The Stolen Dagger: A Romantic Suspense Novel

by Amanda Fay

I thought I had escaped the horrors of my past. I thought I had put it all behind me. But I was wrong. Because he found me. And he wanted something from me—something he was willing to kill for.

KATHERINE
A year ago, I witnessed my boyfriend kill a man in cold blood. When he threatened to do the same to me if I told anyone what I saw, I panicked and ran.

Now, in a new town with a new name, I thought I had escaped him. I thought I was safe.
But I was wrong. Because he found me.
He said I stole something from him—a dagger. And he would do anything to get it back.

Meanwhile, Drew, a handsome southern cop and my best friend’s brother, knew I was hiding something. Despite my attempts to push him away, he offered to help me.

But the more time I spent with him to uncover the secrets of my past, the harder it was to deny the intense attraction between us.

With a new threat around every corner, I knew that if I wanted to survive, I had to face the past.
I had to find the stolen dagger.

Genres: Suspense, Forced Proximity

258 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2025

Reviews

[Regan Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woo first book done of 2026! I spent more time adding stuff on Letterboxd than Goodreads at the end of last year! I picked this back up at the start of the year and finished it so quick!! Hats off to Amanda the author, amazing debut! 😉 I couldn’t help picture areas in Norman while reading haha!
Thrilling story with great imagery and good characters! I also was picturing Katherine as Bianca DeSousa from Degrassi for those who partake. I too absolutely love a “Who did this to you?” moment and vibe. If this resonates, I recommend for your next read!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised! This was my first romance book and it exceeded my expectations. It was a pretty quick read, the suspense was so good I couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend!

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully written debut that captivates the reader. This is a promising first novel, and I’m excited to see what the author does next!

[Addie Chenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stellar debut! This was my first romantic suspense novel and I could not put it down! Really enjoyed Amanda Fay's writing style. The story line, the pacing, the cast of characters - everything had me hooked from the beginning! Her ability to translate the FMC's anxieties and yet fierce determination made it feel like you were completely inside the story throughout all the twists and turns. And the MMC's true adoration for FMC was incredibly charming. The duel POVs made the story come to life. And I think we can all agree we need a lil Drew in our lives!

Can't wait to read what's next from Amanda Fay!

[Yoana Puri · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I fell in love with this book… and I’m not okay.

I genuinely don’t have words. Like yk just vibes and feelings and a strong urge to scream into a pillow because Amanda Fay ATE with this one.

From page one, I was hooked. obsessed. speechless. simping.
This book gave me everything I didn’t know I needed:

✔️ a psycho ex-boyfriend
✔️ a sweet girl caught in a literal mess she didn’t ask for
✔️ a cop who risks everything to protect her
✔️ spy scenes, gang drama, and romance that lowkey made me kick my feet

Let’s talk characters because I cannot hold it in anymore.

🔪 Adrian – the psycho ex. Like, full-blown gang member, kills people without blinking, and yet thinks chasing down his ex-girlfriend is romantic. Sir? Therapy.
🕊️ Emilia/Katherine – our main girl. She just wants peace but ends up dodging danger, hiding identities, and getting wrapped up in something she doesn’t even have (yep, she doesn’t even have the Stolen Dagger, and yet here we are).
🖤 Drew – okay. LISTEN. This man? A protective police officer who’s soft but deadly, loyal to the bone, and SO attentive. The way he never gives up on katherine… even when it puts his sister at risk. Even when he has every reason to walk away. He stays. And I? SIMP. I am a Drew stan now. There, I said it.

Leah and Tyler? I adore them.

The spicy scenes were sooooo good.

The tension when Drew meets her dad? I'm still not over it.
And that ENDING?? CHEF’S KISS. I felt emotionally full. Satisfied. Just… yes.
Final thoughts:
Amanda Fay, I love you. Truly.
This book made me forget reality, made me FEEL things, made me fall hard for a fictional man named Drew.
The Stolen Dagger is officially one of my favorite reads of the year.
📚 5/5 Stars
💘 Must-read for dark romance and thriller lovers
💀 Warning: may cause book hangover and extreme Drew obsession

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always blown away by the talent of debut authors and Amanda Fay is off to a great start!

The Stolen Dagger pairs danger and suspense with a really sweet romance that I really liked. Katherine is running for her life. When Drew meets Katherine, he knows that she's hiding something and he takes her fear and helps her learn how to protect herself. Throughout this novel, Katherine is forced to face her fears and use the skills that she's learned to protect herself and fight back. When danger lands at her doorstep, Drew steps in like a sexy cop/white knight to help Katherine face her past and get her life back. Their crush turns into more as they are forced together and fight through Katherine's past to secure her future. Their romance is sweet and understanding and Drew is exactly what Katherine needs to help her take her life back.

The suspense in this story kept my attention and I enjoyed working through everything with Katherine and trying to figure out what was going to happen next.

Thank you to Amanda Fay for the ARC.

[Laurianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a gripping and SPICY romance set in Oklahoma, look no further. That fact that I am like 2 degrees away from knowing someone who published a book is insane. Once I finally got the time to sit down and enjoy this book I read it in two sittings. From the very first chapter, Amanda found a way to hook me and get me invested in this story. The writing was SO WELL DONE in terms of building tension. There’s a scene set in a library that truly had me on the edge of my seat while reading. There wasn’t much slow burn to this romance but that’s okay, the spice made up for it. Going in, just know, the spice was SPICY but done really really well. I would not be mad if Amanda wrote more books in this world so I could see some more of the relationships in this because 250 pages was not enough. If you’re reading this Amanda, I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS! I would be happy to read any ARC you want to send my way in the future and I will do a better job of posting a review before the publication date next time 😂 to everyone else reading this, support a local author and buy this book or find it on Kindle Unlimited!

[Jasmine Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75
Imagine you’re living your life and you see your boyfriend unalive someone… now you are running for your life and try to start over in a new town. Well that’s where our FMC finds herself. But of course things couldn’t be that simple. There’s a hot cop who also happens to be the FMC’s brother’s best friend has his sights on her and is not letting go. Adrian, the ex bf, very DELULU! This is a phenomenally written book. It truly has everything you could ask for in a book suspense, spice,action and more! I would definitely say to check this book out!

Thank you Amanda for the copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own 💜💜

[Trena Bloye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story! I read it in a weekend because I just couldn't put it down until I found out how Katherine was going to get out of that mess! This has everything I love, a sweet and hot romance and the mystery and excitement of danger. Katherine is doing everything she can to protect herself, and then it all goes awry and in a whirlwind she has to trust someone enough to help her get out of it. This is a fast-moving read that will keep you hooked until the end.

[Pati Mooring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome debut book by Amanda. She killed it with this suspenseful story. It had all of the twists and turns you expect from a book. It had love, guns, and a kick ass female, Katherine, who can definitely take care of herself.

I can’t wait to read Amanda’s next book. Maybe it will be a book 2 with some wedding bells.

[Kenzy Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of twists and turns you won’t expect mixed with just the right amount of spice! Absolutely loved this book, especially taking place in Oklahoma! The FMC is an absolute badass! Her past does not define her, but makes her stronger. The MMC tries to protect her, but also learning the FMC can handle her own. This book was one I could NOT put down and was hooked from the very first chapter!

[Dennis Bloye · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very captivating! I couldn’t put it down…can’t wait for her next book!!

[Ryen Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great debut! I can’t wait to see what else this author comes up with. Don’t miss out on this romantic suspense!

[Abby Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible! 10/10 read for me. this author is amazing!

[Lauren Curley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 Stars
🌶 - Spice Level

Katherine has been on the run after witnessing her boyfriend murder in cold blood. She meets Drew, the cop, who is taken by her in his self-defense classes. He knows something is up, but he patiently waits for her to let him in. She only lets him in, when danger strikes again.

Drew was ready to take on all the dangerous men surrounding her. He was falling rapidly for Katherine even when she kept trying to keep him out of it. The suspense had me hooked on this stolen dagger that had her in danger. I really enjoyed this book, even with all the twists and turns. I'm glad they got their happily ever after, and we can finally breathe a bit.

⚠️ Read content and trigger warnings ⚠️

Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: August 7, 2025

[Bookish_Fantasy_Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
🌶️🌶️🌶️
5⭐

This is my honest review for The Stolen Dagger: A Romantic Suspense Novel

This was my first ever suspense romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it; I read this book in one day because it kept me on my toes wanting to know what happens next!

I consider Katherine as a strong FMC that would always put her loved ones first, despite them wanting to help her.

Drew, as this hot and ever-charming southern cop, gives you all the feels as he would stop at nothing to help and protect Katherine at all cost, even his badge.

This book has everything you need in a suspense romance from the swoony MMC, action, romance, mystery, secrets, and some familial drama.

This is a standalone suspense romance novel and well worth the read!

What to expect:
❤️Best friend’s brother
🗡️Forced proximity
❤️He falls first
🗡️Dual POV
❤️Touch her and die
🗡️Bartender FMC
❤️Cop MMC
🗡️Explicit on page sexual scenes (consensual)

Possible triggers:
🗡️Violence (gun and knife)
❤️Parental loss (past incident mentioned)
🗡️Parental (parental abandonement (addressed throughout the book)

🗡️Thank you Amanda Fay for this ARC read 🗡️

[Sav · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY✨️🥂

ARC Review
I finished it in 48 hours and yes I'm very proud of myself😌(eventho it wasnt really 48 hours leave me alone😭)

Kat...oh Kat. When I think about why she is the way that she is I understand, but then I'm like "damn girl what about some common sense" like how are you gonna be mad at someone for doing the same thing you wanted to do.💀

And the fact that I was able to feel all of that miss author girl you did your thang with this one. But Kat and I still need to have a few words, I've got some things i need to say.

Her and Drew are adorable, her and her bestie just the cutest and my favorite (yes my favorite) Mack I wanna hug him.

They're all gonna need a whole lot of serious therapy...all because of some fvck@ss Dagger......Anyway I loved this book, even when I had some personal stuff going on, even through the stress I found myself thinking about what was gonna happen next.

I can't wait to see more of this author.