There's only one case Bow Street agent Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, hasn't cracked: the identity of the mysterious woman who stole a kiss from him before he left for war. He's neither forgotten--nor forgiven--her for leaving him wanting. When he starts investigating the Nightjar, an elusive London jewel thief, he keeps running into the alluring Emmy Danvers, who stirs feelings he hasn't felt in years.
Even though Emmy's loved Alex for years, she can't risk revealing her heart, or her identity as the Nightjar. With Alex on her case, Emmy knows that her secrets are in danger of being discovered. Their cat and mouse game heats up with every interaction, but when Emmy's reputation--and life--is at risk, will Alex realize that some rules are made to be broken for love?
Review
A romantic cat and mouse chase through Regency London
Emmy Danvers never intended on taking up her father's mantle of the Nightjar. She'd much rather a life that didn't involve scaling walls and sneaking around. Unfortunately, a blackmailer won't let her fade into normality and forces her to pick up where her father left off.
Back from the Napoleonic wars, Alex Harland is assigned to track down the Nightjar. He can't believe it when his investigation leads him to Emmy again and again. There's something about her that captures his heart, but his honour won't let him ignore his duty, even though a captured Nightjar would be sent to the gallows.
This was a really fun concept between two interesting characters. I absolutely loved Emmy's wit and her family of thieves/accomplices, especially her grandmother Camille, who steals every scene she's in. Alex's wartime experiences have left him cynical and jaded, but Emmy helps him to hope again, and though he makes some pig-headed blunders, he apologises sincerely enough that both I and Emmy forgive him. I would've liked them to team up a bit earlier, to be honest.
I was less impressed by Emmy using her personal, unique perfume before heists and then somehow being surprised when it comes back to bite her. Master thief she most certainly is not. If Alex hadn't fallen in love with her, she would have had a far shorter career (and life) than her father. Also, their first night together is under dubious circumstances so ridiculous I threw my hands up with a "well, I guess that might as well happen!"
For a great concept with interesting characters and bumpy execution, four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; all opinions are my own
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