Despite living at her father’s inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be. When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious … notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father’s death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharade, Jonas’s life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler’s daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.
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This easy-to-read, historical romance set in Lower Kilbury, Kent, in the late 1700s grabbed my interest from the first and kept it to the end. A mysterious gold pendant, a gang of smugglers, a young woman fleeing from a fateful arranged marriage and an abusive father, and a nobleman in pursuit of justice make for a captivating, adventurous narrative. The story flows at a fitting pace with a few surprises thrown in, and the characters are well-developed and believable. Vivid descriptive language transports the reader to the scene and captures the action. The romance develops slowly and sweetly. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
With great historical details, great characters, and a fast-paced plot with a bit of a mystery, this book is well-written and well-edited from start to finish. There wasn’t ever a point that the story lagged; every scene really worked to further the story and provide pertinent information about the characters and the plot. Elizabeth is a quiet character but she is brave and has strength she’s not even aware of, while Jonas is the consummate good guy, using his advantages in life to make things better. I really enjoyed seeing them working together and taking care of one another.
Great story. 4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This extraordinary book was excellently crafted. I loved the depth of the characters main and side, and the hint of mystery to keep you on your toes. The plot flowed and seamlessly incorporated historical details. A delightful read – just left me wondering which of the nobility involved with the smugglers gave it the title?!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Very much enjoyed this book. Loved both the main characters and how they cared for each other the best they could. I love how Elizabeth managed to stay apart from the smuggling despite growing up surrounded by it thanks be to her blessed mother. Loved how Jonas was willing to step into the fray of smuggling to do what was right. And I loved their relationship with each other. Also loved his sister and mother.
I think the only thing I didn’t like was that I would have preferred he confess his love for her earlier in the story despite what society would say. While it was important for her to be comfortable enough to step into a life with him, wouldn’t it have been wonderful if he’d confessed before she was worthy in the eyes of society? But still, he was pretty swoony and I was happy they got their happily ever after.
Sex: no, but sleezy leering and innuendo.
Language: no
Violence: yes, not horribly graphic but people are murdered before the story starts, Jonas is shot, Elizabeth is beaten by her horrible father.
*I received a complementary copy of this book through Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.
Sian Ann Bessey has done it again! Weaving a masterful tale of history and character, you won’t want to stop reading even after the story ends!
Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount of Langton, has lived in the shadow of his father’s death almost 20 years prior. Set to make things right, Jonas joins the smuggling gang he believes is responsible. Going by the name of Reynard, his life is saved and then forever changed when he meets the daughter of one of the smugglers.
Elizabeth Doyle has never known freedom, tied to her father and his involvement in the smuggling of good, she longs for the day when she can escape her miserable life. Opportunity arrives when the handsome smuggler, Reynard, offers her a debt of gratitude after she saves his life- if she were ever to need help, ask for him at Langston Manor. Eventually taking him up on his offer, Elizabeth sets off in search of safety. Together, they discover secrets and healing neither one of them expected.
I’m a sucker for a good undercover agent novel, especially when they are set in the regency time period! This book ticked off every box that I could want in a novel. Mysterious- check! Adventure-check! Romance-check! Strong female lead-check! Heroic male lead- check! Main and side characters that I connect with and wish the story would continue long after I finished?- Check! I would gladly read any story about either Jonas’s sister, Rosalind or his best friend, Alexander Allerton, the Earl of Bloxley.
This was such a well written book! I was intrigued from the very beginning and loved the main characters. Elizabeth was an especially strong and determined heroine, and I enjoyed the historical details woven throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this book!
This late Georgian era romance is a wonderful story about the perils of smuggling, and the pains people went through to eliminate it, and the dangers smuggling posed to those that were opposed to it.
Elizabeth Doyle is the daughter of one of the leaders of the Lamhurst gang, she despises smuggling but knows there’s no way her father would let her leave, she knows too much.
Jonas Ainsworth has infiltrated the Lamhurst gang and is on a one man mission to take them down, years after his father was possibly killed at their hands.
Their mutual distaste of smuggling not only brings them together but draws them apart. As their story unfolds you are given privilege to witness snippets of history, and the resilience of the determined. Their feelings for one another continue to develop as they both struggle with the difference of their social status, and the reader wonders how they will over come that obstacle.
I enjoyed the wonderful characters, and the description of the Georgian era parties. I loved the history included in this story, and the strong personalities of the women in this book.
I was given access to an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
Sian does it again with this entertaining, pirate-y, smuggling, adventure love story. I page turner and a definite read. I loved the time period and danger of real life in times story.
Bessey has created a well-written captivating story that I could not put down! Elizabeth is a strong, courageous, and beautiful soul who is resilient, kind, and the type of person one would aspire to be like. From the very beginning when we meet her and Jonas I was so curious as to how their paths would cross and where their story would go. Bessey flawlessly tells not only Elizabeth’s story, but Jonas’ as well, all while building this world that became so real to me I never wanted to leave. The Duchess of Kelbrook and Lady Langton were just as bright and vibrant as well. Every character is memorable in my mind and brought the story to life! From the dangers of Little Tilbury to the mutual attraction between Elizabeth and Jonas, The Noble Smuggler has elements of love, compassion, danger, heart break, anger, justice, and surprise! There is so much more to this story than meets the eye. Bessey always has something up her sleeve that I never see coming and that is what keeps me coming back for more! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bessey does it again. The Noble Smuggler is so well-written, I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Elizabeth Doyle once saved an incognito smuggler from certain death. Now she is in desperate need, and only Jonas Ainsworth, Viscount Langton, a man high above her station in life, can save her from a horrible future. As the two conspire to expose a smuggling ring, they are drawn to each other, despite their differences of rank and birth. This charming and adventuresome tale unfolds along the Cornish coast of England and is sure to be a winner for all Poldark fans.
I loved everything about this book–the cover, the title (it’s perfect!), and especially our hero, Jonas Ainsworth, Viscount Langton. I love when people of wealth or title use their position to do the right thing, but it’s even better when they pretend to be something or someone they aren’t to right the wrongs of society.
Jonas is such a great character. He lives by a moral code and fights for what’s right. It’s this code that makes him go undercover in a smuggling ring to find out who’s in charge so he can stop it. Jonas also wants to find answers to lingering questions about his father’s death at the hands of smugglers many years before. He’s also gentle and cares for his family, he’s got a great sense of humor and of course he’s handsome. I loved his relationship with his mother and sister, and his friend Alexander.
The heroine, Elizabeth Doyle is also a wonderful character. She’s had a rough life, to say the least, and with her mother’s death at the beginning of the book, unfortunately it gets worse. She’s forced to work at her father’s inn, which is at the center of the smuggling ring, but she’s courageous and strong. That’s not to say she isn’t afraid at times, but she doesn’t let her fear incapacitate her. When Jonas is injured she helps him knowing she’ll have to endure the rath of her father.
This book sucked me into 1782, a time when smuggling was rampant. I was captivated by the story the author wove involving Jonas and Elizabeth and how they worked together. This book had everything I love–a mystery, some suspenseful moments, some romance, wonderful main characters, all wrapped into a captivating story with a twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming. One of the things I love about Sian Ann Bessey’s books is that she incorporates actual events and people of that era into her stories. She points these out in her author notes at the end of the book. I always learn something while escaping into another place and time.
I love it when a book grabs me from the beginning lines and keeps me captivated through the end. That is exactly what Sian Ann Bessey’s beautiful new book, The Noble Smuggler, did to me. The story had daring, mystery, and intrigue. It was so fun to read! I loved the characters with their strength through their difficulties as well as their sense of justice and goodness. Their love story was so sweet and clean with an ending that fit the story perfectly. Read this story! You will love it too.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I felt transported to this smuggling town and situation, This story had everything – murder, intrigue, spying, unwanted marriage prospects, smuggling, and unknown identities. There was so much here and I loved every minute. I hesitated to pick it up because I was sure I wouldn’t be able to put it down. Bessey has a magical ability to transport me through space and time into her stories. There is no typical romance here. There is an adventure story that happens to have a romance. The big reveal at the end was rewarding and kept me intrigued as I hoped it was coming.
I was given an ARC of this book for review by the publisher.
Fascinating storyline. I loved the historical inclusion of smuggling and The Commutation Act of 1784 and even a little of William Pitt the Younger. Ms Bessey has great talent mixing history with fiction forming a story that is so captivating that you wish the entire story was historically based! Wonderful writing.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book was full of mystery and romance. I loved how the main characters meet and how kind Elizabeth is to this stranger who is participating in something that she despises. I loved how as Elizabeth and Jonas get to know each other, especially after she finds out that he is not a smuggler but really the Viscount Langton who is trying to end smuggling in the area, and fall in love. I love how the mystery of who Elizabeth really is and how Jonas father actually dies is revealed. That was such a surprise but was so sweet. I really did enjoy this book and would recommend it if you like romance and mystery with secret identities to keep you guessing.
received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I was given an advanced copy of The Noble Smuggler by Sian Ann Bessey and the following is my honest review:
The Noble Smuggler is a book full of intrigue and mystery. I for one enjoyed every moment of this book. I got to experience what it was like to be a smuggler, to hunt a smuggler, and to hide from a smuggler. Though this book is a historical romance, it is also full of adventure and action.
The author did a great job at developing the characters. You will love Miss Elizabeth Doyle and Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton. Not only will you love them, you would love his sister and mother.
I for one did not see the ending twist at the end. The author did a great job of that, making her a very clever writer. I highly recommend this book.
Another suspenseful and captivating story by Sian Ann Bessey! This historical romance was full of mystery, adventure, and intrigue.
Jonas, the Viscount Langton, goes undercover within a smuggling operation hoping to find a way to stop the smugglers as well as uncover mysteries from his past. Elizabeth Doyle is trapped working at her father’s tavern which lies at the center of smuggling activities. Their journey to expose the truth together quickly becomes personal as well as crucial to their future happiness.
The author masterfully weaves well-researched historical events with a thrilling plot that will make it impossible for you to put the book down before the last page and even then, will leave you wishing for more. Yes, it really is that good!
The Noble Smuggler is a book packed full of adventure, mystery, and romance which you won’t want to put down!
This was my first time reading a novel by Sian Ann Bessey. I have read a number of books on smuggling but this one took a different approach than any I have read before.
Both the main characters intrigued me. Elizabeth Doyle is trapped living with her father even though she knows staying quiet about his struggling is wrong, yet she seems to have a strong and independent side. Jonas Ainsworth had uncommon relationships with his mother and sister. I also liked his friendship with his servant and former childhood friend. They had some interesting scenes together.
One of the things I love about reading historical fiction is learning things about each time period. The author seamlessly works in descriptions of the fashions and furnishings during the late 1700s as well as historic events.
The Noble Smuggler is a tale of devotion, love and mystery. The story itself is solid, the characters endearing, and the historical details so well portrayed I found myself anxious to learn more about smuggling, wrecking, and the prime minister after completing the book. This is what I have come to love and expect when I pick up a historical romance by author Sian Ann Bessey.
Jonas is overall such a genuine and good hero. His ability to use honest humor to alleviate the concerns and anxieties of those around him, particularly Elizabeth, even when he himself was worried was such a treat. Elizabeth was strong and yet vulnerable. She was an inspiring heroine as her inner strength and beauty shone throughout the story. The supporting cast of characters did a great job in adding to the mystery of the novel as well as building character depth.
This is a wonderfully written, clean historical romance I highly recommend.