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The Notorious Briarwoods #12
The Lord's Absolutely Perfect Pickpocket
Major Lord Marcus Newfield, Maximus to everyone he knows because of how large he lives, is the eldest son of the Earl of Drexel and Lady Hermia Briarwood. A soldier, daredevil, and lover of a good time, nothing stops Maximus from living fully until a battle gone very wrong leaves him wounded in both body and mind. When he encounters a mischievous pickpocket masquerading as a lady, he wants to help her rather than turn her in. But with each day he knows her, he finds that she is a skilled thief who just might steal his heart.
Peggy Cutmore knows how to charm a fellow whilst stealing his pocket watch, but now she’s onto bigger game. Using the skills she’s learned from her grandmother, a skilled actress who fell on hard times, Peggy chooses to slip into the ton and steal right from under their toffee-noses! But Maximus is another story. When he catches her, she’s certain she’s bound for Australia, but he offers her a chance at a very different life. Can she learn to trust the man who awakens her heart, or will he prove a disappointment, as everyone else always does?
Peggy Cutmore knows how to charm a fellow whilst stealing his pocket watch, but now she’s onto bigger game. Using the skills she’s learned from her grandmother, a skilled actress who fell on hard times, Peggy chooses to slip into the ton and steal right from under their toffee-noses! But Maximus is another story. When he catches her, she’s certain she’s bound for Australia, but he offers her a chance at a very different life. Can she learn to trust the man who awakens her heart, or will he prove a disappointment, as everyone else always does?
- GenresHistorical Romance
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
191 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 1, 2025
Opposites Attract
When Maximus, future Earl decided to take a breather from the ball his family was hosting, he never realized his life was about to change.
A very lovely, well-dressed and well spoken thief was hiding in his study closet with his favorite French timepiece in her hand. He didn’t understand why, but he knew the wild and vicious fighter in his arms was important. Taking her to his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess to decide what to do with her.
There wasn’t exactly a deep plot to the story, but the characters were richly drawn and the story itself was charming. Five stars worth of romance.
When Maximus, future Earl decided to take a breather from the ball his family was hosting, he never realized his life was about to change.
A very lovely, well-dressed and well spoken thief was hiding in his study closet with his favorite French timepiece in her hand. He didn’t understand why, but he knew the wild and vicious fighter in his arms was important. Taking her to his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess to decide what to do with her.
There wasn’t exactly a deep plot to the story, but the characters were richly drawn and the story itself was charming. Five stars worth of romance.
July 17, 2025
This is my 80th book by Eva Devon. I read one of her books in 2016 then didn't pick her up again until 2018 and I have been reading her ever since. She is one I consider a favorite author. I do have to say, and not sure why but I have not been a fan of this series. Book 1 and 2 were okay and 3 was UGH. I liked book 4 and 5 better than the others but then I hated book 6 and DNF and Book 7 I skimmed over quickly just to finish. Book 8 wasn't too bad, Book 9 just okay but I did like Book 10. But then returned and DNF Book 11. Needless to say, this series has been a total hit or miss and mostly miss and it’s frustrating that she just keeps adding to the series with more stories. I think the characters seem a bit chaotic and I don't really like that.
I liked Maximus and Peggy. I like that for much of the book it was just them and I liked their story. It was a bit weird but good. It started getting a little chaotic again towards the later chapters when everyone was together but overall not a bad read.
I liked Maximus and Peggy. I like that for much of the book it was just them and I liked their story. It was a bit weird but good. It started getting a little chaotic again towards the later chapters when everyone was together but overall not a bad read.
May 30, 2025
I have been loving this series, and have looked forward to Maximus/Marcus story. In many ways it lives up to the rest of the series, but I'm not sure a pickpocket is the ideal heroine in any series, and certainly not for Maximus.
Maximus has returned from war injured, and with his previous horse also injured, and he not sure how not to be a soldier and to fit into the ton again. His main way of coping is to pretend like all is normal and when it gets too much escape with his horse (and his horse's new best friend who he won't be separated from).
So when Maximus finds a young woman - Peggy stealing from his families home rather than behave as a normal person he adopts her and starts behaving like his horse and won't be without her by his side. He recruits his grandmother, the actress to help him, and she remembers Peggy's grandmother from her days acting and moved Peggys mother and grandmother into the ducal home.
Why it's taken his grandmother so long to realise that ex actresses need support and to set up a home to help is a mystery, after all the duchess's sister still acts so she's still linked to the theatre.
Peggy shows no remorse for stealing the clock or indeed anything else, and is determined to move her family to the US (why?) But her family don't want to go, they seem happy to help run the home for retired actresses although still live with the duchess. Peggy seems happy to accept everything given to her family but still is determined to leave. Not a nice or likable character, not what Maximus deserves (IMO).
