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49th out of 53 books
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Touch of a Thief (Touch of Seduction #1)
by
Mia Marlowe (Goodreads Author)
Lady Viola Preston is careful to wear gloves when she steals jewels. When she touches a gemstone with her bare skin, it speaks to her, sending disturbing visions. Still more disturbing is the handsome rogue who catches her red-handed.
Paperback, 274 pages
Published
May 1st 2011
by Brava
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3.5 stars
This was a pretty fun book, and quite different than I originally thought it would be.
Yes, it's a Trashy-Romance Novel, but it had a nice little adventure story to go with it. I've never read anything about a person with the ability to read gemstones before, so that was a nice surprise, as well.
It also has the distinction of having one of the Worst Lines Ever in it. I mean it.
Could Quinn's servant scent a whiff of her arousal over the yeasty aroma of bread and cheese?
See? I wasn't kidd...more
This was a pretty fun book, and quite different than I originally thought it would be.
Yes, it's a Trashy-Romance Novel, but it had a nice little adventure story to go with it. I've never read anything about a person with the ability to read gemstones before, so that was a nice surprise, as well.
It also has the distinction of having one of the Worst Lines Ever in it. I mean it.
Could Quinn's servant scent a whiff of her arousal over the yeasty aroma of bread and cheese?
See? I wasn't kidd...more
I loved this book and very much look forwards to reading more from Mia Marlowe.
The story grabbed me right from the start and the H&h were fantastic characters. There was a bit of a paranormal element to this story that I thought was it was extremely well done. The love scenes were really spicy and there were quite a few to kept you hot romances readers really happy.
The only bad thing I can say about this book is I felt it ended too abruptly. I would have liked a few more pages at the end to...more
The story grabbed me right from the start and the H&h were fantastic characters. There was a bit of a paranormal element to this story that I thought was it was extremely well done. The love scenes were really spicy and there were quite a few to kept you hot romances readers really happy.
The only bad thing I can say about this book is I felt it ended too abruptly. I would have liked a few more pages at the end to...more
4 likes · like · see review
1 word for this book : wow
i love the whole of this story, love the character of viola and quinn, especially viola's talent that bound with her work. looking forward to read mia's other books ;D
Quinn and Sanjay had to go to Francis to collect back the precious diamond which belong to India, the diamond's name is Baaghh Kaa Kkhuun or Bloof of the Tiger and to collect back the red diamond, they need the profesional thief to help and that is Mayfair of Jewel Thief but they dont realized that the thi...more
i love the whole of this story, love the character of viola and quinn, especially viola's talent that bound with her work. looking forward to read mia's other books ;D
Quinn and Sanjay had to go to Francis to collect back the precious diamond which belong to India, the diamond's name is Baaghh Kaa Kkhuun or Bloof of the Tiger and to collect back the red diamond, they need the profesional thief to help and that is Mayfair of Jewel Thief but they dont realized that the thi...more
I didn't care for this book very much mostly because I didn't like Viola. While I didn't dislike Quinn, I didn't really care for him so my investment in their 'happy ever after' was pretty low.
For most of the book Viola is greedy and a bit selfish. (She's a thief. Granted she steals only from the rich, but she steals because she wants rather than out of actual necessity. (view spoiler)...more
For most of the book Viola is greedy and a bit selfish. (She's a thief. Granted she steals only from the rich, but she steals because she wants rather than out of actual necessity. (view spoiler)...more
RATING: 4.5)TOUCH OF A THIEF by Mia Marlowe is an exciting historical romance set in 1856 India and 1857 London,England.When an accomplished,beautiful,talented,sexy jewel thief meets the handsome,talented,sexy lieutenant only sparks and steamy nights can come in the future. Lady Viola, is not only sexy,beautiful,and alluring but is also an accomplished jewel thief of the ton.She became a jewel thief to protect her family,after her father left the bulk of his estate to his nephew,upon his death,t...more
Apr 26, 2011
Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
A man on a mission to recover a priceless red diamond and pacify a restless nation. A woman with a talent for liberating the Ton’s jewels and a gift that often feels like a curse. She is Lady Viola Preston aka the Mayfair Jewel Thief. He is Lieutenant Greydon Quinn and is on a quest to fulfill a promise to friend, but will Quinn ultimately lose his heart to one “Lady Light Fingers”?
From the talented imagination of author Mia Marlowe comes a page turning adventure that crosses the continent and...more
From the talented imagination of author Mia Marlowe comes a page turning adventure that crosses the continent and...more
Touch of a Thief is the first in Mia Marlowe's Touch of Seduction series. This is the first time I've read Mia Marlowe and I loved this book! The book has a "touch" of paranormal to it in that Viola Preston, the heroine, can touch a gemstone and "hear" it. She also sometimes gets a vision from the gem of something that happened to a previous owner. Viola is the daughter of an Earl, who has found she needs to steal in order to provide for her mother, sister, and young niece. Her father died witho...more
4 ½ Stars. Engaging story about a feisty, honorable thief, Viola, and the man she preys on, the charming and delectable Quinn. You could feel the undeniable chemistry between them from the moment she stole into his home to lift his gems, but she ended up stealing his heart. Although they just met, it felt as if they had known each other forever. Their relationship felt comfortable and not strained.
This book had smart dialogue, an intriguing mystical story, and smokin hot sex scenes that were fil...more
This book had smart dialogue, an intriguing mystical story, and smokin hot sex scenes that were fil...more
4 likes · like · see review
Sep 04, 2011
The Pen & Muse
added it
A wonderfully written historical romance, Marlowe will definitely please with Touch of A Thief! Marlowe did an excellent job in research and integration as it shows in the story. This story follows our heroine, Lady Viola Preston who can rob a gentleman of his studs without him even knowing. She wears gloves to not get caught, but also because if she touches something with her bare hands, she gets more than she bargained for – visions. Viola thinks she has it all until she meets, lieutenant Gred...more
A few good things about Touch of a Thief:
It deals with double standards for men and women
There is some respect for people of other cultures
Viola has cool powers to sense gemstones and their history
Quinn is very forward thinking for a male during the times of England's supremacy
Some annoying things:
It opens with the kama Sutra and the hero getting lessons
There is some annoying phraseology like one part where Viola a thief who endears herself to Quinn is compared to salt. hmmm was the author...more
It deals with double standards for men and women
There is some respect for people of other cultures
Viola has cool powers to sense gemstones and their history
Quinn is very forward thinking for a male during the times of England's supremacy
Some annoying things:
It opens with the kama Sutra and the hero getting lessons
There is some annoying phraseology like one part where Viola a thief who endears herself to Quinn is compared to salt. hmmm was the author...more
P 77: "She bit her lower lip. His butt cheeks were lightly dusted with fine dark hairs…."
Sexy, that.
Greydon Quinn needs the services of the Mayfair Jewel Thief to retrieve a red diamond stolen from the Temple of Shiva in India. The stone is on its way to be gifted to Queen Victoria, but Quinn objects. His people have stolen enough from India, and he means to restore the stone and maybe some power to a good friend, Sanjay, who should have been a prince but he lost his throne to the British Doct...more
Sexy, that.
Greydon Quinn needs the services of the Mayfair Jewel Thief to retrieve a red diamond stolen from the Temple of Shiva in India. The stone is on its way to be gifted to Queen Victoria, but Quinn objects. His people have stolen enough from India, and he means to restore the stone and maybe some power to a good friend, Sanjay, who should have been a prince but he lost his throne to the British Doct...more
2 likes · like · see review
Lady Viola has two secrets. The first, that she's the Mayfair Thief, is bad enough--even though thievery is better than prostitution for a destitute gentlewoman. The second secret, however, is much more dangerous, and that's a unique affinity for gems. Both secrets get her into Lt. Quinn Greydon's bedchamber, but he only discovers the first when he catches her at his safe.
Quinn Greydon is recently returned from India where the injustices Britain has perpetrated against the locals has left him fu...more
Quinn Greydon is recently returned from India where the injustices Britain has perpetrated against the locals has left him fu...more
Very, very, very good; 4.5 Stars.
The dialogue in the beginning was SO snappy I felt like I was reading a book version of James Bond. You know, the James Bond movie where Daniel Craig plays opposite Eva Green, and they have a snappy snarky dialogue in the train? And you watch it thinking, Hot Smart Guy, Smart Hot Lady, why aren't THESE kind of people the ones having a gazillion kids and turning out more smart hot people?!!?!?
Anyways. I digress.
(Lady) Viola Preston's father, an Earl, died leavin...more
The dialogue in the beginning was SO snappy I felt like I was reading a book version of James Bond. You know, the James Bond movie where Daniel Craig plays opposite Eva Green, and they have a snappy snarky dialogue in the train? And you watch it thinking, Hot Smart Guy, Smart Hot Lady, why aren't THESE kind of people the ones having a gazillion kids and turning out more smart hot people?!!?!?
Anyways. I digress.
(Lady) Viola Preston's father, an Earl, died leavin...more
Pity about the historical goofs. I was excited to find the first few pages set in one of my favourite historical periods: Victorian India. But the bubble of excitement popped the moment the author introduced the fiendish thugs and exhibited a complete ignorance of their history, practices and beliefs.
The stolen gem could have come straight from Sax Rohmer, and the aristocratic lady thief from a dozen other sources.
And when Ms Marlowe spelled 'Eton' as 'Eaton', well, either she's too busy to do h...more
The stolen gem could have come straight from Sax Rohmer, and the aristocratic lady thief from a dozen other sources.
And when Ms Marlowe spelled 'Eton' as 'Eaton', well, either she's too busy to do h...more
Phew! I thought that I had outgrown romance novels, because every single one I've read recently has seemed stupid or repetitive. I don't know if I was in the right mood or this book was just that good, but wow-wee! The story line is fun, and even somewhat unique in the world of recycled romance plots. Viola is an impoverished aristocrat/jewel thief and Quinn is a military man/aristocrat/lover of Indian culture who needs help stealing back a jewel that was stolen from the kingdom of his Indian Pr...more
The lady thief touches his heart and steals his soul.
Touch of a Thief is an erotic romance with layers of suspense and paranormal in an international setting during 1857. It has three main characters without being about a love triangle. The romantic couple, Viola and Quinn. And Sanjay, whose story leads up the premise. Every one of them experienced a loss that marked their destinies. All of them know injustice, abuse and deceit. Being wronged by the successions laws of the time.
Lady Viola Presto...more
Touch of a Thief is an erotic romance with layers of suspense and paranormal in an international setting during 1857. It has three main characters without being about a love triangle. The romantic couple, Viola and Quinn. And Sanjay, whose story leads up the premise. Every one of them experienced a loss that marked their destinies. All of them know injustice, abuse and deceit. Being wronged by the successions laws of the time.
Lady Viola Presto...more
If you like your historical romance deliciously naughty then you'll love Touch Of A Thief. But there's more to this one than smokin' hot sex scenes; the characters are fully fleshed out, the plot is packed full of adventure, mystery and danger and loosely touches on aspects of British rule in India in the 1850's.
Lady Viola is a strong, sassy heroine, an impoverished aristocrat supporting her family through her aptitude as a jewel thief. Quinn is of the English ton, a lieutenant serving in India...more
Lady Viola is a strong, sassy heroine, an impoverished aristocrat supporting her family through her aptitude as a jewel thief. Quinn is of the English ton, a lieutenant serving in India...more
Could have been interesting: a heroine who is unapologetically stealing so that she can live in the manner she thinks she deserves, a couple of heroes chasing after a diamond with spiritual significance, the settings, the hero who supposedly was trained in the Kama Sutra.
Could have been. If not, it could at least have been hilarious. Sigh. Didn't get that either. Just half-hearted convinctions, incredibly stupid decisions ... another case of slap it down on paper and expect that to do the work.
Could have been. If not, it could at least have been hilarious. Sigh. Didn't get that either. Just half-hearted convinctions, incredibly stupid decisions ... another case of slap it down on paper and expect that to do the work.
I won an ARC of this book in a blog contest. I thought it was a very exciting romantic adventure. The hero is a perfect very sexy gentleman; the heroine is an alluring, accomplished, aristocratic jewelry thief. The story is set in India, England & France, on land and at sea. Naturally, there are many twists and turns... lots of erotic sex... I's well worth reading... You won't want to put it down until you are finished. Pick it up!
It was a good book. Solid characters, places and events. My biggest complaint, is the first scene set the bar of expectation, and it never made it there. Not that the romance/sex scenes were not good, they were very good, but they didn't meet the level set in the opening scene. I mean, when you open like that, you expect a certain,level of skill and steam, which were good, but didn't match what was set up from the first paragraph.
Excellent romance set in Victorian England, with a heavy dose of information about colonial India. The hero and heroine are both extremely likable, and their love scenes are very steamy (the hero studied the Kama Sutra in India, so be prepared for some intense scenes). It took me about 50 pages to get into it, but after that the story flew. If you like sensual historical romance with a touch of mystery and suspense, you'll like this one.
I wasn't sure I would like this after reading the first 2 chapters - partly because I didn't think I would like the two protagonists and partly because I feared it would be a boring read. Fortunately, I was wrong.
Once things started rolling the action picks up and Viola's and Quinn's personalities and emotions emerge. Viola's psychometric abilities were a nice touch to this straightforward jewel theft caper and romance.
Once things started rolling the action picks up and Viola's and Quinn's personalities and emotions emerge. Viola's psychometric abilities were a nice touch to this straightforward jewel theft caper and romance.
I like the slight paranormal twist to these Victorian romances--some of the main characters have sensitivities to gemstones or metal--and I definitely didn't expect them to range so far outside of England. I wish there was a bit more integration of historical information in a way that didn't announce "this is accurate historical information."
I absolutely loved this story!! It was suspenseful, interesting, romantic, steamy, with great dialogue and two wonderful characters. I loved watching them get to know each other and fall in love. Quinn was sexy, smart, charming, and had wonderful morals. Viola was strong, kind, and resourceful. I loved the touch of paranormal in it! Truly a treat!
5 likes · like · see review
Didnt finish.Why? I dont like the romances where the H has learnt some exotic sex tricks.Its just something so cheesy and un-sexy about it.
And here we learn hes being tutored on the very first page.
Even if the plot sounded good,I just couldnt bring myself to read it...Just by that first page my desire (pun intended) to read it died.
And here we learn hes being tutored on the very first page.
Even if the plot sounded good,I just couldnt bring myself to read it...Just by that first page my desire (pun intended) to read it died.
This book is almost as seductive as the red diamond its about. You'll hear it calling to ou when you should be doing housework (read me, read meeeee!).
A great yarn with engaging mystery and characters that work. The big misunderstanding was somewhat too-easily rectified, but the end was sweet.
The stuff in the middle? Hot.
A great yarn with engaging mystery and characters that work. The big misunderstanding was somewhat too-easily rectified, but the end was sweet.
The stuff in the middle? Hot.
Great premise: Viola, the heroine, is paranormally gifted, and whenever she touches a gemstone, she receives a vision of its past. Quinn, the hero, has recently returned from India and is now on the hunt for a cursed diamond.
Sigh. Could not get past the first chapter because the plot became completely overshadowed by sex.
Sigh. Could not get past the first chapter because the plot became completely overshadowed by sex.
I bought this because it was on sale, though I wasn't entirely prepared for the sexy bits, which started on page one. It was a fun story and the writing was pretty good, if bodice rippers are for you (not really one of my favorite genres) then I think you'd enjoy this.
There is plenty of action and mystery in this love story... and a bit of hot sex. The main characters have joined forces to locate and steal a rare gem. In order to do that they pose as a married couple. This keeps them in close proximity and the sexual tension high. I found this to be a fun read.
I've been reading loads of positive reviews for Mia Marlowe's Touch of a Thief in recent times, such that when a dear friend of mine loaned it to me I knew that I had to push it to the top of my 'to read' pile. So glad I did. I'm even tempted to read it again before I have to give it back.
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Mia writes sensual historical romance that "will appeal to fans of Lisa Kleypas!"~RTBOOKReview
Look for:
Stroke of Genius, "Wickedly enjoyable!"~RTBOOKReviews
Waking Up with a Rake, "An alluring read!"~Publishers Weekly
Lord of Devil Isle, "A wonderful adventure!"~MyReadingObsession
How to Vex a Viscount,"A sassy, seductive ride." ~ Cheeky Reads
How to Please a Pirate, "A delightful, witty romance!" ~...more
More about Mia Marlowe...
Look for:
Stroke of Genius, "Wickedly enjoyable!"~RTBOOKReviews
Waking Up with a Rake, "An alluring read!"~Publishers Weekly
Lord of Devil Isle, "A wonderful adventure!"~MyReadingObsession
How to Vex a Viscount,"A sassy, seductive ride." ~ Cheeky Reads
How to Please a Pirate, "A delightful, witty romance!" ~...more
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Sep 01, 2012 10:57am
Sep 01, 2012 11:09am