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Stolen Pieces
OCEAN'S 8 meets Janet Evanovich, this fast-paced crime caper features one badass mother, with a certain set of skills who is forced to come out of retirement to protect her son, and teach a few men a few lessons!
Ex-con artist Bee Cardello is going legit. Divorced from her mafia boss husband, she is determined to stay on the straight and narrow. So, when ex-hubby Charlie steals $37. 5 million from a dangerous kingpin, who puts out a hit on Bee and her ten-year-old son Oliver, she finds herself pulled back into the life she's worked so hard to escape.
Part of that old life being one Adam Gage - an old flame and all-round sexy badass who Charlie's now employed to keep her and Oliver safe . . . well, that's what he tells her. Bee has been in this game long enough to know that everyone is in it for themselves, and she'd be stupid to trust Adam . . . again.
When Oliver is snatched from right under their noses, rather than risk losing him forever, Bee gathers her old team, dusts off all her old grifting tricks, and comes out of retirement to get her son back!
Ex-con artist Bee Cardello is going legit. Divorced from her mafia boss husband, she is determined to stay on the straight and narrow. So, when ex-hubby Charlie steals $37. 5 million from a dangerous kingpin, who puts out a hit on Bee and her ten-year-old son Oliver, she finds herself pulled back into the life she's worked so hard to escape.
Part of that old life being one Adam Gage - an old flame and all-round sexy badass who Charlie's now employed to keep her and Oliver safe . . . well, that's what he tells her. Bee has been in this game long enough to know that everyone is in it for themselves, and she'd be stupid to trust Adam . . . again.
When Oliver is snatched from right under their noses, rather than risk losing him forever, Bee gathers her old team, dusts off all her old grifting tricks, and comes out of retirement to get her son back!
Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2024
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About the author
S.K. Golden
6 books253 followersS.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers. Born and raised in the Florida Keys, she married a commercial fisherman. The two of them still live on the islands with their five kids (one boy, four girls — including identical twins!), two cats, and a corgi named Goku. Sarah graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Administration and has put it to good use approximately zero times. She’s worked as a bank teller, a pharmacy technician, and an executive assistant at her father’s church. Sarah is delighted to be doing none of those things now.
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May 13, 2024Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC. It hasn't affected the contents of my review.
DNF @ 22%
I'm just not interested in this, and the narrator's voice for the MC's son is very, very irritating. I'm sad about it. I will keep trying stuff from this author, but this one didn't work for me.
DNF @ 22%
I'm just not interested in this, and the narrator's voice for the MC's son is very, very irritating. I'm sad about it. I will keep trying stuff from this author, but this one didn't work for me.
August 31, 2024
"Stolen Pieces" by S.K. Golden is a crime drama thriller novel. It is nonstop action and easy to binge read or listen all at once. I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Amara Jasper. She did all the voices well, even the male and female ones.
Bea is a former wife of a mob boss, and she is raising their son alone. One day, some bad guys come into their home and kidnap her, her 10 year old son Oliver, and the young nanny Malika. An old flame and expert bodyguard, Adam, rescues them but still has to take them to her ex's Jersey beach home. Things get worse from there. No more summary so as to not spoil it.
For humor, there is Bea's chubby bulldog, Hogarth. No harm comes to the dog or the kid. I know that is important to a lot of readers. Apart from them, there is a lot of violence, blood, and bodies.
One other issue with this book was that it was missing transitions, so that sometimes I couldn't tell if we were in the present or the past or a dream. This happened quite often, and it's the reason I took one point off on the Writing in the rubric below.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 4/5 (dropped one for poor redubbing)
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 35/8 = 4 3/8 rounded to 4 stars
Highly recommended for readers who like crime dramas and action adventure novels.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and S. K. Golden for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Bea is a former wife of a mob boss, and she is raising their son alone. One day, some bad guys come into their home and kidnap her, her 10 year old son Oliver, and the young nanny Malika. An old flame and expert bodyguard, Adam, rescues them but still has to take them to her ex's Jersey beach home. Things get worse from there. No more summary so as to not spoil it.
For humor, there is Bea's chubby bulldog, Hogarth. No harm comes to the dog or the kid. I know that is important to a lot of readers. Apart from them, there is a lot of violence, blood, and bodies.
One other issue with this book was that it was missing transitions, so that sometimes I couldn't tell if we were in the present or the past or a dream. This happened quite often, and it's the reason I took one point off on the Writing in the rubric below.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 4/5 (dropped one for poor redubbing)
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 35/8 = 4 3/8 rounded to 4 stars
Highly recommended for readers who like crime dramas and action adventure novels.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and S. K. Golden for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2024
Thank you to Severn and S.K. Golden for the gifted copy! Thank you Severn for the eARC and to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC!
I love Golden’s Pinnacle Hotel series and simply had to try her series set in the modern day - what a great start to what I have no doubt will be an excellent series! Action, fun characters, romance and hijinks, this had it all!
I was so wrapped up in the story and loved the fast pace of the novel. I couldn’t stop listening! This was so much fun and I cannot wait for the next one.
My downsides were just that the narrator mispronounced some things, one being a name which made it difficult to stay engaged at those parts since it was repeated often. I also found some characters a teeny bit annoying, but overall this was very fun.
I love Golden’s Pinnacle Hotel series and simply had to try her series set in the modern day - what a great start to what I have no doubt will be an excellent series! Action, fun characters, romance and hijinks, this had it all!
I was so wrapped up in the story and loved the fast pace of the novel. I couldn’t stop listening! This was so much fun and I cannot wait for the next one.
My downsides were just that the narrator mispronounced some things, one being a name which made it difficult to stay engaged at those parts since it was repeated often. I also found some characters a teeny bit annoying, but overall this was very fun.
April 22, 2024
Rating math- Audio narration- negative stars, plot 3 stars. Giving it 2 stars since the audiobook narration will be relevant to only some readers. And, in case my negative stars didn't give it away- stick to the print for this one.
This is fast paced and I overall enjoyed it. It started out a little too fast in my opinion- took me a minute to figure out what the heck was happening. And the end was too drawn out. The middle was pretty good though.
Now, the audio. Amara Jasper narrates the audiobook. There were a lot of lines that were re-recorded and dubbed in. And it is a noticeable difference. This is not just once or twice, either. Oliver (the child) in dialogue was painful to listen to. Then, my biggest pet peeve- pronunciation. Normal words like "coupe" were mispronounced. But the one that got me repeatedly was "Os". There is a character named "Os"- the narrator pronounced it like the beginning of "osprey"- short o followed by a definite "s" sound. I kept trying to figure out who the heck this person was and why that was his name. Like 2/3 in, he is finally referred to as Osborne. So it should have been "Oz" all along- which would have made a whole lot more sense.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is fast paced and I overall enjoyed it. It started out a little too fast in my opinion- took me a minute to figure out what the heck was happening. And the end was too drawn out. The middle was pretty good though.
Now, the audio. Amara Jasper narrates the audiobook. There were a lot of lines that were re-recorded and dubbed in. And it is a noticeable difference. This is not just once or twice, either. Oliver (the child) in dialogue was painful to listen to. Then, my biggest pet peeve- pronunciation. Normal words like "coupe" were mispronounced. But the one that got me repeatedly was "Os". There is a character named "Os"- the narrator pronounced it like the beginning of "osprey"- short o followed by a definite "s" sound. I kept trying to figure out who the heck this person was and why that was his name. Like 2/3 in, he is finally referred to as Osborne. So it should have been "Oz" all along- which would have made a whole lot more sense.
I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book, the receipt of which does not influence my opinion.
So fun. Each page was so incredibly cinematic, it almost felt like a novel based on a movie. Such a fun, action-packed rom-com with fantastic narration. Will definitely be recommending this book far and wide. 3.8 stars
So fun. Each page was so incredibly cinematic, it almost felt like a novel based on a movie. Such a fun, action-packed rom-com with fantastic narration. Will definitely be recommending this book far and wide. 3.8 stars
December 2, 2024
This was not my usual genre that I read so it took me a bit longer to finish. Lots of action, witty dialogue and humor which I enjoyed.
April 25, 2024
It is not often that I feel that a book summary encapsulates the story as well as this one does. It is definitely OCEAN'S 8 meets Janet Evanovich.
From the start of the story, you knew it was going to take you on a fast ride. Bee formerly Shelby has a great backstory and it felt like we were just scratching the surface. Heck, all of the characters have great backstories that we are only seeing a glimpse of. Even 10 y.o. Oliver is fun and engaged, not just the kid they have to save.
There were several moments that I gasped out loud, fussed at the book and was incredulous about what had just happened. Can you tell I enjoyed the book? I DID!
It is a book that even my dad would like and that is saying a lot. There was lots of action and bada** scenes to keep him entertained. Be warned this is not a chaste cozy mystery/thriller, there is cursing, heavy petting, sexual references, and violence but all done in a fun and tasteful way. There are some great one liners that I am trying to figure out how to work into friend conversations (just kidding, sorta).
I don’t know this author but guess we are about the same age with the same TV taste as some of my favorite shows from the past got a mention (so much fun).
You probably got from the summary that the ex-husband caused the drama. He was useless in solving it. Bee, gets it done with the help of her friends and muscle from Adam Gage. Ah Adam. Well, there is soooo much there that if I tried to explain your head would probably spin. They have a past, he is muscle and things are complicated.
I think I need a Malika and the Nans in my life. If nothing else, it would never be boring and I could probably get out of any kind of scrape I ever found myself in. I can’t forget Linda with her “magical” black bag and Paster Foster, there is a story there I would like to know.
I did have a bit of confusion about two characters who could have possibly been the same character referenced two different ways. While it did cause some head scratching during memory moments and explanations, there was so many other things going on, I moved on quickly.
The narrator was fantastic.
I finished this in one sitting, maybe I will do a second listen and figure out my confusion. Or… just enjoy the ride for a second time.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
From the start of the story, you knew it was going to take you on a fast ride. Bee formerly Shelby has a great backstory and it felt like we were just scratching the surface. Heck, all of the characters have great backstories that we are only seeing a glimpse of. Even 10 y.o. Oliver is fun and engaged, not just the kid they have to save.
There were several moments that I gasped out loud, fussed at the book and was incredulous about what had just happened. Can you tell I enjoyed the book? I DID!
It is a book that even my dad would like and that is saying a lot. There was lots of action and bada** scenes to keep him entertained. Be warned this is not a chaste cozy mystery/thriller, there is cursing, heavy petting, sexual references, and violence but all done in a fun and tasteful way. There are some great one liners that I am trying to figure out how to work into friend conversations (just kidding, sorta).
I don’t know this author but guess we are about the same age with the same TV taste as some of my favorite shows from the past got a mention (so much fun).
You probably got from the summary that the ex-husband caused the drama. He was useless in solving it. Bee, gets it done with the help of her friends and muscle from Adam Gage. Ah Adam. Well, there is soooo much there that if I tried to explain your head would probably spin. They have a past, he is muscle and things are complicated.
I think I need a Malika and the Nans in my life. If nothing else, it would never be boring and I could probably get out of any kind of scrape I ever found myself in. I can’t forget Linda with her “magical” black bag and Paster Foster, there is a story there I would like to know.
I did have a bit of confusion about two characters who could have possibly been the same character referenced two different ways. While it did cause some head scratching during memory moments and explanations, there was so many other things going on, I moved on quickly.
The narrator was fantastic.
I finished this in one sitting, maybe I will do a second listen and figure out my confusion. Or… just enjoy the ride for a second time.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
April 15, 2024
Stolen Pieces by S. K. Golden and narrated by Amara Jasper is dynamic, witty, tense, action-packed and oh so much fun! Outside of the hilarious comedy value of an ever flatulent and lazy bulldog, the action begins immediately and does not stop until the last chapter. I was glued to this audiobook, utterly glued to it
Amara Jasper is a fantastic narrator and easily moves from the comedic son Oliver in his innocent protestations to the sassy nanny (who is in fact an FBI trained techie) to the delicious Adam Gage, and the vulnerable yet ever sneaky female protagonist and star of the show Bee (formerly Shelby and now Beatrice in her new live) The narration was absolute perfection throughout!
Now the storyline was fantastic, Bee was a career criminal in her past life, a fraudster and accomplished pickpocket who was essentially groomed by one of the richest criminals in the world (Alvarez). She at times shared jobs with the almost Statham-esque skills of Adam Gage and tehy had a hookup once, but that was a long time ago, 12 years ago. Bee got out, ran away from her old life, changed her name, got married to a very, very rich guy who knew nothing of her past and had a son, Oliver (now 10). However, 2 years ago, Bee's husband cheated so they divorced amicably and Bee got the house, but all she wants is some independance, to raise money to buy her own bookshop, but with extensive animosity toward her ex-husband, it is impossible to get finance and of course, she has no official income outside of alimony.
After an unsuccessful foray to go get funding, Bee is back home, licking her wounds and planning her future, when she spots a torch beam in her garden, all hands on deck, they are under attack from a hit put out on them, despite all plans of go-bags and escape routes, it all goes a bit pear-shaped and Bee, Oliver, the nanny and dog are caught by the invaders, what to do, what to do?? At this point, an old friend shows up... and all hell breaks loose! This begins an awesome crime caper that is highly entertaining and unique
A great crime caper with sharp humour, a delicious slow burn and wonderful characters. The twists and double-crosses and triple crosses and 180's are numerous and that's not just the car chases (which are scenes that Deadpool would be proud of!) I absolutely loved this audiobook and I really, really hope there will be more!
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, the author S. K. Golden and narrator Amara Jasper for this awesome ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Amara Jasper is a fantastic narrator and easily moves from the comedic son Oliver in his innocent protestations to the sassy nanny (who is in fact an FBI trained techie) to the delicious Adam Gage, and the vulnerable yet ever sneaky female protagonist and star of the show Bee (formerly Shelby and now Beatrice in her new live) The narration was absolute perfection throughout!
Now the storyline was fantastic, Bee was a career criminal in her past life, a fraudster and accomplished pickpocket who was essentially groomed by one of the richest criminals in the world (Alvarez). She at times shared jobs with the almost Statham-esque skills of Adam Gage and tehy had a hookup once, but that was a long time ago, 12 years ago. Bee got out, ran away from her old life, changed her name, got married to a very, very rich guy who knew nothing of her past and had a son, Oliver (now 10). However, 2 years ago, Bee's husband cheated so they divorced amicably and Bee got the house, but all she wants is some independance, to raise money to buy her own bookshop, but with extensive animosity toward her ex-husband, it is impossible to get finance and of course, she has no official income outside of alimony.
After an unsuccessful foray to go get funding, Bee is back home, licking her wounds and planning her future, when she spots a torch beam in her garden, all hands on deck, they are under attack from a hit put out on them, despite all plans of go-bags and escape routes, it all goes a bit pear-shaped and Bee, Oliver, the nanny and dog are caught by the invaders, what to do, what to do?? At this point, an old friend shows up... and all hell breaks loose! This begins an awesome crime caper that is highly entertaining and unique
A great crime caper with sharp humour, a delicious slow burn and wonderful characters. The twists and double-crosses and triple crosses and 180's are numerous and that's not just the car chases (which are scenes that Deadpool would be proud of!) I absolutely loved this audiobook and I really, really hope there will be more!
Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, the author S. K. Golden and narrator Amara Jasper for this awesome ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
May 30, 2024
The blurb very nicely sums up the premise for this story. Bee is getting on with her life now she’s no longer married to Charlie – when his disastrous decision to steal an insane amount of money from his crime overlord boss suddenly puts Bee and Oliver in the firing line. Literally.
I really like Bee and Golden does a good job of presenting us with an apparently indomitable heroine who is at her very best when up against it. Her ex certainly misses her street smarts, for starters and would take her back in a heartbeat. We also gather, from the reaction of others around her, that Bee is also very good-looking. When a book is in first-person POV, that’s difficult to pull off without either having the dreaded check-in-the-mirror scene, or having the heroine coming off as a bit conceited. Golden managed to let the reader know without either of the above, which is a neat demonstration of her evident technical skill.
I also like the fact that Bee isn’t as Teflon-coated as we initially are led to believe. She’s had a tough upbringing. But early on, she decided that she didn’t want to live poor and struggling, so single-mindedly went after the people who would help her achieve the level of luxury she was aiming for. There was a cost to that – a very high cost. And when she thinks that Oliver will be added to that list of costs, there are times when she is overwhelmed. I appreciated that insight into her character. We need that, because when the adrenaline’s flowing and she’s in the middle of a scam, she’s got ice flowing through her veins. Not unlike Adam Gage, the only man she’s ever really fallen for…
The tone throughout is snappy, with lots of snark and humour in amongst the death and violence. The story trips along at a good pace, which is necessary in this genre, yet the characterisation of our main protagonist is sufficiently detailed that I really cared for her. The baddie’s were nicely nasty – and the one thing I appreciated was that despite being divorced, Bee and Charlie have managed to remain on reasonably good terms. Until Charlie messes up, of course… All in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable heist adventure, filled with incident and plot twists and recommended for fans of this genre. While I obtained an arc of Stolen Pieces from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
I really like Bee and Golden does a good job of presenting us with an apparently indomitable heroine who is at her very best when up against it. Her ex certainly misses her street smarts, for starters and would take her back in a heartbeat. We also gather, from the reaction of others around her, that Bee is also very good-looking. When a book is in first-person POV, that’s difficult to pull off without either having the dreaded check-in-the-mirror scene, or having the heroine coming off as a bit conceited. Golden managed to let the reader know without either of the above, which is a neat demonstration of her evident technical skill.
I also like the fact that Bee isn’t as Teflon-coated as we initially are led to believe. She’s had a tough upbringing. But early on, she decided that she didn’t want to live poor and struggling, so single-mindedly went after the people who would help her achieve the level of luxury she was aiming for. There was a cost to that – a very high cost. And when she thinks that Oliver will be added to that list of costs, there are times when she is overwhelmed. I appreciated that insight into her character. We need that, because when the adrenaline’s flowing and she’s in the middle of a scam, she’s got ice flowing through her veins. Not unlike Adam Gage, the only man she’s ever really fallen for…
The tone throughout is snappy, with lots of snark and humour in amongst the death and violence. The story trips along at a good pace, which is necessary in this genre, yet the characterisation of our main protagonist is sufficiently detailed that I really cared for her. The baddie’s were nicely nasty – and the one thing I appreciated was that despite being divorced, Bee and Charlie have managed to remain on reasonably good terms. Until Charlie messes up, of course… All in all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable heist adventure, filled with incident and plot twists and recommended for fans of this genre. While I obtained an arc of Stolen Pieces from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
April 20, 2024
Book Title: Stolen Pieces
Author: S.K. Golden
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Amara Jasper
Publisher: Dreamscape Media-Severn House
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 224
Bee Cardello is an ex-con artist and since she divorced her gangster husband Charlie has retired and trying to live a crime free quiet life with her ten-year old son Oliver.
However when her ex-husband steals 37,5 million dollars, she are Oliver are targeted in order to get the money back. Bee finds she has been pulled back into the life she's worked so hard to escape.
I was drawn to this when I read S.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers.
I like the narrator so thought I was going to enjoy this story.
However right off the bat I was disappointed when ten year old Olive used language that isn’t used in a cozy. I have no doubt ten years olds hear nasty language.
I went to Cozy Mystery web site and saw that only ‘The Pinnacle Hotel Mysteries’ are listed as Cozy!
Then I read S.K. Golden’s review of her book ~ Well, I liked it! This one is different than my cozies in that there is swearing and violence on the page, but it is lighthearted overall and I hope you like it too!
Although I didn’t completely get over my disappointment, I hung in there - it was a fast read. ,
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media/Severn House for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2024.
Author: S.K. Golden
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Amara Jasper
Publisher: Dreamscape Media-Severn House
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 224
Bee Cardello is an ex-con artist and since she divorced her gangster husband Charlie has retired and trying to live a crime free quiet life with her ten-year old son Oliver.
However when her ex-husband steals 37,5 million dollars, she are Oliver are targeted in order to get the money back. Bee finds she has been pulled back into the life she's worked so hard to escape.
I was drawn to this when I read S.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers.
I like the narrator so thought I was going to enjoy this story.
However right off the bat I was disappointed when ten year old Olive used language that isn’t used in a cozy. I have no doubt ten years olds hear nasty language.
I went to Cozy Mystery web site and saw that only ‘The Pinnacle Hotel Mysteries’ are listed as Cozy!
Then I read S.K. Golden’s review of her book ~ Well, I liked it! This one is different than my cozies in that there is swearing and violence on the page, but it is lighthearted overall and I hope you like it too!
Although I didn’t completely get over my disappointment, I hung in there - it was a fast read. ,
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media/Severn House for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2024.
March 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The comparison of Stolen Pieces to Oceans 8 in the book description I read isn’t wrong - this is such a great read that is very heist-y. Beatrice / Shelby (Bee) is an ex con who has gotten into a pickle when her ex husband (a mobster - that’s her past life) stole from the wrong man (also a mobster), putting a price on her and her son’s heads. Her ex hires Adam, one of her old love interests and ‘co-workers’ from her past to protect them and what follows is a hilarious adventure.
I loved that Bee was owning the situation and using her craftiness to take control. I also loved her friends and how they added more color to the plot as they joined into the hijinks. My only wish was that while there are callbacks to the past to add context to Bee’s past life, and while well done, I think opening up with reference to the past (maybe showing what Bee thought was her happy ending in leaving her past life) would have gotten me into the swing of things a little faster. But with that said, this kept me glued and entertained throughout!
I hope there is a book 2 and this becomes part of a longer series (though it stands on its own with resolution) as I loved the characters and the premise!
The comparison of Stolen Pieces to Oceans 8 in the book description I read isn’t wrong - this is such a great read that is very heist-y. Beatrice / Shelby (Bee) is an ex con who has gotten into a pickle when her ex husband (a mobster - that’s her past life) stole from the wrong man (also a mobster), putting a price on her and her son’s heads. Her ex hires Adam, one of her old love interests and ‘co-workers’ from her past to protect them and what follows is a hilarious adventure.
I loved that Bee was owning the situation and using her craftiness to take control. I also loved her friends and how they added more color to the plot as they joined into the hijinks. My only wish was that while there are callbacks to the past to add context to Bee’s past life, and while well done, I think opening up with reference to the past (maybe showing what Bee thought was her happy ending in leaving her past life) would have gotten me into the swing of things a little faster. But with that said, this kept me glued and entertained throughout!
I hope there is a book 2 and this becomes part of a longer series (though it stands on its own with resolution) as I loved the characters and the premise!
April 18, 2024
I really really liked the way this one started. It was snarky and sassy and the narrator was fabulous and perfectly suited to the story. The premise wasn't new but was managed in a fun and engaging way that had me eagerly listening to see where things would go. I was clicking along for most of the book, until I hit the point that I *thought* was the end but then saw that there was a full hour left to listen, and realized yet another twist was coming. I didn't mind that, per se, although I did find my interest flagging as that final confrontation played itself out...
Frankly, I could have done without that last hour - it wasn't that there was anything wrong with it so much as that it felt gratuitous. We'd already had the betrayals flying thick and fast, with misdirection and sexual tension permeating every sentence. It felt like just a bit too much to have yet one more significant plot point unraveling... Still, I enjoyed listening and if there was a sequel, I'd listen again. The characters were quirky and snarky and entertaining, and if the plot felt somewhat familiar it was a delightful familiarity that I found comfortable and would seek out again.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Frankly, I could have done without that last hour - it wasn't that there was anything wrong with it so much as that it felt gratuitous. We'd already had the betrayals flying thick and fast, with misdirection and sexual tension permeating every sentence. It felt like just a bit too much to have yet one more significant plot point unraveling... Still, I enjoyed listening and if there was a sequel, I'd listen again. The characters were quirky and snarky and entertaining, and if the plot felt somewhat familiar it was a delightful familiarity that I found comfortable and would seek out again.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
April 25, 2024
“Bee was retired. Comfortably retired, more or less, and had been for quite some time. ”
Here are reasons to read the Mystery book:
Ex-Con Woman - Bee is now a “retired” con woman living with her son and Nanny
Ambushed - until one night when her house is attacked and an old friend comes to rescue her
Ex-Husband - turns out her ex-husband has stolen money from a mobster and that guy wants to take her and her son as leverage
This author previously wrote the Pinnacle Hotel Mysteries which I really enjoyed, so I had high expectations for this one. It was billed as like an ocean’s eleven, heist type book. And it was in the last part of it. My one critique is that it was very slow to pick up and really get into the main heist part. However, I did like the characters and thought they were fun. It gave Finlay Donovan vibes so if you like the series, you might like this book.
Here are reasons to read the Mystery book:
Ex-Con Woman - Bee is now a “retired” con woman living with her son and Nanny
Ambushed - until one night when her house is attacked and an old friend comes to rescue her
Ex-Husband - turns out her ex-husband has stolen money from a mobster and that guy wants to take her and her son as leverage
This author previously wrote the Pinnacle Hotel Mysteries which I really enjoyed, so I had high expectations for this one. It was billed as like an ocean’s eleven, heist type book. And it was in the last part of it. My one critique is that it was very slow to pick up and really get into the main heist part. However, I did like the characters and thought they were fun. It gave Finlay Donovan vibes so if you like the series, you might like this book.
January 25, 2026
Fun and well-paced, if you enjoy Janet Evanovich or the Finlay Donovan books, I expect you’ll enjoy this as well.
The premise is a bit different from those, but the tone and general feel of the book is the same. It’s clever and funny and a good blend of intrigue and action.
Our MC is a bit less of an innocent than we often get in women’s fiction like this, which I appreciated. She’s got a heart of gold, but she’s willing to cross some lines that authors of books like this often shy away from, and that made for a better story in many ways.
The plot gets a bit wonky in the end, exciting but perhaps a little messier than it should have been. Still, a fun read and one that I hope will ultimately either start a series or inspire Golden to write more novels like it.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The premise is a bit different from those, but the tone and general feel of the book is the same. It’s clever and funny and a good blend of intrigue and action.
Our MC is a bit less of an innocent than we often get in women’s fiction like this, which I appreciated. She’s got a heart of gold, but she’s willing to cross some lines that authors of books like this often shy away from, and that made for a better story in many ways.
The plot gets a bit wonky in the end, exciting but perhaps a little messier than it should have been. Still, a fun read and one that I hope will ultimately either start a series or inspire Golden to write more novels like it.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
April 17, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Amara Jasper who does a fantastic job.
Upon reading that this was a cross between Ocean's 8 and Janet Evanovich, I was excited to read this. Its a fairly well executed storyline with sarcasm, sexual tension and mystery between the characters.
Bee is a retired, grifter and criminal living in Miami with her son and his nanny. These days her only aspiration is to find funding for her dream bookstore. But one night her past comes calling and she is drug back into the fray of her old life.
Told with sharp humour and colorful characters, this is a light but twisty read that is fun to experience.
Upon reading that this was a cross between Ocean's 8 and Janet Evanovich, I was excited to read this. Its a fairly well executed storyline with sarcasm, sexual tension and mystery between the characters.
Bee is a retired, grifter and criminal living in Miami with her son and his nanny. These days her only aspiration is to find funding for her dream bookstore. But one night her past comes calling and she is drug back into the fray of her old life.
Told with sharp humour and colorful characters, this is a light but twisty read that is fun to experience.
May 10, 2024
I thought Stolen Pieces was a very intriguing read and definitely an enjoyable story with characters you want to learn more about and I really hope this won’t be the last in Bee’s story for us.
The 3 standout characters for me were Bee, Malika, and Adam because they all had strong personalities and you rooted for them for in various ways. They make up the perfect team for Cons as well where you have the grifter, the tech genius, and the fixer/muscle.
What kept me reading most was the wondering who’s side each character was on which twisted back and forth throughout the book and even up to the last couple of chapters you’re not quite sure what side of the line people stand on.
A great read for fans of thrillers and as I mentioned I hope there will be more to what could be a potentially amazing series.
The 3 standout characters for me were Bee, Malika, and Adam because they all had strong personalities and you rooted for them for in various ways. They make up the perfect team for Cons as well where you have the grifter, the tech genius, and the fixer/muscle.
What kept me reading most was the wondering who’s side each character was on which twisted back and forth throughout the book and even up to the last couple of chapters you’re not quite sure what side of the line people stand on.
A great read for fans of thrillers and as I mentioned I hope there will be more to what could be a potentially amazing series.
May 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this book it was well written with a compelling and funny story line and well developed characters some of which I really liked, especially Bee. The book is compared to Oceans 8 and that's all I could think about whilst reading it.
I thought the premise sounded so intriguing and it didn't disappoint I got into it right away and couldn't put it down. The narrative was so descriptive that at times it felt like watching a moving instead of reading a book and I was fully immersed in it. The descriptions were so rich and the imagery was so vivid, it was utterly fantastic.
This is my first book by this author I think but it definitely wont be my last, I really enjoyed it.
I thought the premise sounded so intriguing and it didn't disappoint I got into it right away and couldn't put it down. The narrative was so descriptive that at times it felt like watching a moving instead of reading a book and I was fully immersed in it. The descriptions were so rich and the imagery was so vivid, it was utterly fantastic.
This is my first book by this author I think but it definitely wont be my last, I really enjoyed it.
May 10, 2024
The description of OCEAN'S 8 meets Janet Evanovich is dead on perfect for this sometimes funny, sometimes sassy and all of the time bad a$$ former con artist Bee Cardello. When you have a book that contains gangsters, double crossing thieves, an interesting (dare I say eclectic) group of supporting characters and a momma bear who wants out of the game (maybe) you are going to have a winner in my book. This is my first read by this author and I am going back and finding more of her books now. (and hey – I hope this is the first book in a new series – other reviewers seem to think so… I will be watching carefully to see where Bee goes next)
January 17, 2025
Stolen Pieces
A mom with a troubled past. She tries to live a normal life but needs to rely on her sketchy past to secure her future. One thing she hadn’t planned on was her ex-husband putting her and her son in Jeopardy. Now she needs to find alliances and plot and scheme to save her son.
For me, there were so many twists, turns, and double crosses that it became too predictable. Also, towards the end of the book the writing got a bit confusing, like the author was in a rush to tie up all the loose ends and explain what happened to the various characters.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
A mom with a troubled past. She tries to live a normal life but needs to rely on her sketchy past to secure her future. One thing she hadn’t planned on was her ex-husband putting her and her son in Jeopardy. Now she needs to find alliances and plot and scheme to save her son.
For me, there were so many twists, turns, and double crosses that it became too predictable. Also, towards the end of the book the writing got a bit confusing, like the author was in a rush to tie up all the loose ends and explain what happened to the various characters.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
May 6, 2024
This novel is an action packed, fast paced caper of a story from start to finish. I really enjoyed reading it and it was such a page turner. I loved the main character, Bee and I loved how strong and capable she was. This novel is really about her taking back control and trying to come out on top. It’s a really fun read and of course, I love all the chemistry between Bee and Adam but can she really trust him again?
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
May 9, 2024
This is a fast paced crime thriller that starts out actionpacked when a mom is forced to leave retirement for one more heist. She hasbeen working on keeping her life straight to provide better for her son, buther ex-husband, a mafia boss, steals from someone super dangerous and her andher son get caught in the cross-fire. This book was written withsuch flair that I really could legit see it as a movie so easily. It includedaction, cool con artist tricks, danger, and some romance. Perfect for thatsliver screen!
April 8, 2024
Bee has divorced her gangster husband and is now just trying to live quietly with her son. But when her husband steals money from the wrong man and his family are targeted as a result, Bee has to adapt ...
This was a fairly fun, quick read. There were a few issues with things moving too fast and there not being enough groundwork, but overall it wasn't a bad read.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This was a fairly fun, quick read. There were a few issues with things moving too fast and there not being enough groundwork, but overall it wasn't a bad read.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
March 15, 2024
ROUNDED UP FROM A 3.75 ⭐️
I thought this was a very well thought out and executed storyline, it was mysterious with just the right amount of sexual tension between main characters. While I greatly enjoyed the plot of the book I did find that the voice the author used was maybe not for me. It fit well with the character and made a lot of sense for the book but it just not a style I enjoy reading, so it was a bit of a slog to get through for me personally, but all in all I’m glad I read it and would recommend to any friends who were into spy or possibly even romance books, but would likely not read a sequel due to the fact for me it was unfortunately forgettable .
A huge thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book!!
I thought this was a very well thought out and executed storyline, it was mysterious with just the right amount of sexual tension between main characters. While I greatly enjoyed the plot of the book I did find that the voice the author used was maybe not for me. It fit well with the character and made a lot of sense for the book but it just not a style I enjoy reading, so it was a bit of a slog to get through for me personally, but all in all I’m glad I read it and would recommend to any friends who were into spy or possibly even romance books, but would likely not read a sequel due to the fact for me it was unfortunately forgettable .
A huge thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of this book!!
April 28, 2024
I expected to laugh and enjoy this story as much as the author's other books. BUT. Although the book is a good length it is NOT TTS ENABLED. That really bummed me out. The publisher's blurb is a good one that intrigues without giving anything away. I liked it even though it took me much longer this way.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Severn House via NetGalley. Thanks
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Severn House via NetGalley. Thanks
June 3, 2024
This was a fun read and I really liked most of the characters. I love the fact that there a happy ending for Bee and her son and the journey getting there was pretty hilarious! This was my 2nd book by S.K. Golden, but not my last. I am adding all of their books to my TBR!
#StolenPieces
#NetGalley
#StolenPieces
#NetGalley
June 25, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley, Severn House and S.K. Golden for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stolen Pieces was a fun, action packed read, full of intrigue, suspense and drama.
I liked the premise, but I felt it lacked a little something. It felt a bit rushed in parts.
Overall it was a solid read, but not overly memorable.
3 stars from me. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Stolen Pieces was a fun, action packed read, full of intrigue, suspense and drama.
I liked the premise, but I felt it lacked a little something. It felt a bit rushed in parts.
Overall it was a solid read, but not overly memorable.
3 stars from me. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
June 25, 2024
It's a book that requires to be patient as it's very slow burning and it takes it's sweet time before it turn into a fast faced and highly entertaining story.
I read and loved other books by this author, this one has potential but wasn't my cup of tea
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I read and loved other books by this author, this one has potential but wasn't my cup of tea
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
dnf
June 27, 2024DNF at 22%. I’m always intrigued by a heist story - but this one felt like everything was over exaggerated - every character, the action scenes, everything was dialed up past 11 and I just couldn’t hang. I prefer my heist stories to be about the cunning and strategy. This may eventually have some but I didn’t make it to it.
May 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The heist in the book was well thought out and was very intense. There were so many twists and turns in this book and it kept me guessing. I also really enjoyed the characters.
The heist in the book was well thought out and was very intense. There were so many twists and turns in this book and it kept me guessing. I also really enjoyed the characters.
May 4, 2024
DNF at 60%.
This is maybe the third or forth dnf of my entire life, so please know it's something I avoid whenever possible. My main take-away is that the mc is a hysterical shrieking banshee. I couldn't deal.
This is maybe the third or forth dnf of my entire life, so please know it's something I avoid whenever possible. My main take-away is that the mc is a hysterical shrieking banshee. I couldn't deal.
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