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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
314 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Nicole French
46 books1,229 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/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 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.
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!
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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 5, 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 18, 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 7, 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 22, 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.
March 23, 2025
So apparently this is the prequel to Boyfriend of the Hour and what sets off the Zola books. I looked ahead and saw that there was a three part book about Francesca and who knows how long into the future. Then Boyfriend of the Hour is about the youngest it seems or second to youngest? I’m really not sure, and this is 18 years later. The time jump is so sporadic that it seems like an entirely different world. I had no idea this book was part of it. I thought it seemed a bit odd that we’re reading about an 18 and 21 year old. Now it makes sense. I don’t know how I felt about that during the book. I’m used to reading stories that have 25-45 year olds in it so to read basically about teenagers was a bit strange to me. I felt a little weird but I guess I’ve read age gap books that had 18 year olds with a man in their 30s, maybe 40s but this one had a different vibe. It seemed to have an air of naivety and traditional family values that don’t seem to resonate in households these days so I was a bit thrown off with that. It was a shorter book but it seemed to drag on. There was a definite slow burn in this book and you all know how I don’t enjoy these. Yet, even though I did have some complaints about this book, I found myself wanting to know more about Michael and Lea. There was something there that drew me to them and I enjoyed getting to know their secrets and values. There was a slight mafia thing with this book, and normally I’m not interested in those kinds of books, but because it was subtle I could get behind it. I had no idea this would be a part of this book though. What surprised me even more is the difference between Joni and Lea’s book. While Joni was part of the glittering world of billionaires and fell for one herself, this book focuses on the poorer to middle class. The discrepancy between the world Joni was a part of compared to Lea and Michael, it makes you wonder how she ever winds up crossing paths with Nathan in that story especially with how she grew up with Lea. I thought this would set the stage for Michael becoming a billionaire, starting from working at the shop to making it a thriving business but Michael has nothing to do with Nathan’s family like I initially thought upon first starting this book. It was a surprising story to say the least because everything I thought it was wound up not being the truth. If you combine my surprise, with my interest of Lea and Michael, you get a 4 rating out of this. I wish I could give it a 5 but the other things I mentioned earlier brought it down and I wasn’t able to finish this book with a wow factor because of it.
March 1, 2024
Thief of My Heart is a book I didn’t know I needed and now I’m in absolute love!
We have met the eldest Zola sister in several of Nicole’s books. We meet her in Matthew’s books (Rose Gold trilogy) and Frankie’s (Silver Spoon trilogy) but the thing is, we didn’t know her. This beautiful standalone gives us insight into this family and the eldest sister we didn’t have. We get to see the depths of Lea’s love for her family and for the man who stole her heart.
Micheal has never been dealt the easy hand in life. He’s had to fight and claw his way and now that he has a second chance in the world he isn’t going to be caught squandering it, until the beautiful Lea crosses his path and he knows he’s screwed!
This story has us seeing Lea and Micheal fight for something more than life has given them and I love seeing them fight for each other. Love the push and pull especially when Micheal was trying to do what’s right, but Lea didn’t give up on him. The journey of their love was a beautiful one and wasn’t easy but they never gave up!
This book can be read as a standalone and you will fully enjoy it and not be lost on the storyline! So definitely grab this book and be ready to fall head over heels for the bad boy and his Contessa!
We have met the eldest Zola sister in several of Nicole’s books. We meet her in Matthew’s books (Rose Gold trilogy) and Frankie’s (Silver Spoon trilogy) but the thing is, we didn’t know her. This beautiful standalone gives us insight into this family and the eldest sister we didn’t have. We get to see the depths of Lea’s love for her family and for the man who stole her heart.
Micheal has never been dealt the easy hand in life. He’s had to fight and claw his way and now that he has a second chance in the world he isn’t going to be caught squandering it, until the beautiful Lea crosses his path and he knows he’s screwed!
This story has us seeing Lea and Micheal fight for something more than life has given them and I love seeing them fight for each other. Love the push and pull especially when Micheal was trying to do what’s right, but Lea didn’t give up on him. The journey of their love was a beautiful one and wasn’t easy but they never gave up!
This book can be read as a standalone and you will fully enjoy it and not be lost on the storyline! So definitely grab this book and be ready to fall head over heels for the bad boy and his Contessa!
March 3, 2024
As a reader who enjoys contemporary romance novels, I found this book to be a captivating and engaging read. The author's writing style, characterized by emotional depth, relatable characters, and a touch of realism, immediately drew me into the story.
From the very first page, I was hooked by the intricate relationships and emotions portrayed in the narrative. French's ability to evoke emotions and create relatable characters helped me feel connected to the story and its characters, making the reading experience more enjoyable and satisfying.
The immersive and engaging nature of French's writing style brought the characters to life, making them more relatable and realistic to me as a reader. Through her writing, French intricately weaves emotions, relationships, and personal growth into the characters' journeys, allowing me to connect with and empathize with their experiences.
Overall, this book is a well-crafted novel that showcases Nicole French's talent as a USA Today bestselling author. The book is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy emotional depth, relatable characters, and a touch of realism in their reading experiences. If you're a fan of contemporary romance, I highly recommend giving this book a try.
From the very first page, I was hooked by the intricate relationships and emotions portrayed in the narrative. French's ability to evoke emotions and create relatable characters helped me feel connected to the story and its characters, making the reading experience more enjoyable and satisfying.
The immersive and engaging nature of French's writing style brought the characters to life, making them more relatable and realistic to me as a reader. Through her writing, French intricately weaves emotions, relationships, and personal growth into the characters' journeys, allowing me to connect with and empathize with their experiences.
Overall, this book is a well-crafted novel that showcases Nicole French's talent as a USA Today bestselling author. The book is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy emotional depth, relatable characters, and a touch of realism in their reading experiences. If you're a fan of contemporary romance, I highly recommend giving this book a try.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews