It is always exciting to receive a new book by a favourite romance author. You know that you are in for an absorbing story with wonderful protagonists, sparkling interactions and a delicious central relationship, along with an interesting cast of secondary characters and a sense of place that combine into a sum greater than its excellent parts. I am delighted to say that this is very much the case with Stella Riley’s new novel, Under a Dark Moon.

The story is set on the coast of Kent around Romney Marsh and its environs. The long, flat stretches of beach and sea wall and barren coastal hinterland with enveloping sea mists and the dreary overcast skies are easy to imagine and form an evocative setting for a story about smuggling.

I really enjoyed the plot of Under a Dark Moon. Smuggling is a much-used trope in romantic fiction but there was a freshness of approach and such a well-developed story that made Ms Riley’s novel exciting and engrossing. Each element of the story was well-thought-through. From the logistics of organising and operating the runs to the conspiracy of silence of those involved in the trade to the hopeless task facing the Riding Officers and Preventive Men, it felt realistic and all too feasible. I especially enjoyed the underlying espionage sub-plot that added depth and complexity to the story and provided the protagonists ample opportunities to display their skills, intelligence and courage.

However, Ms Riley’s most accomplished skill is her ability to create wonderfully memorable characters and incorporate them into a delightfully satisfying love story. At their first meeting there was little to suggest that Adam and Camilla will be right for each other but as their characters are slowly revealed to us and to each other, it is such a pleasure to watch their romance develop. I loved that though they are both relatively young they are both so mature in their thoughts and actions.

Adam is the middle Brandon brother. He has chosen to leave the family estate in Yorkshire and make his own way in the world. He is quite different to his brother Max (see A Trick of Fate) but still has the Brandon honour, integrity and beautiful manners. He is a lovely man, both physically (gorgeous) and in personality. Self-contained, economical in speech and somewhat reserved, he is nevertheless confident in his skills and uses his razor-sharp intelligence to best effect. Perhaps his most appealing trait is that he treats Camilla as every inch his equal in all things. His open appreciation and respect for her intelligence is an important element in Camilla’s realisation of her attraction to Adam.

Camilla is also a fascinating character. Sharp and spiky when we first meet her, she is still berating herself for having imagined herself in love with a selfish man who did not love her. A year later, having sworn off men but still feeling humiliated, she is very antagonistic towards Adam in their first few meetings. However, when she is back in her own home and experiences Adam’s calm good sense and down-to-earth attitude, she realises that she has been rather rude and apologises. This apology paves the way for their friendship to develop. For such a young woman, Camilla is very mature – perhaps because her special skill has given her access to a world that was usually closed to women and where she could use and sharpen her own intelligence. When problems occur throughout the story, she uses her brain to think through possible solutions. She displays resilience and backbone at every turn, refusing to resort to tears and inaction, though she clearly feels the shock, horror and gut-wrenching worry that the plot turns generate. When she realises her attraction to Adam and that it is reciprocated, her responses are delightfully open and warm. Adam and Camilla are a perfect match for each other, and their story will live long in my memory.

As always in a Stella Riley novel, there is a great cast of secondary characters. I loved Rainham and enjoyed glimpses of his long-suffering wife and would have loved to see his romance! Harry Finch was a joy, as was Coombes and Uncle Alveston. The “baddies” were suitably dark and dastardly and even a little surprising! It was lovely to meet Sebastian and Cassie again and to see a more serious side of Sebastian. Even the Duke of Rockliffe made a very small cameo appearance.

With this book it feels like the author has taken a step further away from the Rockliffe cycle of books and possibly one in the direction of the complexity, historical and emotional heft of the Roundhead and Cavalier novels. Under a Dark Moon is an exciting, action-packed novel where the development of the central romance is inextricably entwined with the progress of the plot to make a richly rewarding and satisfying read. I just loved it.
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