An Extraordinary Union (The Loyal League)

I found this a rather shallow, romanticized story, full of cliched and not very interesting writing. The happy ending was impossible; I think I would have preferred a sadder but more realistic outcome. I would not recommend this to others. A cheap and unremarkable read.

Beautiful story of Union spies Malcolm McCall and Ellen Burns who meet while working behind enemy lines in Richmond Virginia. Elle is a free black woman with an eidetic memory posing as a slave at the home of a Confederate senator. She is also a member of the Loyal League, a web of spies working on behalf of the Union. Malcolm is a Pinkerton detective posing as a Confederate soldier dedicated to his country and uninterested in anything other than the mission until he lays eyes on Elle.The attraction is immediate but Elle is determined to resist the temptation of the sexy, charming detective for the consequences if they were discovered giving in to their mutual attraction would certainly be hers to bear. She is prickly, rude and standoff-ish but she is no match for Malcolm' s sexy self assurance, his natural charm and determination. Soon, to Elle' s consternation, they give in to their desires putting their mission, their hearts and their very lives at risk.

American historical romance set in the Civil War are pretty rare and an interracial historical romance is even more so . But aside from the novelty this is a well written, compelling story with likeable leading characters, believable relationship development and sexy love scenes. I found the historical aspect of it fascinating and Elle a strong, capable and determined heroine and as serious and prickly as Malcolm is irreverent and easy going. I loved Malcolm' s character so much! He was like a historical captain America ( I pictured Chris Evans the whole time I was reading) he was a patriot dedicated to his country and also sweet, sexy, funny and terribly romantic. That being said I felt that Malcolm was a little less drawn out than Elle and I felt a little disconnected from their relationship because of it. I also thought that there was a bit of insta love on his part. I would have wished for more introspection from him on the difficulties that he and Elle would be faced with by being together in a society that wouldn't even recognize their marriage. Elle' s intransigence while understandable was drawn out for too long and her constantly thinking the worst of Malcolm was annoying to me. Aside from these quibbles I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope that this is just the beginning of more diversity in historical romance and really in romance in general. Anyone looking for a satisfying love story with fascinating historical details, a strong heroine and a sexy, sweet hero needs to read this book.Highly recommended. 4 1/2 stars. Steam level: Hot.

Adventure, romance, sex… perfect for escape reading. What free woman would trade in her freedom to carry out her passion for justice?

This is a well written book with a unique plot. Elle Burn is a unique woman by a lot of means. Courageous is the word that I would use to describe her. Elle is a freed slave going undercover to get information to the Union to help defeat the Confederates and she also has the ability to remember everything that she read and see. So her gift helps in the service that she does for the Union. This isn’t a book where I found myself necessarily liking a particular character or even connecting with one but if I had to pick one it would be Elle. She is courageous, she is selfless and for her to face the dangers in the fight to end slavery as well as becoming involved in forbidden love is a woman that is truly bold.

While undercover Elle meets Malcolm McCall. They both have a lot in common. Malcolm has his personal reasons for helping the Union. During their mission to help the Union Malcolm happens to see Elle and finds himself attracted to her. As the story goes on their attraction and passion for each other grows. Another thing they both have in common is that they read and quote Shakespeare and Sun Tzu. I like that they have similar things to share and draw closeness on.

The story is summarized and told so well but it seems there is more telling than showing. I enjoy a good historical read but I felt this storyline center more around Elle and Malcolm’s growth into a relationship as well as their active sex life. Their personal relationship took away from the story line. There wasn’t a balance of romance and historical events. Even though Elle and Malcolm didn’t have it easy in trying to be with each other, the story doesn’t offer much as to the suspense of the outcome. I could predict that the outcome would be in the best interest of Elle and Malcolm. I think this would have been a good story without the sex-capade.

This is an extraordinary story, but probably doesn’t offer a realistic historical outcome. For this reason I would recommend this to readers that enjoy an escape but aren’t exceptionally choosy about historical accuracy. It also offers readers a sensual romance with a happy ending.

originally posted at long and short reviews

We need this book in today’s world. An Extraordinary Union is majestic in its character, it’s blunt in the face of anger and injustice and pain, it’s brutal in its truths. It’s not just a must read, it’s a need to read.

Ellen Burns works as a spy for the Union. She poses as enslaved in the Confederate senator's household, hoping to uncover information to end the Confederacy and hopefully, in her lifetime, see the end of slavery. It’s her sole mission until she meets the “package” in the form of a white, Confederate soldier who works his way into Elle’s thoughts. Only, he’s on her side. Is there a future for them together?

Malcolm McCall uses his charm and cunning to uncover secrets. As a top operative with Pinkerton, he’s good at his job, and it’s one of the reasons Elle initially mistrusts him. Is he playing a role with her too? But when their missions coincide, their connection builds and suddenly, they’re wondering if it's possible for an African-American woman and a white man to thrive--to be together-- in a world that wants to keep them apart.

In politics and intrigue, however, love has no bounds.

I love how Alyssa Cole tackles the Civil War Era in this novel. It doesn’t shy away from the despair of the period, but it also delivers an overarching feeling of perseverance and hope, highlighting strength and overcoming adversity, not just surviving. It challenges readers to face this hard past.

This heroine blew me away. Elle takes so many risks fighting for what should be, for her people and for a better, united America. She’s cunning and daring, stealthy yet bold. And she never backs down. She also has a eidetic memory, and I love how her counterpart, Malcolm McCall, admires and cherishes this about her. At one moment, he tells her how amazing she is, and she’s simply all, “Oh, I know.” Love her!

Oh, and Malcolm McCall. At first, Elle thinks he’s a confederate soldier but he’s really an undercover agent. He has such a disarming presence and makes bold advances, but he meets Elle in the middle, shaking up her world as he slowly begins to understand what they are truly fighting for.

McCall won my heart as much as he did Elle’s--little by little. Even though he’s fighting for the Union, he admits he doesn’t fully understand what's happening with Elle and others on a personal level. His acquaintance and friendship and relationship with Elle really strikes a chord with him, and he was so romantic and genuine. It hit me over the head: Malcolm is worthy of our Elle.

I adored this novel, and by the end, I was bawling. I can't wait to see where Ms. Cole takes the readers next. I know it'll be a journey that sticks in the soul.

"No one's ever written anything that
captures how I feel about you.
My paltry word will have to do."
"Paltry?" he asked, shaking his head.
"Perfect. I love you, too."

Exceptional book for all to read!!! Those who love romance, historical romance, or just want to be moved to feel something unbelievably real will not be let down. This book moved me from the characters to the storyline. I was hooked from the very first pages.

Author Alyssa Cole had a way of drawing me into the story and captivating my mind so I felt like I was really there living with the characters. This story takes place during the Civil War and it's heartbreaking read at times. It also will have you laughing, feel your heart with joy, make you want to cry happy tears and put you on the edge of your seat because it's full of thrills.

Elle Burns is a free black woman with an eidetic memory. This helps her to become an agent in a league of spies called the Loyal League. She goes undercover as a slave working for a Senator and his spoiled daughter trying to get information for the league. Since she can remember every word spoken around her or anything she reads it becomes very convenient that her owners think her dumb and mute so they speak freely around her. They also don't know that Elle will do anything to help the north win and see her people set free.

Then walks in Malcolm McCall a guest at the Senator's house and enemy or so she thinks. Ellie and Malcolm find out that they are working on the same side he's also a spy a member of the elite Pinkerton detectives and is constantly changing identities for the cause. A handsome and charming white man that Elle can't help but be drawn to even though she doesn't want to be.

Malcolm has strong feelings about equality of all people. The more he gets to Know Elle the more he falls for her. But these are the times when society will not look at them and see an equal couple. There is great danger around every corner for them never knowing if they will be discovered.

This is exciting and fast-paced book. A passionate love story that keeps you on your toes. A must read for 2017.

I also found it interesting that the author based these characters off of real people during the Civil War Elle Burns is based off of a woman named Mary Bowser a former slave with a eidetic memory who is placed in Jefferson Davis's White House to funnel information to the union. Malcolm is based on Timothy Webster, one of Pinkertons top detectives during the war. The character Robert who plays Mary's husband is based on Robert smalls who is a brilliant river pilot and use this to his advantage.

I really enjoyed this book. I usually read regency romances, but I thought that I would give this book a try. I liked the depth of the characters, but the I did not think that the story had enough depth. I did not feel like I was there. Overall, though, I liked the interaction between the characters. I may read another book in this series.

This was another Harper Miller recommendation. She's quite good at those, btw. I highly suggest you stalk her Facebook page for the books she mentions. I was disappointed to find out that none of my libraries had this one, so I ended up getting it on audible.

I've been iffy on historical fiction as of late. It just seemed too many of them I was seeing were really more... fantasied versions of the reality. And that frustrated me more than anything. When I read historical I like accuracy. This includes the negatives that come with that time period.

Unlike my usual reads, which I really enjoy something I devour it quickly, I took this one slowly. And I loved it. There's a whole lot of stuff going on in here, and I wanted to make sure I was able to comprehend and acknowledge it all so I'd get the whole picture of everything going on.

I hadn't read Alyssa Cole before this, so I wasn't aware of how much sexy times she writes. It'd been a while since I'd read a book with sex in it to be honest, so I was absolutely thrown off at first. In my head I'm all, "Wait a moment, what's going on ... oh! Yes. This. I know what this is." Because I am 100% this ridiculous.

I'd have to say that I was quite impressed with this book. I will be reading more from this author and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Okay, so this is first and foremost a romance with Harlequinesque descriptions of sex and love. It's very important that you know that going in because I DID NOT, and I was not prepared, and it tempered some of my enjoyment of the novel. If I had known, I don't think I would have been bothered by it as much, but I didn't know and so I was. So. I just needed to start there.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. I did find the romance distracting at times (see above), but that was mostly because the spy stuff was so compelling. I really liked both characters, and I especially liked the discussions of race, class, and patriotism here. By the end, I was completely involved (but, again, mostly in the spy stuff). I didn't care so much about the romance, but it was an excellent framework for some of the necessary discussions in the novel, and I appreciated that part.

Oh, and my favorite part was probably when the white male character realized he hadn't thought of the slaves as individuals with their own wants and needs and human desires even as he knew that slavery was wrong and was fighting against it. So yeah, stuff like that is why I really enjoyed this one.

Also, read the author's note. It's good.

30237404
The Civil War is in full swing and Elle is helping the north by posing as a slave. She's free, but has gotten herself a position with a prominent family who thinks she is a mute. But when she gets a message to meet someone to exchange vital information, she never expects to see Malcolm, an Irishman who she'd met that night. Sparks fly as the two fight. But despite their disagreements, they are both willing to die for their country.

This book was nothing like I expected. I'm not sure if the plot would have even been feasible during that time period. But it was such a refreshingly different story that I didn't mind. The author was able to make the story come alive with her descriptions and the tension was well defined between the characters. There was several "bedroom" scenes that were graphic. I didn't really get the chemistry between the two main characters, but loved the history from a different perspective than normally told. Overall, I thought it was a nice story and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads. All thoughts expressed are my own.

This was much more suspenseful than I was expecting! Even though I knew this was a romance, and would therefore have a happily-ever-after ending, it was hard at times to see how they were going to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the way of their relationship.

I liked Elle quite a bit, but found Malcolm a bit more opaque. I could definitely understand why Elle didn’t trust him at first, and I really respected her for how careful she was about getting involved with him. Elle has been used all her life because of her talent – by her parents, by her almost-husband Daniel, by the Loyal League – and finding someone who seems to value her for herself is heady, but she’s wise enough to realize that Malcolm’s charm isn’t enough to overcome the obstacles to their relationship. As for Malcolm, he falls for her strength and intelligence, and is confused when his charm doesn’t work on her like he expects. Malcolm’s slow realization of the awfulness that Elle faces every day of her life, and what they’ll both experience if they choose to pursue a relationship, is painfully real.

This is not exactly a light read. Elle is posing as a mute slave in a Rebel household, and the treatment of her, and the other actual slaves, is heartrendingly awful. Nor does Ms. Cole, or her characters, shy away from the difficulties involved in an inter-racial relationship during the Civil War area. Despite it all, Elle’s dedication to freedom shines through.

“We don’t want revenge, Malcolm.” She looked at him like he was the densest bastard to ever walk the earth. “We want life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, just like any damned fool in these United States is entitled to so long as he isn’t Black or Red. So you can keep your outrage. All I can do is try to make a difference.”

With all that said, this is a wonderful, amazing read. Ms. Cole shows a deft ability to balance the horrors of the Civil War with humor and delightfully real characters. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

This book was rich with historical detail and smoldering tension. It's a promising start to a new historical romance series in an era I don't usually dip my toe in. Fainting Southern belles, Rhett Butler-esque males, and two-dimensional POC are thankfully absent. I've read one too many John Le Carre books to give this five stars--the spying in this book is simplistic at best--but the rich characterization of both MCs makes up for the lack. Book two is going into my to-be-read pile.

An Extraordinary Union is a tale I never expected to see in mainstream publishing, yet I dreamed. Alyssa Cole made that dream come true with this extraordinary love story set in the era of the Civil War. Elle Burns, a freed slave, is using her special talent to aid the Union. Her eidetic memory proves useful on many occasions and her latest mission requires her to return to slavery to spy on a prominent senator in the Confederacy.

While on her mission she works with Malcolm McCall, one of Pinkerton's most persuasive detectives. Though their first meeting can only be described as a disaster they find common ground in their fight for equality and freedom. Alyssa Cole's balanced writing brings this story to life as she creates a believable setting and authentic characters that are close to walking off the pages. Reading this story doesn't feel like sitting through a history class, although it's obvious Cole did her research to remain plausible.

Elle and Malcolm share an adventurous partnership as they risk everything for the sake of the Union. Our daring heroine is resistant to Malcolm's charm. He's exactly the kind of man she thinks she can't trust. On the other hand, Malcom believes she's everything he was meant to have in this world. Their bold romance will breathe you in and only release you when their story comes to a close.

Even in the most tension-ridden situations An Extraordinary Union is filled to the brim with hope. This new series from Alyssa Cole, The Loyal League series, will continue to draw in readers from many walks of life. I find this story relatable and relevant for today's lovers of romance.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*

This book caught my attention when I read a review in BOOK PAGE because for a dozen or more years I’ve been ferreting out information about freed eidetic slave, Mary Jane Bowser, who became a spy in the Confederate White House. Elle Burns, the eidetic spy in this intriguing romance, is based on Bowser’s life as she funneled information to the Union via her former mistress, renowned spy ring leader, Elizabeth Van Lew.

Romance aficionados will love the story with its intriguing plot as Elle works with a Pinkerton spy whom she is afraid to trust though they are both working for the Union.

The only predictable thing about the story line is the reader knows eventually love will triumph. But even though intimate moments happen more frequently and are pictured in great detail, there are many harrowing incidents and much intrigue that keep one reading long after bedtime.

Hope Irvin Marston, author of AGAINST THE TIDE: THE VALOR OF MARGARET WILSON

An Extraordinary Union is an amazing book, a romance favorite definitely.

Why should you read this beauty?

-Both hero and heroine are spies! And the tension and fear of being discovered kept me at the edge the entire reading.

-It's a biracial couple and the hero's privileges are recognized and discussed. The heroine makes him uncomfortable when she talks about white supremacy and racism. And Elle doesn't care if Malcolm feels uneasy when she points out his problematic actions, and he wants to understand and learn. They are truly a beautiful couple.

-Malcolm is so funny and he genuinely admires Elle.

-Elle is an amazing heroine, it's impossible not to fall in love with her.

-The end is hopeful and made me cry so much.

Do you like historical romance? Please read Alyssa Cole's books.

I’ve been talking about how amazing Alyssa Cole’s latest historical romance is since I first had the chance to read it, but it’s an astonishing book about one of my new favorite heroines. Elle Burns, a freedwoman with an eidetic memory, goes undercover in Confederate Richmond to spy for the Union. It’s a moving romance between Elle and Pinkerton spy Malcolm, but there is no soft lens shying away from the harsh reality of their situation. One of the (many) reasons Elle is such an efficient spy is because the Confederates speak freely in front of their slaves, who they view as little more than useful household objects, rather than people. An Extraordinary Union is a powerful, unflinching look at a heroine traditionally ignored, not only in fiction, but in nonfiction narratives of the Civil War.

This book was freaking awesome! It just so happens to mix both of my favorite genres rolled into one. I adore historical romances. But I absolutely love interracial romances especially when they contain sexy Scotsmen. This book was compelling from page one. A wonderful blend of historical facts and a budding love story that couldn't be contained despite the dreadful times they lived in. I've always been drawn to stories( fiction and non-fiction alike) about the War Between the States. If anyone deserved the love and happiness sought, it was surely Malcolm and Elle. Loved it! I will be definitely reading this book again!

I absolutely loved this book. I must admit that I was initially skeptical about a black woman and white man being able to have a meaningful, mutually respectful relationship, especially during this time period, but Ms. Cole was adept at showing the layers in each one of us that make us human. Her ability to address the harsh realities of slavery and the choices that it takes away while being able to realistically allow these two to fall in love was no easy feat. The historical aspects of the story was realistic, well researched and presented a story that was engaging. Since I have discovered this author, I have yet to be disappointed!

A most interesting book – a freed slave and a confederate Union man – working towards defeating the South during the Civil War risk their live, freedom and hearts because they fall in love. A well written plot – interesting characters (and their thoughts of whites versus blacks) all mixed up together to create a dramatic story. I only rated it as a 4 star --- way too much sex in it for a spy, mystery, historical fiction book!

This is a well done historical romance that explores issues and situations that few others have. Malcolm and Elle take chances every moment of every day, not only fighting for what's right but also due to their love for each other. Elle's decision to travel back South was not one many would have made but she's a brave woman and a terrific character. Malcolm is so dynamic. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Try this one for an inspiring love story.

I don't read much historical romance, but the premise of this one really drew me in and I had to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! It's been a while since I read it, so I don't remember the details, only that Alyssa Cole is an absolutely fabulous writer and the book was really gripping straight through the end.

Smart, exciting and fun historical romance for adults that works as an utterly absorbing spy thriller AND a swoon-worthy romance, with an absolutely fabulous heroine and a whole bunch of emotional complexity. I LOVED it.

I read this based on a positive review, even though Civil War fiction is super not my thing, and I will tell you that I never expected to learn so much about the experience of black women (both free and enslaved) during the Civil War in a sexytimes romance novel. But here we are.

I already have the sequel on hold at the library. It's that good.

I felt really disappointed by this one. A strong female character as a spy felt like a promising beginning, but this one quickly dissolved into a great deal of sexual tension in exchange for a real story or character development. This book felt like an excuse to place sexually charged characters and scenes in the Civil War. It didn't feel realistic for characters to be acting and behaving in such ways with what was valued at the time. It felt like modern values placed in a historic time. I didn't even finish this one. F for me. 

I should have paid more attention to the description before starting this book. It is a badly written romance (sadly the vast majority in the category are) in a historical setting, instead of a historical fiction with some romantic content as I expected.

As a black woman i avoid historical fiction books, they exclude black people as nothing more than furniture. This book is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. I never thought a book like this would work n it did more than work. Its smart, funny, romantic, n touching. Wow! If this book isnt optioned as a series or a movie that would be a tragedy. Its that Good!!

Alyssa Cole's "An Extraordinary Union" was an exceptional historical romance fiction with all the feels overflowing even with the compact and content of the era...The Civil War. This was Malcom and Elle's extraordinary love story and it was an inspiring one too!!!

If you enjoy historical romance with suspense, well "An Extraordinary Union "is one book I strongly recommend to you because as extraordinary as it was it broke down the ideal that even in that era love didn't have a color. Elle was black and Malcolm, a white man who both were spies fighting for the same cause of freeing slaves during the Civil War up North.

Trust was a theme in this story because of their skin color and even some nurture versus nature philosophy. Smart, Elle being Black or Colored and charismatic Malcolm, White well who can you believe. But good Malcolm trusted Elle with love in his heart and this love enveloped itself around them both. But remember in that era any type of union or marriage would not be considered legal.. so can they continue their romance or just work together to free the slaves.

Beautiful Historical Romance

5 extraordinary stars *****