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Thieves of Desire #1
The Art of Stealing a Duke's Heart
It was only supposed to be one night.
Calliope Murphy was determined to prove to her family that she was as capable as the rest of them. That she could master a priceless painting to steal from a duke who is far too arrogant and pompous for his own good. But when Calli is discovered and mistaken for the new governess, one night of deceit becomes a much longer game—one that Calli is not sure she can win.
Jonathan Saville, the Duke of Hargreave, should be able to attain anything he desires. His fortune is as large as his entailed lands, and his title is enough to cause young women to overlook his surliness and vie for the role of his bride. But Jonathan learned long ago never to trust, and never to let anyone in too close—most especially not his overeager niece and nephew, nor the far-too-tempting new governess.
Posing as the governess to the Duke of Hargreave, Calli relishes the opportunity to spend as much time as she can with the painting she must perfect. But the more time she takes, the closer she becomes to the children—and the duke himself, as she discovers that there is more to him than he allows most people to see. As they draw closer, she realizes she can never betray him. Betraying him, however, is the only option her brother allows her to choose.
When the deception is complete, Calli isn’t sure what all will be stolen—the painting, the duke’s trust, or, most at risk, her heart.
For readers 18+ due to some steamy scenes.
Calliope Murphy was determined to prove to her family that she was as capable as the rest of them. That she could master a priceless painting to steal from a duke who is far too arrogant and pompous for his own good. But when Calli is discovered and mistaken for the new governess, one night of deceit becomes a much longer game—one that Calli is not sure she can win.
Jonathan Saville, the Duke of Hargreave, should be able to attain anything he desires. His fortune is as large as his entailed lands, and his title is enough to cause young women to overlook his surliness and vie for the role of his bride. But Jonathan learned long ago never to trust, and never to let anyone in too close—most especially not his overeager niece and nephew, nor the far-too-tempting new governess.
Posing as the governess to the Duke of Hargreave, Calli relishes the opportunity to spend as much time as she can with the painting she must perfect. But the more time she takes, the closer she becomes to the children—and the duke himself, as she discovers that there is more to him than he allows most people to see. As they draw closer, she realizes she can never betray him. Betraying him, however, is the only option her brother allows her to choose.
When the deception is complete, Calli isn’t sure what all will be stolen—the painting, the duke’s trust, or, most at risk, her heart.
For readers 18+ due to some steamy scenes.
254 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2021
255 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Ellie St. Clair
196 books374 followersEllie St. Clair writes heartwarming Regency romances with spirited heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and happily ever afters. Her passion for history shines through in richly drawn characters and romances brimming with irresistible tension.
A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.
When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.
Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.
Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.
A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.
When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.
Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.
Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 22, 2021
Calliope Murphy was determined to prove to her family that she was as capable as the rest of them. She’s an artist & is tasked by her brother Arie to copy a priceless painting & then the original will be stolen from Jonathan Saville, the Duke of Hargreave, who is far too arrogant and pompous for his own good. But when Calli is discovered and mistaken for the new governess, Miss Donahue one night of deceit becomes a much longer game. Jonathan became a duke too young & almost went off the rails but now after being let down by a number of people he's learned never to trust, and never to let anyone in too close. Posing as the governess, Calli relishes the opportunity to spend as much time as she can with the painting she must perfect. But the more time she takes, the closer she becomes to the children Matthew & Mary and the duke himself, as she discovers that there is more to him than he allows most people to see.
The start of a new series & I loved it & read it in a sitting finishing well into the night. I loved Callie who was torn between doing what was required & what she wanted to do. Jonathan had built a huge wall around his heart until his niece, nephew & Callie gradually demolished it. I loved how the pair grew closer, their attraction to each other was a given but they actually liked each other. Matthew & Mary were delightful. Of course things were bound to go pear shaped but I loved how everything was resolved.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The start of a new series & I loved it & read it in a sitting finishing well into the night. I loved Callie who was torn between doing what was required & what she wanted to do. Jonathan had built a huge wall around his heart until his niece, nephew & Callie gradually demolished it. I loved how the pair grew closer, their attraction to each other was a given but they actually liked each other. Matthew & Mary were delightful. Of course things were bound to go pear shaped but I loved how everything was resolved.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 31, 2021
I’m not sure why this is rated so highly…
It was a relatively short read where the H immediately fell in lust with the h.
I think that this story had a lot of potential but in the end didn’t deliver enough for me.
It was a relatively short read where the H immediately fell in lust with the h.
I think that this story had a lot of potential but in the end didn’t deliver enough for me.
June 18, 2022
This book was too dumb for me. The heroine is dressed to be at a ball, but the hero thinks that she is his governess. Also, the heroine is at the ball to make a sketch of a painting, two days after pretending to be the governess she made the sketch, so why keep pretending to be the governess? It just didn't make sense to me.
June 21, 2021
Great Storyline with a twist that changes everything for Calli. Jonathan and Calli are fabulous characters who make you feel as though you are a part of their family. I loved the final chapters.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 5, 2021
I loved the sweet and gentle love of this story. I liked that the writer went with a story where the uncle was the ward to two young children. I like that writer had Mary and Mathew give Jonathan a run for his money. The combining of these characters brought some humorous moments to the story. Cali’s character I enjoyed. She seem to be the anchor to Jonathan, Mathew and Mary. I enjoyed that book wasn’t all to serious. The story focuses on the lighter side of love and enjoying what life has brought you. The book was easy to read and understand what the dialogue was conveying to the readers. The book was comes across as realistic to its readers. The romance was genuine and meticulously written in the story. I very much enjoyed the book.
June 26, 2021
London `1812
She was to steal a priceless painting from his home, but replace it with a copy she created. She was going to prove she could do it. But what happens when she gets caught? Become the governess for his niece and nephew because he thought her the new governess!
He'd had to take his responsibilities early on as a duke and it had not been easy. Now his sister had left her children on his doorstep because she wanted and Adventure! Oh yes, and when he had seen the lady sitting in his study talking to the children, he was glad to have the new governess.
A case of mistaken identity, secrets, thieves and a journey to a wonderful happy ending! What more could you want?
She was to steal a priceless painting from his home, but replace it with a copy she created. She was going to prove she could do it. But what happens when she gets caught? Become the governess for his niece and nephew because he thought her the new governess!
He'd had to take his responsibilities early on as a duke and it had not been easy. Now his sister had left her children on his doorstep because she wanted and Adventure! Oh yes, and when he had seen the lady sitting in his study talking to the children, he was glad to have the new governess.
A case of mistaken identity, secrets, thieves and a journey to a wonderful happy ending! What more could you want?
June 12, 2021
A great start of a new series. If the rest are this good, I don't want to miss a one.
Callirope (Callie) Murphy and her brother Xander lost their mother and were homeless. They were left with nothing, but were taken in by Arie a thief that has taken in other homeless with skills to help his cause. He takes things or copies paintings from the wealth and sells the original to others. The family members are Diana, Damian, xander (her only blood brother) Callie and the head of the family Arie.
Although they love and take care of each other Callie had never felt like she fit in. She doesn't like what they do and how it may hurt others. Now for the first time Arie is trusting her to do a job on her own and she can prove herself to the family. All she needs to do is sneak into Jonathan Saville Study. Jonathan just happens to be the Duke of Hargreaves. Poor Callie, she gets caught twice ! Once by two mischievous six-year-old twins, Mary and Matthew. Then again by none other than Jonathan. Jonathan become a Duke very early in life and made the mistake to trust the wrong people who only wanted his title and money. Now he trusts no one and lets no one get close. Not even his sister's twins that she left behind when she took off for America.
He mistakes her for the new governess and as she can't explain why she is in his study she goes along with it. Callie has been taught a lot of how to act around ton types by Arie but nothing prepares her for this .
As she spends time with the children, their Uncle, the Duke and also tries to do what Arie wants she can't help but feel guilty for ticking Jonathan. It is not possible to learn why the twins act up and have gone thru six governesses in six months. When she starts seeing the real Jonathan that he keeps hidden she can't not love the children and him for all they have been thru. The attraction between her and Jonathan is over the top for both of them. Neither can stop thinking of the other which is doubly hard for him as she is in his employment! Neither can stop what both want, only making what is to come harder on all.
So much hidden behind the scenes and twist and turns in this book. I hope you get a copy and find out how it turns out. There is deception, lost, misunderstanding and also second chances and maybe love will be found by all.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Can't wait for book two !!
Callirope (Callie) Murphy and her brother Xander lost their mother and were homeless. They were left with nothing, but were taken in by Arie a thief that has taken in other homeless with skills to help his cause. He takes things or copies paintings from the wealth and sells the original to others. The family members are Diana, Damian, xander (her only blood brother) Callie and the head of the family Arie.
Although they love and take care of each other Callie had never felt like she fit in. She doesn't like what they do and how it may hurt others. Now for the first time Arie is trusting her to do a job on her own and she can prove herself to the family. All she needs to do is sneak into Jonathan Saville Study. Jonathan just happens to be the Duke of Hargreaves. Poor Callie, she gets caught twice ! Once by two mischievous six-year-old twins, Mary and Matthew. Then again by none other than Jonathan. Jonathan become a Duke very early in life and made the mistake to trust the wrong people who only wanted his title and money. Now he trusts no one and lets no one get close. Not even his sister's twins that she left behind when she took off for America.
He mistakes her for the new governess and as she can't explain why she is in his study she goes along with it. Callie has been taught a lot of how to act around ton types by Arie but nothing prepares her for this .
As she spends time with the children, their Uncle, the Duke and also tries to do what Arie wants she can't help but feel guilty for ticking Jonathan. It is not possible to learn why the twins act up and have gone thru six governesses in six months. When she starts seeing the real Jonathan that he keeps hidden she can't not love the children and him for all they have been thru. The attraction between her and Jonathan is over the top for both of them. Neither can stop thinking of the other which is doubly hard for him as she is in his employment! Neither can stop what both want, only making what is to come harder on all.
So much hidden behind the scenes and twist and turns in this book. I hope you get a copy and find out how it turns out. There is deception, lost, misunderstanding and also second chances and maybe love will be found by all.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Can't wait for book two !!
June 10, 2021
Jonathan Saville, Duke of Hargreave, was forced to take the title much too early in life - he had no idea what he was doing, trusted the wrong people which turned out badly. It made him skeptical of everyone, so now, he trusted only his best friend - even the woman he thought he was to marry was only after his money.
Calliope "Calli" Murphy aka Donahue was rescued from the street in the east end of London along with her brother, Xander. Their rescuer took them in & they stole items from the rich & sold them to buyers. As Calli grew so did her talent for art & she could copy masterpieces that would take a trained eye to find it was fake. She is taking on her first job by herself & is to copy a painting belonging to the Duke of Hargreave but when she found the painting in his study, she was discovered by his young niece & nephew & then worse, the duke himself.
Calli is mistaken for the new governess Miss Donahue & so she goes along with the ruse, which will help get her access to the painting. However, the thing she didn't plan on, is first, falling in love with the impish children & secondly, falling for their brooding, workaholic, quick-tempered uncle & they, in turn, all fell in love with Calli. And then the bottom fell out when she was discovered - will there be a way to forgiveness, do Calli's efforts in righting the wrong work, how can the children help - this had a wonderful, happy tear ending that is worth the entire read. I highly recommend this book - it is steamy, but the story is so much fun & the children are adorable. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Calliope "Calli" Murphy aka Donahue was rescued from the street in the east end of London along with her brother, Xander. Their rescuer took them in & they stole items from the rich & sold them to buyers. As Calli grew so did her talent for art & she could copy masterpieces that would take a trained eye to find it was fake. She is taking on her first job by herself & is to copy a painting belonging to the Duke of Hargreave but when she found the painting in his study, she was discovered by his young niece & nephew & then worse, the duke himself.
Calli is mistaken for the new governess Miss Donahue & so she goes along with the ruse, which will help get her access to the painting. However, the thing she didn't plan on, is first, falling in love with the impish children & secondly, falling for their brooding, workaholic, quick-tempered uncle & they, in turn, all fell in love with Calli. And then the bottom fell out when she was discovered - will there be a way to forgiveness, do Calli's efforts in righting the wrong work, how can the children help - this had a wonderful, happy tear ending that is worth the entire read. I highly recommend this book - it is steamy, but the story is so much fun & the children are adorable. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
June 22, 2021
Calliope Murphy or Calli as she prefers, she is a member of an odd family she is related by blood to only one but the others are her siblings to her. They are a family of thieves, Callie artistic skills create paintings that can pass as the original easily, it is this talent that puts her in the home of Jonathan, the Duke of Hargreave.
An assumption of identity makes her a governess for the Duke's niece and nephew, deciding to take advantage of her time in the house she will copy the painting her brother's plan to steal. The problem with plans is they never go as you planned. Callie liked the children and started to like the Duke as well, her plan started seeming harder as her feelings grow. Devotion to her family and strong feelings for the Duke and her charges are tearing her apart. Will she finish the painting or just disappear. What will her family think and the children and the Duke, find out by reading the book? I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review
An assumption of identity makes her a governess for the Duke's niece and nephew, deciding to take advantage of her time in the house she will copy the painting her brother's plan to steal. The problem with plans is they never go as you planned. Callie liked the children and started to like the Duke as well, her plan started seeming harder as her feelings grow. Devotion to her family and strong feelings for the Duke and her charges are tearing her apart. Will she finish the painting or just disappear. What will her family think and the children and the Duke, find out by reading the book? I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review
June 10, 2021
A wonderful way to begin a new series.. He is a duke who is determined not to ever love again he doesn't trust anyone except for his best friend until he stumbles upon a certain governess in his study.. She wants to prove herself to her family once and for all by making a stealing a painting but while she gets caught by two little children who she didn't expect to see. So she has to be play governess for awhile in order to try and duplicate the artwork.. However she grows attached to not only the children but the cold hearted stubborn quick tempered duke.. Despite betrayal and their differences with help of those children.. They fall in love with each other.. Opposites do attract each other in this case and betrayal can be forgiven if you love someone enough.
This story is 5 star
The heat level is 3
The characters are absolutely amazing
I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received this as a advanced reader's copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
This story is 5 star
The heat level is 3
The characters are absolutely amazing
I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received this as a advanced reader's copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
June 24, 2021
Sometimes a thief is what is needed.
This is an excellent story about a family of thieves, two small children, a fake governess but a real artist, and a duke who needs to learn how again to find joy in his life. The characters were wonderful and blended in such a grand way. I loved the children all they wanted was to be loved and Callie is just the person to give it to them. The banter and interactions between all the characters were great fun to read. I could just see the frog and how the scene played out. I loved this charmer and I highly recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is an excellent story about a family of thieves, two small children, a fake governess but a real artist, and a duke who needs to learn how again to find joy in his life. The characters were wonderful and blended in such a grand way. I loved the children all they wanted was to be loved and Callie is just the person to give it to them. The banter and interactions between all the characters were great fun to read. I could just see the frog and how the scene played out. I loved this charmer and I highly recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 23, 2021
A rambunctious start to a new series with some delightful characters. Johnathan is a Duke in need of a governess and a wife. Callie is from a family of thieves who gets mistakenly hired as the governess. The story becomes quite hilarious with the twins trying to play tricks and Callie trying to play her role in the household. There is also Johnathan trying to deny his growing feelings for Callie and being outwitted by the children. It is a wonderful and charming story that sees a happy ending for all four and creating a new family.
June 23, 2021
From a short stint, to a long game.
I really liked the very opposites Calli, a thief and Jonathan, a duke. I liked that Calli had to pivot to be the “governess” to Jonathan’s niece and nephew. Meanwhile, she and the duke get to know each other, it’s a stretch but the device to get them to spend time together works.
Recommend.
I really liked the very opposites Calli, a thief and Jonathan, a duke. I liked that Calli had to pivot to be the “governess” to Jonathan’s niece and nephew. Meanwhile, she and the duke get to know each other, it’s a stretch but the device to get them to spend time together works.
Recommend.
June 12, 2021
Calli is an artist whose family is a group of thieves. She becomes the governess to the Duke Jon's niece and nephew by pretending to be someone else. At first the duke reacts with coldness but later cannot resist Calli. Her family wants her to help them steal a painting from the duke. Good plot with a heart-warming ending.
June 24, 2021
A thief posing as a governess, two mischievous children, and a surly duke. Good story. Loved the kids. I received an arc of this book.
June 27, 2021
Just ok
The H was verbally abusive so I don't see how anyone fell in love with him. The h's family were cold fish.
The H was verbally abusive so I don't see how anyone fell in love with him. The h's family were cold fish.
October 1, 2024
Loved the characters, the fun. Laughed outloud as well as shed some tears. Will definitely read more by Ellie St. Clair.
June 15, 2021
A wonderful story filled with deception, secrets, romance, and thievery
July 21, 2021
This story has such a lovely feel to it with funny scenes, romantic ones too and also some quite serious ones.
It also has a pair of twins, the niece and nephew of the Duke who steal the show every time they appear.
Calli, the so-called Governess is a very likable character and I just loved her strength of character. She is able to see things as they are and acts accordingly.
The Duke, Jonathan Saville has been hurt by love and now is a bit cautious but his head and heart are in the right place and this means a lot.
All together, this is a very easy to read and highly entertaining story and I am happy to recommend it.
It also has a pair of twins, the niece and nephew of the Duke who steal the show every time they appear.
Calli, the so-called Governess is a very likable character and I just loved her strength of character. She is able to see things as they are and acts accordingly.
The Duke, Jonathan Saville has been hurt by love and now is a bit cautious but his head and heart are in the right place and this means a lot.
All together, this is a very easy to read and highly entertaining story and I am happy to recommend it.
July 19, 2021
Calli thought it would a a simple job. Find the panting she needs to recreate and draw a sketch of it with no one the wiser. But instead she gets caught by two mischievous six year olds and their uncle who thinks she's the new governess. I laughed over Mary and Matthew's antics to try to get Calli to leave and gain more attention from their uncle. I was surprised that Jonathan didn't ask for lesson plans and question Calli more closely especially when he finds her wandering the house at strange hours, falling asleep in the middle of the day, and discovers that she doesn't know everything a lady should. Calli thinks she can finish the forgery so her brothers can switch the painting, but she discovers Jonathan's love of art and develops feelings for him and the children and has second thoughts. I liked her siblings and I'm looking forward to their stories.
July 12, 2021
This is a well written story with strong characters and an entertaining story line. The author does a terrific job painting her scenes and pulling you into the story with all of the emotions flowing throughout. She moves the story fluidly and delivers an enjoyable read. I would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
July 1, 2021
The Art of Stealing a Duke’s Heart the first book in this series from our author, after reading this book, it truly is going to be hard to top this one.
This book has everything, romance, intrigue and stealing which is very different from the normal historical books.
I absolutely loved this story, one of a Duke trying hard to trust, as Jonathan was very hurt in his past whereas Calli is mistaken for the governess, while working for her family, who are thieves.
The story is full of characters who you can associate with.
Free flowing, stand alone.
Highly highly recommend
I bought this book in appreciation of the authors work.
This book has everything, romance, intrigue and stealing which is very different from the normal historical books.
I absolutely loved this story, one of a Duke trying hard to trust, as Jonathan was very hurt in his past whereas Calli is mistaken for the governess, while working for her family, who are thieves.
The story is full of characters who you can associate with.
Free flowing, stand alone.
Highly highly recommend
I bought this book in appreciation of the authors work.
June 25, 2021
The H is a Duke who has the responsibility of his sister’s 6 year old twins. The h comes to a ball he is hosting, passing as a servant to case a painting. That’s when mistaken identity starts and the lies pile on top one after another.
Not my favorite trope, secrets kept and I started to not enjoy the story because it was based on deceit from beginning to end. As the story lets us into the background of the h, you realize she isn’t comfortable with what she is about to do. So I cut her some slack.
The H is very uptight and hasn’t warmed to his obligation to his niece/nephew. He believes if they have food and clothing what else could they possibly need. The h is their Governess ( has no training) but soon the H starts warming to his family thanks to the h. No mention what happened to the original governess she is mistaken for.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and spice. Several suspenseful scenes near the end that had me stop reading because I couldn’t bare what could happen. Plus an enjoyable Epilogue.
I received an early copy. All opinions are my own and freely given (ljb)
Not my favorite trope, secrets kept and I started to not enjoy the story because it was based on deceit from beginning to end. As the story lets us into the background of the h, you realize she isn’t comfortable with what she is about to do. So I cut her some slack.
The H is very uptight and hasn’t warmed to his obligation to his niece/nephew. He believes if they have food and clothing what else could they possibly need. The h is their Governess ( has no training) but soon the H starts warming to his family thanks to the h. No mention what happened to the original governess she is mistaken for.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and spice. Several suspenseful scenes near the end that had me stop reading because I couldn’t bare what could happen. Plus an enjoyable Epilogue.
I received an early copy. All opinions are my own and freely given (ljb)
July 3, 2021
Heartwarming story
This was a good book. I like stories that keep you laughing. Jonathan and Callie fell in love but her honestly won out.
This was a good book. I like stories that keep you laughing. Jonathan and Callie fell in love but her honestly won out.
June 28, 2021
A wonderful story of The Duke and the Thief. This is an incredible storyline that was exciting, suspenseful, emotional and unpredictable. There were enough twists and turns in the story that will take the reader unaware and it is far from being boring. This is a page turner. Once you start you won't be able to put it down. I highly recommend it
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Page-turner
Realistic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Page-turner
Realistic
Steamy
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters
June 28, 2021
Excellent read
The character development and story line were sooooo good… it’s been a long time since I’ve read something with this level of depth, even for the children. The story kept me connected to the point I read the book in one setting, wanting to finish the story. First time reading this author, won’t be the last!
The character development and story line were sooooo good… it’s been a long time since I’ve read something with this level of depth, even for the children. The story kept me connected to the point I read the book in one setting, wanting to finish the story. First time reading this author, won’t be the last!
July 6, 2023
1.5 stars
Lackluster plot, generic characters, silly dialogue, unbelievable and uninteresting in every way.
Lackluster plot, generic characters, silly dialogue, unbelievable and uninteresting in every way.
June 29, 2021
Short of the mark. I like the fact that this author is branching out a bit in her Regencies, but I have to admit, I miss the characters in her Bluestocking series. I felt like this book at least needed a prologue, because in Chapter 1 you're immediately thrown into the scheme that the h, Calli Murphy, has concocted with her "family", who are a group of thieves living in the Dials. You learn that h and her biological brother are orphans who were taken in by the thieves' ringleader, Arie, and consider him almost a father figure. But you never get a strong sense of who the individual members of this group are, nor is enough of Calli's past detailed. This makes it difficult to sympathize with her, as the H, who has issues with trust, is being betrayed by a woman who has not only entangled herself in his life, but his children's.
Since this is a start to a new series, you also want to get a sense of what to anticipate in future books. Authors such as Christi Caldwell and Scarlett Scott do a good job with ongoing series involving "families" who live and work outside the bubble of the ton, and I was hoping for something similar here. Unfortunately, this doesn't quite deliver.
There are a few strengths. The kids are cute. Another reviewer mentioned that the Duke is "verbally abusive", but that's not true. He's just as gruff as Rochester in Jane Eyre. In fact, in the beginning of the book, his personality seems a closer approximation to what a real duke of that time period would have been like than the flirty dukes in several other recent books I've read. (I think I need a break from womanizing rakes!) Dukes held the highest position of authority in Society, under the Prince, so they were used to telling others what to do without being questioned. The Duke's experiences and mistrust of others also seemed realistic. I liked how he opened up to the h and I kept hoping she would find the inner strength to admit the truth to him. I lost some respect for her when she had a chance to come clean but didn't.
Overall, this is a pleasant enough read, but, I had a LOT of nagging questions (SPOILERS AHEAD):
--How exactly did the thieves get access to the Duke's home to start with? Supposedly, we're told later, Arie has "connections" with the servants, but how would have that gotten them an invite? Did they somehow slip in? If we're to assume h and her sister were posing as maids, wouldn't one of the staff have recognized h when she later played governess? Also, why wasn't someone in the "family" posted as a look-out near the Duke's quarters in case someone walked in on h? She wasn't well-protected by them at all.
--Whatever happened to the real governess who was supposed to arrive (I kept thinking she'd show and give the h's ruse away)?
--If Calli knows how to dance properly at a ball in order to fit in with nobility, why wouldn't she have also been taught basic rules of table etiquette? And, as she obviously has no training as a governess, why didn't the Duke try to investigate her further? For someone who is supposed to be cynical, he seems awfully naive.
--Why was Arie so stupidly argumentative with the Duke, when he should have been cozying up to someone of such status? Wouldn't it have been to his advantage if Calli had become the Duke's mistress, since Arie wants her to go around stealing things from the rich? I didn't believe Arie was being protective toward her. He seemed like a user, not a likable character at all.
--Calli is understandably frustrated after H finds out about her deception. Arie seems overly dismissive, joking about the fact that she was found out by H's children, and shows no concern for her safety or feelings. In reality, a Duke could have had them all thrown into prison, or worse, for thievery. In a logical move, h makes it sound like she's done with stealing. But in the next chapter, she's staking out a museum that they're planning to break into?? I didn't understand this at all.
--How did H get h's address in order for his children to send her the note at the end? She never divulged to him where she lived. He knows her real name, but how would he have located her so quickly in the Dials?
--Finally, the whole idea of H allowing h to stay in contact with her "family", but not get ensnared in any more of their schemes, wasn't realistic. They're not just pickpockets, they're involved in stealing from aristocrats and museums. Some understanding toward Xander, the h's brother, would have been warranted, but Arie never redeems himself. And Diana, the sister, remains a complete cipher.
Plot holes and vague characterization unfortunately interfered with my enjoyment of the storyline. I can typically suspend some disbelief, but this book seemed rushed to me, as if the author were trying to meet deadline. There were also typos and several examples of awkward sentence structure, more than I remember from her Bluestocking series.
I did read the first chapter of the second book and that seemed a bit more fleshed-out. Hopefully the writer will find her rhythm as she goes along.
Since this is a start to a new series, you also want to get a sense of what to anticipate in future books. Authors such as Christi Caldwell and Scarlett Scott do a good job with ongoing series involving "families" who live and work outside the bubble of the ton, and I was hoping for something similar here. Unfortunately, this doesn't quite deliver.
There are a few strengths. The kids are cute. Another reviewer mentioned that the Duke is "verbally abusive", but that's not true. He's just as gruff as Rochester in Jane Eyre. In fact, in the beginning of the book, his personality seems a closer approximation to what a real duke of that time period would have been like than the flirty dukes in several other recent books I've read. (I think I need a break from womanizing rakes!) Dukes held the highest position of authority in Society, under the Prince, so they were used to telling others what to do without being questioned. The Duke's experiences and mistrust of others also seemed realistic. I liked how he opened up to the h and I kept hoping she would find the inner strength to admit the truth to him. I lost some respect for her when she had a chance to come clean but didn't.
Overall, this is a pleasant enough read, but, I had a LOT of nagging questions (SPOILERS AHEAD):
--How exactly did the thieves get access to the Duke's home to start with? Supposedly, we're told later, Arie has "connections" with the servants, but how would have that gotten them an invite? Did they somehow slip in? If we're to assume h and her sister were posing as maids, wouldn't one of the staff have recognized h when she later played governess? Also, why wasn't someone in the "family" posted as a look-out near the Duke's quarters in case someone walked in on h? She wasn't well-protected by them at all.
--Whatever happened to the real governess who was supposed to arrive (I kept thinking she'd show and give the h's ruse away)?
--If Calli knows how to dance properly at a ball in order to fit in with nobility, why wouldn't she have also been taught basic rules of table etiquette? And, as she obviously has no training as a governess, why didn't the Duke try to investigate her further? For someone who is supposed to be cynical, he seems awfully naive.
--Why was Arie so stupidly argumentative with the Duke, when he should have been cozying up to someone of such status? Wouldn't it have been to his advantage if Calli had become the Duke's mistress, since Arie wants her to go around stealing things from the rich? I didn't believe Arie was being protective toward her. He seemed like a user, not a likable character at all.
--Calli is understandably frustrated after H finds out about her deception. Arie seems overly dismissive, joking about the fact that she was found out by H's children, and shows no concern for her safety or feelings. In reality, a Duke could have had them all thrown into prison, or worse, for thievery. In a logical move, h makes it sound like she's done with stealing. But in the next chapter, she's staking out a museum that they're planning to break into?? I didn't understand this at all.
--How did H get h's address in order for his children to send her the note at the end? She never divulged to him where she lived. He knows her real name, but how would he have located her so quickly in the Dials?
--Finally, the whole idea of H allowing h to stay in contact with her "family", but not get ensnared in any more of their schemes, wasn't realistic. They're not just pickpockets, they're involved in stealing from aristocrats and museums. Some understanding toward Xander, the h's brother, would have been warranted, but Arie never redeems himself. And Diana, the sister, remains a complete cipher.
Plot holes and vague characterization unfortunately interfered with my enjoyment of the storyline. I can typically suspend some disbelief, but this book seemed rushed to me, as if the author were trying to meet deadline. There were also typos and several examples of awkward sentence structure, more than I remember from her Bluestocking series.
I did read the first chapter of the second book and that seemed a bit more fleshed-out. Hopefully the writer will find her rhythm as she goes along.
July 21, 2023
Mildly cute, but tragically underdeveloped
I honestly don't really have much desire to go all out in this review like I normally would. This book was pretty lazy and lackluster, so I feel compelled to offer the same. While I'm glad this was a quick read that didn't bore me, at least, it doesn't mean that it's enough to appease me. So, I shall keep this review simple:
The ingredients for a compelling story were certainly there, all sorta scattered about looking interesting and enticing, but sadly...they were insufficient to produce a satisfying main course once they were all brought together. I couldn't get past the overall generic vibe of this thing; it was honestly just sorta...dumb. Nothing stood out. Nothing FELT important (even though I'm told it is).
What should have been endearing came across as cringe, forced, or awkward. I place the blame solely on the painful lack of development for both main characters (Calli and Johnathan). You're thrown immediately into the story without much foundation to them. Sure, you learn things as you go, but even then, it's still a bunch of telling without showing. And that is rarely satisfying.
There were so many moments that felt meant to stir me into feeling something for the characters, but they kept backfiring. It did more harm than good for the author not to bother giving me more to care about earlier in the story. Something I could buy. But instead, I have to endure awful clichéd dialogue among unoriginal scenarios. This in turn just made things feel bland and meaningless.
While I appreciated the quick read, I will not be continuing this series. And given that this is my second negative exposure to a story by this author, it looks like her work just isn't for me. I'll steer clear in the future.
I honestly don't really have much desire to go all out in this review like I normally would. This book was pretty lazy and lackluster, so I feel compelled to offer the same. While I'm glad this was a quick read that didn't bore me, at least, it doesn't mean that it's enough to appease me. So, I shall keep this review simple:
The ingredients for a compelling story were certainly there, all sorta scattered about looking interesting and enticing, but sadly...they were insufficient to produce a satisfying main course once they were all brought together. I couldn't get past the overall generic vibe of this thing; it was honestly just sorta...dumb. Nothing stood out. Nothing FELT important (even though I'm told it is).
What should have been endearing came across as cringe, forced, or awkward. I place the blame solely on the painful lack of development for both main characters (Calli and Johnathan). You're thrown immediately into the story without much foundation to them. Sure, you learn things as you go, but even then, it's still a bunch of telling without showing. And that is rarely satisfying.
There were so many moments that felt meant to stir me into feeling something for the characters, but they kept backfiring. It did more harm than good for the author not to bother giving me more to care about earlier in the story. Something I could buy. But instead, I have to endure awful clichéd dialogue among unoriginal scenarios. This in turn just made things feel bland and meaningless.
While I appreciated the quick read, I will not be continuing this series. And given that this is my second negative exposure to a story by this author, it looks like her work just isn't for me. I'll steer clear in the future.
September 9, 2023
Didn’t finish. I just could not get into this book. I liked the plot. The writing was fine I just wasn’t being pulled in for some reason. The dual point of view writing made the the story have no mystery so I knew what they were both thinking about everything. I just personally don’t like when the characters say things like ‘for some reason I am immediately obsessed with..…whoever it may be’. I don’t understand this. Why can’t the author give the character a reason that they’d like the other person? Just write some things that show me why hed like her over any other girl besides just looks. If he likes her immediately I feel like he probably just likes every girl he sees. She does seem likable though. I don’t really like the duke though. I think he’s supposed to come across as stern and serious but he’s coming across as unlikable. It’s not a bad book at all though honestly. I just couldn’t really get into it.
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