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The Thief Takers #2
A Gift for Guile
She's a liar.
She's a con.
She's a thief.
And God help him, but he'll do anything to keep her safe.
Beautiful and conniving, maddening and brilliant, Esther is everything private detective Samuel Brass shouldn't want. Esther knows she's put herself in terrible danger, but nothing will stop her from making amends-not her family's enemies, not old fears, and certainly not the domineering, interfering, and undeniably handsome former officer of the Scotland Yard. Yet whenever he's near, Samuel makes her long for a life that can never be hers...and wish she were worthy of being saved.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2016
45 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Alissa Johnson
19 books368 followersAlissa Johnson lives in the rolling hills of the Ozarks, where she is hard at work on her next romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 13, 2016
He was fairly certain half a baboon would make several full beards. “Does this mean that before the bullet, it looked as if I’d an entire dead monkey on my face?”
“No, of course not. And to be fair”—she gripped his chin and turned his head for a closer look—“it doesn’t look quite so much like half a dead monkey as it does an injured monkey. Or a cat, if the monkey bothers you. Or a ferret. Or a pair of small squirrels. Or—”
“Must we use animal imagery?”
“No,” she replied and released him with a grin, “but I am enjoying the exercise.”
“I did. He lived a long and happy life. Spent every night at my feet and never failed to greet me at the door. Fine dog, Richard.” He dug into his pocket, pulled out his extra handkerchief, and held it out to her. “I wasn’t an infant when he passed away at a ripe old age.”
Her hand paused in midreach for the offered linen. “You wept over your dog?”
“I did. And I’m not ashamed of it.” He pressed the handkerchief into her hand. “But if you tell anyone else, I’ll call you a filthy liar.”
She produced a small, wet laugh. The sound of it made him feel as if at least a few dragons lay dead at his feet.
What more can I say? These two quotes from the book say all about the sweetness, cuteness and tenderness of fantastic hero and heroine!!!
If I liked the previous book, I L.O.V.E.D. this one!
The hero, Samuel is a big burly guy, but with a sweet and tender heart! The heroine, Esther is the sister of the previous’ book heroine and she’s argumentative and plain spoken, but with a big uncertainty about her true self.
I adored both of them. Because they were honest in the interaction. They tried very hard to understand each other, even when it was very difficult!
I loved how the story progressed: there’s no insta-lust,, insta-love here – it’s all very natural and slow! First you understand, then you like, then you trust and then you love! Excellent!
This is such a beautiful story that if you’re a true romantic in your heart, I just know that you’ll love it as much as I did!
What are you waiting for? Run and grab this book!!!!
“No, of course not. And to be fair”—she gripped his chin and turned his head for a closer look—“it doesn’t look quite so much like half a dead monkey as it does an injured monkey. Or a cat, if the monkey bothers you. Or a ferret. Or a pair of small squirrels. Or—”
“Must we use animal imagery?”
“No,” she replied and released him with a grin, “but I am enjoying the exercise.”
“I did. He lived a long and happy life. Spent every night at my feet and never failed to greet me at the door. Fine dog, Richard.” He dug into his pocket, pulled out his extra handkerchief, and held it out to her. “I wasn’t an infant when he passed away at a ripe old age.”
Her hand paused in midreach for the offered linen. “You wept over your dog?”
“I did. And I’m not ashamed of it.” He pressed the handkerchief into her hand. “But if you tell anyone else, I’ll call you a filthy liar.”
She produced a small, wet laugh. The sound of it made him feel as if at least a few dragons lay dead at his feet.
What more can I say? These two quotes from the book say all about the sweetness, cuteness and tenderness of fantastic hero and heroine!!!
If I liked the previous book, I L.O.V.E.D. this one!
The hero, Samuel is a big burly guy, but with a sweet and tender heart! The heroine, Esther is the sister of the previous’ book heroine and she’s argumentative and plain spoken, but with a big uncertainty about her true self.
I adored both of them. Because they were honest in the interaction. They tried very hard to understand each other, even when it was very difficult!
I loved how the story progressed: there’s no insta-lust,, insta-love here – it’s all very natural and slow! First you understand, then you like, then you trust and then you love! Excellent!
This is such a beautiful story that if you’re a true romantic in your heart, I just know that you’ll love it as much as I did!
What are you waiting for? Run and grab this book!!!!
October 26, 2016
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars.
A Gift for Guile is the second book in Alissa Johnson’s Thief Takers series set in Victorian England. It isn’t absolutely necessary to have read book one (A Talent for Trickery), as there is plenty here to flesh out the backstories of the central characters, but I think it offers some useful insight into the heroine’s past and character, and nicely sets up the relationship between the two protagonists – Esther Walker-Bales and Sir Samuel Brass – as one of mutual antagonism albeit with a strong undercurrent of attraction to which neither would admit over their dead bodies.
Esther is the younger daughter of the late William Walker a master thief and con-man who, in the years before his death had turned to helping the police to solve crimes, applying his particular talent for deciphering the codes used by London’s criminal gangs. His eldest daughter, Lottie, was relieved that her father was at last on the straight and narrow, while Esther was fully aware that he was continuing his criminal activities in secret as she usually aided and abetted his crimes.
In the previous book, we learned that the Walker family has been living quietly in the country under an assumed name because there are still enemies of Will’s out there with scores to settle. So it’s not a particularly good idea for any of them to return to their old stamping ground of London – which is why Sir Samuel Brass, one of the famous trio of “Thief Takers” (the other two being Owen, Viscount Renderwell and Sir Gabriel Arkwright) is so annoyed when he discovers that Esther has done just that; travelled to London and arranged a meeting at Paddington station with an unknown man who has promised to give her some important information about her past.
Samuel tells himself that his concern for Esther is simply the result of his being asked to keep an eye on her while her sister and Renderwell are on their honeymoon in Scotland. It’s obvious to the reader that there is more to it than that, even though Samuel and Esther are convinced of the other’s dislike and continue to treat each other with suspicion. Granted, in Samuel’s case, the suspicion is, perhaps, deserved – he knows Esther is a liar and a thief – yet every so often, he catches a glimpse of the real Esther, a remarkable woman with a great capacity for kindness and generosity, and is frustrated by the way she so often retreats to the Walker customs of trickery and guile.
Knowing that Samuel is nothing if not tenacious, Esther realises that she can use his presence to her advantage. His skills as an investigator are considerable and the fact that he is rather well-known means that he can open doors that may be closed to her. He is also one of the very few people in her life she knows she can trust (as far as she trusts anybody) and agreeing to let him help her – which she knows he will insist upon – is going to make her life a lot easier and, she has to admit, make her feel a lot safer.
While there is a mystery to be solved and danger lurks around almost every corner for Esther, this is very much a character-driven story in which the romance evolves naturally as the principals learn more about each other and gradually acknowledge the attraction that has been bubbling between them for quite some time. There’s a nice frisson of sexual tension between them as well as real depth to their emotional connection.
Esther is tough, clever and resourceful, handy with a blade, trained by her father to be a liar and a master thief. Yet deep down, she admits that her willingness to work with Will was born of her desire to have him notice her and to gain his affection, and can’t help feeling ashamed for it. Even though he knew she was not his child, Will accepted her and brought her up as his own, but Esther always felt herself to be lacking in some way and has spent most of her life believing she needed to be someone other than herself in order to gain acceptance and approval. Her attraction to Samuel, a decent, honest man, who is sworn to uphold the law unnerves her, partly because she has never felt anything like it before, but mostly because he knows her well enough to know that she is so much less than he deserves.
Samuel is a big, grumpy (adorable) bear of a man who finds it safer to say as little as possible for fear of saying the wrong thing. Persistent, keenly intelligent and deeply honourable, he is more than able to hold his own with Esther, recognising her need to take an active part in the search for the truth of her past even as he is trying to reconcile that with his need to keep her safe. Given Esther’s determination to make her own choices and her own mistakes, that isn’t always easy – and with both of them being strong-willed and stubborn people, they clash often and sometimes unpleasantly. Yet there’s always the sense that they argue because they care, and the author makes it easy to understand and sympathise with both their perspectives.
This could so easily have turned into one of those books where the overprotective hero and the feisty heroine go at each other hammer and tongs, she forever getting herself into trouble, and he forever berating her about it – but fortunately, it doesn’t go there. Yes, Samuel is protective and yes Esther is independent and spirited, but – and this is so refreshing – they argue and they talk through their differences and they *gasp* learn to compromise. Esther is never going to be one to sit back and let others fight her battles for her, and Samuel is never going to be happy about that – but there’s a real sense here that these are two people whose actions and words are true to who they are inside. They end the book as essentially the same people they started as, but they’ve both learned and experienced personal growth through their association with and love for each other.
There is something extremely engaging about Ms. Johnson’s writing style, which is intelligent, secure and evocative without being overly wordy. The characterisation is excellent all round, and the descriptions of the seedier parts of London – Bethnal Green, Spitalfields, and the East End Rookeries – are well done, and put the reader quite firmly in those dank, smelly streets. My one criticism – and the reason I’ve not rated the book more highly – is that Esther’s conviction that Samuel can’t want “the real her” because “that woman” is such a horrible person – goes on for too long. But even taking that into account, A Gift for Guile is a terrific read; well-written, insightful and witty with an appealing central couple whose differences are complementary rather than divisive. More, please, Ms. Johnson!
A Gift for Guile is the second book in Alissa Johnson’s Thief Takers series set in Victorian England. It isn’t absolutely necessary to have read book one (A Talent for Trickery), as there is plenty here to flesh out the backstories of the central characters, but I think it offers some useful insight into the heroine’s past and character, and nicely sets up the relationship between the two protagonists – Esther Walker-Bales and Sir Samuel Brass – as one of mutual antagonism albeit with a strong undercurrent of attraction to which neither would admit over their dead bodies.
Esther is the younger daughter of the late William Walker a master thief and con-man who, in the years before his death had turned to helping the police to solve crimes, applying his particular talent for deciphering the codes used by London’s criminal gangs. His eldest daughter, Lottie, was relieved that her father was at last on the straight and narrow, while Esther was fully aware that he was continuing his criminal activities in secret as she usually aided and abetted his crimes.
In the previous book, we learned that the Walker family has been living quietly in the country under an assumed name because there are still enemies of Will’s out there with scores to settle. So it’s not a particularly good idea for any of them to return to their old stamping ground of London – which is why Sir Samuel Brass, one of the famous trio of “Thief Takers” (the other two being Owen, Viscount Renderwell and Sir Gabriel Arkwright) is so annoyed when he discovers that Esther has done just that; travelled to London and arranged a meeting at Paddington station with an unknown man who has promised to give her some important information about her past.
Samuel tells himself that his concern for Esther is simply the result of his being asked to keep an eye on her while her sister and Renderwell are on their honeymoon in Scotland. It’s obvious to the reader that there is more to it than that, even though Samuel and Esther are convinced of the other’s dislike and continue to treat each other with suspicion. Granted, in Samuel’s case, the suspicion is, perhaps, deserved – he knows Esther is a liar and a thief – yet every so often, he catches a glimpse of the real Esther, a remarkable woman with a great capacity for kindness and generosity, and is frustrated by the way she so often retreats to the Walker customs of trickery and guile.
Knowing that Samuel is nothing if not tenacious, Esther realises that she can use his presence to her advantage. His skills as an investigator are considerable and the fact that he is rather well-known means that he can open doors that may be closed to her. He is also one of the very few people in her life she knows she can trust (as far as she trusts anybody) and agreeing to let him help her – which she knows he will insist upon – is going to make her life a lot easier and, she has to admit, make her feel a lot safer.
While there is a mystery to be solved and danger lurks around almost every corner for Esther, this is very much a character-driven story in which the romance evolves naturally as the principals learn more about each other and gradually acknowledge the attraction that has been bubbling between them for quite some time. There’s a nice frisson of sexual tension between them as well as real depth to their emotional connection.
Esther is tough, clever and resourceful, handy with a blade, trained by her father to be a liar and a master thief. Yet deep down, she admits that her willingness to work with Will was born of her desire to have him notice her and to gain his affection, and can’t help feeling ashamed for it. Even though he knew she was not his child, Will accepted her and brought her up as his own, but Esther always felt herself to be lacking in some way and has spent most of her life believing she needed to be someone other than herself in order to gain acceptance and approval. Her attraction to Samuel, a decent, honest man, who is sworn to uphold the law unnerves her, partly because she has never felt anything like it before, but mostly because he knows her well enough to know that she is so much less than he deserves.
Samuel is a big, grumpy (adorable) bear of a man who finds it safer to say as little as possible for fear of saying the wrong thing. Persistent, keenly intelligent and deeply honourable, he is more than able to hold his own with Esther, recognising her need to take an active part in the search for the truth of her past even as he is trying to reconcile that with his need to keep her safe. Given Esther’s determination to make her own choices and her own mistakes, that isn’t always easy – and with both of them being strong-willed and stubborn people, they clash often and sometimes unpleasantly. Yet there’s always the sense that they argue because they care, and the author makes it easy to understand and sympathise with both their perspectives.
This could so easily have turned into one of those books where the overprotective hero and the feisty heroine go at each other hammer and tongs, she forever getting herself into trouble, and he forever berating her about it – but fortunately, it doesn’t go there. Yes, Samuel is protective and yes Esther is independent and spirited, but – and this is so refreshing – they argue and they talk through their differences and they *gasp* learn to compromise. Esther is never going to be one to sit back and let others fight her battles for her, and Samuel is never going to be happy about that – but there’s a real sense here that these are two people whose actions and words are true to who they are inside. They end the book as essentially the same people they started as, but they’ve both learned and experienced personal growth through their association with and love for each other.
There is something extremely engaging about Ms. Johnson’s writing style, which is intelligent, secure and evocative without being overly wordy. The characterisation is excellent all round, and the descriptions of the seedier parts of London – Bethnal Green, Spitalfields, and the East End Rookeries – are well done, and put the reader quite firmly in those dank, smelly streets. My one criticism – and the reason I’ve not rated the book more highly – is that Esther’s conviction that Samuel can’t want “the real her” because “that woman” is such a horrible person – goes on for too long. But even taking that into account, A Gift for Guile is a terrific read; well-written, insightful and witty with an appealing central couple whose differences are complementary rather than divisive. More, please, Ms. Johnson!
June 26, 2016
Haven’t you ever been drawn to someone you shouldn’t want, feeling there is more to them than meets the eye? Private Detective Samuel Brass has fallen under the spell of con artist Esther Walker-Bales and even though he knows she could con a conman, there is something about her claims that rings true. Esther is on a mission to atone for her past, no matter what and Brass is along to protect her, even if it is from herself. Talk about the odd couple, these two both want something or someone they shouldn’t; each other, but first there is a mission to complete, one that will take them through some of the shadiest parts of Victorian England.
Alissa Johnson’s A Gift for Guile puts two people who have lived on opposite sides of the law together as an unlikely team on a mission of redemption, but is there more to this than meets the eye? Witty dialogue, charming characters fighting that magnetic pull, social taboos and a trip back in time, all make for a delightful read that is well-paced, a little quirky and holds a wonderful balance between mystery and romance.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Thief-takers - Book 2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (July 5, 2016)
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Alissa Johnson’s A Gift for Guile puts two people who have lived on opposite sides of the law together as an unlikely team on a mission of redemption, but is there more to this than meets the eye? Witty dialogue, charming characters fighting that magnetic pull, social taboos and a trip back in time, all make for a delightful read that is well-paced, a little quirky and holds a wonderful balance between mystery and romance.
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Thief-takers - Book 2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (July 5, 2016)
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 384 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 30, 2018
This is #2 in Johnson's Thief-takers Series. The first, A TALENT FOR TRICKERY, was the story of Owen Rendenwell, ex Scotland Yard detective and now private investigator, and Charlotte Walker, daughter of and erstwhile collaborator with a now deceased rogue, thief and conman. This second novel features Charlotte's half-sister Esther and Owen's partner and also former Scotland Yard detective, Sir Samuel Brass.
Esther learns at the end of book one that, although she and Charlotte have the same mother, she (Esther) is the product of an affair her mother had while married to Charlotte's father. This is somewhat of an emotional blow to her, yet it helps to explain some of the ways she had been treated by the man she had believed to be her father. Now, as this story begins, we find Esther out and about in the shabbier areas of London, trying to uncover her biological father's identity.
And that brings Sir Samuel Brass into the picture. He has followed Esther to London because, since Charlotte and Owen are on their extended honeymoon, it's up to him to protect Esther. Well, Esther doesn't want protecting and Samuel can't keep himself from wanting to protect, so there'll be some clashing of their personalities on the way to their discovery of the love they have for each other.
The best aspect of this novel is the romance. It's well done. Both H and h have scars that need healing. The H's are both physical and emotional because of an abusive father and a mother who never allowed Samuel to protect her the way he needed to. "His need to guard and protect stemmed from his experiences as a child. It was like a pain he couldn't fully soothe, a nagging itch he couldn't reach. It would always give him trouble."
And Esther's scars are not physical but are perhaps even more troubling and were caused by "the work she'd done with her father and the years she'd spent twisting her personality to fit the ideals of the people around her." "She had acted out roles to please others because she didn't know who she really was, but if people liked her, surely who she was couldn't be all bad." Poor Esther's feelings of unworthiness have to be addressed here.
This isn't a very angsty book but it had enough emotional depth to satisfy me. I'm not interested so much in what the H and h do in the bedroom as in what they say and do before getting there. This romance was well done, IMO. What kept this from being a 5-star book for me was the plot about finding Esther's father. It was a bit holey and illogical at times. For example, Esther wandering around Spitalfields in fine clothes, or waiting outside on the streets in a carriage as if it were a taxi. Things like this struck me as curious. And there was a break-in at Samuel's house while his huge dog was totally oblivious to it all. No barking, growling or strange behavior on his part to make the human occupants suspicious.
So I did not enjoy this book for the adventure and mystery so much as for the romance and character development. Johnson is good at creating interesting characters and their personal interactions. And I'm assuming there will be at least one more book in this series. There is still one more partner (named Gabriel) in the private detective agency with Will and Samuel who I suppose will be looking for love next.
Esther learns at the end of book one that, although she and Charlotte have the same mother, she (Esther) is the product of an affair her mother had while married to Charlotte's father. This is somewhat of an emotional blow to her, yet it helps to explain some of the ways she had been treated by the man she had believed to be her father. Now, as this story begins, we find Esther out and about in the shabbier areas of London, trying to uncover her biological father's identity.
And that brings Sir Samuel Brass into the picture. He has followed Esther to London because, since Charlotte and Owen are on their extended honeymoon, it's up to him to protect Esther. Well, Esther doesn't want protecting and Samuel can't keep himself from wanting to protect, so there'll be some clashing of their personalities on the way to their discovery of the love they have for each other.
The best aspect of this novel is the romance. It's well done. Both H and h have scars that need healing. The H's are both physical and emotional because of an abusive father and a mother who never allowed Samuel to protect her the way he needed to. "His need to guard and protect stemmed from his experiences as a child. It was like a pain he couldn't fully soothe, a nagging itch he couldn't reach. It would always give him trouble."
And Esther's scars are not physical but are perhaps even more troubling and were caused by "the work she'd done with her father and the years she'd spent twisting her personality to fit the ideals of the people around her." "She had acted out roles to please others because she didn't know who she really was, but if people liked her, surely who she was couldn't be all bad." Poor Esther's feelings of unworthiness have to be addressed here.
This isn't a very angsty book but it had enough emotional depth to satisfy me. I'm not interested so much in what the H and h do in the bedroom as in what they say and do before getting there. This romance was well done, IMO. What kept this from being a 5-star book for me was the plot about finding Esther's father. It was a bit holey and illogical at times. For example, Esther wandering around Spitalfields in fine clothes, or waiting outside on the streets in a carriage as if it were a taxi. Things like this struck me as curious. And there was a break-in at Samuel's house while his huge dog was totally oblivious to it all. No barking, growling or strange behavior on his part to make the human occupants suspicious.
So I did not enjoy this book for the adventure and mystery so much as for the romance and character development. Johnson is good at creating interesting characters and their personal interactions. And I'm assuming there will be at least one more book in this series. There is still one more partner (named Gabriel) in the private detective agency with Will and Samuel who I suppose will be looking for love next.
January 8, 2021
Wonderful read! I knew that Esther was going to be all kinds of fun, but for Samuel she is a bit more than he bargained for. I love stories about regular people and I wouldn't say that Esther was regular people per say, but she was certainly unique in the fact that she was the "enforcer" for her step dad and fellow thief. Of course that all went away when he was killed, but some knife skills you just don't lose. Esther though is on the path of good and is determined to find her real father. Of course when you have a big mountain standing in your way in the shape of Samuel, Esther is determined to go around or go through, question is will either one of them be the same on the other side. I loved these two and thought they were perfect for one another.
October 24, 2023
I read this book with a smile on my face from beginning to end. I just loved Samuel and Esther together. 😍😍😍 The development of their feelings (including all the little barbs, witty retorts, kind gestures and internal thoughts) and the growth of their relationship were executed perfectly by Johnson. In addition, Johnson articulated the internal conflict and individual growth for both Samuel and Esther beautifully. I loved this book and this series as a whole!
SERIOUSLY, THERE SHOULD BE MORE REVIEWS FOR THIS AUTHOR -- SHE IS WONDERFUL!!!!
SERIOUSLY, THERE SHOULD BE MORE REVIEWS FOR THIS AUTHOR -- SHE IS WONDERFUL!!!!
July 30, 2018
Buddy read with Loriidae, Mariana and Story Girl
I had felt with the first to books I read by this author that her style was one I liked, but the story/romance was not clicking quite right for me. This one, thankfully, did, and I am happy to continue with the series. This one had lovely tension between the leads and felt well-paced. Really enjoyed them together and as characters.
I had felt with the first to books I read by this author that her style was one I liked, but the story/romance was not clicking quite right for me. This one, thankfully, did, and I am happy to continue with the series. This one had lovely tension between the leads and felt well-paced. Really enjoyed them together and as characters.
July 3, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
A Gift for Guile is the second in Johnson’s Thief Takers series. As much as I enjoyed the first one, I think I have to admit that I liked A Gift for Guile just a tad bit more. Intrigued by the character of Esther Walker Bales in A Talent for Trickery, I was curious to see how the author would pull off a romance between a cunning woman and a private investigator. Let me tell you, it really, really worked.
Esther Walker has come to London to make amends. However, London is the last place she should be because of her and her family’s disreputable past. Esther’s father was a con artist and unbelievably as it sounds, Esther was his muscle. Despite her small stature, Esther is a wizard with knives and that was all it took for her father to put her to work as an accomplice. Now that her father is dead, Esther can move forward and away from her past, which means that she wants to meet her biological father. The problem is that Esther is all too recognizable in London and if she’s discovered she could be in big trouble especially with her father’s enemies.
Sir Samuel Brass is a private investigator and years ago he and his business partners allowed the Walker family to inform for the police. Now that Esther’s sister has married one of Samuel’s business partners his concern for Esther is a little more personal. Tracking down Esther in London when she goes missing, Samuel insists on assisting her in her mission despite the fact that he would much rather her be safe and sound in the country. Naturally, Esther refuses to put up with Samuel’s protective instincts and feels queer in his presence, after all, she’s a former criminal and he's a former police officer. How could he possibly accept her more fluid approach to the law?
As a romance, I really, really enjoyed A Gift for Guile. It features a woman struggling to find herself and reconcile who she is today with who she was in the past. She’s frightened of being judged and not accepted for who she is, and her clumsy suitor doesn’t help matters when he can’t quite explain that he does, in fact, like her for who she is. Esther’s path of discovery was a highlight in A Gift for Guile. There was something about her struggle for who she is on her own when she’s not responding to other’s expectations that just seems so authentic. Esther’s desire for affection from her father and others has led her to believe that she can’t be considered a priority:
Esther was second-best. She was a filler, a stand-in until something better came along, or came back. She wasn’t good enough to keep. She wasn’t worth fighting for. And whatever approval and acceptance she might garner were undeserved, and temporary.
She could and would be replaced at the earliest opportunity (p. 249).
The fact that Esther truly believes that she will never be the most important thing to anyone is tough. But, what I liked about the novel is the path that Esther takes to realize that she does deserve to be a priority. While a large part of this has to do with her relationship with Samuel, it also has a lot to do with her own introspection and consideration of her past actions. When Esther accepts her past, even those parts that she’s ashamed of, she can finally see herself as someone worthwhile. It was a great journey for a reader to be part of.
While Esther is by far the more complex character in A Gift for Guile Samuel Bass was a perfect foil for her. There’s a lot to like about this clumsy, bearish, over protective private investigator, most especially his willingness to let Esther do things on her own terms. Samuel doesn’t always say the right thing, he doesn’t exactly have a way with words, but eventually he gets where he needs to go as it concerns Esther. Ultimately, what I liked about their romance was that it was about each of them just making the effort for one another. All too often the romance genre skips over real issues and that wasn’t the case in A Gift for Guile. Instead Samuel and Esther actually talk about their problems and how it impacts their relationship. It doesn’t always go well, but they keep trying, which is appealing in a genre that is often flooded with the grand gesture. A big, dramatic scene between the couple is all well and good (and there is lots of drama in A Gift for Guile), but the presence of a real dialogue between the hero and heroine goes a long way in cementing the romance element of the book.
Strong characters aside, there is also a fabulous sense of humour prevalent throughout the book. Samuel and Esther do not initially start out liking each other; there’s a lot of animosity between them when Esther discovers that Samuel has followed her to London and would like to dictate her investigation. That tension fuels a lot of witty barbs between these two, a particular favourite is when Samuel tries to lecture Esther on the risk she takes in coming to London:
“Heavens, I’d quite forgotten,” she drawled in a voice that could only be described as sweetly caustic. “Thank goodness you are here to remind me of all the little details of my life.”
God, she was infuriating. “Esther -“
“You’re rather like my very own talking diary” (p. 10).
Sarcasm and Esther get along really well.
If you enjoy your historical romance filled with strong characters and more of an emphasis on the relationship building part of the romance, A Gift for Guile will not disappoint. Bring on more from Alissa Johnson!
A Gift for Guile is the second in Johnson’s Thief Takers series. As much as I enjoyed the first one, I think I have to admit that I liked A Gift for Guile just a tad bit more. Intrigued by the character of Esther Walker Bales in A Talent for Trickery, I was curious to see how the author would pull off a romance between a cunning woman and a private investigator. Let me tell you, it really, really worked.
Esther Walker has come to London to make amends. However, London is the last place she should be because of her and her family’s disreputable past. Esther’s father was a con artist and unbelievably as it sounds, Esther was his muscle. Despite her small stature, Esther is a wizard with knives and that was all it took for her father to put her to work as an accomplice. Now that her father is dead, Esther can move forward and away from her past, which means that she wants to meet her biological father. The problem is that Esther is all too recognizable in London and if she’s discovered she could be in big trouble especially with her father’s enemies.
Sir Samuel Brass is a private investigator and years ago he and his business partners allowed the Walker family to inform for the police. Now that Esther’s sister has married one of Samuel’s business partners his concern for Esther is a little more personal. Tracking down Esther in London when she goes missing, Samuel insists on assisting her in her mission despite the fact that he would much rather her be safe and sound in the country. Naturally, Esther refuses to put up with Samuel’s protective instincts and feels queer in his presence, after all, she’s a former criminal and he's a former police officer. How could he possibly accept her more fluid approach to the law?
As a romance, I really, really enjoyed A Gift for Guile. It features a woman struggling to find herself and reconcile who she is today with who she was in the past. She’s frightened of being judged and not accepted for who she is, and her clumsy suitor doesn’t help matters when he can’t quite explain that he does, in fact, like her for who she is. Esther’s path of discovery was a highlight in A Gift for Guile. There was something about her struggle for who she is on her own when she’s not responding to other’s expectations that just seems so authentic. Esther’s desire for affection from her father and others has led her to believe that she can’t be considered a priority:
Esther was second-best. She was a filler, a stand-in until something better came along, or came back. She wasn’t good enough to keep. She wasn’t worth fighting for. And whatever approval and acceptance she might garner were undeserved, and temporary.
She could and would be replaced at the earliest opportunity (p. 249).
The fact that Esther truly believes that she will never be the most important thing to anyone is tough. But, what I liked about the novel is the path that Esther takes to realize that she does deserve to be a priority. While a large part of this has to do with her relationship with Samuel, it also has a lot to do with her own introspection and consideration of her past actions. When Esther accepts her past, even those parts that she’s ashamed of, she can finally see herself as someone worthwhile. It was a great journey for a reader to be part of.
While Esther is by far the more complex character in A Gift for Guile Samuel Bass was a perfect foil for her. There’s a lot to like about this clumsy, bearish, over protective private investigator, most especially his willingness to let Esther do things on her own terms. Samuel doesn’t always say the right thing, he doesn’t exactly have a way with words, but eventually he gets where he needs to go as it concerns Esther. Ultimately, what I liked about their romance was that it was about each of them just making the effort for one another. All too often the romance genre skips over real issues and that wasn’t the case in A Gift for Guile. Instead Samuel and Esther actually talk about their problems and how it impacts their relationship. It doesn’t always go well, but they keep trying, which is appealing in a genre that is often flooded with the grand gesture. A big, dramatic scene between the couple is all well and good (and there is lots of drama in A Gift for Guile), but the presence of a real dialogue between the hero and heroine goes a long way in cementing the romance element of the book.
Strong characters aside, there is also a fabulous sense of humour prevalent throughout the book. Samuel and Esther do not initially start out liking each other; there’s a lot of animosity between them when Esther discovers that Samuel has followed her to London and would like to dictate her investigation. That tension fuels a lot of witty barbs between these two, a particular favourite is when Samuel tries to lecture Esther on the risk she takes in coming to London:
“Heavens, I’d quite forgotten,” she drawled in a voice that could only be described as sweetly caustic. “Thank goodness you are here to remind me of all the little details of my life.”
God, she was infuriating. “Esther -“
“You’re rather like my very own talking diary” (p. 10).
Sarcasm and Esther get along really well.
If you enjoy your historical romance filled with strong characters and more of an emphasis on the relationship building part of the romance, A Gift for Guile will not disappoint. Bring on more from Alissa Johnson!
February 5, 2017
Alissa Johnson, and my reading-reviewing friend Caz agrees, doesn't get the rom-reading love she deserves. But I'm offering it here for her second Thief-Takers romance, A Gift For Guile. Gosh, this is good. There's nothing particularly tropishly original about it: shady heroine Esther wants to remake her criminal past and is also excavating family origins ... when she reunites with upstanding, moral high ground Victorian PI hero Samuel. And it is in her characterizations and portrayal of a developping relationship that Johnson excells, nay surpasses most histrom. The banter is a hoot; but it is also deeply serious, about learning to love and forgive each other, to understand each other. It is thus her protagonists forge emotional bonds and it's utterly delightful, convincing, and touching. I'm happily looking forward to volume three and hoping it won't be a long time coming. If you'd like to read a more extensive review, please follow the link:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
I received an e-ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca, via Netgally.
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
I received an e-ARC from Sourcebooks Casablanca, via Netgally.
December 21, 2017
Alissa Johnson has done it again - written another entertaining book, this one with lovable protagonists who go back a long way, but finally waking up to the simmering attraction between them. This attraction grows into a full blown chemical explosion, when they find themselves in one another's company, after Sir Samuel Brass, ex-police officer and now famed private investigator, chases our heroine to London to keep her from trouble which has a way of hanging about her. Esther Walker-Bales was trained by her con-artist and thief father to aid him in his criminal endeavours. She's whip-smart and deadly accurate with a throwing dagger in hand, lives independently at the age of 28, since the death of her father 9 years earlier freed her from the shadowy world he frequented. She certainly does not need Samuel to guard over her and limit her movements, when she has a personal mission to attend to in London. They have an easy interaction, possible through their years of acquaintance, when Samuel and his fellow officers crossed path with Esther and her father and siblings.
“You’re like a stodgy, disapproving older brother, you know.” She thought about that. “Worse, you’re like the best friend of an older brother. You assume all the overbearing familiarity without having any right to it.”
He looked at her with disbelief. “You’d not spend a night at my house, but you would accuse me of being stodgy?”
“It isn’t the same.”
“How is that not the same?”
“Being stodgy and overbearing makes you a bother. Being an unmarried, unchaperoned woman under your roof makes me…less.” “Less what?” Less respectable. Less of a lady. Less than him. “Just less.”
Esther suffers a case of reduced sense of self-worth. Although her sister is now a viscountess and Esther herself has carved a respectable existence these last 9 years, she still feels tainted by the thefts and deceptions she was forced to participate in, in order to please her hard-to please father. Samuel, too, is scarred by his past which has shaped him into the man he is today. He is a natural protector. It is a compulsion he cannot contain, and to his immense frustration, Esther refuses to allow him to carry out this role.
It was his office to protect. Not simply because Esther was a woman, not as a matter of pride, but because safeguarding those important to him was what a man did. He thought of his father then, reeking of gin and hate. And he remembered his mother with her bruised face and bitter tears. Safeguarding, he amended, was what a good man did.
There are some very funny moments, which stem from poor, sweet, clueless Samuel's inability to keep his foot out of his mouth, when it comes to express himself around Esther.
This was the downside of being stingy with one’s words. The less one said, the more out of practice one became at speaking at all, and the more out of practice one became, the less likely it was that one would manage to say the right thing. Which led a man right back to keeping his mouth shut.
God love him, he really tries so hard, but despite the best of intentions, he often fails to express basic sentiments clear to Esther, like when in response to her declaration to him of "I like you", he once again orders her to heed his command for her safety.
Who the devil panicked at “I like you”? It wasn’t exactly a confession laden with promises and responsibilities. She liked him. That was all. She also liked asparagus. For all he knew, she liked them in equal measure. So why couldn’t he like her back in the same manner? Say, as much as he liked clotted cream? She wasn’t aware that he had a particular fondness for clotted cream, but most everyone had some level of fondness for it—...
...“Are you cross with me?”
“No.” It wouldn’t be fair for her to be cross, really.
“I think you are. That’s the third time you’ve moved the soap on the tray. Will you set it down and look at me, please?”...
...“Have I been clumsy again?” he asked.
She was beginning to wonder. “Maybe.”
“Ah.” He scratched his jaw and eyed her cautiously.
“Are you perhaps taking offense where none was intended?”
“Possibly.” That was always a possibility.
“Right. And do you suppose you could tell me what I might have done wrong so we can decide together if I need to fix it?”...
...“You’ve not done anything wrong, necessarily.” He wasn’t required to like her, after all. “It’s just…” She felt her cheeks grow warm. “I said I liked you and I’d rather hoped you would say it back.”
His dark brows drew together. “I did say it back.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“Well, not in those exact words, but the sentiment was clear.”
“It really wasn’t.”
But if the sentiment had been intended, that was good enough for now. She started to smile at him. “Of course I like you,” he said. “That’s why you can’t go back to the hotel.”
The smile fell. Not because she was offended, but because she was utterly confounded by the comment. “I beg your pardon?”
He grimaced. “It all sounded less clumsy in my head.”
“One might hope.”
“Let me try this again.” His brow furrowed in concentration. “You’re important to me. You can’t go back to the hotel, because I want you safe. And I want you safe because you’re important to me.”
“Oh.” Oh, that was lovely. Quite a lot better than asparagus and clotted cream.
I love how he keeps trying to buy her things, based on remembering little off-handed comments she has made. In between humorous exchanges and the sweet developing romance, there is an interesting and surprising outcome of her search for answers about her past. This book is not at all just fluffy light read, as both the hero and heroine carry emotional baggage. Look forward to more from this author.
“I had it engraved yesterday.” He put his finger beneath the initials (of her name, real, assumed and his surname). “The woman you were. The woman you are. And the woman I’d hoped you would become. All of them together. One and the same.
“You’re like a stodgy, disapproving older brother, you know.” She thought about that. “Worse, you’re like the best friend of an older brother. You assume all the overbearing familiarity without having any right to it.”
He looked at her with disbelief. “You’d not spend a night at my house, but you would accuse me of being stodgy?”
“It isn’t the same.”
“How is that not the same?”
“Being stodgy and overbearing makes you a bother. Being an unmarried, unchaperoned woman under your roof makes me…less.” “Less what?” Less respectable. Less of a lady. Less than him. “Just less.”
Esther suffers a case of reduced sense of self-worth. Although her sister is now a viscountess and Esther herself has carved a respectable existence these last 9 years, she still feels tainted by the thefts and deceptions she was forced to participate in, in order to please her hard-to please father. Samuel, too, is scarred by his past which has shaped him into the man he is today. He is a natural protector. It is a compulsion he cannot contain, and to his immense frustration, Esther refuses to allow him to carry out this role.
It was his office to protect. Not simply because Esther was a woman, not as a matter of pride, but because safeguarding those important to him was what a man did. He thought of his father then, reeking of gin and hate. And he remembered his mother with her bruised face and bitter tears. Safeguarding, he amended, was what a good man did.
There are some very funny moments, which stem from poor, sweet, clueless Samuel's inability to keep his foot out of his mouth, when it comes to express himself around Esther.
This was the downside of being stingy with one’s words. The less one said, the more out of practice one became at speaking at all, and the more out of practice one became, the less likely it was that one would manage to say the right thing. Which led a man right back to keeping his mouth shut.
God love him, he really tries so hard, but despite the best of intentions, he often fails to express basic sentiments clear to Esther, like when in response to her declaration to him of "I like you", he once again orders her to heed his command for her safety.
Who the devil panicked at “I like you”? It wasn’t exactly a confession laden with promises and responsibilities. She liked him. That was all. She also liked asparagus. For all he knew, she liked them in equal measure. So why couldn’t he like her back in the same manner? Say, as much as he liked clotted cream? She wasn’t aware that he had a particular fondness for clotted cream, but most everyone had some level of fondness for it—...
...“Are you cross with me?”
“No.” It wouldn’t be fair for her to be cross, really.
“I think you are. That’s the third time you’ve moved the soap on the tray. Will you set it down and look at me, please?”...
...“Have I been clumsy again?” he asked.
She was beginning to wonder. “Maybe.”
“Ah.” He scratched his jaw and eyed her cautiously.
“Are you perhaps taking offense where none was intended?”
“Possibly.” That was always a possibility.
“Right. And do you suppose you could tell me what I might have done wrong so we can decide together if I need to fix it?”...
...“You’ve not done anything wrong, necessarily.” He wasn’t required to like her, after all. “It’s just…” She felt her cheeks grow warm. “I said I liked you and I’d rather hoped you would say it back.”
His dark brows drew together. “I did say it back.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“Well, not in those exact words, but the sentiment was clear.”
“It really wasn’t.”
But if the sentiment had been intended, that was good enough for now. She started to smile at him. “Of course I like you,” he said. “That’s why you can’t go back to the hotel.”
The smile fell. Not because she was offended, but because she was utterly confounded by the comment. “I beg your pardon?”
He grimaced. “It all sounded less clumsy in my head.”
“One might hope.”
“Let me try this again.” His brow furrowed in concentration. “You’re important to me. You can’t go back to the hotel, because I want you safe. And I want you safe because you’re important to me.”
“Oh.” Oh, that was lovely. Quite a lot better than asparagus and clotted cream.
I love how he keeps trying to buy her things, based on remembering little off-handed comments she has made. In between humorous exchanges and the sweet developing romance, there is an interesting and surprising outcome of her search for answers about her past. This book is not at all just fluffy light read, as both the hero and heroine carry emotional baggage. Look forward to more from this author.
“I had it engraved yesterday.” He put his finger beneath the initials (of her name, real, assumed and his surname). “The woman you were. The woman you are. And the woman I’d hoped you would become. All of them together. One and the same.
August 9, 2021
I have actually read something. Finally. I read a book! One that I have not read before!
Since ye olde plague started I’ve had a SHIT time doing anything other than working and playing dumb games. And watching Hamilton at least once a week. Even my beloved comic books take more concentration than I can generally muster. Here’s hoping this is a sign I can finally get back in the swing of things.
As for the book itself, it’s ridiculous and slightly sappy and melodramatic and nearly exactly what I needed. (What I really need is the new Tessa Dare that was delayed until February but this will do for now.)
Since ye olde plague started I’ve had a SHIT time doing anything other than working and playing dumb games. And watching Hamilton at least once a week. Even my beloved comic books take more concentration than I can generally muster. Here’s hoping this is a sign I can finally get back in the swing of things.
As for the book itself, it’s ridiculous and slightly sappy and melodramatic and nearly exactly what I needed. (What I really need is the new Tessa Dare that was delayed until February but this will do for now.)
July 7, 2023
Once again an excellent book in this series. I really like the crystalline quality of Alissa Johnson's writing.
July 11, 2016
This is a wonderful story of two people both needing to be saved let down their guard and dare to hope.
Esther Walker-Bales’ upbringing was very unconventional, she is the youngest daughter of England’s most famous criminal and she worked beside him. She has never been entirely sure of who she really is because she has spent her life being what or whoever was needed to help her father. Now, at the age of 28 she is trying to make amends for a robbery she helped her father with and it has put her in danger from his enemies and hot water with a private investigator that drives her crazy, but makes her want to be more. Esther is bright, quick on her feet and very good with a dagger.
Sir Samuel Brass is an ex-police officer that made a name for himself as The Thief-taker Almighty for his role in helping to rescue a kidnapped duchess. He has known Esther and while she causes him many headaches, he is drawn to Esther. Samuel is frustrated with her for clinging to the lying and manipulating that she falls back on. Samuel deals in black and white, right and wrong, with no room for grey and that causes the two of them issues. Because, unfortunately, Esther is a woman that deals in grey.
The repartee between Esther and Samuel is quick, often filled with darts and from Samuel quick judgements. Esther is quick to give Samuel the benefit of the doubt and wishes Samuel saw her differently. These characters are wonderfully complex and endearing. The danger was tangible and the had me cheering for Samuel! I enjoyed watching Esther and Samuel taking turns compromising, Samuel always seemed the most amazed when it ended up bringing Esther closer to him. I liked the surprises that were in store for Esther, they helped to add to Esther’s devotion to her family.
This is the second in the series and could be read as a standalone because while references are made to the first book in the series, Ms Johnson gives the reader enough substance to be able to move through the story without feeling they have missed something. Samuel’s friend Gabriel really needs and deserves his own HEA and I look forward to meeting the woman that can bring him up to scratch. This is a good series and one that would be excellent for a weekend read-a-thon.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Esther Walker-Bales’ upbringing was very unconventional, she is the youngest daughter of England’s most famous criminal and she worked beside him. She has never been entirely sure of who she really is because she has spent her life being what or whoever was needed to help her father. Now, at the age of 28 she is trying to make amends for a robbery she helped her father with and it has put her in danger from his enemies and hot water with a private investigator that drives her crazy, but makes her want to be more. Esther is bright, quick on her feet and very good with a dagger.
Sir Samuel Brass is an ex-police officer that made a name for himself as The Thief-taker Almighty for his role in helping to rescue a kidnapped duchess. He has known Esther and while she causes him many headaches, he is drawn to Esther. Samuel is frustrated with her for clinging to the lying and manipulating that she falls back on. Samuel deals in black and white, right and wrong, with no room for grey and that causes the two of them issues. Because, unfortunately, Esther is a woman that deals in grey.
The repartee between Esther and Samuel is quick, often filled with darts and from Samuel quick judgements. Esther is quick to give Samuel the benefit of the doubt and wishes Samuel saw her differently. These characters are wonderfully complex and endearing. The danger was tangible and the had me cheering for Samuel! I enjoyed watching Esther and Samuel taking turns compromising, Samuel always seemed the most amazed when it ended up bringing Esther closer to him. I liked the surprises that were in store for Esther, they helped to add to Esther’s devotion to her family.
This is the second in the series and could be read as a standalone because while references are made to the first book in the series, Ms Johnson gives the reader enough substance to be able to move through the story without feeling they have missed something. Samuel’s friend Gabriel really needs and deserves his own HEA and I look forward to meeting the woman that can bring him up to scratch. This is a good series and one that would be excellent for a weekend read-a-thon.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 3, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
A Gift for Guile was an entertaining historical romp with such enchanting characters. A prickly, oversensitive, knife wielding, former thief of a heroine and a somewhat stodgy private detective hero with an exasperating tendency of always saying just the wrong thing. Yeah. These two were something special. lol
The quick of it is that Esther has decided she needs to fix something she deeply regrets from her past. Setting out to do so, though, she comes face to face with another mysterious threat--one that may be tied to her family's shady past as well. She's bound and determined to figure it all out even with a family friend hounding her every step. Poor Samuel wants her safe! And running about London with all it's unsavory nooks and crannies isn't lending it's hand to that one bit.
"You play dirty, Sir Samuel." A smile of unholy delight spread slowly across her pretty features. "Excellent. So do I."
I had a good time with these two as they tried to muddle along together, bickered, played, had a swoon, bickered some more and went about unraveling the mystery and danger surrounding Esther and her past. The two didn't have an easy go of it. Their personal foibles didn't play nice together at all and made for some head shakingly frustrating--but sometimes pretty funny--moments as he said things and she got her feathers all in a ruffle and they had mini showdowns. There were some nice action scenes, some witty banter, and a little heat--though it's rather limited. I did think things dragged a little bit but overall I enjoyed spending time with Esther and Samuel as they confronted her past. Even had a surprise or two along the way which I can always appreciate.
July 5, 2016
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2016/07...
A former thief steals the heart of a famous private detective in A Gift for Guile . I’m not an easy sell when it comes to opposites attracting, but Alissa Johnson won me over with this enchanting second installment of the Thief-takers series.
Esther is a former thief determined to make amends. She was used as an accomplice by her father when she was younger, manipulated by him because she was so desperate for his love. Her past brings her shame and she’s desperate to be a better person, but at the same time doesn’t believe she can be one. No one has ever put her first, has ever seen her as anything more than a filler until someone better comes along. She’s used to playing roles, slips into them so easily in order to win others over, but it broke my heart how badly Esther simply wanted to be seen and loved for her true self, though she doesn’t wholly know who that is. It’s delightful that Samuel, a somewhat-staid former police officer turned private investigator, is the person who sees Esther the most clearly.
Samuel is an honorable man with a soul-deep need to protect others. It drives him mad that the woman he falls for isn’t one who will sit quietly and let him guard her when she’s in trouble. Of course, that’s what makes A Gift for Guile so much fun. Esther is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but she’s not superhuman and can see that Samuel has talents that complement her own. Whether they’re investigating a mysterious potential threat to Esther’s family or falling head over heels in love with one another, Samuel and Esther are great together. The energy between them crackles and I can’t count the number of times they made me smile. Of course, being perfect for each other doesn’t make things easy. Esther is quick to take offense because she’s scared of opening herself up to more hurt, and Samuel is adorably terrible with words. Esther has to accept her past in order to risk her heart for a chance at love, and Samuel has to be patient and temper his need to protect by acknowledging Esther’s abilities. They banter, they bicker, and they fall in love in the most charming, romantic way. I absolutely adored these two together, simple as that.
Ms. Johnson weaves in a mystery involving Esther’s past and a potential new threat into the story of Samuel and Esther’s burgeoning romance. The added element of danger enhances the story and keeps A Gift for Guile moving at a quick clip. There’s simply nothing I didn’t enjoy about Esther, Samuel, and their lovely romance. Like the first Thief-takers book, A Talent for Trickery, A Gift for Guile is engaging and the sparks that fly between the leads make the pages of the story fly by. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Johnson has in store for readers with the next Thief-takers book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A former thief steals the heart of a famous private detective in A Gift for Guile . I’m not an easy sell when it comes to opposites attracting, but Alissa Johnson won me over with this enchanting second installment of the Thief-takers series.
Esther is a former thief determined to make amends. She was used as an accomplice by her father when she was younger, manipulated by him because she was so desperate for his love. Her past brings her shame and she’s desperate to be a better person, but at the same time doesn’t believe she can be one. No one has ever put her first, has ever seen her as anything more than a filler until someone better comes along. She’s used to playing roles, slips into them so easily in order to win others over, but it broke my heart how badly Esther simply wanted to be seen and loved for her true self, though she doesn’t wholly know who that is. It’s delightful that Samuel, a somewhat-staid former police officer turned private investigator, is the person who sees Esther the most clearly.
Samuel is an honorable man with a soul-deep need to protect others. It drives him mad that the woman he falls for isn’t one who will sit quietly and let him guard her when she’s in trouble. Of course, that’s what makes A Gift for Guile so much fun. Esther is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but she’s not superhuman and can see that Samuel has talents that complement her own. Whether they’re investigating a mysterious potential threat to Esther’s family or falling head over heels in love with one another, Samuel and Esther are great together. The energy between them crackles and I can’t count the number of times they made me smile. Of course, being perfect for each other doesn’t make things easy. Esther is quick to take offense because she’s scared of opening herself up to more hurt, and Samuel is adorably terrible with words. Esther has to accept her past in order to risk her heart for a chance at love, and Samuel has to be patient and temper his need to protect by acknowledging Esther’s abilities. They banter, they bicker, and they fall in love in the most charming, romantic way. I absolutely adored these two together, simple as that.
Ms. Johnson weaves in a mystery involving Esther’s past and a potential new threat into the story of Samuel and Esther’s burgeoning romance. The added element of danger enhances the story and keeps A Gift for Guile moving at a quick clip. There’s simply nothing I didn’t enjoy about Esther, Samuel, and their lovely romance. Like the first Thief-takers book, A Talent for Trickery, A Gift for Guile is engaging and the sparks that fly between the leads make the pages of the story fly by. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Johnson has in store for readers with the next Thief-takers book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 30, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Cat & Mouse Stars.
Alissa Johnson is a new-to-me author, and I did not read the first in this series. I do suggestion doing so. While I had a slight struggle with who was whom, not reading book 1 didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
I won't bore you with a repeat of what the blurb states, or a book report style review that has plot spoilers. The following review is my impression on the writing style and the characterization.
I found Johnson's writing style to be fluid, without flowery purple pose that a reader usually finds in historical romance. I enjoyed the way the author described things, setting the scene, but left most of it up to my imagination, instead of spelling every detail. The story was allowed to be the most important detail, not the pattern on the draperies. Another notable difference, instead of Lords & Ladies attending an endless stream of balls and suppers, we have a private detective and a thief as our hero and heroine.
Ester is the daughter of a thief Samuel had arrested then used as an informant- a thief herself. The story starts off with a slow-burn, push-pull romance dealing with Cat & Mouse banter, where both Samuel and Ester think themselves the cat.
Ester is a strong female lead, who can take care of herself, who has shown flaws and insecurities- she's feisty, without coming off as a woman who speaks and thinks herself invincible but then plays the damsel in distress.
Ester and Samuel help each other. Both sensible and mature, they communicate, not allowing miscommunications to drive the conflict of their story. I appreciated their maturity immensely. While the story is romance-centric, as they deal with an intrigue/adventurous storyline, it's not a lusty read. So don't expect a bodice-ripper, as A Gift for Guile is a story/character-driven book.
Recommended for fans of historical romance. Now I'm going to go check out the first book in the series.
4 Cat & Mouse Stars.
Alissa Johnson is a new-to-me author, and I did not read the first in this series. I do suggestion doing so. While I had a slight struggle with who was whom, not reading book 1 didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
I won't bore you with a repeat of what the blurb states, or a book report style review that has plot spoilers. The following review is my impression on the writing style and the characterization.
I found Johnson's writing style to be fluid, without flowery purple pose that a reader usually finds in historical romance. I enjoyed the way the author described things, setting the scene, but left most of it up to my imagination, instead of spelling every detail. The story was allowed to be the most important detail, not the pattern on the draperies. Another notable difference, instead of Lords & Ladies attending an endless stream of balls and suppers, we have a private detective and a thief as our hero and heroine.
Ester is the daughter of a thief Samuel had arrested then used as an informant- a thief herself. The story starts off with a slow-burn, push-pull romance dealing with Cat & Mouse banter, where both Samuel and Ester think themselves the cat.
Ester is a strong female lead, who can take care of herself, who has shown flaws and insecurities- she's feisty, without coming off as a woman who speaks and thinks herself invincible but then plays the damsel in distress.
Ester and Samuel help each other. Both sensible and mature, they communicate, not allowing miscommunications to drive the conflict of their story. I appreciated their maturity immensely. While the story is romance-centric, as they deal with an intrigue/adventurous storyline, it's not a lusty read. So don't expect a bodice-ripper, as A Gift for Guile is a story/character-driven book.
Recommended for fans of historical romance. Now I'm going to go check out the first book in the series.
August 31, 2020
I finished this book this morning but I can barely remember what actually happened in it. Esther's plan to find her father promised to be exciting, meaningful, and liberating, but what it actually was was slow and boring. The romance, tragically, was fast and boring. What happened!! The glimpse we got of Esther and Samuel's relationship in the previous book seems like it involved totally different characters. I can't believe I thought Owen was domineering; Samuel is the most overbearing and dictatorial hero I've come across yet, and he doesn't learn to be better. I really liked that he struggled to express himself verbally--same, dude--and that he and Esther learned when to prod at each other and communicate more clearly, but his reasons for trying to order Esther around and bundle her in bubble wrap are just insufficient. And Esther was much more of a doormat than the previous book led me to believe. Sure, she talked back, but when it came down to it she still allowed Samuel to take charge of her in every possible way. What a waste of a half-feral reformed knife-wielding thief. I'd hoped their chemistry would be much more explosive, and their arguments would be tense and layered and titillating. Not so.
As with Lottie and Owen, I also felt as though Esther and Samuel switched much too quickly from animosity/wary allyship to romance. I was so unconvinced. Esther spent most of her time brooding in the hotel room or brooding in Samuel's house (which... did the author forget that she set the novel in Victorian England?). I had a hard time keeping track of the people Samuel was looking for and interviewing because I just didn't really care and kept wondering why Esther wasn't there. The author kind of redeemed herself with the final confrontation but Samuel still had to save Esther. I was disappointed by this book!
As with Lottie and Owen, I also felt as though Esther and Samuel switched much too quickly from animosity/wary allyship to romance. I was so unconvinced. Esther spent most of her time brooding in the hotel room or brooding in Samuel's house (which... did the author forget that she set the novel in Victorian England?). I had a hard time keeping track of the people Samuel was looking for and interviewing because I just didn't really care and kept wondering why Esther wasn't there. The author kind of redeemed herself with the final confrontation but Samuel still had to save Esther. I was disappointed by this book!
April 27, 2016
An ARC was provided via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was delightful. It was well-thought out, suspenseful without being hand-wrenching, and came to an extremely satisfying conclusion. The MC's were well-developed, smart, and their actions and discussions rang true. There were cute moments sprinkled throughout (see- shaving, badminton, and a big fuzzy dog), and I really rooted for Esther and Samuel all the way through. I was thinking I'd give this 4 stars, because I did have a bit of trouble following the backstory from book 1 at first, but I felt like everything ended up being explained well enough that I felt satisfied with it. I love how both Esther and Samuel remained true to themselves and wanted each other for who/what they were. Any misunderstandings between them were resolved pretty quickly and easily by...imagine that....talking things out rationally with each other. I liked the Victorian setting and the fact that the MC's were "normal" people- not stuffy, spoiled aristocrats. The physical scenes between Esther and Samuel are used sparingly and feel natural and not forced. The writing here is very good- detailed without being overly wordy and nicely descriptive and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it, am kind of bummed it's over, and would highly recommend!
And no babies!! :)
This was delightful. It was well-thought out, suspenseful without being hand-wrenching, and came to an extremely satisfying conclusion. The MC's were well-developed, smart, and their actions and discussions rang true. There were cute moments sprinkled throughout (see- shaving, badminton, and a big fuzzy dog), and I really rooted for Esther and Samuel all the way through. I was thinking I'd give this 4 stars, because I did have a bit of trouble following the backstory from book 1 at first, but I felt like everything ended up being explained well enough that I felt satisfied with it. I love how both Esther and Samuel remained true to themselves and wanted each other for who/what they were. Any misunderstandings between them were resolved pretty quickly and easily by...imagine that....talking things out rationally with each other. I liked the Victorian setting and the fact that the MC's were "normal" people- not stuffy, spoiled aristocrats. The physical scenes between Esther and Samuel are used sparingly and feel natural and not forced. The writing here is very good- detailed without being overly wordy and nicely descriptive and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed it, am kind of bummed it's over, and would highly recommend!
And no babies!! :)
November 28, 2016
I was pulled into the London of this author's making. I dove in even though I prefer to read series in order, but I just couldn't resist. I will be looking for the author's other titles at some point! The characters we so interesting and there was enough action I had to find out what was going on (so I kept reading tip the end, there was no setting it aside). I definitely recommend checking this series out.
July 13, 2016
Its a 3.5 for the story and the romance but I'm throwing in an extra .5 star because I enjoyed the writing so much.
September 18, 2016
I like this author, but wasn't a big fan of the first book in this series. This one is much better, and I really enjoyed it.
August 19, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A Gift for Guile combines familiar romance tropes with refreshing character traits that made the story more enjoyable.
The strong/large hero paired with the take-no-nonsense heroine is nothing new, but Johnson was able to give Samuel strength and the desire to protect Esther without having him work to overrule her or deny her agency. At every turn they negotiated in their discussions of safety taking into account training, physical strength, risk, and at a critical moment, Samuel refused to prioritize his desire for Esther's safety over her freedom and decision making. In a genre where male protectiveness is often used as a proxy for depth of feeling, this was a refreshing change (that I hope becomes the norm). Samuel was able to be strong rather than controlling, and although relatively stoic, he was clearly thoughtful and capable of silliness without insecurity (the badminton game!).
Miscommunication is another romance staple, but what set Gift for Guile apart was the characters' willingness to admit their weaknesses in effective communication, vocalize them, and then give each other the benefit of the doubt in resolving problems. It sounds boring and minor, but so often in romance once the hero/heroine realize they like each other and aren't being kept apart by external circumstances, their relations are essentially flawless. It was so nice to see two people like each other and work for good communication. They recognized that their individual flaws would not counterbalance, but actually compound problems and they developed ways to express their needs and intentions because they liked each other and wanted to make it work even if it wasn't easy or perfect. I loved that the strong, silent hero trope was actually used as a flaw since he was out of practice with expressing himself and often fumbled. There was also still plenty of room for witty banter which is always appreciated.
For all these reasons I gave this book 5 stars, that doesn't mean it was without flaws. The largest issue is the heroine's uneven criminal characterization. Esther is both deadly with her knives, but never actually killed or seriously injured anyone despite a whole matching set of baggage about her role. She participated in her father's criminal schemes, but manages to be naive and sheltered about navigating slums. It just didn't make much sense, especially since she was supposed to be a, and I quote, "henchman" as a 14 year old girl. The picture just isn't that intimidating and her lack of street smarts don't match her history. She was also not trained in anything but throwing daggers, and was useless in a fight. It seemed like she had such a minor role, it didn't match her confidence in her ability to protect herself. I wish Johnson had stuck with the guilt angle of being the never-enough daughter. It provided much more interesting emotional and character development and would have fit better with her minor role as lookout in the main scheme discussed.
The other major issue I had with the book was the virgin trope. Esther is supposed to be an incorrigible manipulative flirt craving acceptance and yet at 28 has never been kissed or received gifts from a man?????? That was illogical to the point of insulting. Johnson did such a good job refreshing romance tropes I was genuinely disappointed to see this one. It would have made more sense for Esther to have been experienced sexually and I wish her inexperience as it was written was not greeted with gratitude by the heroine. Modern romance does a very good job of not slut shaming or pleasure shaming, but the lauding of virginity sends exactly the same message in a less obvious package. There are plenty of romance novels with non-virgin heroines, I wish this book had been one of them. It would have been in greater harmony with the character profile and more appreciated by this reader.
Overall though, this book was so fun and I just enjoyed reading two characters who liked each other and were so willing to see the world from each other's perspective and work to get along I had to give it a five star rating.
The strong/large hero paired with the take-no-nonsense heroine is nothing new, but Johnson was able to give Samuel strength and the desire to protect Esther without having him work to overrule her or deny her agency. At every turn they negotiated in their discussions of safety taking into account training, physical strength, risk, and at a critical moment, Samuel refused to prioritize his desire for Esther's safety over her freedom and decision making. In a genre where male protectiveness is often used as a proxy for depth of feeling, this was a refreshing change (that I hope becomes the norm). Samuel was able to be strong rather than controlling, and although relatively stoic, he was clearly thoughtful and capable of silliness without insecurity (the badminton game!).
Miscommunication is another romance staple, but what set Gift for Guile apart was the characters' willingness to admit their weaknesses in effective communication, vocalize them, and then give each other the benefit of the doubt in resolving problems. It sounds boring and minor, but so often in romance once the hero/heroine realize they like each other and aren't being kept apart by external circumstances, their relations are essentially flawless. It was so nice to see two people like each other and work for good communication. They recognized that their individual flaws would not counterbalance, but actually compound problems and they developed ways to express their needs and intentions because they liked each other and wanted to make it work even if it wasn't easy or perfect. I loved that the strong, silent hero trope was actually used as a flaw since he was out of practice with expressing himself and often fumbled. There was also still plenty of room for witty banter which is always appreciated.
For all these reasons I gave this book 5 stars, that doesn't mean it was without flaws. The largest issue is the heroine's uneven criminal characterization. Esther is both deadly with her knives, but never actually killed or seriously injured anyone despite a whole matching set of baggage about her role. She participated in her father's criminal schemes, but manages to be naive and sheltered about navigating slums. It just didn't make much sense, especially since she was supposed to be a, and I quote, "henchman" as a 14 year old girl. The picture just isn't that intimidating and her lack of street smarts don't match her history. She was also not trained in anything but throwing daggers, and was useless in a fight. It seemed like she had such a minor role, it didn't match her confidence in her ability to protect herself. I wish Johnson had stuck with the guilt angle of being the never-enough daughter. It provided much more interesting emotional and character development and would have fit better with her minor role as lookout in the main scheme discussed.
The other major issue I had with the book was the virgin trope. Esther is supposed to be an incorrigible manipulative flirt craving acceptance and yet at 28 has never been kissed or received gifts from a man?????? That was illogical to the point of insulting. Johnson did such a good job refreshing romance tropes I was genuinely disappointed to see this one. It would have made more sense for Esther to have been experienced sexually and I wish her inexperience as it was written was not greeted with gratitude by the heroine. Modern romance does a very good job of not slut shaming or pleasure shaming, but the lauding of virginity sends exactly the same message in a less obvious package. There are plenty of romance novels with non-virgin heroines, I wish this book had been one of them. It would have been in greater harmony with the character profile and more appreciated by this reader.
Overall though, this book was so fun and I just enjoyed reading two characters who liked each other and were so willing to see the world from each other's perspective and work to get along I had to give it a five star rating.
February 4, 2017
2.5 stars.
This was engagingly written, as always, and quite what I've come to expect from Alissa Johnson. I do like the fact that this series centers on couples that are significantly older than most historical romances. Lottie, the h in A Talent for Trickery and the older sister of this book's h, was 30 and her love interest was 37. Esther, the h in this book, is 27 (or 28?). I enjoy stories that revolve around older characters because they tend to be less stupid and more introspective. There also tends to be less big misunderstandings and more communication and compromise when the MCs are more mature.
Part of me likes this story more than the first since there isn't any developing between the MCs before they were separated for 8 years. There's no real baggage or hurt romantic feelings. And the whole "I can't stand you" to "I want to marry you" change of heart is also fun when done right. I enjoyed Ms. Johnson's humour and witty banter. Her writing is so easy to read and has a great natural flow to it that really meshes with the way my brain operates. I liked the dual povs. Some of Samuel's inner monologue read like what a real man would be thinking. T
I appreciated that the MCs don't let bad feelings fester for too long after a fight, but determine to work things out, or at least fully explain themselves before too much time has past. Neither of them are above apologizing or admitting that they were wrong. Neither of them were perfect and they both developed as the plot progressed. And even though the H is pretty alpha, he's not totally OTT overbearing, but rather sweet in his grunting and gruff way. There was just the right amount of angst in this book. It wasn't painful, didn't drag on for too long, and there was also absolutely no ow/om drama.
My only quibbles are these:
1) The whole "I'm not sure I'm good enough for him. He's so honourable and good and I used to be a thief for goodness sake" train of thought was just a repeat of the previous book. I understand that the two hs are sisters, but it was a little boring. I wanted the h of this book to have different thoughts and feelings, not just those.
2) Ms. Johnson always includes some references to past lovers or mistresses. This book is no different. There are no intimate details, but just a mention here and there. I wish the author would just not mention that at all.
3) The epilogue and what Samuel and Esther decide to do with their time seemed silly in light of all the things that happened to them during the course of this story.
This was engagingly written, as always, and quite what I've come to expect from Alissa Johnson. I do like the fact that this series centers on couples that are significantly older than most historical romances. Lottie, the h in A Talent for Trickery and the older sister of this book's h, was 30 and her love interest was 37. Esther, the h in this book, is 27 (or 28?). I enjoy stories that revolve around older characters because they tend to be less stupid and more introspective. There also tends to be less big misunderstandings and more communication and compromise when the MCs are more mature.
Part of me likes this story more than the first since there isn't any developing between the MCs before they were separated for 8 years. There's no real baggage or hurt romantic feelings. And the whole "I can't stand you" to "I want to marry you" change of heart is also fun when done right. I enjoyed Ms. Johnson's humour and witty banter. Her writing is so easy to read and has a great natural flow to it that really meshes with the way my brain operates. I liked the dual povs. Some of Samuel's inner monologue read like what a real man would be thinking. T
I appreciated that the MCs don't let bad feelings fester for too long after a fight, but determine to work things out, or at least fully explain themselves before too much time has past. Neither of them are above apologizing or admitting that they were wrong. Neither of them were perfect and they both developed as the plot progressed. And even though the H is pretty alpha, he's not totally OTT overbearing, but rather sweet in his grunting and gruff way. There was just the right amount of angst in this book. It wasn't painful, didn't drag on for too long, and there was also absolutely no ow/om drama.
My only quibbles are these:
1) The whole "I'm not sure I'm good enough for him. He's so honourable and good and I used to be a thief for goodness sake" train of thought was just a repeat of the previous book. I understand that the two hs are sisters, but it was a little boring. I wanted the h of this book to have different thoughts and feelings, not just those.
2) Ms. Johnson always includes some references to past lovers or mistresses. This book is no different. There are no intimate details, but just a mention here and there. I wish the author would just not mention that at all.
3) The epilogue and what Samuel and Esther decide to do with their time seemed silly in light of all the things that happened to them during the course of this story.
May 21, 2020
Possibly even better than the first of the series, an entirely engrossing and excellent read with the exception of Harry breaking too many things because they are not training him. Samuel Brass, the grunting, quiet member of the Thief Takers, has shown disdain for Esther the younger sister of the Walker-Bales criminal family. Now trying to live down a criminal past, Esther is illegitimate. Her rather the master criminal has used her for years. She is a master of daggers, , guile, deception and disguise. She has a thing for Samuel and vice/versa which he will not admit to himself. Esther travels to London from Derbyshire [where she lives near to her older sister who married the head of the thief=takers in book one, to seek out her actual father, and what blood that contained. She feels she is a tainted evil but is trying to make her own life. Samuel has never stopped watching over her, his project for reasons again he will not admit, nor can articulate even if he wanted to. This is their 'adventure' of Esther's purpose to know herself. The plot grabs you with the strong attachment and desire so evident between the h/h. Esther gripped to her perceived vileness too long, as Samuel continues to become more absorbed in her. Finally a dangerous ending when they both realize they need each other in each other's lives. And the solution to Samuel's continuing need for investigation and danger is handled quite well at the end. Definite re-read. A book that catches and doesn't let go, beginning to end.
this is the 5th of Alissa's titles have read and none have disappointed. recommended without reservation. also definite reread.
current events? Pompao fires investigator because he is being investigated. Country opening, Trump silencing CDC so none of us will know what the opening is doing to our state and communities, protecting his election while bringing up the trope of Obama gate. Heavens give us a president that has a glimpse of statesmanship and intelligent thought. Science has become a political disadvantage. thus, dump science.
he isn't even mentioning the pandemic anymore, just the re-election campaign. No national plan. because Trump cannot make a pandemic fear or follow him, he ignores it with no plans, this isn't a leader we need now.
this is the 5th of Alissa's titles have read and none have disappointed. recommended without reservation. also definite reread.
current events? Pompao fires investigator because he is being investigated. Country opening, Trump silencing CDC so none of us will know what the opening is doing to our state and communities, protecting his election while bringing up the trope of Obama gate. Heavens give us a president that has a glimpse of statesmanship and intelligent thought. Science has become a political disadvantage. thus, dump science.
he isn't even mentioning the pandemic anymore, just the re-election campaign. No national plan. because Trump cannot make a pandemic fear or follow him, he ignores it with no plans, this isn't a leader we need now.
March 16, 2023
Anzi, proteggere le persone importanti della propria vita, si corresse, era ciò che faceva di un uomo un brav'uomo.
Ecco un gradito ritorno a una serie che continuo ad apprezzare.
Pur essendo i tre volumi dedicati a tre diverse coppie e, a loro modo, autoconclusivi, stavolta vi consiglio comunque di recuperare il primo, perché gli antecedenti sono importanti per capire contesto e personaggi.
Dunque, otto anni prima, William Walker, celebre ladro e uomo molto ambiguo, è morto aiutando gli agenti della Corona in un caso di rapimento.
I tre agenti (sir Owen, il massiccio sir Samuel e il furbo sir Gabriel) se ne sono presi il merito e sono stati promossi, mentre i tre figli di Walker hanno dovuto cambiare identità e ricostruirsi una vita lontano da Londra per sfuggire ai vecchi nemici.
Archiviato sir Owen che ha sposato la primogenita Charlotte, è Samuel che resta a vegliare, soprattutto su Esther, la figlia minore, a suo tempo spalla del padre durante i furti e abile lanciatrice di coltelli.
Esther non era in realtà figlia di Walker e ha sempre patito questa condizione: mai veramente amata e considerata, sempre in ombra e alla costante ricerca di indizi sul suo vero padre. Quando qualcuno la contatta, non ci pensa due volte a ritornare a Londra, senza chiedersi se è una possibilità del destino o una semplice trappola. E Samuel deve rincorrerla, suo malgrado.
Questo non è un romanzo con al centro un innamoramento, semplicemente perché i due si amano già e da tempo, ma sono troppo orgogliosi, o tanto impauriti, per riconoscerlo.
Esther cova pure un certo risentimento e non si sente all'altezza, mentre Samuel non si fida di quella che, dopotutto, è una ex-ladra, avvezza a bugie e tradimenti.
Quindi la storia gioca sul ping-pong emotivo tra due personalità rudi e molto difficili, che si tradiscono, si deludono e continuano a perdonarsi senza ammettere il vero motivo..
Possiamo definirlo, in un certo senso, un amore "ispido", in cui si ha persino paura a toccarsi e a lasciarsi andare. Il tutto tra pericoli e imboscate.
Ho preferito il primo volume, però anche questo è intenso e ben scritto.
Ecco un gradito ritorno a una serie che continuo ad apprezzare.
Pur essendo i tre volumi dedicati a tre diverse coppie e, a loro modo, autoconclusivi, stavolta vi consiglio comunque di recuperare il primo, perché gli antecedenti sono importanti per capire contesto e personaggi.
Dunque, otto anni prima, William Walker, celebre ladro e uomo molto ambiguo, è morto aiutando gli agenti della Corona in un caso di rapimento.
I tre agenti (sir Owen, il massiccio sir Samuel e il furbo sir Gabriel) se ne sono presi il merito e sono stati promossi, mentre i tre figli di Walker hanno dovuto cambiare identità e ricostruirsi una vita lontano da Londra per sfuggire ai vecchi nemici.
Archiviato sir Owen che ha sposato la primogenita Charlotte, è Samuel che resta a vegliare, soprattutto su Esther, la figlia minore, a suo tempo spalla del padre durante i furti e abile lanciatrice di coltelli.
Esther non era in realtà figlia di Walker e ha sempre patito questa condizione: mai veramente amata e considerata, sempre in ombra e alla costante ricerca di indizi sul suo vero padre. Quando qualcuno la contatta, non ci pensa due volte a ritornare a Londra, senza chiedersi se è una possibilità del destino o una semplice trappola. E Samuel deve rincorrerla, suo malgrado.
Questo non è un romanzo con al centro un innamoramento, semplicemente perché i due si amano già e da tempo, ma sono troppo orgogliosi, o tanto impauriti, per riconoscerlo.
Esther cova pure un certo risentimento e non si sente all'altezza, mentre Samuel non si fida di quella che, dopotutto, è una ex-ladra, avvezza a bugie e tradimenti.
Quindi la storia gioca sul ping-pong emotivo tra due personalità rudi e molto difficili, che si tradiscono, si deludono e continuano a perdonarsi senza ammettere il vero motivo..
Possiamo definirlo, in un certo senso, un amore "ispido", in cui si ha persino paura a toccarsi e a lasciarsi andare. Il tutto tra pericoli e imboscate.
Ho preferito il primo volume, però anche questo è intenso e ben scritto.
August 5, 2019
Rating: R for sex and language
Sex: 1 scene
Language: 1 F word and many instances of the Lord's name in vain
Violence: assault, knives, guns, shooting, stabbing, strangling, stalking, kidnapping
HEA: yes
Would I read more of the series: yes (already have)
Esther has come to London to look for her biological father. Samuel followed her and now insists on helping her so that she stays safe. He kisses her in the carriage, comments that she's never done this before, which hurts her feelings. He subsequently explains that there are some bad kissing techniques, and she makes him tell her what those are. He says stupid things, including spitting, which leads to a very funny conversation. They play a game of badminton with incredibly bizarre made-up rules, after which they're attacked. A bullet ricochets across his face, cutting through his beard and injuring him a little. She convinces him he has to shave off his beard because he looks like a dead monkey is on his face. She never meets her father because he's already died, but she becomes friends with her half-brother and meets her grandfather. She gets kidnapped by her brother's bad guy friends, but Samuel tracks her, she kills one of them, and he dispatches the other two. After they're married, he invites her to join the Thief Takers as a partner.
The banter between these two is exceptional! I laughed aloud many times, and shared multiple scenes with my husband. We're going to reread it together. The plot is amazing, the pacing is out of this world, and the characters are so very well-developed! This author is now one of my favorites because of all of these reasons.
Sex: 1 scene
Language: 1 F word and many instances of the Lord's name in vain
Violence: assault, knives, guns, shooting, stabbing, strangling, stalking, kidnapping
HEA: yes
Would I read more of the series: yes (already have)
Esther has come to London to look for her biological father. Samuel followed her and now insists on helping her so that she stays safe. He kisses her in the carriage, comments that she's never done this before, which hurts her feelings. He subsequently explains that there are some bad kissing techniques, and she makes him tell her what those are. He says stupid things, including spitting, which leads to a very funny conversation. They play a game of badminton with incredibly bizarre made-up rules, after which they're attacked. A bullet ricochets across his face, cutting through his beard and injuring him a little. She convinces him he has to shave off his beard because he looks like a dead monkey is on his face. She never meets her father because he's already died, but she becomes friends with her half-brother and meets her grandfather. She gets kidnapped by her brother's bad guy friends, but Samuel tracks her, she kills one of them, and he dispatches the other two. After they're married, he invites her to join the Thief Takers as a partner.
The banter between these two is exceptional! I laughed aloud many times, and shared multiple scenes with my husband. We're going to reread it together. The plot is amazing, the pacing is out of this world, and the characters are so very well-developed! This author is now one of my favorites because of all of these reasons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2019
Reviewed by Aubrey
Book provided by NetGalley
I love this book. A whole lot. I haven't been able to engage in a historical romance for a long time because they all seem the same. Not this one. I was so shocked and surprised at how different it was and how I was able to fall for Sam and Esther.
The banter between Sam and Esther was great. I found myself laughing out loud at what Esther would say to him. I would like to think that Esther was an early feminist. She really felt that she shouldn't have to worry about all the customs at the time and go out and do what she wanted without worrying about her worth or what others would say.
I really adored Esther. Her quick wit and her way of talking was refreshing to me. I so would want to be her friend. She is quirky and a tad shy in regards to anything romantic with Sam. Sam with all his grouchiness has a soft heart and how he is to Esther was very endearing.
The plot was also very well thought out and fast paced. I read the book in one sitting which doesn't happen to me much anymore with 4 kids. I didn't know what was going to happen next and even when I thought I knew, I was totally off base. I like when an author is about to keep me guessing and wondering what will happen next. I definitely will be looking into her other books and reading them. I was just so blown away by her writing.
Book provided by NetGalley
I love this book. A whole lot. I haven't been able to engage in a historical romance for a long time because they all seem the same. Not this one. I was so shocked and surprised at how different it was and how I was able to fall for Sam and Esther.
The banter between Sam and Esther was great. I found myself laughing out loud at what Esther would say to him. I would like to think that Esther was an early feminist. She really felt that she shouldn't have to worry about all the customs at the time and go out and do what she wanted without worrying about her worth or what others would say.
I really adored Esther. Her quick wit and her way of talking was refreshing to me. I so would want to be her friend. She is quirky and a tad shy in regards to anything romantic with Sam. Sam with all his grouchiness has a soft heart and how he is to Esther was very endearing.
The plot was also very well thought out and fast paced. I read the book in one sitting which doesn't happen to me much anymore with 4 kids. I didn't know what was going to happen next and even when I thought I knew, I was totally off base. I like when an author is about to keep me guessing and wondering what will happen next. I definitely will be looking into her other books and reading them. I was just so blown away by her writing.
July 28, 2017
I thought I would like this more but I just never warmed up to Esther to Samuel. Samuel is a private investigator and Esther is a former thief. They had made years earlier when Samuel was a policeman and Esther's father an informant. When her father was killed (all explained in book #1) she and her siblings disappears, but Samuel's boss and therefore Samuel always kept an eye on them.
Esther is in London in disguise as it is too dangerous for her to be seen (which seemed strange after 10 years) but Samuel sees her and knows that she should not be in the city. When she explains that she is looking for her birth father, he agrees to help her. They are thrown together and find that they really enjoy each other's company.
Both are quite intelligent but it was just bland. The first book was really quite good, and this make just be my personal letdown. I still recommend as the author is a very good writer.
Esther is in London in disguise as it is too dangerous for her to be seen (which seemed strange after 10 years) but Samuel sees her and knows that she should not be in the city. When she explains that she is looking for her birth father, he agrees to help her. They are thrown together and find that they really enjoy each other's company.
Both are quite intelligent but it was just bland. The first book was really quite good, and this make just be my personal letdown. I still recommend as the author is a very good writer.
July 7, 2018
I did not read the previous book (wasn't available from the library at the time) so I wasn't "in" on all the references but my ignorance of prior events did not detract from my enjoyment. I liked the characters' banter, I appreciated that they talked to each other (in general and perhaps the next day once tempers had cooled) when there was a misunderstanding, the general story line was a little too slow, and it would have been nice if the badass woman got to be more badass instead of getting and accepting the "stay at home, I'm more experienced". Some credit is given though on her involvement in a few fight scenes. A recommended historical romance!
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