just may give him answers about his family.
Jade works in her family's antique shop and auction house. Armand has been frequenting the shop to furnish his new home. While at an auction, he sees the clock from his dream, but loses when he places a bid on it. Jade also receives a mysterious letter regarding the clock. As the two team up to find it, someone else is also searching for the it. Danger and intrigue followed them, and in the midst of it all, a romance between them began to blossom. This story was definitely a page-turner with an interesting and intriguing plot and I could not put it down. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed following their story. Great read!
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Jade works in her family's antique shop and auction house. Armand has been frequenting the shop to furnish his new home. While at an auction, he sees the clock from his dream, but loses when he places a bid on it. Jade also receives a mysterious letter regarding the clock. As the two team up to find it, someone else is also searching for the it. Danger and intrigue followed them, and in the midst of it all, a romance between them began to blossom. This story was definitely a page-turner with an interesting and intriguing plot and I could not put it down. The characters were well-developed and I enjoyed following their story. Great read!
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
January 8, 2023
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I came into this without having read the first book in the series, but I did not find that to be a problem. Although the events of the two books appear to overlap somewhat, they do not require you to read them both in order to follow what is going on. I am fairly new to this author having only previously read a few novellas of hers in Dragonblade collections, but so far I have really liked what I have read from her. I found I was fully drawn in right from the prologue and my interest never wavered. Armand and Jade are such interesting characters and make for a really good team. I really liked that their romance grew over many weeks and developed very naturally. The mystery surrounding the clock adds a little extra drama and I always like a good mystery. I also liked that Armand truly loves Jade for who she is and never tries to change her. Even when he is telling her he thinks she has done something wrong or without thinking it through he is also showing that he will always have her back. I really liked Jade's brother - the perfect balance of loving and exasperated.
I came into this without having read the first book in the series, but I did not find that to be a problem. Although the events of the two books appear to overlap somewhat, they do not require you to read them both in order to follow what is going on. I am fairly new to this author having only previously read a few novellas of hers in Dragonblade collections, but so far I have really liked what I have read from her. I found I was fully drawn in right from the prologue and my interest never wavered. Armand and Jade are such interesting characters and make for a really good team. I really liked that their romance grew over many weeks and developed very naturally. The mystery surrounding the clock adds a little extra drama and I always like a good mystery. I also liked that Armand truly loves Jade for who she is and never tries to change her. Even when he is telling her he thinks she has done something wrong or without thinking it through he is also showing that he will always have her back. I really liked Jade's brother - the perfect balance of loving and exasperated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
Armand Danger, Comte de Ytres, is troubled by a dream from his childhood that leaves him speculating on his French past. He wonders whether the clock owned by his father, executed during the French Revolution, holds the answers he seeks. He enlists the aid of Miss Jade Bridges, an English valuer, at first proposing to purchase the clock. As the couple begin to work together to find the timepiece, their attraction grows. Yet it seems that they are not the only ones in search of the clock, leading them to fear for their lives.
The story was well paced, with plenty of romance and mystery mixed in. The book gets straight into the hunt for the clock, and gradually reveals both characters’ pasts. I found myself engaged from the very start, and whilst being part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone story.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story was well paced, with plenty of romance and mystery mixed in. The book gets straight into the hunt for the clock, and gradually reveals both characters’ pasts. I found myself engaged from the very start, and whilst being part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone story.
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 21, 2023
Miss Jade Bridges has worked in the family business for years but has never had such a unusual request before.
Count Armand Danger has nightmares about fleeing the revolution in France. A chance visit to an auction house makes him realise there are discoveries he must make.
This is a fun filled historical romance with a fascinating mystery to solve. All the characters are wonderful and different from those we normally read about. How can one old clock cause so much trouble? There is a little danger to go with the excitement.
Although this is part of a series each book is totally separate from the others. They have both been very enjoyable and I will definitely be reading any more that are to come.
Great fun.
Count Armand Danger has nightmares about fleeing the revolution in France. A chance visit to an auction house makes him realise there are discoveries he must make.
This is a fun filled historical romance with a fascinating mystery to solve. All the characters are wonderful and different from those we normally read about. How can one old clock cause so much trouble? There is a little danger to go with the excitement.
Although this is part of a series each book is totally separate from the others. They have both been very enjoyable and I will definitely be reading any more that are to come.
Great fun.
June 22, 2023
A bit of a slow start, but definitely worth persevering with. Carter's writing is beautiful, as always, and I love the historical details. So much research, yet never bogging down the story. Oddly enough, the protagonists' undercover exploration of the debauched peer's house during a party (orgy?) was far more erotic than the later love scene between H and H. Perhaps a few loose ends in this story (e.g. what's the deal with the mysterious man-hating baroness?), but still an entertaining and delightfully romantic read.
March 20, 2025
Can Jade and Armand solve the mystery of his nightmares and the clock that features in them
Jade Bridges works in the family auction house and has been commissioned to find the original version of a specific clock.
Armand Danger, Comte de Ytres escaped the French Revolution with his mother who subsequently married an English lord and raised him as part of the family alongside his own son.
The Jade and Armand must resolve the mysteries behind a series of increasingly threatening events to discover the truth of his inheritance.
Jade Bridges works in the family auction house and has been commissioned to find the original version of a specific clock.
Armand Danger, Comte de Ytres escaped the French Revolution with his mother who subsequently married an English lord and raised him as part of the family alongside his own son.
The Jade and Armand must resolve the mysteries behind a series of increasingly threatening events to discover the truth of his inheritance.
February 4, 2023
Excellent
Absolutely superb! The characters are extremely well written! They have wonderful backstories that help the reader to see their intelligence, emotional strength, and to appreciate their interactions with others! The plot is complex, however the story flows smoothly, allowing the reader to enjoy the nuances, that help to build the suspense that builds to the very end! Well done, Ms. Carter, well done!
Absolutely superb! The characters are extremely well written! They have wonderful backstories that help the reader to see their intelligence, emotional strength, and to appreciate their interactions with others! The plot is complex, however the story flows smoothly, allowing the reader to enjoy the nuances, that help to build the suspense that builds to the very end! Well done, Ms. Carter, well done!
May 8, 2023
Told from the point of view of both Count Armand Danger and Miss Jade Bridges, this historical thriller has it all: danger, romance, and intrigue.
Read full review in the 2023 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 23, 2023
Jade and Armand meet at Her family’s auction house and develop a flirty friendship which leads to a joint effort to find a particular clock. This was a decent read, but I kind of found it a chore to get through. It read kind of bland to me; the romance was slow moving, there was not much drama surrounding the search for the missing clock, and I felt the characters lacked a bit of depth. The previous book I rated much higher and I remember the story being a bit more entertaining and quick. Even more angsty. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews