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To Catch A Leopard #1
The Steal
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until they’re stolen.
Ania Throne is devoted to her jewelry company. The daughter of one of the world’s most famous jewelers, she arrives in Cannes with a stunning new collection. But a shocking theft by the notorious thief known as the Leopard throws her into upheaval—and plunges her on an unexpected hunt that challenges everything she believes.
Jerome Curtis thinks he’s seen it all, especially when it comes to crime. Until he’s hired to investigate the loss of Ania Thorne’s collection, his every skill put to the test as he chases after a mysterious master-mind responsible for some of the costliest heists in history—and finds himself in a tangled web with a woman he really shouldn’t fall in love with.
From the fabled Carlton Hotel to the elegant boulevards of Paris, Ania and Jerome must race against time to catch a thief before the thief catches them. With everything on the line, can they solve the steal or will the steal take more than diamonds from them?
Set in the late 1950s, THE STEAL is a romantic caper by bestselling authors C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose.
Ania Throne is devoted to her jewelry company. The daughter of one of the world’s most famous jewelers, she arrives in Cannes with a stunning new collection. But a shocking theft by the notorious thief known as the Leopard throws her into upheaval—and plunges her on an unexpected hunt that challenges everything she believes.
Jerome Curtis thinks he’s seen it all, especially when it comes to crime. Until he’s hired to investigate the loss of Ania Thorne’s collection, his every skill put to the test as he chases after a mysterious master-mind responsible for some of the costliest heists in history—and finds himself in a tangled web with a woman he really shouldn’t fall in love with.
From the fabled Carlton Hotel to the elegant boulevards of Paris, Ania and Jerome must race against time to catch a thief before the thief catches them. With everything on the line, can they solve the steal or will the steal take more than diamonds from them?
Set in the late 1950s, THE STEAL is a romantic caper by bestselling authors C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2021
69 people are currently reading
3967 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Gortner
18 books2,506 followersBestselling author C.W. Gortner holds an MFA in Writing, with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies. Raised in Spain and half Spanish by birth, he currently lives in Northern California. His books have been translated in over 20 languages to date.
He welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit him at www.cwgortner.com for more information.
He welcomes readers and is always available for reader group chats. Please visit him at www.cwgortner.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
July 5, 2021
France, 1957. Jerome Curtis works for Lambert Securities, one of the world’s largest insurance firms, and is in Cannes from London on a special assignment. Specifically, he’s here during the Cannes film festival, and the jeweler, who is a very important client, has been robbed for millions of dollars.
Ania Thorne is the company’s director and the soul of the company, designing jewelry for famous clientele. She’s been designing the Thorne and Company collections since she was nineteen, and apprenticed under Cartier before joining her father’s company as lead designer. This theft is bringing her bad publicity and the amount of money invested in the stolen jewelry could bankrupt the company and diminish her father’s legacy.
Jerome investigates the characteristics of the whole operation and there is only one who leaves such trademarks: fast, efficient, executed to perfection, all witnesses left alive. That’s Leopard’s signature stunts.
The Carlton is one of the most respected establishments in Cannes, where guests value their privacy and hotel’s discretion. Was there a breach in not hiring security guards?
After questioning Ania’s security guard and personal assistant - the only one who caught a glimpse of the rubber - Jerome very quickly recognizes some breaches. He is pretty certain that someone close to Ania likely gave the rubber the codes. This is not just a high-profile theft, but also the opportunity for international press and scandal. Who would aim for that?
Jerome sees a lot of beautiful things in his job, but when he sees Ania, he is enchanted by her magnetic air and the aura, and her blue-grey eyes, almost jewel-like themselves. What Ania sees across from her is quite a different picture. She sees his x-ray eyes, rumpled suit, and cheap pine pomade. While making themselves acquainted, Ania receives requested salad at the hotel, but it is accompanied by a stolen necklace and a note. Who else is involved?
Jerome is observant, good at deducing scenarios, and quick in thinking, but this theft puts his every skill into test. Ania is an accomplished woman who had to make her way in man’s world. She is a talented jewelry designer and a savvy businesswoman, but what comes next challenges everything she believes. The interesting characters add the flavorful layers to the story. Some mystery of past secrets and the twists and turns keep you on high alert. In this race every minute counts, taking them from Cannes to Paris and NYC, making this plot-driven story fast-paced.
This short romantic caper is fun and quick to read.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Ania Thorne is the company’s director and the soul of the company, designing jewelry for famous clientele. She’s been designing the Thorne and Company collections since she was nineteen, and apprenticed under Cartier before joining her father’s company as lead designer. This theft is bringing her bad publicity and the amount of money invested in the stolen jewelry could bankrupt the company and diminish her father’s legacy.
Jerome investigates the characteristics of the whole operation and there is only one who leaves such trademarks: fast, efficient, executed to perfection, all witnesses left alive. That’s Leopard’s signature stunts.
The Carlton is one of the most respected establishments in Cannes, where guests value their privacy and hotel’s discretion. Was there a breach in not hiring security guards?
After questioning Ania’s security guard and personal assistant - the only one who caught a glimpse of the rubber - Jerome very quickly recognizes some breaches. He is pretty certain that someone close to Ania likely gave the rubber the codes. This is not just a high-profile theft, but also the opportunity for international press and scandal. Who would aim for that?
Jerome sees a lot of beautiful things in his job, but when he sees Ania, he is enchanted by her magnetic air and the aura, and her blue-grey eyes, almost jewel-like themselves. What Ania sees across from her is quite a different picture. She sees his x-ray eyes, rumpled suit, and cheap pine pomade. While making themselves acquainted, Ania receives requested salad at the hotel, but it is accompanied by a stolen necklace and a note. Who else is involved?
Jerome is observant, good at deducing scenarios, and quick in thinking, but this theft puts his every skill into test. Ania is an accomplished woman who had to make her way in man’s world. She is a talented jewelry designer and a savvy businesswoman, but what comes next challenges everything she believes. The interesting characters add the flavorful layers to the story. Some mystery of past secrets and the twists and turns keep you on high alert. In this race every minute counts, taking them from Cannes to Paris and NYC, making this plot-driven story fast-paced.
This short romantic caper is fun and quick to read.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
August 10, 2021
A delightful romantic caper!
Ania Throne is the head of one of the biggest Jewelry Companies in the world. She is in Cannes with her latest designs meant to grace the heads, throats, and wrists of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but when the notorious jewelry thief the Leopard manages to get away with her entire collection, she teams up with insurance investigator Jerome Curtis to hunt down the thief and help save her business.
It is 1957 and Ania has recently taken over the business from her father who was forced out by the board of directors, causing a strain to their relationship. Determined to breath new life into the company and shore up its reputation, Ania is not about to sit idly by and let the rumple-suited, mysterious Jerome take over. The duo devises a plan to trap the Leopard and find out his true identity. The chase takes them from Cannes to Paris to New York, with danger around every corner, delightful plot twists and a cliff-hanger ending.
A fast-paced, glamorous romp, with an “opposites attract” romance and a sprinkling of celebrity sightings and historical landmarks. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Thank you to Blue Box Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Ania Throne is the head of one of the biggest Jewelry Companies in the world. She is in Cannes with her latest designs meant to grace the heads, throats, and wrists of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but when the notorious jewelry thief the Leopard manages to get away with her entire collection, she teams up with insurance investigator Jerome Curtis to hunt down the thief and help save her business.
It is 1957 and Ania has recently taken over the business from her father who was forced out by the board of directors, causing a strain to their relationship. Determined to breath new life into the company and shore up its reputation, Ania is not about to sit idly by and let the rumple-suited, mysterious Jerome take over. The duo devises a plan to trap the Leopard and find out his true identity. The chase takes them from Cannes to Paris to New York, with danger around every corner, delightful plot twists and a cliff-hanger ending.
A fast-paced, glamorous romp, with an “opposites attract” romance and a sprinkling of celebrity sightings and historical landmarks. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Thank you to Blue Box Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
August 24, 2021
Cannes and Paris! The rich and famous! Jewelry heists! Intriguing escapades! This fun novella had me at the cover, so like Grace Kelly in Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. And the story captivated from the start. A wonderful diversion!
5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to the authors, Blue Box Press, AuthorBuzz, and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheSteal #NetGalley
5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to the authors, Blue Box Press, AuthorBuzz, and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheSteal #NetGalley
February 20, 2022
4.5 stars
The Steal has a little bit of everything: a jewel heist and a glamorous setting, plus secrets, emotion, and family drama. Sound good to you? It sure did to me!
Cannes, 1957. The famed film festival is about to take place on this gorgeous island, and an A-list of glamorous celebrities are there. So is jewelry designer Ania Thorne, representing her family's jewelry company with a new multimillion-dollar collection, which will adorn the bodies of the world’s most beautiful actresses.
But shortly after Ania's arrival in Cannes, her entire collection is stolen in a brazen heist by the notorious jewel thief known as "The Leopard."
Jerome Curtis is an investigator for the company that insures Thorne & Company’s jewels. He’s let The Leopard get the best of him before (with tragic results) and he’s determined that won’t happen again. But this world-weary detective isn’t prepared for the depths to which The Leopard will stoop to get what he wants.
Ania knows the future of her company is at stake, and isn’t sure if she should trust Jerome. And when she learns just what might be behind the heist, she has to decide whether she can take the thief on herself or if she should let Jerome in. This is further complicated by an attraction that can’t go anywhere.
When you read certain books, do you find yourself picturing the movie adaptation in your head? That definitely happened while reading The Steal . I really enjoyed everything about it and tried to picture whom I’d cast in the lead roles. This book has everything—action, suspense, drama, steam, glamour—it’s made for a movie!
Can’t wait to get my hands on the second book, The Bait !
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
The Steal has a little bit of everything: a jewel heist and a glamorous setting, plus secrets, emotion, and family drama. Sound good to you? It sure did to me!
Cannes, 1957. The famed film festival is about to take place on this gorgeous island, and an A-list of glamorous celebrities are there. So is jewelry designer Ania Thorne, representing her family's jewelry company with a new multimillion-dollar collection, which will adorn the bodies of the world’s most beautiful actresses.
But shortly after Ania's arrival in Cannes, her entire collection is stolen in a brazen heist by the notorious jewel thief known as "The Leopard."
Jerome Curtis is an investigator for the company that insures Thorne & Company’s jewels. He’s let The Leopard get the best of him before (with tragic results) and he’s determined that won’t happen again. But this world-weary detective isn’t prepared for the depths to which The Leopard will stoop to get what he wants.
Ania knows the future of her company is at stake, and isn’t sure if she should trust Jerome. And when she learns just what might be behind the heist, she has to decide whether she can take the thief on herself or if she should let Jerome in. This is further complicated by an attraction that can’t go anywhere.
When you read certain books, do you find yourself picturing the movie adaptation in your head? That definitely happened while reading The Steal . I really enjoyed everything about it and tried to picture whom I’d cast in the lead roles. This book has everything—action, suspense, drama, steam, glamour—it’s made for a movie!
Can’t wait to get my hands on the second book, The Bait !
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2021 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2021.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
July 9, 2021
The mystery/romance story set in 1957, France, Cannes film festival, is told by Jerome and Ania.
Jerome Curtis works for, insurance firm, Lambert Securities.
Ania Thorne is the director of his father's company (Thorne and Company) and designs jewelry. She designed the jewels for Cannes and has been robbed. This made the actresses furious and put Ania in a difficult situation.
This was a time that Jerome came to investigate from the insurance company. He saw his old friend of war who works for Ania in a very unexpected situation.
"In war, friendship is a luxury that’s less important than loyalty to your fellow soldier. It’s life or death, not happy hour at the bar after a bad day at work. In war, it’s never happy hour. It’s always a bad day at work."
Leopard, a jewelry robber is a very dangerous man, a thief, and a murderer. Jerome and Ania make a plan to catch him.
A short and quick story that you are in the middle of it from the first page. The story moves along knowing the characters. Well written, and easy to follow. I liked the end and very interesting if the story continues that way.
"I'm in awe of the stones. I bow to them. Respect them. Adore them. I fall in love with every stone I work with." me too. :)
"Every Gem contains a bit of magic."
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of The Steal by M.J. Rose and C.W. Gortner.
Published Date 10 Aug 2021
My review on 09 Jul 2021
Jerome Curtis works for, insurance firm, Lambert Securities.
Ania Thorne is the director of his father's company (Thorne and Company) and designs jewelry. She designed the jewels for Cannes and has been robbed. This made the actresses furious and put Ania in a difficult situation.
This was a time that Jerome came to investigate from the insurance company. He saw his old friend of war who works for Ania in a very unexpected situation.
"In war, friendship is a luxury that’s less important than loyalty to your fellow soldier. It’s life or death, not happy hour at the bar after a bad day at work. In war, it’s never happy hour. It’s always a bad day at work."
Leopard, a jewelry robber is a very dangerous man, a thief, and a murderer. Jerome and Ania make a plan to catch him.
A short and quick story that you are in the middle of it from the first page. The story moves along knowing the characters. Well written, and easy to follow. I liked the end and very interesting if the story continues that way.
"I'm in awe of the stones. I bow to them. Respect them. Adore them. I fall in love with every stone I work with." me too. :)
"Every Gem contains a bit of magic."
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of The Steal by M.J. Rose and C.W. Gortner.
Published Date 10 Aug 2021
My review on 09 Jul 2021
12on
June 13, 2021Nice try, thinking no one these days has seen To Catch a Thief, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Grace Kelly (does her estate know her face was appropriated for the cover?) and Cary Grant.
Watch the original, don’t settle for imitations.
Watch the original, don’t settle for imitations.
January 15, 2022
💎 A mystery with a side of romance 💙
“They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until they’re stolen.”
Ania, daughter of famous jeweler Virgil Thorne took over his legacy Thorne & Company at a mere 19 years old. After working at Cartier & gaining a vast amount of experience & education she was the perfect person for the job. Her Dad’s continual lawsuits against his clients for nonpayment put the company in the hole.
But after almost ten years of success designing one-of-a-kind pieces for the hottest celebs, like Elizabeth Taylor & Sophia Loren, she’s been robbed!
At the infamous Carlton Hotel in Paris whilst getting the pieces ready for the actresses to wear to the Film Festival Ania’s head of security is chloroformed; her assistant left distraught. All 9 cases containing their finest jewelry EVER are gone.
Enter Jerome— flown in from Lambert Securities to come to the rescue. But if the thief is who he thinks it is,The Leopard, the odds of Ania getting her precious gems back are slim.
“I’m on my own, with nowhere to turn, and no one to trust. No one, except this stranger in his creased gabardine suit with his all-too-keen-eyes.”
He’s a guy off the streets who meets a damsel in distress. Let’s just say there’s more chasing going on than trying to catch the bad guy. 😉 ☕️
“We’re on our own, with over half a million dollars of jewelry created by my father wrapped in underwear in my overnight bag.”
“The Steal” is a short 133 page novella that produced an ending I certainly didn’t see coming! I can’t wait to continue on with the series! Please choose me as an early reader 🙋🏻♀️!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️ for Goodreads.
I was fortunate enough to attend a Webinar with M.J. Rose & C.W. Gortner on pub day & it was a blast to find out what went on behind the scenes:
💍There will be at least 2 more novellas set in: Venice during the Masquerade Ball & the 1959 Hollywood Academy Awards. In the 2nd we meet Ania’s first love.
💍M.J. Rose buys a new piece of jewelry every time she writes a book. This time she bought an Intaglio Signet ring. ( Scroll to pic 2 on my Instagram)
💍 M.J. wore her leopard shoes to the LIVE in honor of our thief.
💍This was the first time that Chris (C.W.) wrote from a male perspective, he usually writes from the POV of an upscale woman. It was so fun to read over Jerome’s parts & find his quirky sense of humor in the character.
💍 They each wrote their sections ( Chris- Jerome & M.J. - Ania) & would call to work on edits.
💍 See pic 2 ( On my Instagram) for Chris’s fave book series!
Thank you Get Red PR Books and Blue Box Press for my #gifted copy & promo box! 🍾
The reason that this wasn’t a 5 ⭐️ book for me was:
1. The first half of the book the pacing was a little bit slow.
2. I kept wondering why they were staying overnight and 48 hours later the actresses didn’t have the replacement jewelry in their hands for the festival 🤔.
“They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until they’re stolen.”
Ania, daughter of famous jeweler Virgil Thorne took over his legacy Thorne & Company at a mere 19 years old. After working at Cartier & gaining a vast amount of experience & education she was the perfect person for the job. Her Dad’s continual lawsuits against his clients for nonpayment put the company in the hole.
But after almost ten years of success designing one-of-a-kind pieces for the hottest celebs, like Elizabeth Taylor & Sophia Loren, she’s been robbed!
At the infamous Carlton Hotel in Paris whilst getting the pieces ready for the actresses to wear to the Film Festival Ania’s head of security is chloroformed; her assistant left distraught. All 9 cases containing their finest jewelry EVER are gone.
Enter Jerome— flown in from Lambert Securities to come to the rescue. But if the thief is who he thinks it is,The Leopard, the odds of Ania getting her precious gems back are slim.
“I’m on my own, with nowhere to turn, and no one to trust. No one, except this stranger in his creased gabardine suit with his all-too-keen-eyes.”
He’s a guy off the streets who meets a damsel in distress. Let’s just say there’s more chasing going on than trying to catch the bad guy. 😉 ☕️
“We’re on our own, with over half a million dollars of jewelry created by my father wrapped in underwear in my overnight bag.”
“The Steal” is a short 133 page novella that produced an ending I certainly didn’t see coming! I can’t wait to continue on with the series! Please choose me as an early reader 🙋🏻♀️!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️ for Goodreads.
I was fortunate enough to attend a Webinar with M.J. Rose & C.W. Gortner on pub day & it was a blast to find out what went on behind the scenes:
💍There will be at least 2 more novellas set in: Venice during the Masquerade Ball & the 1959 Hollywood Academy Awards. In the 2nd we meet Ania’s first love.
💍M.J. Rose buys a new piece of jewelry every time she writes a book. This time she bought an Intaglio Signet ring. ( Scroll to pic 2 on my Instagram)
💍 M.J. wore her leopard shoes to the LIVE in honor of our thief.
💍This was the first time that Chris (C.W.) wrote from a male perspective, he usually writes from the POV of an upscale woman. It was so fun to read over Jerome’s parts & find his quirky sense of humor in the character.
💍 They each wrote their sections ( Chris- Jerome & M.J. - Ania) & would call to work on edits.
💍 See pic 2 ( On my Instagram) for Chris’s fave book series!
Thank you Get Red PR Books and Blue Box Press for my #gifted copy & promo box! 🍾
The reason that this wasn’t a 5 ⭐️ book for me was:
1. The first half of the book the pacing was a little bit slow.
2. I kept wondering why they were staying overnight and 48 hours later the actresses didn’t have the replacement jewelry in their hands for the festival 🤔.
August 17, 2021
Going into The Steal by C.W. Gortner & M.J. Rose, I had no idea this was going to be a series but I'm sure glad it is. This novella was so fun and interesting, and with that cliffhanger ending, I would be super depressed if there weren't more books coming in the future. There is plenty of intrigue with a dash of romance, and I really liked the switches between Ania and Jerome's viewpoints. I honestly suspected everyone until I figured out what was going on before the reveal, but the timing is right there at the end, and I am pretty sure this was on purpose by the authors. I already knew I loved Rose, but Gortner is a new author for me and the writing for the pair of them flowed seamlessly. I love when you can't tell a book has multiple authors, and they really nailed it with this collaboration. I also really enjoyed the setting of this novel, and who doesn't love when a book has Paris in it?
The audiobook is something I also highly recommend, and it is narrated by Eva Kaminsky and Chris Andrew Ciulla. They were the PERFECT pair to voice Ania and Jerome, and even though I thought Ciulla was a little awkward with his female voice, he was great for the rest of it. I really hope they both come back to narrate the rest of this series, and I was just incredibly happy there was an audiobook to begin with. The hint of mystery surrounding Jerome's past was interesting to unravel, and it was great to have that plus the jewelry heist. This is historical fiction at its finest and it has lots of action packed into less than 150 pages. The Steal left the perfect open ending for the next book, and if you like heist films or books this is a great, quick read to check out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook is something I also highly recommend, and it is narrated by Eva Kaminsky and Chris Andrew Ciulla. They were the PERFECT pair to voice Ania and Jerome, and even though I thought Ciulla was a little awkward with his female voice, he was great for the rest of it. I really hope they both come back to narrate the rest of this series, and I was just incredibly happy there was an audiobook to begin with. The hint of mystery surrounding Jerome's past was interesting to unravel, and it was great to have that plus the jewelry heist. This is historical fiction at its finest and it has lots of action packed into less than 150 pages. The Steal left the perfect open ending for the next book, and if you like heist films or books this is a great, quick read to check out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 14, 2022
3.5 Stars
This is the first book in what I believe will be a total of three novellas. This first entry solves the mystery of the jewel thief's identity. I surmise the second two books will be the chase to find him/her and bring them to justice.
I loved the 1957 Cannes setting. The descriptions were vivid and I could easily imagine the clothing, cars, and hotel interiors. I couldn't help but picture the scenes playing out in technicolor as in To Catch a Thief with Carey Grant and Grace Kelly.
I found The Steal entertaining with its car chases, international intrigue, and fast-brewing romance. Overall, it was a light and fun novella and I look forward to the rest.
September 28, 2021
A historical fiction novella with a dash of mystery, romance, and steam?! Sign me up! I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I picked up The Steal, but I was in the mood for a novella and this one ended up being a compelling, well-developed story and it fit the bill perfectly.
The Steal hooked me from the very beginning. I love heist stories so I immediately wanted to know who stole the jewels and how they got away with it. There ended up being quite a few twists that kept me turning the pages. I did feel like the romance storyline happened a little too quickly, but I think it was meant to take second place to the mystery. Also, it did end up having a couple of steamy scenes. I also liked how the book ended with a little bit of a cliffhanger for another book to follow. If you enjoy the 1950’s time period, To Catch A Thief, and are in the mood for a quick novella, check out The Steal.
Thank you so much to Get Red PR and Blue Box Press for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
The Steal hooked me from the very beginning. I love heist stories so I immediately wanted to know who stole the jewels and how they got away with it. There ended up being quite a few twists that kept me turning the pages. I did feel like the romance storyline happened a little too quickly, but I think it was meant to take second place to the mystery. Also, it did end up having a couple of steamy scenes. I also liked how the book ended with a little bit of a cliffhanger for another book to follow. If you enjoy the 1950’s time period, To Catch A Thief, and are in the mood for a quick novella, check out The Steal.
Thank you so much to Get Red PR and Blue Box Press for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2021
I'm new to these authors and I couldn't wait to dive into
The Steal,
especially seeing as it's the first time they’ve teamed up. Also, springboarding off contemporary romance, I’m more into romantic suspense and crime novels than ever.
“Leopards don’t like to be trapped.”
“They don’t. But only a trap will catch him.”
The character development is strong insofar as the female protagonist isn’t at all likeable. I’m pretty sure this was the authors’ goal, her traits certainly making me more aware of her feelings. I understood her anxiety; nevertheless, the way she treats those who work for her irritated me. I can’t say the same thing about the leading man who is much more considerate.
'Cold as a glacier when the mood overtakes her. But there was also fear.'
Ania Throne knows her business inside out. Bred to take on the world of jewellery, what shouldn’t have been possible happens in the blink of an eye, leaving no trail of dust. In steps Jerome Curtis, the insurance investigator who’s determined to track down the culprit. Not only is he the perfect candidate to unravel the theft, but he’s also a rough diamond with a past. Observer extraordinaire, did he rock my socks off or what!
“Don’t make promises. I never trust promises.”
I loved the middle 50s postwar era setting, the whodunit plot and the descriptive writing that gave me a distinct déjà vu feel. The protagonists ‘shall or shan’t we get to know each other better angle’, the take on opposites attract regardless of tomorrows is very well done. And if you want to see if they’ll succumb to temptation, I can’t recommend reading this action-packed novella enough.
Men might fantasize about an independent woman in the bedroom, but they rarely want one in real life—and certainly not outside the bedroom.
The authors did a marvellous job with the dual perspectives in the present tense. However, a little bit more banter wouldn’t have gone amiss. Blinking heck, I could have stamped on my e-reader when I reached the ending. By no means satisfied and led to believe that The Steal was a stand-alone, I started to investigate. And just as well! The Steal is the first novella in the To Catch A Leopard series, The Bait coming 4th January 2022.
'Goddesses don’t fall in love with mortals. They use and discard them.'
I had to think hard about my final rating. Almost halfway through the book, I’d jumped the gun and awarded it three stars. But as I progressed, the mysterious jewel thief known as the Leopard intrigued me even more and I upped it to four stars! Bravo to C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose!
ARC kindly received from Blue Box Press through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
“Leopards don’t like to be trapped.”
“They don’t. But only a trap will catch him.”
The character development is strong insofar as the female protagonist isn’t at all likeable. I’m pretty sure this was the authors’ goal, her traits certainly making me more aware of her feelings. I understood her anxiety; nevertheless, the way she treats those who work for her irritated me. I can’t say the same thing about the leading man who is much more considerate.
'Cold as a glacier when the mood overtakes her. But there was also fear.'
Ania Throne knows her business inside out. Bred to take on the world of jewellery, what shouldn’t have been possible happens in the blink of an eye, leaving no trail of dust. In steps Jerome Curtis, the insurance investigator who’s determined to track down the culprit. Not only is he the perfect candidate to unravel the theft, but he’s also a rough diamond with a past. Observer extraordinaire, did he rock my socks off or what!
“Don’t make promises. I never trust promises.”
I loved the middle 50s postwar era setting, the whodunit plot and the descriptive writing that gave me a distinct déjà vu feel. The protagonists ‘shall or shan’t we get to know each other better angle’, the take on opposites attract regardless of tomorrows is very well done. And if you want to see if they’ll succumb to temptation, I can’t recommend reading this action-packed novella enough.
Men might fantasize about an independent woman in the bedroom, but they rarely want one in real life—and certainly not outside the bedroom.
The authors did a marvellous job with the dual perspectives in the present tense. However, a little bit more banter wouldn’t have gone amiss. Blinking heck, I could have stamped on my e-reader when I reached the ending. By no means satisfied and led to believe that The Steal was a stand-alone, I started to investigate. And just as well! The Steal is the first novella in the To Catch A Leopard series, The Bait coming 4th January 2022.
'Goddesses don’t fall in love with mortals. They use and discard them.'
I had to think hard about my final rating. Almost halfway through the book, I’d jumped the gun and awarded it three stars. But as I progressed, the mysterious jewel thief known as the Leopard intrigued me even more and I upped it to four stars! Bravo to C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose!
ARC kindly received from Blue Box Press through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2021
I was immediately interested in this book because its cover evoked some of the books I read in high school by Mary Stewart and Phyllis A. Whitney.
The story setting is glamourous, with a daring heist of several pieces of high-end jewelry intended for various actors to wear at the Cannes film festival in 1950. The two leads have much to lose if they fail to recover the stolen jewels. Insurance Investigator Jerome Curtis is off balance when he meets cool and tough jewelry designer and CEO of her company, Anya Thorne. They race around from Cannes to Paris to New York City, chasing leads and getting to know each other.
The two authors switch PoV between the two characters, so that we can learn a little of their histories, so we learn about Anya's relationship with her somewhat mercurial father and founder of the jewelry company, and we also learn a little about Jerome's activities immediately following the war.
I was not particularly enamoured by Jerome's constant pointing out Anya's "alabaster" skin or icy beauty. This got old really fast. I am so tired of hearing how having alabaster skin automatically makes someone seem so beautiful.
Also, this book doesn't have the snappy pace both Stewart or Whitney were great at writing, even though the plot still moves reasonably well. I say this because though this was a pretty short book, it took me much longer to get through it than I expected.
So, this this was diverting, but not as much as I had hoped.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for a review.
The story setting is glamourous, with a daring heist of several pieces of high-end jewelry intended for various actors to wear at the Cannes film festival in 1950. The two leads have much to lose if they fail to recover the stolen jewels. Insurance Investigator Jerome Curtis is off balance when he meets cool and tough jewelry designer and CEO of her company, Anya Thorne. They race around from Cannes to Paris to New York City, chasing leads and getting to know each other.
The two authors switch PoV between the two characters, so that we can learn a little of their histories, so we learn about Anya's relationship with her somewhat mercurial father and founder of the jewelry company, and we also learn a little about Jerome's activities immediately following the war.
I was not particularly enamoured by Jerome's constant pointing out Anya's "alabaster" skin or icy beauty. This got old really fast. I am so tired of hearing how having alabaster skin automatically makes someone seem so beautiful.
Also, this book doesn't have the snappy pace both Stewart or Whitney were great at writing, even though the plot still moves reasonably well. I say this because though this was a pretty short book, it took me much longer to get through it than I expected.
So, this this was diverting, but not as much as I had hoped.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for a review.
August 5, 2021
Fairly short story-a mystery set in the 1950’s with some romance thrown in. Not really my cup of tea but for those who like this genre, it will probably be well liked. The writing was well done, I just didn’t connect with any of the characters or get involved in the story.
Ania is involved in her family business, the business her father created and she has been part of all her life. Creating exquisite jewelry and providing famous people like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren with the jewels for events. On the night of the Cannes Film Festival, the entire collection that she brought with her for the actresses gets stolen and Jerome, a professional investigator for the insurance company comes to try and find out what has happened in order to catch the robber, who he believes to be a serial thief known as “The Lepord” aim he process, he gets feelings for Ania, and has to put them aside to maintain professionalism as they go on the hunt that leads much to close to home. The ending sets up for the next book.
Thanks to Blue Box Press and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Ania is involved in her family business, the business her father created and she has been part of all her life. Creating exquisite jewelry and providing famous people like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren with the jewels for events. On the night of the Cannes Film Festival, the entire collection that she brought with her for the actresses gets stolen and Jerome, a professional investigator for the insurance company comes to try and find out what has happened in order to catch the robber, who he believes to be a serial thief known as “The Lepord” aim he process, he gets feelings for Ania, and has to put them aside to maintain professionalism as they go on the hunt that leads much to close to home. The ending sets up for the next book.
Thanks to Blue Box Press and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
August 10, 2021
This book reminded me of an old black and white movie mystery. It was a quick book with a few surprises. I don’t think I was quite ready for it to end. I enjoyed this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
July 9, 2021
Super quick read. I enjoyed the characters and concept of this story. Very Noir! I was a little confused at the abrupt ending.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
August 19, 2021
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
This book gave me vibes of 50s Hollywood, Audrey Hepburn on the back of a Vespa, Cary Grant being all smouldering and sophisticated.
What i didn't know was that it was a novella - which is OK - or that it was the first in a series and ended on a cliffhanger - again, ok with me just unexpected.
Ania and jerome's story had us jetsetting from the glitz and glamour of Canne, across continents, and across boundaries
The Steal is a mystery with a hint of romance along for the ride.
I am looking forward to the next installment when it hits our kindles.
a>
This book gave me vibes of 50s Hollywood, Audrey Hepburn on the back of a Vespa, Cary Grant being all smouldering and sophisticated.
What i didn't know was that it was a novella - which is OK - or that it was the first in a series and ended on a cliffhanger - again, ok with me just unexpected.
Ania and jerome's story had us jetsetting from the glitz and glamour of Canne, across continents, and across boundaries
The Steal is a mystery with a hint of romance along for the ride.
I am looking forward to the next installment when it hits our kindles.
a>
August 10, 2021
Set in the late 1950s, 'The Steal' is an atmospheric, romantic caper, novella by bestselling authors C.W. Gortner & M.J. Rose. This short gem of a book takes you right back to the days of old Hollywood glitz & glamour, with it's nostalgia inducing, classic movie feel & gorgeous settings. The vibe is very reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's 'To Catch a Thief' & I even pictured 1955 versions of Grace Kelly as Ania Throne & Cary Grant as Jerome Curtis as I read the book in one sitting.
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They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until they’re stolen...
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Ania Throne is devoted to her jewelry company. The daughter of one of the world’s most famous jewelers, she arrives in Cannes w/ a stunning new collection. But a shocking theft by the notorious thief known as the Leopard throws her into upheaval—& plunges her on an unexpected hunt that challenges everything she believes.
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Jerome Curtis thinks he’s seen it all, especially when it comes to crime. Until he’s hired to investigate the loss of Ania Thorne’s collection, his every skill put to the test as he chases after a mysterious master-mind responsible for some of the costliest heists in history—& finds himself in a tangled web w/ a woman he really shouldn’t fall in love with.
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From the fabled Carlton Hotel to the elegant boulevards of Paris, Ania & Jerome must race against time to catch a thief before the thief catches them. With everything on the line, can they solve the steal or will the steal take more than diamonds from them?
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'The Steal' is the first in what will be the 'To Catch a Leopard' series of novella's w/ the 2nd book set to release in early 2022. I think Gen-X & Baby Boomer's will enjoy this book the most, & some of you old souls that like classics in any media form (movies, books, music) will, too! It totally captivated my attention w/ it's intriguing storyline, action-packed pacing, time transporting atmosphere, & I loved that it's sexy/romantic without being vulgar, like the true classics of the mid-20th century.
.
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until they’re stolen...
.
Ania Throne is devoted to her jewelry company. The daughter of one of the world’s most famous jewelers, she arrives in Cannes w/ a stunning new collection. But a shocking theft by the notorious thief known as the Leopard throws her into upheaval—& plunges her on an unexpected hunt that challenges everything she believes.
.
Jerome Curtis thinks he’s seen it all, especially when it comes to crime. Until he’s hired to investigate the loss of Ania Thorne’s collection, his every skill put to the test as he chases after a mysterious master-mind responsible for some of the costliest heists in history—& finds himself in a tangled web w/ a woman he really shouldn’t fall in love with.
.
From the fabled Carlton Hotel to the elegant boulevards of Paris, Ania & Jerome must race against time to catch a thief before the thief catches them. With everything on the line, can they solve the steal or will the steal take more than diamonds from them?
.
'The Steal' is the first in what will be the 'To Catch a Leopard' series of novella's w/ the 2nd book set to release in early 2022. I think Gen-X & Baby Boomer's will enjoy this book the most, & some of you old souls that like classics in any media form (movies, books, music) will, too! It totally captivated my attention w/ it's intriguing storyline, action-packed pacing, time transporting atmosphere, & I loved that it's sexy/romantic without being vulgar, like the true classics of the mid-20th century.
August 22, 2021
Ania Thorne, 28, has been a jewelry designer for 9 years now. She trained under her father, Virgil, and has now taken over the jewelry company from him. The year is 1957.
Ania has arrived in Cannes for the annual film festival. Her assistants are attacked with chloroform and the pieces they had brought with for the show were stolen. Their insurance company, Lambert Security, has sent in Jerome Curtis to lead the investigation. They believe that it’s an old thief known as The Leopard that is behind the theft.
Ania is a tough and sophisticated woman and she and Jerome work together to find out what happened and how to protect more jewelry that is being secreted in to help replace the stolen jewelry to be used during the festival.
The two of them head from Cannes to her apartment in Paris and from there, back to the family home in New York. They end up finding out who the thief is. Now, you must read the book and find out for yourself.
This book appealed to me because I lived in Paris for many years and all of the descriptions and places mentioned in the book are “home” for me. If you like to read about the opulence of this beautiful country and New York, you will love this short read. I think you will also like the inevitable relationship between the rumpled investigator and the sophisticated woman.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ania has arrived in Cannes for the annual film festival. Her assistants are attacked with chloroform and the pieces they had brought with for the show were stolen. Their insurance company, Lambert Security, has sent in Jerome Curtis to lead the investigation. They believe that it’s an old thief known as The Leopard that is behind the theft.
Ania is a tough and sophisticated woman and she and Jerome work together to find out what happened and how to protect more jewelry that is being secreted in to help replace the stolen jewelry to be used during the festival.
The two of them head from Cannes to her apartment in Paris and from there, back to the family home in New York. They end up finding out who the thief is. Now, you must read the book and find out for yourself.
This book appealed to me because I lived in Paris for many years and all of the descriptions and places mentioned in the book are “home” for me. If you like to read about the opulence of this beautiful country and New York, you will love this short read. I think you will also like the inevitable relationship between the rumpled investigator and the sophisticated woman.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 19, 2021
I just love the French Riviera and Paris – the glamour, the beauty, the history, the champagne, and the excitement! So I was happy to join the #letstalkbookpromo tour for #The Steal by #CWGortner and @mjroseauthor.
The book is a fun jewel heist caper with a beautiful jeweler, Ania Thorpe (would be a social media influencer today!) and attractive ex-military covert op – now insurance investigator Jerome Curtis– thrown together when the jewels designed by Ania’s company (to be worn at the Cannes Film Festival by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn) are stolen!
How could this happen with every security detail in place?! That is the question!
And there you have it – the gritty and fun 1950s detective procedural begins unwinding – told from the perspective of Ania and Jerome in alternating chapters - transporting you to 1950s Cannes and Paris and New York City.
There is intrigue, adventure, car chases – and more… think “To Catch a Thief” with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant mixed in with James Bond and the Pink Panther. Great armchair travel for those of us missing those trips away.
This is a quick and fun read that unfolds as if you were watching a movie. In fact, this should be a movie. I loved getting to know the characters and with a cliffhanger ending – left me wanting to “watch” the next season….Thank you @letstalkbookpromo @getredprbooks and @mjroseauthor for the opportunity to read this e-book ARC.
The book is a fun jewel heist caper with a beautiful jeweler, Ania Thorpe (would be a social media influencer today!) and attractive ex-military covert op – now insurance investigator Jerome Curtis– thrown together when the jewels designed by Ania’s company (to be worn at the Cannes Film Festival by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn) are stolen!
How could this happen with every security detail in place?! That is the question!
And there you have it – the gritty and fun 1950s detective procedural begins unwinding – told from the perspective of Ania and Jerome in alternating chapters - transporting you to 1950s Cannes and Paris and New York City.
There is intrigue, adventure, car chases – and more… think “To Catch a Thief” with Grace Kelly and Cary Grant mixed in with James Bond and the Pink Panther. Great armchair travel for those of us missing those trips away.
This is a quick and fun read that unfolds as if you were watching a movie. In fact, this should be a movie. I loved getting to know the characters and with a cliffhanger ending – left me wanting to “watch” the next season….Thank you @letstalkbookpromo @getredprbooks and @mjroseauthor for the opportunity to read this e-book ARC.
August 4, 2021
Set during Cannes Film Festival in France 1957, The Steal follows the story of Jerome Curtis who works as an insurance investigator for Lambert Securities, and Ania Thorne, the director of Thorne & Company, a jewelry company.
Ania designed jewelleries for actresses attending the film festival. But they were stolen in broad daylight and Jerome immediately suspects The Leopard, a ruthless robber and murderer. Now both of them must retrieve the jewelleries and stop The Leopard before the news break out about the robbery which will ruin the company's reputation.
This is an entertaining and thrilling book and I think it was a well-done one. Although a romance caper, I felt it leans more towards mystery which I really liked! The plot twists were interesting and I enjoyed the banter between Ania and Jerome. It is a short book that is not lacking in suspense. It is engaging with a good story flow.
In a nutshell, an entertaining quick read and whodunit story!
Pub. Date: Aug 10th, 2021
***Thank you Blue Box Press, authors C. W. Gortner, M. J. Rose and NetGalley for this gifted review copy to read and review.***
Ania designed jewelleries for actresses attending the film festival. But they were stolen in broad daylight and Jerome immediately suspects The Leopard, a ruthless robber and murderer. Now both of them must retrieve the jewelleries and stop The Leopard before the news break out about the robbery which will ruin the company's reputation.
This is an entertaining and thrilling book and I think it was a well-done one. Although a romance caper, I felt it leans more towards mystery which I really liked! The plot twists were interesting and I enjoyed the banter between Ania and Jerome. It is a short book that is not lacking in suspense. It is engaging with a good story flow.
In a nutshell, an entertaining quick read and whodunit story!
Pub. Date: Aug 10th, 2021
***Thank you Blue Box Press, authors C. W. Gortner, M. J. Rose and NetGalley for this gifted review copy to read and review.***
August 8, 2021
The Steal is a fast-paced mystery set in France during the Cannes Film Festival. M. J. Rose and C.W. Gortner provide readers with a catch me if can theme and keep readers guessing until the very end.
Ania is the lead designer for her family's jewelry company. She is known to create pieces for the rich and famous. When her jewelry that is worth millions is stolen, she has to find the culprit before her company goes under. Ania and her company enlist the help of one of the top security personnel in Jerome.
Jerome is good at solving mysteries and is confident he will get the job done. But the stakes are higher this time especially since he has a time limit. He is racing against the clock as he tries to find an infamous thief called Leopard.
Jerome and Ania work together to catch the thief and along the way begin to catch feelings for one another. Jerome has never had a problem keeping things strictly professional but their connection is undeniable.
I give The Steal 4 stars. I really like that this is set in the late 1950s. It takes readers to a beautiful time in France and keeps you feeling apart of the mystery. Quick read that you can enjoy in one sitting.
Ania is the lead designer for her family's jewelry company. She is known to create pieces for the rich and famous. When her jewelry that is worth millions is stolen, she has to find the culprit before her company goes under. Ania and her company enlist the help of one of the top security personnel in Jerome.
Jerome is good at solving mysteries and is confident he will get the job done. But the stakes are higher this time especially since he has a time limit. He is racing against the clock as he tries to find an infamous thief called Leopard.
Jerome and Ania work together to catch the thief and along the way begin to catch feelings for one another. Jerome has never had a problem keeping things strictly professional but their connection is undeniable.
I give The Steal 4 stars. I really like that this is set in the late 1950s. It takes readers to a beautiful time in France and keeps you feeling apart of the mystery. Quick read that you can enjoy in one sitting.
August 29, 2021
The year is 1957 and the Cannes Film Festival is about to start. Ania Thorne, a young jeweler from a famous jewelry company has arrived with the new collection to decorate the high and mighty in Hollywood. But before she can do that, her collection is stolen and a notorious thief known as Leopard is suspected.
Jerome Curtis is sent to investigate by the insurance company and Curtys has his own history with the Leopard.
From Canne Ania and Curtis rush to Paris to protect the replacement jewelry that has been sent from New York. Along the way they also try to figure out who Leopard is and why he has targeted Ania and why he sent her back one of the stolen necklaces.
This would be a wonderful graphic novel with all the stylish places, persons, clothes, cars, planes, emotions. The story is quick, so quick that frequently it loses its believability when contradictions appear, but it is written by two authors. But the story is still fascinating even if an observant reader figures out the ending fairly easily. Captivating story and entertaining characters.
Jerome Curtis is sent to investigate by the insurance company and Curtys has his own history with the Leopard.
From Canne Ania and Curtis rush to Paris to protect the replacement jewelry that has been sent from New York. Along the way they also try to figure out who Leopard is and why he has targeted Ania and why he sent her back one of the stolen necklaces.
This would be a wonderful graphic novel with all the stylish places, persons, clothes, cars, planes, emotions. The story is quick, so quick that frequently it loses its believability when contradictions appear, but it is written by two authors. But the story is still fascinating even if an observant reader figures out the ending fairly easily. Captivating story and entertaining characters.
August 19, 2021
France 1957. The Cannes Film Festival all that is glittering, fashionable and very in is there. Jeremy is also there in his capacity as an insurance agent.
Ania Thorne carrying on the legacy of her father the diamond merchant of impeccable taste and design now forced to retire and she has ably taken over. She did not envisage a robbery of all her priceless pieces in Paris of all places.
The setting of an impossibly well planned robbery meticulously arranged and to Jerome bears all the hallmarks of the infamous Leopard who has never been sighted. The story follows the diamonds and Jerome always one step ahead of the Leopard trying to outsmart him with the rest of the diamond pieces brought over for those that were robbed.
The ultimate unveiling was a bit unbelievable but the story was fast paced and entertaining.
Ania Thorne carrying on the legacy of her father the diamond merchant of impeccable taste and design now forced to retire and she has ably taken over. She did not envisage a robbery of all her priceless pieces in Paris of all places.
The setting of an impossibly well planned robbery meticulously arranged and to Jerome bears all the hallmarks of the infamous Leopard who has never been sighted. The story follows the diamonds and Jerome always one step ahead of the Leopard trying to outsmart him with the rest of the diamond pieces brought over for those that were robbed.
The ultimate unveiling was a bit unbelievable but the story was fast paced and entertaining.
August 12, 2021
The steal is a classic cat and mouse heist mystery set in Cannes, France that is a fast paced novella perfect for a grand escape read.
Ania, a well known jewelry designer to the rich and famous hires a top security firm led by Jerome, when jewelry worth millions were stolen by an infamous thief called Leopard. Time is not on their side as they risk Ania’s family jewelry business from going under.
With old world charm and glamour, mystery and adventure, this first book in the ‘Catch A Leopard’ series has quickly become a favorite! I cannot wait to read more!
Ania, a well known jewelry designer to the rich and famous hires a top security firm led by Jerome, when jewelry worth millions were stolen by an infamous thief called Leopard. Time is not on their side as they risk Ania’s family jewelry business from going under.
With old world charm and glamour, mystery and adventure, this first book in the ‘Catch A Leopard’ series has quickly become a favorite! I cannot wait to read more!
June 17, 2021
A mystery with some romance set in the 50's. The dialogue certainly sounds like that era, and the writing is good, but unfortunately the story - about the investigation of a jewellery robbery in Cannes - wasn't really to my taste. It reminded me of some of the detective TV shows or movies from that era though. Lots of characters and information loading in a short period of time and heaps of internal narration. I really didn't connect with either Ania or Jerome and the story wasn't concluded in this book, so be aware of that. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me the eArc in return for my opinion.
August 12, 2021
Review of The Steal by
I just adored this book. It’s short, fun, and and very entertaining. It has love, mystery, and intrigue. It was a cross between a knife amazing 1950s movie and early Nancy Drew novels for adults. The writing and characters were wonderful and the ending perfect.
Quick synopsis: Jerome is an insurance investigator who is brought in to examine the theft of many jewels to be worn by celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival. He immediately is attracted to the jewelry designer and company owner, Ania. Together they embark to find out who is responsible and to try to recover the missing jewels.
This book can easily be read in 1-2 sittings snd is almost assured to put a smile on your face.
August 16, 2021
This story was more lighthearted and romance-y than my usual reads, but it was a fun one (jewel thief + Cannes + Paris + hot investigator + hot jewel lady), and I really enjoyed it. I especially loved picturing Ania’s clothes and what the jewelry looked like. The ending was a bit abrupt, so it seems like a sequel is in order!
* thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the eARC. This came out August 10th!
* thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the eARC. This came out August 10th!
August 17, 2021
A gem of a novella!
This story was short and sweet- my only complaint is that I would have happily read more! While described as a romantic caper, it is a bit of a genre blender with a suspenseful mystery at the core of the plot. There was good tension between the lead characters and a clear villain. I hope we learn more about all three of these characters in the planned future works. Another thing which I appreciated was that this novella was filled with style and fashion- from leopard print gloves for the thief to luscious descriptions of designer jewelry and 1950’s clothing, including Paris couture. There was a strong classic movie vibe so if you like classic movies, especially those set in the 50’s, then you should pick this one up right away.
This story was short and sweet- my only complaint is that I would have happily read more! While described as a romantic caper, it is a bit of a genre blender with a suspenseful mystery at the core of the plot. There was good tension between the lead characters and a clear villain. I hope we learn more about all three of these characters in the planned future works. Another thing which I appreciated was that this novella was filled with style and fashion- from leopard print gloves for the thief to luscious descriptions of designer jewelry and 1950’s clothing, including Paris couture. There was a strong classic movie vibe so if you like classic movies, especially those set in the 50’s, then you should pick this one up right away.
August 26, 2021
What a refreshing book! I have never read a 1950s mystery, but I would absolutely read more books like this. The characters were enjoyable, the plot moved quickly without causing whiplash, and the writing styles between the two authors blended seamlessly. I would actively seek out more books by these authors, as well as more books in this style. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers looking for a new writing style or genre.
January 6, 2022
The book is short being only 138 pages. However it has something for everyone is this quick but wonderful read. Ania Throne is the daughter of a famous jewelry designed. The jewels are stolen on the way to a show. The book contains high crime, investigations, romance and travel. Each page is action packed.
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