Historical romance published April, 1, 2020 by Covenant Communications.
Stand-alone, clean romance with a HEA.
This was a slow burn romance and I felt like the first 60 % dragged, gathering all the important details to carry out the story. That part felt like a 2 star. At 65% it picked up quite a bit and really started holding my attention. I love romance novels but I felt like this one lacked the butterflies and swoon worthy scenes. It was good but it could of been better.
The h and H hardly spent anytime together and I couldn’t feel the chemistry. If you’re not crazy like me about romance then you’ll probably love this. I would definitely read another book by this author.

This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and all opinions are my own. I gave an honest review.

Suspense, smuggling, secrets, suitors and so much more lay within the pages of this book. I was hooked from the beginning. A death and a secret revealed (or hinted at) starts of the beginning of the book. And from there, the suspense keeps building and more secrets are divulged and discovered. And I loved it all!

Sian Ann Bessey is a go to author for me and her newest book pulled me in and delivered a thrilling tale with characters that I adored. Elizabeth and Jonas. They have been raised completely different. Are of two differing classes and backgrounds, but their friendship and growing love proves that all of that doesn't completely matter.

I really enjoyed Jonas and his family, and how their part in this story. I loved how they treated Elizabeth and befriended her. There are secrets that they have to keep for a time and that created some fun humorous tension and angst. It put Jonas in a tight spot for a little bit but thankfully his servant helped him out of that one.

The history and author's note were very well integrated into the story. I found it all very fascinating. I've read several books set in this time period and location and have loved them all.

If you're wondering about this book being more than suspense and secrets...never fear! There is most definitely a sweet and tender love story that develops right along with the reader ferreting out all of the secrets. The twists and turns were delivered and revealed at all the right spots with some surprises thrown in as well. Elizabeth and Jonas were a couple I had no trouble cheering on and hoping for a happy ending for them. I'm hoping that there might possibly be another book written about another character in this book...or two characters. Jonas' sister's story and his friend's story as well. They would be quite fabulous.

Content: Clean. There are scenes of suspense and peril but nothing graphic. Some talk of death and smuggling. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

This was an enjoyable book! It has a different setting than many historical fiction books. It dealt with an interesting time with smuggling which kept the storyline exciting. I did like Elizabeth and Jonas overall, but I felt like they were “perfect” characters who had no shades of gray which seems slightly unrealistic to me given how they’ve loved their lives and what the were involved in.

Full review to come!

What stood out to me first was the era- late 1700's. The politics of the time come into play along with powdered wigs, but both were used moderately- thank goodness! ;) Elizabeth and Jonas both rescue each other in turn, and their bond forms quickly. They instinctively trust, even before they know the secrets the other is hiding. There is a wonderful sense of anticipation and suspense throughout the entire story as they work together to end the smuggling through more than one avenue, and uncover the mystery behind Jonas's father's death. I especially enjoyed the mother and sister of Jonas and the unpretentious way they accept and embrace Elizabeth into their fold. Elizabeth never aspires to join the upper class, feeling more comfortable with a future as a maid, but her role in undermining the master of the smugglers keeps her uncovering clues with Jonas and his family and friends. All the while the danger mounts from both the smugglers and her unscrupulous father and corrupt magistrate. While I wished for more chemistry and romantic development between Jonas and Elizabeth, the strong plot kept me glued to the pages as I read to the satisfying conclusion.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review 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 really enjoyed this book! It had mystery, intrigue, hidden identities, and romance all rolled into a beautiful story set in Kent.

Elizabeth has a difficult life as an innkeeper's daughter who is forced to serve her father's smuggler friends. But when one is shot and brought to the inn, she tends to him and starts to see him as more than a smuggler. She barely has time to recognize her feelings, however, before her father has betrothed her to an odious magistrate. Elizabeth is desperate to get away, but where can she turn?

Jonas, the Viscount Langton, infiltrates a smuggling gang to find out what truly happened to his father who died trying to stop a ship from falling into the smuggler's hands. When things go wrong, Jonas is shot and meets the lovely innkeeper's daughter. He can't reveal his true identity as the Viscount Langton, but as their connection grows stronger, he might not have any choice.

