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Kick Keswick #1
Brilliant
Meet Kick Keswick, an elegant and self-possessed American who has been at London's venerable Ballantine & Company Auctioneers for over thirty years. She is an expert on paintings, furniture, and objets d'art, and so far has lived a perfectly happy life with things on her mind other than love.
In fact, Kick rarely lets anyone into her private world. She prefers it that way. Kick doesn't need a man in her life, messing things up. But when American industrialist, scoundrel, and womanizer Owen Brace grabs the faltering Ballantine & Company in a corporate takeover, he turns Kick's world upside down, opening her eyes to large-scale love, romance, and sensuous pleasure. But something tells Kick that Brace's motives are anything but sincere. And when he gets near enough to threaten Kick's closely guarded life, Brace learns the dangers of underestimating this woman.
From sophisticated London to cozy Provence, France, Brilliant is a playfully delicious novel of suspense, masterful revenge, and secrets of the multi-faceted kind...
In fact, Kick rarely lets anyone into her private world. She prefers it that way. Kick doesn't need a man in her life, messing things up. But when American industrialist, scoundrel, and womanizer Owen Brace grabs the faltering Ballantine & Company in a corporate takeover, he turns Kick's world upside down, opening her eyes to large-scale love, romance, and sensuous pleasure. But something tells Kick that Brace's motives are anything but sincere. And when he gets near enough to threaten Kick's closely guarded life, Brace learns the dangers of underestimating this woman.
From sophisticated London to cozy Provence, France, Brilliant is a playfully delicious novel of suspense, masterful revenge, and secrets of the multi-faceted kind...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
March 25, 2010
I read this book in 2007. I picked it up at the public library just by chance. Yes, I saw the cover, it looked interesting, so I read it. It looked like a typical girl novel, which isn't something I usually read (I read mostly YA) but I was intrigued by the cover and the summary inside the jacket. I LOVED this book. It was so good. It's about a female jewel thief who is just so awesome. Kick Keswick... is my hero. This is the first in a series of four and I loved them all. I waiting 2 years for a chance to read the final book and it was worth it. I love Kick's complicated relationships with men and I love her independent spirit. This first book is my favourite and probably the best one in the series. I would recommend these books to ladies that want to read a fun book that will take them out of real life for a little while. It's light, but smart enough to not insult the reader's intelligence.
March 13, 2024
Just plain fun to read!
This book instantly drew me into the story, mainly because of the intriguing main character, Kick Keswick. I just love it when a book "hooks" me on the first page!
This would be classified as "reading lite", I suppose, but it was smart, interesting, entertaining, and what more could I ask for than a book about a high-end auction house, jewelry, antiques, wine, and food - and set in London and Provence?
Kick is a not-young American, elegant and refined, who has worked at the renowned and reputable Ballentine auction house in London for 30+ years. Her expertise encompasses art, antiques, and especially jewelry. She prefers to lead a very private life which protects her illegal secret activities and her distant past as a juvenile offender in Oklahoma.
The best part about this book is that Kellogg has written three more Kick Keswick books which I intend to read ASAP. The next one takes place in Provence and I cannot wait to "visit".
This book instantly drew me into the story, mainly because of the intriguing main character, Kick Keswick. I just love it when a book "hooks" me on the first page!
This would be classified as "reading lite", I suppose, but it was smart, interesting, entertaining, and what more could I ask for than a book about a high-end auction house, jewelry, antiques, wine, and food - and set in London and Provence?
Kick is a not-young American, elegant and refined, who has worked at the renowned and reputable Ballentine auction house in London for 30+ years. Her expertise encompasses art, antiques, and especially jewelry. She prefers to lead a very private life which protects her illegal secret activities and her distant past as a juvenile offender in Oklahoma.
The best part about this book is that Kellogg has written three more Kick Keswick books which I intend to read ASAP. The next one takes place in Provence and I cannot wait to "visit".
July 10, 2018
I got to page 64 before I decided I wasn't going to read another page. That's not far into the book, and, like many people, I usually say I have to be at least half-way through the book before I put it away, but I just couldn't force myself to read any more.
I'm actually surprised that I didn't like this book. On paper, it seems exactly the kind of book I would like. The main character is a cold-hearted bitch who does illegal things, all with a sprinkle of romance on top.
But oh my golly, I cannot stand this book. It's mostly because I cannot stand the main character. Instead of creating a bad-ass character that readers can relate to, Kellogg created a ice-cold, crazy sociopath.
Things I don't like about the book and main character:
-Her name, Kick. It sounds like the author picked it to make her seem bad-ass, but it just paints the picture in my head that she'll go around kicking puppies at one point. Judging by her character, I have no doubt that Kick would be just fine kicking puppies.
