Review: The Smuggler Wore Silk by Alyssa Alexander

A thrilling, seductive adventure from award-winning author Alyssa Alexander…

After he is betrayed by one of his own, British spy Julian Travers, Earl of Langford, refuses to retire without a fight, vowing to find the traitor. But when the trail leads to his childhood home, Julian is forced to return to a place he swore he’d never see again, and meet a woman who may be his quarry—in more ways than one.

Though she may appear a poor young woman dependant on charity, Grace Hannah’s private life is far more interesting. By night, she finds friendship and freedom as a member of a smuggling ring. But when the handsome Julian arrives, she finds her façade slipping, and she is soon compromised, as well as intrigued.

As she and Julian continue the hunt, Grace finds herself falling in love with the man behind the spy. Yet Julian’s past holds a dark secret. And when he must make a choice between love and espionage, that secret may tear them apart.

Series: Spy in the Ton #1
Release Date: January 7th 2014
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Source: Manic Readers
Reviewer: Michelle
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

I love romantic suspense and historical novels so I was excited to read this book that combined the best of both worlds for me. The book captured my attention from the beginning. The book was well written and proceeded at a good pace.

I loved the characters. I felt immediately vested in Julian Travers, Earl of Langford because he seemed so vulnerable. He was clinging to his old way of life and running from the demons of his past. I felt immediate empathy. Grace Hannah was the heroine and her story was very “Cinderella-ish.” She was the poor relation living with relatives and being treated unfairly. She was bright, adventurous, and independent. I had a little difficulty reconciling the talented smuggler with the docile niece that refused to stand up for herself throughout the book. I kept waiting for the moment that she would give as good as she got. However, she backed down each time there was a conflict and literally ran away.

I wish there would have been more suspense and spying. It seemed more like a sweet romance with a touch of suspense. I fell in love with Julian even more as the book detailed his and Grace’s relationship. He was not one to allow Grace to be insulted. I think that’s why I was able to tolerate the docile nature of Grace. She had Julian to fight her battles and so you could see how they complemented each other’s weaknesses. Their issues were resolved tidily and quickly. I wish there would have been a little more detail on that. However, that didn’t really bother me, I think it’s because I liked Julian so much I would have forgiven him for anything too.