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The Artist and Her Thief: Stolen Love Series
When an art thief steals a mysterious painting to lure out its elusive creator, he never expects to fall in love with the woman behind the canvas—an artist hiding from the world and herself.
Nash Beaumont lives two lives—respected art expert by day, meticulous thief by night. When he risks everything to steal Blue, the latest work from the anonymous artist known only as PERL, his plan is spark chaos in the art world and flush out the ghost behind the masterpiece.
But the woman he collides with on a quiet New York street—an anxious, guarded artist named Sybil—haunts him in ways he can’t explain. She’s fragile yet defiant, her vivid blue eyes echoing the same mystery that drives his obsession with PERL.
Sybil Kauffman has spent her life hiding from color, light, and people. The world believes she’s gone, and that’s exactly how she wants it. But when her stolen painting ignites a media frenzy, her carefully constructed solitude begins to crumble—especially when the charming stranger across the street keeps finding ways into her orbit.
As the truth unravels, their connection becomes more dangerous—and more intoxicating—than either of them could have imagined. In a city where everyone wears a mask, can love survive when the biggest secret of all is exposed?
Romantic suspense with psychological and art-world intrigue.Forbidden love, dual identities, art and obsession, emotional healing, forced proximity Heist Romance • Psychological Romance • Contemporary Women’s FictionTone & Dual POV (thief and artist), elegant prose, art-world intrigue, slow-burn emotional connection.Comparable Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher, Ruth Ware, K.A. Tucker, Lauren BlakelyIdeal Women 25–55 who love emotional, atmospheric romance with secrets and redemption arcs.
Nash Beaumont lives two lives—respected art expert by day, meticulous thief by night. When he risks everything to steal Blue, the latest work from the anonymous artist known only as PERL, his plan is spark chaos in the art world and flush out the ghost behind the masterpiece.
But the woman he collides with on a quiet New York street—an anxious, guarded artist named Sybil—haunts him in ways he can’t explain. She’s fragile yet defiant, her vivid blue eyes echoing the same mystery that drives his obsession with PERL.
Sybil Kauffman has spent her life hiding from color, light, and people. The world believes she’s gone, and that’s exactly how she wants it. But when her stolen painting ignites a media frenzy, her carefully constructed solitude begins to crumble—especially when the charming stranger across the street keeps finding ways into her orbit.
As the truth unravels, their connection becomes more dangerous—and more intoxicating—than either of them could have imagined. In a city where everyone wears a mask, can love survive when the biggest secret of all is exposed?
Romantic suspense with psychological and art-world intrigue.Forbidden love, dual identities, art and obsession, emotional healing, forced proximity Heist Romance • Psychological Romance • Contemporary Women’s FictionTone & Dual POV (thief and artist), elegant prose, art-world intrigue, slow-burn emotional connection.Comparable Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher, Ruth Ware, K.A. Tucker, Lauren BlakelyIdeal Women 25–55 who love emotional, atmospheric romance with secrets and redemption arcs.
381 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2026
17 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Artist and Her Thief is an upcoming contemporary novel and is the debut novel of the author. For this being her first book I must say I am very impressed with how this story turned out! While I don't encourage stealing art and falling in love with the artist to be very logical you have to admit that is does make for a cute fictional story. The characters in this book were very likeable and the story was fast paced.
We are introduced to Nash who spends his daytime hours working a respectful job but once the workday ends he turns into an art thief. However, one piece he steals he is absolutely enamored with the work and finds himself determined to find the artist. Sybil the Artist herself has her baggage to unpack if she wants to move on with her life.
We are introduced to Nash who spends his daytime hours working a respectful job but once the workday ends he turns into an art thief. However, one piece he steals he is absolutely enamored with the work and finds himself determined to find the artist. Sybil the Artist herself has her baggage to unpack if she wants to move on with her life.
January 17, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It's been quite some time that a book as had me laughing out loud at the banter between two characters. What a debut from the author as you would not think it with how fluent her writing is. I adored all the characters in this book as the author really gave them depth and meaning through their actions and wit. There was such a family vibe throughout this story that it really kept me invested into wanting to know more about what was going to happen.
This is a contemporary novel with romance, banter and sprinkle of spice throughout. I loved that it was a dual POV as that added alot more dimension into story and the characters. Plus I always like to know what the other character is thinking when events unfold. The main character Sybil is an artist but she doesn't want anyone to know who she is, so she keeps her identity unknow. She suffers from anxiety and likes to keep herself to herself or just likes to keep the company of her four legged friends Mr Beans and Bill. I thought the author tackled Sybils mental health very well and loved the fact that she made her character neurodivergent with being colour blind. This is something I haven't come across in a book before and highlighted awareness to those that have to go day to day without seeing the rainbow.
