Customer Reviews

The Theft

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ever gotten to the point, when reading a romance, where you just want to scream "Tell him (or her)!!!" because the heroine or hero is too stubborn/proud/scared to tell the other what is actually going on in their head? From the description of this book, you would think this would be a classic example of that. But you would be wrong. It is so refreshing to read a book where the principle characters don't constantly misunderstand or miss each other - Noelle and Ashford work =together= to achieve their ends. Add that to the fact that Andrea Kane writes some of the most sensuous love scenes in the genre (not in just this, but all her books), and you have a first rate romance!

Okay, I sort of agree with that last reviewer- Ashford was a bit of a hipocrite for going after Barcalli, when he himself was a thief. But, he had better motives- he gave all the money he got from the stolen paintings to charity. Barcalli kept the money for himself and accomplises- and he stole from anyone- good and bad people alike. Ashford only stole from 'bad people'. (to further understand Ashford's motivation read- "The Last Duke", which was about Ashford's parents.) Further Barcalli actually paid someone seduce his own daughter (Noelle) in order to win her alligence. Ashford was definetly the better man.

Noelle and Ashford were perfect together. And honest about their feelings- they knew they were in love pretty fast- and didn't deny it to themselves or each other.

There should have been more story toward the end and there was no epilogue.

It was a great book. Andrea makes you simply fall in love with the characters and actually care about what happens in their lives. I couldn't put the book down I was so entranced. I think that anyone who has ever looked for adventure and love would like this book. I own all of Andrea's books and think that this is one of her best!!!

521 pp.

In 1869 England, Noelle pleads with her beloved adopted father, the Earl of Farrington, to find out everything he can about her biological father. He agrees on the condition that he reveals what he learns when she turns eighteen. In 1874, Noelle learns that her father is Franco Baricci, a con artist who has used several alias to seduce women, including Noelle's deceased mother (the Earl's sister), throughout Europe. Currently, Franco has an art gallery in London.

When Nicole decides she must meet her natural father, she runs into Ashford Thornton, Lord Tremlett, who is investigating art insurance scams that seem to place Franco right in the center of the action. Ashford and Thornton are immediately attracted to one another and quickly fall in love. However, happiness will have to be held in abeyance until they finish up with Franco, who has plans for his daughter.

THE THEFT is a fast-paced Victorian romance that blends a brilliant su! b-plot filled with intrigue into a typical sub-genre story line. Readers will care for the characters and immensely enjoy the sub-plot. Andrea Kane proves that she deserves all the awards she has received for her previous novels with this thriller that will invigorate fans of historical romances.

Harriet Klausner

Andrea Kane's novel The Theft is a sweet Victorian tale with a debonair hero with a dashing secret life and a determined heroine who is brave and loyal. This ranks as one of her best historical novels.

Lady Noelle Bromleigh is on a mission to find her biological father. She has been raised by her uncle and aunt, considers them her parents but still wants to meet the man who sired her. Her biological mother is dead. On the train heading toward London she meets Lord Ashford Thorton who just happens to be going to her father's art gallery too. They strike up a conversation and head together to the infamous man's gallery.

Ashford is investigating Noelle's father, an Italian named Barrici, a man Ashford believes to be a thief and involved in other ungainly activity. He keeps this information from Noelle though. He longs to see her again but since Noelle has yet to have her debut he knows her family will not allow him to court her.

Noelle also wants to be with Ashford and through Ashford's investigation they find time to be together, in fact, Noelle is pivotal in his dealings with Barrici. This puts Noelle is some danger but Ashford feels he can keep her safe.

This couple is unique in that they communicate often and they do so in plain terms. There are no big misunderstandings and there are no games they play with each other, they have honest feelings for one another. There are secrets between them but they are not insurmountable. Each one of the leads is an interesting character especially Ashford who has a shady past and is quick witted and smart.

Noelle is an obedient daughter to a point. She has a loving relationship with her family and even though her uncle can be overprotective, he is not so controlling to be overbearing.

I enjoyed this couple's adventures and their emotional connection was almost instantaneous. Several characters from former stories are present in this novel and the reader does not have to read those tales to get the gist of this couple's story. I wish Ms Kane would continue this family's storyline.

I have to admit that I could not stand this book. Although I liked other books by Andrea Kane, this one went way over the top. The main character was a thief who spent his life trying to get another thief caught and put in jail, but continued his own questionable pasttime. I never understood how he could be so righteous about what he chose to do and yet could somehow revile someone else who chose to do the exact same thing. It just didn't click for me at all.

Fabulous, one of the best I have read. Are we going to have Chole's story one day?

I hope so!