In her book Hernia Marcus's mother was never described as plain, she had an interesting face with an upturned nose and glorious hair, but not plain.
A little disappointed.
Maximus has returned from war injured, and with his previous horse also injured, and he not sure how not to be a soldier and to fit into the ton again. His main way of coping is to pretend like all is normal and when it gets too much escape with his horse (and his horse's new best friend who he won't be separated from).
So when Maximus finds a young woman - Peggy stealing from his families home rather than behave as a normal person he adopts her and starts behaving like his horse and won't be without her by his side. He recruits his grandmother, the actress to help him, and she remembers Peggy's grandmother from her days acting and moved Peggys mother and grandmother into the ducal home.
Why it's taken his grandmother so long to realise that ex actresses need support and to set up a home to help is a mystery, after all the duchess's sister still acts so she's still linked to the theatre.
Peggy shows no remorse for stealing the clock or indeed anything else, and is determined to move her family to the US (why?) But her family don't want to go, they seem happy to help run the home for retired actresses although still live with the duchess. Peggy seems happy to accept everything given to her family but still is determined to leave. Not a nice or likable character, not what Maximus deserves (IMO).
In her book Hernia Marcus's mother was never described as plain, she had an interesting face with an upturned nose and glorious hair, but not plain.
A little disappointed.
June 5, 2025
4.5 stars
Major Lord Marcus Newfield, Maximus to all who know him!
His is trying desperately to keep the darkness and pain away of war and loosing his eye! He’s still handsome but no longer the compete daredevil! He is a rake through and through but he meets a pick pocket who rocks his world!
Peggy Cutmore is an illegitimate daughter of an actress and a granddaughter of an actress! Determined to be different she is a thief and has done well with almost enough money for a passage to America for the three of them!
Peggy’s mother is still very bitter about her own experiences and has taught her daughter not to love! Protect your heart but not to ever give it away!
Max finally feels like light has found its way into his life and his heart and desperately wants to hold on it and Peggy!
Sometimes you have to let go in order to keep something!
Peggy has to choose! Will she choose HEA or let the fest come between a love so true or what she has been raised to expect!?
Bravo
Major Lord Marcus Newfield, Maximus to all who know him!
His is trying desperately to keep the darkness and pain away of war and loosing his eye! He’s still handsome but no longer the compete daredevil! He is a rake through and through but he meets a pick pocket who rocks his world!
Peggy Cutmore is an illegitimate daughter of an actress and a granddaughter of an actress! Determined to be different she is a thief and has done well with almost enough money for a passage to America for the three of them!
Peggy’s mother is still very bitter about her own experiences and has taught her daughter not to love! Protect your heart but not to ever give it away!
Max finally feels like light has found its way into his life and his heart and desperately wants to hold on it and Peggy!
Sometimes you have to let go in order to keep something!
Peggy has to choose! Will she choose HEA or let the fest come between a love so true or what she has been raised to expect!?
Bravo
June 8, 2025
Don’t live based on someone else’s life…………..
This was another additions to the next generation of the Briarwoods. The characters were well developed and likable. Maximus was such a good human and man. I love the grandchildren and their relationship with one another. The camaraderie between the siblings and cousins is a big draw for these books. Some aspects of the plot can be a bit much. The MFC was too stuck in her thoughts and ways even though the world was showing her a different view. She and her mother were a bit extreme and it got tedious. I’m glad that after her mother opened her eyes, Maximus and Peggy were able to get their HEA after the support of all the women in both families.
This was another additions to the next generation of the Briarwoods. The characters were well developed and likable. Maximus was such a good human and man. I love the grandchildren and their relationship with one another. The camaraderie between the siblings and cousins is a big draw for these books. Some aspects of the plot can be a bit much. The MFC was too stuck in her thoughts and ways even though the world was showing her a different view. She and her mother were a bit extreme and it got tedious. I’m glad that after her mother opened her eyes, Maximus and Peggy were able to get their HEA after the support of all the women in both families.
May 30, 2025
This is a wonderful series, and this book does not disappoint.
Peggy has been brought up by her grandmother and mother who were both actresses, who fell on bad times and are living in poverty. She vows not to let it happen to her, so she becomes a thief.
Maximus was injured during the war, both physically and emotionally.
When he finds Peggy stealing a clock from his family's home during a party, he vows to change her.
The chemistry is fun and interesting between them, the secondary characters are interesting, and there are a couple of horses that add to the story.
All in all, it is a fun, entertaining read.
Peggy has been brought up by her grandmother and mother who were both actresses, who fell on bad times and are living in poverty. She vows not to let it happen to her, so she becomes a thief.
Maximus was injured during the war, both physically and emotionally.
When he finds Peggy stealing a clock from his family's home during a party, he vows to change her.
The chemistry is fun and interesting between them, the secondary characters are interesting, and there are a couple of horses that add to the story.
All in all, it is a fun, entertaining read.
July 6, 2025
A great read
I enjoyed reading this book about Maximus and Peggy, how they met to how they fell in love. He had been wounded in the war and lost an eye and almost lost his best friend, his horse, they came back together both wounded souls. She was a thief and he caught her and would not let her go, with her he felt alive again and wanted to always feel like that. In the end it was very HEA. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤
I enjoyed reading this book about Maximus and Peggy, how they met to how they fell in love. He had been wounded in the war and lost an eye and almost lost his best friend, his horse, they came back together both wounded souls. She was a thief and he caught her and would not let her go, with her he felt alive again and wanted to always feel like that. In the end it was very HEA. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤
September 1, 2025
New, not Blue, Blood, for the Family
Since the Americans invaded the family, the Notorious Briarwoods have been finding their matches amongst the ton. Peggy is not that, but does she have the fortitude to be a Briarwood? Maximus takes his time getting there, but he thinks so. However, it'll take more than him to convince Peggy. As I'm onto the next one, you might figure out the answer, as I love a happy and notorious ending...
Since the Americans invaded the family, the Notorious Briarwoods have been finding their matches amongst the ton. Peggy is not that, but does she have the fortitude to be a Briarwood? Maximus takes his time getting there, but he thinks so. However, it'll take more than him to convince Peggy. As I'm onto the next one, you might figure out the answer, as I love a happy and notorious ending...
October 25, 2025
I just finished The Lord’s Absolutely Perfect Pickpocket by Eva Devon, and once again, I was pulled into the Briarwood family like a magnet. They’re simply amazing.
The way the story unfolded didn’t just heal Peggy and Maximus—it healed my heart too. It was beautiful, emotional, and completely heartwarming.
I honestly can’t wait for the next one. I wish I could be part of this family; it’s bittersweet to remember they’re just fiction. The world truly needs a family like the Briarwoods.
The way the story unfolded didn’t just heal Peggy and Maximus—it healed my heart too. It was beautiful, emotional, and completely heartwarming.
I honestly can’t wait for the next one. I wish I could be part of this family; it’s bittersweet to remember they’re just fiction. The world truly needs a family like the Briarwoods.
May 30, 2025
When two hearts belong together. When two hearts become one. A beautiful romance of minds, heart and passion. A richly woven story full of wisdom and hope. Maximus and Peggy are something special, a wonderful journey of facing fear and choosing the right path towards a blissful happily ever after.
August 31, 2025
The Briarwood clan Strikes Again
Eva Devon writes of an extraordinary, loving family that I wish was real. But, who’s editing this stuff? Too many errors! People don’t say “they gave it to I”, so saying “they gave it to you and I” is equally incorrect.
Eva Devon writes of an extraordinary, loving family that I wish was real. But, who’s editing this stuff? Too many errors! People don’t say “they gave it to I”, so saying “they gave it to you and I” is equally incorrect.
Read
January 1, 2026Peggy entered Heron House to steal, trying to save enough money to go to America with her mother and grandmother. Maximus catches her and totally changes her life and that of her mother and grandmother.
May 24, 2025
4.5 Stars
June 1, 2025
A interesting tale!
It seems a bit unlikely, but made for a good read. I didn't enjoy the spicy bits, seemed unnecessary. But the idea of such a family is quite lovely!
It seems a bit unlikely, but made for a good read. I didn't enjoy the spicy bits, seemed unnecessary. But the idea of such a family is quite lovely!
June 8, 2025
Amazing
This is an amazing series. Each book unique and special. This book was a resurgence of hope for souls that had lost a hope. I hope the series keeps going.
.
This is an amazing series. Each book unique and special. This book was a resurgence of hope for souls that had lost a hope. I hope the series keeps going.
.
June 22, 2025
Excellent.
A well written novel in this lovely series about the Briarwood family.
I laughed and I cried.
Well worth the read IMHO.
A well written novel in this lovely series about the Briarwood family.
I laughed and I cried.
Well worth the read IMHO.
June 27, 2025
Wonderful
Never a dull moment! This is the first book I've read in this series. Definitely going.to be reading the others also!!
Never a dull moment! This is the first book I've read in this series. Definitely going.to be reading the others also!!
Read
July 25, 2025Very Mary Sue, wish fulfillment. Had a good premise but went nowhere
August 8, 2025
Wonderful story
An inspirational story, a worthy read as Peggy learned to trust and know love… with a solid ending no tokenism here.
An inspirational story, a worthy read as Peggy learned to trust and know love… with a solid ending no tokenism here.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews