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Regency Silk & Scandal #3
The Smuggler and the Society Bride
Lady Honoria Carlow, Earl of Narborough's daughter, takes refuge with an aunt in the storm-tossed coast of Cornwall, to investigate who engineered her London disgrace and why. The Irish 'Hawk' Gabriel Hawksworth is a gentleman by birth, but temporarily captains a smuggling vessel for an army friend who saved his life. His dazzling blue eyes lure Honoria into more trouble.
280 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2010
About the author
Julia Justiss
219 books317 followersJulia Justiss grew up breathing the scent of sea air near the colonial town of Annapolis, Maryland, a fact responsible for two of her life-long passions: sailors and history! By age twelve she was a junior tour guide for Historic Annapolis, conducting visitors on walking tours through the city that was a hotbed of revolutionary fervor. (Annapolis hosted its own tea party, dispensing with the cargo aboard the "Peggy Stewart," and was briefly capital of the United States.) She also took tourists through Annapolis's other big attraction, the United States Naval Academy. After so many years of observing future naval officers at P-rade and chapel, it seemed almost inevitable that she eventually married one.
But long before embarking on romantic adventures of her own, she read about them, transporting herself to such favorite venues as ancient Egypt, World War II submarine patrols, the Old South and, of course, Regency England. Soon she was keeping notebooks for jotting down story ideas. From plotting adventures for her first favorite heroine Nancy Drew she went on to write poetry in high school and college, then worked as a business journalist doing speeches, sales promotion material and newsletter articles. After her marriage to a naval lieutenant took her overseas, she wrote the newsletter for the American Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Before leaving Tunis, she fulfilled her first goal: completing a Regency novel.
Children intervened, and not until her husband left the Navy to return to his Texas homeland did she sit down to pen a second novel. The reply to her fan mail letter to a Regency author led her to Romance Writers of America. From the very first meeting, she knew she'd found a home among fellow writers--doubtless the largest group of people outside a mental institution who talk back to the voices in their heads.
Her second goal was achieved the day before her birthday in May, 1998 when Margaret Marbury of Harlequin Historicals offered to buy that second book, the Golden-Heart-Award winning novel that became THE WEDDING GAMBLE. Since then, she has gone on to write fourteen novels, three novellas and an on-line serial, along the way winning or finalling for historical awards from The Golden Quill, the National Reader’s Choice, Romantic Times, and All About Romance’s Favorite Book of the Year.
Julia now inhabits an English Georgian-style house she and her husband built in the East Texas countryside where, if she closes her eyes and ignores the summer thermometer, she can almost imagine she inhabits the landscape of "Pride and Prejudice." In between travelling to visit her three children (a naval officer son stationed in Washington, DC, a textiles and design major daughter who cheers for University of Texas at Austin, and a mechanical engineering major son also at UT Austin) keeping up with her science teacher husband and juggling a part-time day job as a high school French teacher, she pursues her first and dearest love--crafting stories.
To relax, she enjoys watching movies, reading (historical fiction, mystery, suspense) and puttering about in the garden trying to kill off more weeds than flowers.
But long before embarking on romantic adventures of her own, she read about them, transporting herself to such favorite venues as ancient Egypt, World War II submarine patrols, the Old South and, of course, Regency England. Soon she was keeping notebooks for jotting down story ideas. From plotting adventures for her first favorite heroine Nancy Drew she went on to write poetry in high school and college, then worked as a business journalist doing speeches, sales promotion material and newsletter articles. After her marriage to a naval lieutenant took her overseas, she wrote the newsletter for the American Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Before leaving Tunis, she fulfilled her first goal: completing a Regency novel.
Children intervened, and not until her husband left the Navy to return to his Texas homeland did she sit down to pen a second novel. The reply to her fan mail letter to a Regency author led her to Romance Writers of America. From the very first meeting, she knew she'd found a home among fellow writers--doubtless the largest group of people outside a mental institution who talk back to the voices in their heads.
Her second goal was achieved the day before her birthday in May, 1998 when Margaret Marbury of Harlequin Historicals offered to buy that second book, the Golden-Heart-Award winning novel that became THE WEDDING GAMBLE. Since then, she has gone on to write fourteen novels, three novellas and an on-line serial, along the way winning or finalling for historical awards from The Golden Quill, the National Reader’s Choice, Romantic Times, and All About Romance’s Favorite Book of the Year.
Julia now inhabits an English Georgian-style house she and her husband built in the East Texas countryside where, if she closes her eyes and ignores the summer thermometer, she can almost imagine she inhabits the landscape of "Pride and Prejudice." In between travelling to visit her three children (a naval officer son stationed in Washington, DC, a textiles and design major daughter who cheers for University of Texas at Austin, and a mechanical engineering major son also at UT Austin) keeping up with her science teacher husband and juggling a part-time day job as a high school French teacher, she pursues her first and dearest love--crafting stories.
To relax, she enjoys watching movies, reading (historical fiction, mystery, suspense) and puttering about in the garden trying to kill off more weeds than flowers.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 25, 2010
This was a great read. It redeemed the series for me, after not really enjoying the predecessor, Paying the Virgin's Price.
Things I liked about this one:
- The hero - dark hair, piercing blue eyes, Irish brogue, kind, amusing, sexy as hell and with a strong sense of honor. Talk about the perfect, delicious, Celtic package. He's not angsty, dark or unpleasant. Just a complete sexy, sweetie.
- The heroine - feisty, passionate and totally misunderstood. She appears prone to doing daft things, but really just can't help herself, loves adventure and hates injustice. She was far more interesting and likeable than she appeared in the previous books, when she came across as a complete irritant.
- The Cornish coast - it's as much a character as the hero and heroine, although the author could have emphasized Cornwall's geographic and cultural separation from the rest of England. Cornwall actually has it's own language (alas, not so well-known now), strong Celtic links and a fierce streak of nationalism and independence. It's possible that the Cornish would have been persecuted at this time. They may have welcomed an Irishman with open arms, but felt nothing but hatred for an Anglo-Irishman (I'm guessing here). It would have made the story darker, but more interesting
- The writing style - the plot is not particularly original, and some bits are actually pretty standard HR tripe, but there is something about the writing which makes you forget you've read this before, and makes you sigh with appreciation.
- The way the series plot is worked in - unlike the previous book in the series, and although on paper this one appears to have nothing in common with the rest, it's worked in fabulously. It shows the underlying theme from a different angle, with an outsider's quick perception, but doesn't dominate or overwhelm.
- The romance - it just works. The magnetic attraction between the hero and heroine is believable, as are their reactions to it.
Things I didn't like as much:
- The plot - let's face it, it's not the first time the naughty-but-loveable-smuggler-meets-feisty-but-ruined-lady story has been written, but don't let that put you off.
4 stars, I really enjoyed this is a fair rating. I struggled to put it down.
Things I liked about this one:
- The hero - dark hair, piercing blue eyes, Irish brogue, kind, amusing, sexy as hell and with a strong sense of honor. Talk about the perfect, delicious, Celtic package. He's not angsty, dark or unpleasant. Just a complete sexy, sweetie.
- The heroine - feisty, passionate and totally misunderstood. She appears prone to doing daft things, but really just can't help herself, loves adventure and hates injustice. She was far more interesting and likeable than she appeared in the previous books, when she came across as a complete irritant.
- The Cornish coast - it's as much a character as the hero and heroine, although the author could have emphasized Cornwall's geographic and cultural separation from the rest of England. Cornwall actually has it's own language (alas, not so well-known now), strong Celtic links and a fierce streak of nationalism and independence. It's possible that the Cornish would have been persecuted at this time. They may have welcomed an Irishman with open arms, but felt nothing but hatred for an Anglo-Irishman (I'm guessing here). It would have made the story darker, but more interesting
- The writing style - the plot is not particularly original, and some bits are actually pretty standard HR tripe, but there is something about the writing which makes you forget you've read this before, and makes you sigh with appreciation.
- The way the series plot is worked in - unlike the previous book in the series, and although on paper this one appears to have nothing in common with the rest, it's worked in fabulously. It shows the underlying theme from a different angle, with an outsider's quick perception, but doesn't dominate or overwhelm.
- The romance - it just works. The magnetic attraction between the hero and heroine is believable, as are their reactions to it.
Things I didn't like as much:
- The plot - let's face it, it's not the first time the naughty-but-loveable-smuggler-meets-feisty-but-ruined-lady story has been written, but don't let that put you off.
4 stars, I really enjoyed this is a fair rating. I struggled to put it down.
August 11, 2024
Volevo leggere questo romanzo per proseguire nella lettura della serie IL CAPPIO DI SETA, di cui questo rappresenta il terzo volume.
Tuttavia, ho come avuto l'impressione che la Justiss non avesse letto il volume iniziale della Allen, perché la sua protagonista è totalmente diversa dalla lady Honoria Carlow che avevamo conosciuto. Se la sorella di Marcus ci era apparsa scaltra, vivace e molto simpatica, qui ne ritroviamo una pallida copia.
D'accordo, c'è stato uno scandalo in mezzo, ma ha proprio mutato personalità. E non aiuta il fatto che la trama sia pressoché inesistente: non succede nulla, per cui è un volume irrilevante di per sé e irrilevante per la serie. 3 stelline
Tuttavia, ho come avuto l'impressione che la Justiss non avesse letto il volume iniziale della Allen, perché la sua protagonista è totalmente diversa dalla lady Honoria Carlow che avevamo conosciuto. Se la sorella di Marcus ci era apparsa scaltra, vivace e molto simpatica, qui ne ritroviamo una pallida copia.
D'accordo, c'è stato uno scandalo in mezzo, ma ha proprio mutato personalità. E non aiuta il fatto che la trama sia pressoché inesistente: non succede nulla, per cui è un volume irrilevante di per sé e irrilevante per la serie. 3 stelline
October 4, 2010
The Smuggler and the Society Bride is the first book I’ve read by Julia Justiss and I couldn’t finish it. Honoria is the perfect example of a heroine that is too stupid to live. I read the first half of the book and all she does is wander around feeling sorry for herself as she goes from one drama to the next. I can appreciate a heroine who is willing to take a risk but this one bordered on utter stupidity. Her inability to make a decision and stick to it was enough to make me put this book down several times.
A ridiculous heroine coupled with long…droning pages of introspect (aka waffling) slow the plot to a crawl and it was simply too painful to go on. I skimmed to the end to see how the series plot was advanced and the ‘bad guy’ comes off looking like a fool. Sorry, not interested in villains who are evil because you need someone to blame. ~ Renee, www.ireadromance.com
A ridiculous heroine coupled with long…droning pages of introspect (aka waffling) slow the plot to a crawl and it was simply too painful to go on. I skimmed to the end to see how the series plot was advanced and the ‘bad guy’ comes off looking like a fool. Sorry, not interested in villains who are evil because you need someone to blame. ~ Renee, www.ireadromance.com
November 29, 2017
Harlequin Regency silk and scandal series. Story about the sins of the father 20 years prior gypsy curse being visited on their children. Wardal children - nell, nathan and rosalind; Hebden children Imogen, Stephen ( Nadya gypsy half sister) Carlow children Marcus, Hal, Honoria and Verity
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
#1 The lord and the Wayward Lady Louise Allen - Marcus and Nell’s story
#2 Paying the Virgin’s price by Christine Merrill - Nathan and Diana’s story
#3 The Smuggler and the society bride by Julia Justice -Hawk and Honoria’s story
#4 Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson - Rhys and Nadya
#5 The viscount and the virgin by Annie Burrows Monty and Imogen
#6 Unlacing the Innocent miss by Margaret McPhee - wolf and Rosalind’s story
#7 The officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen - Hal and Julia’s story
#8 Taken by the wicked rake by Christine Merrill - Verity and Stephan
July 26, 2025
Excellent.
A well written novel full of drama and unfolding intrigue.
Fits in well with the overall mystery of the unraveling storyline of the series.
For some reason it took me longer to read this particular novel than others of similar length….. maybe because I was overthinking the morals of smuggling and other activities in the novel.
Well worth the read IMHO.
A well written novel full of drama and unfolding intrigue.
Fits in well with the overall mystery of the unraveling storyline of the series.
For some reason it took me longer to read this particular novel than others of similar length….. maybe because I was overthinking the morals of smuggling and other activities in the novel.
Well worth the read IMHO.
August 3, 2025
Lady Honora was living in Cornwall with her aunt when she meets Gabe, a free-trade smuggler helping a friend. Gabe, after serving 4 years in her royal service captaining a ship, promised his friend 6 months of "help". Upon meeting Honora, Gabe is captivated and upon learning her story of reputation ruin has offered to find those responsible
August 22, 2020
La trama si fa sempre più ingarbugliata, ma mi piace moltissimo.
August 6, 2022
Nice historical easy-read romance to cleanse the palette before jumping into other books. Looking forward to reading the others in the series.
September 11, 2016
Exceptionally riveting
I really did adore this story! To see a change in Honoria was wonderful! I loved the romance between her and Gabe. I was hooked right away!
I really did adore this story! To see a change in Honoria was wonderful! I loved the romance between her and Gabe. I was hooked right away!
August 4, 2010
Part of Harlequin's Silk and Scandal series. In this one, the heroine is the "reckless" sister of the family that more-or-less escaped the old scandal. She doesn't really know anything about it--which is plausible, even though her older brother and his wife know all about it, because things were kept from "the ladies." She's deliberately ruined at a London ball, and when she tries to protest that she was set up, her brother won't believe her. He sends her off to the family estate--but she goes to visit a great aunt in Cornwall instead. Where she meets an Irish boat captain helping out an army friend who's returned to the family business of smuggling. There's attraction, mystery, romance, all sorts of good stuff. I enjoyed this book in the series too, and will be getting the others. (Hmm. I may be able to download the 4th book by now...)
August 14, 2012
I loved Gabe, I love Honoria and I thought their story was great. However, I didn't like the changes which the author had made to the characters of family members who had appeared in previous novels and it jarred a little that I was expected to believe Marcus would have just shoved his sister off into exile rather than considered that what happened to her might have been part of the campaign which was being waged against his family as a result of the scandal some 20 years ago.
The Cornish landscape and smuggling tradition is well described here and the secondary characters are fleshed out even though they don't have much to do.
There was little furthering on of the series long plot though which was a bit disappointing. Overall this was a good read and Gabe and Honoria made a good couple but there was nothing outstanding to bump it up the ratings.
The Cornish landscape and smuggling tradition is well described here and the secondary characters are fleshed out even though they don't have much to do.
There was little furthering on of the series long plot though which was a bit disappointing. Overall this was a good read and Gabe and Honoria made a good couple but there was nothing outstanding to bump it up the ratings.
October 31, 2011
The third book and Honoria´s story. She´s fled London after a scandal where she was framed and no one, not even her own family, believed her innocence. Her aunt and confidante takes her in and she finds herself loving the quiet life in Cornwall.
The Hawk, the smuggler and irishman Gabe, thinks he´s just wanting to flirt but is drawn to her, and ends up helping her solve more than one problem. Love the story, did feel more like a filler, though. Quick read, sweet story but not much progress re: the Silk Scandal. 3.5 Stars.
The Hawk, the smuggler and irishman Gabe, thinks he´s just wanting to flirt but is drawn to her, and ends up helping her solve more than one problem. Love the story, did feel more like a filler, though. Quick read, sweet story but not much progress re: the Silk Scandal. 3.5 Stars.
June 16, 2013
This was a difficult book to get through. I was on Chapter 12 before I got to the heart of the story. The basis for this series is barely touched on until the end of the book but the story has not moved forward at all.
Read
July 5, 2010#3 of 8 in the Regency Silk and Scandal continuity.
July 15, 2010
Eh... I've read worse.
Read
August 1, 2010Miniseries: Silk & Scandal
September 9, 2010
3rd book in the Silk and Scandal Series.
I am enjoying this series.
This was about Honoria and Gabriel.
She is sister to Marcus from the 1st book.
Gabe is a free-trader.
I am enjoying this series.
This was about Honoria and Gabriel.
She is sister to Marcus from the 1st book.
Gabe is a free-trader.
September 20, 2010
The 3rd one in the series is great! I loved the main male character he is definitely a hero!
June 1, 2011
Liked this historical romance. Once again we see the status of women at that time. Also we get some insight into 'free trading'. Good character development. Interesting storyline.
July 12, 2011
It was good if abit slow.
February 29, 2012
3 stelline e mezzo!
La storia non e' male, manca un po' di ritmo, giusto verso la fine si ritrova un po' di brio anche se il finale e' decisamente troppo veloce.
La storia non e' male, manca un po' di ritmo, giusto verso la fine si ritrova un po' di brio anche se il finale e' decisamente troppo veloce.
October 4, 2012
Not crazy about this one. Continuity of the series, characters and overall story was good but it didn't have the feeling of the other books. :-(
July 3, 2015
I liked. X-rated seem to blend in after a while. Certain authors stand out as favorites, who blend humor with action.
April 5, 2018
This story didn't really catch me. It had some really sweet moments, but most of the time I felt as if it was stalling.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews