The Winged Tiara

by J'nell Ciesielski

After a hasty wartime marriage and an even quicker divorce, two jewel thieves risk it all to obtain the grandest prize of them all, the last Valkyrie tiara, but their hearts may have something else in mind.

It was a match made in champagne-soaked heaven, but all too soon the bubbles dried up and divorce papers were issued just in time to ring in the end of the Great War. Jewel thieves and ex-lovers Jasper and Esme find themselves circulating among the elite of British aristocracy where the diamond-lined pockets are ripe for picking. But when the last Valkyrie tiara ever created becomes the talk of the season neither will stop to obtain it, not even when they inadvertently find themselves in the middle of a game of cat-and-mouse where their lives are suddenly at stake.

Bestselling author J'nell Ciesielski's latest novel combines her signature blend of thrilling adventure, glamorous atmosphere, and sweeping romance in a story readers are sure to be thinking about days after turning the final page.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical Romance, Historical, Audiobook

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2024

About the author

Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

Reviews

[Meagan✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc Review
Publishing Date: 8/13/2024

”Two Thieves. One Tiara. Which of us will claim the prize?”

Brief Summary-
We are introduced to Jasper and Esme who, 4 years prior, exchanged vows in a drunk moment of celebration. These two lovely characters are also jewel thieves. They “bump” into each other 4 years later competing in the same heist for the Valkyrie Tiara.

”May the best thief win”

My Thoughts-
This was a cute cat and mouse captivating tale set in the dazzling 1920s in Paris. One part historical fiction. One part romance. One part suspense.

I was blushing constantly with Esme and Jasper snarking and flirty interactions.. you can’t deny the chemistry between them even if they want to.

I really enjoyed this storyline. It was a refreshing read. The authors writing style was pleasing. I felt like I was living the crime life in the roaring 20s. I could hear the jazzy music and see the dazzling and seductive smoky ambience. I recommend this book to anyone that likes historical fiction 💖

Quotes-
“Diamonds and women are more beautiful when paired together.”
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread"
“Darling, ive been in over my head my entire life, but as you can see, I’ve learned to float”

✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Thomas Nelson Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt meet on Armistice Day in Paris, after celebrating the end of The Great War, they toast victory and get rather drunk on champagne and they marry. The next morning Esme's horrified by what she's done, she doesn’t want to settle down and leaves a confused Jasper.

Four years later, they bump into each other on the French Rivera, both are jewel thieves, they mingle amongst the aristocracy, and stealing the odd diamond trinket. Both are trying to hunt down the last Valkyrie tiara, Esme's working for the Countess Rossalina Accardi and Jasper the Duke of Loxhill, and as they follow the tiara’s trail throughout Europe, and they try and stay one step ahead of each other. Jasper tries to warn Esme the Countess has a thug who will kill her given the chance, and she wonders if can she trust her estranged husband?

I received a copy of The Winged Tiara by J’nell Ciesielski from HarperCollins Christian Publishing and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Ms. Ciesielski is back to her best, the narrative is told at a fast pace, it combines a thrilling adventure story, set in glamorous places, and the two main characters keep each other on their toes, trying outsmart their spouse, the come up with some intuitive ways and the sparks certainly fly between them.

The perfect choice for historical mystery fans, with a few sinister elements to make it interesting, and you do wonder does Esme really want to divorce Jasper, considering the chemistry between them. I highly recommend The Winged Tiara, five stars from me and Ms. Ciesielski previous book, Beauty Among Ruins.

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski - 4 Stars

This was giving all things Mr. and Mrs. Smith for me! Jewel thieves, high stakes, banter!! Really enjoyed it. This was a really unique storyline.

It's important to note, this is a secular historical romance. Some have stated in their reviews they thought this was Christian Fiction. Thomas Nelson doesn't just publish Christian Fiction, they publish secular clean fiction as well, so that is what I consider this book after reading it.

We start the book off with Jasper and Esme celebrating the end of WWI. They got married after knowing each other for 1 day in the celebration and too much champagne. She wakes up the next day and realizes her mistake and leaves her new husband behind....cut to 4 years later when they meet back up and they are now both jewel thieves after the same tiara and we see a wild race to get this well sought after item.

I laughed so many times in this book, we saw some great banter and the situations they got themselves into reminded me of the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith because they were always trying to outdo each other and you find yourself laughing at their tries to top the next thing with each other.

They have such a great chemistry together. They were kind of enemies to lovers, very unlikely couple that grew to care for one another in the crazy situations they got themselves into. We have so much glamour too from the 1920s shown here, it really felt like a fun time as you followed their hunt for this famous tiara. I have seen some reviews talk about the content here and while I would have liked Esme to not leave him all the time (LOL), for a secular book, it wasn't anything crazy in regards to content. Many times it was very situational.

Some parts did drag a smidge, but overall I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the audiobook to honestly listen to and review. The narration was really good too! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Content: Closed door/fade to black sexual scenes, drinking in celebration (situationally and time period appropriate), small bits of language.

[Caitlin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

The Winged Tiara is my favorite Ciesielski book yet, and I'm so happy to have received an eARC. While I highly enjoyed the plot, what held my attention most were the two MCs--Jasper and Esme. These characters aren't perfect; they each have their own set of struggles, fears, and lessons to learn, and their realness made them so relatable.

The Winged Tiara is a riveting, dazzling, and immersive read, where lyrical prose meets page-turning action.

Favorite quote:

"There are far too many ghosts we carry in this life," she said quietly.
Jasper's head came up. His gaze was steady and deep. "How do you silence yours?"
"They refuse to be silent, but I do my best to drown them out."
"Do you succeed?"
"Sometimes. And sometimes they scream louder."

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Winged Tiara. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winged Tiara by J’nell Ciesielski was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by this author. I was impressed by how well it was written especially the authentic and clever banter between the two main characters. It made me smile and even laugh out loud at times throughout the book. The Winged Tiara was a well plotted and highly exciting historical fiction mystery with a strong sense of romance. I enjoyed the glamorous setting of Paris, France and the various castles and homes that the two main characters found themselves at. It took place during the 1920’s just after the end of World War I. For me, I found it fast paced and quite compelling. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Ann Marie Gideon. She did a good job distinguishing between the various character’s voices.

As the people of Paris, France celebrated the end of The Great War, so did Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt. There was an abundance of champagne to go around. Esme and Jasper greedily helped themselves to glass after glass. There was an instant attraction between Esme and Jasper. In their drunken stupor, the two professed their love and married. In the morning, Esme regretted all that had transpired between her and Jasper. She admitted that he was a rather handsome and striking man but Esme was not the marrying type. She slipped her ring off and left it on the pillow with a short note and disappeared from Jasper’s life.

Four years later, Esme was employed by Countess Rossalina Accardi. Esme was front and center adorned with the Valkyrie Tiara and a set of wings when Jasper locked eyes with her. How had he found her? Jasper was still smitten with Esme but only reminded her that they were still legally married. Little did Esme or Jasper realize at the time, that they both proclaimed to be jewel thieves and prided themselves on their skill set and expertise. It was no wonder, then, that when the Valkyrie Tiara disappeared, both Esme and Jasper set off to find and and recover it. Each believed that they were the best one to succeed. They desperately tried to keep one step ahead of the other. Who would be victorious and what would it cost them as a result?

I enjoyed listening to The Winged Tiara and really loved the chemistry that existed between Esme and Jasper. The chase, the motivation to outdo the other and the way both Esme and Jasper tried every which way to deny the fact that they were destined to be together in the end was so much fun to listen to and be part of. I really enjoyed both of their characters. The Winged Tiara was about drive, trust, collaboration, good instincts, the chase and romance. I really enjoyed listening to The Winged Tiara by J’nell Ciesielski and highly recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction, a good mystery and clean romance.

Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Winged Tiara by J’nell Ciesielski through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a good, glamorous Roaring 20's story, and this one was quite a wild ride!! The story had a great ending and the banter was quite entertaining. I did get annoyed however at Esme's constant betrayal and behavior, but overall this was a fun romp and a delightful historical read.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saucy heroine Esme and honest thief Jasper are after The Winged Tiara. The catch is they are married but estranged and want the Tiara for different reasons.
The clever banter was flirty fun. The chase was fraught with danger. The danger was sometimes slapstick!
What disappointed was that I was expecting a Christian novel. Also I was taken aback by some of the slang terms.
The setting was well described as opulent Post-WWI and was scattered around Europe and the UK. For the most part it was fast paced although it dragged a bit in the middle. The characters progressed in their development but I think Esme listened to the wrong reasoning before making up her own mind.
A complimentary copy of this ebook was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's books are auto-reads for me because of their amazing histfic tales, and The Winged Tiara is no exception! Exquisitely written, romantic and compelling, it grabbed me from page one because of the intriguing narrative that left me speechless. A must-read for fans of unputdownable histficroms with creativity, depth, and heart.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crisp, witty dialogue, fast paced action, a delectable rivals to more romance, and a glamorous roaring 20’s setting made the Winged Tiara an absolute favorite! From the very first I was drawn into this engaging story with estranged husband and wife jewel thieves. I loved these endearingly flawed characters who kept me on my toes as they race to find and steal the valuable Valkyrie tiara. It’s a well written, captivating novel that I can’t wait to read again.

After celebrating Armistice Day, Esme Fox was startled to wake up married. Before her new husband could open his eyes, she hurriedly left taking only their wedding photo with her. Now four years later they meet again at a wealthy heiress’ party. Both accomplished thieves, they each try to outwit the other to gain possession of the famed Valkyrie tiara. But while the chemistry sizzles between them, Esme staunchly adheres to her mother’s advice to never risk an emotional attachment.

Jasper Truitt was born on the wrong side of the blanket and has been trying to prove his worth to his grandfather ever since. Though he still dreams of the woman who captured his heart four years ago, he’s learned to stifle his feelings until he sees her again. As the Phantom, he’s developed an infamous reputation as a jewel thief & this time, the prize is personal. He’ll go to any lengths to get it even if it means working with his estranged wife. Unfortunately, there are others who are after it as well & it’ll take both of their skills to get it.

I loved this book! From the 20’s lingo to the exciting race to get the tiara to the sizzling attraction and exquisite fashion, this book was impossible to put down. I loved the complicated relationship between Esme & Jasper. Both grew up in difficult circumstances which leads to a commiserating understanding between them. Unfortunately, being vulnerable is not Esme’s strong suit and so the battle for the tiara as well as Esme’s heart is fierce. But, I was here for all of it & enjoyed every minute. I also enjoyed the side characters, even the infuriating Lamb. I’m hoping the author considers turning this into a series. I’d love to read more about Esme’s and Jasper’s adventures.

Highest of recommendation to historical romance fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ✨

Historical Romance

France 1922

Audio Version 🎧
Narrator 5/5 via Netgalley

In 1918 Esme and Jasper meet and get caught up in a quick world-wind wartime romance that leaves them married. When Esme wakes up from her champagne induced fog, she realizes she may have made a mistake and quickly runs before Jasper wakes. Leaving him waking up alone wifeless.

Fast forward 4 years, and both Jasper and Esme run into each other again both in the business of stealing jewels. When an important piece comes up missing they find themselves after the same piece, which begins a fun game of cat and mouse between the two.

This book was so much fun! I absolutely loved the main characters and their personalities. Their quick witty banter was everything! The narrator of this audio did a tremendous job and held my attention the whole way through. It felt like Oceans Eleven with a mix of Mr and Mrs Smith. Both in love with each other neither wanting to admit it or give up on the job- which is to find the winged tiara. The whole book was a journey where the two main characters were trying to outdo the other and it was fantastic. The writing was top notch and pacing perfection! If you like a good heist, with amazing clean banter, awesome main characters and delicious fun, I would highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy of The Winged Tiara, in exchange for an honest review.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a book prior to publication.

You know, I've been craving for a clean, historical, thief vs thief story, and this one really suckered me in. You have two people, meeting after the end of WWI and quickly (I mean, in a night!) falling in love and marrying. Our girl, Esme, leaves our man, Jasper, alone in the marriage bed. Four years later, she turns up as a thief after a crown that he has been tasked to retrieve / steal.

The whole thing simmers with their fun banter, chemistry, and will they / won't they in terms of their future. I enjoyed the tiara and why both parties were after it and how everything tied up in the end-game.

The only reason I rated the book down a star is I felt there needed to be more umph in their characters. May it be their situations or their meets '/ partings. They got a little predictable and repetitive after some time.

I did like the book and I'd recommend this to anybody who is looking for some fun cat and mouse game set in roaring twenties.

[kris]

The tone is weirdly judgey and flat, with a lot of flat, sloppy characterization. Not in the mood.

[Jessica Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovers to enemies to lovers with perfect banter and sizzling chemistry? Um, yes please!

The Winged Tiara sucked me into the world of the roaring twenties in a game of cat and mouse and rich historical details. The author has a beautiful writing style, easily bringing both the characters and the setting to life ✨

I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more books by J’nell Ciesielski!

(The book did toe the line with some content that I wasn’t a huge fan of, but it didn’t make me feel uncomfortable at any point. This will definitely not be a book for everyone, but I’m very glad it was one for me!)

Note: I received an advanced reader copy from the author, and I was not required to leave a positive review. All views expressed are my own.

[Morgan Giesbrecht]

From the first page, Ciesielski draws the reader into the glittery, dazzling world of a Gatsby-esque 1920s, parading down European streets on a whirlwind jewel heist trip.

I appreciated the way the post-war atmosphere was framed. It was a time of forging ahead while being overshadowed by all the horror left behind. Coming off the high of Armistice Day, Esme and Jasper meet & marry immediately… for all of one day. Only to be reunited 4 years later. Despite the insta-love it’s ultimately a story of discovering what love & commitment look like (as neither Esme or Jasper have had good marriages modelled in their lives), a tale of breaking down fears & barriers in a relationship, of removing the masks they hide behind and risking someone seeing their hearts.



*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.



Content: mild language; opening chapter starts with woman awaking naked in bed with a man (not descriptive & they are married); woman drugs her husband with a sleeping pill to get ahead start on their competition

[Grace]

DNF
My deepest thanks to the Author, Publisher, and NetGalley for an early ARC of this book. I was in no way forced to give a positive review.

I’m beginning to think this author just isn’t for me. I really prefer my books to be clean/cleaner. And I’ve found this author to push my line as far as what I am comfortable reading. (Keep in mind the author in no way markets her books as clean just historical fiction, however they are sold in Christian retail stores) I DNF’d after the first chapter. In which I had already come across multiple mentions of a wedding night, (mild detail) two uses of the B word. And more noticing then what I am comfortable with. The prologue also opens with a woman and man n*ked in bed together the morning after their marriage. Which had more detail then I needed to know. This author I think is extremely talented, and she has an excellent writing style, I just don’t think her books are for me. Not saying I won’t ever try again, but at least for the time being, I need to be done.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Winged Tiara is such an enjoyment to read. It takes place in Europe after the war in the dazzling 1920s when a shift in society started taking place.

We are introduced to Jasper and Esme who, 4 years prior, hastily exchanged vows in a moment of celebration. The next morning, Esme leaves, and Jasper wakes up alone. Years later, they are reunited, both jewel thieves after the same prized item, and the race to reach the item first begins.



Their interactions with each other are hilarious and amusing. Always trying to outdo one another results in entertaining schemes and comical reactions.

Esme tries hard to ignore the feelings starting to grow, but can't deny the chemistry between them.



From start to finish, this story will thrill you with a unique plot, sweeping romance, and exciting adventure.


Thank you, netgalley, for a free copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can banter be delicious? Because the banter in this book absolutely is. Glamour just oozes from each paragraph, and I was hooked from the first line. The 1920s have always entranced me, and this book is the 20s personified.

I'm really not trying to talk in clichés, but this book-I just can't say enough about it, and my fingers are having trouble keeping up with my brain!

In the author's note, she says that this book is an easy breezy read, and maybe it is, but it certainly isn't boring! I did not want to put this one down!

Shoot, I have to keep going back and fixing typos because my brain is just whirring with excitement, so I'm gonna stop. But I LOVED this book with its excitement, mystery, suspense, and glamour. Not to mention that banter!

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I definitely would.

Caveat:
There is cussing in this book, which I didn't expect, since I thought this author was a Christian. There's also a lot of talk about seduction, but nothing even came close to cracking that bedroom door open, and there's a LOT of drinking. And honestly, all of it fit with the plot and the time period. It didn't detract from the story for me, but it did take me by surprise.

~I received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!! A cute and fun historical mystery that didn't miss its mark!!

I didn't know I needed this book until I was reading this book. Narrator was excellent and the whole tone of the novel was delcious and smooth like chocolate!!

Esme and Jasper... SIGH!!! Well written and intriguing characters and the attraction between them was gone with finesse.

It was really well written for a book that straddled several genres but the balance was perfect and the whole book was entertaining as all heck!

I love historical fiction and I know some people won't read it because it comes across as "stuffy" but this book will change your mind on the genre.

4.5 stars!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sad to say that I think I have to be done with J'nell Ciesielski. I read three of her books and greatly enjoyed them, then read two that shocked me, and now this one.

This book was intriguing to me and, if was a secular book, I'd be satisfied. But it's not. It's a book published by a Christian publishing house and written b a Christian author. Now, I'm not someone who thinks that every Christian book needs to expressly say "God" or "Jesus", in fact, I've read many books where the themes are subtle, but the point is that there are themes. Redemption, forgiveness, trust, lessons learned, character growth. These are valuable things and add depth to the story.

This story, while fun and interesting (I mean, two thieves and a heist, come on!), felt empty. There didn't even seem to be an idea that what Jasper and Esme do is wrong. Let alone much growth or lessons learned by them.

Then there was swearing! Only a couple of times but I go back to this being by a Christian author and publishing house. That's disappointing to me.

Great book for a secular novel. Disappointing for one that purports to be Christian.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had my eye on this book since it dropped last year, and FINALLY, it was my turn to dive in... and wow, it did NOT disappoint!

Right from page one, you can tell this isn’t your usual love story. Jasper and Esme? Their past is "messy"... We’re talking whirlwind romance, super quick wedding, one night together, and boom, Esme vanishes without a word. Fast forward four years, and now they’re both thieves, chasing after the same tiara. Yep. Awkward... Feelings for each other? Still very much there. Stakes? Even higher now, with WAYYYY more to lose than just the tiara.

The 1920s setting totally sparkles: glam, drama, and just the right amount of suspense. The romantic tension? Chef’s kiss! I couldn’t put it down, and now I need more books by this author!

**Small heads-up:** This one’s published by Thomas Nelson, so some might expect a Christian romance. I’d say it leans more towards a secular, closed door/ fade to Black (married couple) romance: no graphic scenes, but there is some innuendo and alcohol use. So, if you prefer your romances to be totally squeaky clean, just keep this in mind. For me, I gave this one a 4.5 due to some of the content surprising me a bit... but it'll round up to a 5, which is fitting since I did binge read it, lol.❤️

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winged Tiara by J’nell Ciesielski reads a lot like her previous two books, The Brilliance of Stars and To Free the Stars. Two main characters have a past that ties them together, but their ultimate goal in the story overtakes them pursuing a relationship with each other. Ciesieskli keeps the characters hoping all across Europe as they hung for the Valkyrie tiara. They intertwine at different places, not on purpose, argue, and appear to be working together, but then one gives the other the slip, and this happens over and over again. As the story moves along, the main thread is the hunt for the tiara, but the tension and strife between Jasper and Esme takes over the storyline. I do enjoy the hunt for the tiara. I like how creative Ciesielski made the hunt. It was not so simple to seek the tiara. However, there were moments that I wish were a little shorter, then onto another clue to find it. If readers were looking for a spiritual thread, there is not one. Just a good enjoyable story. Overall, The Winged Tiara by J’nell Ciesielski does encapsulate a treasure hunt between the two unlikely partners who really do not want to be partners, but enemies. I enjoyed the overall storyline.

I received a complimentary copy of The Winged Tiara by J’nell Ciesieskli from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1922 France

I love witty banter and The Winged Tiara delivers a tall and delightful order of it.

Esme and Jasper marry in 1918 as they celebrate the end of WWI. They are so overcome with emotion and reduced inhibitions from alcohol consumption that the two marry that night. Only to part ways the next day.

Four years later Esme and Jasper cross paths again as they each seek the same mark...a jeweled tiara. Both are professional thieves and want to make their employer happy by delivering the famous head piece. It's worth repeating that the dialogue and chemistry between Esme and Jasper as they spar is sheer fun.

Enjoyable general market historical romance novel with a striking cover.

My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary ARC of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF read.

I’m pretty evenly split in books by this author; I loved two of them, and didn’t love a couple more. This new book sounded fascinating, and the cover is gorgeous! So I thought I’d give it a go and see how I got on/which camp it’d fall into.

Alas, for me it fell into the latter, and suffered from the same things as the two books I didn’t care for: ongoing alcohol use and scenes I wished faded to black a little sooner. I quit drinking a few years ago, and the MC’s enjoying my then-favorite drink on the regular was a special personal challenge.

I’m not sure I’ll leap into other books by the author, now that a few have missed the mark (and for the same reasons). She’s talented, and I still love those two other books, but I’m seemingly not the right reader for now!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Toni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cat and mouse thievery.
Cat and mouse romance.
Meh.
The Winged Tiara, an item for thievery, keeps escaping from the grips of Esme and Jasper (two notorious thieves trying to thieve the same tiara) throughout the story much like their love for each other. Too Hallmark - ish for me.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! With its sharp dialogue, nonstop action, fabulous romance, and glamorous 20's setting, it was pure perfection!

Exquisitely written, great character development, beautifully romantic, exciting, and just so much fun, The Winged Tiara grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go until the very end.

The story begins with Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt having a whirlwind romance and marriage just as WWI has ended. The morning after, Esme leaves while Jasper is still sleeping, certain it’s better to leave before he leaves her.

Four years later, they run into one another again, both on the hunt for a one of a kind diamond tiara. They’re both pulling a con as they try to steal the tiara, but with a hitman on their tail, and others who want the tiara for themselves, they find themselves in a game of cat and mouse across Europe.

While competing with each other, they share a connection like the one they felt when they first met. They have some heartwarming moments of vulnerability and honesty, and lots of heated chemistry between them. But Esme struggles to let go of her mother’s advice to always stay single, and Jasper is still stinging from her rejection. Will they stay together and make the marriage work, or go their separate ways once the caper is over.

Lovably flawed characters, sparkling wit and charm, sizzling chemistry, a captivating plot, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes, make this a solid 5 star read for me.

I received a copy from the publisher, NetGalley, and Austenprose, but a positive review was not required.

[JoBeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winged Tiara is the first book I've read by J'nell Ciesielski. I ended up really enjoying this book, but it took quite a while for the audiobook to draw me in. Admittedly, this might have been in part due to my trying to listen to it during a very busy couple of weeks. Once I was pulled into the story I was anxious to find out what was in store for Jasper and Esme. This book was a fun mash up of historical fiction and mystery, two genres I love. I was briefly confused when I saw that the book came from Zondervan, because I assumed that would mean it is Christian fiction. I would not call it that, but it was very clean and closed door as far as the romance is concerned. I appreciated the duel point of views (Jasper and Esme) and thought that the choice to write the book in this manner was a great decision. The narrator was also fantastic. Even though it took a while for me to get hooked, it was a fun combination of historical fiction, mystery, and romance and I am glad to have read it!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in one day. Loved the glamorous European tour with the reminders of WWI. Appreciated the lead characters’ chemistry. Enjoyed this niche bit of history with the unique twist of professional thieves. My one concern was the lack of moral concern regarding the stealing although it was suggested that the lead male character worked with the police in some way.

[Bonnie Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winged Tiara, set in 1920s England, is a gripping race between two thieves after the same tiara. The catch? The thieves are husband and wife. Sort of.
Their complicated relationship is one to root for, with great banter and chemistry, and the action of the plot is fast-paced and enjoyable.

If a cat-and-mouse/Mr. and Mrs. Smith concept for a historical romance intrigues you, add this one to your list.

Thanks to @thomasnelson @jnellciesielski and @austenprose for the free copy!

[Janyre Tromp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun 1920s caper where both he and she are hired to steal the same tiara.

[Katie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting story about two famous thieves, who happen to be estranged spouses, in a race against each other to find an elusive tiara. Jasper and Esme had a whirlwind marriage that was over before it had barely begun. Four years later they are brought together again while searching for a one-of-a-kind winged tiara. At first they work as rivals trying to outsmart each other. Later, they must join forces to outsmart a new player in the game. It is an exciting race through 1920’s Europe that the reader is taken on. The chemistry between Jasper and Esme is strong, but they have some serious obstacles to overcome. I love the complexity of this author’s characters. Their strength and their vulnerability. I definitely recommend this story.
This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.