Six Weeks of Love & Larceny

by Rebecca Gould Baeurle

Six weeks. Two sisters. One very bad idea.

Nikki Taylor’s college life in Philly is already a high-stakes balancing act—juggling classes, two jobs, and an empty bank account. She doesn’t have time for games. But when a cocky, dark-eyed customer leaves his phone number instead of a tip, she answers the challenge—and steps straight into the arms of Chris Sheppard, a charming Temple student with secrets of his own.

Meanwhile, her older sister Lauren is holding it all together. Barely. A lifestyle columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Lauren prefers to keep things professional, predictable, and strictly in control. That is, until her new intern uncovers a potential date rape drugs and a citywide drug ring creeping onto college campuses.

As Nikki’s romance intensifies and Lauren’s investigation deepens, the sisters’ stories converge in unexpected—and dangerous—ways. Because love might be blind, but someone is watching. And what began as flirtation and first dates is spiraling into something much different.

Witty, romantic, and charged with tension, Six Weeks of Love and Larceny is a modern-day love story with a criminal twist—where sisterhood is everything, and trust can be a deadly gamble.

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Rebecca Gould Baeurle has spent a lifetime helping others chase their missions — now she’s chasing one of her own. After a successful career in the nonprofit world spanning education, healthcare, disability inclusion and community-building, she’s traded grant proposal for plot twists with The Secrets Trilogy.

Originally from a small town in North Jersey, Rebecca earned a degree in Communications and English from the University of Delaware and never stopped writing. Her voice was forged out of necessity to survive in a family of ferocious talkers and her storytelling chops were honed over decades of hilarious banter.

Six Weeks of Love & Larceny is her debut novel, and the first in The Secrets Trilogy. Rebecca lives just outside of Philadelphia (close enough to cheer loudly for the Eagles) and is known to disappear to the Delaware beaches with a good book and an even better cocktail. She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Mike, for 36 years, has two grown children who still keep her on her toes and yes… she really does have a sister she adores.

Reviews

[Amy Cobb]

Enjoyed this glimpse into Philadelphia life! Looking forward to the sequel!

[DeAnn]

I've lived in Philly for over 20 years, so I was excited to see a book with my city on the cover. The book blurb promised excitement and romance. It seemed like the perfect book for me. Unfortunately, the book missed the mark for me a little for a number of reasons. I will say the book was an easy read that went fast, and the romance itself was, for the most part, fine. I read this with a buddy and since she does not live in Philly, she was not as critical of the book.

The story read like someone writing about Philadelphia who visits occasionally and only visits popular spots. Philly is such a neighborhood city, with so many hidden gems that don't necessarily make the top 10 lists. What was written in this book is fine if your characters aren't from the area or haven't lived there for very long, but I rolled my eyes so hard when a character goes out of his way to get a Pat's cheesesteak to impress a girl, which is the most touristy place in the city. I could understand going there if you had drunk munchies at 3 am, but I don't know a single person who would make a special trip there in the middle of the day instead of just going to a neighborhood spot nearby that definitely has a better cheesesteak. Or if he wanted to impress her, maybe order from one of the more hyped spots like Angelo's. There are many other scenes like that in the book, where the characters don't seem like they actually live in this city.

I also have major beef with the ending. I hate it when books don't have an ending and you are required to read the sequel to find out what happens in a major plot line of the story. I don't mind sequels, I read plenty of them, but I don't like it if the first book doesn't have some kind of closure so I can decide if I want to continue with these characters. I won't be continuing to the next book, so I guess I'll never find out what happens.

[Shauna]

Those who know me know that I don’t buy new books. But my friend’s wife wrote this one & I wanted to be supportive.
It’s her first book so I honestly expected it to be mediocre. I was wrong- this is easily one of the best & fastest flowing books I’ve read all year. I loved the author’s handling of the characters & how quickly she made me feel comfortable with them. I find myself thinking they’re real which is something most authors can’t accomplish in a debut novel. Also, I have some dear friends from Philly & I’ve spent a fair amount of time there. If you have connections to the city at all you’ll love how she weaves in nuggets for those who know the region. My only negative is that I’m fully invested in the characters & I was horrified when I realized I finished book 1 & I have to wait until JULY 😱 (when book 2 comes out) to find out how Chris & Nikki are doing! Do yourself a favor & order this from Amazon now. I think I’ve just ordered my 4th to give away. Way to go on your first one, Becky! I’ll be standing by my mailbox for the 2nd in the series!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff)]

I’m always excited to try new authors. 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 & 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘆 is Rebecca Gould Baeurle’s debut novel and the first book of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺.

This story has sisters, romance, crime, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of the historic, gritty city of Philadelphia. The crime, involving date rape drugs, is timely, and it is woven in well. Plus, it provides for both suspense and emotional repercussions.

This was an easy read. The writing is conversational, straightforward, and a little playful. Nothing goes too deep, though, but it keeps the pace moving nicely. I found the sisters extremely likable, and by the end I was rooting for one of their romantic relationships while being wary of the other! I still don’t trust the one guy.

This book covers six weeks, and the ending leaves you wanting to know what the next book, 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 & 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀, will bring.

3.5🌟 rounded up

Thank you @samijolien for this gifted book.

[Jane D]

I loved this novel, filled with adventure, deep relationships and suspense. I look forward to reading the 2nd book in the upcoming series of three. The author knows how to hook the reader by carefully developing the characters as well as the surroundings in which scenes take place, so you feel like you know the characters and are with them in their adventures. Some remind me of people I know, understand and can relate to easily. She sometimes repeats a scene from the respective of a second character, a technique I find interesting since it makes me wonder how often in my own life others view the same experience in a completely different way. I also love the legitimate introduction to the Philly scene and will surely follow up by exploring the city and visiting some of the spots described. Go Eagles!

[Annmarie Borcky]

Get ready to fall in love with the streets of Philadelphia and the unforgettable characters that bring this story to life! 😊 In 'Six Weeks of Love and Larceny', Rebecca Gould Baeurle weaves a captivating tale of sisterhood, legacy, and self-discovery.
You'll find yourself hooked by the dynamic relationships between the characters - especially the two sisters at the heart of the story - and eager to see how their journeys unfold. The vivid descriptions of Philadelphia hot spots & interior detail will have you craving a visit.
With its engaging plot and relatable characters, this book is a joy to read from start to finish. I was motivated to keep turning pages, laughing and sometimes tearing up alongside the characters. If you love stories about family, love, and finding your path, you'll adore this book! 🌟

[Kathryn]

I really enjoyed this debut novel. As a reader who latches onto good characters, I was happy getting to know Baeurle's well-drawn sisters, Nikki and Lauren. This is also a novel with a strong sense of place, which will delight Philly locals, but appeal to any reader. In addition to character and setting, the author handles some the issues of relationships, trust, and betrayal deftly. I look forward to reading the next installment.

[Ellen Catanzaro]

I loved this book, and am now going to order twelve weeks!!!! Rebecca’s writing style keeps me wanting to read and not put this book down! From the feisty sisters, to their love interests, to the twists and turns…and larceny…that ensue, six weeks is a page turner, leaving you wanting more! Can’t wait to read twelve weeks next!!!!

[Andrea Petrillo]

What a fun read! I loved the current feel and felt transported to my dating days reading this. I love a book when you have no idea what will happen next. This one was the case and hit all good points; funny, romantic, crime and Philadelphia! It was a great distraction from the every day. Highly recommend!

[Claire Finfrock]

Six Weeks Of Love and Larceny is a delightful, easy to read book filled with relatable characters and an entertaining storyline. UD graduates will enjoy the references to local favorite locations and fun college experiences throughout the story! This is a relaxing and entertaining book to read!! Enjoyed it!!

[Morgan S]

I absolutely loved Six Weeks of Love and Larceny! The writing was fun and engaging, and the mix of romance and suspense made it so exciting to read. The fast-paced plot kept me hooked the whole time, and the story was charming and memorable.

[Jordan Axenfeld]

This was a quick and riveting read that had me captivated from the start! I loved the bond between the two sisters, Nikki and Taylor, and was excited by each mention of a familiar Philly place that I know and love. I am already looking forward to the sequel.

[Kimberley Querey]

This book won’t let you put it down!!! It’s a real page turner set in Philadelphia about the lives of two Gen Z sisters! They have jobs to make a living; friends to have some fun and decisions that keep the read interesting!!! You will enjoy this book very much!!!

[Patricia Goudarzi]

I really enjoyed this book.

I loved the characters and had to stay up late to find out what happened to the sisters, because you cannot help but care!

The story line is unique, and I did not expect the ending.

I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Jackie Mette]

This is a terrific summer read. The characters are well developed and the story is relatable.I especially appreciated the way the author ended the novel - so good! I can’t wait for the second installment in the trilogy!

[jane atkins]

Amazing book I could not put down

This was such a good book ! I highly recommend I could not put this down once I started reading . I cant wait for the next book !

[Michelle Sillaman]

This is a fantastic read and very suspenseful! I fell in love with the characters and didn’t want it to end! Highly recommend this book!

[Mike]

Loved the book. It's a great trip through Philly with engaging characters. The book is a quick read. Cant's wait for the sequel.

[Christie Young]

Fantastic book!! Such a great read, I read it in a day! It gives you all the emotions you want in a book. Cannot wait for more!!

[Anna Trad]

This is a great beach read. The women were strong and capable. As the story unfolds you get pulled into the book. Well written

[Peggy Baldwin]

I am originally from Philly so I really enjoyed this book.I loved the two sisters and characters.

[Lisa Barons Pensabene]

What a great book!! Suspenseful, sexy, sentimental—this book has it all, plus it’s a great taste of Philly! I cant wait to read the other two in the trilogy.

[Sue Vassallo]

Highly recommend

Captivating. Great characters. Well.written. I really liked the book. Looking forward to more books from the author. My new favorite

[Emily Uffelman]

Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down- such a great quick read with twists, turns and lovable protagonists.

[Kary Pincheck]

Loved the book! Waiting for the next book…