Former cop Scott Hart's life as he knew it was taken in a fraction of a second when his wife was murdered. After years of research and questionable alliances, he's finally about to come face to face with the man who killed her. Except when he's arrested for a crime he didn't commit, his revenge plans are put on hold. But he has one ace in his pocket. He has one of the best hackers in the world on his side.
Computer hacker Toni knows Scott is off limits. Even if he weren't totally hung up on his late wife, they work together. In her line of work, pesky things like crushes and emotions get you killed. But when Scott is framed, Toni knows she needs to pull out the big guns to get him out of trouble.
As much as she wants to get over Scott, she knows she can't let him go at it alone. So she's going to stick with him as long as he needs her, come hell and heartbreak. Who knows? Someday he might even love a thief like her.
Mallory Crowe has lived in Michigan her whole life and has been in love with romance ever since she'd skip to the end of every novel, just to make sure the hero and heroine survived and ended up together. She lives with her husband and three dogs. When she's not writing, she's spending too much time in front of the TV, hiking, or working with various animal rescues.
This story fulfilled all my expectations with non-stop action, twists and turns, well-developed plot, strong writing, multilayered characters, and a highly satisfying finale. This series has been a roller-coaster ride and one I'm thrilled to have been on. The only reason I gave it 5 stars is because I couldn't give it more.
I knew Toni and Scott's story would be top-notch and Mallory Crowe didn't disappoint me. Their relationship is convoluted but they have been my favorite couple in the series. Toni is much more complicated than her sisters. Both Toni and Scott have to do so many things outside their comfort zones which adds another layer to this story.
When I read the first three books in the series, I kept thinking how easy it would be to continue the series even after the initial arc was completed. I'm thrilled to see that my wish came true. I've already pre-ordered Book 5: The Vengeful Thief.
I strongly urge you to read The Stolen Hearts Series. It is a superb set of 5-star books that once you start reading, you won't want to put them down.
This book is The Reluctant Thief, book 4 in The Stolen Hearts series, written by Mallory Crowe. Ms Crowe is one of my favorite authors. She always delivers a captivating, original, humorous, and heart stopping book! This one is about Toni and Scott. Scott is in jail and Toni decides to break him out and try to take down Mr Sterling. They spend a lot of time running and fighting for their lives. Leave it to Ms Crowe to throw another unexpected twist into the end. I’m happy that this book is not the end! If you haven’t tried Mallory Crowe’s books yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?! She NEVER lets me down! I received an advance readers copy and chose voluntarily to leave this review.
Former cop Scott Hart's life as he knew it was taken in a fraction of a second when his wife was murdered. After years of research and questionable alliances, he's finally about to come face to face with the man who killed her. Except when he's arrested for a crime he didn't commit, his revenge plans are put on hold. But he has one ace in his pocket. He has one of the best hackers in the world on his side.
Computer hacker Toni knows Scott is off limits. Even if he weren't totally hung up on his late wife, they work together. In her line of work, pesky things like crushes and emotions get you killed. But when Scott is framed, Toni knows she needs to pull out the big guns to get him out of trouble.
As much as she wants to get over Scott, she knows she can't let him go at it alone. So she's going to stick with him as long as he needs her, come hell and heartbreak. Who knows? Someday he might even love a thief like her.
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REVIEW: 3.75 stars---THE RELUCTANT THIEF is the fourth installment in Mallory Crowe’s contemporary, adult STOLEN HEARTS romantic, suspense series. This is computer hacker Toni Murray, and former Chicago police officer Scott Hart’s story line. THE RELUCTANT THIEF can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.
SOME BACKGROUND: Following a theft that went horribly wrong, professional thieves and sisters Toni, Melody and Jennifer Murray vow revenge against the men who killed their mother.
Told from dual third person points of view (Scott and Toni) THE RELUCTANT THIEF focuses on the hunt for a killer. Several weeks earlier Toni, Jennifer and Melody’s mother was murdered on the job- a job meant to set the family up for life-but the theft of a thirty million dollar piece of jewelry resulted in the death of their mother, with the sisters on the run. Vowing to avenge their mother’s death each sister set into motion a series of events to track down the man responsible. Toni Murray will make things a little more personal when she gets up close and personal with the man ultimately responsible for her mother’s demise but interference from a former cop pushes all of Toni’s buttons and riles up her independent side. Enter Scott Hart, a man with a personal agenda of his own, and the man with whom Toni has fallen in love.
THE RELUCTANT THIEF is the culmination of four story lines that saw three sisters seek retribution and revenge for their mother’s death. With the formation of a new security team by Scott and Toni, THE RELUCTANT THIEF introduces the readers to a new series arc, as well as Peter Slade, Gage and Tristan-three men whose owns lives were destroyed by the man the Murray sisters had targeted for revenge. Slade’s story line is next in THE VENGEFUL THIEF. The premise is suspenseful and engaging; the characters are colorful and animated; the $ex scenes are limited without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Toni is determined to get Sterling and she is just as determined to keep Scott safe. Scott has other ideas. He has no intention of sitting back while Toni goes after Sterling; he is going to be there every step of the way to protect her. They will have to work together to bring down the evil Sterling.
Toni doesn't believe Scott could really care about her so she hides her feelings. Scott is damaged by his past but he is still attracted to Toni. The sexual attraction eventually explodes between the two.
Read the book. It has intrigue, sex, mystery, action, and well-developed characters. Find out if they finally get Sterling or do they have to retreat to try again another day. See if Scott can let go of his past so he can have a future with Toni.
I volunteered to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
The Reluctant Thief is the fourth book in the Stolen Hearts series. This can be read as a standalone with a HEA. It has a soft cliffhanger ending for the next book. It is a quick read so it's perfect for an afternoon curled up somewhere comfy. There is some violence and hot steamy sex scenes so 18+.
The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that all of that info here. The storyline is predictable but this book is still worth reading. I do want to find out more about this group and will continue to read the rest of the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy, and I am leaving a voluntarily review.
This is Book 4 of Mallory Crow’s “Stolen Hearts” series which is the story of a family of thieves. The heroine in this book, Toni, is a member of this family. However, her involvement usually involves hacking into computers and using her extensive technical skills to help with their criminal plans.
The hero, Scott Hart is a former policeman whose wife was murdered a few years ago as a form of revenge. Since then, Scott’s life has centered on finding this man and killing him.
Scott met Toni during a robbery committed by Toni’s family in a past book. Scott was still hoping to find Sterling, the man who killed his wife. Sterling was also involved in the robbery they planned. In the end, Scott, and Toni and her family, all decide to work together to search for this man so they can exact revenge.
I like this story because it is slightly different than the other three books. The Reluctant Thief does not include a robbery or a plan for any other kind of felony. Instead, Toni decides to take care of Sterling all by herself. She plans to offer Sterling her help so she can infiltrate his “gang.” However, Scott becomes suspicious about what she is doing, and follows Toni into the “lion’s den.”
Meanwhile, we find out that Toni is attracted to Scott even though he barely notices that she exists. Scott is so obsessive about revenging his wife’s death, that he does not have the ability to think of anyone else except for his late wife. This book ties up the story involving Sterling as the “bad guy” in the last three books. However, I am so excited that the next book seems to continue the story using the same characters in a very unusual way (uhuh, no spoilers).
This book probably could stand-alone, but I highly recommend that you read the other books first. The people and the situations are explained in each book, and this makes The Reluctant Thief easier to understand and much more enjoyable to read.
This book in the Stolen Heart Series was fantastic. I've been dying to read Scott & Toni' s story & it didn't disappoint!! Toni actually spent less time doing & talking tech than in the other books, although it was pivotal to the storyline & it's conclusion.
It starts off with Scott's jail break & Toni convincing him to leave Chicago until she can fully clear his name. This is a ruse as Toni has a very dangerous plan, to go & work the evil Sterling until she can get close enough to kill him herself!! Plans don't always work out how you imagine though.
Scott is suspicious of Toni's reason to get him out of the city, something feels off to him so he turns up at her Hotel & later turns her plan upside by becoming overprotective.
Toni had fallen hard for Scott very early on in this series but he didn't seem to notice her as a woman in a romantic way at all!! It made her so self conscious & she questioned almost every interaction they had. I felt bad for her :-( I'm really pleased to say that she gets a HEA though *sigh*
All the Family return for the big showdown. It was lovely to hear from them :-) Some fabulous new characters were introduced Slade, Hunter, Gage & Tristan. They all sound deliciously yum & Slade is the lead in the next book, I can't wait!!!
I'd highly recommend The Reluctant Thief & this whole series, they're fast paced, intriguing, steamy, emotional & romantic!!
Ooo! What a great read! I've been anticipating Scott's and Toni's story, learning a little more about Scott's history, the wife who was murdered at the orders of Sterling, and if he would ever recognize what he could have with Toni who was already in love with him. It answered all those curiosities and more.
'The Reluctant Thief is book four in the 'Stolen Hearts' series by the wonder woman of wordsmiths, Mallory Crowe. As we left off in book three, Scott was set up to take the fall for a terrorist bombing at the hotel where the 'thief gang' had been staying. This book starts us off as Toni works her magic with the aid of her computer and by a deterrent is able to break Scott out of jail. She definitely wants him away and in hiding until she can work this situation out and put an end to the infamous Sterling and prove Scott's innocence. Scott refuses to stay hidden and wants to know what Toni is planning. He is very concerned she will give her life to put an end to Sterling.
We also become acquainted with new characters in this book whom I suspect may have stories of their own to tell in future books. Great work as always Mallory. My kids start back to school in two weeks and I will be taking my leisure savoring this book for the second time.
I highly recommend this book and suggest they be read in order.
The fourth book in the Stolen Hearts series features the "tough as nails" Toni Murray, and our stoic, ex-cop, Scott Hart. These two have "silently" danced around each other, often working side by side in each adventure leading up to their confrontation with Jonathan Sterling, the man responsible for the deaths of Toni's mother's and Scott's wife.
I enjoyed the push and pull of Toni and Scott's relationship. Unlike her sisters, Jennifer and Melody, the Toni we've seen thus far is more guarded, always hiding behind her technical computer skills. I was surprised at the depth of feelings she finally revealed and liked to see her vulnerable side. She manages to break through Scott's armored heart and the memory of his love for his late wife.
As this story neared the culminating confrontation with Sterling, I was afraid Toni was going to face him without her sisters, which would have ruined the revenge her entire family sought. Instead, our wonderful author found an ingenious way to bring the story to a climactic and satisfactory end.
We're introduced to Slade, the main character in the next installment. I'm looking forward to learning the circumstance which lead him to working for Sterling.
It 's been quite awhile since I read a book that I absolutely devoured in one sitting like this one and I honestly don't even know where to start with this review. Mallory is one of my absolute favorite authors and with each book she seems to blow me away with her awesome and unpredictable twists & turns in a writing style that sucks you in from the beginning to the end. Of course the characters are fabulous as always and the story itself is one that honestly left me holding my breath . Picking up where the last book left off with Scott being in jail , we dive deeper into the plot and finally get to know Scott and Toni's story . Their relationship is a slow build up which I loved because they've both been through so much that I was left rooting for them to finally be together and to be truly finding their happiness . I 'll recommend this book (and this series ) without any doubt to everyone because the pages of this book will fill you with excitement, tension and an undeniable urge to keep reading. I 'm beyond excited to see what plot Mallory comes up with next in The Vengeful Thief .She 's for sure a go to author for me ! *voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this awesome read *
This is Toni and Scott’s story. Toni starts off by visiting Scott in jail, and then conveniently leaving with him. Of course, he wasn’t exactly released, but then he hadn’t exactly been charged either. After Toni sends Scott off to hide out from the cops and Sterling she puts the next part of her plan in motion, infiltrating the enemy camp. Well, sorta.
Toni knows that walking into Sterling’s office and asking to see him is not her most brilliant idea, but this has to end. She is tired of running and hiding and trying to keep from getting killed in the process. She just has to convince Sterling that she will work for him if he will leave Scott and her family alone. Then she has to figure out how to kill him.
Scott knows that Toni is up to something. He is determined to stop another woman in his life from being killed. Losing his wife was enough. He will stick close to Toni, whether she likes it or not. These two have great chemistry. Each is determined to keep the other from knowing how much they care. Of course sleeping in the same little bed is not going to affect them. Yeah, right.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
ITHE RELUCTANT THIEF by Mallory Crowe is the fourth book in the "Stolen Hearts" series In this book former cop Scott Hart's life take a turn for the worse when his wife is murdered. Teaming up with a family of thieves to find the man who kill his beloved, Scot has nearly caught up with the killer when he is accused of a crime he did not commit. Being arrested was not in Scott's plans, desperate he turns to one person who can help him. Tori Murray, thief and computer hacker extraordinaire. Though Tori has a thing for Scott she knows its hopeless because Scot is still in love with his late wife, besides which in her line of work love and emotions can get you killed. As much as Tori wants to be free of her annoying crush on Scott she can not abandon him when he needs her help. Ms. Crowe has once again written a very intriguing and an exciting romantic suspense novel with two engaging protagonists. This is a book well worth reading and I definitely recommend it.
I received this book from the author and I am freely posting this fair and balance review.
I received a free copy of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Stolen Hearts series by Mallory Crowe is an enjoyable read from beginning to end! The Murray sisters are at it again, on the quest to punish the man responsible for their mother's death. The time has come to see the up close and personal relationship between the ex-cop turned pseudo bad guy Scott and hacker extraordinaire Toni. With her impressive skills, she thinks she's unstoppable, but Scott isn't going to let her go it alone.
This was the best possible conclusion for the story arc involving the dreaded Sterling! While not everything is a happily ever after for the characters, we get to see more about Sterling's henchmen and how they've come to work for such an evil man. I can't wait for the next novel in the series which features one of those henchmen, Slade!
This was a fun, romantic, suspenseful, exciting read! My favorite part of this series is the women and their unique skills. They don't wait to get saved; they help do the saving!
Toni breaks Scott out of prison and they’re on the run again trying to get a lead on Sterling. I love Toni. She’s such a great combination of smart and somewhat naïve. She is extremely competent when using her beloved computers, but a little awkward when she’s with Scott because of her feelings for him. Scott has been somewhat of a periphery figure in past books. We get more of a sense of who he is as a person in this one. I like the interactions between him and Toni. We get some glimpses of Jennifer & Austin and Melody & Adam and catch up on a couple of things happening in their lives. Lots of twists and turns before we make it to the end. I really enjoyed this continuation of the story and look forward to the next one.
I received an ARC of this book but this review is totally and honestly based on my own opinions.
Mallory Crowe creates another heart stopping, sexy, whirlwind of a story in the fourth book of the Stolen Hearts series. This time we focus on Toni and Scott, and boy was it fun too see these two together. We have seen snippets from the other characters' perspectives in the first few books of the series as they notice the looks the two would give each other, but The Reluctant Thief really lets readers see how these two characters have started to feel for each other. It may have been slow coming, but I am so happy with everything that ended up happening for the two! Let's just say sometimes anger can be good for people to really work out their... frustrations. We get introduced to some new characters that I can't wait to learn more about! The ending was spectacular and set up the next book in the series wonderfully. I can't wait!
I recommend this author, this series, and this book!
The Reluctant Thief is a satisfying conclusion to this segment of the Stolen Hearts series which features the Murray sisters. With her sisters and their significant others safely in hiding with new identities, computer hacker Toni Murray is hell bent on one way or the other taking out the man who killed their mother. Ex-cop Scott Hart, whose late wife was also a victim, is right there at her side determined to protect her while satisfying his own need for vengeance.
The romance is understated and slow brewing. Toni's tough girl persona hides a secret love for Scott that she despairs of ever leading anywhere, while Scott is slowly becoming aware of his own feelings for Toni. This story is another well-written action packed romantic thriller by Mallory Crowe. I can't wait to see where Slade's story in book five takes us.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
A great closure for the Murray sisters and Scott...and an amazing new path to come!
Finally we get to Scott and Toni's story! We were waiting for them to get together for so long and now we have it!
As expected, this books was full of action and you need to be fast to keep up with everything. Toni and Scott were still struggling with their feelings, especially Scott, who took more time to figure everything out. They were always trying to protect one another and they were definitely a great team!
Fighting for revenge and some peace of mind, they face lots of danger, but at the same time, they find new allies who are not exactly freindly, but that are definitely intriguing!
I cant even wait for the next books to come! I'm dying to know more about Slade and the other guys!
This installment of the Stolen Hearts series finally brings a conclusion to all Toni and her sisters have worked for. Scott Hart has also had an axe to grind and as he and Toni team up to bring about an end to their enemy's activities, sparks fly in every sense of the word. I enjoyed the dialogue and interaction between Toni and Scott as there was a maturity to their relationship despite their odd mix of personalities and background. The story is fast paced and exciting however it did lack some of the pizzazz of previous books in this series. This is a standalone book despite having a question mark over the ending, obviously as a lead up to the next book. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Scott Hart, Toni Murray and her sisters finally get to take down Sterling and claim their vengeance for the murders of Catherine Hart and Isobel Murray. I have been waiting for Toni and Scott to get their story and I wasn't disappointed - read in one sitting, the story was fast paced and enjoyable. Highly recommended.
This is book four in a series and readers will enjoy it more if they have read the previous books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
The Reluctant Thief by Mallory Crowe is the 4th book in the series it can be read as a standalone, but reading the first three books gives you more background into the story line and sets you up for the next book in the series…
This book is about Toni and Scott and while we have seen the sparks fly between them in the other books this one is explosive! ! They are determined to finally take Sterling down forever but will they end up destroying themselves in the process???
Lots of twists, turns, suspense, seeing multiple layers happening at the same time, new plots for the next book…. And also enjoyed catching up with Toni’s family too! !
Fabulous, full of mystery and romance fourth book in the Stolen Hearts series by the phenomenally talented Mallory Crowe. I voluntarily reviewed a copy. Toni's goal in life is to save Scott Hart's life and get revenge on Sterling, the man who killed her mother. Toni takes risks getting Scott Hart out of jail, gives him a new identity, and tells him to leave home, but Scott has to be the hero to keep Toni safe. Toni doesn't want anything happening to the man she cares about, but Scott only sees Toni has a friend on a little sister until things begin to change between them. Don't miss out on reading the highly recommended, intriguing and exciting romance story, and a must read love story.
First off, Mallory has done a fantastic job with each of the previous books in this series and this book is no exception. I found Toni and Scott's story, fun, suspenseful, flirty, and just down right awesome. Maybe being the bad guy can be a good thing. The character development is great and although each book can be read on it's own, if you haven't already you should read the series to get a better understanding of all the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and the whole series for that matter, this is one group of characters that is sure to steal your heart! I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
This is Scott and Toni's story and brings to an end and ties up the previous three or does it? A twist at the end makes it clear there is more to come. Scott is the ex cop whose wife was murdered by Sterling and he's been looking for revenge ever since. Toni is the nerdy computer expert who is out for revenge for her mothers murder. She is a bit of a loner and doesn't see herself like the others do, somehow feeling inferior to her pretty and street smart sisters which is a load of rubbish. The sparks fly when Toni does a really stupid thing and Scott comes to rescue and help her. The chemistry is red hot and it's a great book I throughly recommend, and voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the fourth book in the series and it was fantastic! I have loved them all, but I think Toni and Scott's story is now my favorite. I was pulled in from the very fist page and could not put this down. Toni and Scott have such an interesting dynamic together and it was fun seeing them get closer and closer. If you have not read the stories yet, I recommend the whole series. I can't wait for book five. *I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
She does it again Mallory has taken the finally book of the sisters and ended with a bang. As with all the stories she wrote in this series so far it's mixed with love and drama into a perfect combination. This story will continue I think e might get to still see these characters again but if not I'm very satisfied with how this book was . Toni and Scott have had this underlying attraction of sorts for many books so far but his love and vengeful attitude fir his late wife Catherine have out shown everything possible. I hope you liked this as much as I did. Enjoy!
Toni has always been a Reluctant Thief while Scott is a newly Reluctant Thief. Together they make a great pair! This is another excellent steamy romance by an excellent romance author! Toni is determined to destroy the man who killed her mother while Scot is determined to kill the man who killed his wife. I received a gifted copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. I honestly love this story and this series!
The Reluctant Thief is the fourth book the the Stolen Hearts series by Mallory Crowe. This series has some fantastic characters! The main two in this book were Toni Murray and Scott Hart and their storyline was exceptional! I'm really wondering where the next book is going to take us. The next title is said to be The Vengeful Thief. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Mallory this 4th. book is the best of this series so far. Toni, the computer hacker, decided to go solo to kill Sterling, the murder of her mother. Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, twists and turns, non-stop action and.........Romance. I highly recommend this series. Received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Although this is a standalone, you need to read the series to really know what's going on. It's Toni's turn to take a try at revenge. Along the way, Scott realizes he has feelings for her. Ruined plans, deadly situations and steamy lust become the norm. Can they finally get their revenge and move on? Maybe it's finally possible.
This fourth book in the "Stolen Hearts" series is Toni & Scott's story that is intense and intriguing. I loved that Murray women came together again in this suspenseful tale of revelations, retributions and romance. Great writing, excellent plot and exciting characters make this book a must read.