I wasn't sure what to expect from this book because I've never heard of this author and yes, I did judge this book by it's cover. But, I was pleasantly surprised to unveil a gem! This book is action packed and full of all the things that makes a book into a bestseller! I highly recommend Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea to all lovers of romance.

"Let love be all that you can dare."

Historical, uber romantic, a bit of danger and mystery all take place in this outing from Elizabeth Essex. The language was a bit over the top for me, but overall an enjoyable read.

Really good book I enjoyed the characters. Looking forward to read more books from this author.

It’s a little bit of everything; romance, thrills, adventure, fun moments, intrigue and action. And the effort that the author has given to successfully mix all those bits in one short story is applaudable.
With all those genres all rolled into one, others may think this one has a complicated plot. It’s not like that. I’ve called other books an easy read but this is even an easier read because the storytelling is simple. A fun one too. A fast read that has all you’re looking for in Romance. Maybe the fact that this is a novella ha something to do it. I loved it that the characters aren’t too dramatic. They love each other period. The characters’ development is excellent too.

This novella, though concise in its form, combines different elements of romance, intrigue, historical references and character development in a way that is both consistant and entertaining.

The book starts after our Hero, the local lord's second son and truly a Navy hero of the Napoleonic wars, comes back home in Cornwall after 12 years to convalesce after being injured. Our heroine, the vicar's daughter, has pined after him for as long as he has been away and decides to resort to some old tradition and a little magic to make him fall in love with her. And while our hero helps a friend investigate on a treasonous plot unveloping in the neighborhood of their apparently harmless Cornish village, he does come to see the young girl he had fond memories of as the beautiful, brave and caring woman she has become.

The characterisation of all figures depicted in the story is excellent and contributes to deliver a thrilling suspence as well as a sizzling romance with tangible sensual tension even without explicit sex scenes. I will definitely look for this author's backlist and cannot wait for the rest of this series to be published.

This sweet second chance romance was a perfect one-night read. It takes the reader to Cornwall, where the vicar's daughter, Nessa, and Captain Lord Harry Beck have just re-encountered one another after years apart. The schoolroom friends find themselves in the thick of a smuggling plot while also coming to terms with their feelings for each other. The novella is full of colorful scenery and secondary characters, with just enough action, and has a satisfying conclusion.

Nessa and Harry have adventures and journey to love. Good characters and story line.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions only my own.

I almost did not take this book but I am so glad I did. I loved it. The descriptions were very good and drew you in. The characters were realistic and so full of life. The plot had just enough danger and intrigue to keep you reading. Of course, the way Nessa felt about Captain Beck didn't hurt at all. It did leave a few questions, did anything happen to the town people and what about Gannet's daughter? But a great story, I hope you like it as much as I did. I can't wait till the next one.

Just a quick fun novella, an easy read for a beach day or plane trip. A little mystery, a little romance and its sweet. Lovely little read.

Nessa Teague, the vicar’s daughter has loved Lord Harry Beck most of her life, they practically grew up together her father’s school. Lord Harry Beck is the second son of the Marquis of Halesworth and a decorated sea captain returns to Bocka Morrow. Harry and his friend need to find the smugglers and traitor selling secrets to the French. Harry knows the Nessa the vicar’s daughter is observant and intelligent and she can help in his investigation, while Nessa she has always loved Harry and she’ll try anything including magic to get him to love her. A good short read with a few twist and turns to keep the reader entertained. I voluntarily read the ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest opinion and review.

Elizabeth Essex has done it again! Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is an awesome book. Even though this was my second time reading this book I found I could not put it down until I finished once I started reading.

WOW! Ms. Essex has done it again! I usually find short stories lacking but she has well developed characters, a backstory, & a great plot. The story doesn't fill rushed and what an ending! If you've not read Elizabeth Essex, this is a great story to start!

What a compelling little story! It contained all things that make reading fun -- likable characters, a lovely romance, some criminal activity, a bit of a mystery, a greedy villain, even a little magic. The attraction between Harry and Nessa was straight-forward and mutual. It was only complicated by loyalties (hence the title). This novella was a very fast read for me. It is an example of simple, strong storytelling at its best.

It was okay. It had a pretty good scary part near the end. I can't say that it was excellent, but it was good enough. I don't think I'd pick up another book by this author.

“Devil” is a sweet little novella that introduces the Kent Brothers. With smugglers, a cozy village in England, and, of course a long delayed romance, it hits all the highlights. I look forward to reading more.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is an engaging novel that mixes adventure with romance. Nessa Teague, the rector’s daughter has loved Lord Harry Beck, the second son of the Marquis of Halesworth, since he first studied under her father. Harry was blissfully unaware but when he returns many years later, Nessa wonders what she can do to make him fall in love with her. His return to hear the reading of a will of the Earl of Banfield, see Nessa change her mind about magic. She has always dismissed the magic that surrounds her small village but will do all that it takes to capture Harry’s heart. With all good stories, this does not go according to plan.
This was such a great story and I really loved the haunted Castle Keyvnor. Ms Essex demonstrates the great skill that it takes to write an intricate and enticing novella.

Publisher's Description:

From award winning author Elizabeth Essex comes an enchanting prequel to the Kent Brothers Chronicles...

JUST ONE BITE...
Nessa Teague has never believed in the magic that swirls around her village like a fine Cornish mist. She's never had need of it. Until the day Lord Harry Beck returns to Bocka Morrow and Nessa realizes there is nothing, including the blackest of magic, she won't do to have him for her own.

AND HE COULD BE HERS.
Harry Beck has left the Royal Navy only to find himself shoaled upon the rocky coast of Cornwall, where smugglers haunt every cove and treachery fouls the waters. His best hope to find the traitor selling secrets to the French is to charm the vicar's observant and intelligent daughter, Nessa Teague.

But in a place where loyalty runs deeper than the deep blue sea, they'll need more than charm to uncover the secret plot that threatens their country, and shakes their faith in the power and magic of true love.
A Note From the Publisher
This novella previously appeared in the Vexed anthology. Book 1 of the Kent Brothers Chronicles. Regency Romance.
Advance Praise
"This was my first time reading a book by Elizabeth Essex and it did not disappoint...The ending was great and a bit of a surprise." -Sassy Book Lover

"Filled with adventure, possible treason, magic...

My Thoughts:

This novella which was originally published as part of " Vexed" book #1 of The Haunting of Castle Keyvnor collection but this is my first time reading this particular novella from the collection.
I previously read two others, Romancing the Rogue by Erica Ridley and from book #3 "Mystified" The Mad Countess by Erica Monroe. All of these stories are loosely tied together either by the supposed haunting of the castle or the reading of the will of the late-Earl of Banfield.
This one is tied to the others by the supposed haunting of the castle. We have a mixture of smuggling, possible treason, magic potions and love in this well written novella.
I gave this title 4.75 of 5 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 2 of 5 flames. There are only a few heated kisses involved and the only flames lead to an explosion that kills the traitor and throws our hero and heroine together.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Nessa Teague and Harry Beck practically grew up together and studied at her father’s school. Harry, now Captain Harry Beck, has returned to Bocka Morrow. His family has come for the reading of the late Earl of Banfield’s will. After twelve years of missing and longing for Harry, Ness is determined to find a way to marry him, even if she has to use magic. This story is touching and a little funny, and we get a bonus – danger and a mystery to solve. There are spies, smugglers, and traitors. Harry teams up with Matthew Kent, another Navy Captain, to route out the traitors. Before you know it, Nessa and her sister Tressa join in. By the end of the operation, the whole town is involved. There are ships, smugglers, explosions, and bad guys floating in the water. And then, well, you’re really going to like Harry and Nessa’s next adventure. Elizabeth Essex tells a really good story with bold characters and an exciting (explosive) plot that holds your attention. This one is a really good read.

Lord Harry Beck second son of the Marquis of Halesworth & a decorated sea captain returns to Bocka Morrow along with his father & siblings for the will reading. Nessa Teague the rector’s daughter has never believed in the magic that swirls around her village like a fine Cornish mist. However she has always loved Harry & will try anything including magic to get him to love her. There’s smuggling & treason happening & Harry & his friend need to find the traitor, his best hope to find the traitor selling secrets to the French is to charm the vicar’s observant and intelligent daughter, Nessa Teague.
A well written novella that I read in a sitting. The plot is very well paced & the characters well developed for a short story. Harry & Nessa are delightful & their attraction apparent from the start.
This short story was part of the Vexed anthology