I Will Steal You the Stars

by Alivia Fleur

Can a rookery thief steal a fair maid's heart?

Mina always follows the rules. Ever since she came to the Duke Street orphanage as a frightened girl, the rules have given her safety and purpose in a world of uncertainty. But when her first placement ends in disgrace, Mina learns that there are different rules for different people-especially maids of all work.

Dismissed, alone and ashamed, she turns to the unlikeliest of Enzo, the scruffy haired boy who once shared her games within the orphanage walls. The boy who broke her heart when he fled those same walls, leaving her behind.

At 14, Enzo escaped Duke Street. He embraced a life of thievery and rough justice, preferring to live life on his own terms instead of chasing a well-turned heel. He has only one regret—that he left behind the girl with the blonde plaits and the shy smile, a girl he still looks for on busy street corners. And like magic, there she is, in the dank depths of the rookery and asking for his help.

A tale of resilience and romance set against the harsh backdrop of 1852 London, rich with the grit of working-class life and fleeting moments of beauty, I will Steal you the Stars is a historical romance of hardship, hope, tough choices and the power of a dream.

Because even in the poorest chapters of history, every heart deserves a happy ending.

Genres: Historical Romance, Friends To Lovers, Novella, Historical, Romance

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Alivia Fleur writes steamy romantic fiction for history lovers. In her stories, curious and consenting adults explore their desires as they search for their own happy ever after.

Alivia lives with her husband on a farm a long way from anywhere interesting. When not herding sheep or checking fences, she enjoys reading romance, drinking tea and eating cake, preferably all at once.

WEBSITE
https://aliviafleur.com/

NEWSLETTER: An Old Fashioned Quickie
https://aliviafleur.com/contact/

AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/author/aliviaf...

INSTAGRAM
@aliviafleur_writes

Reviews

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always have a good time reading Alivia Fleur's books, and this was no exception. It's a short novella about two young people in London. They were both raised in an orphanage together, but Enzo ran away to start a life of petty crime while Mina stayed on the straight and narrow. Now, though, she's found herself "in trouble" and dismissed from her position as a maid. She goes to Enzo for help getting her remaining wages ... but their reconciliation will lead to more than a brief encounter.

This really is a short, sweet novella that combines some of my HistRom favorite hits:

Virgin hero;
It's always been you;
Working class main characters;
Cinematic grand gesture;
A true fairy tale ending.

2-Word Summaries:

Meg: Hot goods.

Laine: Poor justice.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.

[Samantha]

Paused for now...
Finish reading later on... maybe.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this novella and this is my freely given opinion.

This is part of a multi-author series revolving around various characters who have been denizens of the Duke St orphanage. So this is a historical romance that is with a point of view from the have-nots.

This is a bit of a bittersweet story from the get-go because of that stand point. Mina is a young woman who was let go from her job as a maid in an aristocrats home, after being ill used, and is seeking the help of a childhood friend to get her wages which were held back when she was tossed out. She is hoping to use them to start a new life for herself away from London.

Enzo had run away from the orphanage at 14, seeking a life of freedom, preferring thievery and crime to a life time of sucking up to the aristos. The only regrets he had was leaving behind the shy sweet girl who caught his young heart when she arrived and they became friends. But he finds Mina back in his life again when she seeks his help to steal back what she feels she is due.

This is a rather sweet second chance, childhood friends to lovers story, but with touches of the bitter because this story is also flavoured by the fact that Mina and Enzo were orphaned/abandoned children, as well as their rough lives, and the abuse of Mina by her employers. But it is still a refreshing love story with a sweet HEA.

3.75 stars out of 5

[Imromanticallyinvolved · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enzo, the "Duke" of the Rookery, and Mina share a history that pulls at the heartstrings. Growing up together in an orphanage, they developed a close bond, becoming each other’s support as they navigated the trials of their youth. When Enzo chose a life on the streets, seeking freedom over the constraints of serving the nobility, Mina was left heartbroken. After losing her job as a maid, she embarked on a quest to find him, only to discover that their childhood bond had blossomed into something deeper. With plans to escape to the countryside, Mina is torn when Enzo expresses his desire for her to stay. He vows to help her reclaim her lost wages while secretly hoping to win her heart.

In a world where love can be as complicated as the gritty streets of London, Mina finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Enzo and the shadows of her past. This quick yet enchanting read beautifully captures the inner battle Mina faces as she navigates feelings of doubt tempered by romantic moments filled with sweet gestures that tug at her heart. Enzo, with his unwavering support, sees beyond her struggles and embraces the woman she is, seeing it not as a burden but as part of what makes her who she is. As she grapples with her imperfections and the desire to be everything Enzo wants, Mina begins to discover her own strength and resilience. Each encounter between them is charged with both tenderness and intensity, showcasing the deep bond they share despite the challenges they face. Set against the vibrant backdrop of London's working-class neighborhoods, their love story unfolds with raw honesty and warmth. This tale promises not only an exploration of personal growth but also a delightful happily ever after that leaves readers feeling hopeful and inspired. As Mina and Enzo learn to trust in each other and themselves, they become living proof that love can truly conquer even the most daunting hurdles life throws their way.

I received a complimentary copy from the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, very sweet book. Full of drama, sadness, society, history, romance, abuse and intrigue. This author has written about how the poor class was used and abused by the upper class in London. Enzo and Mina both are left at an orphanage by either parent who could not take care of them or by the death of a parent. Enzo becomes the Duke of a gang who lives by the ability to steal and survive on the streets. He has to be tough and lead his gang plus protect them. Mina is now pregnant by the Lord where she works and when his wife finds out , fires her and refuses to pay her for her month. Mina goes to Enzo to help her get her money that is do her. As he helps her , he realizes that he wants her. The more time they spend together the more the feelings develop . Both get their happily ever after. Good story to curl up with and enjoy. Would recommend to others.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mina and Enzo's story so much!!!

The most popular thing in historical romances are the dukes, and in this story, we have a duke, but not in the traditional way, this is The Duke of the rookery. He counterfeit coins, steal, and take care of the people in the area. And although this is his life now, he never forgets Mina, a girl he grew up with in the orphanage and whom he left behind. Until a difficult situation brings them together and the sparks fly between them.

Even though, there are difficult realities that were experienced at the time, the story was very sweet and cute.

This is kind of a prequel to the series Tales from Honeysuckle Street and now I want to read it 🥰


Thanks to the author for the eArc

[Mama Needs to Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just perfection! I was a little wary that I would feel emotionally dragged down by experiencing the gritty London landscape Fleur presents. But I should have known, a story written by her expert hands would transcend the filth of the city and bring us a gorgeous tale of love and hope. Mina and Enzo reunite after years apart. They grew up in the same orphanage, and circumstances have now created an opportunity for each of them to grow, love, and aim higher...to take risks. It was sometimes spicy, sometimes angsty, but always heartfelt.

Content warnings: references to poverty, deaths of parents (before story begins), being pregnant and without the father

[Kate Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming story of a servant girl who got into a situation, that left her with no job, references or money. Can she persuade her childhood friend to help her get the money she is owed so she can start her new life elsewhere. A tender story set in the rough side of London. Will our hero realise what he has let go and manage to get her back.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful novella linked to the Honeysuckle series (but it can be read totally as a standalone). Wonderfully romantic, with two lower class characters with very different views of life, but so in love that are willing to compromise. I loved the touching description of the slums seen through the eyes of the people who actually live there and therefore are used to finding beauty also in the darkest places. Fleur’s writing is always poignant and beautiful.

[raiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy 2025!

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very different book than one is used to reading in histroms. This is a good thing! Readers get used to the glitz and glamour of life in the ton, where everyone wears beautiful clothes and lives a life of luxury, with others waiting on them hand and foot. This book looks at life in 19th century England from the other side - the side of the servants, of those born without blue blood. It depicts things realistically for the time, in my opinion. It's a lovely tale about two imperfect people, both of whom have been hurt in their harsh world, who manage to find each other and just might have the chance at a little happiness.

Mina is an orphaned girl who has vague memories of the finer thing s in life, a German family, but all that ended when her parents died when she was very young. She received some training in service, and took a job as a servant working in the house of a duke, but had been turned out when it was discovered she was pregnant. Unfortunately she was a victim of her naivete and a predatory lord, which sadly probably wasn't all that uncommon back then. Mina had known Enzo, also of the streets, since she was a child. His mother had become ill, and his father… well, his father had left. So he wound up in the rookeries. Enzo had always held a flame for Mina, but he believed himself not good enough for her. When he learned she wanted to leave town to assume a new name, new life history, and keep her baby, he was torn between wanting to help her and wanting to prevent her from leaving him. Their journeys of self-discovery, and discoveries of each other, are poignant and meaningful. It is gritty, and it is spicy - if those things are not for you, then you should probably pass on this. I found this heartwarming in spite of the ugliness of the world portrayed, and it made me a little more optimistic. Of note, I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bookish.Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Will Steal You the Stars by Alivia Fleur is a captivating novella that is heartfelt, steamy, and delivers a potent mixture of romance and history in just 98 pages. Mina and Enzo knew each other when they were children at the Duke Street Orphanage which Enzo fled at the tender age of 14. He chose a path of thievery and survival becoming known as “Duke” of his rookery kingdom. Mina took a different path when she chose to go into service as a maid where she unfortunately suffers at the hands of the nobility and now needs Enzo’s help to get the wages owed to her. It is their first reunion since Enzo left her behind at the orphanage; now in their 20s, they find themselves feeling a stronger attraction than ever.

Alivia Fleur writes exquisitely and tells a story set amongst the lower class of London in 1852. The historical details are both accurate and lend the story a fullness that helps bring the characters to life. The opposing personalities of Enzo, the roughened brute who thumbs his nose at society, and Mina, the shy, prim woman who tries to live within the constraints of her class, provide a compelling love story. I loved watching these two learn to trust each other and their feelings. The beauty that they find around them in their gritty circumstances provides a hopeful tone to the story and makes it a truly lovely read.

As a few other reviewers have noted, the cover of this book doesn’t do it justice. Pay no heed to it; I highly recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a great romance.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella a lot and would definitely recommend it to people. I was a bit shocked that she was pregnant by another man and by a man who would never actually be with her. But I fully understand being so lonely and dying to feel any kind of affection that you might do that. I just wasn’t expecting it in this story for some reason.
I also got confused at one point about his height and the description read : “Not so much in height—like most orphans, Enzo barely scraped five feet—but in his shoulders, his chest, his body, he could have been built from the surrounding bricks.”
Does this mean he was barely 5 foot tall????
I think it was also quite fortunate how when he needed it, Enzo found out about his biological father who was not only alive but wanted him back in his life and happened to have a hotel that needed Enzo’s help to flourish and now this helps to set up Enzo and Mina for a respectable life that wasn’t available to them before.

Besides all these things that look like negatives and niggles, I would definitely reread this and I thought it was endearing and sweet overall. This has one of my absolute favorite tropes which is Virgin Hero! There aren’t enough of them. I also really enjoyed main characters from the working class. I’ve read too many Dukes and Earls!
I will definitely read more books by Alivia Fleur.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique story that swept us far away from society and into the lives of two unforgettable characters. Mina and Enzo, once orphans at the Duke Street orphanage, have taken very different paths since childhood. Mina, ever the rule-follower, believes in hard work and dedication, while Enzo, the rebellious realist, has always lived by his own rules after escaping the orphanage.

When Mina is unfairly dismissed from her job as a maid, she seeks out her long-lost friend, Enzo, hoping he can help her retrieve the salary she's owed so she can start a new life. Together, they embark on a lively tour of the city, rekindling their connection and sparking a romance that’s both heartwarming and passionate. Mina, the eternal optimist, sees Enzo as the boy of her dreams, while he begins to wonder if a different kind of life—a life with her—is possible.

This novella is truly special. The characters are unforgettable, their bond unshakable, and their chemistry electric. The author has crafted a heartwarming, emotionally rich story that captures the magic of timeless romance. I was completely swept away and highly recommend this beautiful tale.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this is a ‘leave the slums for love’ story. Enzo met Mina when she was dropped off at the Duke Street orphanage, an istitution that trained its inhabitants to go into domestic service. Six years ago, fourteen year old Enzo left the orphanage and took to the streets. Now he was known as the Duke and nobody entered his section of town without his knowledge or his say so. When Mina turns up with a serious problem seeking his specific type of help, Enzo cannot turn her down. Enzo is quite the character. He is tough and hates the privileged, but he is very protective of those he considers under his care. He also has playful side which tends to come out around the very proper and somewhat naive Mina. It is only after it is almost too late, that Enzo realizes that love really does exist and is worth fighting for. Forgiveness, on the other hand, is still a work in progress. Running throughout this tale is the underlying question of whether it is ok to break the law if it is done for a good cause, something that Enzo has been living by and Mina struggles with. You will find sweet moments, tender episodes and a quite satisfying epilogue. Most enjoyable!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enzo and Mina first met at the Duke Street orphanage but have not seen each other since Enzo escaped the orphanage to make his own way in the world in the streets of London. At first, I was a bit unsure how I felt about the situation Mina finds herself in – she goes to Enzo to get his help to get her owed wages. She was dismissed from her job as a maid in a Duke’s household because she is pregnant with said Duke’s child. Mina says she was not forced but of course the situation is not as simply stated as that. Thank you to Alivia for making me question my patriarchal brainwashed mind and judging Mina. Also given how hardened Enzo is it is refreshing that he is a virgin. Mina has agency and she takes matters into her own hands. When in the epilogue I realise where they now live, I had an of course moment and I really must take Alivia’s other books off my TBR pile.

Side note: never judge a book by its cover as I actually don’t like the cover. It is too saccharine sweet, and I am not sure about the cover models smiling expressions and the title font. Don’t get me wrong it is a beautiful story, but the cover does not match that.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and romantic love story of two childhood friends from the Duke Street orphanage, who find each other years later in the rookeries and motivate each other to leave their comfort zone and strive for their dreams. I liked it that the plot is not a typical Victorian upper class romance, it’s interesting and well written with a bit of steam. The author's imagery shows very well what life was like for the lowest strata of society, the obstacles they had to deal with every day and how lower class people appreciated the smallest, most everyday things. It took me some time to realize that I already knew the two protagonists and that the story is can be seen as a kind of prequel to the author's "Tales from Honeysuckle Street" series. Enzo and Mina are lovable characters who complement each other wonderfully.
I also found the author's notes with their historical and social tidbits very interesting and informative.

If you like heartwarming stories about social underdogs whose lives take a positive turn and who find their HEA, then you will enjoy this quick read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watching Enzo and Mina reconnect after years apart (but never quite out of mind) made for a lovely read. It's obvious that Enzo has cherished Mina in his memory and that Mina knows who to turn to in times of trouble. So when she is knocked up by her (less than) noble employer and turned out without her owed salary, she find Enzo in the slums where he's master of his small domain to help her gain her deserved pay.

I loved how Enzo made Mina his immediate priority, but I did wonder why a man who essentially ran a small operation in the London slums could just walk away from it to attend to Mina. And I appreciated that Mina knew better and yet still couldn't avoid the situation that was the ruin of many a young working woman.

This is a gentle and sweet tale, and it wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I also adored that this is a story of two poor people, and their world is the slums of London. Fleur gives them a few clever moves in gaining justice for Mina, and while their ending is a bit of a fairy tale, it still made for a charming read.

[Unapologetic Termagant]

This managed to be very charming and sweet, while at the same time not shying away from showing the reality of life in 19th century London outside ballrooms and parlours. The dialogue sounded a bit anachronistic at times, but still, I enjoyed this little novella, in which Mina and Enzo reconnected and flirted over coffee and potatoes from street vendors, and later had a heated encounter in a narrow bed in Enzo’s tenement room, much more than most historicals in which a brooding duke plays mind games with a clueless debutante and then debauches her in a full suite of rooms. There was some really sweet imagery, as well as affecting insight into the life of the less privileged. By the end, nobody discovered they were actually an heir to a vast fortune, and the main couple started their life together while expecting the heroine’s baby fathered by her pathetic former employer. Overall, very charming and enjoyable, albeit a bit modern-sounding (for example, I highly doubt they would’ve referred to an unborn baby as a “them”, instead of just “it”).

[Polli.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply. Blown. Away.
I Will Steal You The Stars has stolen my heart, my head, my breath! I have to admit for the briefest of moments, probably the first few pages, I was certain I had stumbled across an expert historian, but not so sure that the story would carry the promise of it's blurb. However, the moment Mina graced the page with her presence I was as hooked as Enzo. The chemistry between these two has to be the finest I've ever read in a novella, especially a historical one.

With prose so lush Edwardian London becomes as tangible as the very stars Enzo collects for Mina. The narrative, both playfull and potent, will sweep you through the inequitable streets, and throw you into the safety of Enzo's bed with a force that feels true.

All I can say is there's a pulse in this book and it beat to my heart!

Absolutely fantastic for a historical novella!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked everything about this book except for the cover as the descriptions in the book did not seem to match the cover itself! Ah, well. Story was different as it covered the slums rather than the ballrooms of the period. A lot on the way orphans and unwanted children (bastards) were treated, none of it fair or kind, and how some worked to get out of the ruts into which they were born. Enzo (Lawrence) and Mina had known each other in the workhouse/orphanage, but Enzo did not want to be a servant to a Lord so he became a Duke in the underworld. When Mina seeks him out to get her unjustly withheld wages from the family that hired, then fired her, Enzo agrees to help her. Along the way, Enzo shows her the stars and steals them from the sky to place on the face and body. Delightfully different and well told story of people that are not normally the "stars" of their stories. Although I received an ARC, I voluntarily have left this review of my honest opinions.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harsh times!

An interesting novella looking at Victorian times from the point of view of rookery inhabitants
Enzo and Mina first met the day she entered the orphanage
Years later they meet again. Mina’s been dismissed from her job because she’s fallen pregnant. All she wants is the wages owed her. She finds Enzo, now called the “Duke” and asks him to help her steal back what’s hers.
What neither of them counted on was the frisson of attraction between them.
Can Enzo let go of his position in the rookeries and take a chance with Mina?
A lively and challenging short read.

A Spencer & Co. ARC via Booksirens
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this story in one sitting. It differed from my usual romances because the characters were neither wealthy nor heirs to a fortune. Their lives were a bit frightening because they did not have the safety nets that we take for granted in modern times. Through honest hard work and persistence, Enzo and Mina were able to forge a life together. Their story ended happily because they had found each other. To further show their long-lasting happiness, an older Enzo and Mina appear in the author's "Tales from Honeysuckle Street" series.

I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and charming quick read!

I enjoyed reading this touching short story. I loved the two main characters, Mina and Enzo. I found it refreshing that the main characters in this story are from London's lower classes. Mina and Enzo have a deep bond from their childhood orphan lives. After taking divergent and difficult paths, they eventually meet, develop feelings for each other, and learn to trust one another. That brings tender scenes to a refreshing tale. I highly recommend this beautiful story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I think of reading a regency era story, I expect there to be dances and the ton and rides through Hyde Park. However, this is the tale of two orphans who are in the lowest class of the London streets. Despite this, they still manage to find their way in the world, find each other, and find love. It's got a bit of a slow start to the story, but it picks up quickly at the half way point and is steamy from there. It's also got the hopeful exuberance of youth and the dreams of those who always aim for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will steal you the stars was Enzo and Mina’s story. Mina always follows the rules. Ever since she came to the Duke Street orphanage as a frightened girl, the rules gave her safety and purpose in a world of uncertainty. But when her first placement ends in disgrace, Mina learns that there are different rules for different people- Dismissed, alone and ashamed, she turns to the unlikeliest of saviours: Enzo, the scruffy haired boy who once shared her games within the orphanage walls. The boy who broke her heart when he fled those same walls, leaving her behind. It was an entertaining read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina and Enzo first met at the Duke Street orphanage when they were younger. Enzo escaped the orphanage leaving Mina behind. Now years later Mina seeks out Enzo for help when she is in trouble. Mia has dreams she wants to follow, but can she convince Enzo to dream too?

Alivia Fluer’s did a really great job of creating a very heartfelt story with Mina and Enzo!! It is not your typical Victorian romance, but showed how the poorer side could overcome their hardships as long as they had dreams to cling to. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I applaud the writer for using her talents to write about the less fortunate in Regency England. It’s not every day we get a bigger glimpse into their lives. Though not my ‘best cup of tea’ as I read to escape and reading of others struggles don’t help, this is a refreshingly beautiful story. I loved how Mina kept her sunny attitude, even when life has just kept dumping on her. And seeing Enzo grow was a delight. Not your “normal” historical romance, but interesting and very readable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising story
Enzo and Mina have found each other at the orphanage. They live in abject poverty in the rookeries, but they do everything in their power to escape their fate. Their intelligence, their cunning, their determination and their love enable them to forge a new future.
I love that this story in the Victorian era is for once not about the ton but about two young people, who take their future in their own hands.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick novella with two former childhood friends who met at an orphanage. Enzo is the local crime boss in the slums who is visited by old friend Mina who needs help stealing her wages from the fancy house where she was dismissed. In the course of teaming up together, they reconnect and rekindle their affection for each other. Enzo is generally conflicted about rising above his current station, but also tries to encourage Mina to reach beyond her life working as a maid. It’s a quick low-angst sort of romance here and it was nice to see working class main characters.