Taste of Kiwi: Blog of Author Shelley Munro

In Samantha Kane’s sensual tale of wicked passion, a desperate woman must resort to burglary—but the beautiful thief ends up stealing the heart of a rogue.

The daughter of a reformed jewel thief, Julianna Harte knows a thing or two about stealth. When the foundling home she provides for finds itself in dire financial straits, Julianna is forced to do the unthinkable. In a bit of misguided Robin Hood derring-do, she slips through the window of a wealthy rake to search for a treasure she knows is there: an invaluable pearl. But when the towering and very naked occupant of the moonlit bedroom ambushes her with a bargain—a night in his bed in exchange for the pearl—Julianna doesn’t know if it’s masculine heat or sheer desperation that makes his terms so tempting.

Alasdair Sharpe had no intention of keeping his end of the bargain. Planning to offer his little cat burglar carte blanche instead, he promptly loses himself in the delights of unexpected pleasure. But when he awakes the next morning to find his family heirloom gone, fury quickly replaces sensual languor. Of course, Alasdair is more than willing to use seduction to reclaim his stolen pearl—and find the key to Julianna’s heart.

REVIEW:

Julianna Harte is a woman with a problem. She is behind in rent payments for her children’s home, and she desperately requires money. Her solution is to steal the Stewart pearl from Alasdair Sharp and sell it to fund her home. Unfortunately, things don’t go to plan when Alasdair catches her in the act. She speaks without thinking, and once he learns she’s a woman he’s intrigued by his thief in the night. Julianna negotiates with him—her virginity in exchange for the pearl, and when Alasdair wakes the next morning both Julianna and the pearl are gone. Thus begins Alasdair’s search for the mystery woman who misunderstood his intent and stole his family heirloom.

The Devil’s Thief is a fast-paced third person historical set in 1817 London. The main characters, Julianna and Alasdair draw sparks on each page they spend together. Both were strong-willed and determined to best the other, but they soon come to see they’re better together. The scenes between the pair are fun and steamy with the odd Shakespearean quote thrown in for good measure.

The cast of secondary characters added to the rollicking fun, and I particularly enjoyed Sir Hilary St. John and Wiley. I hope we get to see more of both in the future.

The Devil’s Thief leads the reader on an enjoyable adventure through 1817 London. There’s danger, excitement, love and laughter before journey’s end and a satisfying resolution. Recommended.

Due out 12 November 2012 from Bantam Loveswept. This ARC was provided by the publisher.