The author does a phenomenal job in setting the scene and has obviously done her homework on smuggling. The details really gave the story an extra dimension. The characters were well-drawn and believable and the romance was so tender. I loved how Elizabeth had been through so much, but her resilient spirit still kept a tiny flame of hope that she would one day find happiness. Jonas is a swoon-worthy hero, both as a smuggler and a viscount. The mystery of who is running the smuggling operation and what happened with Jonas's father kept me turning pages just as much as the romance unfolding did. The author seamlessly weaves a mystery romance together that historical fans won't want to miss. I was sad to see this one end and I really hope the Earl of Bloxley gets his own story!

As I was reading The Noble Smuggler by Slan Ann Bessey, I felt like I had read parts of it before. While that was impossible, it must have been another book with a similar plot. Jonas Ainsworth, Viscount Langton, wants to put an end to the smuggling occurring near his estate. The smuggling goes back for years and he feels it is related to his father's death. To help end it and find the nobleman behind the gang, Jonas as infiltrated an infamous smuggling gang. He has had small jobs for them in London, but finally has been asked to help unload a boat on the coast. He has enlisted the confidence of his best friend Alexander Allerton, Earl of Boxley. During the unloading, Jonas is shot and taken to an inn where Elizabeth, the innkeeper's daughter, hides him in a secret room and cares for him until he can be taken back to the manor house. He instructs Elizabeth to come to the manor and ask for Reynard, Jonas's secret identity, if she is ever in need.

Elizabeth's father wants her to marry the local constable, a vile man who is part of the smugglers. She refuses and is beaten. Not knowing that Reynard and the viscount are the same person, she flees to the manor, knocks on the kitchen door, and asks for Reynard. Jonas's valet hears the request and notifies Jonas. Elizabeth is sheltered at the manor and becomes the companion of Jonas's mother. As the story progresses, the true identify of Elizabeth is discovered, the murderer of Jonas's father is discovered, and the smuggling ring is broken up. it is a predictable story, but was a nice read.

This is the story of a viscount named Jonas who decides to masquerade as a smuggler in order to gain information that could help take them down for good. He has personal reasons for doing this. Elizabeth is the daughter of an innkeeper who is part of this smuggling ring. There are secrets regarding her origin that not even she is aware of.

This novel is very well written, if predictable. As is usual with this author, she adds some actual history into the tale. The characters and plot pacing are well done. I enjoyed my time with this story.
3.5 stars

A Georgian period cinderella story

Elizabeth is in a miserable position. Her mother has died, and her mercenary father sees her only as a means to an end. He attempts to force her into marrying a total scoundrel who's offering him a lot of money. Thankfully, she encounters Lord Langton, while he is posing as a smuggler named Reynard in an effort to find justice for his father who was killed by smugglers. She eventually ends up seeking refuge at Langton Estate, and her life begins to look up.

Elizabeth & Langton are a little too perfect, but they're such sympathetic characters, it's impossible not to root for them. The story is suspenseful & exciting, while the romance is tender & sweet. The twist at the end is actually well supported by the storyline, though I must admit that it still felt like a plot convenience. Nevertheless, by the time it reached its very touching happily-ever-after, I could unreservedly say that I enjoyed the book and heartily recommend it!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic, though there is a discreetly worded attempt by a lecherous character to grope & force himself on the heroine

4.5 stars.

The Noble Smuggler was a very enjoyable read. I had some suspicions that were happily proven false, and the guessing of certain pieces of this puzzle kept me on my toes.

The main characters were wonderful. I love how they didn’t fit the proper English molds.

I didn’t recall that tea was so highly taxed and was fascinated by that and the other historical aspects of the story.

This is a fast, clean read with a happy ending. I can see myself reading it again.

Loved it! This is my first novel by Sian Ann Bessy and I definitely be checking her out for more AMAZING stories!

I couldn't put this book down. It was so good that I finished it in one day. I loved the unique plot line -- there aren't a lot of books out there that address smuggling, and I though the author did a really good job with it. She obviously did her research, so not only was the plot intriguing and exciting, it was also believable.

I loved the relationship between Elizabeth and "Reynard." They were very cute together. Both were kind and intelligent and really almost perfect human beings. It was a very sweet romance to read. Which, I think might be the only reason I didn't give it five stars. I like it when the characters have some faults and yell at eat other a bit. However, that's just a personal preference. I would definitely recommend this one.

I an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this opportunity.

Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be Reynard a smuggler to infiltrate a smuggling ring. He wants to stop the smuggling as well as find out what happened on the fateful day that his father was killed as a ship was being wrecked by the smugglers. Elizabeth Doyle is the daughter of the local inn keeper and ringleader. When Reynard is shot, Elizabeth tends to his wounds and then helps him escape, both thinking they will never see each other again. #TheNobleSmuggler is a well written book with intrigue, mystery, action and romance. After getting a chapter or two into it, I couldn't put it down. This is my second book by this author and I will definitely be reading her others. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Elizabeth Doyle's father is involved with smugglers while she wants no part of the illegal business. Jonas Ainsworth, Viscount Langton is working undercover with the smugglers in order to discover the truth behind his father's death. He suspects murder rather than accident to be the cause. Lizzie and Jonas meet after he is wounded by excisemen while working with her father. She is given the task of hiding and nursing him for a few days, until he either dies or Mr. Doyle thinks it's safe to make him leave. Lizzie has every sympathy for the man who seems too gentlemanly to be a criminal. She also has her own troubles as her father is trying to force her to marry a sleazy local magistrate. Lizzie is a character the reader can really root for - she's brave, principled, intelligent and has an inner strength. She has suffered from a brutal father and losing her mother at a young age. Her ability to think for herself and take decisive action makes her a great heroine. Jonas is the perfect counterpart as hero - brave, principled and strong. I wished there was more development of romance between the two. They seem to go from respectful attraction to the conclusive HEA without a romantic word between them. But there's enough action so I found it an enjoyable read.

I loved this book. The twists and turns were a wonderful surprise. She paints such a vivid picture with her words. I can feel the sand and water of the beach. Hear the birds singing in the gardens. Feel the despair of the Inn. Elizabeth is a strong character. She is brave, kind and honest. Lord Langton is what every hero should be, and matches Elizabeth perfectly, with the exception of their birth. I would highly recommend this book to all who love a great adventure and clean romance.

I this book good for a light enjoyable read. It would do nicely if a person wanted to relax or unwind & they liked romance with a bit of intrigue. There was mystery but it wasn't heavy or draining. I liked the author kept with the customs & spirit of the era. There was one mystery I had a feeling about where the author was going to take it. Even though I caught on to the clues or seeds planted around the h the author's writing held my interest. I wanted to see how'd the author would work it all out. I think the author tied up all the loose ends & concluded the story with satisfaction to this reader. The h & H were written as likeable. It was nicely done how the author wrote their romantic tension involving their different stations. This was my first title with Sian Ann Bessey and I would try her again.

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 from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED this book and couldn't read it fast enough! I stayed up late to read it because I couldn't stop after finishing each chapter. This was the perfect light-read to escape with during this time. Elizabeth and Jonas were lovable characters and I found myself rooting for them all the way. I could easily see this book as a the start of a series! Alexander Bloxley should get an adventure of his own, I think :)

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I loved every bit of this recency era clean romance. Smugglers, lost nobility, and love all in one swoon worthy book. I've read several novels by this author and This is my very favorite this far. Elizabeth is a maid at an inn badly treated but does not condone the actions of her smuggler father. I love how much her character interacts with birds! A fantastic novel that has a slow burn romance. I was cheering for Elizabeth and Jonas from their first meeting!!!!! Great read!

Another beautiful story from the author. Set at the very end of the 1800s, it’s a tale of mystery, mistaken identity, discovering ones purpose, and love. It’s so very engaging that I was able to read it in one sitting.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Wow! This book was fantastic! I thoroughly loved it. I found myself sneaking off to read more pages as I could not wait to see what happened next. I highly recommend this one!