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License to Thrill
He wasn’t the man she wanted to trust…
When art curator Kat McKray is wrongly accused of stealing a priceless historical love letter, she has to rely on a sexy British agent to help her—no small feat when she’s his prime suspect. The man is infuriating, but when the stakes turn deadly, it’s nice to have a hard body up against hers…
She wasn’t the woman he expected to fall for…
Former British Agent James Donovan took this assignment to accompany a silly little letter to the States on a lark, but he didn't count on the trouble on the other end in the form of a curvy American temptress who has an alarming amount of secrets--and enemies. He feels bound to protect Kat even when all fingers point to her as the thief…and he has a bad feeling that a bulletproof vest isn't going to protect his heart this time!
When art curator Kat McKray is wrongly accused of stealing a priceless historical love letter, she has to rely on a sexy British agent to help her—no small feat when she’s his prime suspect. The man is infuriating, but when the stakes turn deadly, it’s nice to have a hard body up against hers…
She wasn’t the woman he expected to fall for…
Former British Agent James Donovan took this assignment to accompany a silly little letter to the States on a lark, but he didn't count on the trouble on the other end in the form of a curvy American temptress who has an alarming amount of secrets--and enemies. He feels bound to protect Kat even when all fingers point to her as the thief…and he has a bad feeling that a bulletproof vest isn't going to protect his heart this time!
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 1997
155 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Bancroft
5 books4 followersStephanie Bond grew up in the small town of Olive Hill, eastern Kentucky, on a tobacco farm with one brother and one sister. She attended Morehead State University on an academic scholarship and studied computer programming. During these years, she bought a shoe store, and she ran the business with the help of her mother. She graduated MSU in 1987, she sold her retail business and started to work in a Fortune 100 petroleum company. She was seven years deep into a computer career and pursuing a master’s degree at night when an instructor remarked she had a flair for writing and encouraged her to submit to academic journals.
Once the seed was planted, however, she immediately turned to creating romance fiction in her spare time. "I never saw myself as a comedy writer, until a Harlequin editor asked if I could write comedy. I lied and said not only did I write comedy, but I had a great idea for a book she might be interested in, and shot her an idea from the top of my head. When she said she liked it, I told her I had three chapters finished to send her right away. Then I went home and wrote like a madwoman. That book was my first Harlequin comedy, Irresistible." Harlequin purchased Irresistible from Stephanie in the fall of 1995 for their Love and Laughter line. In another two years, she left her computer career to write full-time. As Stephanie Bond and Stephanie Bancroft, she has written over 60 novels for different publishers. She is best known for writing steamy books that make readers laugh out loud.
Stephanie lives with her husband, Christopher Hauck, in Atlanta, Georgia, her laptop permanently attached to her body. Readers can write her at P.O. Box 54266, Atlanta, GA 30308, or through her web site: www.stephaniebond.com
Once the seed was planted, however, she immediately turned to creating romance fiction in her spare time. "I never saw myself as a comedy writer, until a Harlequin editor asked if I could write comedy. I lied and said not only did I write comedy, but I had a great idea for a book she might be interested in, and shot her an idea from the top of my head. When she said she liked it, I told her I had three chapters finished to send her right away. Then I went home and wrote like a madwoman. That book was my first Harlequin comedy, Irresistible." Harlequin purchased Irresistible from Stephanie in the fall of 1995 for their Love and Laughter line. In another two years, she left her computer career to write full-time. As Stephanie Bond and Stephanie Bancroft, she has written over 60 novels for different publishers. She is best known for writing steamy books that make readers laugh out loud.
Stephanie lives with her husband, Christopher Hauck, in Atlanta, Georgia, her laptop permanently attached to her body. Readers can write her at P.O. Box 54266, Atlanta, GA 30308, or through her web site: www.stephaniebond.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 27, 2020
This was a fast, fun story and I really enjoyed it. But, only one thing annoyed me; when James kept calling Kat, Pussy Kat. I don't know why it bothered me so much. Maybe because it sounds more derogatory that cute. This also could have been done on purpose since the main character was like James Bond and maybe the Pussy Kat reference was like referencing Pussy Galore. I dont know...
April 3, 2014
I have enjoyed other things by this author, but this one wasn't quite my cup of tea. I spent a lot of the book trying to decide if it was a mystery or a spoof of the stereotypical mystery. I'm still not sure. I listened to part of it and couldn't finish it as an audio title. The narrator's attempt at a male British accent was killing me. I did eventually read the rest of it. It was ok, but I'd recommend her other books more.
September 20, 2012
This was a good, quick, fun read. It had mystery with some romance. The characters were likable and enjoyable to read about. Got time, pick this up.
November 4, 2021
At this point in my journey with this author, I'm really not sure what to think. I keep downloading her audiobooks because I enjoyed/gave 4 stars to Cover Me & Whole Lotta Trouble and both Wife Is a 4-Letter Word & Just Dare Me... were okay (3 stars, both kind of *shrug* books). However, this is my FOURTH 1-or-2-star book of hers (along with Party Crashers, Voodoo or Die, & Kill the Competition), so I might be giving up on this author (Scribd just has so many of her audiobooks, so I keep listening to them while doing other things).
Light-hearted & fun enough to have me rating it 2 stars instead of 1. Wasn't *awful*, but was a somewhat-problematic *meh* that I wouldn't actually recommend it.
The issues here:
- H calling the h "Pussycat" - I fucking CAN NOT. I know it's supposed to be some sort of James Bond-inspired book, but just no *barf*
- Back to the James Bond thing, it's pretty corny in this book.
- I don't buy Kat being the woman who convinces this man whore to finally decide he wants to settle down & marry & have a family all within a week or two of knowing her? There's no focus on their emotional connection & just not a lot of insight into why he falls for her other than how hot he thinks she is and that he sees she loved her dead father (i.e. is loyal, he says) and...knows art? Idk
- Following with the above point, their relationship is purely lust-based & lacks emotional build.
- I somehow managed to get bored with this book multiple times.
- His British slampiece & how she keeps trying to force a relationship (also she's super annoying) and he's like "I'm not a relationship person" but isn't clear in discouraging her (doesn't say no don't come to NY, we are not dating) AND sleeps with her anyway and then details it in front of the h (yes, he has a purpose in doing so in this scene, but it's still tacky)
Light-hearted & fun enough to have me rating it 2 stars instead of 1. Wasn't *awful*, but was a somewhat-problematic *meh* that I wouldn't actually recommend it.
The issues here:
- H calling the h "Pussycat" - I fucking CAN NOT. I know it's supposed to be some sort of James Bond-inspired book, but just no *barf*
- Back to the James Bond thing, it's pretty corny in this book.
- I don't buy Kat being the woman who convinces this man whore to finally decide he wants to settle down & marry & have a family all within a week or two of knowing her? There's no focus on their emotional connection & just not a lot of insight into why he falls for her other than how hot he thinks she is and that he sees she loved her dead father (i.e. is loyal, he says) and...knows art? Idk
- Following with the above point, their relationship is purely lust-based & lacks emotional build.
- I somehow managed to get bored with this book multiple times.
- His British slampiece & how she keeps trying to force a relationship (also she's super annoying) and he's like "I'm not a relationship person" but isn't clear in discouraging her (doesn't say no don't come to NY, we are not dating) AND sleeps with her anyway and then details it in front of the h (yes, he has a purpose in doing so in this scene, but it's still tacky)
December 24, 2018
Kat McKray is a an art curator wrongly accused of stealing a priceless historical love letter, she has to rely on a sexy British agent, James Donovan (like 007, James Bond). They both get involved before the priceless historical love letter is stolen. When Kat become this prime suspect, James Donovan has a hard time with his feeling and solving the case. The man is infuriating, but when the stakes turn deadly, but he helps Kat solve a murder and the stolen letter.
I love this because it was on an audio book and I could continue listening to the story when I cooked, cleaned, drove and before bed.
I love this because it was on an audio book and I could continue listening to the story when I cooked, cleaned, drove and before bed.
June 16, 2022
Stephanie Bond brings us a new British secret agent James Donovan with many of the attributes of Bond 007.
James Donovan, retired British special agent, has become attached to Kat McKray, curator of Jellico's. He is intent on insuring her release from custody on the charge of theft of an alleged royal letter which he believes is a frame. She is intent on not succumbing to his charms.
Fun, witty and romantic mystery. Enjoy this quick and playful read. The solution will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
James Donovan, retired British special agent, has become attached to Kat McKray, curator of Jellico's. He is intent on insuring her release from custody on the charge of theft of an alleged royal letter which he believes is a frame. She is intent on not succumbing to his charms.
Fun, witty and romantic mystery. Enjoy this quick and playful read. The solution will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
October 9, 2017
A valuable love letter attributed to a king is missing and Kat who works in a museum is accused of having stolen it. A dashing English agent is on the scene and seems to save the day. But before all is cleared up Kat is definitely falling in love.
Will the adventure seeker actually stay in the States or will Kat be just another of his conquests?
Easy reading.
Will the adventure seeker actually stay in the States or will Kat be just another of his conquests?
Easy reading.
February 9, 2021
I had to stop and restart this book quite a few times because it felt like it was dragging on. I wasn't a huge fan of the male lead so I was way more interested in the mystery aspect of the book rather than the romance. The climax was interesting but it was hard to get to it because the rest of the book didn't capture my attention.
May 13, 2017
A light hearted novel playing on the James Bond-ish theme. An art curator is wrongly accused of a theft, in comes James Donovan, an ex-British agent, suave and sophisticated. It’s a nice twist on romance taking an unexpected turn. Well written.
November 12, 2017
An enjoyable spoof! Lighthearted, snarky, and great background while doing boring tasks. The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers.
Erin Mallon does very well as narrator with the quirky characters and situations.
Erin Mallon does very well as narrator with the quirky characters and situations.
May 10, 2017
Awesome books
I love the stories by Stephanie Bond. They are so interesting, the stories have romance, murder, and humor... what more can you ask for. Recommend reading!
I love the stories by Stephanie Bond. They are so interesting, the stories have romance, murder, and humor... what more can you ask for. Recommend reading!
September 17, 2017
Suspense, romance with a 007 cloned character, and a few interesting characters, this is typical Bond. Stephanie Bond. Fun to read.
May 16, 2021
Loved it, would like to see more adventures with the 2 main characters!
June 17, 2022
Great story, well written. Really entertaining and enjoyable from start to finish, plenty of drama going on.
October 5, 2022
Just not my cup of tea. As a writer, she is good. Just not into this type of romance.
February 17, 2025
Thrill
Excellent mystery and romance . Anyone who enjoys
this type of book will not be able to put it down. Happy reading.
Excellent mystery and romance . Anyone who enjoys
this type of book will not be able to put it down. Happy reading.
December 15, 2025
3,5 stars.
Enjoyable.
Enjoyable.
October 15, 2019
This was a fun quick read. I really liked the characters. Kat is a art curator and she gets accused of stealing a historical love letter. The story is a bit of mystery and a bit of romance. James Donovan is a British agent who ends up helping Kat solve the case as well as sparking the flames of chemistry between the pair. It was very enjoyable to listen too and I liked how the story ended. I recommend this to anyone who likes a little mystery with their romance.
September 21, 2012
In typical Stephanie Bond fashion, I find myself putting another notch in my bookshelf with another of her witty and fun romantic mysteries in License to Thrill. This who-dunnit will keep you guessing to the very end. Now, I'm always up for a good mystery, I LOVE a good romance, I enjoy a funny wit surrounding the characters, and this book has all of that. James Donovan, former secret agent, is retired from the British government service, but to help out his good friend (and former bed buddy, Lady Mercer), he is willing to endure a working vacation and provide security for an alleged rare love letter written by King George III. Did I mention James is British? With dimples? Oh, how I love a good Brit as my hero hunk-o-man. He's not only a sexy Brit; he's wealthy and hard to tame with a self-confident, cocky, double entendre for any occasion. This man knows no fear when it comes to getting what he wants, and he wants Kat, whom he has dubbed, Pussy-Kat.
"Are you carrying a gun to dinner?"
His smile was tight-lipped. "Madam, I carry a gun to the shower."
"Am I in danger?"
His dimple made an appearance. "Most definitely," he said..."And I feel obligated to tell you I have more than one weapon on my person."
Kat McKray, an art museum curator, is a hard-nosed business woman who leads a not-so-glamorous lifestyle. She endures a bad employer employee relationship out of loyalty to her deceased father in an attempt to repair the damage done to his reputation in the art world. When she first comes in contact with James, she is determined to have nothing to do with him. She tries hard not to trust him but soon finds he is the man she has to trust with her life to help prove her innocence in a crime involving this rare love letter. Never did she expect to fall for James Donovan, but once she does, she falls hard. But can he reciprocate those feelings?
"Love?" James's brown eyes widened, then he shook his head with deliberate slowness. "Not in my vocabulary."
Stephanie Bond kept me guessing as the story unfolded. Just when I think I know who the mystery culprit is ... anyone and everyone could be guilty ... I'm led to another suspect. Just when I think the romance between James and Kat will blossom, I find myself surprised and screaming inside, Really?! That's not what I wanted to happen!
But, not to worry. Stephanie doesn't disappoint with the HEA. You will despise Lady Mercer and Guy. You will love James and Kat, and her best friend, Denise, who holds a secret of her own. Officer Tenner will seem like the good-ole-boy uncle you don't want to claim, but want to visit often. He pulls no punches and puts it all out there with a quirky wisdom that will have you wearing a silly grin. This is a very fast and fun read that puts a smile on your face in the end. Stephanie also gives us a bonus chapter from Three Wishes at the end. I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to those who love a good mystery with their romance.
"Are you carrying a gun to dinner?"
His smile was tight-lipped. "Madam, I carry a gun to the shower."
"Am I in danger?"
His dimple made an appearance. "Most definitely," he said..."And I feel obligated to tell you I have more than one weapon on my person."
Kat McKray, an art museum curator, is a hard-nosed business woman who leads a not-so-glamorous lifestyle. She endures a bad employer employee relationship out of loyalty to her deceased father in an attempt to repair the damage done to his reputation in the art world. When she first comes in contact with James, she is determined to have nothing to do with him. She tries hard not to trust him but soon finds he is the man she has to trust with her life to help prove her innocence in a crime involving this rare love letter. Never did she expect to fall for James Donovan, but once she does, she falls hard. But can he reciprocate those feelings?
"Love?" James's brown eyes widened, then he shook his head with deliberate slowness. "Not in my vocabulary."
Stephanie Bond kept me guessing as the story unfolded. Just when I think I know who the mystery culprit is ... anyone and everyone could be guilty ... I'm led to another suspect. Just when I think the romance between James and Kat will blossom, I find myself surprised and screaming inside, Really?! That's not what I wanted to happen!
But, not to worry. Stephanie doesn't disappoint with the HEA. You will despise Lady Mercer and Guy. You will love James and Kat, and her best friend, Denise, who holds a secret of her own. Officer Tenner will seem like the good-ole-boy uncle you don't want to claim, but want to visit often. He pulls no punches and puts it all out there with a quirky wisdom that will have you wearing a silly grin. This is a very fast and fun read that puts a smile on your face in the end. Stephanie also gives us a bonus chapter from Three Wishes at the end. I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to those who love a good mystery with their romance.
October 30, 2013
I am a huge fan of Stephanie Bond. I have already read like 5 of her books, and when then i found 2 more on amazon, and I just had to read them! Just like the others, this book does not disappoint. I first have to say that if you are not into chic lit, you will not like these books.
Kat works hard at a museum. her father used to work their, and she has an eye for old things. Which makes her job easier because it makes more money for her. The only problem was that her boss is an ass. Kat is currently paying back a large sum of money that her father supposedly stole. To keep it under wraps and save her father's name she decided that she would use her own money and pay off the debt. Once the debt was paid off she was going to quit her job.
James was a retired agent for the British intelligence. He had an old friend/lover ask for a favor. He was suppose to escort a man to deliver a letter that was going to the united states museum. it was a letter from a king, and was going to make them lots of money. he wanted to go on a holiday to new york, so he decided to do this favor for her.
Kat stood waiting to meet this group of people when she heard of this old letter that would make history for this museum. She was really pissed when she found out the lady brought her own armed guard. Who did this guy think he was! Kat gave him a very hard time, and he gave it right back to her. not everyday did James come across a strong woman. James was very found of Kat. James took Kat out to dinner, and offered her a bunch of small talk. James hasn't felt this way about a another woman in a long time.
After a great night everything has changed. Kat was called into work to let her know what she was on camera stealing the very letter that just came in that night. That was not possible Kat was home, and she can't believe that someone is setting her up! Kat got arrested, and thankfully her dad's old friend and lawyer showed up to help her. James knew that Kat was innocent and he was going to work his magic to prove it. James is now trying to show the united states cops how to do their job. He dipped into this resources and found a lot of secrets. Kat couldn't believe her eyes when her friends are now the suspect for this theft. Kat will also have problems of her own when she fails a lie detector test.
This story will have you continuing guessing who did it. It is a big game of cat and mouse. Kat will find out that her life is in danger, and someone wants to kill her. Is it because she already knows to much or because she is coming close to saving her name, and someone is not happy about it. James will have to do everything to keep her safe, and also help the strong feelings that he has for her. He doesn't know how to tell this lady that he has falling in love with her. But when he finally gets the courage to tell her. Will it be to late?
Kat works hard at a museum. her father used to work their, and she has an eye for old things. Which makes her job easier because it makes more money for her. The only problem was that her boss is an ass. Kat is currently paying back a large sum of money that her father supposedly stole. To keep it under wraps and save her father's name she decided that she would use her own money and pay off the debt. Once the debt was paid off she was going to quit her job.
James was a retired agent for the British intelligence. He had an old friend/lover ask for a favor. He was suppose to escort a man to deliver a letter that was going to the united states museum. it was a letter from a king, and was going to make them lots of money. he wanted to go on a holiday to new york, so he decided to do this favor for her.
Kat stood waiting to meet this group of people when she heard of this old letter that would make history for this museum. She was really pissed when she found out the lady brought her own armed guard. Who did this guy think he was! Kat gave him a very hard time, and he gave it right back to her. not everyday did James come across a strong woman. James was very found of Kat. James took Kat out to dinner, and offered her a bunch of small talk. James hasn't felt this way about a another woman in a long time.
After a great night everything has changed. Kat was called into work to let her know what she was on camera stealing the very letter that just came in that night. That was not possible Kat was home, and she can't believe that someone is setting her up! Kat got arrested, and thankfully her dad's old friend and lawyer showed up to help her. James knew that Kat was innocent and he was going to work his magic to prove it. James is now trying to show the united states cops how to do their job. He dipped into this resources and found a lot of secrets. Kat couldn't believe her eyes when her friends are now the suspect for this theft. Kat will also have problems of her own when she fails a lie detector test.
This story will have you continuing guessing who did it. It is a big game of cat and mouse. Kat will find out that her life is in danger, and someone wants to kill her. Is it because she already knows to much or because she is coming close to saving her name, and someone is not happy about it. James will have to do everything to keep her safe, and also help the strong feelings that he has for her. He doesn't know how to tell this lady that he has falling in love with her. But when he finally gets the courage to tell her. Will it be to late?
December 10, 2012
Okay, last night I was able get through Stephanie Bond's License to Thrill. Oh my what a fun witty read. Here's a quick sum up of what's it about:
James Donovan is a former British secret agent. Yep, you know that's sexy and don't lie. James was asked to help transport a possible valuable item to the states for a friend/former lover.
Kat McKray a museum curator has been asked to examine the documents James has travel with. Kat has her doubts about the authenticity of the papers.
James can't pass up the opportunity to get to know the little curator a little better. After all he is a playboy secret agent. She tries to resist his charm, but caves into going to dinner with him.
They have a charming time. After all is said and done they depart ways. This is where the story starts to turn into the mystery. Sometime after midnight, someone steals the papers and the blame is place on Kat. Oh no, right. With no alibi to help her out, she could be facing serious jail time. Will James come to the rescue of Kat or will he go on his merry way?
Yep, that's right I liked this quick read. I mean first off, who doesn't love an ex-british secret agent who drips with charm and sex appeal. If that doesn't scream hero, I don't know what does. I actually like that you couldn't figure out who the real culprit was until the end. I mean you have all these possible suspects and they each can be found guilty. So, if you get a chance to check this out License to Thrill, you might enjoy this quick fun witty read. I like it, but that's my opinion.
So, happy reading!
James Donovan is a former British secret agent. Yep, you know that's sexy and don't lie. James was asked to help transport a possible valuable item to the states for a friend/former lover.
Kat McKray a museum curator has been asked to examine the documents James has travel with. Kat has her doubts about the authenticity of the papers.
James can't pass up the opportunity to get to know the little curator a little better. After all he is a playboy secret agent. She tries to resist his charm, but caves into going to dinner with him.
They have a charming time. After all is said and done they depart ways. This is where the story starts to turn into the mystery. Sometime after midnight, someone steals the papers and the blame is place on Kat. Oh no, right. With no alibi to help her out, she could be facing serious jail time. Will James come to the rescue of Kat or will he go on his merry way?
Yep, that's right I liked this quick read. I mean first off, who doesn't love an ex-british secret agent who drips with charm and sex appeal. If that doesn't scream hero, I don't know what does. I actually like that you couldn't figure out who the real culprit was until the end. I mean you have all these possible suspects and they each can be found guilty. So, if you get a chance to check this out License to Thrill, you might enjoy this quick fun witty read. I like it, but that's my opinion.
So, happy reading!
January 10, 2014
I have a fondness for books like these. Maybe because I started reading historical romances, then contemporary before I leaped into the paranormal and YA. Getting back to some of these older contemporary romances reminds me of the early days and my love of books from authors like Sue Grafton and Amanda Quick. A touch of mystery, lots of romance, and just an all around lighthearted read.
Kat is your average modern day woman. Good job, nice apartment, healthy appetite, and general mistrust in the opposite sex. Just when she thinks men can't get any worse, enter James. He's British, sexy, a touch dangerous thanks to being an ex-secret service agent, but arrogant and a confirmed bachelor. Although she is attracted to him, she has no intentions of getting involved with him. He on the other hand hopes to change her mind, and enjoy a quick liaison while he is in town after chaperoning the delivery of an alleged historical artifact. When said artifact gets stolen, Kat is accused and arrested, and James sticks around to help her clear her name.
Outside of the cheesy pet name he has for her, the fact that they manage to clear her name BEFORE finding the actual thief, I found the story easy to read and actually a decent mystery. My guess as to who the thief is was off. After finding out, I was actually surprised I didn't guess that sooner.
If you look Amanda Quick books, then you'll enjoy reading this book. If you like serious, gritty mysteries, then this book is not for you.
Kat is your average modern day woman. Good job, nice apartment, healthy appetite, and general mistrust in the opposite sex. Just when she thinks men can't get any worse, enter James. He's British, sexy, a touch dangerous thanks to being an ex-secret service agent, but arrogant and a confirmed bachelor. Although she is attracted to him, she has no intentions of getting involved with him. He on the other hand hopes to change her mind, and enjoy a quick liaison while he is in town after chaperoning the delivery of an alleged historical artifact. When said artifact gets stolen, Kat is accused and arrested, and James sticks around to help her clear her name.
Outside of the cheesy pet name he has for her, the fact that they manage to clear her name BEFORE finding the actual thief, I found the story easy to read and actually a decent mystery. My guess as to who the thief is was off. After finding out, I was actually surprised I didn't guess that sooner.
If you look Amanda Quick books, then you'll enjoy reading this book. If you like serious, gritty mysteries, then this book is not for you.
September 10, 2012
Ok so I've read all the reviews and I've read the book. I'm not sure where people are saying that it has all these sexy scenes (yes there were one or two that I can remember that were spelled out but the rest were implied....."The next morning") or that it's trying to be James Bond-ish. People, take this book for what it is, it's a fun romance that tips it hat towards Ian Fleming. The only thing this hero has in common with James Bond is that they are both English and were "super" spies in their time although the author does poke a lot of fun via her characters at her hero and his possible similaries. This is a classic boy meets girl from across the pond. Yes he's English and she's American. Yes, they are totally opposites but isn't that what you love about a good romance story? Not everyone wants to read about beautiful people hooking up but yes, we do love a howt guy! Anywho, this was a fun read with a nice little "who dunnit" in the middle. It's only 100+ pages, so it's not like you're going for a huge novel, buy it, enjoy it for what it is and leave it at that. If you want a quick read that will leave you with a cheesy smile on your face at the end because you know you love a good HEA, then I recommend it.
January 15, 2015
Audio Book Review
This was a nice romance mixed with light suspense. Characters are likable. James Donavan came to San Francisco to do a job as a favor for a friend and finds himself interested in Kat McKray. Kat is a museum curator and is accused of stealing a letter from the museum and James Donovan being a retired ex-British agent takes it upon to help her and find out what Kat McCray is hiding and who took the letter.
I think Erin Mallon did a nice job with this book. I have listened to other books by Erin Mallon and have become a fan. Narration is a large part of an audio book experience. The only issue I had is that Erin Mallon has always done a nice job with male voices, but with the voice of James Donovan, he sounded like a British vampire at times.
License to Thrill was an okay story. It was not the best audio book I listened to and it was not the worst. It was a nice audible to listen to on a Saturday afternoon when I had to clean the house. Something that kept my interest with a light romance.
This was a nice romance mixed with light suspense. Characters are likable. James Donavan came to San Francisco to do a job as a favor for a friend and finds himself interested in Kat McKray. Kat is a museum curator and is accused of stealing a letter from the museum and James Donovan being a retired ex-British agent takes it upon to help her and find out what Kat McCray is hiding and who took the letter.
I think Erin Mallon did a nice job with this book. I have listened to other books by Erin Mallon and have become a fan. Narration is a large part of an audio book experience. The only issue I had is that Erin Mallon has always done a nice job with male voices, but with the voice of James Donovan, he sounded like a British vampire at times.
License to Thrill was an okay story. It was not the best audio book I listened to and it was not the worst. It was a nice audible to listen to on a Saturday afternoon when I had to clean the house. Something that kept my interest with a light romance.
January 2, 2013
I enjoyed Stephanie Bond's Body Movers series, so when this popped up as a free book on kindle, I figured - score! This is more a romance than anything else.
Former British spy, Agent James Donovan, escorts a letter supposedly from George III to an art museum in San Francisco for authentication. Art curator, Kat McKray, instantly feels attraction for him and despite his smarmy (and blatant sexual harassment in the workplace) advances, goes on a date with him. The next morning she is accused of stealing the letter. James hangs around to help get her off the hook and along the way, they fall in love.
It wasn't a bad book, I was just surprised to see how much Stephanie Bond's writing has matured in the last 15 years. This book had a tendency towards purple prose, which luckily, she has gotten out of the habit of using. Again, not a bad book, but not up to par with her more recent books.
Former British spy, Agent James Donovan, escorts a letter supposedly from George III to an art museum in San Francisco for authentication. Art curator, Kat McKray, instantly feels attraction for him and despite his smarmy (and blatant sexual harassment in the workplace) advances, goes on a date with him. The next morning she is accused of stealing the letter. James hangs around to help get her off the hook and along the way, they fall in love.
It wasn't a bad book, I was just surprised to see how much Stephanie Bond's writing has matured in the last 15 years. This book had a tendency towards purple prose, which luckily, she has gotten out of the habit of using. Again, not a bad book, but not up to par with her more recent books.
October 4, 2012
Got this on a daily "free" Kindle deal and glad I did. However, when I first started reading it, I could barely make it through the prologue and I thought - ugh - not going to care for this. I actually put it aside and read another book ... but then I tried again. The rest of the book read much differently than the beginning
so I'm really happy I gave it another go. Donovan - James Donovan was a bit too good at everything but that would be in keeping with the James Bond-ish character. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out the mystery long before it is revealed but must admit that the ending caught me a bit by surprise. I like to read while riding my stationary bike and a "page turner" really helps ... this one fit that bill. I liked it enough that I will certainly consider more books by this author.
so I'm really happy I gave it another go. Donovan - James Donovan was a bit too good at everything but that would be in keeping with the James Bond-ish character. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out the mystery long before it is revealed but must admit that the ending caught me a bit by surprise. I like to read while riding my stationary bike and a "page turner" really helps ... this one fit that bill. I liked it enough that I will certainly consider more books by this author.
January 16, 2014
This book was exactly what I needed. A little crime, a little romance, a stunning British detective sweeping a woman off her feet...it was perfect. Definitely helped to put me in a better mood.
I feel like everything went at a really great pace and I was able to finish this book in less than a day. I didn't want to put it down...probably because I had a little bit of a crush on James Donovan. (Yea yea, real original name I know but hey...British intelligence agent...sexy...I'm ok with this)
I have always absolutely loved Stephanie Bond. I think she is a wonderful author and enjoy every book that she has put out. So I would greatly recommend that everyone reading this should go pick this book up, it was worth it!
I feel like everything went at a really great pace and I was able to finish this book in less than a day. I didn't want to put it down...probably because I had a little bit of a crush on James Donovan. (Yea yea, real original name I know but hey...British intelligence agent...sexy...I'm ok with this)
I have always absolutely loved Stephanie Bond. I think she is a wonderful author and enjoy every book that she has put out. So I would greatly recommend that everyone reading this should go pick this book up, it was worth it!
October 5, 2012
I enjoyed this book. Romance, mystery, suspense and a happy ending. The central character is a museum curator who finds herself falsely accused of stealing a historical document. The evidence is overwhelming but a former British intelligence agent senses she is telling the truth about being framed. Besides this relationship phobic man is drawn to her for reasons he can't understand. He sets out to uncover what really happened and along the way saves her life and falls in love. What more can you ask for in a weekend read. I think this is my first Stephanie Bond book and I like her writing style...sharp, good character definition and a smart storyline.
June 27, 2013
This is the 4th Stephanie Bond I've read but this was under probably her maiden name (?) I think it was an earlier one to the others and it wasn't as good, either. I only read it because she wrote it-I don't usually download books under 200 pages unless they're true murder. It was about a girl called Kat who meets an English ex-MI6 worker called James in the course of her work in an art gallery and their various ups 'n' downs with a crime going on involving Kat.
Hardly any mistakes which is good. I only spotted a missed a in a sentence and fan spelt as fen. That was it so that impressed me.
Overall, not horrendous but her others are better.
Hardly any mistakes which is good. I only spotted a missed a in a sentence and fan spelt as fen. That was it so that impressed me.
Overall, not horrendous but her others are better.
September 10, 2016
This was another free book on Amazon Prime. I really liked this book. I had a feeling how it was going to end, but I really enjoyed it.
License to Thrill is a really good book. I would recommend it to anybody that needs an easy read. This story actually has a love story, but still some type of story line. I could totally see something like this happen in real life. The ending was predictable, but this is a love story so what else can you expect. Stephanie does an amazing job with making these two different characters fit perfectly together.
I really enjoyed this book and will read more books by this author.
License to Thrill is a really good book. I would recommend it to anybody that needs an easy read. This story actually has a love story, but still some type of story line. I could totally see something like this happen in real life. The ending was predictable, but this is a love story so what else can you expect. Stephanie does an amazing job with making these two different characters fit perfectly together.
I really enjoyed this book and will read more books by this author.
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