The Road to Silver Plume

Actions speak louder than words...which is my response to those who say Tamara Allen's latest book isn't romantic enough. Are there numerous sex scenes? No. Do the two M/Cs ever say they love each other? I don't think they do, nor is it necessary. Yet for anyone who likes a slow burn love story rich with historical detail, The Road to Silver Plume will be very rewarding. Allen writes late 19th/early 20th century historical romance with a eye and ear for this period of enormous change, and the search to uncover a money counterfeiting ring is set in the context of key decisions about to be made about monetary policy and the silver standard.

As always, Allen's characters grow and change through the course of the novel (hard to believe it takes place over the course of less than a week). Emlyn Strickland proves to himself and the world that he is brave and daring enough to be a field agent, not just an expert in spotting counterfeit coins. And Darrow Gardiner - well, he stays a rogue right up to the last line of the book, but his vow to avenge those responsible for his six-year incarceration at Sing Sing (including Emlyn) slowly turns into something more honorable. The growing attraction between the two is understated until the last quarter of the book, which is also when the adventure ratchets up exponentially and both MCs have to rely on their courage, honor and cunning to keep each other alive.

Allen released this book very quietly on December 24, 2015, and it was one of the nicest Christmas presents I gave myself.