-The first chapter was the worst. If books had trigger warnings, this one needed it. The person Kick is on the phone with kills himself while they're talking. The entire chapter is about how Kick wishes the guy would end up doing it this time, and she is so relieved when she hears the gun go off.
-Kick goes into the entire story of her past, saying she was raised as "white trash." As far as I'm concerned, she still is white trash. She upgraded her lifestyle, she didn't reform it.
-She's a thief. Normally, I would say I'm okay with thieves. I'm okay with assassins and thieves and mobsters (fictional, of course). But there is no honor whatsoever in Kick's thieving. The one scene I did read where she pilfered expensive jewels was so gross. Not literally, but figuratively.
-The love interest. Actually, this guy seemed okay. I mean, on paper he's the trashiest celebrity that ever lived but that's a common set-up in fictional series. But he wasn't a sociopath, he learned from his mistakes, and he fulfilled the role of his assigned character with poise. That was enough for me to like him. To like him with Kick though? Don't make me laugh.
I keep thinking, "Well, maybe it's because I started reading it late at night and I was really tired that I didn't like this book." But no. I'm not going to pick it up again. Kick is not someone I would want to spend my time with in real life, so I'm not going to read her fictional story.
I'm actually surprised that I didn't like this book. On paper, it seems exactly the kind of book I would like. The main character is a cold-hearted bitch who does illegal things, all with a sprinkle of romance on top.
But oh my golly, I cannot stand this book. It's mostly because I cannot stand the main character. Instead of creating a bad-ass character that readers can relate to, Kellogg created a ice-cold, crazy sociopath.
Things I don't like about the book and main character:
-Her name, Kick. It sounds like the author picked it to make her seem bad-ass, but it just paints the picture in my head that she'll go around kicking puppies at one point. Judging by her character, I have no doubt that Kick would be just fine kicking puppies.
-The first chapter was the worst. If books had trigger warnings, this one needed it. The person Kick is on the phone with kills himself while they're talking. The entire chapter is about how Kick wishes the guy would end up doing it this time, and she is so relieved when she hears the gun go off.
-Kick goes into the entire story of her past, saying she was raised as "white trash." As far as I'm concerned, she still is white trash. She upgraded her lifestyle, she didn't reform it.
-She's a thief. Normally, I would say I'm okay with thieves. I'm okay with assassins and thieves and mobsters (fictional, of course). But there is no honor whatsoever in Kick's thieving. The one scene I did read where she pilfered expensive jewels was so gross. Not literally, but figuratively.
-The love interest. Actually, this guy seemed okay. I mean, on paper he's the trashiest celebrity that ever lived but that's a common set-up in fictional series. But he wasn't a sociopath, he learned from his mistakes, and he fulfilled the role of his assigned character with poise. That was enough for me to like him. To like him with Kick though? Don't make me laugh.
I keep thinking, "Well, maybe it's because I started reading it late at night and I was really tired that I didn't like this book." But no. I'm not going to pick it up again. Kick is not someone I would want to spend my time with in real life, so I'm not going to read her fictional story.
June 7, 2009
First in a series of books about Kick Keswick. These books are pure fun and will make you want more.
Kick is an elegant, self-possessed, intelligent, worldly-wise woman. With a secret. She has worked at London's Ballantine & Company Auctioneers for over thirty years. She is an expert on all things to do with art,jewelry and furniture. Her life is ordered and happy. She is single by choice and rarely needs anything other than her own company. Things change big-time when a womanizer by the name of Owen Brace grabs Ballantine's in a corporate takeover. Although he does manage to get close to Kick he has seriously underestimated her in almost everything.
Kick is an elegant, self-possessed, intelligent, worldly-wise woman. With a secret. She has worked at London's Ballantine & Company Auctioneers for over thirty years. She is an expert on all things to do with art,jewelry and furniture. Her life is ordered and happy. She is single by choice and rarely needs anything other than her own company. Things change big-time when a womanizer by the name of Owen Brace grabs Ballantine's in a corporate takeover. Although he does manage to get close to Kick he has seriously underestimated her in almost everything.
August 30, 2015
A very fun and stylish quick read. It has everything, London, auction houses, handsome men, stylish woman, a jewel thief, fast cars, a company on the brink, and of course a romance. Loved the first book in the series.
Kick Keswick will keep you laughing with her exploits!
Kick Keswick will keep you laughing with her exploits!
July 16, 2017
This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. For the first three-quarters I loved it, then it appeared to be going in a direction that was going to disappoint me. But wait! The ending was fabulous, and so I can say that this book was wonderful.
I absolutely adored Kick! She is bad, and she revels in that. She does what she likes, takes what she wants, gets what she needs, and she does all of it without needing any man to help her or make her feel complete. She is a very unique heroine and I was delighted by her.
The story was pretty darned fun - a romp in the style of the very best 50's caper movies. Sophisticated women, dashing men, international locations, intrigue and drama, red-herrings and double-blinds - this book had it all and it was a heck of a ride which I loved.
I listened to this on audio book, and the narrator - Kate Reading - is one of the best audio narrators out there. She completely nailed all the characters, but most especially, she made Kick come to life with her narration.
Given the ending of this book, I am curious about the fact that there are more books in this series. However, considering how much I enjoyed this one, I will definitely be checking the others out. If Kick has more adventures, I want to see about going along for the ride, because it's one HECK of a fun ride in her world!!
I absolutely adored Kick! She is bad, and she revels in that. She does what she likes, takes what she wants, gets what she needs, and she does all of it without needing any man to help her or make her feel complete. She is a very unique heroine and I was delighted by her.
The story was pretty darned fun - a romp in the style of the very best 50's caper movies. Sophisticated women, dashing men, international locations, intrigue and drama, red-herrings and double-blinds - this book had it all and it was a heck of a ride which I loved.
I listened to this on audio book, and the narrator - Kate Reading - is one of the best audio narrators out there. She completely nailed all the characters, but most especially, she made Kick come to life with her narration.
Given the ending of this book, I am curious about the fact that there are more books in this series. However, considering how much I enjoyed this one, I will definitely be checking the others out. If Kick has more adventures, I want to see about going along for the ride, because it's one HECK of a fun ride in her world!!
February 28, 2016
I've owned this for a long time and haven't re-read it in over 10 years. I'm glad I kept it. My original intent was to read it and add it to the bag of library donations to clear space in my bookshelves. Now I'm going to try to find the next in the series (I didn't remember there was a next in the series).
Sometimes a lot of detail about antiques and cooking and tossed-about French phrases but it has a good story line and an interesting twist at the end (if you didn't figure it out ahead. I did but didn't quite believe it.)
Her last detailed journey to Provence was edge-of-the-seat. Because of all that had gone before and all that might go wrong, I had to stop myself from reading ahead just to know. I overcame the temptation and read myself there.
Worth the read.
Sometimes a lot of detail about antiques and cooking and tossed-about French phrases but it has a good story line and an interesting twist at the end (if you didn't figure it out ahead. I did but didn't quite believe it.)
Her last detailed journey to Provence was edge-of-the-seat. Because of all that had gone before and all that might go wrong, I had to stop myself from reading ahead just to know. I overcame the temptation and read myself there.
Worth the read.
November 4, 2011
I couldn't even finish this and I pretty much ALWAYS finish a book I start. It couldn't keep my attention and trying to imagine that a girl that came from nothing would stoop low enough to depend on a sugar daddy and care about no one but herself was too far fetched for me. I didn't like the main character and the story was slow. I tried to read a little farther hoping that it would get better but every chapter I just hated her a little more and couldn't for the life of me figure out why such well read authors would give this book the kind of reviews that they did...
March 14, 2012
This book was a really good, fun read. Kick is awesome! I love this character. The end is priceless. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
November 30, 2021
MDK spins a fun tale of theft, romance, mystery, possible murder, and the high life in this first Kick Keswick installment. Kick is an executive assistant at an auction house for luxury items in London by day, and an extremely capable jewel thief by night. When the auction house gets sold, Kick is swept up by the handsome playboy owner, Owen Brace. The relationship is passionate but not especially profound, and Kick soon realizes she's dealing with a shady guy. Unfortunately, he also underestimates her, a terrible mistake.
This book was more graphic than I usually go in terms of steam and language, requiring some skimming on my part (I just don't go for it, don't care what people think), but overall I enjoyed the descriptions of the food and jewels and basically how Kick is confident in who she is. I thought it was especially charming that she considers herself "born with an extra 25lbs" but doesn't let that stop her from dressing well and flirting with men. In any case, it was a fun read, and I already started the sequel lol!
This book was more graphic than I usually go in terms of steam and language, requiring some skimming on my part (I just don't go for it, don't care what people think), but overall I enjoyed the descriptions of the food and jewels and basically how Kick is confident in who she is. I thought it was especially charming that she considers herself "born with an extra 25lbs" but doesn't let that stop her from dressing well and flirting with men. In any case, it was a fun read, and I already started the sequel lol!
November 6, 2024
Highly Entertaining
Brilliant is a “fluffy“ tale of the completely unrealistic life and adventures of the main character, Kick Keswick. From her troubled childhood in Midwestern USA, to her transformation into a confident and sophisticated European expat; from her antiquities expertise to her ability to create/re-create fine jewelry settings; from her sharp, analytical mind to her skill as a burglar; Ms. Keswick is a female ‘To Catch a Thief’ Cary Grant. With brief elements of luxury, sex, high society, the book allows the reader to suspend belief and just enjoy a quick read.
Brilliant is a “fluffy“ tale of the completely unrealistic life and adventures of the main character, Kick Keswick. From her troubled childhood in Midwestern USA, to her transformation into a confident and sophisticated European expat; from her antiquities expertise to her ability to create/re-create fine jewelry settings; from her sharp, analytical mind to her skill as a burglar; Ms. Keswick is a female ‘To Catch a Thief’ Cary Grant. With brief elements of luxury, sex, high society, the book allows the reader to suspend belief and just enjoy a quick read.
October 8, 2018
While I enjoy the character and most of the story, I felt the ending was done in a big rush. What came about should've been built more towards it rather than settled in a few pages right at the very end. It felt as if the author had suddenly hit the page limit or deadline and had to wrap it all up in a hurry. Much more of a story that deserved telling in richer detail. Could've been another book.
September 9, 2020
This book was exactly what I needed to charm my imagination and get my mind off my troubles. What a fun and easy read with all the essentials for the perfect beach read: mystery, elegance, humor, jewel thievery, romance and passion, intriguing story and interesting characters. Marne delivered a great ending and I am so excited that this is the first in a series of books about Kick Keswick. Can't wait to keep reading!
February 5, 2021
I dare you to read the first 20 pages and not want to know more about Kick Keswick, a woman of middle years who has created her life from the bottom up. Born and raised in the worst conditions, she was given a chance at a hand-up, grabbed it and never let go. The 'Brilliant' in this book is Kick.
London's houses of auctioneering, priceless collections & jewels to be certified & sold, the high and mighty of the upper class. But also art thieves. Beware - this is Kick's world!
London's houses of auctioneering, priceless collections & jewels to be certified & sold, the high and mighty of the upper class. But also art thieves. Beware - this is Kick's world!
January 21, 2018
A friend suggested this series for fun, winter reading--when I needed a little lightness in life. This fit the bill. Kick doesn't take herself too seriously and gets to have adventures one can only dream of. It's a perfect vacation for the mind, filled with interesting characters, fun plot devices, and lots of beautiful jewelry. What's not to love?
January 7, 2021
Enjoyable story about a woman who is a master jewel thief but works for an auction house in London. A brash American has bought the auction house and he is not nice or above board in his business dealings. The book was an easy read. The main character, Kick Keswick, is a very likeable character even when she is stealing.
July 24, 2023
What a glamorous, sparkling mystery! It’s from a ways back – published in 2003 – and one of my wonderful Homebound patrons recommended it. Our heroine is Kick – perfect name and big reason for loving this! She is an art expert for a London auction company and has a very private, complicated life, involving work, love and particular extracurricular activities.
June 5, 2017
Excellent! A mystery that doesnt have killing All about a woman gem thief. She is the perfect corporate player who doesnt take any crap until she falls in love with her new boss who is trouble. I cant wait to read Kellogs other novels.
March 28, 2019
Kick Keswick is an intriguing independent woman. She knows what she wants and how to get it. I enjoyed the auction house setting. Glittering jewels, fast cars, posh digs, what more could a woman want. Maybe a side of revenge.
February 6, 2020
This was a fun little book. I always need something a little light and fluffy between more serious reads. This actually surprised me with a touch of dark, but it was fun. Maybe not quite 4 stars, but close enough.
August 2, 2017
Fun and cute
July 27, 2018
"Brilliant" is so much fun. I adore the heroine -- refined, intelligent, and 50 -- and I loved following the story to its hugely satisfying conclusion. A fantastic read.
January 31, 2019
A solid 4. Kept me hooked had no idea what was going to happen.
May 12, 2019
I devoured this book. LOVED IT! I want to BE Kick. Really enjoyed the European settings and appreciated the attention to detail. Great ending.
May 17, 2020
A fun frolic. Kick Keswick is a talented woman!
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August 1, 2020I liked this book.
September 5, 2020
Second time I’ve read this book and it’s been amazing
Love the flawed character in the book really enjoyed the capers and the surprise ending. Looking forward to the next four!
Love the flawed character in the book really enjoyed the capers and the surprise ending. Looking forward to the next four!
January 1, 2021
hard to put down, but a pompous/self-insert main character and strange pacing made me dock points for all the missed opportunities. loved the twist with thomas in the end!
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April 23, 2021January 2008
Recommended by Tori R
Recommended by Tori R
June 23, 2021
It's been a while since I read it, but I Just Loved It! Sorry for not leaving more details on the experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews