Lady, Lover, Smuggler, Spy by Alicia Quigley

Lady, Lover, Smuggler, Spy is the third book of The Arlingbys historical sensual romance series by Alicia Quigley

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“If you enjoyed A Collector’s Item and The Contraband Courtship, the first two books Quigley’s Alingbys series, you will love Lady, Lover, Smuggler, Spy. If you haven’t read them, you’ll enjoy this as a stand alone story and read the Volumes 1 and 2 as well! Like the first two books, it contains a great, emotionally compelling romance, some intrigue, and the author’s trademark hot, yet not pornographic sex scenes, which actually tell us something about their hero and heroine’s evolving relationship.” ~ Reader review

“If you enjoy regency and historical romance with a healthy dose of mystery, you’ll love A Collector’s Item. This story is both refined and deliciously steamy, and you’ll be hastily drawn into Rowena’s world.” ~ Reader review of A Collector’s Item

“Their love story is funny, romantic, and very sexy in Alicia Quigley’s hot but tasteful way, as they struggle with the smugglers and their pre-conceived notions about each other. A very fun read – highly recommended!” ~ Reader review of The Contraband Courtship

Mrs. Valerie Carlton is the widow of a soldier who died in the Peninsular Wars. Disowned by her family for “marrying down,” she survives working as a governess. When the elder son of the family makes unwelcome advances, Valerie leaves, seeking refuge with a close friend until she can find another position.

Sir Tarquin Arlingby, a wealthy, handsome bachelor on his way home, is staying at the same inn as Valerie and witnesses her being robbed before she can board the coach. He goes to Valerie’s aid and is instantly attracted to her. As her friend’s home is near his estate, he offers to drive her there.

An unfortunate accident forces the pair to spend a night in a village inn. Over dinner, Valerie talks about her experiences during the Spanish campaign against Napoleon and the sense of mission that she felt following the drum, which she misses in her current life. Sir Tarquin, who is secretly spying for the Crown by masquerading as a smuggler to pass information in and out of France, is intrigued by her bravery and his attraction increases. Valerie is also drawn to the handsome baronet.

Tarquin needs a French-speaking woman to pose as a smuggler during a mission to the “City of Smugglers” in Gravelines. When he discovers that Valerie speaks French like a native, he successfully recruits her for the job.

Will the pair survive their dangerous mission? Will they finally acknowledge the depth of their feelings for each other?

A Word from the Author

While we were researching early 19th century smuggling in Kent for The Contraband Courtship, we ran across a lot of information on the smuggling of golden guineas to pay Napoleon’s troops, and the special “City of Smugglers” he set up to facilitate the trade. This was too good of a plot twist to pass up, so we decided to incorporate it in our third Arlingbys series book. Since the Napoleonic Wars were over at the time of the first two books, Book 3 had to be a prequel. However, like the other books it can be read as a standalone, and I think that the intrigue and adventure part of this one is the most fully realized of any of our books so far, and hope readers find it exciting as well.
(Alicia Quigley, September 2016)