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The Harp & Thistle #2
A Scoundrel’s Guide to Heists and Hearts
He rescues the runaway bride. She steals the scoundrel’s heart.
Evelyn Sparrow is a celebrated art conservator at the National Gallery in London. It’s an unprecedented position for a woman, and the life she has built is a dream come true. But she’s been harboring a secret: not only is she the daughter of a baron, but she’s betrothed to a much older and terrifying earl. Her dream life will end the moment they marry. At their wedding, and with nothing to lose, Evelyn does the unthinkable—and runs from the altar.
Ollie McNab has skated through life on the coattails of his brothers’ hard work, as well as his own good looks and charm. When he makes a major error at their pub, The Harp & Thistle, he realizes how little his brothers respect him. Previously tasked with overseeing the restoration of one brother’s prized art collection, Ollie is determined to prove his dependability by seeing it through. It doesn’t hurt, either, that the paintings are being restored by the beautiful and intelligent Miss Sparrow, who fascinates him endlessly. So when she shows up unexpectedly at his pub in a soaking-wet wedding dress, he promises to do everything he can to help her.
With nowhere else to go, Ollie offers Evelyn a room at his home. Naturally, Ollie’s brothers are not happy with this improper arrangement, and Evelyn’s family is tearing apart London to find her. But when a painting under their care is stolen by a famous thief, Evelyn and Ollie must find it before anyone realizes it’s gone, or the final thread of their reputations are destroyed.
That is, if they don’t create their own scandalous trouble first.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
The Harp & Thistle
Book 1 - A Lady's Guide to Scoundrels & Gentlemen
Book 2 - A Scoundrel's Guide to Heists & Hearts
Book 3 - A Lady's Rules for Seaside Romance
Evelyn Sparrow is a celebrated art conservator at the National Gallery in London. It’s an unprecedented position for a woman, and the life she has built is a dream come true. But she’s been harboring a secret: not only is she the daughter of a baron, but she’s betrothed to a much older and terrifying earl. Her dream life will end the moment they marry. At their wedding, and with nothing to lose, Evelyn does the unthinkable—and runs from the altar.
Ollie McNab has skated through life on the coattails of his brothers’ hard work, as well as his own good looks and charm. When he makes a major error at their pub, The Harp & Thistle, he realizes how little his brothers respect him. Previously tasked with overseeing the restoration of one brother’s prized art collection, Ollie is determined to prove his dependability by seeing it through. It doesn’t hurt, either, that the paintings are being restored by the beautiful and intelligent Miss Sparrow, who fascinates him endlessly. So when she shows up unexpectedly at his pub in a soaking-wet wedding dress, he promises to do everything he can to help her.
With nowhere else to go, Ollie offers Evelyn a room at his home. Naturally, Ollie’s brothers are not happy with this improper arrangement, and Evelyn’s family is tearing apart London to find her. But when a painting under their care is stolen by a famous thief, Evelyn and Ollie must find it before anyone realizes it’s gone, or the final thread of their reputations are destroyed.
That is, if they don’t create their own scandalous trouble first.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
The Harp & Thistle
Book 1 - A Lady's Guide to Scoundrels & Gentlemen
Book 2 - A Scoundrel's Guide to Heists & Hearts
Book 3 - A Lady's Rules for Seaside Romance
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
8 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Arden Conroy
4 books10 followersArden Conroy writes historical romance with yearning and heart. She grew up in Chicago and spent her childhood attending the local museums. The first historical era to capture her attention was the 1920s thanks to Chicago's notorious entanglement in Prohibition. Her interest in history branched out from there. Arden has lived all over the United States from the Hudson Valley, NY to Tulsa, OK and many places in between. Today, she lives between Chicago and Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 16, 2025
Since the blurb for this book is just perfect, I’m not even attempting my own small recap – just my thoughts.
Evelyn is the renowned, neurodivergent art conservator tasked with saving his brother’s damaged paintings. She dislikes human touch, her emotions easily get the better of her, and when they do, she runs.
Oliver is the kind but scatter-brained youngest of three orphaned brothers – an utterly lovable loyal himbo with a ginormous heart, clumsy but pure gold. Contrary to his siblings, both self-made men, he was raised with wealth and privilege by their titled grandparents. That, and a 10 year age-gap, puts a strain on their brotherly bond.
I really enjoyed the general plot of this story. It’s organised chaos, lots of family drama, adventurous with a mystery and a quest, funny, awkward, rather captivating, and the not-so-nefarious villain is chef’s kiss. Shout-out to the boys from the hood and the best uncle in the world!
Both MCs struggle with their own families and long for a place to call home; a true warm and loving nest, not just a roof over their heads. Their slow burn relationship is quirky, witty and adorable with a delicious tension and e few very heated kisses. I honestly was expecting a splash of steam by the end, but alas, it’s a kisses only romance – and since it was my first by this author, I didn’t know to expect that.
What I didn’t like – and this is a general thing – was the heroine who keeps assuming the worst about her hero at every opportunity, even after he’s proven himself over and over again. She jumps to conclusions and runs. It was tiresome, immature and kind of spoiled the story for me in the end. It will, however, not stop me from trying another book by this author when the opportunity presents itself.
⭐⭐⭐✨
Evelyn is the renowned, neurodivergent art conservator tasked with saving his brother’s damaged paintings. She dislikes human touch, her emotions easily get the better of her, and when they do, she runs.
Oliver is the kind but scatter-brained youngest of three orphaned brothers – an utterly lovable loyal himbo with a ginormous heart, clumsy but pure gold. Contrary to his siblings, both self-made men, he was raised with wealth and privilege by their titled grandparents. That, and a 10 year age-gap, puts a strain on their brotherly bond.
I really enjoyed the general plot of this story. It’s organised chaos, lots of family drama, adventurous with a mystery and a quest, funny, awkward, rather captivating, and the not-so-nefarious villain is chef’s kiss. Shout-out to the boys from the hood and the best uncle in the world!
Both MCs struggle with their own families and long for a place to call home; a true warm and loving nest, not just a roof over their heads. Their slow burn relationship is quirky, witty and adorable with a delicious tension and e few very heated kisses. I honestly was expecting a splash of steam by the end, but alas, it’s a kisses only romance – and since it was my first by this author, I didn’t know to expect that.
What I didn’t like – and this is a general thing – was the heroine who keeps assuming the worst about her hero at every opportunity, even after he’s proven himself over and over again. She jumps to conclusions and runs. It was tiresome, immature and kind of spoiled the story for me in the end. It will, however, not stop me from trying another book by this author when the opportunity presents itself.
⭐⭐⭐✨
May 29, 2025
This book was really fun. Although I preferred its predecessor I still thought this was a great follow up. I am giving this more like a 3.5 stars but I'm going to round up to 4 for my goodreads review because I read the book in one go and didn't want to put it down so for me the good out weighed the bad.
My negatives are that the plot was a little bit too silly and outlandish for me. The art thief plot and Evelyn's run away bride plot didn't really connect for me, even though we eventually figure out what's going on the reveal of the thief in the end had me going but why did this have to happen. However what really worked for me like with the first book, are the characters. I loved how we got to learn about Evelyn isn't quite what you'd assume based on her first appearance in book one but without making her seem like a completely different person. It's nice seeing a character who is educated and smart but she can still be odd and eccentric. I did feel discontented from the rest of the family because Ollie is in a fight with his brothers for most of the book, which is understandable and in glad he stood his ground but since I like all the characters I wouldve liked seeing all of them. But we did get the return of other great characters (Tommy Malone the best and greatest) as well as excellent new ones (Hambone I'd die for you).
This was a fun and delightful read, I recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance and wants something light to have a good time with.
copy provided by netgally but hasn't influenced my review.
My negatives are that the plot was a little bit too silly and outlandish for me. The art thief plot and Evelyn's run away bride plot didn't really connect for me, even though we eventually figure out what's going on the reveal of the thief in the end had me going but why did this have to happen. However what really worked for me like with the first book, are the characters. I loved how we got to learn about Evelyn isn't quite what you'd assume based on her first appearance in book one but without making her seem like a completely different person. It's nice seeing a character who is educated and smart but she can still be odd and eccentric. I did feel discontented from the rest of the family because Ollie is in a fight with his brothers for most of the book, which is understandable and in glad he stood his ground but since I like all the characters I wouldve liked seeing all of them. But we did get the return of other great characters (Tommy Malone the best and greatest) as well as excellent new ones (Hambone I'd die for you).
This was a fun and delightful read, I recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance and wants something light to have a good time with.
copy provided by netgally but hasn't influenced my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
A Scoundrel's Guide to Heists and Hearts by Arden Conroy is a pleasant mixture of romance and mystery as we follow art conservator Evelyn Sparrow as she flees an arranged marriage. The runaway bride ends up in the spare room of Ollie McNab, a man with a somewhat shady past who she knows through her work, she was restoring some of his brother's paintings. When one of the paintings is stolen by an infamous art thief the pair embark on an mission to recover it and show Ollie's brother that he can be relied upon.
I loved the premise of the book but unfortunately did have some issues with the execution. While I liked both Evelyn and Ollie as characters, I did find some of Evelyn's decisions and thought processes a little strange, especially given that she had been working etc , she seemed incredibly immature in some ways. I also found that while the book opened strongly it got a little bogged down in the middle, it could maybe have used a little editing to tighten up the story and help with the pacing of the book.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I loved the premise of the book but unfortunately did have some issues with the execution. While I liked both Evelyn and Ollie as characters, I did find some of Evelyn's decisions and thought processes a little strange, especially given that she had been working etc , she seemed incredibly immature in some ways. I also found that while the book opened strongly it got a little bogged down in the middle, it could maybe have used a little editing to tighten up the story and help with the pacing of the book.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
May 29, 2025
This was a fun and light read. Although I haven’t read the first book in the series, it didn’t hinder the understanding of the story as a standalone.
The first two thirds of the book were on the funny, light and romantic side. The Hembone story provided a fun and charming interlude. The third part seemed to repeat the main plot lines in abundance. Also, the stubbornness of the main characters was frustrating and not on the endearingly frustrating side. Evelyn’s immaturity in the last chapters was just driving me mad (and was getting rather boring). I held out hope, that at least at the end she would run to him, it also didn’t happen. Well, let’s be honest, that was a highly nudged (again! for the n-th time in the book!) short-haul stumble rather than a run. It was a nice twist with the art heist within the romantic plot. But it has unfortunately promptly turned out to be a story line of an annoyingly constant-nudging.
Looking forward to the third part of the trilogy though.
Thanks for the arc by netgally. Opinions are my own.
The first two thirds of the book were on the funny, light and romantic side. The Hembone story provided a fun and charming interlude. The third part seemed to repeat the main plot lines in abundance. Also, the stubbornness of the main characters was frustrating and not on the endearingly frustrating side. Evelyn’s immaturity in the last chapters was just driving me mad (and was getting rather boring). I held out hope, that at least at the end she would run to him, it also didn’t happen. Well, let’s be honest, that was a highly nudged (again! for the n-th time in the book!) short-haul stumble rather than a run. It was a nice twist with the art heist within the romantic plot. But it has unfortunately promptly turned out to be a story line of an annoyingly constant-nudging.
Looking forward to the third part of the trilogy though.
Thanks for the arc by netgally. Opinions are my own.
September 5, 2025
This is a delightfully scandalous escape into art, love, and second chances and delivers just the right blend of wit, warmth, and whirlwind romance.
Evelyn Sparrow is no damsel in distress—she’s a trailblazing art conservator with a secret title and a very unwanted fiancé. Her bold escape from an arranged marriage sets the stage for a charming collision with Ollie McNab, the least responsible of the McNab brothers.
Ollie’s transformation from charming ne'er-do-well to unexpected hero is one of the novel’s biggest delights. His chemistry with Evelyn crackles from their first encounter, and the stakes only rise when a stolen painting forces them into an impromptu art-heist caper.
With whip-smart dialogue, a swoon-worthy romance, and a dash of mystery, this book is a perfect weekend escape. Ideal for fans of clever heroines, reluctant rogues, and slow-burn love stories with a scandalous twist.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Evelyn Sparrow is no damsel in distress—she’s a trailblazing art conservator with a secret title and a very unwanted fiancé. Her bold escape from an arranged marriage sets the stage for a charming collision with Ollie McNab, the least responsible of the McNab brothers.
Ollie’s transformation from charming ne'er-do-well to unexpected hero is one of the novel’s biggest delights. His chemistry with Evelyn crackles from their first encounter, and the stakes only rise when a stolen painting forces them into an impromptu art-heist caper.
With whip-smart dialogue, a swoon-worthy romance, and a dash of mystery, this book is a perfect weekend escape. Ideal for fans of clever heroines, reluctant rogues, and slow-burn love stories with a scandalous twist.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Read
June 16, 2025I found this to be a rather sad story, as Evelyn Sparrow is sold into marriage by her parents. Although she is highly qualified in her profession as a restorer of artworks, she does not earn the respect of her colleagues simply because she is a woman. The one man who does make her heart beat faster is a client, and he is off limits. What is surprising is that Evelyn fled when she came face to face with the groom who had bailed her parents out of their debts, and managed to get across London to the Harp and Thistle to reach the one man who might be able to shield her from the fallout. Ollie McNab obviously has a learning disability, which incurs the wrath of his less tolerant brother. However, he has compassion and kindness in spades, and when Evelyn arrives at the Harp and Thistle, he does whatever it takes to keep her safe. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 9, 2025
A young woman negotiates a ten year postponement of marriage on the understanding that at the end of that period she will marry a man of her parents choosing. As the only female art conservator working for the National Gallery she is devastated that she will have to give up her career and be a wife to a man she dislikes. In the end she cannot go through with it and runs from the church in her wedding dress to a man whom she hopes will hide her until she can decide what to do. With all of London looking for her after a reward is posted for her whereabouts, and a thief who plays mind games this is a fun story to while away a couple of hours.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 28, 2025
I absolutely adored Ollie! I loved his dedication, commitment, and loyalty to helping Evelyn in any way that he could. I loved Evelyns independence, charm, and overwhelming stubbornness in keeping her independence. There were times, however, where I absolutely could not stand Evelyn! The running away, instead of talking about what was bothering her was fine, but it KEPT happening. I get some people process events that way, but it was a little much and a bit immature. I did however, love the slow burn and the chemistry between Ollie and Evelyn and I loved his meddlesome uncle.
Note: I received an E-book ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received an E-book ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
She runs from a ton marriage...
Evelyn is smart, hard working and a lady. She is expected to make a ton marriage, though she is an accomplished art purveyor with a very real career she if being forced to give up to wed. Thankfully, she runs and its Ollie McNab, the charming working class mister who owns a pub along with his older brothers. Her parents would faint. But its Ollie that kicks Evelyn's heart into over drive. Ollie is a man child with a lot of growing up to do. He's coasted by on his looks and charm. But is he worthy of the clever Evelyn? He might just be her arm candy and there's nothing wrong with that. He can be the pretty decorative one,.
Recommend.
Evelyn is smart, hard working and a lady. She is expected to make a ton marriage, though she is an accomplished art purveyor with a very real career she if being forced to give up to wed. Thankfully, she runs and its Ollie McNab, the charming working class mister who owns a pub along with his older brothers. Her parents would faint. But its Ollie that kicks Evelyn's heart into over drive. Ollie is a man child with a lot of growing up to do. He's coasted by on his looks and charm. But is he worthy of the clever Evelyn? He might just be her arm candy and there's nothing wrong with that. He can be the pretty decorative one,.
Recommend.
June 12, 2025
3.5 stars
A bit manic. There seems to be set scenes that have been written and the jumps between them, for me didn't work as well.
Ollie has a chip on his shoulder, our heroine is being threatened by someone who demands her marriage...she's been sold in effect by her parents. In the middle of all this running around, I find myself thinking but this is victorian society with those unweildly crinolines.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
A bit manic. There seems to be set scenes that have been written and the jumps between them, for me didn't work as well.
Ollie has a chip on his shoulder, our heroine is being threatened by someone who demands her marriage...she's been sold in effect by her parents. In the middle of all this running around, I find myself thinking but this is victorian society with those unweildly crinolines.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
June 15, 2025
We get a lovely pair of lead characters in this historical romance. Our heroine was so brave to do what she does. Surprisingly, our hero is the one who is lacking a little in confidence.
This book is part of a series centered on the brothers, so if you have read the previous books you will have met both our characters in that , so the series should be read in order. But you can easily enjoy any of them on their own.
There is a lot of adventure and fun along with a little sadness. That makes it interesting.
I can't wait to read the last brother's story.
Great fun.
This book is part of a series centered on the brothers, so if you have read the previous books you will have met both our characters in that , so the series should be read in order. But you can easily enjoy any of them on their own.
There is a lot of adventure and fun along with a little sadness. That makes it interesting.
I can't wait to read the last brother's story.
Great fun.
June 20, 2025
This wasn't your typical historical romance yet it held my attention due to how it was written. The basis of the story takes a look at what today is called Neuro diversity dealing with both people in and out of the ton. It's heartwarming to read and in many ways educational for those who don't know much about dealing with people who fall into this category.
July 8, 2025
This was a good but not a great book. Part of this is because the characters do get annoying at time, and the pace slows down in the middle and the plotline was not quite smooth as it could be. Entertaining though.
#netgalley #AScoundrelsGuidetoHeistsandHearts
#netgalley #AScoundrelsGuidetoHeistsandHearts
January 6, 2026
With whip-smart dialogue, a swoon-worthy romance, and a dash of mystery, this book is a perfect weekend escape. Ideal for fans of clever heroines, reluctant rogues, and slow-burn love stories with a scandalous twist.
January 6, 2026
With whip-smart dialogue, a swoon-worthy romance, and a dash of mystery, this book is a perfect weekend escape. Ideal for fans of clever heroines, reluctant rogues, and slow-burn love stories with a scandalous twist.
July 18, 2025
Loved Ollie and Evelyn and the storyline! Such a fun read - can't wait to read the next in this series!
June 24, 2025
I was certainly entertained, but found myself wanting more from Evelyn. I just didn't connect with her and, at times, found her quite annoying. Ollie is my favorite McNab brother, so I was most excited for his book. However, it fell flat for me. Seeing more of the McNab backstory, especially Ollie's was fascinating, but I found myself really disliking most of the characters by the end. I'm still excited to read Victor's book and hope it sheds some more light on why he's...like that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 17, 2025
real rating: 4.5/5
I absolutely loved everything about Evelyn- her strong wit, charming personality, and will to be independent despite her circumstances made her incredibly likable. Her growth throughout the story while still staying true to herself, but overall opening up to those she cared for made for a charming story. Ollie and Evelyn's chemistry and banter were written beautifully; I didn't really want their story to end.
The subplot of the Signature Swindler made for a fun way to evolve the pair's relationship, with enough mystery to be intriguing, without falling into scary territory. I do feel that the ending felt a tad rushed, and could have benefitted from another chapter or so.
A fun and compelling read, with lots of humor- a fantastic addition to this series!
Thank you for the arc!
I absolutely loved everything about Evelyn- her strong wit, charming personality, and will to be independent despite her circumstances made her incredibly likable. Her growth throughout the story while still staying true to herself, but overall opening up to those she cared for made for a charming story. Ollie and Evelyn's chemistry and banter were written beautifully; I didn't really want their story to end.
The subplot of the Signature Swindler made for a fun way to evolve the pair's relationship, with enough mystery to be intriguing, without falling into scary territory. I do feel that the ending felt a tad rushed, and could have benefitted from another chapter or so.
A fun and compelling read, with lots of humor- a fantastic addition to this series!
Thank you for the arc!
June 20, 2025
This wasn't your typical historical romance yet it held my attention due to how it was written. The basis of the story takes a look at what today is called Neuro diversity dealing with both people in and out of the ton. It's heartwarming to read and in many ways educational for those who don't know much about dealing with people who fall into this category.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews