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New York Friendship #3
Caper Crush
A feel-good, opposites-attract, slow-burn romantic comedy
Somebody stole my painting! The one I need for the career-defining Vertex Exhibit. The Vertex Exhibit is my chance to finally be recognized as an artist—after ten years of waitressing and being asked if I still have that “lovely painting hobby.”
I have mere weeks to find my painting or lose my artist dream forever--but it's going to mean working with William.
William Haruki Matsumura. Good-looking if you like the Secret Service type. You know, law-abiding, protector of women and children. That’s all fine, but I never know what he’s thinking. Which drives me crazy.
He insists on coming along to do “damage control.” As if “accidentally” wandering into certain areas is “breaking and entering.” I may be an emotional artist, but William shouldn’t dismiss my investigative skills yet.
William is definitely my opposite, and, if there’s one takeaway from my parents’ divorce, it’s that opposites might attract, but it doesn’t last. But detecting with William is kind of fun--and fluttery. I definitely can’t trust these feelings, or can I?However this caper ends, I think this may be more than a crush.
Somebody stole my painting! The one I need for the career-defining Vertex Exhibit. The Vertex Exhibit is my chance to finally be recognized as an artist—after ten years of waitressing and being asked if I still have that “lovely painting hobby.”
I have mere weeks to find my painting or lose my artist dream forever--but it's going to mean working with William.
William Haruki Matsumura. Good-looking if you like the Secret Service type. You know, law-abiding, protector of women and children. That’s all fine, but I never know what he’s thinking. Which drives me crazy.
He insists on coming along to do “damage control.” As if “accidentally” wandering into certain areas is “breaking and entering.” I may be an emotional artist, but William shouldn’t dismiss my investigative skills yet.
William is definitely my opposite, and, if there’s one takeaway from my parents’ divorce, it’s that opposites might attract, but it doesn’t last. But detecting with William is kind of fun--and fluttery. I definitely can’t trust these feelings, or can I?However this caper ends, I think this may be more than a crush.
380 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2022
5 people are currently reading
2649 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Strobos
17 books297 followersKathy Strobos is a writer living in New York City with her husband and two children, amid a growing collection of books, toys and dollhouses. Born and raised in Manhattan, she loves writing about New York City and her smart heroines who live and fall in love there, amidst its vibrant energy and the aroma of homemade chocolate chip cookies. She is the award-winning author of: A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts, Partner Pursuit, Is This for Real?, Caper Crush, My Book Boyfriend, Love Is an Art, My Secret Snowflake, and My Rock Star Neighbor. Her books have been translated into multiple languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 27, 2022
A fun romance sprinkled with a generous dose of mystery. Miranda is a struggling artist on the verge of her big break, until her painting is stolen. Straight laced William has known Miranda most of his life. And now not only is he caught up in finding her missing painting, but he’s also getting caught up in her. Loved both of these characters! Miranda is a sassy free spirit who I would love as a friend. William has a heart of gold under his buttoned up exterior. It was a lot of fun Reading about these two solving the mystery and falling in love. A lovely story that will make you smile and want some abstract art. 💕😂🧠🐄🎨
July 8, 2022
I love them 😭
July 10, 2022
“What’s with you and disguises? This isn’t normal.”“I’ve never pretended to be normal,”
Miranda is an artist who has been planning on selling her paintings in an Art Exhibit but the painting gets stolen. She's determined to find the thief and somehow her uncle's partner's nephew William also gets involved in helping her figure out who is the culprit. While Miranda & William work together, she stats to see him in a new light. I absolutely loved the banter between them, just a few pages into the book and their dynamics put a huge grin on my face. The mystery surrounding the thief was also engaging but I wish I could see more of William & Miranda being a couple. The ending felt too abrupt and left me without a proper explanation of what exactly happened to the thief, whether he was charged or not? NGL, that was really disappointing, but I liked the plot and the characters. So this was a solid 3.5 star read for me.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
Miranda is an artist who has been planning on selling her paintings in an Art Exhibit but the painting gets stolen. She's determined to find the thief and somehow her uncle's partner's nephew William also gets involved in helping her figure out who is the culprit. While Miranda & William work together, she stats to see him in a new light. I absolutely loved the banter between them, just a few pages into the book and their dynamics put a huge grin on my face. The mystery surrounding the thief was also engaging but I wish I could see more of William & Miranda being a couple. The ending felt too abrupt and left me without a proper explanation of what exactly happened to the thief, whether he was charged or not? NGL, that was really disappointing, but I liked the plot and the characters. So this was a solid 3.5 star read for me.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
July 11, 2022
“Are you going to share?”
“If I was eating a Snickers bar, would you ask me to share?”
“No,” he says.
“So just because M&Ms come in individual bites, I have to share?”
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
I just want to start this review by reiterating that I love Kathy Strobos’ writing. She is incredible at writing feel-good romance, and this will be the 3rd book in her New York Friendship series, and honestly it’s my favourite of them all. It wasn’t your basic romance, because there was an art theft, and a lot of the book was based on “who dunnit”. Kathy made the step into mystery seemingly easy, and I think it fitted perfectly.
So yes the plot was extremely compelling, and so were the characters. William is just my favourite! He comes across so broody at first, but he’s actually a fun-loving guy that can have a good time, and romantic too! Miranda was so confident in her feelings too, and I think any reader would go out on a limb for her. I just love this duo so, so much!
Back to the plot again, like woah! I guess these kinds of things do happen with art in real life, but the whole story was extreme, like if that happened to me I’d be wallowed up in a hole, not off investigating! Go Miranda and William!
I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good old chick lit romance! Kathy will always be a favourite author of mine!
“If I was eating a Snickers bar, would you ask me to share?”
“No,” he says.
“So just because M&Ms come in individual bites, I have to share?”
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
I just want to start this review by reiterating that I love Kathy Strobos’ writing. She is incredible at writing feel-good romance, and this will be the 3rd book in her New York Friendship series, and honestly it’s my favourite of them all. It wasn’t your basic romance, because there was an art theft, and a lot of the book was based on “who dunnit”. Kathy made the step into mystery seemingly easy, and I think it fitted perfectly.
So yes the plot was extremely compelling, and so were the characters. William is just my favourite! He comes across so broody at first, but he’s actually a fun-loving guy that can have a good time, and romantic too! Miranda was so confident in her feelings too, and I think any reader would go out on a limb for her. I just love this duo so, so much!
Back to the plot again, like woah! I guess these kinds of things do happen with art in real life, but the whole story was extreme, like if that happened to me I’d be wallowed up in a hole, not off investigating! Go Miranda and William!
I highly recommend to anyone who loves a good old chick lit romance! Kathy will always be a favourite author of mine!
July 23, 2022
Caper Crush is the third book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone as I did and I loved it without having read the previous two books. This is a wonderful fusion of mystery and romance, our leads Miranda and William are just so cute, it’s so nice to see Asian representation too in William being Japanese American, it’s nice to see more representation for Asian people in romance. I love a slow burn romance and this definitely hits its mark, William is so reserved and I love how this fits in with Miranda who was awkwardly shy (I love these awkward moments in a romance, but so much more in a slow burn). I mean you have the karaoke date singing “Barbie Girl” how cute do you want to get ? it’s so freakin’ adorable I was almost squealing for them.
This is definitely my kind of book, it’s so uplifting to read, funny, Miranda is just hilarious, I had tears of laughter so many times. The mystery was good, I loved the fact even this had humour, I mean that opening and the dressing up to act as bait, just brilliant , although I would have liked a bit more detail, but that’s the nit picker in me (and the obsession in me I have to know why to everything ! I can’t watch an unsolved crime show it drives me insane 🤣) I am definitely gong to seek out the previous books and I can’t wait for more.
If you're looking for a rom-com with action, suspense ,mystery and a bit of drama I highly recommend you read Caper Crush, it’s really a great feel-good read and you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Kathy Strobos for a free e-book in exchange for an honest opinion, all opinions are my own and freely given.
This is definitely my kind of book, it’s so uplifting to read, funny, Miranda is just hilarious, I had tears of laughter so many times. The mystery was good, I loved the fact even this had humour, I mean that opening and the dressing up to act as bait, just brilliant , although I would have liked a bit more detail, but that’s the nit picker in me (and the obsession in me I have to know why to everything ! I can’t watch an unsolved crime show it drives me insane 🤣) I am definitely gong to seek out the previous books and I can’t wait for more.
If you're looking for a rom-com with action, suspense ,mystery and a bit of drama I highly recommend you read Caper Crush, it’s really a great feel-good read and you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Kathy Strobos for a free e-book in exchange for an honest opinion, all opinions are my own and freely given.
July 5, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Caper Crush by Kathy Strobos is a delightful rom-com with a heavy dose of mystery. The story revolves around Miranda, whose piece has just been accepted into a major art show. But what will she do when her painting is stolen from the show, along with a painting that was worth a lot more? She'll have to team up with handsome Japanese-American William, the nephew of her uncle's partner. Can they figure out who stole the paintings?
Here is a hilarious excerpt from Chapter 1:
"Pushing up my fake glasses on my nose, I shuffle closer to the two other women to listen in on their conversation about the ultramarine abstract painting in front of them. I resist the urge to touch my straight, gray hair. I’ve learned that once I put on a wig, I shouldn’t touch it.
This art gallery is a square, white-walled room in Tribeca with paintings hung a foot apart, about twenty colorful pieces in total. Between the cold air-conditioning and the pops of color, I feel like I’ve stepped into the middle of a vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. Next to the entrance, the gallery owner sits behind a shiny, white-laminate counter, typing on her laptop. Two large paintings are spotlighted in the storefront windows. My ultramarine painting, unfortunately, didn’t merit that prime real estate."
Overall, Caper Crush is a lovely blend of romance and mystery. One highlight of this book is how it features a Japanese-American male lead. I rarely see this in romance fiction, and as a reader of Asian descent, I am so happy to support this book. Another highlight of this book is the adorable opening. The main character dressed up as an old lady to get people to buy her art. I did take off 1 star because of the frequent tonal shifts. Some parts were action-packed, which were followed by slower parts. It was up and down. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of rom-coms in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in July!
Caper Crush by Kathy Strobos is a delightful rom-com with a heavy dose of mystery. The story revolves around Miranda, whose piece has just been accepted into a major art show. But what will she do when her painting is stolen from the show, along with a painting that was worth a lot more? She'll have to team up with handsome Japanese-American William, the nephew of her uncle's partner. Can they figure out who stole the paintings?
Here is a hilarious excerpt from Chapter 1:
"Pushing up my fake glasses on my nose, I shuffle closer to the two other women to listen in on their conversation about the ultramarine abstract painting in front of them. I resist the urge to touch my straight, gray hair. I’ve learned that once I put on a wig, I shouldn’t touch it.
This art gallery is a square, white-walled room in Tribeca with paintings hung a foot apart, about twenty colorful pieces in total. Between the cold air-conditioning and the pops of color, I feel like I’ve stepped into the middle of a vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. Next to the entrance, the gallery owner sits behind a shiny, white-laminate counter, typing on her laptop. Two large paintings are spotlighted in the storefront windows. My ultramarine painting, unfortunately, didn’t merit that prime real estate."
Overall, Caper Crush is a lovely blend of romance and mystery. One highlight of this book is how it features a Japanese-American male lead. I rarely see this in romance fiction, and as a reader of Asian descent, I am so happy to support this book. Another highlight of this book is the adorable opening. The main character dressed up as an old lady to get people to buy her art. I did take off 1 star because of the frequent tonal shifts. Some parts were action-packed, which were followed by slower parts. It was up and down. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of rom-coms in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in July!
July 26, 2022
I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
Caper Crush is a wonderful, feel-good, opposites-attract, slow-burn romantic comedy and it definitely had me giggling along in quite a few places!! It was also very easy to read and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster just so that I could find out what was going to happen next.
This is the third book in this series and this one also had a bit of a ‘mystery - who dunnit’ theme to it too!
Caper Crush is a very well written book, full of sweet and funny moments and left me with a wonderful, warm and happy feeling…
Caper Crush is a wonderful, feel-good, opposites-attract, slow-burn romantic comedy and it definitely had me giggling along in quite a few places!! It was also very easy to read and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster just so that I could find out what was going to happen next.
This is the third book in this series and this one also had a bit of a ‘mystery - who dunnit’ theme to it too!
Caper Crush is a very well written book, full of sweet and funny moments and left me with a wonderful, warm and happy feeling…
July 3, 2022
With only weeks to prepare for the biggest exhibit of her life, Miranda Langbroek is distraught when she finds out the art piece, that is the most important to her series of 3, has been stolen. Along side her uncles expensive art work. Miranda had stored her art at her uncles place in meantime before the exhibit. Only her, her uncles and his husband knew where the art was being stored. When it’s revealed that the art was stolen during one of her uncles get-together parties, Miranda is faced with the fact that maybe the thief is someone she’s close connected to.
While the police works hard to try and locate Miranda’s art, she feels the need to launch her own mini investigation. Her uncle helps- with his husband, and William. A man she’s known for years, but not really known that well. Miranda and William investigates many possible leads together hoping to find the actual perpetrator. Miranda has always looked at William as a man who’s feelings she can’t really seem to grasp, but as she falls in deeper to the investigation, she also sees that the hidden sides Willam don’t often show, is something she really much enjoys.
As the their private investigation continues, Miranda is also faced with the possibility that she may not be able to show her art work at the exhibit, especially without that stolen important piece. How could someone she knows do this to her? In her worst moments she finds that William is someone she can lean on, someone who will help her fight to find her art. And wow, she didn’t expect these types of feelings- why is her stomach fluttering all of a sudden when he leans in closer.
Miranda and William is fighting the clock to find her art work before the time runs out for the exhibit. With so many leads and so little time how will she do it? And what if it’s too late- what if the thief has destroyed her painting? And what are these moments between her and William, can these feelings blossom into something more than just friendship? Miranda knows she has to fight- to find her painting and for these new feelings for William. Preferably before the time runs out for her.
Kathy Strobos writes yet another excellent book filled with sweet, funny and laughable moments. Caper Crush hits all the right spots, and leaves you with a good feeling.
*Thank you to the author, Kathy Strobos, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*
While the police works hard to try and locate Miranda’s art, she feels the need to launch her own mini investigation. Her uncle helps- with his husband, and William. A man she’s known for years, but not really known that well. Miranda and William investigates many possible leads together hoping to find the actual perpetrator. Miranda has always looked at William as a man who’s feelings she can’t really seem to grasp, but as she falls in deeper to the investigation, she also sees that the hidden sides Willam don’t often show, is something she really much enjoys.
As the their private investigation continues, Miranda is also faced with the possibility that she may not be able to show her art work at the exhibit, especially without that stolen important piece. How could someone she knows do this to her? In her worst moments she finds that William is someone she can lean on, someone who will help her fight to find her art. And wow, she didn’t expect these types of feelings- why is her stomach fluttering all of a sudden when he leans in closer.
Miranda and William is fighting the clock to find her art work before the time runs out for the exhibit. With so many leads and so little time how will she do it? And what if it’s too late- what if the thief has destroyed her painting? And what are these moments between her and William, can these feelings blossom into something more than just friendship? Miranda knows she has to fight- to find her painting and for these new feelings for William. Preferably before the time runs out for her.
Kathy Strobos writes yet another excellent book filled with sweet, funny and laughable moments. Caper Crush hits all the right spots, and leaves you with a good feeling.
*Thank you to the author, Kathy Strobos, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 10, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Strawbundle Publishing and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Mystery + romance + comedy packed into this delicious little book. I can't wait for more intros series.
Mystery + romance + comedy packed into this delicious little book. I can't wait for more intros series.
August 12, 2022
What a sweet romance was this book, from the start the characters have a build identity that makes the story so interesting and good to read, highly recommend it for those who love romance.
July 31, 2022
I fell in love with Kathy’s writing when I discovered Is This For Real? It was lovely to see new characters in this book but also to see characters from Books 1 and 2 (still need to read book 1!!)
The focus of this story is Miranda and William. I love the whole will they or won’t they as 9 times out of 10, you know they will. But as I always say it’s the journey we go on which makes us fall in love with the characters, with this outing we had a bit of drama with someone stealing artwork! How audacious!
It did take me a few chapters to get into this book as I didn’t really gel with Miranda at the beginning. After a few chapters, I began to adore her and her quirky ways, and being an accountant I couldn’t help but be protective of William!!
There is some insecurity in the characters due to their past which felt so real as we watched the events unfold. And I got behind the characters and I wanted everything to be ok in the end. I sped through the pages as we watched the duo as they investigate the person behind the mystery.
A slightly different tale by Kathy but it worked. I loved the characters I love the side characters like Uncle Tony and Tessa. I just love this series and I cannot wait to jump back in and see who we follow next. Kathy gives you a story you didn’t realise you wanted until you read it!
The focus of this story is Miranda and William. I love the whole will they or won’t they as 9 times out of 10, you know they will. But as I always say it’s the journey we go on which makes us fall in love with the characters, with this outing we had a bit of drama with someone stealing artwork! How audacious!
It did take me a few chapters to get into this book as I didn’t really gel with Miranda at the beginning. After a few chapters, I began to adore her and her quirky ways, and being an accountant I couldn’t help but be protective of William!!
There is some insecurity in the characters due to their past which felt so real as we watched the events unfold. And I got behind the characters and I wanted everything to be ok in the end. I sped through the pages as we watched the duo as they investigate the person behind the mystery.
A slightly different tale by Kathy but it worked. I loved the characters I love the side characters like Uncle Tony and Tessa. I just love this series and I cannot wait to jump back in and see who we follow next. Kathy gives you a story you didn’t realise you wanted until you read it!
August 8, 2022
This story was so mesmerizing to read, the perfect mix between romance and mystery. In this "opposites attract" novel, Miranda becomes distraught when she gets a phone call telling her that both her main center piece of her three, and her uncles expensive art work were stolen. She decides to launch her own mini investigation, alongside the help of William and their uncles. Before the investigation Miranda always looked at William as a man who's feelings could easily be hidden, but the further in they get the more she learns to understand him.
August 6, 2022
This was such a fun read. I loved the mix of romance and mystery in this one.
Kathy is a really good author, I would recommend her books to anyone.
I want to thank the author, Kathy Strobos, for the free ARC.
Kathy is a really good author, I would recommend her books to anyone.
I want to thank the author, Kathy Strobos, for the free ARC.
August 7, 2022
This book had me hooked! The banter is funny and the story is just amazing! I loved the characters and the pacing was just amazing! I can’t wait to read more from this author!
July 21, 2022
Thank you to Strawbundle Publishing and author Kathy Strobos for the advanced reading copy via Netgalley. Review contains my own thoughts and opinions.
Caper Crush is book 3 in Strobos’ New York Friendship series, and I think it might be my favorite one yet. Miranda and William made a great amateur detective team and their chemistry was obvious to the reader before they even realized it! I also enjoyed the dash of mystery added to this book compared with the previous two. I recommend you give Caper Crush a read if you enjoy contemporary romance, opposites attract, and a little bit of mystery weaved in!
Caper Crush is book 3 in Strobos’ New York Friendship series, and I think it might be my favorite one yet. Miranda and William made a great amateur detective team and their chemistry was obvious to the reader before they even realized it! I also enjoyed the dash of mystery added to this book compared with the previous two. I recommend you give Caper Crush a read if you enjoy contemporary romance, opposites attract, and a little bit of mystery weaved in!
July 15, 2022
This story totally brought an all new meaning to the term ' Opposites Attract " ! I loved Miranda and William ! Starting off you don't necessarily suspect they're going to have any sort of romance seeing as they know each other through their uncles whom are married. Miranda is a struggling rockstar artist and William is an accountant with his own business.
Miranda has just been accepted into her first major art exhibition, and when she is making arrangements to have her paintings transported she learns that the main piece for her show that was being stored with her uncles has been stolen ! She is devastated. Along with her uncles who have prior work experience with Homeland Security and The Secret Service as well as William, Miranda is on the case.
William agrees to help Miranda with her investigation for the stolen painting. Along the way it's like a game of clue. Who did it ? Where did they hide the paintings to get them out of a secure location ? and What was the reason as to why anyone would want to hurt Miranda ? This book was a great summer read & I loved these characters.
Miranda has just been accepted into her first major art exhibition, and when she is making arrangements to have her paintings transported she learns that the main piece for her show that was being stored with her uncles has been stolen ! She is devastated. Along with her uncles who have prior work experience with Homeland Security and The Secret Service as well as William, Miranda is on the case.
William agrees to help Miranda with her investigation for the stolen painting. Along the way it's like a game of clue. Who did it ? Where did they hide the paintings to get them out of a secure location ? and What was the reason as to why anyone would want to hurt Miranda ? This book was a great summer read & I loved these characters.
July 21, 2022
Such a unique book, I loved the plot and oh my god the characters we're so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!
June 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this fun, opposites attract romance - one of my favourite tropes! This story is filled with Kathy Strobos' usual gentle writing style and witty, snappy dialogue. Add in her unique blend of characters and lovely descriptions of New York city life, and this novel is a real treat to read!
September 8, 2022
This is the third Strobos novel read, all part of the loosely connected New York Friendship series.
This is the story of Miranda,a young, struggling artist trying to make it in the Big Apple. To make ends meet, Miranda plays in a rock band and waits tables while she awaits her big break in the art world. With a prestigious, new art show on the horizon, it seems this may be the moment she's been waiting for ... until the central canvas in the exhibition is stolen, jeopardizing her participation in the show.
William is the handsome, but unimaginative accountant who is the nephew of her uncle's husband. Their paths have crossed at family events, but they have never been close, until Miranda enlists William to assist with an investigation into who stole her artwork., and slowly realizes she may have misjudged the smart and sexy businessman.
This was a quickly paced and fun opposites-attract story, with the added attraction of mystery surrounding the art heist. I'm not a series reader, but I like this formula of loosely connected stories and mutual friends, that allows a reader to see familiar characters, without necessitating complicated back stories or enjoying the novels as stand-alones. A fast and enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
This is the story of Miranda,a young, struggling artist trying to make it in the Big Apple. To make ends meet, Miranda plays in a rock band and waits tables while she awaits her big break in the art world. With a prestigious, new art show on the horizon, it seems this may be the moment she's been waiting for ... until the central canvas in the exhibition is stolen, jeopardizing her participation in the show.
William is the handsome, but unimaginative accountant who is the nephew of her uncle's husband. Their paths have crossed at family events, but they have never been close, until Miranda enlists William to assist with an investigation into who stole her artwork., and slowly realizes she may have misjudged the smart and sexy businessman.
This was a quickly paced and fun opposites-attract story, with the added attraction of mystery surrounding the art heist. I'm not a series reader, but I like this formula of loosely connected stories and mutual friends, that allows a reader to see familiar characters, without necessitating complicated back stories or enjoying the novels as stand-alones. A fast and enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
July 8, 2022
It's the first book by Kathy that I've read, and I admit her writing style is refreshing for me and will indeed check more of her books. I did not know that this is a book series but works as a stand-alone.
I was ecstatic while reading this fun; opposites attract romance book. It's a rom-com mystery book about Miranda, who works as a rock band lead singer, and waitress to support herself in becoming a famous abstract painter. She finally got her most awaited break to showcase her paintings in a renowned art show, but then an unexpected turn of events happened.
I am happy to support this book as it covers Asian life settings (think about K-dramas, cherry blossoms, etc.) I did take off 1 star because I was expecting a more romantic ending which I guess will happen in the next book :)
Thank you, publisher and NetGalley, for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I was ecstatic while reading this fun; opposites attract romance book. It's a rom-com mystery book about Miranda, who works as a rock band lead singer, and waitress to support herself in becoming a famous abstract painter. She finally got her most awaited break to showcase her paintings in a renowned art show, but then an unexpected turn of events happened.
I am happy to support this book as it covers Asian life settings (think about K-dramas, cherry blossoms, etc.) I did take off 1 star because I was expecting a more romantic ending which I guess will happen in the next book :)
Thank you, publisher and NetGalley, for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 11, 2022
I really liked this novel combining stolen art and found love. The characters of William and Miranda are fun and flirty even if William seems to be more staid. Their uncles are so sweet and devoted to each other and to trying to push William and Lorrie together. It is a fun story, engaging to read and so clever.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 24, 2022
A big thank you to NetGalley and Strawbundle Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is my first time reading this author. I will read her again. This is the 3rd in a series, but reads great as a stand alone. I had no idea it was a series. This is a fun romantic comedy/mystery. I thought I knew then I wasn't sure, then I thought I knew....etc. I enjoyed the painting as well. 4 stars. Would recommend to cozy mystery readers and romance readers.
July 15, 2022
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Strawbundle Publishing.
Somebody stole my painting! The one Miranda need for the career-defining Vertex Exhibit. The Vertex Exhibit is her chance to finally be recognized as an artist—after ten years of waitressing and being asked if she still have that lovely painting hobby. She has mere weeks to find her painting or lose her artist dream forever but it's going to mean working with William.
William Haruki Matsumura. Good-looking if you like the Secret Service type. You know, law-abiding, protector of women and children. That’s all fine, but Miranda never know what he’s thinking. Which drives her crazy. He insists on coming along to do damage control. As if accidentally wandering into certain areas is breaking and entering. She may be an emotional artist, but William shouldn’t dismiss my investigative skills yet. William is definitely my opposite, and, if there’s one takeaway from her parents’ divorce, it’s that opposites might attract, but it doesn’t last. But detecting with William is kind of fun and fluttery. She definitely can’t trust these feelings, or can she? However this caper ends, she think this may be more than a crush.
Caper Crush is a feel-good, opposites-attract, slow-burn rom com with a heavy dose of mystery. Miranda made for a hilarious main character and her banter with William was so good! However, I would of have wanted more romance from Miranda and William, and I did find some of the dates to be too cheesy. I am happy to support this book as it covers Asian life settings, but I did wish there was a more romantic kind of ending. I would have liked more details on the art theft. I didn’t like the additional relationship drama at the end. and felt it was dragged and not needed. The pace of the book also felt a little too jumpy and I wanted a little more detail in some areas, but I enjoyed reading it and would recommend if you like your romance with a touch of suspense.
Somebody stole my painting! The one Miranda need for the career-defining Vertex Exhibit. The Vertex Exhibit is her chance to finally be recognized as an artist—after ten years of waitressing and being asked if she still have that lovely painting hobby. She has mere weeks to find her painting or lose her artist dream forever but it's going to mean working with William.
William Haruki Matsumura. Good-looking if you like the Secret Service type. You know, law-abiding, protector of women and children. That’s all fine, but Miranda never know what he’s thinking. Which drives her crazy. He insists on coming along to do damage control. As if accidentally wandering into certain areas is breaking and entering. She may be an emotional artist, but William shouldn’t dismiss my investigative skills yet. William is definitely my opposite, and, if there’s one takeaway from her parents’ divorce, it’s that opposites might attract, but it doesn’t last. But detecting with William is kind of fun and fluttery. She definitely can’t trust these feelings, or can she? However this caper ends, she think this may be more than a crush.
Caper Crush is a feel-good, opposites-attract, slow-burn rom com with a heavy dose of mystery. Miranda made for a hilarious main character and her banter with William was so good! However, I would of have wanted more romance from Miranda and William, and I did find some of the dates to be too cheesy. I am happy to support this book as it covers Asian life settings, but I did wish there was a more romantic kind of ending. I would have liked more details on the art theft. I didn’t like the additional relationship drama at the end. and felt it was dragged and not needed. The pace of the book also felt a little too jumpy and I wanted a little more detail in some areas, but I enjoyed reading it and would recommend if you like your romance with a touch of suspense.
July 3, 2022
The story
Artist Miranda sings in a rock band and works as a waitress and bartender to make ends meet while she hopes to support herself from her work as an abstract painter. Three of her paintings are due to be shown in a prominent art show when the unthinkable happens and one is stolen. The “caper”, a mad dash to try figure out who has the motive and opportunity to steal this painting, has Miranda paired with William, the nephew of her Uncle Tony’s husband. Will they be able to find the painting, and will they be able to resist the obvious attraction?
My thoughts
I adored Kathy Strobos’ Partner Pursuit debut and it’s follow up Is This For Real? In this third instalment in the New York based series featuring loosely connected friends, I loved how there was absolutely no formula to the connected stories. Caper Crush delves into the world of abstract art, and is a romance-tinged whodunnit story. Similarities include the strong backdrop and intimate knowledge of New York City, a deep dive into a topic (in this case the art world and lost artwork, detective-ing), and an awesomely entertaining read. This story had me hooked! ❤️
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
Artist Miranda sings in a rock band and works as a waitress and bartender to make ends meet while she hopes to support herself from her work as an abstract painter. Three of her paintings are due to be shown in a prominent art show when the unthinkable happens and one is stolen. The “caper”, a mad dash to try figure out who has the motive and opportunity to steal this painting, has Miranda paired with William, the nephew of her Uncle Tony’s husband. Will they be able to find the painting, and will they be able to resist the obvious attraction?
My thoughts
I adored Kathy Strobos’ Partner Pursuit debut and it’s follow up Is This For Real? In this third instalment in the New York based series featuring loosely connected friends, I loved how there was absolutely no formula to the connected stories. Caper Crush delves into the world of abstract art, and is a romance-tinged whodunnit story. Similarities include the strong backdrop and intimate knowledge of New York City, a deep dive into a topic (in this case the art world and lost artwork, detective-ing), and an awesomely entertaining read. This story had me hooked! ❤️
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
July 22, 2022
This is a brilliant mix of opposites attract and romcom mystery, too
With great characters, clues and relationship dramas to entertain you.
A great opportunity to be involved in a special art show
Is ruined when Miranda's key painting is stolen, what a blow!
With little time to investigate the dastardly theft
Artist Miranda is determined to make the most of what's left.
The other painting stolen at the time is very valuable and well known
One that others would be proud to own.
Working with William isn't her idea of a treat
But he's determined, self-assured and won't be beat.
She's feisty, acts first and reacts
He's thoughtful and thinks before he acts.
With friends and relatives amongst the suspects they find
It is difficult to consider who'd be so unkind.
But together the duo will explore all the clues to discover
Who took the painting and them both to recover.
The story is intriguing with plenty of twists, too,
And had me laughing nearly all the way through.
What a fun read and cosy mystery story, too,
So I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to you.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
With great characters, clues and relationship dramas to entertain you.
A great opportunity to be involved in a special art show
Is ruined when Miranda's key painting is stolen, what a blow!
With little time to investigate the dastardly theft
Artist Miranda is determined to make the most of what's left.
The other painting stolen at the time is very valuable and well known
One that others would be proud to own.
Working with William isn't her idea of a treat
But he's determined, self-assured and won't be beat.
She's feisty, acts first and reacts
He's thoughtful and thinks before he acts.
With friends and relatives amongst the suspects they find
It is difficult to consider who'd be so unkind.
But together the duo will explore all the clues to discover
Who took the painting and them both to recover.
The story is intriguing with plenty of twists, too,
And had me laughing nearly all the way through.
What a fun read and cosy mystery story, too,
So I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to you.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
July 24, 2022
The book follows Miranda and William. Miranda is an aspiring artist and a lead singer in a local rock band. William is an accountant that owns his own business. Their uncles are married to one another, so they’ve known each other for a long time without really getting to know one another. Until tragedy strikes… Miranda’s main piece of art is stolen from their uncle’s apartment, along with a famous painting they were hoping to sell to purchase their dream little cottage. Miranda and William team up to investigate the losses and end up spending a lot of time together.
This book was a genuine, feel good, and sweet romance with no spice. A rom-com with a sense of mystery - because who the heck stole the paintings? This book has an insanely slow burn between our two “main” characters. The team work they use kinda gives the forced proximity trope vibes, since they’re spending so much time together to accomplish a common goal until it eventually leads to something more. Another trope that we see? Opposites attract.The book is written in first person through Miranda’s point of view, and it’s written really well. She’s an emotional person, and you can feel her emotions flooding off of the pages. Kathy Strobos did an amazing job to really grasp the characters, give the conflict that was needed to push this story forward and keep it moving.
This book was a genuine, feel good, and sweet romance with no spice. A rom-com with a sense of mystery - because who the heck stole the paintings? This book has an insanely slow burn between our two “main” characters. The team work they use kinda gives the forced proximity trope vibes, since they’re spending so much time together to accomplish a common goal until it eventually leads to something more. Another trope that we see? Opposites attract.The book is written in first person through Miranda’s point of view, and it’s written really well. She’s an emotional person, and you can feel her emotions flooding off of the pages. Kathy Strobos did an amazing job to really grasp the characters, give the conflict that was needed to push this story forward and keep it moving.
September 6, 2022
This is a delightful romantic comedy that had me smiling pretty much from beginning to end. The characters were well-developed and endearing and you can't help but fall in love with them. Miranda is a free-spirited, struggling artist and finally gets her big break, only now her painting has been stolen. William has known Mirands for a long time, and he is helping her find her painting. He is her complete opposite, reserved and a bit uptight, yet they clicked so well together. There chemistry was undeniable. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and the witty banter between them was so much fun. The story was entertaining from start to finish and the the mystery surrounding the theft added a little more intrigue and drama. A charming story with fun, humor, romance made this an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Strobos' work.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and I kept wanting to read the next chapter to see what happened next. This was my first book where there was a mystery and romance. While the characters were trying to solve the mystery I was trying to solve it too and it was really fun. I would recommend this book to someone else.
Received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
August 10, 2022
Absolutely loved this book, was a really sweet romance between Miranda and William. They knew each other because their Uncles are married to each other. Miranda is an aspiring artist, who happens to have three of her paintings in the Vertex Art show. As the story progresses she receives some bad news about one of her paintings, which happened to have been stolen along with some artwork that belonged to Tony and Takashi.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me this chance to write an honest review
Thank you Netgalley for giving me this chance to write an honest review
August 11, 2022
I loved Caper Crush! The way this author weaved a compelling mystery in with the romance had me hooked right from the start. The two main characters had amazing chemistry and their interactions had me laughing out loud. So much fun! Can't wait to read the next book from this author!
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