A former slave finds danger, intrigue, and passion undercover as a spy in first of this Civil War–era romance series from an award-winning author. Elle Burns is a former slave with a passion for justice and an eidetic memory. Trading in her life of freedom in Massachusetts, she returns to the indignity of slavery in the South—to spy for the Union Army. Malcolm McCall is a detective for … is a detective for Pinkerton’s Secret Service. Subterfuge is his calling, but he’s facing his deadliest mission yet—risking his life to infiltrate a Rebel enclave in Virginia.
Two undercover agents who share a common cause—and an undeniable attraction—Malcolm and Elle join forces when they discover a plot that could turn the tide of the war in the Confederacy’s favor. Caught in a tightening web of wartime intrigue, and fighting a fiery and forbidden love, Malcolm and Elle must make their boldest move to preserve the Union at any cost—even if it means losing each other. . .
An Entertainment Weekly TOP 10 ROMANCE BOOKS OF THE YEAR
A Bookpage TOP PICK
A Kirkus BEST BOOKS OF 2017
A Vulture TOP 10 ROMANCE BOOKS OF 2017
A Publishers Weekly BEST BOOKS OF 2017
A Booklist TOP 10 ROMANCE FICTION 2017
“Richly detailed setting, heart-stopping plot, and unforgettable characters.” —Deanna Raybourn, New York Times–bestselling author
“You should absolutely read this book, immediately, if you haven’t already. . . . This book is a marvelous, intelligent, respectful, breathtaking treat for your brain.” —Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
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! I loved this book. There was so much danger going on, too! Kept me riveted. I will certainly pick up the next in the series and recommend it for any historical romance lover. Actually, for any romantic suspense lover!
I loved this book. First of all, it was so powerful to read about the Civil War via this book. My favorite part about reading is the virtual reality aspect of it, and I really got to experience a different world through Elle and Malcolm’s eyes. Add to that the “will they/won’t they” of Elle and Malcolm’s romance (which had a number of challenges) with the uncertainty of the war, and it made for a potent read.
I’ve had various people over the years compare my writing style to others’, and when I try those authors I usually feel it’s not a good match, occasionally that it’s even a little insulting. This time I’ll take it as a compliment. Alyssa Cole has written a well-crafted historical romance — right there, I’m not sure I could manage that — with two vividly intelligent main characters, interesting minor characters, sharp dialogue, hotter sex scenes than mine, and a similar tendency to occasionally reach for comedy at times when melodrama might have been expected. Oh, man, I ADORE the “wedding” in this book, and not for anything the least bit sentimental about it. This was my first Alyssa Cole, but it won’t be my last. Also, at a time when you could argue we’re STILL fighting the Civil War, even in bizarre places like the Romance Writers of America, this book is particularly timely.
A courageous heroine and gentle hero start as reluctant allies and end as a powerful team conducting vital espionage in the American Civil War. To say nothing of their sensual and emotional chemistry together!
This is the first book I’ve read by Alyssa Cole, but it certainly won’t be my last. I loved the main character, Elle. I’m a sucker for characters who have some special gift or talent, and hers is amazing. I also loved Malcolm, the detective Elle falls in love with. The details and historical elements of this book were amazing. I felt like I was there, and it gave great insight into a view of what life must have been like for slaves during the civil war. This is a smart, interesting, romantic book, with a strong main character and a story line that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Not a fan of romance novels, I thought I could read this historical romance because of the setting. A black woman and a white man team up to thwart the South during the Civil War. I almost gave up on the book in the beginning of the relationship between Elle and Malcolm. The romantic overtures were almost too much for me! They finally ironed things out, though, and the story became much more pleasant for me. The ending was satisfactory and I plan to read the next book in the series.
There just aren’t enough days in the year for all the hours I’d like to be reading books like this. Books that teach me and take me away and break my heart and do the hard work of reminding the world that love is love and everyone deserves a happily-ever-after, of course.
Fold the laundry and wash the dishes. Get your take-out delivered before you pick up this book—because you won’t put it down until you’ve read every page.
An Extraordinary Union is a great historical romance with suspense and insight into the period. Highly recommend!
An interesting tale of derring-do and heartfelt romance. I loved Elle, in particular!
This weekend I read An Extraordinary Union, by Alyssa Cole. I started this book Saturday and just finished it–so you know, basically I inhaled it. It’s got everything: forbidden love, great historical detail, believable characters, and high stakes action. Read my whole review here: https://www.cgockelwrites.com/2018/03/18/an-extraordinary-union/
Great characters and a HUGE conflict so deftly handled. I couldn’t stop reading until Elle and Malcolm got their happy ending!
Damn Good Read
Well written account of a Black woman with photographic memory and a Scottish man who are both spies for the Union during the Civil War. I think Cole did a good job of balancing the romance and spy aspects of the book along with creating engaging characters with interesting backgrounds. Several irksome issues were: the heroine’s constant griping and whining about being a slave while she was under cover, her constant musings about her best friend and ex-lover and the character Susie, who’s personality was overly exaggerated. Although at times, it was slow, I enjoyed this historical fiction read.
Ignore the reviewers that complained the amount of sex overshadowed the book. The first sexual encounter (more like heavy petting) was at 46% and they didn’t have sex until the 59% mark, then a H.J. at 67%. I don’t think it was too much sex for a 300+ page book and it was beautifully done.
Hopefully book two will answer a few unfinished threads from book one: What happened to Daniel after he was freed? What happened to the family after the fire?
Incredible history, stunning story.
I love historical fiction, and this was a good one. Romance, intrigue, danger. Great book!