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Draycott Abbey #8
To Catch A Thief
Nell MacInnes can spot a forgery from a mile away. After all, she learned from the best--her father is one of the art world's most notorious thieves. His brutal beating by the very authorities who claim to keep the world safe from harm taught her one more valuable lesson--trust no one.
The last thing rugged Navy SEAL Dakota Smith needs on his mission is a tempting woman he doesn't trust. But a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci has gone missing, and the art conservator's skill in detecting forgery would be invaluable, if only her ties to the criminal world are as dead as she says they are.
Soon an edgy partnership and white-hot attraction are forged between Nell and Dakota as they race to Draycott Abbey to track down a ruthless criminal with terrorist ties before time runs out--and the da Vinci is lost forever.
The last thing rugged Navy SEAL Dakota Smith needs on his mission is a tempting woman he doesn't trust. But a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci has gone missing, and the art conservator's skill in detecting forgery would be invaluable, if only her ties to the criminal world are as dead as she says they are.
Soon an edgy partnership and white-hot attraction are forged between Nell and Dakota as they race to Draycott Abbey to track down a ruthless criminal with terrorist ties before time runs out--and the da Vinci is lost forever.
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
46 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Christina Skye
51 books341 followersAKA Roberta Helmer
Roberta Helmer is an American writer of Chinese art and culture and as Christina Skye is a best-selling USA Today and Publishers Weekly writer of over 23 romance novels. Her romance book have been translated into 8 languages.
Roberta Helmer was born in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A., an is a descendant of Revolutionary War hero Adam Helmer. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a doctorate in classical Chinese literature at Ohio State University, where she learned to speak fluent Chinese, French, and Japanese. Later, she worked as translator and as a consultant to the National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History. She lived in on the western slopes of McDowell Mountains in Arizona.
Roberta Helmer is an American writer of Chinese art and culture and as Christina Skye is a best-selling USA Today and Publishers Weekly writer of over 23 romance novels. Her romance book have been translated into 8 languages.
Roberta Helmer was born in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A., an is a descendant of Revolutionary War hero Adam Helmer. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a doctorate in classical Chinese literature at Ohio State University, where she learned to speak fluent Chinese, French, and Japanese. Later, she worked as translator and as a consultant to the National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History. She lived in on the western slopes of McDowell Mountains in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 5, 2009
Rating: 3.5 / 5
This was a fairly good book. I didn't really love it, but it wasn't hard to get through. I think it was a pretty typical book from author Christina Skye.
To Catch A Thief is connected to two of Skye's series: SEAL/Codename and Draycott Abbey. Neither series aspect is a huge part of the story, but they are still there. This book could probably be read as a standalone...the enhanced SEAL thing might be a little confusing, but there's nothing storyline wise that requires reading previous books.
Nell MacInnes is an art restorer who loves mountain climbing of any kind. It's her escape from emotional demons that haunt her. Her father was a big time art thief who spent years in prison. The horrors of what happened have never left her mind. But now her father is out and he swears he is done with that life.
Unfortunately, her father is being forced to help in the theft of a very rare da Vinci sketch. If he wants his daughter not to be hurt, he has to help. The theft catches the governments eye because they believe the money from the sale of the stolen art will be used to fund terrorist. Dakota Smith, of the Foxfire SEAL team, (and Izzy Teague) are sent to trail and investigate Nell, believing both she and her father are involved. Once its clear Nell is not involved, they enlist her help in figuring out what her father is up to and to help Dakota learn to free-climb. Nell and Dakota fight their attraction to each other, both more accustomed to fighting their emotions, but they can't hold off for long. First, though, they must deal with the mission at hand.
Usually I have a lot to say about a book when I finish it, but I'm drawing a bit of a blank on what to write. There wasn't anything I hated about this book, or even just disliked. But there also wasn't really anything that I loved or liked a lot. It was just pretty good, above average low intensity romantic suspense.
The Draycott Abbey connection was nicely done and fit well with the story. I will admit that I am not a big fan of Skye's "enhanced" SEAL storyline - where a special group of SEALs was scientifically altered to have enhanced senses and stuff like that. To me, it's rather silly and weird. I liked the older SEAL books better when the SEALs were just regular men. So Dakota's special eyesight wasn't something that particularly worked for me.
Otherwise, was readable and pretty interesting. I liked the characters, the romance could have been a bit better, and the storyline was decent enough, but I didn't find anything about the book to be all that memorable. I think readers of these two series, though, will like the book, thought.
This was a fairly good book. I didn't really love it, but it wasn't hard to get through. I think it was a pretty typical book from author Christina Skye.
To Catch A Thief is connected to two of Skye's series: SEAL/Codename and Draycott Abbey. Neither series aspect is a huge part of the story, but they are still there. This book could probably be read as a standalone...the enhanced SEAL thing might be a little confusing, but there's nothing storyline wise that requires reading previous books.
Nell MacInnes is an art restorer who loves mountain climbing of any kind. It's her escape from emotional demons that haunt her. Her father was a big time art thief who spent years in prison. The horrors of what happened have never left her mind. But now her father is out and he swears he is done with that life.
Unfortunately, her father is being forced to help in the theft of a very rare da Vinci sketch. If he wants his daughter not to be hurt, he has to help. The theft catches the governments eye because they believe the money from the sale of the stolen art will be used to fund terrorist. Dakota Smith, of the Foxfire SEAL team, (and Izzy Teague) are sent to trail and investigate Nell, believing both she and her father are involved. Once its clear Nell is not involved, they enlist her help in figuring out what her father is up to and to help Dakota learn to free-climb. Nell and Dakota fight their attraction to each other, both more accustomed to fighting their emotions, but they can't hold off for long. First, though, they must deal with the mission at hand.
Usually I have a lot to say about a book when I finish it, but I'm drawing a bit of a blank on what to write. There wasn't anything I hated about this book, or even just disliked. But there also wasn't really anything that I loved or liked a lot. It was just pretty good, above average low intensity romantic suspense.
The Draycott Abbey connection was nicely done and fit well with the story. I will admit that I am not a big fan of Skye's "enhanced" SEAL storyline - where a special group of SEALs was scientifically altered to have enhanced senses and stuff like that. To me, it's rather silly and weird. I liked the older SEAL books better when the SEALs were just regular men. So Dakota's special eyesight wasn't something that particularly worked for me.
Otherwise, was readable and pretty interesting. I liked the characters, the romance could have been a bit better, and the storyline was decent enough, but I didn't find anything about the book to be all that memorable. I think readers of these two series, though, will like the book, thought.
April 1, 2025
I liked this more than I thought I would. Some improbable scenarios, but fast-moving action. The ending was a familiar trope. 3.5stars
March 28, 2023
The heroine, the daughter of a convicted art thief, is suddenly thrown into the mess of having to deal with FBI agents and the hero who believe her to be involved in the theft of a Da Vinci. But she has nothing to do with it. She just an art restorer and advent mountain climber. She meets the hero on the mountain while saving a group of stranded college kids. Their attraction was light but there none the same. When they parted ways after the adventure was over, the heroine didn't think of the sexy navy soldier again until walking home one night she's attacked and shot at. The hero pops out of nowhere and saves her from a kidnapping but he reveals himself to be a spy of sorts, and he must take her into custody in a bid to save her life and the life of her father. Their story takes them from San Francisco to the Draycott castle present in the other books. There the heroine teaches the hero park core in order to break into a castle to get the stolen painting.
I didn't like this book because it had not a true voice. In the romance department it was severely lacking. In fact, most of the story is spent having the hero and heroine being in different countries and when they are together, sure there's some romance but it's far from the main part of the story. In the suspense department, it was so far from suspenseful. There so many plot lines and different characters and facts thrown at the reader that the story became muddled. As far as the hero and heroine went, I didn't hate them but I didn't love them. They had no spark or interesting personality. The whole book was written in monotone. I'd skip this book unless you like to be bored to tears.
I didn't like this book because it had not a true voice. In the romance department it was severely lacking. In fact, most of the story is spent having the hero and heroine being in different countries and when they are together, sure there's some romance but it's far from the main part of the story. In the suspense department, it was so far from suspenseful. There so many plot lines and different characters and facts thrown at the reader that the story became muddled. As far as the hero and heroine went, I didn't hate them but I didn't love them. They had no spark or interesting personality. The whole book was written in monotone. I'd skip this book unless you like to be bored to tears.
August 28, 2008
I've been a fan of Christina Skye's 'Draycott Abbey' series since the late 90s and I was so excited to see her publish a new novel related to this series. I was even more excited when I realized this novel connects her 'Operation' series to the 'Draycott Abbey' series! It's like a double reunion with some old friends.
Nell is a respected art restorer and authenticator. She learned her craft from her father, a notorious art thief. But just before he went to prison, he swore to her that he was done with that life. But recently a newly discovered masterpiece was stolen using her father's MO. And suddenly Nell is dodging bullets, kidnappers, and the FBI and her saviour from them all is a hot, hard-bodied, and intense SEAL. Can she afford to forget her motto: Trust no one, lean on no one.
Dakota isn't an ordinary SEAL. He's been surgically enhanced. Just as well as the 'mission' is his life. No feelings, just mission; no ties, just mission. Until he's assigned to follow a woman suspected of colluding on the theft of some priceless art...and nothing is adding up for him. Nothing except the different ways she's getting to him.
This book will definitely appeal to fans of both series. It has the romance of her Draycott novels with the action of her Operation SEAL heroes! I hope Adrian, the ghost, gets a little more ink in the next book as he's such a fascinating character. You can visit the abbey's world at www.draycottabbey.com and she's promises more stories to come at the end of this book although there's no titles or dates announced as yet!
Nell is a respected art restorer and authenticator. She learned her craft from her father, a notorious art thief. But just before he went to prison, he swore to her that he was done with that life. But recently a newly discovered masterpiece was stolen using her father's MO. And suddenly Nell is dodging bullets, kidnappers, and the FBI and her saviour from them all is a hot, hard-bodied, and intense SEAL. Can she afford to forget her motto: Trust no one, lean on no one.
Dakota isn't an ordinary SEAL. He's been surgically enhanced. Just as well as the 'mission' is his life. No feelings, just mission; no ties, just mission. Until he's assigned to follow a woman suspected of colluding on the theft of some priceless art...and nothing is adding up for him. Nothing except the different ways she's getting to him.
This book will definitely appeal to fans of both series. It has the romance of her Draycott novels with the action of her Operation SEAL heroes! I hope Adrian, the ghost, gets a little more ink in the next book as he's such a fascinating character. You can visit the abbey's world at www.draycottabbey.com and she's promises more stories to come at the end of this book although there's no titles or dates announced as yet!
June 13, 2019
I liked this book and found it engrossing and the ending satisfying. But when I started thinking seriously about why the Hero had to climb the wall to get into the castle, I wondered why, given that the highly secretive government agency had people in the inside in other ways, one of whom got into the computer, got him the information, and presumably could have gotten it out herself, given that the armed forces promptly invaded the castle once they had the information. I think she should have rethought that bit. So tell your friends not to think about that part of it too closely when recommending they read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2019
Didn’t expect to have ghosts involved, even on the sidelines.
The using the first name while the guys are in the military seemed so very wrong too but Dakota is better then Smith for her to be using, but even his unit didn’t always use Smith.
Twists, turns and not bad. Only one I’ve read in this series
The using the first name while the guys are in the military seemed so very wrong too but Dakota is better then Smith for her to be using, but even his unit didn’t always use Smith.
Twists, turns and not bad. Only one I’ve read in this series
July 9, 2017
My first Christina Skye. Has an extensive list. Book refers to Draycott Abbey, an English Estate with two ghosts!
Draycott Abbey is one of the locations for this novel of an art restorer / climber and a former Navy Seal now working for an unnamed clandestine agency.
Draycott Abbey is one of the locations for this novel of an art restorer / climber and a former Navy Seal now working for an unnamed clandestine agency.
May 23, 2020
I'm not used to romance novels with body counts, but I enjoyed this thriller with a love story.
July 6, 2021
4.5 stars. Probably wouldn’t reread, but it was a great vacation relaxin the water read. I would read the rest of the series if I stumbled across it tho.
February 2, 2025
3 ⭐️ and I can’t remember if there was spice
This was a forgettable but interesting book, do you know what I mean? I liked it and it kept me mostly engaged but there wasn’t really anything about it that would make me remember it.
It is the story of an Art Restorer who is trying to distance herself from her Art Thief of a father’s career and she gets caught up in some heist antics anyway. Then she falls in love with the man who is trying to figure out if she is involved in the heist. Like I said, it was pretty fast paced, the romance was natural but it was a pretty predictable plot which will make it something that I won’t remember.
Good fast read if you are looking for something easy.
This was a forgettable but interesting book, do you know what I mean? I liked it and it kept me mostly engaged but there wasn’t really anything about it that would make me remember it.
It is the story of an Art Restorer who is trying to distance herself from her Art Thief of a father’s career and she gets caught up in some heist antics anyway. Then she falls in love with the man who is trying to figure out if she is involved in the heist. Like I said, it was pretty fast paced, the romance was natural but it was a pretty predictable plot which will make it something that I won’t remember.
Good fast read if you are looking for something easy.
July 11, 2020
I have really enjoyed reading these stories. This is well written, with lots of suspense, unexpected romance and a twist at the end !
March 8, 2012
I have read this book a few times and always enjoy the story though there is one gripe……not enough about Draycott Abbey and all those characters I have grown to love from reading the previous books in the Draycott Abbey Series.
The prologue starts in 1622 with Viscount Draycott hiding a valuable piece of art, supposedly a chalk sketch of the Mona Lisa done by Leonardo de Vinci. A hundred years later, this together with priceless notebook are stolen and the authorities believe that Nell MacInnes’ father, a world renowned art thief is suspected of having the sketch and try to get her to help them to get it back.
Nell is an expert on art restoration and an avid mountain climber and does not believe that her father was involved in the theft. Before his disappearance, he had asked her to contact his friend in England, Nicholas Draycott who helps her.
Dakota Smith, a Navy Seal working for one of those secret government departments…Foxfire….where these guys are given some awesome enhancements…is assigned to work with Nell to find the art piece before it disappears again.
Both are strong personalities and clashes between the two happen often but slowly they begin to trust each other and begin working together…. though I would have liked to have seen them spend more time together. It’s more about the mission than their romance. Although I must add that the buildup of their mutual attraction is pretty good. Some memorable suspenseful moments……when Nell is teaching Dakota how climb the abbey’s walls with hands and feet only….wewwww….i was holding my breath. This training is vital to ensure that Dakota is able to steal the sketch from a castle in Skye, where a secret auction is being held by a Mafioso from Macau.
Nell is a fabulous heroine. She’s courageous, strong-willed who is able to stand up to Dakota, the quintessential alpha male.
I really like the author’s writing. She just knows how to get you into the story….fast pace, good dialogue, interesting character, great suspense and mystery, the settings of course….and yes we do see the abbey’s guardian ghosts….Adrian Draycott and his faithful cat, Gideon…..even if for just a blink…..
This is not one of my favorite books in this series but I did like reading it again and getting my Draycott Abbey dose…even if it’s a small one!!!!!
January 5, 2010
I think I've outgrown the SEAL and Draycott serieses; Christina Skye is a more-than-competent romance writer, and I cherish her for being my introduction to the genre with Bride of the Mist, which I still have a soft spot for. But.
When Izzy Teague isn't awesome, you are DOING IT RONG. (WTF happened to the awesome Izzy of books past, who wore drag and drove up in a gold Cadillac and shrugged and said, "Hide in plain sight, sugar"?) Also, I would like my damn book about Izzy himself already; he is infinitely cooler than the interchangeable heroes of the SEAL/Code Name series, whom I seriously can't tell apart. And it would be super-awesome if he could stop being described as a doppelganger of Denzel Washington; I promise that your audience has seen a black man in the flesh. Actually, it would be even more super-awesome if he could stop being the only character of color who is on the side of the (American) angels in the entire universe. (If it turns out that Lloyd Rykell is black/Hispanic/Latino/Asian, I will call SO MUCH Magical Negro on your ass, Christina. I'm just saying.)
Let me put it this way: I could not suspend disbelief for this book. And I read fanfiction. (I'm not even talking about the whole Foxfire unit thing, which I have been handwaving since it made its first appearance. It was stupid and unexplained then and it is stupid and unexplained now.) The heroine, the daughter of an internationally recognized art thief, has gone into art restoration? Ooookay. And become one of the best in her field? At the age of, what her early thirties at the oldest? Um. And she is an expert, competitive rock-climber. Ooookay. And she is friends with Nicholas Draycott (who is The Only Person Izzy Teague Trusts!!11!). And art restoration and rock-climbing happen to be The Skillset Required To Save America (plus some random infrared vision and biometrically enhanced muscle response, or something, I don't know, I was drunk by this point).
Yeah, no.
When Izzy Teague isn't awesome, you are DOING IT RONG. (WTF happened to the awesome Izzy of books past, who wore drag and drove up in a gold Cadillac and shrugged and said, "Hide in plain sight, sugar"?) Also, I would like my damn book about Izzy himself already; he is infinitely cooler than the interchangeable heroes of the SEAL/Code Name series, whom I seriously can't tell apart. And it would be super-awesome if he could stop being described as a doppelganger of Denzel Washington; I promise that your audience has seen a black man in the flesh. Actually, it would be even more super-awesome if he could stop being the only character of color who is on the side of the (American) angels in the entire universe. (If it turns out that Lloyd Rykell is black/Hispanic/Latino/Asian, I will call SO MUCH Magical Negro on your ass, Christina. I'm just saying.)
Let me put it this way: I could not suspend disbelief for this book. And I read fanfiction. (I'm not even talking about the whole Foxfire unit thing, which I have been handwaving since it made its first appearance. It was stupid and unexplained then and it is stupid and unexplained now.) The heroine, the daughter of an internationally recognized art thief, has gone into art restoration? Ooookay. And become one of the best in her field? At the age of, what her early thirties at the oldest? Um. And she is an expert, competitive rock-climber. Ooookay. And she is friends with Nicholas Draycott (who is The Only Person Izzy Teague Trusts!!11!). And art restoration and rock-climbing happen to be The Skillset Required To Save America (plus some random infrared vision and biometrically enhanced muscle response, or something, I don't know, I was drunk by this point).
Yeah, no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2013
This is a cross-over from Skye's SEAL series (Code Name)... and it's not always listed as part of the Draycott Abbey series. I stumbled upon it, actually.
But I really enjoyed SEAL Dakota Smith with "special" eyesight powers and Nell MacInnes. She's an amazing amateur climber with several awards and tons of experience (even with search-and-rescue) to her credit; but Nell is also an art restorer, sort of like Kacey Mallory Draycott. Except that Nell's father was in prison for 17 years for stealing priceless art.
The prologue sets the tone with 2 different times in the past at Draycott Abbey, where the Viscount is tasked with keeping Leonardo da Vinci charcoal sketches and one of his notebooks hidden. But da Vinci put a curse on both... and we see that the curse takes it toll even in modern day. Dakota's following Nell, because government sources are convinced that Nell and her father conspired to steal the priceless da Vinci sketches (still being authenticated) from a New York museum. Worse, the sketches are probably going to be sold to fund terrorist activities... and sold to some really bad guys.
But Dakota watches Nell rescue a bunch of teens and their guide from a Scottish mountain in frigid and dangerous conditions. Dakota can't stop thinking about Nell... which angers him, especially when he has to rescue her from some would-be kidnappers. They're swept up in the intrigue and mystery of who took the sketches and how involved Nell's father really is in all of this.
Nell and Dakota end up under the protection of Nicholas at Draycott Abbey. And Nell must teach Dakota how to free-climb for his next mission, involving the location where the sketches are to be auctioned. But there's a lot more to this story than it seems, and the twists and turns are unexpected and delightful - done very well.
Izzy makes another appearance in this book, and we finally learn that he's a Denzel Washington look-alike, which he uses to his advantage. Izzy also seems to have quite a bit of Denzel's acting talent...
Fun book!
But I really enjoyed SEAL Dakota Smith with "special" eyesight powers and Nell MacInnes. She's an amazing amateur climber with several awards and tons of experience (even with search-and-rescue) to her credit; but Nell is also an art restorer, sort of like Kacey Mallory Draycott. Except that Nell's father was in prison for 17 years for stealing priceless art.
The prologue sets the tone with 2 different times in the past at Draycott Abbey, where the Viscount is tasked with keeping Leonardo da Vinci charcoal sketches and one of his notebooks hidden. But da Vinci put a curse on both... and we see that the curse takes it toll even in modern day. Dakota's following Nell, because government sources are convinced that Nell and her father conspired to steal the priceless da Vinci sketches (still being authenticated) from a New York museum. Worse, the sketches are probably going to be sold to fund terrorist activities... and sold to some really bad guys.
But Dakota watches Nell rescue a bunch of teens and their guide from a Scottish mountain in frigid and dangerous conditions. Dakota can't stop thinking about Nell... which angers him, especially when he has to rescue her from some would-be kidnappers. They're swept up in the intrigue and mystery of who took the sketches and how involved Nell's father really is in all of this.
Nell and Dakota end up under the protection of Nicholas at Draycott Abbey. And Nell must teach Dakota how to free-climb for his next mission, involving the location where the sketches are to be auctioned. But there's a lot more to this story than it seems, and the twists and turns are unexpected and delightful - done very well.
Izzy makes another appearance in this book, and we finally learn that he's a Denzel Washington look-alike, which he uses to his advantage. Izzy also seems to have quite a bit of Denzel's acting talent...
Fun book!
August 3, 2016
Not too impressed. I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but I wasn't necessarily confused about the characters - just not very impressed by them. Nell is supposed to be a hard-assed mountain climber and also an art restorer. I get that she loved art, but after her dad went to prison, it seems likely that she'd choose something completely different to do - especially since she had this completely different interest and skill-set. Dakota (kind of a pansy name for a super-SEAL) keeps introducing himself as a Naval Lieutenant, but he also seems to be working for a private black-ops group. Didn't quite get all that.
Anyway, the suspense story was a bit too diffuse - we start out with an art theft and not until 3/4 of the way through does it turn out that Dakota is really chasing terrorists (who turn out to be fake).
The end bothered me the most. After no real discussion or "I love you's" they decide they are getting married but neither of them are changing anything about their lives. Oh, except that her art thieve father has left her a house in Provence stocked with (legal) art. Because even though he chose a life of crime, and left her to go into foster care when he went to prison, it's all OK. he's actually a good guy - he only stole from other criminals you know! And he was so happy when he was a young man - hanging out with other rich guys and movie stars - how could anyone wish him to be dead at the end! Ugh I can see why she's OK with Dakota staying in his black ops job because men don't have to put their wives and families above their careers. Of course, since she's likely to be off climbing a mountain somewhere and not worried about him, it's all good.
Anyway, the suspense story was a bit too diffuse - we start out with an art theft and not until 3/4 of the way through does it turn out that Dakota is really chasing terrorists (who turn out to be fake).
The end bothered me the most. After no real discussion or "I love you's" they decide they are getting married but neither of them are changing anything about their lives. Oh, except that her art thieve father has left her a house in Provence stocked with (legal) art. Because even though he chose a life of crime, and left her to go into foster care when he went to prison, it's all OK. he's actually a good guy - he only stole from other criminals you know! And he was so happy when he was a young man - hanging out with other rich guys and movie stars - how could anyone wish him to be dead at the end! Ugh I can see why she's OK with Dakota staying in his black ops job because men don't have to put their wives and families above their careers. Of course, since she's likely to be off climbing a mountain somewhere and not worried about him, it's all good.
August 23, 2008
To Catch a Thief by Christina Skye integrates her popular story lines: Draycott Abbey (which I haven’t read…but will probably now start reading) and Navy SEALs/Code Name series (which I’ve read and enjoyed).
Nell MacInne is an art restorationist with a father who happens to be a “retired” art thief. But when Nell finds herself embroiled in an art theft, her innate ability to trust is challenged. Yet she still finds herself drawn to Dakota Smith…a man with who is definitely not who he says. Is Nell up to the challenges placed before her and can she overcome her personal mantra…trust noone?
Captivating….entertaining…engaging. Skye delivers an action packed story and characters that have you coming back for more. I was happy to see Izzy make another appearance in To Catch a Thief and am looking forward to a future book with Izzy as the romantic interest. One aspect I found fascinating was Nell’s climbing ability and a reference to a French sport called Parkour. I wasn’t familiar with Parkour so a quick YouTube search found some interesting results such as the Parkour is Physical Graffiti video.
Nell MacInne is an art restorationist with a father who happens to be a “retired” art thief. But when Nell finds herself embroiled in an art theft, her innate ability to trust is challenged. Yet she still finds herself drawn to Dakota Smith…a man with who is definitely not who he says. Is Nell up to the challenges placed before her and can she overcome her personal mantra…trust noone?
Captivating….entertaining…engaging. Skye delivers an action packed story and characters that have you coming back for more. I was happy to see Izzy make another appearance in To Catch a Thief and am looking forward to a future book with Izzy as the romantic interest. One aspect I found fascinating was Nell’s climbing ability and a reference to a French sport called Parkour. I wasn’t familiar with Parkour so a quick YouTube search found some interesting results such as the Parkour is Physical Graffiti video.
March 4, 2017
As a suspense novel, this one was pretty good. As a romance I had my issues with it. The romance was slow to develop and then suddenly - bam! - all trust and commitment issues that had slowed these two down suddenly disappear. Hard to believe actually. And then the ending...well, I didn't like how it ended too much as it left me with a constant niggling thought in the back of my mind . Yeah, so the ending left a bit to be desired.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2009
This is my favorite Christina Skye book yet. Art, Navy Seal, great intrigue. Who could ask for anything more? Nell was a strong character. Someone we can see in all of us. Skye eased into her relationship with the Foxfire team and her love of art and family loyalty was as intense as her rock climbing and the ultimate mission she became part of. As always, Izzy was fabulous. I love a guy who won't let anything get in the way of "knowing". Foxfire Dakota was perfect. Skye has never disappointed me and even though I've ready all of the Code books, this one still kept me guessing and the ending surprised me. Loved it!
July 6, 2011
I got this because it was the next in the Draycott Abbey series, which I loved but hasn't been revisited in awhile. Instead, it turned out to be more in the Navy SEAL series with some Draycott Abbey. Nicholas Draycott is connected because he is the one Nell McInnes' father sends her to when the bad guys come after her. Her father is a well-known art thief who just got out of jail, but got pulled back into the game when her life was threatened.
The SEALs are pulled in because the same man who had Nell's father steal the painting, has some information they need. Nell is their way into her father and then a way to help (she's an expert climber).
The SEALs are pulled in because the same man who had Nell's father steal the painting, has some information they need. Nell is their way into her father and then a way to help (she's an expert climber).
September 2, 2016
Let me explain my rating... I was more interested in the mystery part of this book, and that part of me was sufficiently satisfied. There were many plot twists and turns that I didn't expect - a non-predictable mystery is always the best kind. That being said, the romance bit of it between Dakota and Nell wasn't really believable and happened too fast for my taste. But since I liked the overall story arc, I still give it three stars. I read it spread out over two or three days, so if you want a quick read with some intriguing mystery and some (albeit cliche) romance, this is the book for you.
February 15, 2014
3.5 stars, part of series but can be read as a stand alone. There is a hint of paranormal here, some enhanced vision and ghosts, but nothing hardcore. I enjoyed the story, and I do want to read the other stories. There were a couple of things that happened like Nell calling Dakota a SEAL but I never caught him telling her that part of himself, just that he was Navy. It was just a "hmmm how did she figure it out" and then it was never discussed. It didn't take away from the story just something that made me wonder.
Overall good story and a different take on romantic suspense which I enjoyed.
Overall good story and a different take on romantic suspense which I enjoyed.
January 10, 2009
I liked this book, it may be the most recent in the series, but the books are written to be stand alone books, so it was fine.
I read most of it yesterday afternoon/evening, leaving myself about 100 pages to finish this morning. It was easy to get into and kept moving - which I love!
After I clear off some of the other books from the library off my shelf, I'll probably add some of hers.
I looked up parkour on utube to see what Ms. Skye was talking about in one of the scenes and it was amazing! Definitely check that out!
I read most of it yesterday afternoon/evening, leaving myself about 100 pages to finish this morning. It was easy to get into and kept moving - which I love!
After I clear off some of the other books from the library off my shelf, I'll probably add some of hers.
I looked up parkour on utube to see what Ms. Skye was talking about in one of the scenes and it was amazing! Definitely check that out!
February 14, 2009
This looked like something off the beaten path, so I picked it up on a whim. From the first page, I was hooked. I couldn't imagine how being a mountain climber of some renown as well as being an restorer of art could possibly fit into a story that would hold my interest. I was pleasantly surprised. This is the first book I read of Ms. Skye's and I have to say I will check out some others. It wasn't bad...but then again...since I wasted all my growing years reading classics and serious fiction...I've earned the right to read total crap and enjoy myself.
May 16, 2011
I liked this book. Dakota a Navy SEAL is on an assignment to watch Nell MacInnes an art restorer and mountain climber. The daughter of Jordan MacInnes a convicted famous International Art thief. Dakota never becomes involved with woman past an occasional roll in the hay, he knows better. He just can't get Nell out of this mind. He fights the feelings he is getting for her, but to him Nell is the perfect woman. The mystery of stolen art the chase the intrigue a ghost cat and a ghost all make for a good read.
December 4, 2008
While this is promoted as a romance, I would have to say its definitely more of a suspense/mystery with some romance thrown in. If you're looking for romance - its here - but not the main dish. That being said, the writing was very good and kept me interested. I really didn't find it over the top or unbelievable. In fact, the romance that was there was very believable and satisfying. I'd give this a 3.5 star rating if Good Reads would let me. ;-)
May 11, 2011
I enjoy all of Christina Skye's Draycotte and Navy Seals series. This novel combines both and includes both The Earl, Nick and the ghost and Dakota one of the Seals. Dakota is seeking a stolen DaVinci and is looking towards a woman restorer named Nell whose father is a just released art thief with cancer who has disappeared. Usual paranormal things occur...Nell and Dakota get involved. ends happily.
October 14, 2008
Enjoyable return to Draycott Abbey with its mysterious secrets juxtaposed with a hunky SEAL and a spunky rock-climbing art-restorer who collide in their quest to retrieve a priceless Da Vinci work. Sparks fly as she tries to clear her convicted father's name and he tries to overcome his suspicious nature and they both work to retrieve the stolen artwork. Another Foxfire agent finds his match.
March 18, 2011
I picked it up on a whim. From the first page, I was hooked. I couldn't imagine how being a mountain climber of some renown as well as being an restorer of art could possibly fit into a story that would hold my interest. I was pleasantly surprised. This is the first book I read of Ms. Skye's and I have to say I will check out some others.
June 21, 2013
The story in all was good, i loved the action and the suspense as well as the romance.. but i didn't care for the way the book changed characters so suddenly. I understand it was needed so that we could understand what was happening with the art, but it was hard to keep up and at times difficult to understand who's point of view it was.
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