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It Takes a Cat Burglar
When Darcelle Lebeau throws off the invisible chains that keep her bound to her family, she discovers a new vocation. Tempted to enter the illegal playground of a man she nicknames Matou, she becomes a cat burglar in training. Deeply ensnared with each task he entices her to fulfill, she fails to discover his identity and true intentions.
Sebastian St. Croix, a wealthy businessman, has a dark side. He’s a thief, a cat burglar who steals art and historical objects. For one year, he trains Darcelle to become his assistant, remaining incognito, observing her from afar. His admiration grows along with his desire for her with every phase-one challenge she completes. Phase two will test the limits of his control. Hands-on personal training? Yes. Sex? No. With his sister’s happiness at stake, nothing, not even the tempting Darcelle Lebeau, can interfere with accomplishing the biggest break-in of his career.
Sebastian St. Croix, a wealthy businessman, has a dark side. He’s a thief, a cat burglar who steals art and historical objects. For one year, he trains Darcelle to become his assistant, remaining incognito, observing her from afar. His admiration grows along with his desire for her with every phase-one challenge she completes. Phase two will test the limits of his control. Hands-on personal training? Yes. Sex? No. With his sister’s happiness at stake, nothing, not even the tempting Darcelle Lebeau, can interfere with accomplishing the biggest break-in of his career.
106 pages
Published May 7, 2017
About the author
Cailin Briste
22 books123 followersCailin Briste, a USA TODAY bestselling author, writes science fiction suspense romance. Her first series is set in the Tallavan sector of the Federation where the men of Tallav are the marshals that provide protection and justice to the planets in this far off the beaten path are of space. While fighting crime, they also must come to terms with matriarchal system of their home planet, Tallav. Tricky because each is heavily involved in the BDSM lifestyle. Book one is her Dom, book two is her male submissive, and book three is her sexual sadist.
Her second series, A Thief in Love Suspense Romance series, began with a cat burglar who puts together a team to steal priceless art and antiquities from other thieves. Sebastian is a Robin Hood character whose Maid Marion is his equal on the rooftops of their futuristic city. The second in the series is the love story of two others on his team, Cade and Bassinae. Once again the team are breaking into someone's home to take back something that rightfully belongs to someone else, but this time they are also trying to stop a murder.
She has just published A Prince of Her Own in the Once Upon a Rebel Fairytale boxed set. This book will be the first in the Guardians of the Vale, fantasy romance series.
More books in each series are coming as is a new series about a pair of dragon shifters hatched from the same egg and the man they love, bounty hunter Brody Simmons.
Visit http://cailinbriste.com to learn more about Cailin and her work. Subscribe to her newsletter at http://wp.me/p46KU8-7A for information about her latest releases, exclusive giveaways and special prices.
Her second series, A Thief in Love Suspense Romance series, began with a cat burglar who puts together a team to steal priceless art and antiquities from other thieves. Sebastian is a Robin Hood character whose Maid Marion is his equal on the rooftops of their futuristic city. The second in the series is the love story of two others on his team, Cade and Bassinae. Once again the team are breaking into someone's home to take back something that rightfully belongs to someone else, but this time they are also trying to stop a murder.
She has just published A Prince of Her Own in the Once Upon a Rebel Fairytale boxed set. This book will be the first in the Guardians of the Vale, fantasy romance series.
More books in each series are coming as is a new series about a pair of dragon shifters hatched from the same egg and the man they love, bounty hunter Brody Simmons.
Visit http://cailinbriste.com to learn more about Cailin and her work. Subscribe to her newsletter at http://wp.me/p46KU8-7A for information about her latest releases, exclusive giveaways and special prices.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 15, 2017
I would like to thank Book Unleashed and Hot Sauce Publishing for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After I had read “The Frog Prince” from Book Unleashed, I just had to request another book to review and lo and behold, I found an interesting romance book called “It Takes a Cat Burglar” by Cailin Briste and I was quite interested in this story!
The story starts off with a young woman named Darcelle Lebeau who is training to become a great cat burglar and she is training under a mysterious man who goes by the name Matou. What Darcelle does not know is that the mysterious Matou is actually Sebastian St. Croix, a rich man who is also a cat burglar. After Sebastian observes Darcelle’s skills for a while now, he had decided to make Darcelle his partner in crime. But first, Darcelle must complete a mission that involves trying to save Sebastian’s niece Cheyenne from the clutches of a corrupted businessman. During Darcelle’s training though, Sebastian and Darcelle start falling in love with each other and they will have to keep their hands off of each other in order for the mission to go as smoothly as planned.
Wow! I was quite impressed with this story that was written by Cailin Briste since this would be the first romance novel I had read that dealt with cat burglars falling in love! I loved the fact that this story is centered on cat burglars because it makes this book so unique to read, since in most romance books, the characters I had read were either dukes, duchesses, businessmen and normal people. I also enjoyed the way that Cailin Briste wrote both Darcelle and Sebastian as they were pretty interesting characters, because of the fact that they are both cat burglars, and yet, you get to see them slowly bonding with each other, despite the fact that they both want to control the other. I like the fact that both Darcelle and Sebastian are shown as being strong protagonists as with the case of Darcelle, she refuses to let anyone run her life and she wants to be more independent, especially after the life she had to go through with her overbearing mother and her sister Cassie. I also liked Sebastian because even though he struts his authority throughout the book, it is clear that he has Darcelle’s best interests at heart and is willing to allow her to do whatever she desires. I really loved the way that Cailin Briste wrote the sexual scenes between Sebastian and Darcelle as they were hot and sexy and I was literally fanning myself whenever the sexual scenes would show up!
The reason why I gave this book a four-star rating was because I felt that because of the book’s short length, there was not enough character development going on with the characters. I wanted to learn more about Sebastian’s backstory and how he became a cat burglar since he seems a bit too mysterious for a character and I wanted to learn more about his character. I also felt that Darcelle and Sebastian’s relationship with each other fell into the “insta-love” category and there was not enough build up to their romance with each other that made me actually buy into how well developed their romance was.
Overall, “It Takes a Cat Burglar” is a cute story about thieves falling love that many fans of romance novels will enjoy!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
August 21, 2017
3.75
“It Takes a Cat Burglar” by Cailin Briste is an adult science fiction romantic suspense story. There are breathtaking feats that made me instantly fascinated by Darcelle, who lives a remarkable double life. The gradual revelation of setting and background and the mysterious and sexy mentor, Sebastian, was a nice and somewhat unexpected twist. I love the cat references, sure to appeal to an ailurophile, and I’d be interested in learning more about the Abyssinian connection and whether Darcelle’s nickname is accurate in more ways than one. I would have liked a little more world-building, because it took a little while for me to realize this wasn’t set on a world I was familiar with, until I noticed some of the tools used and treatments available were somewhat futuristic. There are sizzling scenes but I wasn’t positive I was convinced of the attraction at first because it seemed to be a little insta-love, at least from her side since she initially didn’t even know him as anything other than a mysterious mentor. The characters aren’t as thoroughly fleshed-out as I would like, but I suspect that is because this is the introduction to the series and the author wants one to learn about the secondary characters in future stories.
This is a fun light read that introduces some engaging characters and I look forward to learning more about these folks and their goals.
A copy of this story was provided to me for review
May 4, 2017
I adored this novella and am excited to see what will be next in the series! Right at the beginning, Cailin had me hooked with Darcelle on one of her missions. I love the premise of a master cat burglar and his protégé who eventually fall in love. The chemistry between Darcelle and Sebastian was hot; I didn’t want those sex scenes to end! I really enjoyed Darcelle’s various training scenes as well as the bit of family drama thrown in the mix. I found all of the characters introduced to be quite interesting, and I hope to learn more about each one as the series continues. I was also giddy when Cailin added the space travel element to the story, keeping a similar theme to her Sons of Tallav series. Nothing makes me happier than having hot guys and space travel in one book! I highly recommend this novella as well as Cailin’s Sons of Tallav series if you have not read that yet!
I received a free copy of this eBook to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
I received a free copy of this eBook to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
May 5, 2017
Darcelle "Minou" Lebeau has been receiving notes from a stranger with instructions on how to become a cat burglar and where to find stolen art and artifacts to be returned to the rightful owners or museums. She loves doing it because it brakes up her monotonous daily life. Over a year long span the notes continued to come and continues to learn.
Much to Darcelle's surprises, the secret stranger "Matou" reveals himself to her on the final task he has set for her. He has a proposition for her...30 days intense training with him for her to become his partner. The excitement of cat burglarizing it to much for her to say no, so she agrees.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was full of intrigue and kept me guessing. This is only book one and I will be keeping my eyes opened for the next book in the series.
***I received a free copy of this eBook to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.***
Much to Darcelle's surprises, the secret stranger "Matou" reveals himself to her on the final task he has set for her. He has a proposition for her...30 days intense training with him for her to become his partner. The excitement of cat burglarizing it to much for her to say no, so she agrees.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was full of intrigue and kept me guessing. This is only book one and I will be keeping my eyes opened for the next book in the series.
***I received a free copy of this eBook to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.***
February 2, 2018
I’m quite sure that when I grow up, I want to be a cat burglar. Okay, so, while yes, m a y b e a reality check IS in order, Cailin Briste makes it downright interesting AND hot in IT TAKES A CAT BURGLAR.
So, so many likes: The details are brilliant. Everything from Darcelle’s training, to her trainers, to Sebastian are so wonderfully laid out that you’ll feel as though you’re a fly on the wall watching everything happen. You’ll grin repeatedly as you delve into their inner thoughts. Of course, their nicknames: Matou and minou and the title of the story and…I find myself grinning again. I did that a lot while reading this afternoon. Couldn’t be helped.
This story is the Mr. & Mrs. Smith for the new world and I would so love to hear that Ms. Briste plans a series around them (and the staff) because that would absolutely make my night.
In case you hadn’t figured it out, I so very much recommend this story. So, what are you waiting for. Get thee to the nearest website and buy it already. So, good.
This review originally published at The Reading Alley.
So, so many likes: The details are brilliant. Everything from Darcelle’s training, to her trainers, to Sebastian are so wonderfully laid out that you’ll feel as though you’re a fly on the wall watching everything happen. You’ll grin repeatedly as you delve into their inner thoughts. Of course, their nicknames: Matou and minou and the title of the story and…I find myself grinning again. I did that a lot while reading this afternoon. Couldn’t be helped.
This story is the Mr. & Mrs. Smith for the new world and I would so love to hear that Ms. Briste plans a series around them (and the staff) because that would absolutely make my night.
In case you hadn’t figured it out, I so very much recommend this story. So, what are you waiting for. Get thee to the nearest website and buy it already. So, good.
This review originally published at The Reading Alley.
August 2, 2017
This story is a futuristic story. Darrell has been contacted and trained as a cat burglar by
Sebastian. They have an instant attraction. Darrell is put through rigorous training and completed ahead of time. The target is then revealed to her.
The story has twist, danger, suspense, jealousy, sexy scenes, domineering men, and finally love.
Caitlin shows her talent yet again with the story plot and the characters interaction to each other. The story is an awesome read and keeps you on your toes the whole book. I would highly recommend this book for and exiting read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Ready Copy of this book.
Sebastian. They have an instant attraction. Darrell is put through rigorous training and completed ahead of time. The target is then revealed to her.
The story has twist, danger, suspense, jealousy, sexy scenes, domineering men, and finally love.
Caitlin shows her talent yet again with the story plot and the characters interaction to each other. The story is an awesome read and keeps you on your toes the whole book. I would highly recommend this book for and exiting read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Ready Copy of this book.
April 19, 2018
OMG I just devoured this book!!!
First one I have read by this author and I will definately be reading more!!
The storyline was very engaging as well as intruiging and I loved that It was set in the future.
A very different love story!!
Fabulous!
First one I have read by this author and I will definately be reading more!!
The storyline was very engaging as well as intruiging and I loved that It was set in the future.
A very different love story!!
Fabulous!
April 14, 2018
Interesting story about Darcelle, a woman who becomes a cat burglar, and the man who trains her. Suspenseful, surprising, very well written and great ending!
April 23, 2018
The great character and storyline development made this book a very enjoyable and entertaining read!
May 10, 2021
Mystery mentor becomes sexy love interest. Some people receive love notes from secret admirers. Darcelle receives letters on how to steal back stolen goods. At first Darcelle thinks the detailed instructions on how to prepare and artifacts and art work back are just a joke. After following the steps several times, she is hooked. As a woman who works in a quiet and unglamours day job, becoming a righteous cat burglar is exhilarating. Wanting to learn more about her mysterious man keeps Darcelle intrigued and coming back for more.
The premise of this store is interesting. From a character perspective, both Darcelle and her mystery man are determined characters. Darcelle is struggling to create her own identity away from her twin sister. The way she goes about it, through a completely different vocation and secret hobby helps. Mystery Man who is revealed to be Sebastian, is focused on helping two women under his protection. As the reader learns more about Darcelle's and Sebastian's past and family ties, the more the story makes sense.
What lacks in this story is smooth plot development. There are a couple of conflicts between family members which come out of the blue and then resolved too quickly or are tied up too neatly. During these conflicts, the story changes from showing to more telling. There is a balance between showing too much and telling too much. Ms. Briste balances well but the transition between the two feels clunky. For example, Darcelle's training for her "final test" to be Sebastian's future partner is well described. There is a lot of action and easy to visualize. It is almost a bit much on how she's being trained but doesn't cross the line. This is a "block" of chapters. Then it switches to a "block" of telling why there is a final test. If these scenes could be better blended between telling and showing, it would feel less jarring. The transitions from one chapter to the next would also be smoother.
Still, the pace of the story is just right as the story unfolds and builds to the dangerous final test caper. The big caper is well thought out and done in a Mission Impossible style. It was enjoyable and thrilling. What is surprising is the love interest between Darcelle and Sebastian. Not that they have a love interest. More that it could have been in or out of the book and it would not have changed my opinion of the story. It is almost as if the romance angle was unnecessary. It was not critical enough as part of the story for me. Yes, it caused some contrived conflict and it also added a bit of sexual tension. Perhaps if this series is about Darcelle and Sebastian, a more drawn out relationship would have made it more central to the storyline.
This contemporary romance is recommended to readers who fondly remember the show Remington Steele and enjoy a bit of vigilante thief.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley for an honest review.
The premise of this store is interesting. From a character perspective, both Darcelle and her mystery man are determined characters. Darcelle is struggling to create her own identity away from her twin sister. The way she goes about it, through a completely different vocation and secret hobby helps. Mystery Man who is revealed to be Sebastian, is focused on helping two women under his protection. As the reader learns more about Darcelle's and Sebastian's past and family ties, the more the story makes sense.
What lacks in this story is smooth plot development. There are a couple of conflicts between family members which come out of the blue and then resolved too quickly or are tied up too neatly. During these conflicts, the story changes from showing to more telling. There is a balance between showing too much and telling too much. Ms. Briste balances well but the transition between the two feels clunky. For example, Darcelle's training for her "final test" to be Sebastian's future partner is well described. There is a lot of action and easy to visualize. It is almost a bit much on how she's being trained but doesn't cross the line. This is a "block" of chapters. Then it switches to a "block" of telling why there is a final test. If these scenes could be better blended between telling and showing, it would feel less jarring. The transitions from one chapter to the next would also be smoother.
Still, the pace of the story is just right as the story unfolds and builds to the dangerous final test caper. The big caper is well thought out and done in a Mission Impossible style. It was enjoyable and thrilling. What is surprising is the love interest between Darcelle and Sebastian. Not that they have a love interest. More that it could have been in or out of the book and it would not have changed my opinion of the story. It is almost as if the romance angle was unnecessary. It was not critical enough as part of the story for me. Yes, it caused some contrived conflict and it also added a bit of sexual tension. Perhaps if this series is about Darcelle and Sebastian, a more drawn out relationship would have made it more central to the storyline.
This contemporary romance is recommended to readers who fondly remember the show Remington Steele and enjoy a bit of vigilante thief.
* Review copy provided via Reading Alley for an honest review.
May 24, 2017
While there were a few flashes of brilliance, the general writing style seemed uninspired and occasionally silly. "The night was dark, which was a break for them." Hello? Cat Burglars? All that aside, the premise and story is original and entertaining. Everyone has a little larceny inside, and this story will definitely let your inner cat burglar out of the bag! FULL REVIEW - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews