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Belmont Billionaires #.5
Thief of My Heart
Rule #1 at the new don’t touch the boss’s daughter.
Or in this case, me—his granddaughter.
With his dark eyes, tattooed arms, and shoulders for days, Michael Scarrone shouldn’t be looking at me at all.
And I definitely shouldn’t be looking back.
The sad truth was, we couldn’t be more wrong for each other.
Him, a mechanic just out on parole.
Me, an innocent student with her whole future ahead of her.
But somehow, I can’t stay away.
There’s a secret lurking under Michael’s rough exterior.
He’s a diamond in the rough I want to make shine.
Apparently opposites really do attract, right before they combust.
I want to steal this bad boy’s heart the moment we meet.
But now it looks like he’s already stolen mine.
Or in this case, me—his granddaughter.
With his dark eyes, tattooed arms, and shoulders for days, Michael Scarrone shouldn’t be looking at me at all.
And I definitely shouldn’t be looking back.
The sad truth was, we couldn’t be more wrong for each other.
Him, a mechanic just out on parole.
Me, an innocent student with her whole future ahead of her.
But somehow, I can’t stay away.
There’s a secret lurking under Michael’s rough exterior.
He’s a diamond in the rough I want to make shine.
Apparently opposites really do attract, right before they combust.
I want to steal this bad boy’s heart the moment we meet.
But now it looks like he’s already stolen mine.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
About the author
Nicole French
46 books1,274 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's also a hopeless romantic, low key fashion addict, and total bookworm.
Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: bit.ly/NicoleFrenchNewsletter
When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.
www.nicolefrenchromance.com
Follow her on Facebook for weekly snippets and other news about her newest projects:
www.facebook.com/authornicolefrench
Other social media links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfrenchauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicol...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nfrenchauthor/
Nicole French is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She's also a hopeless romantic, low key fashion addict, and total bookworm.
Keep up with Nicole French and receive your FREE copy of one of her books when you subscribe to her newsletter: bit.ly/NicoleFrenchNewsletter
When not writing, she is hanging out with her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running or practice the piano, but never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.
www.nicolefrenchromance.com
Follow her on Facebook for weekly snippets and other news about her newest projects:
www.facebook.com/authornicolefrench
Other social media links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfrenchauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicol...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nfrenchauthor/
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 6, 2024
Crazy about the Zola family!!!!!
First, you HAVE to love grandparents, who don't see it as robbery, to raise their grandchildren, when the true parents "run away" from their responsibilities.
So of course, Mattias Zola would have very little problem, at his priest's urging, to give ex-con Michael, a second chance to get back on his feet. However, falling in love with Lea, Mattias' granddaughter, wasn't part of the deal, especially when Micheal's troubled past comes knocking on the door.
First, you HAVE to love grandparents, who don't see it as robbery, to raise their grandchildren, when the true parents "run away" from their responsibilities.
So of course, Mattias Zola would have very little problem, at his priest's urging, to give ex-con Michael, a second chance to get back on his feet. However, falling in love with Lea, Mattias' granddaughter, wasn't part of the deal, especially when Micheal's troubled past comes knocking on the door.
March 4, 2024
In spite of having Mafia threats and having an uncertain future, I found Michael Scarrone completely sweet. He’s just come back from a two-year stint at Rikers, and yet, you can read the decency on him. He may have made some mistakes, had bad luck, a crappy childhood, but he’s inner good, and driven to get out of the black hole he’s currently living in. He just needs a little help.
“It was the first time I saw Michael step into the role that I had a feeling Nonno had always seen. A quiet leader among men. Smart and capable. Someone we could all trust to come through in times of trouble.”
Lea Zola, on the other hand, is a spitfire, a very opinionated eighteen year old young woman. I laughed at the many times she asserted that she’s a grown woman, an adult, when in fact, she’s so young! She’s a virgin, a good girl who has been helping her grandparents care for her four (¡!) little sisters. And she’s just what Michael needs to help push him in the right direction.
I loved this story! Loved Michael and Lea together, Lea scolding and demanding while Michael is adoring and indulging. They are forbidden, since Lea’s grandfather, Mattias Zola, has forbidden Michael to even look at his granddaughters. But Lea being Lea, she pushes and pushes until she gets the guy.
In this story we also meet Frankie and Mathew, the older brother of the bunch. Both appear in the Silver Spoon series. I was very glad to read this one, that happens at the very beginning of the Zola family history, and hope to get more of the sisters’ stories. Entertaining, sassy, a little scary because of the Mafia, tenderhearted with all the family love, and enchanting because Michael is just so sweet! So happy to have read this!
“It was the first time I saw Michael step into the role that I had a feeling Nonno had always seen. A quiet leader among men. Smart and capable. Someone we could all trust to come through in times of trouble.”
Lea Zola, on the other hand, is a spitfire, a very opinionated eighteen year old young woman. I laughed at the many times she asserted that she’s a grown woman, an adult, when in fact, she’s so young! She’s a virgin, a good girl who has been helping her grandparents care for her four (¡!) little sisters. And she’s just what Michael needs to help push him in the right direction.
I loved this story! Loved Michael and Lea together, Lea scolding and demanding while Michael is adoring and indulging. They are forbidden, since Lea’s grandfather, Mattias Zola, has forbidden Michael to even look at his granddaughters. But Lea being Lea, she pushes and pushes until she gets the guy.
In this story we also meet Frankie and Mathew, the older brother of the bunch. Both appear in the Silver Spoon series. I was very glad to read this one, that happens at the very beginning of the Zola family history, and hope to get more of the sisters’ stories. Entertaining, sassy, a little scary because of the Mafia, tenderhearted with all the family love, and enchanting because Michael is just so sweet! So happy to have read this!
June 14, 2024
I love Nicole's books, always have. I've read every single one of them and when I seek she had a new book out, I jumped for joy and grabbed it right away. And sunk my teeth in to it right away. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. It's packed with so much action, suspense, love, family, new starts, spice and lots more. I couldn't put it down for a minute. I can't wait to read the next books in this series. Always wondered if the author would bring out the Zola sisters stories. Highly recommend all Nicole's books.
In this book we get to learn more about lea and Michaels story, we get to meet them in her big brother Matthews story. I'm glad I got to read theirs always wanted to find out more about them.
Michael is trying to get his life back together after going down the wrong road and meeting people that where no good for him, after serving a couple years in prison, he just wants out off that life and start anew. Mr Zola gives him a job and somewhere to lay his head, it's not much but it's better than nothing and he's always loved cars. Mr Zola only gives him 4 rules and he will make sure he don't break them, but one off them might be a helluva challenge for him not to break it.
Lea is the second oldest out of the Zola kids, always the good girl. When her and her grandmother learn about their grandfather taking in Michael, she sent over with food for him. As soon as they both land eyes on each other sparks fly. But he thinks he's not good enough for her and keeps pushing her away, but she won't give up on them. She wants to be bad with him. Will they get their happy ever after? Or will his past drag them both down? Grab the book and find out.
In this book we get to learn more about lea and Michaels story, we get to meet them in her big brother Matthews story. I'm glad I got to read theirs always wanted to find out more about them.
Michael is trying to get his life back together after going down the wrong road and meeting people that where no good for him, after serving a couple years in prison, he just wants out off that life and start anew. Mr Zola gives him a job and somewhere to lay his head, it's not much but it's better than nothing and he's always loved cars. Mr Zola only gives him 4 rules and he will make sure he don't break them, but one off them might be a helluva challenge for him not to break it.
Lea is the second oldest out of the Zola kids, always the good girl. When her and her grandmother learn about their grandfather taking in Michael, she sent over with food for him. As soon as they both land eyes on each other sparks fly. But he thinks he's not good enough for her and keeps pushing her away, but she won't give up on them. She wants to be bad with him. Will they get their happy ever after? Or will his past drag them both down? Grab the book and find out.
July 11, 2024
This tale unfolds around Michael Scarrone and Lea Zola. Lea, the granddaughter of Mattias and Sophia Zola, is the elder sister to Kate, Francesca, Joni, and Marie and Matthew is the oldest and only son. Lea and Matthew took on the role of caretakers for their siblings until their grandparents stepped in, necessitated by their father's fatal car accident, for which their mother, struggling with alcoholism and other addictions, was deemed responsible. Michael found employment at her grandfather's auto shop, his knack for cars earning him the position through the church Father's recommendation, recognizing Michael's inherent goodness but lack of guidance. Lea, assertive and protective as the eldest, delivers food to Michael on her Nonna's behalf, sparking an unexpected connection. Despite Lea's advances and Michael's hesitance, their romance blossoms, leading to their eventual blissful union. My fondness for this story stems not only from my admiration for Nicole French's writing but also from my enjoyment of the series featuring Matthew and Francesca, making Lea's story a gratifying addition as she and her Nonna anchor the family. This was definitely worth reading. i decided to read this before I started reading Boyfriend of the Hour.
March 4, 2024
Brilliant 5 star plus!
Nicole French has always been a one click author for me. This one did not disappoint ! A quick read that I could not put down. I love all the characters in the ‘Zola’ family and Thief of my Heart brings more depth to the saga. Lea and Michael are presented in luscious romance with an outstanding HEA. I really enjoy the strength portrayed by the women and sensitivity and vulnerability of the male characters that Nicole French achieves in her books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nicole French has always been a one click author for me. This one did not disappoint ! A quick read that I could not put down. I love all the characters in the ‘Zola’ family and Thief of my Heart brings more depth to the saga. Lea and Michael are presented in luscious romance with an outstanding HEA. I really enjoy the strength portrayed by the women and sensitivity and vulnerability of the male characters that Nicole French achieves in her books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 4, 2024
Loved it!
Nicole French takes us back to when Lea Zola first met her husband, Michael. We get a new perspective on this couple and how it all started. Michael was fresh out of jail, and he was given a chance to work for a local mechanic, Lea's grandfather. That's right, we get to see Nonno Zola! Lea and Michael start seeing each other behind everyone's back. Their story is one of young love, drama, and a new look on this Zola sister. 5 stars!!!!!
Nicole French takes us back to when Lea Zola first met her husband, Michael. We get a new perspective on this couple and how it all started. Michael was fresh out of jail, and he was given a chance to work for a local mechanic, Lea's grandfather. That's right, we get to see Nonno Zola! Lea and Michael start seeing each other behind everyone's back. Their story is one of young love, drama, and a new look on this Zola sister. 5 stars!!!!!
November 10, 2024
What real love looks like, the kind that lasts!
I have to say, when I had to put down the book to take care of something other than reading, in the back of my mind was something compelling me to ‘read MORE’. It didn’t dawn on me why til the end. The author has captured something elusive. It is hard to articulate the many elusive things that makes one love another, truly love them! No fairy tales, real, nitty, gritty, love! The kind that lasts a lifetime!! Well done!
I have to say, when I had to put down the book to take care of something other than reading, in the back of my mind was something compelling me to ‘read MORE’. It didn’t dawn on me why til the end. The author has captured something elusive. It is hard to articulate the many elusive things that makes one love another, truly love them! No fairy tales, real, nitty, gritty, love! The kind that lasts a lifetime!! Well done!
November 13, 2024
Thief of my Heart. What a wonderful backstory for Lea and Michael in this riveting short story of their beginning. Nicole French weaves this story to incorporate it into the other books in this series.
Try to read this story before you pick up Boyfriend of the Hour (Joni's story) so that there are no spoilers.
Since there are 6 Zola children, and each of them has a fascinating story to tell, reading them in the order of their publication date is helpful.
Try to read this story before you pick up Boyfriend of the Hour (Joni's story) so that there are no spoilers.
Since there are 6 Zola children, and each of them has a fascinating story to tell, reading them in the order of their publication date is helpful.
March 15, 2024
Another masterpiece from Nicole. I loved Michael and Lea's story. I loved watching him find his place in the world after his release from prison and Lea being there to help him. In what I've come to expect from Nicole I felt all of the feels and this was 100% a story I didn't know I needed. I cant wait to keep reading more about the Zola family!
July 30, 2024
A Return to the Zola Past
After all the dramatic stories of the Zola family, we return to the past. Nonno was still running the auto shop, and most of the kids were little. Lea is just 18, and is soon going to meet the man of her dreams. A classic rewind to the beginning, and another intense read from Nicole.
After all the dramatic stories of the Zola family, we return to the past. Nonno was still running the auto shop, and most of the kids were little. Lea is just 18, and is soon going to meet the man of her dreams. A classic rewind to the beginning, and another intense read from Nicole.
October 9, 2025
I had a slow start on this one. I’m not sure why I had a problem staying focused. The characters were good and there was nothing wrong with the storyline. I actually had the next book but realized this one was available and set up the family’s story so I started here. I will go to the next one and hope I am more into it.
August 20, 2026
Didn’t know Lea and Michael have a story of their own since I finished Joni and Marie’s story before reading this one 😭 but I love them, they didn’t have a perfect or good family background but they were both perfect for each other, Michael is such a lovely, kind and pure selfless gentleman who would give and do anything for Lea even if nothing is left for him.
March 14, 2024
Other reviewers have given great summaries of this book. All I need to say is that it was a fantastic book and I highly recommend it!!! I will be reading more of this family's story. Thank you, Ms. French!
Read
March 15, 2024Looking toward the future
I liked this book. You sure know how to capture us from your first word until your last. It also acknowledges right from wrong and how anyone can change with a little love and guidance.
I liked this book. You sure know how to capture us from your first word until your last. It also acknowledges right from wrong and how anyone can change with a little love and guidance.
April 15, 2024
Emotional engaging
Definitely word this one. The emotions invoked were on a whole other layer.
I really did enjoy Lea and Michael's story. I just wish all good things happened to them.
Definitely word this one. The emotions invoked were on a whole other layer.
I really did enjoy Lea and Michael's story. I just wish all good things happened to them.
June 10, 2024
Both tough but likeable characters
Really like this family a d how everyone loves and respects the grandparents. Leah is stubborn but knows a good man when she sees him. For Michael forbidden fruit is the most attractive .
Really like this family a d how everyone loves and respects the grandparents. Leah is stubborn but knows a good man when she sees him. For Michael forbidden fruit is the most attractive .
November 5, 2024
Good
Was a well written story a very well thought out. The characters were well defined and believeable. If your looking for a story with a bad boy that does time in the slammer and actually learns something from his mistake this is the story for you.
Was a well written story a very well thought out. The characters were well defined and believeable. If your looking for a story with a bad boy that does time in the slammer and actually learns something from his mistake this is the story for you.
March 7, 2024
Thief of my Heart
What a great read, a back story of the Zola family with a lot of familiar characters adding flesh to the bones. Great happy weepy finish,
What a great read, a back story of the Zola family with a lot of familiar characters adding flesh to the bones. Great happy weepy finish,
May 4, 2024
Truly enjoyed this book.
September 5, 2024
Interesting read
November 3, 2024
I loved this story; it showed how 2 people from messed up families can survive if they have the will and the love for each other.
Good reading!
Good reading!
November 21, 2024
Great story
A great story of a bad boy with a heart of gold and the first good girl. Really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and good palate cleanser.
A great story of a bad boy with a heart of gold and the first good girl. Really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet and good palate cleanser.
January 8, 2025
Rollercoaster
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a storyline that is paced and not rushed. No attention to detail was spared.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a storyline that is paced and not rushed. No attention to detail was spared.
December 4, 2025
Michael and Lea
I enjoyed Lea’s story and I really need more. Their love is so beautiful. Michael fell fast and hard.
I enjoyed Lea’s story and I really need more. Their love is so beautiful. Michael fell fast and hard.
March 11, 2026
Struggled to get into this but got better
June 26, 2026
Michael <3
I shouldn't have read this after Boyfriend of the hour.
I shouldn't have read this after Boyfriend of the hour.
March 8, 2024
THE ZOLA FAMILY WARMS MY SOUL!
This book of the oldest Zola daughter Lea takes place before Matthew's and Frankie's stories. I never really thought much about her but how wrong I was! I had no idea how much I needed her and Michael's story! There was so much to her and Michael made my heart melt. Getting to know Nonno was bittersweet since he had already passed in the later stories. The relationship between the grandparents was so sweet and romantic.
Lea was such a strong and determined young woman who knew her mind and Michael really had no chance. He needed her, he'd never had anyone who loved him and was his person and there for him no matter what. This book just had me wrapped up in warm fuzzies through most of it. I love this family, like Michael, I wanted to come into their house and eat a hearty meal surrounded by this protected unit that is called a family. To bask in the warmth and love that abundantly permeates through the rooms. I can't wait to read Joni's story next! And get some more news on the rest of the family!
This book of the oldest Zola daughter Lea takes place before Matthew's and Frankie's stories. I never really thought much about her but how wrong I was! I had no idea how much I needed her and Michael's story! There was so much to her and Michael made my heart melt. Getting to know Nonno was bittersweet since he had already passed in the later stories. The relationship between the grandparents was so sweet and romantic.
Lea was such a strong and determined young woman who knew her mind and Michael really had no chance. He needed her, he'd never had anyone who loved him and was his person and there for him no matter what. This book just had me wrapped up in warm fuzzies through most of it. I love this family, like Michael, I wanted to come into their house and eat a hearty meal surrounded by this protected unit that is called a family. To bask in the warmth and love that abundantly permeates through the rooms. I can't wait to read Joni's story next! And get some more news on the rest of the family!
March 4, 2024
Finally we get to hear about how the eldest Zola sister found her love! I loved getting to find out how they found their loves. I loved getting a glimpse of Mattias before he passed and Matthew before he went into the military.
March 17, 2024
Loved how Lea and Michael met. It was love at first sight which they tried to fight. In the end they love for each other won.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews