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Thieves of the Ton #1
Captivated by an Adventurous Lady
The quest to break a mummy’s curse turns dangerous when a peer ends up dead.Miles Lawrence Hawkins, fifth Earl of Archewyne, is alone and the last of his line, save for a young daughter, and he’s made peace with that…Yet unexpectedly finding an attractive female thief in his library gives him doubts. Drawn into the lady’s insane plot to retrieve various stolen mummies from around London—including the British Museum—he accompanies her merely to see what will happen next. Being captivated by her quest and intrigued by her talent for skirting the law is a much needed distraction from the stress of his own life’s misfortunes.Lady Emmaline Darling, skilled thief and only child to the Earl of St. Ives, is under a mummy’s curse. Believing herself damned due to her father’s penchant for removing antiquities from Egypt, she’s vowed to return a pair of mummies to their eternal resting place in order to save his life and her own. Being caught by Miles wasn’t in her plan, and neither was falling for his charm, but she’ll do anything to see he’s free of the curse as well, for their histories are too intricately connected for his ills to just be bad luck.When a peer with ties to them both ends up dead and Emmaline’s jewelry is found at the scene, Miles is honor bound to offer for her and lend her his protection. Despite her refusal, desire pulls at them and scandal surrounds them, and when Miles is summoned to once more embark upon a secret mission for the Crown, he must shed everything that will become a liability, but keeping Emmaline out of trouble—and out of his mind—is easier said than done.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2016
69 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
336 books273 followersSandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 5, 2020
This was a good paced story. I liked Lady Emmaline, she was one of a kind and very daring. She had know Miles, Earl of Archewyne since childhood but they haven’t seen each other for some years. Emmaline believes she is under a curse. I enjoyed their connection and the lengths Miles went to, to help her with her quest. They do have an attraction but there is a rival who wants to marry Miles. There some very dangerous moments. Although some matters are resolved, others are not and are obviously continuing in the next book.
April 2, 2022
Estaba dispuesta a darle cuatro estrellas hasta que llegué al final en el que hay una escena de lo más desagradable que me hizo quitarle los puntos que le había dado por lo original que me había parecido y rebajarla a tres estrellas.
Se trata de un romance de regencia pero con un toque especial, ya que hay una temática sobre en antiguo egipcio entrelazada con el mundo. Además la dama (Emmaline) es un espíritu libre pero no del típico estilo de las que se suelen poner en los libros, es mucho más especial porque la ha criado su padre en Egipto y no está acostumbrada a las maneras de la ton.
El personaje masculino, Miles, tiene también un trasfondo interesante (una hija y un secreto: trabaja como espía para la corona). Su personalidad va evolucionando a lo largo de toda la novela de un aburrido y estirado lord a alguien que no teme a las aventuras y se enamora de Emmaline.
La escena final, que creo que era del todo innecesaria, me ha fastidiado un poco la lectura porque no me gusta ver violencia gratuita contra las mujeres. Entiendo que es el objetivo fácil en esta novela por cómo era la sociedad y por el papel que ella tiene en la ton, pero no me gusta y creo que se podía haber resuelto de otra forma.
Aun con eso he desfrutado bastante de la novela, hasta el punto de pensar en darle 4 estrellas, pero el final es un NO para mí que le ha bajado la puntuación a 3. No obstante si te gusta el romance de regencia con misterio y drama esta es una novela para ti.
Se trata de un romance de regencia pero con un toque especial, ya que hay una temática sobre en antiguo egipcio entrelazada con el mundo. Además la dama (Emmaline) es un espíritu libre pero no del típico estilo de las que se suelen poner en los libros, es mucho más especial porque la ha criado su padre en Egipto y no está acostumbrada a las maneras de la ton.
El personaje masculino, Miles, tiene también un trasfondo interesante (una hija y un secreto: trabaja como espía para la corona). Su personalidad va evolucionando a lo largo de toda la novela de un aburrido y estirado lord a alguien que no teme a las aventuras y se enamora de Emmaline.
La escena final, que creo que era del todo innecesaria, me ha fastidiado un poco la lectura porque no me gusta ver violencia gratuita contra las mujeres. Entiendo que es el objetivo fácil en esta novela por cómo era la sociedad y por el papel que ella tiene en la ton, pero no me gusta y creo que se podía haber resuelto de otra forma.
Aun con eso he desfrutado bastante de la novela, hasta el punto de pensar en darle 4 estrellas, pero el final es un NO para mí que le ha bajado la puntuación a 3. No obstante si te gusta el romance de regencia con misterio y drama esta es una novela para ti.
January 1, 2019
The h is a strong character, fiery and clever and a match for the He's sedate, older and wiser. There is a complicated story about Egyptian mummies and a curse but I just didn't connect to the story because of so many frustrating issues. They could never get a break, and then, the story ends on a cliffie. Unlike other readers, I disliked the feisty h, the smug and hesitant H and the cliffhanger ending.
August 23, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Sandra Sookoo. Somehow I’ve never come across her HR books before. I enjoy HR stories with a dash of espionage so I was intrigued to read this one. Also I love Egyptian stories (like Amelia Peabody) so I was excited to see that was going to feature in this story.
I won’t bother with summing up the plot, other reviewers can do that better than I.
I enjoyed the story and read it in one sitting. I liked both the H and h, although they sure have a lot of obstacles to surmount.
I found Emmy’s insistence on the curse a bit strange. It didn’t ring true for me for some reason although I did like the various mentions of Egypt and mummies, etc. In the book.
I’d like to know more about Miles and his spying activities. There wasn’t much of it in this book and it was all quite vague. I didn’t really understand his orders to alienate himself and leave for the Continent, which appeared without any warning and context. Hopefully more details are in the next book.
Jane was a cute addition to the story as was the pet lion Sandra.
I like the supporting characters of Peterson and Sarah, whom I expect will eventually end up getting married.
Pacing was good in the book, the action and plot kept moving along so I never felt bored. There wasn’t any ‘middle of the book’ drop in action.
I did not realize this was part of a series and would end on a cliffhanger. I deliberately avoid cliff hanger books so I’m not sure how far I will continue. I saw that there are another 9 (!) books in this series. I think I will probably read the next 2 since the titles indicate they are about Miles and Emmy being engaged and married.
Note - there is a scene of attempted sexual assault and torture in the book. Two detailed consensual sex scenes, several scenes of petting and/or heated kissing.
I removed one star since I found typos or incorrect words being used (ie he instead of her) several times in the book.
I won’t bother with summing up the plot, other reviewers can do that better than I.
I enjoyed the story and read it in one sitting. I liked both the H and h, although they sure have a lot of obstacles to surmount.
I found Emmy’s insistence on the curse a bit strange. It didn’t ring true for me for some reason although I did like the various mentions of Egypt and mummies, etc. In the book.
I’d like to know more about Miles and his spying activities. There wasn’t much of it in this book and it was all quite vague. I didn’t really understand his orders to alienate himself and leave for the Continent, which appeared without any warning and context. Hopefully more details are in the next book.
Jane was a cute addition to the story as was the pet lion Sandra.
I like the supporting characters of Peterson and Sarah, whom I expect will eventually end up getting married.
Pacing was good in the book, the action and plot kept moving along so I never felt bored. There wasn’t any ‘middle of the book’ drop in action.
I did not realize this was part of a series and would end on a cliffhanger. I deliberately avoid cliff hanger books so I’m not sure how far I will continue. I saw that there are another 9 (!) books in this series. I think I will probably read the next 2 since the titles indicate they are about Miles and Emmy being engaged and married.
Note - there is a scene of attempted sexual assault and torture in the book. Two detailed consensual sex scenes, several scenes of petting and/or heated kissing.
I removed one star since I found typos or incorrect words being used (ie he instead of her) several times in the book.
April 19, 2018
I enjoyed the interaction between Miles and Emmaline. He's missing love and adventure in his life, since he recently lost his wife and has been staying close to home to help raise his young daughter. Although he is a spy for the crown, Miles would rather be done with all that and be free to stay with his daughter instead of traipsing across Europe to ferret out plots against Britain. However, when he meets Emmaline Darling trying to steal something from his house, he gets more adventure than he bargained for.
Emmaline in on a quest to find two mummies that her father had unearthed years ago in Egypt. She hopes that if she can return the mummies she can break the curse that has led to several deaths in her family. She's known Miles since they were children in Egypt, but she hasn't seen him in years and has no idea if he remembers the young girl who used to tag along with him and his brother.
Danger seems to follow Emmaline wherever she goes. Whether that's because of the curse or a human threat, Miles is determined to protect her and help her with her mission. If he could only avoid the match-making schemes of certain members of the ton and figure out how to fulfill his duties to the crown, he thinks he and Emmaline could be a good match. Emmaline has other ideas. Although she is very attracted to Miles and could easily fall in love, she's got a mission to complete.
The chemistry is great between these two. Their sleuthing, spying, and burglary skills come in quite handy as they try to outwit adversaries in the ton and murderers alike.
Be aware that this is just the first part of the story. Nothing is resolved at the end of the book, and it very much leaves you hanging, waiting for more. I think it will be interesting to see how the story develops with Miles and Emmaline over the course of several books.
Emmaline in on a quest to find two mummies that her father had unearthed years ago in Egypt. She hopes that if she can return the mummies she can break the curse that has led to several deaths in her family. She's known Miles since they were children in Egypt, but she hasn't seen him in years and has no idea if he remembers the young girl who used to tag along with him and his brother.
Danger seems to follow Emmaline wherever she goes. Whether that's because of the curse or a human threat, Miles is determined to protect her and help her with her mission. If he could only avoid the match-making schemes of certain members of the ton and figure out how to fulfill his duties to the crown, he thinks he and Emmaline could be a good match. Emmaline has other ideas. Although she is very attracted to Miles and could easily fall in love, she's got a mission to complete.
The chemistry is great between these two. Their sleuthing, spying, and burglary skills come in quite handy as they try to outwit adversaries in the ton and murderers alike.
Be aware that this is just the first part of the story. Nothing is resolved at the end of the book, and it very much leaves you hanging, waiting for more. I think it will be interesting to see how the story develops with Miles and Emmaline over the course of several books.
August 2, 2023
I picked this up from a free ebook list because I enjoy historical romance and this looked like it had adventure and Egypt in it. I do love the Mummy movie and this felt like it had similar elements.
Lord Miles Archwyne is an agent for the crown and trying to fit into society but he stumbles into childhood friend/love interest Lady Emmaline Darling when she is caught stealing something of his. She confides that she is on a quest to break a mummy's curse on her family and wants to return the stolen pieces to its homeland. Miles has had his own tragedies and strangely fears the curse has gotten to him too. He is quite bored with life and the whirlwind of chaos Emmy is makes him want to live again. Though he struggles with taking a risk because of his duties to his daughter, Jane and his job for the Crown.
Emmy is still attracted to Miles after their first kiss as teenagers but she is also reluctant to trust especially when the Ton have deemed her and her father as eccentrics and strange. I liked the adventure aspect but there was hardly any Egypt here except flashbacks. There was more telling than showing of Miles job as a Crown agent and he wasn't that great of a spy. The story got draggy too. That scene at the end where Emmy is hurt was gratuitous!
I won't be reading the next book.
Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers, widows, single parent
Lord Miles Archwyne is an agent for the crown and trying to fit into society but he stumbles into childhood friend/love interest Lady Emmaline Darling when she is caught stealing something of his. She confides that she is on a quest to break a mummy's curse on her family and wants to return the stolen pieces to its homeland. Miles has had his own tragedies and strangely fears the curse has gotten to him too. He is quite bored with life and the whirlwind of chaos Emmy is makes him want to live again. Though he struggles with taking a risk because of his duties to his daughter, Jane and his job for the Crown.
Emmy is still attracted to Miles after their first kiss as teenagers but she is also reluctant to trust especially when the Ton have deemed her and her father as eccentrics and strange. I liked the adventure aspect but there was hardly any Egypt here except flashbacks. There was more telling than showing of Miles job as a Crown agent and he wasn't that great of a spy. The story got draggy too. That scene at the end where Emmy is hurt was gratuitous!
I won't be reading the next book.
Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers, widows, single parent
May 26, 2017
What a wonderful book! I could not put it down when I started and read through to the end! I fell in love with Miles, Fifth Earl of Archewyne, who has lost many people in his life and feels very alone. He does work for the crown so keeps to himself a good deal until he comes across Lady Emmaline Darling trying to steal antiquities out of his house! They realize they both know each other from years ago when they were teenagers and spent time in Egypt with their parents. Emmy is on a quest to reverse a curse and Miles is pulled in to help her. Thus starts the adventure which includes intrigue, strong emotions and sometimes humorous situations! Do not miss out on this story which will keep your interest from start to finish and make you want to read the next book. The characters were well developed, the plot pulled together nicely and the story never lost my interest for a second! This is a new author for me and I cannot wait to read more!!!
October 5, 2018
A perfect start to an adventurous series! It's steamy, has a mystery, and mummies! I was drawn in from the start when they met again and never knew what was going to happen. There is a scene with a book and a dart that is movie worthy that I love. They are a unique couple from the start because they both have reason to not want to get involved in romance. I really did not expect a rival to go as far as this one did and to bring a twisted person into it. The ending definitely leaves you excited for the next one.
Emmaline doesn't give a care to what people think and won't be stopped on her mission. She is strong, but also a bit broken because of everything she has gone through. I loved her right away because she knew what she was doing and how to do it.
Miles will do anything to protect his daughter and live in peace. He will win you over right away with how he doesn't think twice to help. He doesn't care what people think and has no plans to be tricked into marriage.
Emmaline doesn't give a care to what people think and won't be stopped on her mission. She is strong, but also a bit broken because of everything she has gone through. I loved her right away because she knew what she was doing and how to do it.
Miles will do anything to protect his daughter and live in peace. He will win you over right away with how he doesn't think twice to help. He doesn't care what people think and has no plans to be tricked into marriage.
January 17, 2024
Adventure at its best!
This story has it all - mystery, intrigue, diabolical schemes and romance. Readers will love Miles and Emmeline for their wild escapades and the romance and love that neither is ready to admit to. Although very serious issues arise in the tale, there are laughable scenes that keep the story from becoming too dark. Jane is precious and it will be a treat watching her grow in this series. There are evil, vile characters in the story who make this account scary at times and the reader is kept on the edge of their seat as the story progresses. There are plenty of loose ends that will be tied up in the rest of the series. A strong basis for an incredible series, this series must be read in order to gain the full experience.
This story has it all - mystery, intrigue, diabolical schemes and romance. Readers will love Miles and Emmeline for their wild escapades and the romance and love that neither is ready to admit to. Although very serious issues arise in the tale, there are laughable scenes that keep the story from becoming too dark. Jane is precious and it will be a treat watching her grow in this series. There are evil, vile characters in the story who make this account scary at times and the reader is kept on the edge of their seat as the story progresses. There are plenty of loose ends that will be tied up in the rest of the series. A strong basis for an incredible series, this series must be read in order to gain the full experience.
December 23, 2019
Firstly I wish to thank the author for allowing me to listen to this audiobook.
This book started a bit confusing to me. Miles is hosting a birthday party for himself. But finds a woman in his library stealing from him. He recognizes her from childhood in Egypt. He leaves his party and guest and follows her. Which I found unlikely. They end up in a museum where she plans on stealing a mummy. Emmy is convinced her family is cursed. As I continued to read I became more intrigued. I see the connection between the two characters. I enjoyed the story but was surprised that this is part of a series! I liked the book and may continue in the future with the next book.
This book started a bit confusing to me. Miles is hosting a birthday party for himself. But finds a woman in his library stealing from him. He recognizes her from childhood in Egypt. He leaves his party and guest and follows her. Which I found unlikely. They end up in a museum where she plans on stealing a mummy. Emmy is convinced her family is cursed. As I continued to read I became more intrigued. I see the connection between the two characters. I enjoyed the story but was surprised that this is part of a series! I liked the book and may continue in the future with the next book.
March 18, 2021
Captivated....Oh yes I was captivated!!
I’ve read a LOT of regency style books in my life. But, this book was one of the very best of that style ever I have read. The villains were vastly evil. The hero, a widower, was stuck between a rock and an appropriately hard place trying to protect England, protect his daughter, and save the newly re-found love of his life.
I’ve read a LOT of regency style books in my life. But, this book was one of the very best of that style ever I have read. The villains were vastly evil. The hero, a widower, was stuck between a rock and an appropriately hard place trying to protect England, protect his daughter, and save the newly re-found love of his life.
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April 5, 2021Not a stand alone book.
I would have given it 5 stars, but the story does not end -- it is continued in the next book. Maybe my bad? I had expected a HEA and loose ends tied up. Well written and all that. Interesting story. Characters were likeable, bad guys definitely unlikeable.
I would have given it 5 stars, but the story does not end -- it is continued in the next book. Maybe my bad? I had expected a HEA and loose ends tied up. Well written and all that. Interesting story. Characters were likeable, bad guys definitely unlikeable.
December 3, 2019
What an adventure. I love Miles and Emmaline. The story has fantastic banter, mystery and mummies. I couldn't get enough of it. I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to read the second one in the series.
January 20, 2022
lovable
Enjoyed this romantic and adventurous story. The heroine is so strong and her hero so honourable. Had hoped for more mischief from her cub and more bonding with daughter Jane however the story was amazing. Note will need to read second book to continue to HEA. Great read
Enjoyed this romantic and adventurous story. The heroine is so strong and her hero so honourable. Had hoped for more mischief from her cub and more bonding with daughter Jane however the story was amazing. Note will need to read second book to continue to HEA. Great read
March 29, 2019
Fun Regency romance
This was a fun little regency romance and I am very much looking forward to finishing the rest of the series.
This was a fun little regency romance and I am very much looking forward to finishing the rest of the series.
April 10, 2023
Entertaining and I was totally captivated by Miles and Emmaline. A good mix of adventure and romance, old friends with great chemistry between them.
October 1, 2025
2.5/5. Mixed feelings? I really enjoyed the story, but there were so many grammatical errors and odd turns-of-phrase that I was taken out of the story at times. Fun read, overall!
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March 31, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/26/2021)! 🎁
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews