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Cincamarre series #2
Stealing Luna
Cora Justa Dumagat has had enough.
She is tired of watching the corrupt, fat cats of the council override the monarchy and risk the people’s lives in exchange for a payday. Despite advice from her Queen, Cora has decided to take matters into her own hands and hit the Joaquins where it hurts—to steal their precious Juan Luna painting right from under their noses in Barcelona.
The job shouldn’t be too difficult. If only Luis Ang, her ex-boyfriend, wasn't hired to be her bodyguard.
Luis knows that Cora is up to something, and will stop at nothing to make sure she’s safe, even at the cost of Cora’s plans.
As Luis and Cora become more and more deeply entangled into each other, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Will Cora have her revenge? Or will stealing Luna be the last thing she ever does?
She is tired of watching the corrupt, fat cats of the council override the monarchy and risk the people’s lives in exchange for a payday. Despite advice from her Queen, Cora has decided to take matters into her own hands and hit the Joaquins where it hurts—to steal their precious Juan Luna painting right from under their noses in Barcelona.
The job shouldn’t be too difficult. If only Luis Ang, her ex-boyfriend, wasn't hired to be her bodyguard.
Luis knows that Cora is up to something, and will stop at nothing to make sure she’s safe, even at the cost of Cora’s plans.
As Luis and Cora become more and more deeply entangled into each other, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Will Cora have her revenge? Or will stealing Luna be the last thing she ever does?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2019
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Carla de Guzman
25 books177 followersAuthor, occasional illustrator, full-time traveler.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 29, 2019
Where do I begin?
Since I saw the news about another Cincamarre story: I was pumped. I love The Queen's Game, I adore it. Seeing another set of seeing eyes in a wonderful alternative monarchial Philippines, the universe rather... And that being expanded more? *bites knuckles* YES!!!!
FYI, Stealing Luna can be read alone. But it would be a fun-er experience reading in order; recuurring characters? cameos? c'mon. 👀
From the wonderful description of the palace to the littlest there is. It all shows passion and a great deal of research, especially when it comes to the figures of art, the paintings. I had no further background aside from the general
knowledge fed to me by my teachers back in the day. And museum trips I went on, wherein also found myself fascinated with the history attached with every work there is. Wholeheartedly, almost the same things I felt when it I was reading Stealing Luna. I adore the great deal of no sugar coating political undertone of corruption, inside the monorchial position. The abuse there is in power. It's satisfying to see here and watch our main character's drive to stop these forces. Not only that but the way the colonizer has heavily affected the state of mentally the are living. It reflects richly our reality today. Like I said, the satisfaction you get from not getting this in reality will make you feel good. A little taste of justice, even in a fictional setting can't hurt right?
Like I haven't made it clear. I am profoundly invested in the story. It's layer upon layer. At a glance there's the second chance story carrying on. The romance between Luis and Cora, ohhh, there's that undeniable tension that has to go. And freed. That slow burn. And at times confusing takes with each other. Will make you wanting more.
At another glance,we get to see a slow brew for a heist; that could uncover the hypocrisy in the corruption taking place. It sounds pretty damn sexy and dangerous. I so am here for.
Characters! I find them popping. Each had a quirk that you could easily love. Cora's ninong/uncle, ever supportive. The sibling bonding, I had always love Carla de Guzman's talent in weaving yhe dynamics among family. Walang kupas is the term for it. I highly enjoy them. There's a f/f side character romance igniting here! Definitely would love to see them , maybe in another? probably Cincammarre # 3? Hmmmm.
It is without fault. It is me. I hope there would have been more details when it comes to the planning and execution of the heist. It was good, real good. I just don't like being kept in the dark with this one heist. Though, it had managed to take a few gasps from me. Surprising me with rhe turns it is taking.
Will I recommend? YES.
Since I saw the news about another Cincamarre story: I was pumped. I love The Queen's Game, I adore it. Seeing another set of seeing eyes in a wonderful alternative monarchial Philippines, the universe rather... And that being expanded more? *bites knuckles* YES!!!!
FYI, Stealing Luna can be read alone. But it would be a fun-er experience reading in order; recuurring characters? cameos? c'mon. 👀
From the wonderful description of the palace to the littlest there is. It all shows passion and a great deal of research, especially when it comes to the figures of art, the paintings. I had no further background aside from the general
knowledge fed to me by my teachers back in the day. And museum trips I went on, wherein also found myself fascinated with the history attached with every work there is. Wholeheartedly, almost the same things I felt when it I was reading Stealing Luna. I adore the great deal of no sugar coating political undertone of corruption, inside the monorchial position. The abuse there is in power. It's satisfying to see here and watch our main character's drive to stop these forces. Not only that but the way the colonizer has heavily affected the state of mentally the are living. It reflects richly our reality today. Like I said, the satisfaction you get from not getting this in reality will make you feel good. A little taste of justice, even in a fictional setting can't hurt right?
Like I haven't made it clear. I am profoundly invested in the story. It's layer upon layer. At a glance there's the second chance story carrying on. The romance between Luis and Cora, ohhh, there's that undeniable tension that has to go. And freed. That slow burn. And at times confusing takes with each other. Will make you wanting more.
At another glance,we get to see a slow brew for a heist; that could uncover the hypocrisy in the corruption taking place. It sounds pretty damn sexy and dangerous. I so am here for.
Characters! I find them popping. Each had a quirk that you could easily love. Cora's ninong/uncle, ever supportive. The sibling bonding, I had always love Carla de Guzman's talent in weaving yhe dynamics among family. Walang kupas is the term for it. I highly enjoy them. There's a f/f side character romance igniting here! Definitely would love to see them , maybe in another? probably Cincammarre # 3? Hmmmm.
It is without fault. It is me. I hope there would have been more details when it comes to the planning and execution of the heist. It was good, real good. I just don't like being kept in the dark with this one heist. Though, it had managed to take a few gasps from me. Surprising me with rhe turns it is taking.
Will I recommend? YES.
August 26, 2019
An art heist, a cute romance, an f/f side couple. This book was everything I needed in a romance and I enjoyed it, but the writing felt a little messy and all over the place, which was why, even though I liked the plot and the characters, I never felt super excited to pick the book back up.
April 20, 2019
Stealing Luna checks almost all of my boxes - found family, banter, loving elders, joy and tumble sibling relationships, an intelligent heroine who knows how to kick ass and look amazing doing it, and a hero who is the perfect blend of strong and soft-squishy.
I'd sort of type Stealing Luna as a second-chance story, but happily Cora forgives Luis fairly quickly. Before y'all scream - the man has got a good grovel game going on and he works that sincere apology. And that does it for me a lot - when a person can admit when they're wrong, apologize, and try to atone so we can all move on.
Stealing Luna is a fun, fluffy read whilst being loyal to reality. I loved how Carla wove in details of the past and the dark present while keeping the story at a cheerful tilt.
Cora's very direct about how greed of the elite and corrupt politicians are dragging Cincamarre down (say it louder for the back, sister) and she doesn't hesitate to point out the colonizers and what they've done. I love her for it.
Neither the story nor Cora dwells on these things, but neither does she shy away from it, which I found wonderful.
I also love the little details that bring a world to life - pina cloth (I went and looked it up, it's cloth made from pineapple leaves and it's amazing), turon, and abaniko (language of the folding fan).
I appreciated how these details were woven into the story as a matter of fact, no italics necessary.
This book can be read as a standalone, although The Queen's Game is really good also from what I remember, and it would probably be more fun to read in order because the heroine of that book is good friends with Cora. Complementary, but not necessary.
I can't wait to see what the next book is.
Disclaimer: I reviewed an ARC
August 29, 2020
I was never a big fan of Romance, and despite managing to finish this - I still am not a big fan of romance. I tried 😂 this would have been more stars for me had the focus of the story wasn't so much on the romance and instead focused more on the heist plot.
The writing is very witty, so I know some people in my GR network who are really into romance will enjoy this. This book also gives you a wonderful imagery of Filipino culture - food, clothes and the architecture was really impressive. Its made me appreciate the Filipino visuals more. Although it's a bit crazy to imagine some sort of Filipino monarchy, I can imagine these families to be just about any powerful political family in the country. Kudos to Carla de Guzman for writing this book.
The writing is very witty, so I know some people in my GR network who are really into romance will enjoy this. This book also gives you a wonderful imagery of Filipino culture - food, clothes and the architecture was really impressive. Its made me appreciate the Filipino visuals more. Although it's a bit crazy to imagine some sort of Filipino monarchy, I can imagine these families to be just about any powerful political family in the country. Kudos to Carla de Guzman for writing this book.
March 10, 2021
I think this book really might have to be read after reading the first book in the series. I hopped into as a stand-alone and at times felt like I was missing key references linked to the world building that probably occurred in the first book.
Overall the book ended up being very disjointed and I just never felt connected to the characters. The whole play on the art heist al la “The Thomas Crown Affair” was a fun idea but the execution just didn’t have the chemistry or heat in the end.
Overall the book ended up being very disjointed and I just never felt connected to the characters. The whole play on the art heist al la “The Thomas Crown Affair” was a fun idea but the execution just didn’t have the chemistry or heat in the end.
October 24, 2019
So amazing. Only Carla de Guzman can whip up an art heist, travelogue, and royalty romance as she does, ticking all the boxes. Strong woman fueled by legacy and a grudge, check. Soft boy aching for a second chance and willing to do whatever it takes for the love of his life, check. Views I could touch, churros I could taste (almost! huhu). Yes please and more <3
November 3, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5
April 30, 2019
ARC supplied by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
An art heist with romance?? Sign me up!!
I was so excited going into this novel mostly because with its combination of storyline and tropes it seemed as if it was written just for me. Carla de Guzman delivers a story that is sweet and so damn interesting at the same time.
We meet Cora who is out for revenge and living up to her family legacies. Her father’s involves helping those in need. Her mother’s involves art heisting. Stealing a famous painting that’s privately owned by a family that has damaged the lives of innocent people is basically what Cora was born to do.
We also meet Luis who has been hired as Cora’s bodyguard by her uncle. Luis owns, along with his brother, and runs a security agency. And Cora is one of many clients. However, in college Luis and Cora had a thing before Luis turned her down and destroyed the budding romance. Luis is determined to apologise and win over Cora.
The story starts in the fictional kingdom of Cincamarre. We are given an insight into Cora's relationship with her best friend, Nina, the current queen of Cincamarre; her uncle; and the villains of the story against whom Cora wants revenge. After meeting Luis, and reigniting the flame that never really extinguished between the two of them, we move to Barcelona. I loved the setting in Barcelona, especially as food played such an important role it seemed like another character in the story.
The secondary characters in the story definitely make the story feel so much more real and amazing. Of course no good fictional heist can be carried out by just one person, rather it requires a very talented team. And de Guzman delivers that talented team. Each one of them are distinct in their personality, their clothes, and their actions. The standout is definitely Mimi with her loud personality and clothes, she's adorable and central to the success of the heist.
The story is fast paced enough to keep my attention, with everything building up to the heist. There are some unexpected twists which were so delightful. However, there are enough sweet moments between Cora and Luis so we never lose sight of the fact that this is ultimately a romance novel. The banter between the two is funny and shows that they are building this current relationship on years of friendship while they were at college together. Not to mention that the sex scenes are appropriately steamy while showing the tension which hovers between Cora and Luis.
The happily ever after! The truth of the heist is revealed along with confessions of love. It definitely shows what a kind hero Luis is as well as just how perfect Cora and Luis are for one another. Carla de Guzman has delivered a novel that is exciting, sweet, and downright just heisted my heart.
April 11, 2019
I received a free copy of this book in exchange of a honest review. Many thanks to the author!
Stealing Luna just hits the right buttons for me when it comes to reading romance books. It features a fictional monarchy near the Philippines, a plucky go-getter heroine, a sweet love interest. Plus, it features an art heist done for reasons but noble and not. As the title suggests, the book is about stealing a painting by the Filipino Master Juan Luna-¿A Do…Va la Nave? Interestingly enough, this painting was actually thought to be lost and only recently discovered.
Stealing Luna is the second book in the Cincamarre series but as with most romance series, it can be read as a standalone.
I was really interested in the fictional monarchical island country, Cincamarre. Maybe it’s explained in the first book, but I really would like to know how a country which threw off Spain in the late 19th century somehow became a monarchy. Still, it’s an interesting concept although I think it’s one that could be explained better? Given of course the heroine’s relationship with the queen, social class, and ties with the royal family, I also think that it does make sense for her to be very pro-monarchy.
The heist part of the book was interesting although I wished that it was a bit more detailed because I felt like it happened a little too quickly and cleanly. Although I did think it can work- partly because it’s so supported by a strong cast of characters. Each of the side characters are well fleshed out and each made the book feel more complete.
The romance was very enjoyable to read. It has just the right amount of fluff, angst, and steaminess to keep me invested in it. Cora and Luis are both very well-characterized and I loved their interactions. I also think that their romance was very realistic, especially in the way that they also talked about their past history and were open and honest with each other. I liked the fact that they communicate and how healthy their relationship was.
Overall, Stealing Luna was a very enjoyable read and I can recommend it to romance fans. Will I be reading more from the Cincamarre series? Definitely.
This review is also on The Bookworm Daydreamer
Stealing Luna just hits the right buttons for me when it comes to reading romance books. It features a fictional monarchy near the Philippines, a plucky go-getter heroine, a sweet love interest. Plus, it features an art heist done for reasons but noble and not. As the title suggests, the book is about stealing a painting by the Filipino Master Juan Luna-¿A Do…Va la Nave? Interestingly enough, this painting was actually thought to be lost and only recently discovered.
Stealing Luna is the second book in the Cincamarre series but as with most romance series, it can be read as a standalone.
I was really interested in the fictional monarchical island country, Cincamarre. Maybe it’s explained in the first book, but I really would like to know how a country which threw off Spain in the late 19th century somehow became a monarchy. Still, it’s an interesting concept although I think it’s one that could be explained better? Given of course the heroine’s relationship with the queen, social class, and ties with the royal family, I also think that it does make sense for her to be very pro-monarchy.
The heist part of the book was interesting although I wished that it was a bit more detailed because I felt like it happened a little too quickly and cleanly. Although I did think it can work- partly because it’s so supported by a strong cast of characters. Each of the side characters are well fleshed out and each made the book feel more complete.
The romance was very enjoyable to read. It has just the right amount of fluff, angst, and steaminess to keep me invested in it. Cora and Luis are both very well-characterized and I loved their interactions. I also think that their romance was very realistic, especially in the way that they also talked about their past history and were open and honest with each other. I liked the fact that they communicate and how healthy their relationship was.
Overall, Stealing Luna was a very enjoyable read and I can recommend it to romance fans. Will I be reading more from the Cincamarre series? Definitely.
This review is also on The Bookworm Daydreamer
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars rounded down
I was enjoying the story very much until a certain incident (in spoilers) towards the end which I can't ignore. I hated that the heroine didn't trust the hero till the very end.
Stealing Luna is a second chance romance between an art thief the her best friend/crush from college who is hired as her bodyguard. There is a lot I enjoyed in this story - evocative writng, strong sense of place - the imaginably kingdom of Cincamarre and then Barcelona, Spain. The glimpses we get into the whole con of stealing a famous painting (a real one!) and replacing it with the perfect forged one, it was fascinating to see it on the page. There is a lovely secondary f/f romance which I greatly enjoyed.
I liked how the story progressed, him making amends for rejecting her years ago, her trying to trust him again. The romance was swoon worthy but I had an issue with some of the behaviour of the heroine that I just couldn't accept. I feel she violated his privacy and betrayed his trust and they never properly addressed this. I felt her apology was too weak and she didn't try hard enough to make amends for her behaviour. I don't want to sound as hating on a difficult heroine, I liked a lot about her and could see she acted the way she did (she was prickly and angry but she needed to protect herself and she had her reasons to he guarded). Still, I feel the hero deserved more honesty from her.
Overall, it's a lovely story and I loved a lot about it and despite my issues with it, I still recommend the whole series as a fun, mostly light-hearted contemporary royal romance.
I was enjoying the story very much until a certain incident (in spoilers) towards the end which I can't ignore. I hated that the heroine didn't trust the hero till the very end.
Stealing Luna is a second chance romance between an art thief the her best friend/crush from college who is hired as her bodyguard. There is a lot I enjoyed in this story - evocative writng, strong sense of place - the imaginably kingdom of Cincamarre and then Barcelona, Spain. The glimpses we get into the whole con of stealing a famous painting (a real one!) and replacing it with the perfect forged one, it was fascinating to see it on the page. There is a lovely secondary f/f romance which I greatly enjoyed.
I liked how the story progressed, him making amends for rejecting her years ago, her trying to trust him again. The romance was swoon worthy but I had an issue with some of the behaviour of the heroine that I just couldn't accept. I feel she violated his privacy and betrayed his trust and they never properly addressed this. I felt her apology was too weak and she didn't try hard enough to make amends for her behaviour. I don't want to sound as hating on a difficult heroine, I liked a lot about her and could see she acted the way she did (she was prickly and angry but she needed to protect herself and she had her reasons to he guarded). Still, I feel the hero deserved more honesty from her.
Overall, it's a lovely story and I loved a lot about it and despite my issues with it, I still recommend the whole series as a fun, mostly light-hearted contemporary royal romance.
April 18, 2019
ok i loved the Queen's Game and i loved this! What a fascinating fun read. Also ayeee second chance romance !
So pacing: really good, things progress pretty quickly and with the end of each chapter I wanted to know more and didn't want to stop reading. also meeee when things happened that i didn't expect: LE GASP!!
The relationships: just awesome! Cora and Luis are just so good together. banter is my number one thing for any romance and yup these two got that down. Loved how their history unfolded as the story progressed. Luis was scared to tell Cora his true feelings so that caused a six year rift but their chemistry is very much alive and well. And Luis is so obviously ready to make it up to Cora and Cora, was a bit reluctant but c'mon girl you know you can't resist.
Also this book is filled with a couple of intriguing secondary characters who made ever interaction and scene just golden. I loved seeing the already established relationship (ayeeee f/f romance with Mimi and Jin) and we get Luis' bro Elias and his fiance, Ellie. I need some prequel stories for all of them. How they met etc etc.
The heist: ok so i know nada about art but this was all so very fascinating to me. like getting tidbits about art history and forgeries. That was quite riveting.
I loved that Cora had two legacies and one was the lady in her family were thieves! like...this is some good movie fodder right there. I'd watch the heck out of a series for these two books.
Cameos: ayeeee Nina and Plant Daddy (lol), Felipe from book 1.
A wild ride y'all.
i just really had a great time reading and now i wanna go to Barcelona, not for a heist (sounds too stressful lol) but a simple vacation will suffice :)
So pacing: really good, things progress pretty quickly and with the end of each chapter I wanted to know more and didn't want to stop reading. also meeee when things happened that i didn't expect: LE GASP!!
The relationships: just awesome! Cora and Luis are just so good together. banter is my number one thing for any romance and yup these two got that down. Loved how their history unfolded as the story progressed. Luis was scared to tell Cora his true feelings so that caused a six year rift but their chemistry is very much alive and well. And Luis is so obviously ready to make it up to Cora and Cora, was a bit reluctant but c'mon girl you know you can't resist.
Also this book is filled with a couple of intriguing secondary characters who made ever interaction and scene just golden. I loved seeing the already established relationship (ayeeee f/f romance with Mimi and Jin) and we get Luis' bro Elias and his fiance, Ellie. I need some prequel stories for all of them. How they met etc etc.
The heist: ok so i know nada about art but this was all so very fascinating to me. like getting tidbits about art history and forgeries. That was quite riveting.
I loved that Cora had two legacies and one was the lady in her family were thieves! like...this is some good movie fodder right there. I'd watch the heck out of a series for these two books.
Cameos: ayeeee Nina and Plant Daddy (lol), Felipe from book 1.
A wild ride y'all.
i just really had a great time reading and now i wanna go to Barcelona, not for a heist (sounds too stressful lol) but a simple vacation will suffice :)
April 26, 2019
What a great art heist! The entire plot was about stealing from the undeserving rich that take from their people and I loved every minute of it. I loved the plot twist and how smart and well-thought out Cora’s plan was.
Cora is a very independent and sassy main character. She knows how to have fun, does magic tricks, and can communicate with folding fans. She loves her people and has strong friendships with other women. In fact, Nina from The Queen’s Game plays a role in this story as well. She comes from a line of art thieves and loves her work and looks up to the previous women in her family.
Luis is Cora’s old friend from college. They had a falling out when she confessed her feelings for him and he denied her because of what was happening with his father. He ends up being her body guard and follows her to Barcelona, where she plans to steal a painting from corrupt people.
I loved how Cora didn’t forgive Luis as soon as they started talking again. It took them some time to regain their friendship even though there was still lingering chemistry from their college years. When they did end up together, it was natural. And Luis really knew how to apologize.
I loved the real-world aspect woven into this story. There are discussions about how some artists can be terrible people no matter how pretty their art is, how corrupt politicians can wreck a country and the economy, and Carla did not skimp on telling the different ways that colonizers affected Cincamarre. Two lesbian side characters are heavily involved in the plot as well. They’re not ashamed of who they are and they very clearly love each other. Bless.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the author has in store for us!
I received an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Cora is a very independent and sassy main character. She knows how to have fun, does magic tricks, and can communicate with folding fans. She loves her people and has strong friendships with other women. In fact, Nina from The Queen’s Game plays a role in this story as well. She comes from a line of art thieves and loves her work and looks up to the previous women in her family.
Luis is Cora’s old friend from college. They had a falling out when she confessed her feelings for him and he denied her because of what was happening with his father. He ends up being her body guard and follows her to Barcelona, where she plans to steal a painting from corrupt people.
I loved how Cora didn’t forgive Luis as soon as they started talking again. It took them some time to regain their friendship even though there was still lingering chemistry from their college years. When they did end up together, it was natural. And Luis really knew how to apologize.
I loved the real-world aspect woven into this story. There are discussions about how some artists can be terrible people no matter how pretty their art is, how corrupt politicians can wreck a country and the economy, and Carla did not skimp on telling the different ways that colonizers affected Cincamarre. Two lesbian side characters are heavily involved in the plot as well. They’re not ashamed of who they are and they very clearly love each other. Bless.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the author has in store for us!
I received an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 30, 2019"Nighttime was for laughter and sex and late-night tapas. For things that you wanted to keep secret."
•
Let me begin by saying my heart felt that quote above so hard! The rest of this passage also talks about lonely nights and confiding to the moon and omg, IT ME !!! I can't be considered a skillful thief like Cora (skillful, in general, is rarely an adjective used to describe me, lbh, lol) but this part really made me love the book so much more than I already did at that point!
•
One of the tropes was second chance romance and I'm happy to report that there was v minimal time jumps and flashbacks in this one to establish the protagonists' prior relationship. Cora and Luis' past is just stated as a fact in the present, something the characters are thinking about but the story didn't need to take the reader to that actual moment. And I thought it was great thing. It just made Cora x Luis 2.0 even more deserving of their happy ending. 💕
•
This is probably the only heist book I've read ever 😬 but I've watched movies, so I sort of had an inkling of what was happening before it was clearly stated. But when it happened, agh, I still enjoyed it thoroughly! And bec the characters are well written, the repercussions of their decisions, and the effects of the heist to their ~feels, were kept impactful, relevant and made the Cincamarre AU even more rich and intriguing.
•
"It's called a sting because someone always gets hurt."
•
*I got this free ARC for an honest review (without even asking, I just got handed this gift and I felt really #blesst! 💝)
*This review also appears as a bookstagram on my IG: @bentchbites
•
Let me begin by saying my heart felt that quote above so hard! The rest of this passage also talks about lonely nights and confiding to the moon and omg, IT ME !!! I can't be considered a skillful thief like Cora (skillful, in general, is rarely an adjective used to describe me, lbh, lol) but this part really made me love the book so much more than I already did at that point!
•
One of the tropes was second chance romance and I'm happy to report that there was v minimal time jumps and flashbacks in this one to establish the protagonists' prior relationship. Cora and Luis' past is just stated as a fact in the present, something the characters are thinking about but the story didn't need to take the reader to that actual moment. And I thought it was great thing. It just made Cora x Luis 2.0 even more deserving of their happy ending. 💕
•
This is probably the only heist book I've read ever 😬 but I've watched movies, so I sort of had an inkling of what was happening before it was clearly stated. But when it happened, agh, I still enjoyed it thoroughly! And bec the characters are well written, the repercussions of their decisions, and the effects of the heist to their ~feels, were kept impactful, relevant and made the Cincamarre AU even more rich and intriguing.
•
"It's called a sting because someone always gets hurt."
•
*I got this free ARC for an honest review (without even asking, I just got handed this gift and I felt really #blesst! 💝)
*This review also appears as a bookstagram on my IG: @bentchbites
April 13, 2019
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review (Thanks so much Carla).
Oh my goodness! Firstly, I loved the art history aspect of this story. It was so compelling and interesting to read Cora, Mimi and Jin's discussion about painting techniques, the history behind the paintings discussed and stories about the artists' personal lives. Also gave me The Goldfinch vibes. I also loved all the Shakespeare references. I'm such a sucker for them.
The heist scenes inspired by Ocean's 8 was adrenaline-inducing. I was basically nervous for everyone involved and it really paid off. Still breathless from the anticipation.
The chemistry between Luis and Cora was very electric and I felt their yearning for each other. All their scenes made my heart skip a beat and can I just please experience a love like that? The banter and well THE scenes were very hot & so realistic. I was fanning myself literally.
Mimi was so funny, refreshing and hilarious. I want to get to know her more and Jin as well. Their relationship was easy, fun and just great to witness. So much love!
Overall, a great book and a great visit back to Cincamarre. Watch out for Nina & Felipe's brief cameos from The Queen's Game.
Oh my goodness! Firstly, I loved the art history aspect of this story. It was so compelling and interesting to read Cora, Mimi and Jin's discussion about painting techniques, the history behind the paintings discussed and stories about the artists' personal lives. Also gave me The Goldfinch vibes. I also loved all the Shakespeare references. I'm such a sucker for them.
The heist scenes inspired by Ocean's 8 was adrenaline-inducing. I was basically nervous for everyone involved and it really paid off. Still breathless from the anticipation.
The chemistry between Luis and Cora was very electric and I felt their yearning for each other. All their scenes made my heart skip a beat and can I just please experience a love like that? The banter and well THE scenes were very hot & so realistic. I was fanning myself literally.
Mimi was so funny, refreshing and hilarious. I want to get to know her more and Jin as well. Their relationship was easy, fun and just great to witness. So much love!
Overall, a great book and a great visit back to Cincamarre. Watch out for Nina & Felipe's brief cameos from The Queen's Game.
April 24, 2020
Stealing Luna was entertaining enough and had lovely main characters.
November 20, 2019
B review: https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/r...
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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