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Crooked Hearts
THE CON MAN
Reuben Jones walks on the wrong side of the law -- a card shark, a master of deception, a man who long ago buried the truth of his life so deep that no one would ever find it...
THE LADY
Grace Russell has had to learn a few tricks herself in order to hold on to the crumbling California vineyard that is the only thing in the world she can call her own...
CROOKED HEARTS
When Grace meets Reuben she's dressed as a pious Catholic nun; he's posing as a blind Spanish aristocrat. But he gets an eyeful when the pretty sister lifts her skirts to adjust the little silver derringer strapped to her thigh ... So begins this sexy, rollicking ride through the gambling halls and sinful streets of 1880s San Francisco, where two "crooked hearts" discover that love is the most dangerous -- and delicious -- game of all.
Reuben Jones walks on the wrong side of the law -- a card shark, a master of deception, a man who long ago buried the truth of his life so deep that no one would ever find it...
THE LADY
Grace Russell has had to learn a few tricks herself in order to hold on to the crumbling California vineyard that is the only thing in the world she can call her own...
CROOKED HEARTS
When Grace meets Reuben she's dressed as a pious Catholic nun; he's posing as a blind Spanish aristocrat. But he gets an eyeful when the pretty sister lifts her skirts to adjust the little silver derringer strapped to her thigh ... So begins this sexy, rollicking ride through the gambling halls and sinful streets of 1880s San Francisco, where two "crooked hearts" discover that love is the most dangerous -- and delicious -- game of all.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
29 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Gaffney
40 books321 followersPatricia Gaffney was born in Tampa, Florida, and grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York, and also studied literature at Royal Holloway College of the University of London, at George Washington University, and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
After college, Gaffney taught 12th grade English for a year before becoming a freelance court reporter, a job she pursued in North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., for the next fifteen years.
Her first book, a historical romance, was published by Dorchester in 1989. Between then and 1997, she wrote 11 more romance novels (Dorchester; Penguin USA), for which she was nominated for or won many awards. Many of these previously out of print classics are available again today as digitally reissued classics, including the author's most recently re-released and much beloved novels in The Wyckerley Trilogy.
In 1999, she went in a new direction with her hardcover fiction debut, The Saving Graces (HarperCollins). A contemporary story about four women friends, the novel explored issues of love, friendship, trust, and commitment among women. The Saving Graces enjoyed bestseller status on the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and other lists.
Circle of Three (2000), Flight Lessons (2002), and The Goodbye Summer (2004) followed, all national bestsellers. Gaffney’s most recent novel was Mad Dash (2007), a humorous but insightful look at a 20-year marriage, told from the viewpoints of both longsuffering spouses.
More recently, Pat's been indulging her purely creative side in a brand new format for her -- novellas. With friends including J. D. Robb, she has contributed stories to three anthologies, all New York Times bestsellers. In "The Dog Days of Laurie Summer" (The Lost, 2009), a woman in a troubled marriage "dies" and comes back as the family dog. "The Dancing Ghost" (The Other Side, 2010) brings together a pretty spinster and a shady ghost buster in 1895 New England. And in "Dear One" (The Unquiet, 2011), a fake phone psychic (or IS she?) meets her match in a stuffy Capitol Hill lobbyist -- who couldn't possibly be that sexy-voiced cowboy from Medicine Bend who keeps calling the psychic line.
Patricia Gaffney lives in southern Pennsylvania with her husband.
After college, Gaffney taught 12th grade English for a year before becoming a freelance court reporter, a job she pursued in North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C., for the next fifteen years.
Her first book, a historical romance, was published by Dorchester in 1989. Between then and 1997, she wrote 11 more romance novels (Dorchester; Penguin USA), for which she was nominated for or won many awards. Many of these previously out of print classics are available again today as digitally reissued classics, including the author's most recently re-released and much beloved novels in The Wyckerley Trilogy.
In 1999, she went in a new direction with her hardcover fiction debut, The Saving Graces (HarperCollins). A contemporary story about four women friends, the novel explored issues of love, friendship, trust, and commitment among women. The Saving Graces enjoyed bestseller status on the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and other lists.
Circle of Three (2000), Flight Lessons (2002), and The Goodbye Summer (2004) followed, all national bestsellers. Gaffney’s most recent novel was Mad Dash (2007), a humorous but insightful look at a 20-year marriage, told from the viewpoints of both longsuffering spouses.
More recently, Pat's been indulging her purely creative side in a brand new format for her -- novellas. With friends including J. D. Robb, she has contributed stories to three anthologies, all New York Times bestsellers. In "The Dog Days of Laurie Summer" (The Lost, 2009), a woman in a troubled marriage "dies" and comes back as the family dog. "The Dancing Ghost" (The Other Side, 2010) brings together a pretty spinster and a shady ghost buster in 1895 New England. And in "Dear One" (The Unquiet, 2011), a fake phone psychic (or IS she?) meets her match in a stuffy Capitol Hill lobbyist -- who couldn't possibly be that sexy-voiced cowboy from Medicine Bend who keeps calling the psychic line.
Patricia Gaffney lives in southern Pennsylvania with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 4, 2025
Reread 2025 still love this but probably wouldn’t recommend to anyone as it’s written in the nineties, which were different times. I still love it though. Love the characters. Love that the both are swindlers and unreliable characters that are perfect for each other. It’s just sweet and I’m a sucker for well written characters.
2020Read this years ago and I had enjoyed it so much then and with the need for something light I decided to give it another go. Still loved it. The characters were wonderful with surprising depth for this kind of book and a plot filled with liveliness and humour. Just what I needed!
On a side note, I had bought this book for 3 bucks back in the nineties. I’d say I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth.
2020Read this years ago and I had enjoyed it so much then and with the need for something light I decided to give it another go. Still loved it. The characters were wonderful with surprising depth for this kind of book and a plot filled with liveliness and humour. Just what I needed!
On a side note, I had bought this book for 3 bucks back in the nineties. I’d say I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth.
December 31, 2021
This was a buddy read with Lyuda and what a story it was. We both enjoy the author, Patricia Gaffney; her MCs are not perfect but they have the ability to form an attachment of sorts. They can easily get under your skin. In Crooked Hearts, it was no different.
We agreed from the onset that con-artists are formed in childhood. An incident or a trauma ruptures a chasm and there are trust issues. Some personal pain conditions the individual's confidence. And, for whatever reason after that, the person banks on his or herself. This was no truer found than in Rueben Jones and Grace Russell though they didn't know it when they first met.
~~~~~
The bulk of story took place in the latter part of the 19th century in San Francisco, CA. Chinatown was a hub. Grace and Rueben needed some quick cash after some recent fiascos. They would help each other, but what about trusting one another? It was all about the con.
Crooked Hearts had some wonderful banter between the MCs and was a bit goofy. We seemed to favor Rueben over Grace. The bickering and verbal potshots upped the level of chemistry between the two people.
The romance suffered from the Big Misunderstanding, though it didn't last too long, and the h had a couple of TSTL moments. There were even some run-on moments; we would have liked if the author had tightened the plot (and epilogue). We chatted about some inconsistencies with the storyline; things that would never have happened, but we agreed it was fiction, after all.
The story was published in 1994 and for those readers that thought it had some racial moments, they are right. Ms. Gaffney reminded us of suffering amongst the poor and unfortunate; those people without champions and the plot contained some dark moments. We also agreed with what happened between the MCs, Mark Wing and his cronies came away as a little too easy. But with all the highs and lows, we still enjoyed the story and wanted good things to come for Rueben and Grace. And they did.
Thank you, Lyuda!
We agreed from the onset that con-artists are formed in childhood. An incident or a trauma ruptures a chasm and there are trust issues. Some personal pain conditions the individual's confidence. And, for whatever reason after that, the person banks on his or herself. This was no truer found than in Rueben Jones and Grace Russell though they didn't know it when they first met.
~~~~~
The bulk of story took place in the latter part of the 19th century in San Francisco, CA. Chinatown was a hub. Grace and Rueben needed some quick cash after some recent fiascos. They would help each other, but what about trusting one another? It was all about the con.
Crooked Hearts had some wonderful banter between the MCs and was a bit goofy. We seemed to favor Rueben over Grace. The bickering and verbal potshots upped the level of chemistry between the two people.
The romance suffered from the Big Misunderstanding, though it didn't last too long, and the h had a couple of TSTL moments. There were even some run-on moments; we would have liked if the author had tightened the plot (and epilogue). We chatted about some inconsistencies with the storyline; things that would never have happened, but we agreed it was fiction, after all.
The story was published in 1994 and for those readers that thought it had some racial moments, they are right. Ms. Gaffney reminded us of suffering amongst the poor and unfortunate; those people without champions and the plot contained some dark moments. We also agreed with what happened between the MCs, Mark Wing and his cronies came away as a little too easy. But with all the highs and lows, we still enjoyed the story and wanted good things to come for Rueben and Grace. And they did.
Thank you, Lyuda!
January 28, 2024
Such an enjoyable fun ride. Two crooks meet each other become partners, friends, and lovers.
There is action, aphrodisiacs, schemes and beatings, banter jealousy (I loved when Reuben was going nuts from jealousy) lack of trust until it all gets resolved into one satisfying end.
I loved that Reuben was not your traditional hero he is frightened by knifes and talks to heroine truly like a partner without sugar coating stuff.
For me personally there was too much action that was not moving the relationship forward.
Otherwise great book.
There is action, aphrodisiacs, schemes and beatings, banter jealousy (I loved when Reuben was going nuts from jealousy) lack of trust until it all gets resolved into one satisfying end.
I loved that Reuben was not your traditional hero he is frightened by knifes and talks to heroine truly like a partner without sugar coating stuff.
For me personally there was too much action that was not moving the relationship forward.
Otherwise great book.
May 13, 2012
Oh my sainted aunts, I loved, loved, loved this one! Loved it.
I read a ton of historical romance, and, I'll be honest, more often than not, I yearn to read about different periods in history, different types of locations and different types of characters. Regency is OK, but what's so special about it that so many books are set just in those 9 years when there are so many other interesting periods in history which almost seem to be completely ignored? Likewise, western historical romances seem all to be set in cowboy country, which is wonderful since I love a nice sexy cowboy romance as much as the next reader, but what about the seedy, nasty, opium-hazed, Chinese-influenced San Francisco at end of the 19th century, when it was a wild, barely civilized but very, very vibrant frontier? Now, there's a setting ripe for a ripping yarn! And why do the hero and/or heroine always, always have to be, well, good (or reformed)? What's wrong having a hero AND heroine who are naughty, break the law whenever possible, and without regret?
Well, I honestly had no idea that this book, provided by netgalley, after being re-released in ebook format, would actually meet some of my dearest wishes. I mean, would you just look at that cover? What does that say to you? To me it says, farmers, nice heroine, steady hero, sheep, cows, babies, blah, blah, blah. If I'd actually chosen this book based on the cover, well, I wouldn't have chosen it at all, and I would have missed an absolute gem!
Apart from the great setting, this book has fascinating characters (with great backstories), who are compulsive liars, don't trust anyone (not even each other AFTER they've fallen in love), and will do absolutely ANYTHING for a quick buck, and all without regret. The plot is very rich, just as compelling as the characters, and well thought through. It even has aphrodisiac-enduced sex, for heaven's sake! The writing is witty, descriptive and enjoyable. And despite the fact that this book was originally published in 1994 is in absolutely no way dated, which is an achievement. (I don't know whether it's been re-edited, in which case, I'm thankful for the publisher/author for doing so)
Well, I'm going to keep this one on my favorites list, even though it's in contention to win the Crappiest Cover Award, simply because it's just one of the most fun romances I've read in a long while, and fulfilled one of my HR setting dreams.
5 stars. It was amazing.
I read a ton of historical romance, and, I'll be honest, more often than not, I yearn to read about different periods in history, different types of locations and different types of characters. Regency is OK, but what's so special about it that so many books are set just in those 9 years when there are so many other interesting periods in history which almost seem to be completely ignored? Likewise, western historical romances seem all to be set in cowboy country, which is wonderful since I love a nice sexy cowboy romance as much as the next reader, but what about the seedy, nasty, opium-hazed, Chinese-influenced San Francisco at end of the 19th century, when it was a wild, barely civilized but very, very vibrant frontier? Now, there's a setting ripe for a ripping yarn! And why do the hero and/or heroine always, always have to be, well, good (or reformed)? What's wrong having a hero AND heroine who are naughty, break the law whenever possible, and without regret?
Well, I honestly had no idea that this book, provided by netgalley, after being re-released in ebook format, would actually meet some of my dearest wishes. I mean, would you just look at that cover? What does that say to you? To me it says, farmers, nice heroine, steady hero, sheep, cows, babies, blah, blah, blah. If I'd actually chosen this book based on the cover, well, I wouldn't have chosen it at all, and I would have missed an absolute gem!
Apart from the great setting, this book has fascinating characters (with great backstories), who are compulsive liars, don't trust anyone (not even each other AFTER they've fallen in love), and will do absolutely ANYTHING for a quick buck, and all without regret. The plot is very rich, just as compelling as the characters, and well thought through. It even has aphrodisiac-enduced sex, for heaven's sake! The writing is witty, descriptive and enjoyable. And despite the fact that this book was originally published in 1994 is in absolutely no way dated, which is an achievement. (I don't know whether it's been re-edited, in which case, I'm thankful for the publisher/author for doing so)
Well, I'm going to keep this one on my favorites list, even though it's in contention to win the Crappiest Cover Award, simply because it's just one of the most fun romances I've read in a long while, and fulfilled one of my HR setting dreams.
5 stars. It was amazing.
May 12, 2017
A história de Reuben Jones e Grace Russel que se viram pela primeira vez num coche de viagem. Ela fingindo ser uma freira em busca de donativos e ele fingindo ser um cego conde espanhol. Acostumados a trapacearem se verão envoltos num assalto e tem seu dinheiro roubado, a quantia que haviam conseguido juntar nas suas peregrinações. Mas, mesmo sendo roubados, com a ajuda dela, conseguem se safar ainda com um objeto antigo e valioso... E é a partir daí, eles se juntam para tentar conseguir um bom dinheiro pela preciosa peça. Nessa busca, eles se envolvem com chefe poderoso de Chinatown - Mark Wing, dono de prostíbulos e traficante do ópio, que está atrás da raridade que eles possuem. E que tenta por todos os meios seduzir a bela e inteligente Grace.
Grace e Reuben - Os dois tem um passado que renegam porque lembrar significa sofrer. E por passarem a vida mentindo e desconfiando de tudo, isto se torna um hábito que impregna-os e do qual quase não conseguem se libertar.
Mas a paixão arde e os faz reviver, esquecer lembranças amargas de rejeição e perdas ...
Porém, amor e desconfiança não combinam, e precisarão trabalhar sua confiança no outro para que consigam acalmar seus corações.
No entanto, para chegarem lá, viverão aventuras cheias de trapaças, violências e perigos.
Livro com bons diálogos e episódios engraçados, 5 estrelas porque a autora diminuiu o ritmo no finalzinho do livro. Gosto da autora porque ela sempre mostra "o modo de pensar" dos protagonistas, algo que aprecio muito, porque me ajuda muito a construí-los em minha mente e à apreciá-los ou não.
Recomendo? - Sim, eu recomendo.
December 14, 2011
I had some doubts when I first found this one netgalley and requested it. See, it's an older romance being reprinted and kindelized, and I thought it may be a bodice ripper due to some of the cover/blurb/flap jackets that were on the older editions. However, I not only read it, but thoroughly enjoyed it and had many a laugh. It is not really a bodice ripper. The sex when it finally occurs over halfway into the book, isn't horrible or cheesy. Though there is some Spanish Fly involved...
The first quarter is absolutely hilarious! The heroine is pretending to be a nun and coercing sympathetic men out of their money as they donate to what they think is Sisters of Hope and staring orphans. The hero is pretending to be blind and does he get an eyeful as the "nun" makes adjustments to her clothing, thinking she is safe in the presence of a blind man.
For full review, please click on the link:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
The first quarter is absolutely hilarious! The heroine is pretending to be a nun and coercing sympathetic men out of their money as they donate to what they think is Sisters of Hope and staring orphans. The hero is pretending to be blind and does he get an eyeful as the "nun" makes adjustments to her clothing, thinking she is safe in the presence of a blind man.
For full review, please click on the link:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
February 7, 2017
Loved this! Such a fun, entertaining book!
These two crooks were definitely made for each other. Wish I could have more of Reuben and Gus to look forward to.
Will definitely be looking into more of Patricia Gaffney books.
These two crooks were definitely made for each other. Wish I could have more of Reuben and Gus to look forward to.
Will definitely be looking into more of Patricia Gaffney books.
October 29, 2014
Really 3.5 stars
A love story between two shysters in San Francisco circa 1890, this novel is a bit unusual for the historical romance genre. When we meet the heroes, Grace and Reuben, she is masquerading as a nun, collecting donations for the children’s hospital in Africa. He is playing the role of a blind Spanish rancher educated at Oxford. He is not collecting any money, just doing it for fun. Then the stage they are traveling on is attacked by armed robbers. There are guns involved, Chinese mafia, shams and card cheating, and all that with the foggy, windy San Francisco in the background.
The story is surprisingly engrossing. The protagonists constantly deal with money problems, run from disgruntled customers they’ve tricked, and handle other unsavory types who seem to populate the city. There are no honest characters in the story at all. Everyone robs and cheats everyone. The heroes are unsavory themselves, and so is their universe, stuffed to bursting by frauds, thieves, and hoodlums.
The protagonists also seem to be falling in love, but until the epilogue, they don’t trust each other. The sex is hot, and the heroes’ dreams are even hotter, but I don’t believe that love can exist alongside mistrust. Here lies my first problem with the story. You can’t love someone and be sure he would deceive you or steal from you at a moment’s notice. That’s not love. For me, love and trust are inherently linked. This issue really spoiled the romantic line for me.
My second problem – the heroes are supposed to be smart. They are swindlers. They live by their wits. But they frequently behave stupidly, make dumb choices that would’ve had them killed, had they not existed in a fictional world. The only reasons for their foolish actions that I could see were the needs of the plot. I don’t believe a competent con artist could behave this way.
My third problem is racial. All the Chinese characters in the story except one are either helpless whores, or cleaver-waving thugs, or evil gang leaders. This professional distribution might somewhat reflect the point of view of our heroes (they are both white) in the end of the 19th century, but the writer lives here and now. The book was published in 1994. She could’ve inserted some modern take on the Chinese citizens of San Francisco into the story.
Other than these three problems, it’s not a bad book. It’s interesting. It’s written in a clear, precise language. Its pacing is fast, and the narrative beautifully constructed. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.
A love story between two shysters in San Francisco circa 1890, this novel is a bit unusual for the historical romance genre. When we meet the heroes, Grace and Reuben, she is masquerading as a nun, collecting donations for the children’s hospital in Africa. He is playing the role of a blind Spanish rancher educated at Oxford. He is not collecting any money, just doing it for fun. Then the stage they are traveling on is attacked by armed robbers. There are guns involved, Chinese mafia, shams and card cheating, and all that with the foggy, windy San Francisco in the background.
The story is surprisingly engrossing. The protagonists constantly deal with money problems, run from disgruntled customers they’ve tricked, and handle other unsavory types who seem to populate the city. There are no honest characters in the story at all. Everyone robs and cheats everyone. The heroes are unsavory themselves, and so is their universe, stuffed to bursting by frauds, thieves, and hoodlums.
The protagonists also seem to be falling in love, but until the epilogue, they don’t trust each other. The sex is hot, and the heroes’ dreams are even hotter, but I don’t believe that love can exist alongside mistrust. Here lies my first problem with the story. You can’t love someone and be sure he would deceive you or steal from you at a moment’s notice. That’s not love. For me, love and trust are inherently linked. This issue really spoiled the romantic line for me.
My second problem – the heroes are supposed to be smart. They are swindlers. They live by their wits. But they frequently behave stupidly, make dumb choices that would’ve had them killed, had they not existed in a fictional world. The only reasons for their foolish actions that I could see were the needs of the plot. I don’t believe a competent con artist could behave this way.
My third problem is racial. All the Chinese characters in the story except one are either helpless whores, or cleaver-waving thugs, or evil gang leaders. This professional distribution might somewhat reflect the point of view of our heroes (they are both white) in the end of the 19th century, but the writer lives here and now. The book was published in 1994. She could’ve inserted some modern take on the Chinese citizens of San Francisco into the story.
Other than these three problems, it’s not a bad book. It’s interesting. It’s written in a clear, precise language. Its pacing is fast, and the narrative beautifully constructed. Overall, I enjoyed reading it.
February 22, 2013
There was a lot I loved about this book: very cute main characters, fun (if ridiculous) story, enjoyable setting (late 19th-century San Francisco). There were also a couple of things I didn't like: casual racism (especially the brain-bleed-inducing Chinese-accent eye dialect), and the weird Spanish Fly-fueled flophouse scene. Really, if not for the eye dialect, I would rate this a solid four stars (I could overlook the Spanish Fly). It's not super-outrageous - you'll see the same or worse in many, many other books, TV shows, etc., some of them with much greater pretensions to respectability than this goofy romance novel - but it bothered me, and I would rather the Big Bad had been a corrupt railway official or something instead of a Tong boss.
Also, I bought this book because its was the Kindle Deal of the Day, and the digitization could have done with a little bit of cleanup.
Oh, also-also, on the plus side .
Also, I bought this book because its was the Kindle Deal of the Day, and the digitization could have done with a little bit of cleanup.
Oh, also-also, on the plus side .
November 30, 2012
Rueben and Grace--2 con artists that cant trust one another. great characters but the plot was weak.
November 6, 2016
A fun read! I really enjoyed it.
August 20, 2018
Ahh love is beautiful. Gus aka Gracie and Reuben aka Jonah Rubinsky meet on a stagecoach both with different cons in mind. They end up falling in love as the book goes on. I don't know how many times I've reread it. It's a funny and smart historical romance that those of us who love cons should read.
August 21, 2019
4.5 rounded up. Fun historical caper with two lovable rogues who just can't seem to go straight...or trust the other!
March 4, 2015
Reuben and Grace are not your usual romance heroes; they're both crooks who earn their money by pulling tricks on unsuspecting people. As a result, I was not so sure I was going to like them when I first picked the book.
Their initial meeting was simply hilarious. Reuben posing as a blind nobleman, Grace as a nun raising money for some orphans in Africa, they embark on the same travelling coach but the journey turns out to be far longer -and more exciting- than they might have expected. The coach they travel in gets mugged by Chinese men and Reuben and Grace join forces in an effort to win back the money they lost during the robbery. Being in the line of work they are, the hardest thing to do is to trust one another, even if the attraction is obvious for both of them. Little by little, they feel more and more comfortable with each other, enough to try a trick or two as a team, but never really trusting each other completely. But when Grace's life is in danger, Reuben will do anything to help her.
The book started with great, witty and snappy dialogue between Grace and Reuben and some really hilarious scenes that had me laughing out loud more often than not. The pace was fast, the dialogues quick and intelligent, and Grace and Reuben likable, interesting and three-dimensional. The backstory, about that big trick that would solve both of their financial problems, was also engaging and had enough twists to make it even more intriguing. Finally, the epilogue was trully one of the sweetest and best I've ever read and such a necessary part of the story!
Why 4 stars then? I think that there was just one thing that didn't work as well as the other parts of the book: the chemistry between Grace and Reuben. Though I could see them liking and admiring each other, even loving each other in the end, I couldn't see that fiery, smoldering passion between them that would turn this book into a keeper. Still, I enjoyed this book very very much and though it was my first Gaffney book, it won't be my last.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Their initial meeting was simply hilarious. Reuben posing as a blind nobleman, Grace as a nun raising money for some orphans in Africa, they embark on the same travelling coach but the journey turns out to be far longer -and more exciting- than they might have expected. The coach they travel in gets mugged by Chinese men and Reuben and Grace join forces in an effort to win back the money they lost during the robbery. Being in the line of work they are, the hardest thing to do is to trust one another, even if the attraction is obvious for both of them. Little by little, they feel more and more comfortable with each other, enough to try a trick or two as a team, but never really trusting each other completely. But when Grace's life is in danger, Reuben will do anything to help her.
The book started with great, witty and snappy dialogue between Grace and Reuben and some really hilarious scenes that had me laughing out loud more often than not. The pace was fast, the dialogues quick and intelligent, and Grace and Reuben likable, interesting and three-dimensional. The backstory, about that big trick that would solve both of their financial problems, was also engaging and had enough twists to make it even more intriguing. Finally, the epilogue was trully one of the sweetest and best I've ever read and such a necessary part of the story!
Why 4 stars then? I think that there was just one thing that didn't work as well as the other parts of the book: the chemistry between Grace and Reuben. Though I could see them liking and admiring each other, even loving each other in the end, I couldn't see that fiery, smoldering passion between them that would turn this book into a keeper. Still, I enjoyed this book very very much and though it was my first Gaffney book, it won't be my last.
ARC provided by NetGalley
February 21, 2008
Not as clever or authentic as it thinks it is, but decidedly fun. I love a good caper story; I just wish the big score in this one had been a little more coherent and plausible. The leads are good together, although Reuben's jealousy is tedious and overdone.
January 24, 2011
Pretty good--story of two con artists who stumble upon each other, and their circumstances lead them to join forces for a while. I especially enjoyed how they were able to eventually reveal their real selves to each other as their feelings for each other grew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2011
Take one part con man, add one part con woman, throw in a little 1880s West Coast fun (even if the characters and dialogue aren't 100 percent historically accurate), and you have me hooked.
It was fun--and that's all I really ask for!
It was fun--and that's all I really ask for!
February 22, 2013
The dialog was quick like a screwball comedy.... The other thing that reminded me of those old b&w movies- that "ew, that was kinda racist" reactions I was having to a bunch of moments in the 2nd half of the book..
September 21, 2020
I decided to participate in the #FallIntoRomBingo - Crooked Hearts is my read for Banter.
I could find fault with this fairly easily if I would chose to do that. But I’m not going to. Just to be fair, I'll say that there is a sex scene that could qualify as dubious consent but is not treated that way by either protagonist. There is also a villain with a knack towards the dramatics and style who drugs the heroine and tries to rape her. There are also brothels, opium dens and your usual end of 19th century violence thrown in. Consider yourself warned.
For me though, Crooked Hearts worked on so many levels that I stopped counting after a few chapters. I’ve had my eyes on Patricia Gaffney for a time now and this novel was on top of my tbr from her backlist. The setup is the intersection of our two protagonist’s cons: Grace fundraising for the Sisters of Misery dressed as a nun and Reuben traveling as a tragically blinded Oxford educated rancher. In between them, that coach did not stand a chance.
The story unfolds from here to a good-humoured 1880’s Ocean’s Eleven plot with serious underlying tones and the Dalton brothers from Lucky Luke sprinkled lightly into the mix. It is two thieves falling in love, exploiting all the potential that the “i don’t trust you but i love you anyway” trope can give in a great, over the top drama free way. For me, the whole idea is Delightful. I have always loved the crooked ones, the ones who swindled with their brains and not brawls, the ones who could talk you into selling your soul for the devil without you realizing it. I kind of wanted to be one, really, but I just couldn’t figure out where do you need to study for that. Jokes on my 6 year old self, I did become a lawyer at last.
What makes this novel so unapologeticly enjoyable for me is the fact that our main characters accept themselves and the other for what they are. Liars, thieves, cardsharps and tricksters, they are essentially good and shady. They live as they live and God forbid, they actually enjoy it. They don't beat themselves up, don't try to sugarcoat themselves, they embrace it and I love that. They have flaws and emotions, memories and lives before they have met each other but nothing is made out to be an obstacle that could not be bridged. Sometimes thy make bad decisions or react badly but that does not change the underlying truths or made into a dealbreaker revelation. The relationship navigated in Crooked Hearts feels natural in a way.
And the plot is smart. We have con after con, money lost and found, plans backfired and butts get kicked without a dull moment. Also, the banter is awesome. I love a good old fashioned push and pull, some jabs and characters that always calculate. That makes their truths even more precious. I admit, my first draft of this review got lost in between a bus ride and overtimed webpages and I don't remember the deep and meaningful thoughts I expressed but just believe me when I tell you it is worth a read.
I could find fault with this fairly easily if I would chose to do that. But I’m not going to. Just to be fair, I'll say that there is a sex scene that could qualify as dubious consent but is not treated that way by either protagonist. There is also a villain with a knack towards the dramatics and style who drugs the heroine and tries to rape her. There are also brothels, opium dens and your usual end of 19th century violence thrown in. Consider yourself warned.
For me though, Crooked Hearts worked on so many levels that I stopped counting after a few chapters. I’ve had my eyes on Patricia Gaffney for a time now and this novel was on top of my tbr from her backlist. The setup is the intersection of our two protagonist’s cons: Grace fundraising for the Sisters of Misery dressed as a nun and Reuben traveling as a tragically blinded Oxford educated rancher. In between them, that coach did not stand a chance.
The story unfolds from here to a good-humoured 1880’s Ocean’s Eleven plot with serious underlying tones and the Dalton brothers from Lucky Luke sprinkled lightly into the mix. It is two thieves falling in love, exploiting all the potential that the “i don’t trust you but i love you anyway” trope can give in a great, over the top drama free way. For me, the whole idea is Delightful. I have always loved the crooked ones, the ones who swindled with their brains and not brawls, the ones who could talk you into selling your soul for the devil without you realizing it. I kind of wanted to be one, really, but I just couldn’t figure out where do you need to study for that. Jokes on my 6 year old self, I did become a lawyer at last.
What makes this novel so unapologeticly enjoyable for me is the fact that our main characters accept themselves and the other for what they are. Liars, thieves, cardsharps and tricksters, they are essentially good and shady. They live as they live and God forbid, they actually enjoy it. They don't beat themselves up, don't try to sugarcoat themselves, they embrace it and I love that. They have flaws and emotions, memories and lives before they have met each other but nothing is made out to be an obstacle that could not be bridged. Sometimes thy make bad decisions or react badly but that does not change the underlying truths or made into a dealbreaker revelation. The relationship navigated in Crooked Hearts feels natural in a way.
And the plot is smart. We have con after con, money lost and found, plans backfired and butts get kicked without a dull moment. Also, the banter is awesome. I love a good old fashioned push and pull, some jabs and characters that always calculate. That makes their truths even more precious. I admit, my first draft of this review got lost in between a bus ride and overtimed webpages and I don't remember the deep and meaningful thoughts I expressed but just believe me when I tell you it is worth a read.
August 30, 2025
What a fun read! This romance's characters and setting were so different from the typical historical romance. Our two MCs meet on a stagecoach both masquerading and both con artists. Grace Russell is pretending to be the pious Sister Augustine, collecting money for her church. Reuben Jones is pretending to be the blind Edward Cordoba. Their stagecoach is robbed of some priceless Chinese figurines as well as both of their money. As they are being held up, their ruses are discovered and they travel away together. Both desperately need the money stolen from them, so they decide to team up to get it back. This was such a great set-up.
Due to them being in such close proximity, it is inevitable that they are attracted to one another. They run cons in order to make their money back and each is attracted to the other's resourcefulness and ingenuity. This ended up being suspenseful because I was always worried how they were going to get out of their scrapes. I also liked how they tried to protect themselves by continuing to tell lies (or omitting the truth) until they slowly started to trust one another. It seemed more realistic than immediately coming clean about everything. Also, I liked the descriptiveness of San Francisco's Chinatown and the villain they encountered there.
This is the third book that I have read by this author and I have really enjoyed each unique story.
Due to them being in such close proximity, it is inevitable that they are attracted to one another. They run cons in order to make their money back and each is attracted to the other's resourcefulness and ingenuity. This ended up being suspenseful because I was always worried how they were going to get out of their scrapes. I also liked how they tried to protect themselves by continuing to tell lies (or omitting the truth) until they slowly started to trust one another. It seemed more realistic than immediately coming clean about everything. Also, I liked the descriptiveness of San Francisco's Chinatown and the villain they encountered there.
This is the third book that I have read by this author and I have really enjoyed each unique story.
January 5, 2018
This was a re-read of a book I remember reading many, many years ago. Gaffney had several great books and was one of my favorite authors. This is a nice old-fashioned (i.e. not politically correct) romance with just enough spark between the main characters, but not too much discord (although they are really obtuse about their respective feelings at the end), and I loved the descriptions of the wines and the San Francisco area from the late 1800's. Nice, light post-holiday reading when you just want to relax and enjoy a good story.
June 7, 2019
Good fun book, until all of a sudden the racism started and I couldn’t stop cringing. It’s bad. Just so bad. Then the hero reveals he’s actually Jewish and then he immediately starts using Yiddish words and I literally face palmed. Add in a Chinese prostitute named Toy Gun and I was done. I finished it just to see how bad it would get.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
Gaffney deserves recognition as one of the great craftspeople of the genre. Her character work and plotting here is exquisite. What a fun, fun, fun book -- especially if you're familiar with Central California!
November 27, 2017
This is a fun book, not terribly significant but entertaining nonetheless. Reuben and Gus are entertaining characters, and the plot is compelling. A solid B.
February 17, 2018
If you haven't read Gaffney yet, you're in for a treat. This was a blast!
May 7, 2018
Charming, and great setting.
November 21, 2018
One of the most cleverly-constructed romances I've read. Great characters and lots of charm.
October 2, 2025
Unfortunately this wasn’t for me
Read
January 8, 2023Ugggh I really don’t know how to review this one.
The central question of this book is: “How can two self-interested, deceitful, cynical people ever learn to trust each other?”. And, to give Patricia Gaffney credit, she commits to that premise and refuses to take the easy way out or let it drop. And that may be a bit frustrating for some readers, but I personally really appreciated it, and I think the book is the better for it.
It’s also very funny and smart on the whole. I could see this as a 40s movie with Cary Grant as Reuben (obviously). The characters are extremely charming. They’re distinct and flawed, but also super likable. It’s easy to root for them to get together. And there’s heisty bits! I love heists! I mean, I never completely understand the exact mechanics of them, but I’m a slut for a good heist sequence. And I love it when historical romances break away from the typical setting and archetypes. This felt really unique and interesting, and on the whole, I enjoyed myself.
But now that I’ve listed the positive bits, I have to get to the elephant in the room. This book was published in 1994. The main villain is an Asian man who leads a secret Asian gang, is obsessed with banging the white female lead, and is introduced to us while slaughtering a chicken in some mYsTeRiOuS ritual. It is, as the kids say, not great. Also, the scene where the two white leads walk around Chinatown going “ooooh so foreign ooooh so freaky”? I’m frankly surprised they didn’t get killed acting that way.
Anyway, these plot elements just prevent me from recommending this book wholeheartedly. So I guess, I recommend it with a big ol’ caveat, if you’re looking for a fun, atypical historical romance.
The central question of this book is: “How can two self-interested, deceitful, cynical people ever learn to trust each other?”. And, to give Patricia Gaffney credit, she commits to that premise and refuses to take the easy way out or let it drop. And that may be a bit frustrating for some readers, but I personally really appreciated it, and I think the book is the better for it.
It’s also very funny and smart on the whole. I could see this as a 40s movie with Cary Grant as Reuben (obviously). The characters are extremely charming. They’re distinct and flawed, but also super likable. It’s easy to root for them to get together. And there’s heisty bits! I love heists! I mean, I never completely understand the exact mechanics of them, but I’m a slut for a good heist sequence. And I love it when historical romances break away from the typical setting and archetypes. This felt really unique and interesting, and on the whole, I enjoyed myself.
But now that I’ve listed the positive bits, I have to get to the elephant in the room. This book was published in 1994. The main villain is an Asian man who leads a secret Asian gang, is obsessed with banging the white female lead, and is introduced to us while slaughtering a chicken in some mYsTeRiOuS ritual. It is, as the kids say, not great. Also, the scene where the two white leads walk around Chinatown going “ooooh so foreign ooooh so freaky”? I’m frankly surprised they didn’t get killed acting that way.
Anyway, these plot elements just prevent me from recommending this book wholeheartedly. So I guess, I recommend it with a big ol’ caveat, if you’re looking for a fun, atypical historical romance.
June 13, 2019
This is an incredibly well-crafted book about an unusual subject for historical romance – two con-artists who don’t trust each other – but manage to fall in love.
The book opens with our two swindlers on the same stagecoach in the 1880s. Grace Russell is dressed as a Catholic nun and Reuben Jones is the blind Spaniard sitting across from her. Reuben figures out Grace’s game quickly; it takes ‘Sister Augustine’ longer to see Reuben’s grafter-side.
When they are relieved of their ‘earnings’ during a stagecoach robbery, Reuben and Grace decide to escape before too many questions are asked. Sharing the horse of the one robber who was captured, they head off into the distance -- arguing.
The one thing they snag (while the robbery is taking place) is a small Chinese figurine that is part of a set of funereal art. This little sculpture is the key to the rest of the adventures in this story.
I just had to have a copy of this book; other historical romance readers mentioned it often on various sites. However, this book didn’t grab me. I spent time skimming to the next adventure. I didn’t dislike the book – it just seemed like a funny cartoon; great dialog and funny situations, but not very realistic. I was glad there was an epilogue; without it, I wouldn’t have been convinced the couple would stay together.
I’ve thought about this book for some time before completing a review; CROOKED HEARTS is an excellent title for an unusual book. My problem with this novel was that I watched the action without becoming emotionally involved.
Most of the historical romance I read seems to speak to the reader’s heart; this one did not. It is a highly literate, amusing tour de force by a gifted writer; it just didn’t speak to my heart. That said, I still think the book deserves at least 4 stars; it is probably the best-crafted, breeziest, fun novel I’ve read this year.
The book opens with our two swindlers on the same stagecoach in the 1880s. Grace Russell is dressed as a Catholic nun and Reuben Jones is the blind Spaniard sitting across from her. Reuben figures out Grace’s game quickly; it takes ‘Sister Augustine’ longer to see Reuben’s grafter-side.
When they are relieved of their ‘earnings’ during a stagecoach robbery, Reuben and Grace decide to escape before too many questions are asked. Sharing the horse of the one robber who was captured, they head off into the distance -- arguing.
The one thing they snag (while the robbery is taking place) is a small Chinese figurine that is part of a set of funereal art. This little sculpture is the key to the rest of the adventures in this story.
I just had to have a copy of this book; other historical romance readers mentioned it often on various sites. However, this book didn’t grab me. I spent time skimming to the next adventure. I didn’t dislike the book – it just seemed like a funny cartoon; great dialog and funny situations, but not very realistic. I was glad there was an epilogue; without it, I wouldn’t have been convinced the couple would stay together.
I’ve thought about this book for some time before completing a review; CROOKED HEARTS is an excellent title for an unusual book. My problem with this novel was that I watched the action without becoming emotionally involved.
Most of the historical romance I read seems to speak to the reader’s heart; this one did not. It is a highly literate, amusing tour de force by a gifted writer; it just didn’t speak to my heart. That said, I still think the book deserves at least 4 stars; it is probably the best-crafted, breeziest, fun novel I’ve read this year.
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