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Riley Thorn #5
The Heist Before Christmas
Not yet published
Expected 10 Nov 26#1 New York Times bestselling author Lucy Score brings a psychic twist to Christmas in this hilarious all-new Riley Thorn adventure, the fifth in the romantic mystery series.
'Tis the season for mayhem, mistletoe, and one very unfortunate mall uniform.
Engaged. Overwhelmed. Running a small business with a purple-haired octogenarian who thinks "Rhonda El Bano" is a convincing alias. For reluctant psychic Riley Thorn, the holidays are less "magic in the air" and more "fire in the living room." Between the backlog of invoices, a PI license teetering on revocation, a disapproving grandmother lobbing ominous predictions about the upcoming wedding, and the fact that Riley cannot see a single thing about her own future with Nick Santiago, she just wants to survive until December 26th.
Nick Santiago doesn't do "mellow." He does Christmas. Hard. He's the man who owns a twelve-foot inflatable Santa and feels no shame about it. So if closing out the year means going undercover at the East Shore Mall to catch a slippery theft ring―even if it costs him one truly terrible security uniform and several shifts with the world's most punchable assistant manager―fine. The sooner he catches the bad guy, the sooner he can haul his fiancée under the mistletoe and convince her everything is going to be fine.
Between mall chaos, psychic guild parties, warring families descending for Christmas Eve dinner, and one stray kitten who has personally destroyed two rooms and a dog's dignity, they have five days to catch a thief, save a license―
And figure out why the future looks so suspiciously blank.
'Tis the season for mayhem, mistletoe, and one very unfortunate mall uniform.
Engaged. Overwhelmed. Running a small business with a purple-haired octogenarian who thinks "Rhonda El Bano" is a convincing alias. For reluctant psychic Riley Thorn, the holidays are less "magic in the air" and more "fire in the living room." Between the backlog of invoices, a PI license teetering on revocation, a disapproving grandmother lobbing ominous predictions about the upcoming wedding, and the fact that Riley cannot see a single thing about her own future with Nick Santiago, she just wants to survive until December 26th.
Nick Santiago doesn't do "mellow." He does Christmas. Hard. He's the man who owns a twelve-foot inflatable Santa and feels no shame about it. So if closing out the year means going undercover at the East Shore Mall to catch a slippery theft ring―even if it costs him one truly terrible security uniform and several shifts with the world's most punchable assistant manager―fine. The sooner he catches the bad guy, the sooner he can haul his fiancée under the mistletoe and convince her everything is going to be fine.
Between mall chaos, psychic guild parties, warring families descending for Christmas Eve dinner, and one stray kitten who has personally destroyed two rooms and a dog's dignity, they have five days to catch a thief, save a license―
And figure out why the future looks so suspiciously blank.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication November 10, 2026
About the author
Lucy Score
100 books65.3k followersLucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism.
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she shares with Mr. Lucy. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she shares with Mr. Lucy. When not spending hours crafting heartbreaker heroes and kick-ass heroines, Lucy can be found on the couch, in the kitchen, or at the gym.
She hopes to someday write from a sailboat, oceanfront condo, or tropical island with reliable Wi-Fi.
Sign up for her never annoying newsletter at https://www.lucyscore.net/subscribe-l....
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July 2, 2026I love Riley Thorne!!! I am so happy that Lucy Score has written another book in this series. I. Can't. Wait,
November 3, 2026
Thank you Hambright PR and Lucy Score for the ALC and ARC of Heist Before Christmas!
This book is part of the Riley Thorn series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone, even if you haven’t read the previous books!
The audiobook was a single narration by Natalie Duke and she did a great job! She nailed it with all the different characters’ voices!
This was the perfect hilarious holiday rom-com! I loved the cast of characters and all their different, quirky personalities. The romance between Nick and Riley was adorable. I love a man who is obsessed, and these two had some fantastic banter and witty exchanges!
Add in an undercover operation and a murder mystery element, and this story delivers plenty of action, adventure, and shenanigans along the way!
If you’re looking for a holiday read filled with Christmas spirit, catching bad guys, hilarious antics, and a little romance, I would definitely recommend picking this one up!
This book is part of the Riley Thorn series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone, even if you haven’t read the previous books!
The audiobook was a single narration by Natalie Duke and she did a great job! She nailed it with all the different characters’ voices!
This was the perfect hilarious holiday rom-com! I loved the cast of characters and all their different, quirky personalities. The romance between Nick and Riley was adorable. I love a man who is obsessed, and these two had some fantastic banter and witty exchanges!
Add in an undercover operation and a murder mystery element, and this story delivers plenty of action, adventure, and shenanigans along the way!
If you’re looking for a holiday read filled with Christmas spirit, catching bad guys, hilarious antics, and a little romance, I would definitely recommend picking this one up!
Review of advance copy
My first time reading this author, and what fun characters she has created for this series. I loved the role reversal, with the man embracing all the Christmas cheer while the FMC is more reticent to celebrate the so-called season of joy.
This festive romp finds Riley feeling rather overwhelmed as she juggles a lot of things in her life, including a cantankerous grandmother, less-than-friendly potential in-laws and a very amorous fiancé. Add in her psychic abilities failing to predict any kind of wedding, plus a mall thief to catch, and there’s certainly plenty going on!
A fun, festive read with an entertaining cast of quirky characters and plenty of Christmas chaos.
Many thanks to HambrightPR for an ALC of this festive story.
This festive romp finds Riley feeling rather overwhelmed as she juggles a lot of things in her life, including a cantankerous grandmother, less-than-friendly potential in-laws and a very amorous fiancé. Add in her psychic abilities failing to predict any kind of wedding, plus a mall thief to catch, and there’s certainly plenty going on!
A fun, festive read with an entertaining cast of quirky characters and plenty of Christmas chaos.
Many thanks to HambrightPR for an ALC of this festive story.
Review of advance copy
This was a funny cozy mystery with a side of romance. Our Couple also struggles throughout the book with family drama (as in their families don't get along...). There are many quirky characters that come into play throughout especially Riley and Nick's elderly room mates who cause a set of problems all on their own. They have a sweet dog and a kitten has decided to move in and cause problems... but doesn't want to be caught.
There are several shady characters making you wonder who could be responsible for this series of crimes.
Will They be able to wrap up this case so everyone can have a happy holiday season?
I enjoyed this and hope to go back to read the rest of the series at some point! The narrator Natalie Duke does a great job bringing this festive holiday caper to life!
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Hambright PR ALC *Cozy Mystery *Holiday Rom-com *Psychic *Paranormal *Undercover
*heist *Grumpy x Sunshine *Protective MMC *Quirky side characters *fun animal side kick
*Christmas *danger *💀
There are several shady characters making you wonder who could be responsible for this series of crimes.
Will They be able to wrap up this case so everyone can have a happy holiday season?
I enjoyed this and hope to go back to read the rest of the series at some point! The narrator Natalie Duke does a great job bringing this festive holiday caper to life!
Book Blog: https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/202...
*Hambright PR ALC *Cozy Mystery *Holiday Rom-com *Psychic *Paranormal *Undercover
*heist *Grumpy x Sunshine *Protective MMC *Quirky side characters *fun animal side kick
*Christmas *danger *💀
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 5/5 ⭐️
The Heist Before Christmas by Lucy Score
Riley Thorn #5
OMG this was so cute and fun! I love Riley Thorn! This is actually my first book in this series. I kind of started a little backwards but I think it was a great intro and I don’t feel like I missed anything by reading this one first. Now I am definitely wanting to go read the rest of the series.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for the ALC and eARC of this book.
I ended up doing an immersive read with this one. I loved the narration and it was so much fun to follow along with the ebook! The narrator did a great job bringing Riley and Nick to life and capturing the hijinks.
Can’t get over how much I loved this one. Had such a good mix of humor, romance, and mystery. Loved the quirky senior characters, their rag tag team, and all the other chaos that ensues. I laughed so hard. Good thing I already own this series because now I am ready to go read it from the beginning.
The Heist Before Christmas by Lucy Score
Riley Thorn #5
OMG this was so cute and fun! I love Riley Thorn! This is actually my first book in this series. I kind of started a little backwards but I think it was a great intro and I don’t feel like I missed anything by reading this one first. Now I am definitely wanting to go read the rest of the series.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for the ALC and eARC of this book.
I ended up doing an immersive read with this one. I loved the narration and it was so much fun to follow along with the ebook! The narrator did a great job bringing Riley and Nick to life and capturing the hijinks.
Can’t get over how much I loved this one. Had such a good mix of humor, romance, and mystery. Loved the quirky senior characters, their rag tag team, and all the other chaos that ensues. I laughed so hard. Good thing I already own this series because now I am ready to go read it from the beginning.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited to find out that there was a new Riley Thorn novel. I devoured the original series, and while I enjoyed this book, it wasn't my favorite in the series.
This is a Christmas mystery, taking place almost immediately after the events of the last book. Riley is overwhelmed as the holidays, and end of year, approach. She's getting guilt from her grandmother about her lack of attention to her psychic abilities. The PI company may lose their license. And the accounts need to be handled before end of year. Meanwhile, Nick is investigating a string of thefts at a local mall, going undercover with his team to try to catch the mall grinch. Their roommates continue to be a nuisance. And now there's a kitten who has taken up residence in their house?
This book has the humor and ridiculousness that you would expect from a Riley Thorn novel, which I enjoyed. However, I think the reason that I didn't love it as much as the other books in the series is that Riley's psychic powers seemed like an after thought in the investigation, and Riley spent too much time dealing with personal drama instead of the mystery. That being said, I definitely will continue the series if Score blesses us with any more of Riley's adventures!
This is a Christmas mystery, taking place almost immediately after the events of the last book. Riley is overwhelmed as the holidays, and end of year, approach. She's getting guilt from her grandmother about her lack of attention to her psychic abilities. The PI company may lose their license. And the accounts need to be handled before end of year. Meanwhile, Nick is investigating a string of thefts at a local mall, going undercover with his team to try to catch the mall grinch. Their roommates continue to be a nuisance. And now there's a kitten who has taken up residence in their house?
This book has the humor and ridiculousness that you would expect from a Riley Thorn novel, which I enjoyed. However, I think the reason that I didn't love it as much as the other books in the series is that Riley's psychic powers seemed like an after thought in the investigation, and Riley spent too much time dealing with personal drama instead of the mystery. That being said, I definitely will continue the series if Score blesses us with any more of Riley's adventures!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars!
What a fun, laugh-out-loud read! I absolutely loved all the shenanigans in The Heist Before Christmas. From the humor to the ridiculous antics, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end. Lucy Score knows how to deliver a story filled with laughs, fun, and plenty of chaos. If you’re looking for a lighthearted read that will keep you smiling, this one is a must-read! I had an absolute blast with it!
What a fun, laugh-out-loud read! I absolutely loved all the shenanigans in The Heist Before Christmas. From the humor to the ridiculous antics, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end. Lucy Score knows how to deliver a story filled with laughs, fun, and plenty of chaos. If you’re looking for a lighthearted read that will keep you smiling, this one is a must-read! I had an absolute blast with it!
Review of advance copy
Lucy Score brings the laughs, romance, and crazy characters once again. Natalie Duke was fantastic with the narration and really brought everyone to life. This was such a fun listen!
Another great Riley Thorn adventure and a perfect addition to my holiday listening🧑🏻🎄
Another great Riley Thorn adventure and a perfect addition to my holiday listening🧑🏻🎄
Review of advance copy received from Author
💫Title: The Heist Before Christmas 📚Series: Riley Thorn, Book 5
✍🏻Author: Lucy Score 🗣️Narrators: Natalie Duke
👩❤️👨Main Characters: Nick and Riley 🗒️P. 338
📱🎧Book Type Reviewed: E-Book and Audiobook 🗓️Release Date: 11/10/2026
🔹Tropes: Holiday Romance, Undercover/Heist Subplot, Grumpy/Sunshine, Protective Hero, Quirky Senior Roommates
🌟Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Nick and Riley…at it again! 🐶🐈🕵🏻♂️🕵🏻👮♂️👠👨💻🤦🏻♀️
I’m not sure about everyone else, but sometimes after reading certain books, I just need a light, fun read, or good laugh. That is exactly what Riley Thorn is about. Is it crazy, and absurd, Yep! But fun, and exciting, and unpredictable, as well.
So, we are now 5 books in with the Riley Thorn series, so if you haven’t read any of them, I don’t think you want to start here. Well, you can, but you may be a bit confused. I recommend you read them in order as the series progresses with time. So, if you haven’t read, there will be spoilers, so you’ve been warned.
As we know, Riley is a psychic, and for a while she didn’t want anything to do with her powers. But as time goes by, she is finally starting to appreciate her abilities and wants to better her skills. I will say here, that I am not much of one to read paranormal things, but this is not over done in anyway. Other than Riley and her family, it’s Riley using her abilities to help with crimes, and some other random things. That’s it. Easy peezy. Nick is her boyfriend and he runs a PI business. He was once a cop but didn’t like all the rules so went out on his own. Riley helps him with the business, as well as their geriatric, hot mess, friends.
Ok, back to the story. Riley is all stressed out, too many things to get done and only a few days until Christmas. The local mall is having trouble with theft, and hires Nick and the gang. Between Nick, Riley, the family and friends, and the geriatric crew, you know any and all plans are going to go out the window, crap is going to hit the fan, and nothing is going to go the way it’s intended. Add in Nick and Riley’s horse of a dog and you’ve got an entertaining story and series. I really like this series. It is a great way to just sit back, laugh, and go along with the insanity. Natalie Duke has quite the job narrating so many characters. She does a great job portraying the main, and all the supporting, characters. It was a lot of fun listening to her. If you need a fun, PI, who did it read this summer, this is it.
Series:
1- The Dead Guy Next Door
2- The Corpse in the Closet
3- The Blast from the Past
4- The Body in the Backyard
5- The Heist Before Christmas
Thank you to #HambrightPR for this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.
✍🏻Author: Lucy Score 🗣️Narrators: Natalie Duke
👩❤️👨Main Characters: Nick and Riley 🗒️P. 338
📱🎧Book Type Reviewed: E-Book and Audiobook 🗓️Release Date: 11/10/2026
🔹Tropes: Holiday Romance, Undercover/Heist Subplot, Grumpy/Sunshine, Protective Hero, Quirky Senior Roommates
🌟Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Nick and Riley…at it again! 🐶🐈🕵🏻♂️🕵🏻👮♂️👠👨💻🤦🏻♀️
I’m not sure about everyone else, but sometimes after reading certain books, I just need a light, fun read, or good laugh. That is exactly what Riley Thorn is about. Is it crazy, and absurd, Yep! But fun, and exciting, and unpredictable, as well.
So, we are now 5 books in with the Riley Thorn series, so if you haven’t read any of them, I don’t think you want to start here. Well, you can, but you may be a bit confused. I recommend you read them in order as the series progresses with time. So, if you haven’t read, there will be spoilers, so you’ve been warned.
As we know, Riley is a psychic, and for a while she didn’t want anything to do with her powers. But as time goes by, she is finally starting to appreciate her abilities and wants to better her skills. I will say here, that I am not much of one to read paranormal things, but this is not over done in anyway. Other than Riley and her family, it’s Riley using her abilities to help with crimes, and some other random things. That’s it. Easy peezy. Nick is her boyfriend and he runs a PI business. He was once a cop but didn’t like all the rules so went out on his own. Riley helps him with the business, as well as their geriatric, hot mess, friends.
Ok, back to the story. Riley is all stressed out, too many things to get done and only a few days until Christmas. The local mall is having trouble with theft, and hires Nick and the gang. Between Nick, Riley, the family and friends, and the geriatric crew, you know any and all plans are going to go out the window, crap is going to hit the fan, and nothing is going to go the way it’s intended. Add in Nick and Riley’s horse of a dog and you’ve got an entertaining story and series. I really like this series. It is a great way to just sit back, laugh, and go along with the insanity. Natalie Duke has quite the job narrating so many characters. She does a great job portraying the main, and all the supporting, characters. It was a lot of fun listening to her. If you need a fun, PI, who did it read this summer, this is it.
Series:
1- The Dead Guy Next Door
2- The Corpse in the Closet
3- The Blast from the Past
4- The Body in the Backyard
5- The Heist Before Christmas
Thank you to #HambrightPR for this book. All reviews and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Heist Before Christmas by Lucy Score
Series: Riley Thorn, Book 5
Narrator: Natalie Duke
Audiobook Length: 10 hours, 8 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
The Heist Before Christmas was a fun, chaotic, and entertaining holiday mystery filled with quirky characters, plenty of sarcasm, and just the right amount of Christmas craziness!
I’ll start by saying that I haven’t read the previous books in the Riley Thorn series, and I definitely think that put me at a little bit of a disadvantage. There is a lot of history between these characters, and I feel like I would have appreciated some of their relationships and personalities more if I had started from the beginning.
Riley is a psychic who is still struggling with her abilities, and honestly, the poor woman has a LOT going on! Between running a private investigation business, dealing with her eccentric family, planning a wedding, and trying to survive the holidays, she barely has time to breathe. Meanwhile, her fiancé Nick is determined to solve a string of thefts at the local mall before Christmas.
I really enjoyed the humor and the absolutely ridiculous situations these characters found themselves in. The supporting cast is definitely something else! However, I did feel like the actual mystery took a little too long to get going. There was so much happening with the family drama and Riley’s personal struggles that the investigation sometimes felt like it was taking a backseat.
And Nick? Well, he took a little time to grow on me. I usually love a sarcastic MMC, but some of his comments came across a little harsher than I expected. That being said, there were definitely moments when his personality and ridiculous Christmas enthusiasm had me laughing.
Now, let’s talk about Natalie Duke’s narration! She did a fantastic job bringing this eccentric group of characters to life. With so many different personalities, her ability to give everyone a distinct voice really made the audiobook entertaining. I especially enjoyed how she delivered the humor and chaotic conversations.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable holiday listen! While I would have liked the mystery to take center stage a little sooner, the humor, festive atmosphere, and entertaining characters kept me listening. I definitely think this is a series that would be better experienced from book one, and I’m curious to go back and see how all this craziness started!
4 stars from me!
ALC Disclosure: Thank you to Hambright PR for providing me with a complimentary audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series: Riley Thorn, Book 5
Narrator: Natalie Duke
Audiobook Length: 10 hours, 8 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
The Heist Before Christmas was a fun, chaotic, and entertaining holiday mystery filled with quirky characters, plenty of sarcasm, and just the right amount of Christmas craziness!
I’ll start by saying that I haven’t read the previous books in the Riley Thorn series, and I definitely think that put me at a little bit of a disadvantage. There is a lot of history between these characters, and I feel like I would have appreciated some of their relationships and personalities more if I had started from the beginning.
Riley is a psychic who is still struggling with her abilities, and honestly, the poor woman has a LOT going on! Between running a private investigation business, dealing with her eccentric family, planning a wedding, and trying to survive the holidays, she barely has time to breathe. Meanwhile, her fiancé Nick is determined to solve a string of thefts at the local mall before Christmas.
I really enjoyed the humor and the absolutely ridiculous situations these characters found themselves in. The supporting cast is definitely something else! However, I did feel like the actual mystery took a little too long to get going. There was so much happening with the family drama and Riley’s personal struggles that the investigation sometimes felt like it was taking a backseat.
And Nick? Well, he took a little time to grow on me. I usually love a sarcastic MMC, but some of his comments came across a little harsher than I expected. That being said, there were definitely moments when his personality and ridiculous Christmas enthusiasm had me laughing.
Now, let’s talk about Natalie Duke’s narration! She did a fantastic job bringing this eccentric group of characters to life. With so many different personalities, her ability to give everyone a distinct voice really made the audiobook entertaining. I especially enjoyed how she delivered the humor and chaotic conversations.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable holiday listen! While I would have liked the mystery to take center stage a little sooner, the humor, festive atmosphere, and entertaining characters kept me listening. I definitely think this is a series that would be better experienced from book one, and I’m curious to go back and see how all this craziness started!
4 stars from me!
ALC Disclosure: Thank you to Hambright PR for providing me with a complimentary audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Hambright PR for sending me an early copy of The Heist Before Christmas! As a HUGE fan of the Riley Thorn series, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this one for months and it definitely lived up to the hype!
If you’re new to the series, Riley Thorn is a reluctant psychic from a family of gifted clairvoyants who just wants to be normal!! Unfortunately for Riley, her life is anything but. These books are chaotic and hilarious and packed with the most delightfully ridiculous characters. This installment is set around Christmas and delivers everything I love about this series — Riley reading minds and talking to the dead, Nick being his overprotective self, and their octogenarian roommates wreaking havoc (and of course ultimately saving the day). I loved being back in their world!
I alternated between the audiobook and ebook book so I never had to stop enjoying the story, and you really can’t go wrong with either format! Natalie Winters narrates, and since she performs so many of Lucy Score’s books, her voice feels like coming home at this point. I easpecially love her msculine voices and the way she brings the older characters to life. Her performances can be a little silly but it fits perfectly with the tone of the series.
You can absolutely jump in with The Heist Before Christmas and have a great time, but I think you’ll get the most out of it if you start with book one, The Dead Guy Next Door. Either way, the most important thing is not to sleep on this series!!!
If you’re new to the series, Riley Thorn is a reluctant psychic from a family of gifted clairvoyants who just wants to be normal!! Unfortunately for Riley, her life is anything but. These books are chaotic and hilarious and packed with the most delightfully ridiculous characters. This installment is set around Christmas and delivers everything I love about this series — Riley reading minds and talking to the dead, Nick being his overprotective self, and their octogenarian roommates wreaking havoc (and of course ultimately saving the day). I loved being back in their world!
I alternated between the audiobook and ebook book so I never had to stop enjoying the story, and you really can’t go wrong with either format! Natalie Winters narrates, and since she performs so many of Lucy Score’s books, her voice feels like coming home at this point. I easpecially love her msculine voices and the way she brings the older characters to life. Her performances can be a little silly but it fits perfectly with the tone of the series.
You can absolutely jump in with The Heist Before Christmas and have a great time, but I think you’ll get the most out of it if you start with book one, The Dead Guy Next Door. Either way, the most important thing is not to sleep on this series!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Heist Before Christmas is a fun, high-energy holiday read packed with chaotic comedy, psychic shenanigans, and a sweet romance. I immersive read this with the audio and the narrator was able to deliver the story and characters so well!
This was my very first introduction to the Riley Thorn series and I didn't realize this was the 5th book in a series. The story follows a reluctant psychic dealing with wedding stress while her fiancé goes undercover to bust a mall theft ring, which quickly turns into a murder investigation. Because I was missing the history of the massive cast of eccentric side characters and roommates, I felt like I was missing out on some history that I really wanted and needed and that was my fault - I thought this was an interconnected standalone.
That said, I really enjoyed the relationship between Riley and Nick. Their connection feels grounded and tender, providing a great anchor amidst all the festive madness.
Overall, I had a great time with this book despite coming into the loop late. It was an entertaining introduction to Lucy Score’s writing, and I am definitely planning to go back to the beginning and start with book one to fully appreciate this chaotic crew.
This was my very first introduction to the Riley Thorn series and I didn't realize this was the 5th book in a series. The story follows a reluctant psychic dealing with wedding stress while her fiancé goes undercover to bust a mall theft ring, which quickly turns into a murder investigation. Because I was missing the history of the massive cast of eccentric side characters and roommates, I felt like I was missing out on some history that I really wanted and needed and that was my fault - I thought this was an interconnected standalone.
That said, I really enjoyed the relationship between Riley and Nick. Their connection feels grounded and tender, providing a great anchor amidst all the festive madness.
Overall, I had a great time with this book despite coming into the loop late. It was an entertaining introduction to Lucy Score’s writing, and I am definitely planning to go back to the beginning and start with book one to fully appreciate this chaotic crew.
Read
November 2, 2026I can always count on Lucy Score for a good time, so I was super excited to jump into this one!
This one is a fun and chaotic Christmas mystery, and I loved all the shenanigans that took place in this one. Riley is overwhelmed as the holidays and end of year approach. Nick is the one that has all the Christmas cheer in this one, which was a fun little reversal from what we normally see.
The PI agency is on the verge of losing its license, they have cases to investigate, elderly roommates that ad to the chaos, and let's not forget the wedding!
This is actually book 5 in the series, and I think I have read the first couple, and I am not caught up. While it may have been better to have read all of them prior, I still was able to read with no issues. I did an immersive read for this one. The audio is narrated by Natalie Duke, and she did fantastic with the narration and bringing the story and character to life.
If you're looking for a fun, cozy, chaotic, holiday romance with some mystery then I definitely recommend you check this one out. Huge thank you to the author and HambrightPR for the early copy to read/listen to!
This one is a fun and chaotic Christmas mystery, and I loved all the shenanigans that took place in this one. Riley is overwhelmed as the holidays and end of year approach. Nick is the one that has all the Christmas cheer in this one, which was a fun little reversal from what we normally see.
The PI agency is on the verge of losing its license, they have cases to investigate, elderly roommates that ad to the chaos, and let's not forget the wedding!
This is actually book 5 in the series, and I think I have read the first couple, and I am not caught up. While it may have been better to have read all of them prior, I still was able to read with no issues. I did an immersive read for this one. The audio is narrated by Natalie Duke, and she did fantastic with the narration and bringing the story and character to life.
If you're looking for a fun, cozy, chaotic, holiday romance with some mystery then I definitely recommend you check this one out. Huge thank you to the author and HambrightPR for the early copy to read/listen to!
October 31, 2026
Another absolute laugh-out-loud banger from Lucy Score! 🎄
Nick, Riley, and the whole crew are back, and the shenanigans NEVER END! Between Nick & the crew going undercover at the mall to catch a theft ring and Riley trying to keep the business and PI license from falling apart, there’s never a dull moment!
Between the holiday chaos, ridiculous situations, and all the familiar characters back together again, this was such a fun read. Lucy Score knows how to deliver the perfect mix of humor, romance, and mayhem, and this one had me smiling the whole way through.
Mrs. Penny is an absolute menace, and I LOVE her! 😂 She’s just one of the many reasons this crew keeps me laughing!
The audio is SO good, too! Natalie Duke did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. 🎧❤️
Nick, Riley, and the whole crew are back, and the shenanigans NEVER END! Between Nick & the crew going undercover at the mall to catch a theft ring and Riley trying to keep the business and PI license from falling apart, there’s never a dull moment!
Between the holiday chaos, ridiculous situations, and all the familiar characters back together again, this was such a fun read. Lucy Score knows how to deliver the perfect mix of humor, romance, and mayhem, and this one had me smiling the whole way through.
Mrs. Penny is an absolute menace, and I LOVE her! 😂 She’s just one of the many reasons this crew keeps me laughing!
The audio is SO good, too! Natalie Duke did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. 🎧❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🎄 The Heist Before Christmas by Lucy Score 🎄
⭐ 4.5/5 Stars
🌶️ Spice: 0/5
This book was such an enjoyable and fun read! The perfect story to kick off the holiday season. It had me smiling, laughing, and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Penny was hands down my favorite character! She had me laughing so much that I think I’ve officially developed a habit of saying, “Ooo Penny!” 😂 She definitely stole the show for me!
Lucy Score has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and this book is another reason why! I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining holiday read with plenty of laughs, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to Hambright PR Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! ❤️🎄
⭐ 4.5/5 Stars
🌶️ Spice: 0/5
This book was such an enjoyable and fun read! The perfect story to kick off the holiday season. It had me smiling, laughing, and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Penny was hands down my favorite character! She had me laughing so much that I think I’ve officially developed a habit of saying, “Ooo Penny!” 😂 She definitely stole the show for me!
Lucy Score has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and this book is another reason why! I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining holiday read with plenty of laughs, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to Hambright PR Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC! ❤️🎄
October 31, 2026
Cheesy Christmas Chaos
This was an ALC gifted by Lucy Score and HambrightPR.
There was a lot going on in this story but it was a story that didn’t take itself too seriously. Lucy Score wrote a book based off vibes in my opinions and it screams Christmas chaos. Your meant to buckle up and enjoy the ride! It honestly reminds me of the hilarious chaos from Christmas with the Kranks.
It’s the perfect light and funny Christmas read!
This was an ALC gifted by Lucy Score and HambrightPR.
There was a lot going on in this story but it was a story that didn’t take itself too seriously. Lucy Score wrote a book based off vibes in my opinions and it screams Christmas chaos. Your meant to buckle up and enjoy the ride! It honestly reminds me of the hilarious chaos from Christmas with the Kranks.
It’s the perfect light and funny Christmas read!
November 4, 2026
I truly enjoyed this book and can’t say enough good things about it. I laughed more than anything.
The chaos and the side characters had me looking forward to it on my way to work. I’m grateful I got an ALC because I highly recommend listening to it because any other way is missing out. All the voices of the characters crack me up.
Soooo good !!
The chaos and the side characters had me looking forward to it on my way to work. I’m grateful I got an ALC because I highly recommend listening to it because any other way is missing out. All the voices of the characters crack me up.
Soooo good !!
October 31, 2026
Classic Lucy Score romantic comedy and chaos. Loved the Christmas mall thief turned murder mystery. Her trademark quirky characters made for a fun holiday read.
Review of advance copy
THE HEIST BEFORE CHRISTMAS by LUCY SCORE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Heist Before Christmas is the fifth (#5) book in the RILEY THORN series.
The extraordinary Riley Thorn series continues with the run up to Christmas.
Riley is panicking over the imminent revocation of her fiancé Nick Santiago’s PI license, overwhelmed by the heaping pile of invoices she’s yet to sort and convinced that their wedding won’t go ahead ( not helped by her grandmother’s increasingly depressing predictions).
Meanwhile PI Nick is working undercover at the East Shore Mall trying to catch an elusive theft ring, aided and abetted by his bunch of uncontrollable misfits, a misbehaving robot and a purple - haired octogenarian bootlegger….
Whatever could go wrong??
———————————
The Heist Before Christmas is the fifth book in the Riley Thorn series and in my opinion, the best so far!! THBC can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book but I highly recommend you read the entire series for the full Riley Thorn experience!
Poor psychic Riley is panicking because she is unable to ‘see’ any images of her and Nick’s upcoming nuptials. Convinced that the wedding won’t go ahead Riley is struggling to find any enthusiasm. Added to that is the very real risk that come the new year Nick won’t be a licensed PI anymore.
Nick is stuck working with an obnoxious assistant manager whilst working undercover in the mall, trying to catch a theft ring determined to spoil Christmas. He has five days, a handful of clues and zero patience. With his band of merry (aged) misfits plus several other hangers on he’s determined to bring the villains to justice (and punch his obnoxious coworker) before Christmas, if only octogenarian Mrs Penny would buckle down, cease eating the profits and stop breaking the law!!
With japes a plenty, giggles galore and lots of festive goings on this is the perfect build up to the season, just avoid the hot chocolate at all costs!
Perfect pacing, hilarious adventures, vacuous villains and one very tasteful, mild spicy scene at 60% all unite to bring a smorgasbord of joy. I read this book in less than a day and highly recommend this read!
I read an ebook version of this gigglefest of a seasonal read. With around 335 pages, a bright, eye catching, festive cover and great editing. This book releases on November 10th 2026
With thanks to Lucy Score and Hambright PR for an early chance to read this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🎅🏻 Romantic Mystery
🎅🏻 One Mild Spicy Scene
🎅🏻 Santas galore
The Heist Before Christmas is the fifth (#5) book in the RILEY THORN series.
The extraordinary Riley Thorn series continues with the run up to Christmas.
Riley is panicking over the imminent revocation of her fiancé Nick Santiago’s PI license, overwhelmed by the heaping pile of invoices she’s yet to sort and convinced that their wedding won’t go ahead ( not helped by her grandmother’s increasingly depressing predictions).
Meanwhile PI Nick is working undercover at the East Shore Mall trying to catch an elusive theft ring, aided and abetted by his bunch of uncontrollable misfits, a misbehaving robot and a purple - haired octogenarian bootlegger….
Whatever could go wrong??
———————————
The Heist Before Christmas is the fifth book in the Riley Thorn series and in my opinion, the best so far!! THBC can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book but I highly recommend you read the entire series for the full Riley Thorn experience!
Poor psychic Riley is panicking because she is unable to ‘see’ any images of her and Nick’s upcoming nuptials. Convinced that the wedding won’t go ahead Riley is struggling to find any enthusiasm. Added to that is the very real risk that come the new year Nick won’t be a licensed PI anymore.
Nick is stuck working with an obnoxious assistant manager whilst working undercover in the mall, trying to catch a theft ring determined to spoil Christmas. He has five days, a handful of clues and zero patience. With his band of merry (aged) misfits plus several other hangers on he’s determined to bring the villains to justice (and punch his obnoxious coworker) before Christmas, if only octogenarian Mrs Penny would buckle down, cease eating the profits and stop breaking the law!!
With japes a plenty, giggles galore and lots of festive goings on this is the perfect build up to the season, just avoid the hot chocolate at all costs!
Perfect pacing, hilarious adventures, vacuous villains and one very tasteful, mild spicy scene at 60% all unite to bring a smorgasbord of joy. I read this book in less than a day and highly recommend this read!
I read an ebook version of this gigglefest of a seasonal read. With around 335 pages, a bright, eye catching, festive cover and great editing. This book releases on November 10th 2026
With thanks to Lucy Score and Hambright PR for an early chance to read this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
🎅🏻 Romantic Mystery
🎅🏻 One Mild Spicy Scene
🎅🏻 Santas galore
November 2, 2026
I settled in with my morning latte and Lucy Score’s The Heist Before Christmas for a little tandem reading and listening, because apparently I like my holiday cheer with a criminal investigation. A huge thank you to Hambright PR, Bloom Books, and Lucy Score for the gifted ebook and early listening copy. Anyone else enjoying fictional Christmas chaos while ignoring their own to-do list?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Riley Thorn is engaged, overwhelmed, and keeping a business afloat while her grandmother supplies wedding-related dread. Being psychic sounds useful until you can’t see your own future with the man you love. I understood her desire to skip straight to December 26.
Meanwhile, Nick Santiago owns a twelve-foot inflatable Santa. This man does not gently ease into the season. I loved having HIM be the Christmas enthusiast while Riley tries to hold everything together. Their affection gives the nonsense something sweet to come home to, and the flirty moments certainly help.
Then there’s an undercover mall job, a theft ring, and a security uniform nobody is putting on a romance cover. Christmas shopping already tests my goodwill toward mankind. Add an insufferable assistant manager, and I would be requesting hazard pay.
Mrs. Penny and her questionable alias were a delight. Some people grow older gracefully; others become everyone else’s problem. I know which makes better reading. And the destructive stray kitten? Living with cats has taught me that innocence is mostly a facial expression.
There’s a LOT happening in this fifth Riley Thorn adventure. Occasionally, I wanted everyone to sit down so I could catch my breath, but the humor and tenderness kept me entertained.
Natalie Duke narrates, and switching between the page and audio made this unruly crew even more fun.
Pairing: Peppermint White Russian—Riley can’t predict her future, but I can predict this investigation requires something stronger than my latte.
Which fictional character would you trust to rescue your holiday plans?
#TheHeistBeforeChristmas #LucyScore #RileyThorn #HambrightPR #BloomBooks #HolidayReads #RomanticMystery #AudiobookReview
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Riley Thorn is engaged, overwhelmed, and keeping a business afloat while her grandmother supplies wedding-related dread. Being psychic sounds useful until you can’t see your own future with the man you love. I understood her desire to skip straight to December 26.
Meanwhile, Nick Santiago owns a twelve-foot inflatable Santa. This man does not gently ease into the season. I loved having HIM be the Christmas enthusiast while Riley tries to hold everything together. Their affection gives the nonsense something sweet to come home to, and the flirty moments certainly help.
Then there’s an undercover mall job, a theft ring, and a security uniform nobody is putting on a romance cover. Christmas shopping already tests my goodwill toward mankind. Add an insufferable assistant manager, and I would be requesting hazard pay.
Mrs. Penny and her questionable alias were a delight. Some people grow older gracefully; others become everyone else’s problem. I know which makes better reading. And the destructive stray kitten? Living with cats has taught me that innocence is mostly a facial expression.
There’s a LOT happening in this fifth Riley Thorn adventure. Occasionally, I wanted everyone to sit down so I could catch my breath, but the humor and tenderness kept me entertained.
Natalie Duke narrates, and switching between the page and audio made this unruly crew even more fun.
Pairing: Peppermint White Russian—Riley can’t predict her future, but I can predict this investigation requires something stronger than my latte.
Which fictional character would you trust to rescue your holiday plans?
#TheHeistBeforeChristmas #LucyScore #RileyThorn #HambrightPR #BloomBooks #HolidayReads #RomanticMystery #AudiobookReview
November 4, 2026
Book 5 in the Riley Thorn series… and it’s a Christmas special? Sign me UP. I binged this entire series a little over a year ago and immediately fell in love with it. It’s kooky, it’s chaotic, and it’s got the most unhinged cast of characters I’ve ever read. I would recommend reading the first 4 books of the series before diving into this one. While Lucy does a great job of circling back to previous plot lines and reminding us of who’s who, you’ll get the full experience, understanding, and appreciation by reading the complete series in order.
This book was just as ridiculous as the previous 4 (in the best way!). So many things going on… Riley and Nick’s families at odds, the PR company in jeopardy, thievery at the local mall, Riley’s internal struggles, and then… a dead body?! But it’s the characters that really steal the show. I love Nick and Riley, but the octogenarian roommates are really something special. Mrs. Penny… you are an absolute menace to society and I could not love you more. And Gabe… you loveably giant. Let me give you a hug.
I flipped back and forth between my kindle and the audio- you truly cannot go wrong either way, but Natalie Duke is such an incredible narrator. She really brought these characters to life- even Beep Boop! She’s narrated so many of Lucy’s books at this point that it truly feels like listening to an old friend tell you a story. I’m so glad I was given the ALC for this book in addition to the ARC. Highly recommend this one as an audiobook!
All that being said, I really enjoyed this one. Lucy was obviously vibing when she wrote this, and I was vibing as I read it. Continuing this story felt like coming home. I love the balance of crazy, romance, and tender moments. The ending was absolutely perfect and just SO Nick and Riley coded. OH! and FIVE books later… we FINALLY get Riley’s middle name
Thank you so much to Lucy and Hambright PR for the ALC and ARC! All opinions are my own.
PS- not to sound greedy, but can we PLEASE get a Jasmine and Kellen enemies to lovers book? I also need the orange ninja kitten to be given a name!! It’s Burt’s BFF now, obviously.
This book was just as ridiculous as the previous 4 (in the best way!). So many things going on… Riley and Nick’s families at odds, the PR company in jeopardy, thievery at the local mall, Riley’s internal struggles, and then… a dead body?! But it’s the characters that really steal the show. I love Nick and Riley, but the octogenarian roommates are really something special. Mrs. Penny… you are an absolute menace to society and I could not love you more. And Gabe… you loveably giant. Let me give you a hug.
I flipped back and forth between my kindle and the audio- you truly cannot go wrong either way, but Natalie Duke is such an incredible narrator. She really brought these characters to life- even Beep Boop! She’s narrated so many of Lucy’s books at this point that it truly feels like listening to an old friend tell you a story. I’m so glad I was given the ALC for this book in addition to the ARC. Highly recommend this one as an audiobook!
All that being said, I really enjoyed this one. Lucy was obviously vibing when she wrote this, and I was vibing as I read it. Continuing this story felt like coming home. I love the balance of crazy, romance, and tender moments. The ending was absolutely perfect and just SO Nick and Riley coded. OH! and FIVE books later… we FINALLY get Riley’s middle name
Thank you so much to Lucy and Hambright PR for the ALC and ARC! All opinions are my own.
PS- not to sound greedy, but can we PLEASE get a Jasmine and Kellen enemies to lovers book? I also need the orange ninja kitten to be given a name!! It’s Burt’s BFF now, obviously.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lucy Score is my favorite author, so was I excited to be back with the Riley Thorn crew? OBVIOUSLY. And let me tell you, Lucy wasted absolutely no time reminding me why I love these books. I was laughing from Chapter 1! 😂
Five books in, and this cast is still just as ridiculous as ever. Nick being Nick, Mrs. Penny being an absolute menace, and a holiday heist that turns into complete chaos. Honestly, I don't think these people could have a normal Christmas if they tried.
One thing I especially loved was all the little callbacks to previous books. Lucy even managed to sneak in a "blast from the past" reference, and I love those little Easter eggs for longtime readers. It really does feel like catching up with a bunch of old friends. Very dysfunctional friends, but friends nonetheless. 🤣
And can we talk about the wedding dress shopping disaster?! I was cracking up. Also, apparently it's not a Riley Thorn book unless something breaks during sex. If you know, you know. 😂
Beyond the laughs, I genuinely enjoyed the mystery. I had my suspicions, and getting to see how everything came together was so satisfying! I actually got so hooked toward the end that I blew through ten chapters because I couldn't stop reading. There was also a sweet found-family element that I wasn't expecting to become so invested in. 🥹
And Nick and Riley? I just love these two together. Their relationship is the perfect balance of romance, ridiculousness, and knowing exactly how to handle each other's crazy. The ending was so perfectly THEM, and I couldn't have asked for anything more fitting.
My only remaining request? Lucy, PLEASE give us a Jasmine and Kellen enemies-to-lovers spinoff. I need it. 👀
Overall, this was such a fun, lighthearted read that delivered exactly what I wanted from another Riley Thorn adventure. Sometimes you just want a book that makes you laugh, keeps you entertained, and reminds you why you love these characters so much.
And that's exactly what this one did. ❤️
Thank you to Hambright PR for the ARC!
Five books in, and this cast is still just as ridiculous as ever. Nick being Nick, Mrs. Penny being an absolute menace, and a holiday heist that turns into complete chaos. Honestly, I don't think these people could have a normal Christmas if they tried.
One thing I especially loved was all the little callbacks to previous books. Lucy even managed to sneak in a "blast from the past" reference, and I love those little Easter eggs for longtime readers. It really does feel like catching up with a bunch of old friends. Very dysfunctional friends, but friends nonetheless. 🤣
And can we talk about the wedding dress shopping disaster?! I was cracking up. Also, apparently it's not a Riley Thorn book unless something breaks during sex. If you know, you know. 😂
Beyond the laughs, I genuinely enjoyed the mystery. I had my suspicions, and getting to see how everything came together was so satisfying! I actually got so hooked toward the end that I blew through ten chapters because I couldn't stop reading. There was also a sweet found-family element that I wasn't expecting to become so invested in. 🥹
And Nick and Riley? I just love these two together. Their relationship is the perfect balance of romance, ridiculousness, and knowing exactly how to handle each other's crazy. The ending was so perfectly THEM, and I couldn't have asked for anything more fitting.
My only remaining request? Lucy, PLEASE give us a Jasmine and Kellen enemies-to-lovers spinoff. I need it. 👀
Overall, this was such a fun, lighthearted read that delivered exactly what I wanted from another Riley Thorn adventure. Sometimes you just want a book that makes you laugh, keeps you entertained, and reminds you why you love these characters so much.
And that's exactly what this one did. ❤️
Thank you to Hambright PR for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
🎄 Blurb-
Engaged. Overwhelmed. Running a small business with a purple-haired octogenarian who thinks "Rhonda El Bano" is a convincing alias. For reluctant psychic Riley Thorn, the holidays are less "magic in the air" and more "fire in the living room." Between the backlog of invoices, a PI license teetering on revocation, a disapproving grandmother lobbing ominous predictions about the upcoming wedding, and the fact that Riley cannot see a single thing about her own future with Nick Santiago, she just wants to survive until December 26th.
Nick Santiago doesn't do "mellow." He does Christmas. Hard. He's the man who owns a twelve-foot inflatable Santa and feels no shame about it. So if closing out the year means going undercover at the East Shore Mall to catch a slippery theft ring―even if it costs him one truly terrible security uniform and several shifts with the world's most punchable assistant manager―fine. The sooner he catches the bad guy, the sooner he can haul his fiancée under the mistletoe and convince her everything is going to be fine.
Between mall chaos, psychic guild parties, warring families descending for Christmas Eve dinner, and one stray kitten who has personally destroyed two rooms and a dog's dignity, they have five days to catch a thief, save a license―
And figure out why the future looks so suspiciously blank.
🧑🎄 Review -
This was such a fun and entertaining read. I have read and enjoyed other books by the author and The Heist Before Christmas certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and was entertained all the way through. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great cast of characters plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🎉 Thank you to Hambright PR, the author Lucy Score and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Engaged. Overwhelmed. Running a small business with a purple-haired octogenarian who thinks "Rhonda El Bano" is a convincing alias. For reluctant psychic Riley Thorn, the holidays are less "magic in the air" and more "fire in the living room." Between the backlog of invoices, a PI license teetering on revocation, a disapproving grandmother lobbing ominous predictions about the upcoming wedding, and the fact that Riley cannot see a single thing about her own future with Nick Santiago, she just wants to survive until December 26th.
Nick Santiago doesn't do "mellow." He does Christmas. Hard. He's the man who owns a twelve-foot inflatable Santa and feels no shame about it. So if closing out the year means going undercover at the East Shore Mall to catch a slippery theft ring―even if it costs him one truly terrible security uniform and several shifts with the world's most punchable assistant manager―fine. The sooner he catches the bad guy, the sooner he can haul his fiancée under the mistletoe and convince her everything is going to be fine.
Between mall chaos, psychic guild parties, warring families descending for Christmas Eve dinner, and one stray kitten who has personally destroyed two rooms and a dog's dignity, they have five days to catch a thief, save a license―
And figure out why the future looks so suspiciously blank.
🧑🎄 Review -
This was such a fun and entertaining read. I have read and enjoyed other books by the author and The Heist Before Christmas certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and was entertained all the way through. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great cast of characters plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
🎉 Thank you to Hambright PR, the author Lucy Score and the publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A Christmas Mystery That Didn't Quite Steal My Heart
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat Level:
Tear Drops:
📚 EBOOK & AUDIOBOOK 🎧 ARC & ALC — Hambright PR
When I received the email from Hambright PR offering an ARC and ALC of a Lucy Score book, I jumped on it without even reading the synopsis! I've enjoyed her books in the past, so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me.
The story follows Riley Thorn, a reluctant psychic trying to survive the Christmas chaos while planning her wedding to Nick Santiago. Between family drama, psychic predictions, and an undercover investigation at the mall to catch a theft ring, there's definitely a lot going on!
I think my biggest issue was getting into the story. Maybe it's because I haven't read the previous four books in the series, and I was missing some of the character development and history. The humour didn't really land for me either, and I found the first half a little too slow. I kept waiting for things to pick up.
That being said, the book is well written, and I actually enjoyed the ending! It's a cute Christmas romantic mystery with some suspense, quirky characters, and a closed-door romance.
I also enjoyed Natalie Duke's narration, but even with the audiobook, I struggled to fully connect with the story.
This isn't a bad book by any means. It just didn't grab me the way Lucy Score's other books have. Maybe longtime Riley Thorn fans will appreciate it more than someone jumping into book five!
Will I read more from Lucy Score? Absolutely! ❤️ This one just wasn't for me. Sometimes a book is simply a meh, and that's okay!
Thank you to Hambright PR for providing me with the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat Level:
Tear Drops:
📚 EBOOK & AUDIOBOOK 🎧 ARC & ALC — Hambright PR
When I received the email from Hambright PR offering an ARC and ALC of a Lucy Score book, I jumped on it without even reading the synopsis! I've enjoyed her books in the past, so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me.
The story follows Riley Thorn, a reluctant psychic trying to survive the Christmas chaos while planning her wedding to Nick Santiago. Between family drama, psychic predictions, and an undercover investigation at the mall to catch a theft ring, there's definitely a lot going on!
I think my biggest issue was getting into the story. Maybe it's because I haven't read the previous four books in the series, and I was missing some of the character development and history. The humour didn't really land for me either, and I found the first half a little too slow. I kept waiting for things to pick up.
That being said, the book is well written, and I actually enjoyed the ending! It's a cute Christmas romantic mystery with some suspense, quirky characters, and a closed-door romance.
I also enjoyed Natalie Duke's narration, but even with the audiobook, I struggled to fully connect with the story.
This isn't a bad book by any means. It just didn't grab me the way Lucy Score's other books have. Maybe longtime Riley Thorn fans will appreciate it more than someone jumping into book five!
Will I read more from Lucy Score? Absolutely! ❤️ This one just wasn't for me. Sometimes a book is simply a meh, and that's okay!
Thank you to Hambright PR for providing me with the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"The Heist Before Christmas" was an entertaining read, but I suspect I would have enjoyed it more had I started the Riley Thorn series from the beginning. Jumping in at book five, I felt like I was missing some of the history and character development that might have made me more invested.
For a mystery, the actual mystery felt like an afterthought, taking nearly half the book to become a real focus. Instead, much of the story revolved around Riley's inner turmoil and her fiancé Nick's relentless sarcasm. Listen, I LOVE good banter, but Nick's one-liners often came across as unnecessarily rude rather than charming. It wasn't until a particularly entertaining encounter in Santa's workshop that I finally started warming up to him!
I also found myself questioning Riley's psychic abilities. Has she had them throughout the entire series? And if so, why is she only just now coming to terms with them? Perhaps another reason I should have started with book one!
Now, Natalie Duke? LOVE LOVE LOVE! I've been a fan since listening to the "Torrent Witches" series, and she remains an absolute delight. Her character voices are fantastic, and I even recognized a few familiar ones from those earlier audiobooks. Her narration definitely added to my enjoyment!
Overall, a good read with some entertaining moments, but one that left me wanting a little more mystery and a little less family drama and inner turmoil.
📖 The Heist Before Christmas
✍️ Lucy Score
📚 Riley Thorn, Book 5
🎙️ Natalie Duke
🎁 Hambright PR
📅 11/11/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
For a mystery, the actual mystery felt like an afterthought, taking nearly half the book to become a real focus. Instead, much of the story revolved around Riley's inner turmoil and her fiancé Nick's relentless sarcasm. Listen, I LOVE good banter, but Nick's one-liners often came across as unnecessarily rude rather than charming. It wasn't until a particularly entertaining encounter in Santa's workshop that I finally started warming up to him!
I also found myself questioning Riley's psychic abilities. Has she had them throughout the entire series? And if so, why is she only just now coming to terms with them? Perhaps another reason I should have started with book one!
Now, Natalie Duke? LOVE LOVE LOVE! I've been a fan since listening to the "Torrent Witches" series, and she remains an absolute delight. Her character voices are fantastic, and I even recognized a few familiar ones from those earlier audiobooks. Her narration definitely added to my enjoyment!
Overall, a good read with some entertaining moments, but one that left me wanting a little more mystery and a little less family drama and inner turmoil.
📖 The Heist Before Christmas
✍️ Lucy Score
📚 Riley Thorn, Book 5
🎙️ Natalie Duke
🎁 Hambright PR
📅 11/11/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Heist Before Christmas by Lucy Score brings us back into the quirky world of psychic Riley Thorn!
Riley is running a small business, feeling overwhelmed, and trying to plan her wedding. But her psychic abilities aren’t exactly showing her the way forward, and she’s beginning to fear that it might be a sign. Could she and Nick really be fated not to marry after all?
On top of that, Riley is still struggling to come to terms with her psychic abilities and what it truly means to embrace this part of herself.
Meanwhile, her fiancé, Nick, is busy putting his private investigator skills to work, hoping to solve a series of crimes at the local mall.
What I love most about these Riley Thorn novels is the outrageous cast of characters! Riley’s quirky bunch of elderly friends and roommates are equal parts pain in the ass and surprisingly helpful. The banter, the ridiculous antics, and the sheer absurdity of their interactions never fail to make me laugh. I can practically picture the chaos unfolding!
This was such a sweet, lighthearted read. Think holiday rom-com meets cozy mystery, with a psychic twist and a whole lot of hilarious shenanigans!
If you’re looking for an easy laugh, a little mystery, and some feel good holiday fun, this one is a perfect addition to your seasonal TBR!
Thank you to Hambright PR and Lucy Score for the ALC and ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Riley is running a small business, feeling overwhelmed, and trying to plan her wedding. But her psychic abilities aren’t exactly showing her the way forward, and she’s beginning to fear that it might be a sign. Could she and Nick really be fated not to marry after all?
On top of that, Riley is still struggling to come to terms with her psychic abilities and what it truly means to embrace this part of herself.
Meanwhile, her fiancé, Nick, is busy putting his private investigator skills to work, hoping to solve a series of crimes at the local mall.
What I love most about these Riley Thorn novels is the outrageous cast of characters! Riley’s quirky bunch of elderly friends and roommates are equal parts pain in the ass and surprisingly helpful. The banter, the ridiculous antics, and the sheer absurdity of their interactions never fail to make me laugh. I can practically picture the chaos unfolding!
This was such a sweet, lighthearted read. Think holiday rom-com meets cozy mystery, with a psychic twist and a whole lot of hilarious shenanigans!
If you’re looking for an easy laugh, a little mystery, and some feel good holiday fun, this one is a perfect addition to your seasonal TBR!
Thank you to Hambright PR and Lucy Score for the ALC and ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I've enjoyed every book in the Riley Thorn series and have been impatiently waiting for book five! So receiving this one as an ARC felt like an early Christmas present!
This time around, Riley and Nick are navigating the holiday season, complete with a mall theft investigation, family drama, and plenty of Christmas chaos. But there's also a bigger problem brewing: Riley can't seem to see their future, which is understandably unsettling for someone who relies on her psychic abilities.
This book delivers all the usual shenanigans from Riley, Nick, and their wonderfully chaotic crew. Honestly, the humor and character dynamics are what make this series so much fun. The banter, ridiculous situations, and lovable cast never fail to entertain me, and the holiday setting added an extra layer of festive chaos!
But underneath all the hilarious antics, I also appreciated Riley's struggle with people-pleasing and figuring out how to help others without completely neglecting herself. It added a meaningful layer to a story that still managed to be entertaining and laugh out loud funny.
All in all, another fun installment in a series I've grown to love! This is the perfect book to kick off the Christmas reading season.
I was lucky enough to receive both the ARC and ALC, so I got to enjoy this one as an immersive read!
Thank you to Lucy Score and Hambright PR for the advance copies!
This time around, Riley and Nick are navigating the holiday season, complete with a mall theft investigation, family drama, and plenty of Christmas chaos. But there's also a bigger problem brewing: Riley can't seem to see their future, which is understandably unsettling for someone who relies on her psychic abilities.
This book delivers all the usual shenanigans from Riley, Nick, and their wonderfully chaotic crew. Honestly, the humor and character dynamics are what make this series so much fun. The banter, ridiculous situations, and lovable cast never fail to entertain me, and the holiday setting added an extra layer of festive chaos!
But underneath all the hilarious antics, I also appreciated Riley's struggle with people-pleasing and figuring out how to help others without completely neglecting herself. It added a meaningful layer to a story that still managed to be entertaining and laugh out loud funny.
All in all, another fun installment in a series I've grown to love! This is the perfect book to kick off the Christmas reading season.
I was lucky enough to receive both the ARC and ALC, so I got to enjoy this one as an immersive read!
Thank you to Lucy Score and Hambright PR for the advance copies!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Lucy Score and Hambright Marketing for the opportunity to review this ARC of The Heist Before Christmas!
I will preface this review by saying I did not read the previous books in this series and while I don't think it was necessary, it may have saved some of my confusion in the beginning, especially with figuring out the characters and their roles.
Riley, a psychic, attempts to help her fiancée, Nick, a PI, solve a theft ring at the local mall right before Christmas. All the while, she's having an internal crisis about her psychic abilities, the PI business work, Nick possibly losing his license, and most of all, their wedding. We follow long throughout the case while working through Riley's internal issues, which one by one seem to solve themselves except for the fact that she can't see anything about the wedding. Riley eventually spills her guts to Nick about this, who, being the great fiancée that he is, settles her thoughts about their relationship. They work together with the rest of their crew to solve the case, save Christmas, and (surprise!!) get married.
This book is absolutely hilarious! I can't count the number of times it had me laughing out loud! I don't know that it convinced me to go back and read the rest of the series, but it is a comical holiday romance with a little bit of spice mixed in. Overall, it's a good read!
I will preface this review by saying I did not read the previous books in this series and while I don't think it was necessary, it may have saved some of my confusion in the beginning, especially with figuring out the characters and their roles.
Riley, a psychic, attempts to help her fiancée, Nick, a PI, solve a theft ring at the local mall right before Christmas. All the while, she's having an internal crisis about her psychic abilities, the PI business work, Nick possibly losing his license, and most of all, their wedding. We follow long throughout the case while working through Riley's internal issues, which one by one seem to solve themselves except for the fact that she can't see anything about the wedding. Riley eventually spills her guts to Nick about this, who, being the great fiancée that he is, settles her thoughts about their relationship. They work together with the rest of their crew to solve the case, save Christmas, and (surprise!!) get married.
This book is absolutely hilarious! I can't count the number of times it had me laughing out loud! I don't know that it convinced me to go back and read the rest of the series, but it is a comical holiday romance with a little bit of spice mixed in. Overall, it's a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2026
This was my first dive into the Riley Thorn series, and I absolutely loved it!
The Heist Before Christmas is a grumpy x sunshine, holiday, mystery, paranormal romcom following Riley and Nick.
Riley immediately feels like someone you would be besties with irl. I loved that she has such a big heart, always doing what she can to use her abilities to help people whenever possible. She’s very endearing, especially when you see her interact with Nick or her family/friends. I really admired how she tries her best to see the good in people, but she still maintains her boundaries, and she’s just a very well-balanced character I couldn’t help but love.
I loved how in love with Riley that Nick is. He has complete faith in her and her abilities, even when she’s struggling with them and doesn’t have faith in herself. He’s also a fierce protector, if anyone threatens her in any way, he doesn’t hesitate to intervene. But he also knows when to step back and let her do her thing, he’s still there in case she needs him. He completely embraces her and her family, and it’s easy to see how perfect these two are for each other.
Thank you so much to @scorelucy and @hambright_pr for my arc! I’m so excited for everyone to pick this up for the holidays.
Be sure to grab your copy in bookstores and in KU on November 10th❤️
The Heist Before Christmas is a grumpy x sunshine, holiday, mystery, paranormal romcom following Riley and Nick.
Riley immediately feels like someone you would be besties with irl. I loved that she has such a big heart, always doing what she can to use her abilities to help people whenever possible. She’s very endearing, especially when you see her interact with Nick or her family/friends. I really admired how she tries her best to see the good in people, but she still maintains her boundaries, and she’s just a very well-balanced character I couldn’t help but love.
I loved how in love with Riley that Nick is. He has complete faith in her and her abilities, even when she’s struggling with them and doesn’t have faith in herself. He’s also a fierce protector, if anyone threatens her in any way, he doesn’t hesitate to intervene. But he also knows when to step back and let her do her thing, he’s still there in case she needs him. He completely embraces her and her family, and it’s easy to see how perfect these two are for each other.
Thank you so much to @scorelucy and @hambright_pr for my arc! I’m so excited for everyone to pick this up for the holidays.
Be sure to grab your copy in bookstores and in KU on November 10th❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Lucy Score and Hambright PR for this ALC and ARC copy to review. All thoughts are honest and my own.
If you’re looking for something fun this holiday season, consider this chaotically humorous rom com for your TBR! This is actually the first Riley Thorne book I’ve read. Somehow I missed that it was a series. While there was clearly background on the characters that I didn’t know, it was still easy to step in and read it as a standalone. It’s fairly quick paced, with something always happening, whether it’s the crew working on solving who the mystery culprit they are tasked with finding is, Riley stressing out over just about everything 😆, animal and elder shenanigans, and so much more! Throw in some family dynamics and it is a whirlwind! Each character has their own very quirky personality and I truly enjoyed the relationship and interactions between Nick and Riley. Also, it was super amusing to see how much he got into the holiday spirit! 😆
This was actually the first audio that I have listened to in full and I thought it was well done! It is single narration by Natalie Duke and it felt like she did a good job bringing each of the characters to life.
The only reason for the slightly lower rating was just personal. It was a lot of chaos, which was really funny, but a bit too much for my brain at this time.
If you’re looking for something fun this holiday season, consider this chaotically humorous rom com for your TBR! This is actually the first Riley Thorne book I’ve read. Somehow I missed that it was a series. While there was clearly background on the characters that I didn’t know, it was still easy to step in and read it as a standalone. It’s fairly quick paced, with something always happening, whether it’s the crew working on solving who the mystery culprit they are tasked with finding is, Riley stressing out over just about everything 😆, animal and elder shenanigans, and so much more! Throw in some family dynamics and it is a whirlwind! Each character has their own very quirky personality and I truly enjoyed the relationship and interactions between Nick and Riley. Also, it was super amusing to see how much he got into the holiday spirit! 😆
This was actually the first audio that I have listened to in full and I thought it was well done! It is single narration by Natalie Duke and it felt like she did a good job bringing each of the characters to life.
The only reason for the slightly lower rating was just personal. It was a lot of chaos, which was really funny, but a bit too much for my brain at this time.
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