Having read and enjoyed some of Elizabeth Essex’s more recent books, I thought I’d try one of her earlier titles and picked up The Pursuit of Pleasure which is her début novel. Ms. Essex has revised and re-edited this newly republished version (I haven’t read the original, so I can’t say what the changes are), but still, the book suffers from a number of flaws - principally related to the characterisation of the heroine and the development of the romance – that have prevented me from rating it more highly.

Elizabeth Paxton and Jameson Marlowe were childhood sweethearts who haven’t seen each other in almost a decade, ever since Jamie ran off to join the navy when he was just fourteen and broke Lizzie’s heart in the process. Now, a decade later, he’s back in Dartmouth charged with a very secret mission and with a very clear design as to how to accomplish it. But when he sets eyes on Lizzie again and overhears her telling a friend that while she doesn’t want to get married, she’d rather like to be a widow because of the freedom it would afford her, Jamie realises that his schemes could offer up a hitherto unforeseen benefit. He offers Lizzie exactly what she wants, telling her that he will shortly be leaving England for the Antipodes, where he will be stationed for eight years and where the chances he will meet an early death are highly likely. If they marry, Lizzie will have her independence and also the income from the house and lands he has recently purchased – property he doesn’t want to bequeath to his smarmy cousin. Lizzie is a little suspicious at first; all the gain is on her side and she can’t see what Jamie will be getting out of the agreement, but he manages to persuade her and they are married a couple of days later.

Neither of them is really prepared for the passion that sparks between them on their wedding night, and both of them realise that perhaps letting go is going to be harder than they at first thought. But Jamie is committed and leaves on schedule, asking Lizzie to do one thing for him, which is not to live at the house, Glass Cottage, because it is in a state of disrepair and isn’t really fit to be lived in. Lizzie doesn’t understand this, as she has already fallen in love with the place and has designs to put things to rights, but as this is likely the last thing Jamie will ever ask of her, she agrees… until events conspire to change her mind and suspicions begin to take root.

I can’t really say much more about the plot without giving spoilers, although as this is a romance novel, I think it’s fairly obvious that Jamie hasn’t told Lizzie the truth about his plans to sail to the other side of the world. But overall, I’m afraid I liked the IDEA of the story more than the story itself, because in order for it to work, Jamie – who really does care for Lizzie, and can be rather a charming chap – has to treat her really badly and allow her to go through some pretty horrible experiences so that he can carry out his mission to bring down the dangerous smuggling ring that is operating from somewhere near Glass Cottage. I could understand that, as a member of the military, he was operating under orders, but it didn’t make him an easy character to like. Mind you, Lizzie isn’t especially likeable, either, being the sort of heroine who is so set on being independent and doing things Her Way, that she makes poor decisions and doesn’t listen to good advice. Instead of coming off as practical and determined, she frequently seems childish and petulant, and as though she’s doing things because other people don’t want her to rather than because they’re the right thing to do.

The romance storyline occurs primarily in the first half of the book, because the two protagonists are separated for most of the second. I enjoy friends-to-lovers stories, but it seems to me that Ms. Essex has used their previous association as a kind of “shorthand”, because the relationship is never really developed. Jamie and Lizzie see each other again and both suffer a bad case of insta-lust, but other than the physical, it’s difficult to see what attracts them to one another. Jamie likes Lizzie’s spirit and respects her desire for independence (good for him on that one) and Lizzie feels that Jamie is the one person who really knows and understands her – but these are things we’re told and asked to accept, rather than things we can experience along with the characters.

The smuggling plotline which drives the second half of The Pursuit of Pleasure is intriguing, although the identity of the villains is pretty obvious from the start, and there are a number of inconsistencies which took me out of the story on several occasions. The storyline has a lot of potential, but falls down in the execution, and that, combined with the not-too-likeable characters and weak romance make this a book I can’t really recommend.

Grade: C- / 2.5 stars

This book kept me more than mildly engaged and wanting to read out all of the twists and turns until the very end. Could have had a little more substantial characters, but ultimately not bad.

I read this series out of order, just now getting to #1 of the Dartmouth Brides, after reading with pleasure numbers 2 and 3. Although there are some cute tie-ins, this series can definitely be read out of order.

Enjoy setting sail with Lizzie Paxton and her childhood love John Marlowe, now all grown up and on a mission to trap traitors on the English coast. Lizzie is tough, smart, and yearning to be free of her parents and their stifling expectations. John’s motives are more complicated, and take up a good part of the beginning of the book.

This was another entertaining read from Elizabeth Essex, who has made it to my “must buy” list with this series.

Elizabeth wants the freedom unknown of her time, a marriage of convenience without the hassle and no love to clutter. Jameson supplies the marriage of convenience but can these two come together with all the secrets that abound.
Enjoy this author's books. This is the first of the Dartmouth brides.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

'The Pursuit of Pleasure' by Elizabeth Essex is book One in the "Dartmouth Brides" series. This is the story of James and Lizzie. Please beware that this book was originally released in 2010 and now being re-released with a updated cover.
James and Lizzie were once childhood friends but then James went left he didn't come back for 10 years. Now he is back and thinks to marry Lizzie to keep his estate safe while he is on a mission. But unknown to her she thinks she is marrying him and just a back up plan if something does happen to him. But this deception leads to Lizzie getting into trouble and when her husband comes back she makes him aware of all the damage he has done. Can he get her to ever forgive him?
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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A good old fashion historical romance. I loved Lizzie. Her spirit and spunk made me smile and cheer her on. She is a feisty girl with a love for adventure and her childhood sweetheart.

I love a strong female main character and a male character who recognizes her strength and respects and compliments it. This book had both. If you enjoy romance novels - especially historical ones, I definitely recommend this read.

I liked the beginning but did not like the H/h relationship later on. She is too selfish at points and he is a jerk. I also don't like profanity and don't think it is needed in a historical romance book. I have like other E. Essex books a lot so was disappointed in this one.

Great Book!! If you are an Outlander fan this book is a must read!!!

Wanted to like this but couldn't find much to like. I didn't feel any connection between the couple.

The story started off with great sexual tension between James, the hero and Lizzie, the heroine. The hero was a bit easier to understand than the heroine as he is on a mission. Lizzie is very independent and as a result is a bit unexpected in how she responds to events. I liked that despite her fears she perseveres. I thought the ending to this story was good.

There were some unanswered questions in this story that I hope get answered in future stories.

I was interested in reading this book, based upon the description. However, after forcing myself to finish it, I was disappointed in the book. The main characters were annoying and silly. Eliza was supposed to be so headstrong and independent but just came across as shrewish and unlikable. She did not want a real marriage but wanted to be a widow. In truth, she did not need to concern herself with the issue of marriage, as no man would have been able to tolerate more than a few minutes of her company. The male character, Jamie, was no better. I know that we were supposed to pity him for what Eliza's father did to him when he was a teen, but his adult behavior was deplorable. In addition, I wanted more backstory about their friendship. The very brief, and interrupted, line Jamie uttered, towards the end of the book about Eliza's act that led to his banishment, did not nearly explain the situation. Why did she do it? It was difficult to believe that she would have committed such an act.

In regards to the plot, I solved the case early into the book and read along, just to see if I was correct in my deductions about the smugglers. Yes, I was right...

Finally, note to the author, please,oh please, find another phrase besides cursing one's eyes. I started to count the number of times that the phrase was utilized but gave up after there were just so many of those occasions.

Lizzie Paxton wants freedom to do what she wants and being a widow will allow her those freedom she desires. Captain James Marlowe knows his future is uncertain in the Navy and he offers Lizzie the freedom she craves and he wants someone to secure his house if he dies. So when her childhood friend, Captain James Marlowe proposes a marriage in name only, she accepts knowing he will be at sea with the Royal Navy and she will have certain freedoms she desires. Jamie must deceive Lizzie about his mission when he fakes his death to that he can set a trap for some smugglers that are using his land. Lizzie finds out about the ultimate betrayal. A captivating story of two friends who become closer as they share a night of passion neither expected. Can they overcome the ultimate betrayal and learn to trust each other to have the love they both desire and deserve.
I received an ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

"The Pursuit of Pleasure was originally published in 2010. This new edition has been revised and reedited. This book was a 2009 Golden Heart finalist with the Romance Writers of America."

The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex is an enticing Historical Fiction set in 1794 Dartmouth. Book 1 in the "Dartmouth Brides" series.

This is the story of Miss Elizabeth Paxton, aka Lizzie, a heiress and very independent woman. And, Captain Jameson Marlowe, aka James, who is returning to Dartmouth after being gone for a few years. He proposes to Lizzie, a marriage of convenience, where she will quickly become a widow. A night of passion sparks more then either, Lizzie or James wanted or expected. But will it spark a HEA? Can a marriage of convenience -childhood friends - to lovers, bring love, peace and happiness to this couple?

Mystery, suspense, danger, possibly treason, smugglers, secrets, lies and romance, makes for an enticing story.
This story is told from the main character's perspectives, which at times is a bit confusing, but easy to figure out what's happening. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but was still an enjoyable and satisfying read. The characters were a bit selfish to start with, but came around quickly to know what they wanted. The plot was a bit unique. "The Pursuit of Pleasure" was a sensual read, steady paced, with a few twists and turns but definitely, a read I would strongly recommend. I enjoy Elizabeth Essex's writing, her characterizations and her stories are engaging, somewhat different in tone, but fully understandable, and a joy to read. I look forward to Book 2, as well.

An enjoyable and enticingly intriguing story of passion, love, genuine dialogue and the clever plot, will have readers turning pages, as they learn the fate of Lizzie and James. A great read!
I received a complimentary copy.

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR

I'm really 0n the fence with this book. I really liked the premise and it made the story really promising. I liked the characters right off the bat but once I got to the middle of the book, I was lost. I couldn't even focus on reading it because I was so annoyed with the characters. Lizzie who comes off as strong and independent becomes a blubbering idiot. Jamie is just eh. I feel like this could have been a really good book if the author focused more on the mystery aspect of the story. Instead of Jamie lying to Lizzie, he could have included her in his attempts to uncover the smugglers. Unfortunately, the whole thing just fell rather flat for me. It was pretty obvious who the "bad guys" were. There was plenty of heat so I will give the author that. It would have been nice to have maybe some flashbacks of Jamie and Lizzie growing up together, to better understand the dynamics of their relationship. The characters are fairly well developed but their chemistry isn't and I think getting a glimpse into their past might have helped the chemistry. All in all I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

I read the original version of this book years ago and gave it a 5 star rating. I can honestly say that I have no idea what was changed/revised in this edition, but I think I was either feeling generous years ago or I have become pickier as I have aged - because I didn't feel like this was a 5 star read. It was good - solid 4 stars, but definitely not 5.

Lizzie and James aka Jamie have a history. They were the best of friends as children and starting to become more when Jamie ups and leaves for the Navy without a word.

Ten years later he is back and he is on a mission. He approaches Lizzie with a proposition - he will marry her to keep his property and fortune from his no-good cousin and in turn he will leave her a widow. Lizzie accepts because she wants to be independent and being a widow is just the ticket.

These two marry and share an incredible night of passion. Jamie leaves for his mission within days, but makes Lizzie promise to stay in town and not at the cottage. He has his reasons and the reader is privy to them, but Lizzie isn't.

Within weeks of his departure, Lizzie is informed of his death. She is heartbroken and decides to go to the cottage to feel closer to his memory. From here the story really takes off. There are so many secrets and twists in the story that at times it is hard to keep up.

The book is good, but feels a little disjointed. I know Lizzie and Jamie are in love, but the story really lacked romance - but that was more about the personalities of Lizzie and Jamie than any flaw in the writing. They simply are not lovey-dovey type of characters.

I did like the book and I would have no problem recommending it!

Elizabeth Paxton wants to remain single or be a widow. Her childhood friend after being gone for years in the Navy now offers her the position as widow. He is even offering a home of her own. The Glass Cottage is everything she has wanted. Jamie Marlow has always loved Lizzie and gives her all he promised but she wants t0 move into the cottage right now and he is wanting her as far away as possible while they are using the house to catch smugglers. He loves her and has made her a widow as he pretends to be dead but can he keep her safe?

This is a newly revised edition of the book

Lizzie Paxton's dream in life is to be a widow - if only she could skip the wedding and the husband. When her childhood friend CommanderJames Marlowe proposes a marriage in name only, she accepts, knowing she'll have the independence she craves once he sets sail. Though James is the only man Lizzie trusts, she doesn't trust the scintillating desire he evokes in her. James knows he shouldn't get involved with anyone, especially with his uncertain future. But he just can't help himself when he overhears Lizzie's declaration. Though he's promised her a marriage of convenience, he wastes no time in seducing her and taking her over the precipice of desire. Yet not even his beautiful wife can deter him from his cause. But when Lizzie discovers her husband has deceived her, James must choose between devotion to duty and loyalty to the woman he cannot live without.
A page turning novel that I was loathe to put down. The characters are well portrayed, Jamie has bought Glass Cottage with his winnings from being in the navy, the house is in need of renovation & Lizzie is determined to do this. She wants to remain at the cottage, as it’s her link with Jamie. The pace of the story is very good, as well as romance there’s a murder to be solved & the being set on the coast there is a smuggling ring to capture