Art Theft 101

by Edward Kendrick

Vampire Philip Archer and his team of successful art thieves -- black panther shifter Duff, ghost Rob, and Duff's human girlfriend Liddy -- are asked by the handsome Ian Croft, a potential client, to break with tradition and rescue a kidnapped child. When the caper turns out rather differently than expected, Philip is bitterly reminded why he has remained single for so long. Yet, surrounded as he is by loving friends, he is not desperate. This is why, when he meets the newly-made vampire Ephram, he suppresses his attraction and focuses on being a mentor to the Fledgling.

Ephram was turned by Virgil Ionescu, an ancient vampire known for casting off his Children before they are ready. Living off the streets, Ephram's future is precarious until he meets Philip. Ephram is immediately attracted to Philip and only too happy to be taken under his wing and taught the skills of surviving in modern New Orleans.

But Philip keeps secrets. Ephram can sense it, but he can't penetrate the thousand-year-old Philip's reserve. What will Ephram do when he discovers the big secret his new group of friends are keeping from him? Will his love for Philip trump all, or will he betray them? And, to complicate matters, Ionescu arrives unexpectedly in town, coming to check on his Child.

Genres: Gay

162 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 2015

About the author

Born and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.

I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.

Reviews

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the blurb for this book, I thought a band of supernatural art thieves might be very entertaining. After all, there isn’t much that is safe from a vampire, a ghost, and a panther shifter who are determined to “acquire” certain pieces for their clients. But more than that, this band of thieves has a conscience—or “parameters” as they call their limits. They evaluate each potential job carefully, and will not steal from artists (who need to make a living) or museums (since their art belongs to the masses). Hilarious! This novel is an interesting mix between an action/adventure, a heist movie, and a supernatural love story. The characters are very quirky, and each theft is well thought-out and planned, using all the team’s members’ different talents. I found it very entertaining and well worth reading.

Philip is a thousand-year-old vampire who has not recently been lucky in love. His gallery (used as a front for the “thieving business”) is doing well, and he likes spending time with his friends and business partners, but he has not been lucky in matters of the heart. Ian is a particular disappointment, and Philip swears off love for a while. What he didn’t count on is fledgling vampire Ephram. The much younger man needs his help, and Philip is happy to give it. After all, or so he thinks, he is old enough to resist becoming more than friends. He definitely did not count on Ephram’s charms!

Ephram has an art degree, which I find hilarious considering the group he is joining. He is also very interested in Philip. But he has a problem: the vampire who turned him abandoned him to fend for himself, and there are many things Ephram simply doesn’t know. Philip is a great help, but Ephram is determined to convince Philip they can mean more to each other than that. His Sire’s unexpected visit, and an old ex may try to interfere, but Ephram is one determined young man!

If you like stories with more than a touch of the supernatural, if a band of art thieves with special talents sounds interesting, and if you’re looking for an entertaining read with lots of adventure and a wonderful romance that turns quite hot in places, then you will probably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Ashley D · Rating 3 out of 5]

A low angst quick read about a group of paranormal art thieves.

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Heart Review by Tidal

Phillip is a vampire and he owns a beautiful art gallery in the French quarter of New Orleans. Phillip leads a team of art thieves comprised of Rob a ghost, Duff a shifter and Liddy a human. The story starts with adventure and does not stop. The characters have all been friends long enough that they can be honest with each other yet still have enough autonomy that they have room for secrets and privacy.

Phillip is not afraid to take risks in his professional life but the last time he took one in his personal life he was hurt very badly and he is not ready to be vulnerable yet. He has a high code that he lives by in his work and his private life; both seem to have collided when old vampire Ionescu who seems to live by no code or discretion leaves his newly turned vampire Ephram to fend for himself.

Ephram’s lack of understanding how things work leave everyone open for exposure and danger and he falls into Phillips lap. The relationship between both Vampires’ starts slow and builds. I like that it is not forced and rushed. The storytelling in the book is great and we see the characters interact through several different situations allowing us to see them interact in many different levels and get to know them in a multi-dimensional way.

I like that the characters are not predictable or old rehashed wounded misunderstood heroes looking for love or redemption. The sex scenes are hot and it has a natural build up and does not seem to be tossed in as an afterthought. The characters interact well with each other and the book answers some questions that we wonder about as well as leaving us wanting to know more by the end of the book. It is the perfect size and I liked the ending.

Art Theft 101 is worth your time and money because it an exciting read that is well told and leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting more.

This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Dakota Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars

This story has it all; mystery, intrigue, sexy characters and a lot of twists and turns. These Art thieves each have a special talent that gets them in and out of a job with little worry. Phillip who is a vampire was my favorite character, I felt for him from the beginning. He's sexy and smart and somewhat lonely, wanting someone to love and to genuinely love him back so when Ian comes in the picture I had high hopes for this couple. I wanted to strangle Ian and was as blood thirsty (lol) as Liddy when he betrayed Phillip. I do love how Phillip gave a little misery back to Ian as payback. Then comes Ephram who I could tell right from the start he was going to be good for Phillip, he's smart and sexy and has many talents that add to the already talented thieves. Very hot these two together.


Duff the Panther shifter and alpha male is too cute sometimes with his human mate Liddy. I loved these two together, so sweet and cuddly. Rob the ghost is much of a loner throughout the story, he seems quite content to be alone until he surprises us with some revelations towards the end. I enjoyed the plot of this story, the author has a way of telling a story without overly describing everything to nauseum, he tells his story in a way that the reader feels part of it. I thought it was quite entertaining and had some sexy parts as well. Another story I enjoyed from this author. Can't wait for more. 4-4.5 4.5 review Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stealing art can be an easy job if you have special powers. It’s even easier of each of your partners has these skills as well. Bring in Phillip Archer a vampire, Rob a ghost, Duff a shifter and Liddy, Duff’s human girlfriend and getaway driver. You have a merry band of misfit or should I say people with some awesome superpowers.
The story had good premise and the characters were very well-developed and intriguing. The plot was a bit lacking for me since it seems to have several small stories that weren’t really connected and a few scenes that led nothing to the story. I will say the interaction between these friends and the character development were enough for me to enjoy the story. I loved the addition of Ephram to round out the team and give a romantic interest to Phillip.
The sex is mild but good you get one or two basic sex scenes then the rest is hinted out or off the page so if you’re looking for a very steamy story this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a fun, vampire/shifter story that is unique, a little suspense, and good character interaction this is definitely for you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost a 3

Enjoyable but I expected some angst and a more complex plot. If you're looking for a very light and happy paranormal story, you'll love this.