I adored Nash so much as he was super witty, provided treats for Sybils pets and also left her coffee at her front door. He is our thief in the story and he doesn't know at the start of this blooming relationship that Sybil has a secret that she is keeping from him but she also doesn't know he is the one responsible for stealing her artwork.
The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, however I would love to revisit this story as I loved the characters so much. If you are looking for a story that will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and the next laughing your head off then please check out this one.
Thank you so much to Novel Tours and Margriete Johnson for gifting me a copy of the book! I had so much reading this one and look forward to seeing more of Margrietes work in the future.
This is a contemporary novel with romance, banter and sprinkle of spice throughout. I loved that it was a dual POV as that added alot more dimension into story and the characters. Plus I always like to know what the other character is thinking when events unfold. The main character Sybil is an artist but she doesn't want anyone to know who she is, so she keeps her identity unknow. She suffers from anxiety and likes to keep herself to herself or just likes to keep the company of her four legged friends Mr Beans and Bill. I thought the author tackled Sybils mental health very well and loved the fact that she made her character neurodivergent with being colour blind. This is something I haven't come across in a book before and highlighted awareness to those that have to go day to day without seeing the rainbow.
I adored Nash so much as he was super witty, provided treats for Sybils pets and also left her coffee at her front door. He is our thief in the story and he doesn't know at the start of this blooming relationship that Sybil has a secret that she is keeping from him but she also doesn't know he is the one responsible for stealing her artwork.
The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, however I would love to revisit this story as I loved the characters so much. If you are looking for a story that will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and the next laughing your head off then please check out this one.
Thank you so much to Novel Tours and Margriete Johnson for gifting me a copy of the book! I had so much reading this one and look forward to seeing more of Margrietes work in the future.
January 15, 2026
I absolutely loved the sweet, colorful romance in this novel, with powerful found family, and a family-centric vibe. There was a lot of witty, and even sultry banter between Sybil and Nash that had me invested in their spark.
Sybil has this line that sums up my experience of this book perfectly, “everything else fell away into a romantic world. I ache to live in.”
Sybil is struggling with an incredible amount of anxiety and agoraphobia, but the stars align for this improbable pair. When an incredible disaster upends everything, it propels the story forward in a way that make rapid improvement possible for our FMC.
Sybil’s relationship with Cat is definitely outside the norm, maybe even a little unethical. However, having had very close and long term therapists in my own life I can see how this could happen. Both Cat and Nash exhibit an almost unreal, albeit charming, amount of patience for Sybil’s restrictive mental health. It felt a little “too perfect” but that’s exactly why I loved it!
Yes, I fell into it, falling for Sybil and Nash, PERL and Bee, Cat and even some of the art collectors! These characters drew me right into an imaginary network of friends and family that made me want to plop right down with some skittles and champagne for movie night.
I hope to read more of their antics, because this fabulous ending (no cliffhanger) leaves room for more time in this world.
Thank you Margriete Johnson, and Novel Tours for giving me a copy of this book! It’s been well loved and even has a bit of my own paint smudged on the back from sitting on my easel. I truly adore Sybil!
Sybil has this line that sums up my experience of this book perfectly, “everything else fell away into a romantic world. I ache to live in.”
Sybil is struggling with an incredible amount of anxiety and agoraphobia, but the stars align for this improbable pair. When an incredible disaster upends everything, it propels the story forward in a way that make rapid improvement possible for our FMC.
Sybil’s relationship with Cat is definitely outside the norm, maybe even a little unethical. However, having had very close and long term therapists in my own life I can see how this could happen. Both Cat and Nash exhibit an almost unreal, albeit charming, amount of patience for Sybil’s restrictive mental health. It felt a little “too perfect” but that’s exactly why I loved it!
Yes, I fell into it, falling for Sybil and Nash, PERL and Bee, Cat and even some of the art collectors! These characters drew me right into an imaginary network of friends and family that made me want to plop right down with some skittles and champagne for movie night.
I hope to read more of their antics, because this fabulous ending (no cliffhanger) leaves room for more time in this world.
Thank you Margriete Johnson, and Novel Tours for giving me a copy of this book! It’s been well loved and even has a bit of my own paint smudged on the back from sitting on my easel. I truly adore Sybil!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was 4.5⭐️ A fast, easy to read romantic suspense.
The plot was interesting, I love that you start with an art heist to get you hooked, but then there’s a twist to the who and why that takes you into romance. But always with art as the backdrop.
The author depicts the FMC with mental health challenges, very empathetically written, you can feel Sybil’s anxiety in many scenes. Beautifully done, the author is vulnerable and shares her personal story at the end.
The MMC of course is everything you’d want in a romance, gorgeous, ripped bod, so tender and caring, falls hard and fast.
And Betty, well she’s a trip, everyone needs an energizer friend like Betty.
The book ties up Sybil for the most part but leaves the door open for book two which I assume will be Betty’s story, definitely will have to put it on my TBR!
Tropes from the author:
a slow-burn, dual-POV romantic suspense with psychological twists, forbidden desire, and art-world intrigue
There is some open door spice, just fyi if you are a no spice reader.
The plot was interesting, I love that you start with an art heist to get you hooked, but then there’s a twist to the who and why that takes you into romance. But always with art as the backdrop.
The author depicts the FMC with mental health challenges, very empathetically written, you can feel Sybil’s anxiety in many scenes. Beautifully done, the author is vulnerable and shares her personal story at the end.
The MMC of course is everything you’d want in a romance, gorgeous, ripped bod, so tender and caring, falls hard and fast.
And Betty, well she’s a trip, everyone needs an energizer friend like Betty.
The book ties up Sybil for the most part but leaves the door open for book two which I assume will be Betty’s story, definitely will have to put it on my TBR!
Tropes from the author:
a slow-burn, dual-POV romantic suspense with psychological twists, forbidden desire, and art-world intrigue
There is some open door spice, just fyi if you are a no spice reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a unique and refreshing read, and I loved it. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 blends romance, suspense, and art-world intrigue in a way that feels intimate and intense. It pulled me in right from the start.
The story follows Nash, an art expert living a double life as a thief, and Sybil, a reclusive artist hiding from the world and herself. What begins as a calculated heist quickly turns personal when their lives collide. The connection between them builds slowly, layered with secrecy, emotional vulnerability, and an underlying sense of danger that keeps the tension high.
The dual POV worked beautifully, giving insight into both sides of the story and making their connection feel believable.
If you’re in a reading slump, this is absolutely the kind of book that will pull you out of it.
The story follows Nash, an art expert living a double life as a thief, and Sybil, a reclusive artist hiding from the world and herself. What begins as a calculated heist quickly turns personal when their lives collide. The connection between them builds slowly, layered with secrecy, emotional vulnerability, and an underlying sense of danger that keeps the tension high.
The dual POV worked beautifully, giving insight into both sides of the story and making their connection feel believable.
If you’re in a reading slump, this is absolutely the kind of book that will pull you out of it.
January 14, 2026
A debut novel by Margriete Johnson featuring Nash and Sybil. Nash has a respectable job during the day and, when the workday ends, he turns into an art thief. Sybil is a reclusive artist hiding from the world. He steals her work and is obsessed with the work and needs to find the artist. The connection between them builds slowly. He definitely falls first. The story is well written with a blend of romance, suspense, secrecy, emotions, and a sense of danger. The characters are well developed and relatable. The secondary characters add to the story. A wonderful read. Margriete hit it out of the park with this one!
December 31, 2025
Ending 2025 with a BANG! Thank you Margriete Johnson for this beautiful ARC! I absolutely devoured it, I fell in love with Nash and Sybil, also Nashes sister Betty was so fun! I won't give any spoilers and I will come back and review it more when the books comes out in January 14, let's just say it's worth the wait for the New Year, New book and was so exited I got my hands on this book, you won't regret it!
January 17, 2026
3.5 who doesn’t want a man like Nash! The slow start was hard for me. I wish the intimate scenes played up the size difference but that is a me thing if the author goes for that description go all in you know!?
I wish the fmc continued her art in a new way but as it was used as her exposure therapy I guess it made sense she let it go
The next book seems to have the characters more fleshed out and I think I’ll check it out
I wish the fmc continued her art in a new way but as it was used as her exposure therapy I guess it made sense she let it go
The next book seems to have the characters more fleshed out and I think I’ll check it out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2026
I adored this book, it was gentle but intense. 🌶️ low on spice levels (for anyone who prefers that). I loved Bee, she was a whirlwind but so calming at the same time.
The Beaumont family are adorable and I’d love to know where to send my application to join. I’m so pleased Sybil found Nash, I think his mum sent her for him. Chefs kisses!!
The Beaumont family are adorable and I’d love to know where to send my application to join. I’m so pleased Sybil found Nash, I think his mum sent her for him. Chefs kisses!!
January 18, 2026
Outside my love of books, one of my first loves was and still is art. This book combines art, romance and tension in a delicious way that had me reading this book in one sitting (sorry authors) I just couldn't get enough of it. I read it over Christmas and it was just the perfect read for me. The tension between Nash and Sybil was the best and I really wanted to stay apart of their world
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Artist & Her Thief was an incredible read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The concept of the book was unique and impactful, especially how Sybil found her passion after escaping her past. I loved Sybil’s pets: Bill the dog and Mr. Beans, who each played a significantly pleasant role in the book. The way Bill connected Sybil and Nash was so adorable in forming a structure to their building relationship. It honestly felt like love at first sight for Nash, which I absolutely love! His desire for Sybil ended up with a ‘he fell first, she fell harder’ and given her social anxiety, it warmed my heart to read about her opening up to him.
I definitely NEED a Bee and Grayson book! Their tension and chemistry in her solo chapter was unreal- I loved it so much that I need more of them together. Also, after reading the book, I finally understand the relevance of the Skittles artwork and I love it!
I definitely NEED a Bee and Grayson book! Their tension and chemistry in her solo chapter was unreal- I loved it so much that I need more of them together. Also, after reading the book, I finally understand the relevance of the Skittles artwork and I love it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.t rounded up
January 14, 2026
A fantastic read that I enjoyed right from the start!
This story was unlike anything I have read before. It delves realistically into the world of anxiety and how it can consume a person. Instead of folding though, our heroine Sybil focus’ and becomes the strong, sassy, sweet & talented person she really is! So inspiring to those of us who know what it is like to have anxiety.
I adored all the characters of this book! Nash is the definition of a heartthrob book boyfriend! Rich, handsome, mysterious & oh sooo loving & caring! The relationship he had with his sister Bee was so genuine and heartwarming. Bee herself was amazing, I loved her personality and her love towards Sybil!
I cannot leave this review without giving Bill & Mr. Beans the love and cuddles they deserve! Those cuties made this story feel even more like home.
I happily recommend this book everyone!
This story was unlike anything I have read before. It delves realistically into the world of anxiety and how it can consume a person. Instead of folding though, our heroine Sybil focus’ and becomes the strong, sassy, sweet & talented person she really is! So inspiring to those of us who know what it is like to have anxiety.
I adored all the characters of this book! Nash is the definition of a heartthrob book boyfriend! Rich, handsome, mysterious & oh sooo loving & caring! The relationship he had with his sister Bee was so genuine and heartwarming. Bee herself was amazing, I loved her personality and her love towards Sybil!
I cannot leave this review without giving Bill & Mr. Beans the love and cuddles they deserve! Those cuties made this story feel even more like home.
I happily recommend this book everyone!
January 18, 2026
Was a cute story, easy read. Excited for Bee’s story and hopefully more of Sybil and Nash!
January 20, 2026
Margriete Johnson’s The Artist & Her Thief is an incredible and enjoyable read. It’s a heartwarming story with eccentric family dynamics, vibrant romance and a powerful message about mental health.
The characters are all very likeable and the patience they showed Sybil, especially someone battling social anxiety and depression, was truly appreciated.
Sybil’s story and childhood experiences were deeply moving and drew me in. Her passion for art despite her colour blindness added a unique twist to the narrative.
I genuinely rooted for Nash and Sybil’s relationship and the book didn’t disappoint.
Well done, Margriete, for this fantastic book. I’d love to read another featuring Bee and Grayson. I can sense the chemistry between them.
If you’re looking for a found family, colourful romance and a mental health message this book is perfect for you!
The characters are all very likeable and the patience they showed Sybil, especially someone battling social anxiety and depression, was truly appreciated.
Sybil’s story and childhood experiences were deeply moving and drew me in. Her passion for art despite her colour blindness added a unique twist to the narrative.
I genuinely rooted for Nash and Sybil’s relationship and the book didn’t disappoint.
Well done, Margriete, for this fantastic book. I’d love to read another featuring Bee and Grayson. I can sense the chemistry between them.
If you’re looking for a found family, colourful romance and a mental health message this book is perfect for you!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews