To Steal a Melody

by Kate Serzenta

Only one thing is forbidden for the king and queen of London high each other.

Lady Cassiopeia’s life has been impeccably planned since childhood, when her father, the all-powerful Earl of Wescott, engaged her to a man she’s never met in order to secure himself an heir. As a loyal and undefiant daughter, Cass is forced to trudge through the London social season as the ton’s most desired bride—and forced to turn down all offers of marriage until her secret betrothal comes to light. Far more enamored with her music-composing pursuits than vapid balls and soirées, she should not find it too hard to fend off the herd of dowry-hungry bachelors.

But it might be much harder to deny one very persistent, alluring marquis.

Daniel Ascombe, Lord Farenham, is the ton’s greatest catch—on the bachelor side of matchmaking—thanks to his quick-witted charm, athletic excellence, and an inheritable dukedom. But he’s also a loyal friend, and as a favor to one of those friends, he promises to measure up Cass and make certain she’s not toying with her suitors. Even if doing so risks opening old wounds about a near-engagement gone awry.

The last thing Daniel expects to find is a funny and fascinatingly passionate woman hiding behind the mask of the ice princess. And the last thing Cass expects behind Daniel’s carefree air and disarming smiles is sincerity and vulnerability. But while the ton might place wagers on which of them will fall first, a much more dangerous game is being played in the background. Not only will Daniel and Cass have to defy the expectations laid upon them to get a chance at love—they’ll also have to compete against a tale of revenge that had unknowingly shaped their pasts and makes their fathers mortal enemies, hell-bent on separating the star-crossed lovers …

To Steal a Melody is a closed-door Regency Romance and a companion novel to The Girl Out of Time, although it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone with no knowledge of the main novel needed.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 7, 2026

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying this book until all the drama and melodrama ensued...until a secret was revealed that should have been shared long before it was, until… so...many...revelations kept cropping up, one after the other which turned the story into a farce for me. Each revelation could have been a romance novel! The hero and heroine’s romance takes a back seat to all of this. The heroine’s father was beyond cruel; the fact he had a pair of manacles readily available just down the hall seemed random which made the whole “lock her in her room” moment overblown/overwritten. The hero & heroine’s falling in love happened fairly quickly, but then all that extra drama got in the way; I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just say I skipped a bunch of pages to get past it. The story is original, I appreciated Lady Cassiopeia being a female composer (I liked how the author described her creative process, what her thoughts and feelings were as she composed—it all felt very genuine). Daniel, the hero, was charming and likable. I liked the author’s writing style, but there were a few anachronisms that kicked me right out of the story (which is disappointing because word origins and historical details can be readily researched these days). Otherwise this was a good, albeit a little over-the-top and silly, read. I do recommend giving it a try.

I received an ARC in eBook format from BookSirens for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story did not go at all as I thought it would and definitely a surprise or two. Lady Cassiopeia or Cass has turned down several suitors and proposals due to a secret that her father says she must keep! Her father seems doting and loving at first all intents and purposes is Cass and her happiness but is it!? Daniel Ascombe, Lord Farenham, is the ton’s greatest catch Of the season as the eldest son of the Duke of Redbridge’s son. Daniel meets Cass the ice queen as a favor to his friend who needs a heiress. She is nothing like what he was told and he is entranced by her. Several meetings later and Daniel is lost but she says yes to elopement since her father is almost violently opposed but it is so much more! When Daniel sends for a betrothal necklace that has been in the family for generations his engagement is announced to a woman he has never met and published for all to see! The tangled web of events afterwards make it seem these two will never ever meet again certainly not marry! Melody of the heart calls to them and neither can ignore the music! See how their HEA was fought for and won! Bravo! I received an ARC copy from BookSirens for my unbiased review!

[Anna Boliker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story hovers somewhere between a YA and a cute Regency romance. The book can be read as a standalone, although we get some glimpses on the “main” novel in the second half. That is also where the action starts. The plot is very Romeo and Juliet but with more twists and turns that are more or less believable. With each turn the believability shrinks though.

Makes a cute summer read, if you don’t take it too seriously.

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

[B.J. Sikes · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many dramatic goings on, secrets, revelations, old grudges, mismatched couples, and lots and lots of pining in this book.
The falling in love happens fairly quickly but is stymied by all the aforementioned drama.
It was fun, maybe a little silly but still an enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.