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The Duke's Men #1
The Lady and the Thief
In 1835 London, companion Vivian Bradish daringly pursues her dream of being a writer by researching and notating her ailing employer’s new book–A Guide to London for Fearless Women. Posing as a mark, Viv boldly enters a street known for pickpockets. When she’s attacked, she accidentally shoots the handsome gentleman who aids her. She brings the wounded stranger to her employer’s home for medical aid, but they are caught in a compromising situation, threatening Viv’s position and dreams.
Her would-be rescuer, Lark, was once a Lost Boy, part of a gang of street urchins and pickpockets rescued by the Duke of Wenlocke. Reformed, he’s now Edward Larkin, posing as a gentleman and searching for clues to his past. Meeting Viv is unexpected, and to save her position in the household, he proposes a fake betrothal.
To “court her,” Lark promises to guide her through the streets of the London she’s never seen so she can finish the book, never dreaming his impulse to help Viv will lead him to his lost family.
Her would-be rescuer, Lark, was once a Lost Boy, part of a gang of street urchins and pickpockets rescued by the Duke of Wenlocke. Reformed, he’s now Edward Larkin, posing as a gentleman and searching for clues to his past. Meeting Viv is unexpected, and to save her position in the household, he proposes a fake betrothal.
To “court her,” Lark promises to guide her through the streets of the London she’s never seen so she can finish the book, never dreaming his impulse to help Viv will lead him to his lost family.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2024
About the author
Kate Moore
28 books148 followersKate Moore writes stand alone and series romances set in contemporary California and Regency England for readers who want to fall in love again standing up, mostly fully clothed, surrounded by family. In Kate's stories, kind, quick-witted women find love with hot billionaires, lofty lords, and sexy spies; longing is leavened with humor; and readers say the blend of sparks and spice is "just right sexy." When life happens, let a Kate Moore romance lift your spirits. To connect with Kate and find the right romance for you, visit her website at https://www.katemoore.com or sign up for her newsletter at https://www.katemoore.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 13, 2025
Tropes: class/status difference; fake engagement; MFC wants to be a writer; he falls first
Steam level: 1 (a couple of scenes of on-page kissing, not graphic)
You could tell the author put a lot of time and research into this. I really enjoyed the world building and writing style. The details, description, and language seem true to the period, and there are some passages that are wonderfully written. The author knows how to capture quiet moments and everyday situations in a very vivid way. Also, you can't help but root for MMC Lark, who is attractive, charming, and a consummate chameleon. As a very young boy he was abandoned on the streets, eventually became a pickpocket, and ever since has been trying to claw his way out of that sort of life to become a success. Although ambitious, he doesn't set out to deceive; in fact, he generally uses his wiles to do the right thing. Throughout the book he's torn between his old life and his new one, constantly questioning his worth and identity. He's a character who's stayed with me after reading.
On the downside, in the middle chapters there was an overage of focus on secondary characters and subplots I didn't really care about. Most of these scenes involved MFC Viv and her employer's household. For example, there is a young doctor, Newberry, who features in many scenes, but he's not very likable, has no chemistry with Viv, and ultimately does nothing to further the plot except annoy Viv and the reader. It's not necessary for him to play antagonist because there are already two (annoying) antagonists in Viv's employer's relatives. Tbh Lady Melforth, Viv's employer, isn't all that likable either; I felt like I was supposed to sympathize with her but she was haughty and self-centered more often than not.
Also, there is a "travelogue" feel that's fun for a while, but I really wanted to know more about Lark's past as well as Viv's. The mystery of what happened to Lark's mom is only investigated toward the last third of the book, and I felt it deserved more time. I also really wished that Viv could have been part of that search with him. The MC's spend a lot of key time apart in the last few chapters and that did put a damper on the HEA for me.
I felt as if Viv were a more mysterious character than Lark, because only occasionally do we get glimpses of her former life. In a couple of short, heart-breaking passages, we learn how she and her mother and sisters were treated by her stepfather, but the MC's never discuss it. At the end, Viv's family's situation is depicted rather depressingly, and I was a little bugged by the feeling that Lark had to "save" her when she was supposed to be such a strong character. And I had to wonder why Viv would have endangered herself and her reputation as she did in the opening chapters. The idea that she would have wanted to lure the attentions of a pickpocket in a seedy part of town, going so far as to fire a gun at him, just so she could get to know him and his life doesn't mesh with the goals of a young woman who is still trying to make her way up in the world and stay in the good graces of her employer and family. Viv kept telling Lark that women should be able to go about on their own anywhere they want, but of course that wasn't the reality of the time (and still isn't, sadly) and this theme never really had closure.
Overall, I would say the quality of writing here is 5 stars. The plot just didn't focus enough on the aspects of the story and characters I was most interested in.
Steam level: 1 (a couple of scenes of on-page kissing, not graphic)
You could tell the author put a lot of time and research into this. I really enjoyed the world building and writing style. The details, description, and language seem true to the period, and there are some passages that are wonderfully written. The author knows how to capture quiet moments and everyday situations in a very vivid way. Also, you can't help but root for MMC Lark, who is attractive, charming, and a consummate chameleon. As a very young boy he was abandoned on the streets, eventually became a pickpocket, and ever since has been trying to claw his way out of that sort of life to become a success. Although ambitious, he doesn't set out to deceive; in fact, he generally uses his wiles to do the right thing. Throughout the book he's torn between his old life and his new one, constantly questioning his worth and identity. He's a character who's stayed with me after reading.
On the downside, in the middle chapters there was an overage of focus on secondary characters and subplots I didn't really care about. Most of these scenes involved MFC Viv and her employer's household. For example, there is a young doctor, Newberry, who features in many scenes, but he's not very likable, has no chemistry with Viv, and ultimately does nothing to further the plot except annoy Viv and the reader. It's not necessary for him to play antagonist because there are already two (annoying) antagonists in Viv's employer's relatives. Tbh Lady Melforth, Viv's employer, isn't all that likable either; I felt like I was supposed to sympathize with her but she was haughty and self-centered more often than not.
Also, there is a "travelogue" feel that's fun for a while, but I really wanted to know more about Lark's past as well as Viv's. The mystery of what happened to Lark's mom is only investigated toward the last third of the book, and I felt it deserved more time. I also really wished that Viv could have been part of that search with him. The MC's spend a lot of key time apart in the last few chapters and that did put a damper on the HEA for me.
I felt as if Viv were a more mysterious character than Lark, because only occasionally do we get glimpses of her former life. In a couple of short, heart-breaking passages, we learn how she and her mother and sisters were treated by her stepfather, but the MC's never discuss it. At the end, Viv's family's situation is depicted rather depressingly, and I was a little bugged by the feeling that Lark had to "save" her when she was supposed to be such a strong character. And I had to wonder why Viv would have endangered herself and her reputation as she did in the opening chapters. The idea that she would have wanted to lure the attentions of a pickpocket in a seedy part of town, going so far as to fire a gun at him, just so she could get to know him and his life doesn't mesh with the goals of a young woman who is still trying to make her way up in the world and stay in the good graces of her employer and family. Viv kept telling Lark that women should be able to go about on their own anywhere they want, but of course that wasn't the reality of the time (and still isn't, sadly) and this theme never really had closure.
Overall, I would say the quality of writing here is 5 stars. The plot just didn't focus enough on the aspects of the story and characters I was most interested in.
June 16, 2024
Viv is determined to meet a pickpocket, and so she presents herself in such a way as to make herself a target of one. When Lark, a former pickpocket and friend of the man who snatches Viv’s purse. When Lark steps between Viv and his friend Rook, the pickpocket, to allow Rook a chance to run away, the result isn’t what either he or Viv expected.
This book had an undertone of Dicken’s Oliver Twist. Although they’re grown now, as children, Lark and several other formed a gang of waifs, boys with no family who looked out for each other. The leader of the gang, Boy, eventually discovered that he did have a family, and his grandfather was a Duke, and the title passed on to him. The Duke took in the boys, saw to it that they had a bed, clothing, and food, and he made sure that they received an education.
I loved this story. The word that kept coming to me as I read it was adorable. The characters are adorable, the situation is adorable, the meet cute is adorable. It’s a well-written tale and kept me entertained form page one to the end. I'll be honest, despite the fact that the book resolves everything at the end, I'd love to see more of Viv and Lark in another book. They were truly delightful characters.
This book, the first in a new series, involves pickpockets, prevarication, betrayal, secrets, dukes, deception, theft, diversity, and a relationship with barely contained passion. Seems those things wouldn’t work together, but they do and really well.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
This book had an undertone of Dicken’s Oliver Twist. Although they’re grown now, as children, Lark and several other formed a gang of waifs, boys with no family who looked out for each other. The leader of the gang, Boy, eventually discovered that he did have a family, and his grandfather was a Duke, and the title passed on to him. The Duke took in the boys, saw to it that they had a bed, clothing, and food, and he made sure that they received an education.
I loved this story. The word that kept coming to me as I read it was adorable. The characters are adorable, the situation is adorable, the meet cute is adorable. It’s a well-written tale and kept me entertained form page one to the end. I'll be honest, despite the fact that the book resolves everything at the end, I'd love to see more of Viv and Lark in another book. They were truly delightful characters.
This book, the first in a new series, involves pickpockets, prevarication, betrayal, secrets, dukes, deception, theft, diversity, and a relationship with barely contained passion. Seems those things wouldn’t work together, but they do and really well.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher, Tule. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
May 6, 2024
The Lady and the Thief 5 stars
Kate Moore
I discovered Kate Moore’s books about three years ago and am now a dedicated fan of her work. The Lady and the Thief is the first of her new series that tells the stories of the now adult “lost street boys” from her Sons of Sin series. I loved that series and had already preordered the Lady and the Thief when I was offered a chance to read an advance copy. The book stands alone and does not rely on the prior series to be complete, but I am sure you will want to know those other stories once you read The Lady and the Thief.
Lark has few memories of his life before becoming one of London’s orphaned street boys, not even his real name. His childhood loyalties and rebellion are challenged when he when he is shot after he steps between a woman and his former partner who has just stolen her purse. Asked for his name, he improvises and becomes Edward Larkin. Pressed for respectable background, he claims to be an employee of his former leader who is now the acknowledged Duke of Wenlocke. Propelled by an awkward situation, he proposes a temporary betrothal to save the lady’s job and reputation.
Viv Bradish is collaborating with a well-known female travel author to detail walking tours of London for independent ladies. Ill health and greedy relatives have driven Viv’s employer to hiring her as her companion, and their shared love of writing has led to their collaboration in seeking stories for a ladies’ London tour book. Appalled that she has shot a gentleman who tried to assist her, Viv takes him to her employer’s home and sends for a doctor. Thus, the adventure begins with Lark showing her new ways to explore London.
Kate Moore writes engaging characters with a fine balance between banter and conflict. Her description of time and place paint a rich image without dragging on or leaving the reader suspended in story without clarity of the who, what, when or where. She has a gift for the metaphor and simile without it becoming purple prose. For those who care about the heat level, The Lady and the Thief falls into the range of sweet stories. (Note that the earlier Sons of Sin series is moderately sensual with glimpses into the bedroom -not graphic tutorials.)
Sons of Sin series titles:
To Tempt a Saint, To Save a Devil, To Seduce an Angel
Also a delight: The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London
Kate Moore
I discovered Kate Moore’s books about three years ago and am now a dedicated fan of her work. The Lady and the Thief is the first of her new series that tells the stories of the now adult “lost street boys” from her Sons of Sin series. I loved that series and had already preordered the Lady and the Thief when I was offered a chance to read an advance copy. The book stands alone and does not rely on the prior series to be complete, but I am sure you will want to know those other stories once you read The Lady and the Thief.
Lark has few memories of his life before becoming one of London’s orphaned street boys, not even his real name. His childhood loyalties and rebellion are challenged when he when he is shot after he steps between a woman and his former partner who has just stolen her purse. Asked for his name, he improvises and becomes Edward Larkin. Pressed for respectable background, he claims to be an employee of his former leader who is now the acknowledged Duke of Wenlocke. Propelled by an awkward situation, he proposes a temporary betrothal to save the lady’s job and reputation.
Viv Bradish is collaborating with a well-known female travel author to detail walking tours of London for independent ladies. Ill health and greedy relatives have driven Viv’s employer to hiring her as her companion, and their shared love of writing has led to their collaboration in seeking stories for a ladies’ London tour book. Appalled that she has shot a gentleman who tried to assist her, Viv takes him to her employer’s home and sends for a doctor. Thus, the adventure begins with Lark showing her new ways to explore London.
Kate Moore writes engaging characters with a fine balance between banter and conflict. Her description of time and place paint a rich image without dragging on or leaving the reader suspended in story without clarity of the who, what, when or where. She has a gift for the metaphor and simile without it becoming purple prose. For those who care about the heat level, The Lady and the Thief falls into the range of sweet stories. (Note that the earlier Sons of Sin series is moderately sensual with glimpses into the bedroom -not graphic tutorials.)
Sons of Sin series titles:
To Tempt a Saint, To Save a Devil, To Seduce an Angel
Also a delight: The Husband Hunter’s Guide to London
May 23, 2024
Vivian wants to be a writer and what better way to improve her knowledge and opportunities than to learn from a famous writer?
Lark has been a thief for a long time, but a fire destroying the Houses of Parliament, makes him change his life and becomes a decent man.
Although the story per se was quite nice, I found this book a bit tedious with so much narrative and long paragraphs. I liked Lark because he cared for Vivian from the beginning, and he cared for Rook despite his hatred towards him for abandoning him.
All in all, I enjoyed the book. Three stars and a half.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lark has been a thief for a long time, but a fire destroying the Houses of Parliament, makes him change his life and becomes a decent man.
Although the story per se was quite nice, I found this book a bit tedious with so much narrative and long paragraphs. I liked Lark because he cared for Vivian from the beginning, and he cared for Rook despite his hatred towards him for abandoning him.
All in all, I enjoyed the book. Three stars and a half.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2024
Wonderful Characters
A new to me author that I enjoyed very much. This first installment of the new series is a sweet and clean class difference romance full of emotions, deception, intrigue and suspense that kept me hooked from the start.
The characters are endearing and I loved their personal development as the story progressed.
As the first part of the new series this book can be read on its own but it is related to the previous series „Sons of Sin“ by the author which I haven’t read yet but certainly will read in the future.
Lark can't remember much of his childhood before he was abandoned on the docks as a child and became a street urchin, part of the „Lost Boys Gang“ and a pickpocket. Unlike his friend and partner Rook, however, he tries to escape the milieu.
When Rook chooses a young lady as a victim and Lark is supposed to distract her, he is accidentally shot by her and she takes him home to have his injury treated.
Viv’s big dream is to become a writer. For this reason, she became the paid companion of Lady Melforth, a famous travel journalist. The new book, which they are writing together, features tours of London for ladies, which Viv tests and comments on for her employer. On one of these trips, she meets Lark and accidentally wounds him.
In order not to jeopardize her position, they conceal their misadventure from her employer and her relatives and feign an engagement. During their partnership, Lark shows her another way to experience London but it gets more and more complicated to maintain his ruse…
I gladly recommend this gripping story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A new to me author that I enjoyed very much. This first installment of the new series is a sweet and clean class difference romance full of emotions, deception, intrigue and suspense that kept me hooked from the start.
The characters are endearing and I loved their personal development as the story progressed.
As the first part of the new series this book can be read on its own but it is related to the previous series „Sons of Sin“ by the author which I haven’t read yet but certainly will read in the future.
Lark can't remember much of his childhood before he was abandoned on the docks as a child and became a street urchin, part of the „Lost Boys Gang“ and a pickpocket. Unlike his friend and partner Rook, however, he tries to escape the milieu.
When Rook chooses a young lady as a victim and Lark is supposed to distract her, he is accidentally shot by her and she takes him home to have his injury treated.
Viv’s big dream is to become a writer. For this reason, she became the paid companion of Lady Melforth, a famous travel journalist. The new book, which they are writing together, features tours of London for ladies, which Viv tests and comments on for her employer. On one of these trips, she meets Lark and accidentally wounds him.
In order not to jeopardize her position, they conceal their misadventure from her employer and her relatives and feign an engagement. During their partnership, Lark shows her another way to experience London but it gets more and more complicated to maintain his ruse…
I gladly recommend this gripping story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2024
Lark and Vivian - Their time together wasn't conventional in the least. They met when she accidentally shot him after she was accosted by his friend, a true thief. A fake betrothal keeps her reputation intact, saving her from the wagging tongues of her employer's self-righteous cousins. As he accompanies her around town, discovering new sights to tantalize the independent woman, their affections secretly deepen even as there are those lurking to tear them apart. How will they possibly untie the knots in which they have found themselves?
This is a wonderfully written story. The main characters are so good together. He's her dashing protector as he squires her around town. She gives him her trust, this stranger, never thinking he would do her harm. When she is betrayed by someone she holds dear, he risks his neck to get justice for her. If that's not love, I don't know what is. Lark remembering his origins is the icing on his happy cake. He did have a doting aunt, just not in Somerton.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a wonderfully written story. The main characters are so good together. He's her dashing protector as he squires her around town. She gives him her trust, this stranger, never thinking he would do her harm. When she is betrayed by someone she holds dear, he risks his neck to get justice for her. If that's not love, I don't know what is. Lark remembering his origins is the icing on his happy cake. He did have a doting aunt, just not in Somerton.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
No stranger to London’s streets where pickpockets thrive, Lark finds himself in the bystander role when one of his former pals steals a lady’s purse.
Vivian Bradish didn’t mean to shoot the handsome man who came to her rescue, but she’s determined to prove she is fearless. As a companion to an ailing titled lady, Vivian assists in writing guidebooks.
The Lady and the Thief serves as the first installment in author Kate Moore’s Duke’s Men series. Lark’s quick thinking leads to a false engagement, setting the stage for a perfect Regency romp. As Edward Larkin, he is transformed into a gentleman who offers to escort Vivian as she gathers research.
Scheming relatives and secrets tend to complicate matters, which is exactly what happens. It’s interesting to see Vivian evolve as a researcher. Prior to meeting Lark, she was merely an observer rather than a participant. Following Lark as he searches for his family is an added bonus.
The Lady and the Thief delivers an engaging Regency romance featuring two characters who never expected to fall in love. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
Vivian Bradish didn’t mean to shoot the handsome man who came to her rescue, but she’s determined to prove she is fearless. As a companion to an ailing titled lady, Vivian assists in writing guidebooks.
The Lady and the Thief serves as the first installment in author Kate Moore’s Duke’s Men series. Lark’s quick thinking leads to a false engagement, setting the stage for a perfect Regency romp. As Edward Larkin, he is transformed into a gentleman who offers to escort Vivian as she gathers research.
Scheming relatives and secrets tend to complicate matters, which is exactly what happens. It’s interesting to see Vivian evolve as a researcher. Prior to meeting Lark, she was merely an observer rather than a participant. Following Lark as he searches for his family is an added bonus.
The Lady and the Thief delivers an engaging Regency romance featuring two characters who never expected to fall in love. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
May 13, 2024
Well written, , full of mystery, intrigue, love, romance, society, action and twists. Lark is from the streets of London as a pickpocket, left there as a young child. He is taken in with some other boys, one being Rook. He watches Rook , his ex partner in crime, try to take a young lady's purse but realizes that it'd some kind of trap. In trying to protect Rook, he himself is shot by Aurora. She helps him by taking him to her home to get a doctor to help clean up the wound. Lark then helps Aurora with her employer's book and family members. Each are trying to help each other solve the issues that surrounds them. Feelings grow as time goes on. All these characters are fabulous, fitting to the need of the story. Curl up and enjoy as you will not be able to put it down. A real page turner. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2024
What a seriously fun read! The Lady and the Thief (The Duke's Men Book 1) is the first book I have read by Kate Moore. Now I am looking for more. The main characters were delightful and so were most of the supporting characters. Overcoming adversity Vivian and Lark managed to do it in opposite ways. There was hope for Lark even in the beginning but it took the strong will and strong integrity of Vivan to push him to want to do it for real.
Knowing your family history or not knowing it could have consequences in one’s life as shown both the main characters. Some may say the conclusion is a bit too perfect or predictable. But as for me it was the most satisfying kind that every romance should have. The Lady and the Thief is exactly that, a romantic, clean historical fiction story that I loved.
Knowing your family history or not knowing it could have consequences in one’s life as shown both the main characters. Some may say the conclusion is a bit too perfect or predictable. But as for me it was the most satisfying kind that every romance should have. The Lady and the Thief is exactly that, a romantic, clean historical fiction story that I loved.
May 20, 2024
Where Society and the rookeries meet.
Lark has managed to rise above a childhood in the stews of London even if Rook, his former partner in crime, refuses to accept that. He is also desperately trying to find his family before he was abandoned. During a theft gone wrong on a disreputable street, Lark is shot by the presumed victim, Vivian Bradish. Actually, she was there on purpose to write about this particular street. She is the companion cum nurse cum co-author with her employer of a Lady’s guide about London. However, she will soon discover that not all is as it seems with her employer. Or with Lark, who apparently counts a duke among his acquaintances, at least, if he is not lying.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lark has managed to rise above a childhood in the stews of London even if Rook, his former partner in crime, refuses to accept that. He is also desperately trying to find his family before he was abandoned. During a theft gone wrong on a disreputable street, Lark is shot by the presumed victim, Vivian Bradish. Actually, she was there on purpose to write about this particular street. She is the companion cum nurse cum co-author with her employer of a Lady’s guide about London. However, she will soon discover that not all is as it seems with her employer. Or with Lark, who apparently counts a duke among his acquaintances, at least, if he is not lying.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2024
Lark is a boy from the hood. Aurora is a would be writer. When an accident takes place, Aurora takes Lark to her employer to heal. More drama causes them to fake a relationship. And more drama works between the two of them to uncover Lark's past. Well written, lots of banter and wit. An interesting look at the other side of the time period when soon starved and others were well endowed with funds. Never having read this author before, I was taken with her writing style, detail and excellent story telling abilities. Will be adding her to my "continue to read" list of authors.
May 19, 2024
Lark and Viv met when she specifically goes to a rough part of London, she's writing a woman's guide to London with her employer, about the rougher sides of town.
Lark is trying to save her from his pickpocket friend, Rook, not knowing that she's got a small gun. She ends up saving him!
Lark doesn't know who his family was and is being helped to find out by the Duke.
Viv is helping her family by sending money home.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An interesting read from Kate
Lark is trying to save her from his pickpocket friend, Rook, not knowing that she's got a small gun. She ends up saving him!
Lark doesn't know who his family was and is being helped to find out by the Duke.
Viv is helping her family by sending money home.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An interesting read from Kate
May 27, 2024
This was Lark and Vivian’s story. Vivian Bradish daringly pursues her dream of being a writer by researching her ailing employer’s new book–A Guide to London for Fearless Women. After she’s attacked in a bad area, she accidentally shoots the handsome gentleman who aids her. She brings the wounded stranger to her employer’s home for medical aid, but they are caught in a compromising situation, threatening Viv’s position and dreams. What will happen? An entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 18, 2024
Vi was reckless to go to places alone where she could be attacked all to help her employer with a book. Lark was a thief with the ability to don different roles. To save her reputation he convinces Vi to become fake engaged and allow him to accompany her on her explorations. She has to deal with her employer’s whims and nasty relations who are more concerned about their inheritance than her and he has to deal with his pickpocket partner who is relentless in separating Lark and Vi.
June 13, 2024
Kate Moore is a new author to me. I am not a big fan of Regency books but I thought I would give this one a try and I am so glad that I did. I found it to be a entertaining read from start to finish. i loved the characters and the story line was really well written. I look forward to reading more by this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2024
A Regency novel to thoroughly enjoy. None of the balls and finery but one of a female author/ladies companion in the throws of a dilemma. With a fake betrothal and a repentant thief, her life begins to change and not all for the good. You will enjoy the taste of old London from a fresh perspective.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 11, 2024
The Lady and the Thief ~ The Duke's Men#1 by Kate Moore
Kate Moore is a new author to me, and Regency is not a genre I would normally read, however, I read the blurb and it caught my interest.
The Lady and the Thief is set in London UK in 1835, Vivian Bradish would like to be a writer and she lives in London as a companion to Lady Melforth
Pickpockets were very busy in 1835 due to the destruction of the Houses of Parliament, Edward Larkin aka Lark, a pickpocket, was in Babylon Street with his partner in crime Rook, when he got in the way of Vivian who was the intended target. To his surprise, she shot him and Rook got away.
I found The Lady and the Thief to be written well, it has wonderful characters, romance, suspense and intrigue and is thoroughly entertaining. It kept me engaged from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book, I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Informative, Inspirational, Page-turner, Realistic, Romance, Suspense, and Wonderful characters
Kate Moore is a new author to me, and Regency is not a genre I would normally read, however, I read the blurb and it caught my interest.
The Lady and the Thief is set in London UK in 1835, Vivian Bradish would like to be a writer and she lives in London as a companion to Lady Melforth
Pickpockets were very busy in 1835 due to the destruction of the Houses of Parliament, Edward Larkin aka Lark, a pickpocket, was in Babylon Street with his partner in crime Rook, when he got in the way of Vivian who was the intended target. To his surprise, she shot him and Rook got away.
I found The Lady and the Thief to be written well, it has wonderful characters, romance, suspense and intrigue and is thoroughly entertaining. It kept me engaged from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book, I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Informative, Inspirational, Page-turner, Realistic, Romance, Suspense, and Wonderful characters
March 11, 2025
This was a delightful book with a really good story and great characters. It's sweet romance (just kissing) and is first in a series. My only complaint was a slow start, but once into the book it was a page turner. I'm surprised we didn't get the duke's story first, but maybe we learn more of it in each subsequent book.
June 23, 2024
Viv and Lark are such a great couple and their journey there was interesting and captivating. I enjoyed this story.
April 6, 2026
A Pickpocket Hero?
I really enjoyed this book. I am so glad I took the time to let the novel plot develop. Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this book. I am so glad I took the time to let the novel plot develop. Enjoy!
May 25, 2024
The Lady and the Thief by Kate Moore
Story starts out with Viv and she's a companion to an elderly housebound woman who has connections. Viv is helping her experience how to maneuver the streets of London and gets help from the elderly woman. They have many laughs. Once Viv is stricken when a man grabs her purse but another man helps her and she ends up shooting him by accident. She has the house tend to his wounds and they form a friendship that soon he gives her an engagement ring. It was a family gem.
Edward Larkin but his friend calls him Lark came from a background that he can't quite recall all the facts. He knows he had a mother and one day he sees the location of where he saw her last. He starts piecing things together to find out if she's still alive and who his family is. Like haring of the all the clues surrounding her book and his past and the city sights, sounds and smells.
There is so much going on that is so interesting to follow along. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
Story starts out with Viv and she's a companion to an elderly housebound woman who has connections. Viv is helping her experience how to maneuver the streets of London and gets help from the elderly woman. They have many laughs. Once Viv is stricken when a man grabs her purse but another man helps her and she ends up shooting him by accident. She has the house tend to his wounds and they form a friendship that soon he gives her an engagement ring. It was a family gem.
Edward Larkin but his friend calls him Lark came from a background that he can't quite recall all the facts. He knows he had a mother and one day he sees the location of where he saw her last. He starts piecing things together to find out if she's still alive and who his family is. Like haring of the all the clues surrounding her book and his past and the city sights, sounds and smells.
There is so much going on that is so interesting to follow along. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
May 26, 2024
The Lady and the Thief (The Duke’s Men, Book 1 / Tule Publishing, June 2024) by Kate Moore is a charming historical romance.
Vivian and Lark were well-drawn and relatable, their story was full of emotion and mystery, and the different view of London and society was refreshing. Some sections of the story suffered from too much narrative which slowed down the pacing, but overall, this was an enjoyable, quick-read I can recommend.
I received an ARC in eBook format from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Vivian and Lark were well-drawn and relatable, their story was full of emotion and mystery, and the different view of London and society was refreshing. Some sections of the story suffered from too much narrative which slowed down the pacing, but overall, this was an enjoyable, quick-read I can recommend.
I received an ARC in eBook format from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2024
The heroine is a very independent woman, who is helping a writer with a tourist guide of London. In her pursuit of information she is accosted by a pick pocket who she really wants to interview and to stop him she gets out her gun and accidentally shoots the hero. She then feels sorry and takes him home to get his wound taken care of. The hero has been raised on the streets, but now that he has some financial stability wants respectability. He offers to help her as she seems to get into scrapes. Then the lady she is helping decides to cheat her and the hero goes to her defense. It is a nice tale.
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