Smuggler's Kiss

by Marie-Louise Jensen

The year is 1720. Isabelle, beautiful, wealthy and spoiled, should be at the threshold of a delightful adulthood. Instead her life has taken a turn so dark and dreadful, that she can’t see a way out.

But though Isabelle has fled, she is still trapped.

Prevented from taking a desperate way out and picked up by a crew of smugglers, Isabelle is quickly forced to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about her world. But if the secret of her previous life is revealed then the smugglers who have found her will not let her stay on board The Invisible... and she has nowhere else to go.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Young Adult, Pirates, Historical Romance, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2013

About the author

Born Marie-Louise Chalcraft in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire on September 22nd 1964.

I attended a string of state schools, including Chiltern Edge in Oxfordshire. Once my family moved down to Bath in 1979, I attended Fitzmaurice and St Laurence schools in Bradford on Avon. Throughout my primary school years I was constantly told off for reading secretly and writing long stories instead of completing maths sheets. I’m not sure any of my teachers ever read my stories, but I had a lot of books taken away. When I was eleven, one teacher confiscated Lord of the Rings in the middle of the Battle of Helm’s Deep, and I nearly suffered severe psychological damage waiting a week to find out if Aragorn survived.
My A-levels were in German, French and English and I went on to study German and Danish with literature at the University of East Anglia.

I did more studying and various translating and teaching jobs, including teaching at a university in Germany for four years. Then I returned to Britain to be a full time mother and home educator. These were the years in which I overcame my education and regained my creativity. I read lots and started writing again.

In 2004-5, I took the MA in Writing for Young People at the Bath Spa University. I passed with distinction and was lucky enough to be taken on by an agent, Rosemary Canter at United Agents and a publisher (Oxford University Press) soon after.

Reviews

[Raychel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book...oh my goodness. A heroine, ships, smugglers, kick-arse smugglers...yup my kind of book. Thus there I was, all like...

Pleease don't disappoint me. It didn't.


This book doesn't waste any time getting started. It starts with Isabelle, so desperate to escape her past life, wading out into the sea, getting swept away and struggling for survival. Que smugglers.
She's faced with a choice, join the smugglers or be sent back...or worse, disposed of however they see fit. She chooses to stay. And there things take off. Struggle, adventure, danger.

Isabelle was a great character. Some heroines are so cliche, as in...they're thrown into a situation but of course they know how to use a sword, of course they had muscles from riding horses and archery and whatnot. Isabelle was a rich girl. She had never worked a day in her life, nevertheless on a ship, with men, in illegal business. She wined, she pouted, she got tired. She was realistic. And I honestly loved her for it. She struggled though, and seeing that really made you know her character, watching her change, learn and grow felt natural.
She had to get past her high-bred ways, her haughty opinions and really learned how the average person lived. There was a sensitivity and affection that grew in her towards the men she was working and living with. Especially the aforementioned certain smuggler, Will.

Will - Was one cool dude. He was a deep character. At first him and Isabell butt heads... a lot. I think this sums up his feelings towards her at first.



Undoubtedly..this led to many hilarious situations. But I liked, again, unlike many books, that is wasn't automatically assumed that they secretly liked each other or whatnot. Their relationship was a slow build, truting each other, becoming friends and fellow workers.
Of course...he has his own dark past which makes for many interesting twists and turns. He was someone you always wanted to know more about, what made him tick...

This was a definite page turner, I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. Adventure, a generous helping of humor, a realistic yet sweet romance...everything you could ask for!! I couldn't recommend this book enough. Read it..Now! :)

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published here: http://rebecca-books.blogspot.co.uk/2...

Marie-Louise Jensen has been a favourite historical author of mine for a few years after I was blown away by The Lady in the Tower and The Girl in the Mask. She's also lovely on Twitter (although that does not interrupt my opinion of this book). A friend of mine in the blogging world read this and told me I needed to read it. I find good historical fiction can be quite hard to come by now (I guess I'm more critical) but I know I'll always find a brilliant, absorbing historical novel in Jensen.


Synopsis: Isabelle is rescued from drowning in the sea by a group of men who she finds out are smugglers. To Isabelle - a lady from a wealthy family - smugglers are dangerous and deadly. However, without escape on the ship, she soon finds excitement in deceiving the king's men and her loyalties changing as she becomes friends with the smugglers, especially one in particular. Isabelle doesn't want to return to her old life but she has to keep the truth from the smugglers in order to stay aboard.

Review: I'm a great lover of historical fiction especially if the author is British and even more when it's this writer. I find historical fiction can either be the kind that draws you in, keeps you wondering and then spits you out at the end - much like Queen's Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle (review) was. Or they can be the fun kind that is just a lovely, relaxing read. Which is where this book falls.

Isabelle is a character which it is incredibly hard to like on the first page and I think that's why it took me a while to get into the story. She's so spoilt and selfish and SO WHINY. I was thinking at the beginning that I wouldn't like this book is she was going to be like this THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH but gladly, the book also shows her journey into learning about what it is like to live in poverty. This made her so much more likeable as the novel continues until the conclusion where I felt so much for Isabelle's situation. It's great to see this feisty and strong side to her personality flourish throughout as she adjusts.

One thing I really liked about this book was that the romance didn't dominate. I'm one that admits that I love a to dabble in a bit of historical romance but sometimes it can be too much, sometimes too unrealistic. This book is about the romance that evolves but it's also about status, class and the friendships and rivalries that form out of them. It's clear early on that she has a soft spot for Will, a younger smuggler who is a little different from the rest and keeps disappearing for a day or so. It was the mysteries behind Will and Isabelle's past that kept me reading, wanting to know the events that happened to lead both these characters to the smuggler's ship.

I did really enjoy reading this book, it's not the best from Marie-Louise Jensen but still shows how great an author she is in the YA historical genre. It is full of details from the period as well as moments of high tension mixed with a few moments to make you smile.

I give it a 4 out of 5

[Michelle (Fluttering Butterflies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally published at Fluttering Butterflies

I really loved Smuggler's Kiss by Marie-Louise Jensen. I haven't read the author's previous books as yet, but she comes very highly recommended from my blogging friends. Especially now that my mind has been changed about historical fiction, it gives me great pleasure reading books like Smuggler's Kiss. Especially as this book was very adventurous and exciting as well as romantic. I loved the bit of mystery that surrounds both main characters and finding out more about their secrets really kept me turning the pages furiously.

There's something really timelessly appealing about a huge change in circumstance like the main character of our story, Isabelle, goes through in Smuggler's Kiss. At the start of the story, she's a bit snobbish and arrogant about her wealthy and priviledged position in the world. But things start to change when she is rescused from drowning by a ship full of smugglers. I really liked witnessing how much Isabelle changes - both physically and mentally during her time aboard this boat. She becomes less of the simpering, whinging weakling who can barely climb a hill and who has a very narrow view of the world into a strong young woman who is able to better see and understand the prejudices in her world.

And while this book is called 'Smuggler's Kiss' with the tagline 'It's not a crime to steal a heart' I really loved how the romance that is involved in this book is really quite subtle and is built-up slowly. But it's a slow-burn that makes its presence known throughout. I felt myself growing very attached to the characters that we meet and I felt incredibly invested emotionally towards Isabelle's romantic prospects.

I loved how exciting it felt reading this book and going on these adventures alongside these smugglers. Highly recommended!

[Rose_reads._ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this book 3 out of 5 because at the start I thought it was readable but the ending was actually very disappointing.

I didn’t enjoy that the ending was rushed and I didn’t think it was a very well placed plot twist. The plot twist was interesting but extremely underdone and unpolished. Although a romantic story, I liked the fact the relationship didn’t take over the storyline. I also like how the main character develops as she learns more and more how much harder other people had it compared to her and she soon changed from being spoiled and self-centred to becoming brave, confident and not afraid to stick up for what’s right.

[Marian Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was passed over to me by my 11 year old grand-daughter Isobel with a recommendation it was an ok read.

Well she got that spot on. I would say if you don’t like anything heavy or gripping for a holiday read, this would be just the thing to while away with for a couple of hours in the sun with a nice glass of something cold.

Girl runs away, gets rescued by smugglers, has an adventure, a small mystery and some romance. Pleasant easy read for a brain that doesn’t want to engage to much.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book about six years ago when I was twelve or so, and suffice to say I enjoyed reading it now at eighteen just as much as I did all those years ago.

This book is so excellently written - Isabelle’s character and progression from spoiled noble lady to a forthcoming and dependable woman in particular is so well portrayed. The dynamic between all the characters, too, is portrayed extremely well and it truly feels like you’re there among them and experiencing the moment.

Definitely would recommend this as a light, easy read!

[holly grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

i first read this book when i was younger. and i recently read it again & i LOVED IT ! it’s such a good wee story and the character development is amazing. isabelle really becomes a lovable character as the story progresses. it will always be one of my fav wee quick reads and it’s so so easy to get into. loved isabelle & will’s relationship too, makes the story so much more interesting ! doesn’t waste anytime getting started and really fast paced throughout. love it.

[Celestarius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not at all expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Pirate-esque excitement and danger, character growth, and a few well-laid-out mysteries made this a fun and engaging read. I'm sure it has some historical inaccuracies and other flaws but I really just found it so delightful that I either didn't notice or easily forgave them. It seems like historical YA is Jensen's thing so I definitely would like to track down some of her others for future reading!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just gorgeous. Smugglers, thrilling adventure on the high seas and a lovely slow-burn romance - Smuggler's Kiss had it all, and was beautifully written to boot. The author has a flowing style that places you right in the period and drops you into the scenes themselves. It's quite easy to be swept along with every crash of the waves, the rocking of the ship during a rainy night and the flurry of activity as The Invisible's crew scramble about deck. Cliché as it sounds, it's much like being caught up in Isabelle's experiences on the sea. I have new appreciation for the astounding amount of research authors must do in order to write such vivid scenes.

For all the heart-thumping adventure, though, this is above all a story of Isabelle's growth. She's an incredibly hard character to like at the beginning; spoilt, whiny and unreasonable, it was hard to blame the smugglers for their harsh words when she simply refused to wake up and smell the coffee. It makes the first third of the book a bit hard to stomach as you watch her fight the inevitable at every turn, but her subsequent growth is worth the wait - underneath the weeping child is a young woman with an iron will and true courage. My only complaint is that the transition between the two phases is sudden and jerky rather than gradual. Isabelle spends a good while being a brat while Will shows her some seriously tough love, and this continues for a period before she seems to have a sudden (off-screen, so to speak) epiphany... and the next thing we know, she's tougher, trading barbs with Will rather than wilting under his anger and generally ceasing to be a nuisance. I must admit that I liked the "changed" Isabelle so much that I'm glad we got her sooner rather than later, though.

The romance is a welcome departure from the YA trend of late, where hero and heroine seem to fall madly in love with each other instantly. Isabelle's romance with Will is the very definition of slow-burn; it takes time for both of them to see past each other's faults and reach a truce, developing mutual trust and striking up a friendship before finally realizing their love for one another.

More importantly, it's nice to see that this love story is only part and parcel to Isabelle's journey, NOT the be all and end all. She matures, gains freedom, real friends and family in the crew and finds love along the way. That's the type of journey that I love reading about most. An exciting, fun and feel-good read - highly recommended!

[Bryony · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good. I liked it. But I have had to cap it at three stars due to the trashiness of the cover. I'm not really one for chick-lit, and so if I hadn't read (and loved) The Lady in the Tower and The Girl in the Mask (both also by Marie-Louise Jensen)I wouldn't have touched this one with a long stick.

Isabelle is a rich girl who kicks off the storyline by trying to kill herself (happy stuff) but is saved by a group of smugglers. Though she starts off as an annoying, spoiled princess (much like she is portrayed on the cover) she soon grows and changes into a heroine I quite like. Of course, from about five pages in, it is fairly clear that the Smuggler's kiss will come from Will - a mysterious, gentlemanly-yet-goddamn-annoying smuggler who she has sworn she hates, yet starts to repent and they start to do romantic things like pretending to be ghosts and tying knots. Hmmm. Although I started the book with an eyebrow raised, making sarcastic judgments about the route of the plot, I actually quite enjoyed the route it took, not so much the predictable romance which the cover poorly tries to sell, but the poignant points the the book makes about the socioeconomic problems in Georgian England, as well as the gorgeously colourful historical descriptions of life on board the ship. I also like the characters of the smugglers, and dare I say it, the kiss (which somehow warranted being the namesake of the book despite occurring on page 304/305) made me smile.

Though there could have been a little more historical detail and a little more time spent on the ending, this book contained enough intrigue and fun characters to keep me hooked. But then there was the cover, which did justice to neither the heroine nor the plot; the title, which makes it sound like some crappy, soppy TV series; and, worst of all, the byline:

"It's not a crime to steal a heart."

Mystery surrounds Isabelle's reasons for suicide for a fair portion of the novel, but I was half convinced that it was because of that ATROCIOUS statement on the cover.

But though the cover is the worst I've seen in a while, please forgive it: it's definitely worth a read.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually comment on covers in my reviews but the cover of Smuggler’s Kiss is sumptuous!

We begin with a very dramatic scene – Isabelle walking into the sea! Rescued by the crew of The Invisible, she gives nothing away about herself, not telling the truth about her background or what she’s running away from.

Having been used to being waited on, life onboard is rough and harsh. Barely scraping through on votes from the crew to keep her alive, she’s involved in a scene at Studland to scare official’s away, which means she won’t be able to tell anyone about the cargo The Invisible carries.

Once the toast of London society and the reigning beauty of Bath, Isabelle is reduced in status and cleanliness! At first acting like a spoilt brat with tantrums and her high principles, having experienced things like the Quarry workers plight for herself, she re-examines what she believes about the world.

Throughout the time on the ship, we see Isabelle become stronger – both in health and character. The banter she has going with Will and the parental bond with Jacob draws her emotionally into the life they lead. She takes on a chore on ship and starts to belong to the community.

Exciting and heart-pounding smuggling runs (loved the scene smuggling lace into Weymouth!), the historical time the story is set (the politics and economy), the innocence of the romance, the conflict and intrigue with both Will and Isabelle’s backgrounds make this an exciting and engaging read for the YA reader. I would also recommend for the any age if you have an interest in history and of course, smuggling!

I would like to thank the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've got to hand it to Marie-Louise Jensen on this one. Not only was this a highly entertaining and fun read, but she had me guessing up until the very end. I was close to figuring some things out and piecing together others, but no matter how hard I tried to think about it, I was still surprised when she wrapped up the last revelation in the very end. I love that kind of read, don't you?

Isabelle and the rest of the crew on The Invisible were a great lot of characters. And one of things I enjoyed most about this read was the character development throughout its pages. All of the main characters went through some type of adjustment and growth throughout the story and it was so much fun and all together an exciting ride while watching how they all turned out.

There's romance, suspense, mystery and secrets out the wazoo, and so much fun to be had with this one. It was a light read overall but in the best possible sense. I was never overly stressed out no matter how tense things got, but at one time or another I did refuse to put the book down in order to find out what would happen next. This was my first experience with Jensen's writing and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future. I enjoyed her writing style as well as how she paces her story lines.

Overall I have to say that this was just the type of read I was looking for at just the right time! Be sure to pick this one up to read when it hits the shelves.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my books I first ever read. This is the book that got me into reading about 10 years ago. Its a great book full of adventure and my favourite book from Marie-Louise Jensen. This is so different to my fantasy romance books that I read now but I still love this book and I still re-read this book!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I am honest this is probably more of a 3.5 rather than a 4. But I have decided to give this a four based on sheer enjoyment. It sounds silly but I felt that I was on board a smuggler’s ship for half of this book and I really enjoyed being on the ship. It was just a really fun book that I really enjoyed reading but at the same time there was a very interesting plot, which made me laugh. Originally I didn't want to pick this book up because it is set in 1720 and I thought I would struggle getting through this book. I was wrong. I think it was because it was written in a very modern way, which personally I found easier to read but at the same time I think it may have felt more authentic if it was written in a more old fashioned way. But I am glad it wasn't written in this way but I felt as though it could have reduced the potential of this book. That being said, I wished the book was so much longer as I could have read about the smuggler’s exploits for so much longer because I fell in love with the characters and the story, so that is why I have given in a four. Because this book made me fall in love with the story and it reminded me why I love reading so much.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, cosy YA historical romance! I really enjoyed this story, even though it's aimed at younger readers than myself. Marie Louise Jensen writes beautifully and totally brings to life England in the early 18th century. I really liked the relationship between the two main characters, Isabelle and Will. Isabelle starts out as a very dislikeable, spoilt and self centred character but as the story and plot progresses she matures and finally becomes aware of the fact that she's not the only person on the planet and that other people and the way they feel are important too! With the help of handsome gentleman-like smuggler Will (who's rather charming but very mysterious) Isabelle becomes the heroine of the tale, and after a serious love/hate situation to begin with, Will and Isabelle finally get together. This is a light, easy, gorgeously written tale that gives the characters (and the readers!) the happy-ever-after ending everyone wants!

[Manda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really remember much of Smuggler's kiss having finished it ages and not had the time to sit down and review it. It didn't really leave an impression on me neither did it leave me wanting to seek out more books by the same author. This is probably due to me not really enjoying historical fiction and also because my brain pictured pirates whenever the word Smugglers was mentioned. I would have preferred a pirate story filled with swash-buckling adventure. Still despite this I did enjoy it at times, for me it had its ups and downs but mostly stayed on the same line but I managed to finish it so I must have enjoyed something about it.

I don't think I will bother reading anymore of Jensen's books because I know she is a historical fiction writer which is great for her and for some people just it's just not in my field of interests.

[Aoi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tough one to rate- I was absolutely giddy with excitement when the crew embarked on their smuggling adventures, and completely bored when the pace slowed down. While the author did explore life aboard a ship, she made 17th century smuggling look like a walk in the park-- Oh! We have the best ships, the dangers of a winter Channel crossing are nothing. And even if we do get caught by the guard, they can't hang us, just a few days in the goal and we'll carry on..

Isabelle feels accepted by the surprisingly egalitarian (?) crew when she pulls her socks up, but half of them are still openly hostile to her. The ones she becomes 'great friends' with are cardboard cutouts and beyond their names and appearance- she doesn't know a thing about them!

Overall it was a fantastic premise to be working around, but it definitely fell short.

[November · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Smuggler’s Kiss has been sat on my shelf for about four years - since I first read The Girl In The Mask. I just hadn’t been in the mood for something like it but lately YA historical fiction has interested me so I finally got around to it. I didn’t love it the same way I did Girl In The Mask but it was an enjoyable book. Isabelle gets caught up in the life of smugglers and it’s all very exciting. The romance was fun especially in the way it builds slowly. The pair aren’t love at first sight or anything. I adored the fatherly relationship Isabelle had with the man who saved her (I cannot for the life of me remember his name). It was a fun and enjoyable read and exactly what I needed then. It didn’t blow me away but if all books you read blew you away what would you read when you need something for a good time?

[Clarissa W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually find it quite a daunting task to write a review on books that leave me feeling more than satisfied. The author happens to be one of my favourites and this novel certainly did not disappoint. Smugglers, ships & adventures... What's not to love? The romance was palpable and sweet-the kind one wishes for in their dreams. The scenes between Isabelle and Will left me smiling and laughing, from their initial dislike of each other to playful banters. I find it so much more refreshing than the usual saccharine romance fictions that leave you wanting to scratch your eyeballs out and cry,"Dear LORD." Although I have to admit that I have a soft spot for swashbuckling adventures, hence the swooning.

[Kristine Maite Suarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good book from marie-louise jensen!i find myself addicted to reading her books.

to be honest, i was quite annoyed by isabelle, the heroine of the book.she's this rich arrogant spoiled brat one would surely hate.though sometimes, i find her fits of tantrums funny.but as the story progresses, you get to see the change in her ways and views as though she just realized there's more to the world she had been sheltered and grown up to.and thanks to the smugglers for that, and of course, will.i had a good laugh at the part where will was dressed as a maid!god, that was downright amusing!haha..

i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and thus deserve a 5-star rating!

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book, full of excitement, mystery, adventure and plot twists. It was highly enjoyable, although I did not enjoy it as much as I enjoyed "The Lady in the Tower" which is a really amazing book. I liked the historical details and Isabelle's character development was believable. Much as I should have disliked her for her snobbish views at the beginning, I actually found myself understanding her because the author showed clearly that her views were a result of her upbringing and it made the ensuing turn around in her character all the more interesting and believable.

[Alis · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a fan of historical fiction this book is a blissful read. With lovable characters and a wonderful plot Marie-Louise Jensen creates an incredible world. Even though her books are aimed at younger teenage readers I fully enjoy them. They give a light hearted break to my recent heavy reading themes.

Jensen creates lovable characters in Isabelle, Will and Jacob which may become some of my favourite characters to date. I truly would recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction as much as I do.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very much The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle for teenagers.

That said, it was definitely its own different story. And while I liked it and enjoyed the read, I felt it wasn't quite as....intense as it could have been, I guess. The heroine must go through enormous changes in a few short pages, and while what she went through was awful, it wasn't quite as bad as what I had imagined for her the whole book.

Graded a B+

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book, it was exciting and a great adventure/romance book. It is just as amazing as Girl In The Tower and Between Two Seas. I definitely recommend reading it.
But *SPOILER ALERT*
Isabelle is 15 years old and Will is grown up. This is the only thing that I didn't really like. I still gave it 5 stars because I know that this was normal in that time period. But personally I would have enjoyed the romance more if Isabelle was slightly older.

[Vik · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoroughly entertaining read.....a heroine, smugglers, ships and adventure, what more could you ask for?
Isabelle goes on a life-changing journey through the book. As well as excitement, danger and romance, she is also forced to change her preconceptions as she learns more about the lives of others and how different they are from her own. This book has a good mix of fun and adventure, but is also thought provoking.

[Noodles78 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up, mainly because I'd just finished a book and I liked the idea of smugglers (especially as I'd just finished The Moor and I clear l am in a bit of a Du Maurier mood).

It's an easy and engaging read, I romped through it in an evening and it had all the key elements I like in a book, kept me occupied and before I knew it, it was waaaay past my bedtime and I only had a few pages to go.

[Caroline Pihlwret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had my doubts when I started this book, the heroine being a little whiny. But I grew to really like the book and the growth of Isabelle´s character. It left me with a cosy feeling and musings about what happened to the characters after the book ended.
I am definitely going to look into Marie-Louise Jensen´s other books!

[Keira]

3.5 stars. I think I like the ending to this one more than The Girl in the Mask but it also seems less realistic, so that ruins it a bit. Interesting world of smuggling, some good character development that could have seemed a bit overly-dramatic were it not for the social class Isabelle comes from.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, I was completely gripped. One of the best things was how the charters grew, and the changing way in which Isabel, the main character who finds herself abroad a ship of Smugglers, reacts to things.
I hope there is a sequel soon!

[Hafiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute