With a lot of suspense, intrigue, adventure, and a dash of romance, Sian Ann Bessey brings history to life in The Noble Smuggler. Set in the late 1700s in England when smuggling was frequent and deadly, this tale captured my interest from the first page and didn’t let go until the end. The characters were colorful, well-crafted, and came alive on the page, and the setting was richly painted and intriguing. I loved the main characters, Jonas and Elizabeth, but the stellar supporting characters were also outstanding.

The captivating cover adds to the mystery and sets the mood for the book. If you enjoy riveting historical fiction, this tale should appeal to you. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own. ( )

Elizabeth Doyle has done her best to not be involved in her father's smuggling activities, but her kind heart compels her to help a stranger. Viscount Langton is determined to end the smuggling that ended his father's life by masquerading as a smuggler himself. Neither one realizes how the events of the past have shaped the present and the danger they are in.

This was a really sweet read. Lizzie's determination not to be a part of the crime but willing to help someone in need made her an interesting character to follow. Her mother tried to make sure she had an education, and that education has brought her in conflict with her father's way of life. The poor thing has a lot to endure in the story's course, including learning about her past.

Jonas, the viscount, was even more interesting. Smugglers killed his father, and he is determined to see justice done. While his friend assists with a political way to end the smuggling, Jonas throws himself into the masquerade of BEING a smuggler. When he meets Lizzie, he is grateful for her help but doesn't expect to meet her again. When the chance arrives to repay her kindness, he does.

The one thing that didn't seem done well is the romance. It did seem a bit "insta-love." I understood why they both be grateful to the other but it seemed a far stretch to love and so quickly.

Overall, not a bad read and I would recommend it to any reader looking for a clean historical romance. I received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. ( )

***4.5 stars***

I am sighing happily. Coming to the end of a good book is bitter-sweet. It's sweet because there is resolution and bitter because I wish the book would continue.

This book takes place in England around the time of the United State's war for Independence. King George is on the throne and the tea tax is a crucial part of the plot. I have never considered the impact of the tax on the people from Great Britain. The tea tax to me conjures images of the Boston Tea Party. This story centers around the smuggling aspect of the tea tax.

Early on it is revealed that Viscount Langston (Jonas) is disguising himself as a smuggler to infiltrate a gang of smugglers. He needs to find out if the smugglers killed his father years ago. Plus, the smuggling is happening on the shores near his home. His escapade leads him on a different road than he planned on. He suffers an injury and meets the beautiful daughter of the innkeeper.

This book did my heart so much good and brought a smile to my face. The beginning of the book was a little slower pacing, but by the end, I couldn't put the book down. I loved so many of the characters. I fell in love with the family of Viscount Langston. They're good people with good hearts who don't ask many questions when asked to take in a young woman fleeing from her abusive father.

The book has a few plot twists that felt natural to me. In fact, I had guessed a few of them early on. Instead of feeling like it was predictable, it kept me reading anxiously to the end to see if I was right. Sian Ann Bessey always produces a well-written book with a solid plot and fantastic characters and setting. I seriously love every book of hers that I have read. I will continue to anxiously anticipate her new releases.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. ( )