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The Heart of Thieves
How far would you go for the one you love?
"Tick Tock, Officer Daniels."
Falling for a young, sexy MIT grad who engages in criminal activity might not be the smartest decision for this city cop. But Josie Watson is the only one who can help me find meaning in this life.
And… my missing baby sister.
Together we sink to the depths of depravity, battling a force hellbent on destroying the souls of many.
The name of the game is sacrifice and we’re forced to play.
However, the rules are cruel and demand a choice: Save my sister or the woman I love.
"Tick Tock, Officer Daniels."
Falling for a young, sexy MIT grad who engages in criminal activity might not be the smartest decision for this city cop. But Josie Watson is the only one who can help me find meaning in this life.
And… my missing baby sister.
Together we sink to the depths of depravity, battling a force hellbent on destroying the souls of many.
The name of the game is sacrifice and we’re forced to play.
However, the rules are cruel and demand a choice: Save my sister or the woman I love.
- GenresRomance
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 15, 2023
When Rook’s little sister vanished six years ago, he’s never given up on finding her. He’s got a bit of a chip on his shoulder and, sometimes, he loses his cool on cases, especially when it comes to abusive men harming their wives or children. Using his resources as a police officer and his close connections to the FBI, he finds himself undercover with Josie, a hacker with her own personal stake in the case, when they discover clues leading to a human trafficking ring that may be responsible for his sister’s disappearance.
When the body of Josie’s friend is discovered by the police, Josie is determined to find out exactly what happened to her. Josie was one of the best hackers in school, and she’s since joined a private security firm to provide her hacking services to improve security at federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
But what Rook and Josie discover undercover is more than what they were expecting. And with the danger ever increasing, who knows if they, and the victims, will make it out.
***************
Written in alternating first-person POV, “The Heart of Thieves” follows Rook and Josie as they uncover a human trafficking ring kidnapping women to sell to the highest bidder.
This was a bit of a darker read given the human trafficking, drug use, violence and murder, and kidnapping triggers used in it. It was definitely a lot to read, and it can be especially triggering for others, so be wary if those topics are something that can harm you.
Josie and Rook have a bit of an age gap, and Josie definitely likes an older man (though she does have her limits – a.k.a. her much older boss needs to leave her alone). The age gap plays a tiny role in them pursuing the romance, but it felt like it didn’t matter after a while. Though it was repeatedly mentioned in their inner monologues.
The romance between Josie and Rook took a while to start and felt quite quick to me. I didn’t necessarily feel like they went together very well or that they would necessarily last. Obviously very wrong by the events of the epilogue, but still. It was more insta-lust with the added stakes of the human trafficking case and them going undercover as a “couple”. As for characterization, I was a bit up-in-the-air with it. On one hand, I really enjoyed Rook and Josie as individual characters and thought they were well thought out and developed for the plot. But at the same time, I felt like they didn’t go together very well. Josie was a super independent and intelligent young woman who was dedicated to finding out the truth of her friend’s disappearance. Rook was a protective alpha cop whose primary focus was finding and saving his sister. If it weren’t for the connection between the two cases, I honestly doubt that the couple would have gotten together. There was that instant chemistry and attraction between them, but I don’t think they would have acted on it.
The case itself seemed fairly obvious and straight forward once Josie did her hacking thing and they got more facts. I wasn’t even all that surprised by the twists that happened because they were just kinda expected for the genre and how the book was going. The pacing in the beginning was quite slow as well and I had a hard time getting into the book or really connecting to any of the characters. The pacing increased quite a bit as the case was uncovered more, and thankfully that made the book speed by. I just wish the pacing was that way the entire time. It just seemed that the plot was there, but the stakes weren’t sometimes.
There were a lot of things I wanted from this book and was expecting, but they just weren’t. But this was still a pretty good read for the spice and thrills but be wary of the triggers before proceeding.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When the body of Josie’s friend is discovered by the police, Josie is determined to find out exactly what happened to her. Josie was one of the best hackers in school, and she’s since joined a private security firm to provide her hacking services to improve security at federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
But what Rook and Josie discover undercover is more than what they were expecting. And with the danger ever increasing, who knows if they, and the victims, will make it out.
***************
Written in alternating first-person POV, “The Heart of Thieves” follows Rook and Josie as they uncover a human trafficking ring kidnapping women to sell to the highest bidder.
This was a bit of a darker read given the human trafficking, drug use, violence and murder, and kidnapping triggers used in it. It was definitely a lot to read, and it can be especially triggering for others, so be wary if those topics are something that can harm you.
Josie and Rook have a bit of an age gap, and Josie definitely likes an older man (though she does have her limits – a.k.a. her much older boss needs to leave her alone). The age gap plays a tiny role in them pursuing the romance, but it felt like it didn’t matter after a while. Though it was repeatedly mentioned in their inner monologues.
The romance between Josie and Rook took a while to start and felt quite quick to me. I didn’t necessarily feel like they went together very well or that they would necessarily last. Obviously very wrong by the events of the epilogue, but still. It was more insta-lust with the added stakes of the human trafficking case and them going undercover as a “couple”. As for characterization, I was a bit up-in-the-air with it. On one hand, I really enjoyed Rook and Josie as individual characters and thought they were well thought out and developed for the plot. But at the same time, I felt like they didn’t go together very well. Josie was a super independent and intelligent young woman who was dedicated to finding out the truth of her friend’s disappearance. Rook was a protective alpha cop whose primary focus was finding and saving his sister. If it weren’t for the connection between the two cases, I honestly doubt that the couple would have gotten together. There was that instant chemistry and attraction between them, but I don’t think they would have acted on it.
The case itself seemed fairly obvious and straight forward once Josie did her hacking thing and they got more facts. I wasn’t even all that surprised by the twists that happened because they were just kinda expected for the genre and how the book was going. The pacing in the beginning was quite slow as well and I had a hard time getting into the book or really connecting to any of the characters. The pacing increased quite a bit as the case was uncovered more, and thankfully that made the book speed by. I just wish the pacing was that way the entire time. It just seemed that the plot was there, but the stakes weren’t sometimes.
There were a lot of things I wanted from this book and was expecting, but they just weren’t. But this was still a pretty good read for the spice and thrills but be wary of the triggers before proceeding.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2023
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Triggers: drug abuse, human trafficking, murder, violence, misogyny, abandonment, domestic violence, kidnapping, violence against women, death by a bullet.
God, this book. I still get emotional chills when I remember this one.
Such a goddamn delight to have read!!!
Our protagonists are one special kind of people, both are on opposite sides of law, though both believe in justice.
And wow, human trafficking. It's such a big ask in solving crimes.
I lovedddddd seeing them in action (emphasis on the love - it's like a love I have for darcy) and I was so here for it. Emotionally wrecked as hell too by the way, with the graphic depictions of terrible conditions for humans trafficked (and most of it was women - wow patriarchy be high tonight).
I was also so here for their emotional love confessions and I loved how that didn't stop the main plot of justice from working out beautifully and them dealing with their pasts in such a vivid and clear manner. And how our heroine battles misogyny in every aspect of her professional life. But I was sad about the last minute death, not gonna lie...
I was so here for it all, I cannot stop recommending it from the highest fictional towers to the lowest of the rivers found!
Until the next time, when I come out of my penn wilder slump,
TMR
Triggers: drug abuse, human trafficking, murder, violence, misogyny, abandonment, domestic violence, kidnapping, violence against women, death by a bullet.
God, this book. I still get emotional chills when I remember this one.
Such a goddamn delight to have read!!!
Our protagonists are one special kind of people, both are on opposite sides of law, though both believe in justice.
And wow, human trafficking. It's such a big ask in solving crimes.
I lovedddddd seeing them in action (emphasis on the love - it's like a love I have for darcy) and I was so here for it. Emotionally wrecked as hell too by the way, with the graphic depictions of terrible conditions for humans trafficked (and most of it was women - wow patriarchy be high tonight).
I was also so here for their emotional love confessions and I loved how that didn't stop the main plot of justice from working out beautifully and them dealing with their pasts in such a vivid and clear manner. And how our heroine battles misogyny in every aspect of her professional life. But I was sad about the last minute death, not gonna lie...
I was so here for it all, I cannot stop recommending it from the highest fictional towers to the lowest of the rivers found!
Until the next time, when I come out of my penn wilder slump,
TMR
May 1, 2023
Oh. My. Gosh… this book was oh so good! It was also definitely the darkest, most intense book I’ve read in ages. This book is extremely trigger heavy, and contains vivid descriptions of human trafficking, so if that is a trigger for you, this probably isn’t the book for you. But if you do decide to read this, I promise you won’t regret it!!! Rook Daniels, the MMC, is a police officer who has spent the last six years looking for his baby sister, Cat, who disappeared at age twenty one. Josie Watson, the FMC, is an extremely talented ethical hacker for a security firm. When these two meet, they clash at first, but soon enough, they realize that they can help each other. I loved Rook, I thought he was driven, dedicated, and protective, and I loved his devotion to his family and to Josie. As for Josie, I thought she was fierce, confident, and sassy, and I loved that she was intelligent, not just beautiful. This book was very action packed and has so many plot twists I wasn’t expecting… what a darkly powerful debut from Penn Wilder!!!
April 17, 2023
I received an ARC for my free and honest review.
This story follows Josie and Rook. I enjoyed the beginning and how strong-willed Josie was. I did not like Rook initially as he seemed to be a cop with a chip on his shoulder and didn't follow the rules. Liberties were taken while writing this that a local police officer and a hacker can go undercover together. The relationship between Rook and Josie progresses, but the book's culmination falls flat for me. Predictable, there was a part that should have shredded you as a reader, but it was not felt that way—easy read and fast-paced, with slight spice.
This story follows Josie and Rook. I enjoyed the beginning and how strong-willed Josie was. I did not like Rook initially as he seemed to be a cop with a chip on his shoulder and didn't follow the rules. Liberties were taken while writing this that a local police officer and a hacker can go undercover together. The relationship between Rook and Josie progresses, but the book's culmination falls flat for me. Predictable, there was a part that should have shredded you as a reader, but it was not felt that way—easy read and fast-paced, with slight spice.
April 17, 2023
I was lucky enough to beta read this amazing book and it did not disappoint. I loved Rook so much from his personality to his loyal ness and determination and I loved Josie and her take no crap attitude. together they are fire 🔥 when finding his missing sister and when the romance sparks between them. This story had me sitting at the end of my seat banging my fist on the table yelling at the bad guy (sorry no spoilers here) I highly recommend this debut author and this book! It’s adventurous and suspenseful with some 🥵 sexy scenes and of course a hot cop. 😉
April 28, 2023
Heart of Thieves is an amazing, well-paced, exciting story! Penn did an amazing job with bringing this world and its characters to life. The chemistry between Josie and Rook was intense. I LOVED Josie and her strong-willed character. And then there’s Rook my baby boy Rook. He’s so protective and sweet. I love how both characters challenge each other throughout the story.
Aide from them, the story itself: a steady pace, and I felt like it picked up a lot by the time they were on the actual mission. Now, I have to say, I almost cried in that one scene. And then there’s that other scene… genius!
I’m super excited to read more work from Penn.
*I received an arc for an honest review.
Aide from them, the story itself: a steady pace, and I felt like it picked up a lot by the time they were on the actual mission. Now, I have to say, I almost cried in that one scene. And then there’s that other scene… genius!
I’m super excited to read more work from Penn.
*I received an arc for an honest review.
May 2, 2023
wow! amazing
From the beginning I was hooked. Josie so one smart beautiful woman and a fighter . Rook a no nonsense kind of man and a cop. There was definitely a connection when they first met. Josie being a hacker trying to find out about her friend Rachel’s demise and Rook looking for his sister cat . This book was so thrilling it was hard to put down. Not only that there was crazy steam between these two. The end was bittersweet. It is definitely worth the read.
From the beginning I was hooked. Josie so one smart beautiful woman and a fighter . Rook a no nonsense kind of man and a cop. There was definitely a connection when they first met. Josie being a hacker trying to find out about her friend Rachel’s demise and Rook looking for his sister cat . This book was so thrilling it was hard to put down. Not only that there was crazy steam between these two. The end was bittersweet. It is definitely worth the read.
April 17, 2023
The Heart Thieves is a very fast paced, exciting, emotional, age-gap romantic suspense!
Josie the FMC is so strong willed, smart and sassy I just loved her.
Rook, I wasn't sure about at first, he sure is a grumpy alpha cop.
This was such an exciting read, full of some really heavy subjects. But it was written so well.
I can't wait to read more from Penn Wilder!
Josie the FMC is so strong willed, smart and sassy I just loved her.
Rook, I wasn't sure about at first, he sure is a grumpy alpha cop.
This was such an exciting read, full of some really heavy subjects. But it was written so well.
I can't wait to read more from Penn Wilder!
April 20, 2023
I loved this book, Rook's protective instinct, and Josie's sharp tongue make this book very good. The approach to human trafficking is very well done. And just when you think you know how the book will end, think again. I really liked the relationship between Rook and Josie, I think they challenge each other and it's not usual to see that kind of relationship in a book
May 1, 2023
Seriously one of the best books of 2023 thus far! Mystery, intrigue and a burning hot romance!
Praise K!nk for sure with a sultry age gap! Police officer and hacker romance with a burning desire where they just can’t quit each other!
I don’t want to reveal anything else but it was soo good! Check triggers and dive right in!
Praise K!nk for sure with a sultry age gap! Police officer and hacker romance with a burning desire where they just can’t quit each other!
I don’t want to reveal anything else but it was soo good! Check triggers and dive right in!
May 1, 2023
This book has all the best things…action, adventure, mystery and love! I am so excited to join Josie and Rook in their adventures through work and love. Josie is a hacker brought into Rook’s case to solve a mystery. And find a little joy and love on the way. It is a truly heartwarming story and I would love to see more from these two. I can imagine so many shenanigans they could get up to. Highly recommend this book for a read.
April 17, 2023
I don't typically choose romantic suspense, but this one is very well written. It tackles some tough subjects, like human trafficking, but it is done in a way that isn't too jarring.
If you are new to romantic suspense, then this is a great place to start.
If you are new to romantic suspense, then this is a great place to start.
April 28, 2023
If you’re a lover of Romantic Suspense, this book is definitely one to check out. As a lifetime lover of both genres, the world building, character development, and perfect amount of steam make this book a must grab. Rook and Josie have some stellar chemistry and the fast paced storyline will keep you engaged from start to finish!
May 16, 2023
Officer Daniels can arrest me anytime!
Don’t sleep on this read! My goodness, is it something that you NEED to add to your list!
He's made it his mission to hunt down those responsible for the disappearance of his sister. Catherine is just not the type to leave without a word. Now that he has the first solid lead, he will sacrifice everything to find her.
Josie Watson has a mission of her own, finding out what happened to her best friend. Using a set of skills that could land her behind bars, she's determined to not give up. Too bad those skills only work with computers, and not locked cars.
The hot, older officer who left a bad taste in her mouth by being a jerk on the phone, is now her partner. Together, they are tasked by the FBI to go undercover to discover what has happened to these girls.
When these two stubborn individuals are together... whoo weee do the sparks start flying!!! The sass, the banter, the STEAM... SIZZLING! This book has earned all the STARS!
Don’t sleep on this read! My goodness, is it something that you NEED to add to your list!
He's made it his mission to hunt down those responsible for the disappearance of his sister. Catherine is just not the type to leave without a word. Now that he has the first solid lead, he will sacrifice everything to find her.
Josie Watson has a mission of her own, finding out what happened to her best friend. Using a set of skills that could land her behind bars, she's determined to not give up. Too bad those skills only work with computers, and not locked cars.
The hot, older officer who left a bad taste in her mouth by being a jerk on the phone, is now her partner. Together, they are tasked by the FBI to go undercover to discover what has happened to these girls.
When these two stubborn individuals are together... whoo weee do the sparks start flying!!! The sass, the banter, the STEAM... SIZZLING! This book has earned all the STARS!
April 24, 2023
This book was suspenseful and the chemistry between the two many characters was on point. I loved both Josie and Rook’s personalities and the banter between the two of them.
Penn did an amazing job with the writing of this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to guess what was going on.
I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Penn did an amazing job with the writing of this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to guess what was going on.
I cannot wait to see what comes next.
May 1, 2023
This was good. The suspense was perfect. It was well written and the characters well developed
April 28, 2023
"ARC REVIEW"
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
I was a bit skeptic about getting the ARC of this book because the blurb was not as interesting. Amazingly, I loved this one! It was an expected find.
The plot was greatly written that if I haven’t been super busy these past few days, I’m sure I would’ve finished this in one sitting.
The first few chapters were so intriguing because it gives off that CSI tv series vibes (which I love!). Plus our main characters, Officer Rook and Josie were so explosive together (in a good way). They just have this amazing chemistry from the start, even before they met in person, and it just made me want to read more about them. Their age gap of 12 years wasn’t even a big factor in the way it was written in the book and I got to say I don’t mind it, because their age gap is not the main focus here. Rook and Josie don’t even need an age gap to bring off such a spicy and romantic read.
I love the drama and the even the side characters of Rook’s siblings, Lochie and Cat. I just love their sibling bonding. In a way they seem like people you would want to meet in person.
Honestly, I wish there was more drama especially in the latter chapters. I wanted more chapters with the siblings all together or even just Lochie because he is such an interesting character (I'm so glad he's getting his own book). I think that was all that felt lacking in a way to me but other than that it was a terrific read.
Highly recommended read!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
I was a bit skeptic about getting the ARC of this book because the blurb was not as interesting. Amazingly, I loved this one! It was an expected find.
The plot was greatly written that if I haven’t been super busy these past few days, I’m sure I would’ve finished this in one sitting.
The first few chapters were so intriguing because it gives off that CSI tv series vibes (which I love!). Plus our main characters, Officer Rook and Josie were so explosive together (in a good way). They just have this amazing chemistry from the start, even before they met in person, and it just made me want to read more about them. Their age gap of 12 years wasn’t even a big factor in the way it was written in the book and I got to say I don’t mind it, because their age gap is not the main focus here. Rook and Josie don’t even need an age gap to bring off such a spicy and romantic read.
I love the drama and the even the side characters of Rook’s siblings, Lochie and Cat. I just love their sibling bonding. In a way they seem like people you would want to meet in person.
Honestly, I wish there was more drama especially in the latter chapters. I wanted more chapters with the siblings all together or even just Lochie because he is such an interesting character (I'm so glad he's getting his own book). I think that was all that felt lacking in a way to me but other than that it was a terrific read.
Highly recommended read!
April 19, 2023
✨Arc Review✨
First we have Josie our Fmc. She’s independent and fierce and holds her own. Then there’s Rook our Mmc. He’s got a grumpy attitude and doesn’t hold back. The chemistry between the two is 🔥. The story focuses on rook who’s an officer and has been searching for his baby sister cat who’s been missing for years and he’s been trying to track her down to bring her home ,and ends up meeting Josie who’s a hacker and they end of working together to save cat and bring down a human trafficking operation. As the story goes on both end up falling for one another and the sacrifices they made for their love was bittersweet.
✨Overall I enjoyed this story and recommended it and look forward to what’s to come.✨
✨Favorite Quotes✨
That fire, the fight you possess? It’s addicting, and I’d gladly burn the entire world for you. -Rook
“We loved with a love that was more than love.” - Josie
〰️Tropes〰️
Dark/Suspense Romance
Age gap
Forced proximity
Fmc- MIT grad/ hacker
Mmc- Officer
✨Dual pov✨
💕Hea💕
〰️Rating〰️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
〰️Spice〰️
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
〰️Release Date〰️
4/27/2023
🛑 Check trigger warning!
April 20, 2023
This story moved along at a nice pace. It was exciting, albeit a little predictable. I enjoyed watching the two MC's connection growing. This is a dark ish romantic suspense book with a police officer and a hacker working together, so there's a bit of forced proximity. There is an age gap between Rook and Josie, the.MC's. There's a dual POV and a HEA as the cherry on top.
This book followed some heavy topics, so if you are easily triggered, I recommend you reach out beforehand. Although I did not find that these heavy topics were written in such a way that was not palatable for someone who is sensitive like myself.
There were points in the story where I thought okay this just isn't realistic. But I guess that's the point of fiction, right?
Rook was pretty alpha, and Josie was sassy and smart, which I love in MC's. Their love was fierce, and overall, I would say this us a 3.5, maybe in the spice department (considering content and frequency).
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It just fell short for me, although I can't put my finger on why at this point in time. (I just finished it moments ago).
This book followed some heavy topics, so if you are easily triggered, I recommend you reach out beforehand. Although I did not find that these heavy topics were written in such a way that was not palatable for someone who is sensitive like myself.
There were points in the story where I thought okay this just isn't realistic. But I guess that's the point of fiction, right?
Rook was pretty alpha, and Josie was sassy and smart, which I love in MC's. Their love was fierce, and overall, I would say this us a 3.5, maybe in the spice department (considering content and frequency).
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It just fell short for me, although I can't put my finger on why at this point in time. (I just finished it moments ago).
April 24, 2023
What an amazing debut book by Ms. Wilder. The Heart of Thieves is gripping, full of suspense, and such a joy to read. Rook, a police officer, and Josie, a very skilled hacker, meet but it was not a positive meeting. The attraction between the two of them was there right from the start but it wasn't until they realized they were looking for the same person/people who possibly has something to do with Rook's sister disappearing and Josie's close friend showing up dead. The chemistry was off the charts and the banter that went back and forth was fantastic, but also a form of foreplay. Josie is a strong-willed, independent, tell-it-like-it-is woman and having to work with Rook had her head spinning. Rook seemed to be the cop you always hear about with a chip on his shoulder and an attitude to go with it. The two of them were like fire and dynamite but the explosion that happened between the two of them set the pages on fire.
The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
I highly recommend picking up The Heart of Thieves and be ready for a suspense-filled romance that is hard to put down.
The twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
I highly recommend picking up The Heart of Thieves and be ready for a suspense-filled romance that is hard to put down.
April 27, 2023
💋My REVIEW💋
With any new writers work, you always wonder how it will be from the download.
Penn Wilder crafts the perfect balance of mystery, slowly(ish) to explosive 🧨 burn in The Heart of Thieves.
The author combines two very different personalities and ages in the suspense turns edge of your seat ride with the cop and white hat hacker…the link between them?
The disappearance of a loved one while women’s bodies are random rivers, with a small tattoo right beneath the fingernail.
Follow this amazing, staggering and spicy 🌶️ ride to the conclusion…making you WANT Wilder to make this into a series.
Thursday, April 27th
💙 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 💙
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒔, the romantic suspense debut from @penn_wilder_writes is now available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐞𝐭:
💙 Law Enforcement MMC
💙 Ethical Hacker FMC
💙 Age Gap
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Medium Burn
💙 Sworn Off Relationships
𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ8T63RT/
#romanticsuspense #romancebooks #romanticsuspensebooks #authorpennwilder #newrelease #kindleunlimited #bookstagram @penn_wilder_writes @weaverwayauthorservices
With any new writers work, you always wonder how it will be from the download.
Penn Wilder crafts the perfect balance of mystery, slowly(ish) to explosive 🧨 burn in The Heart of Thieves.
The author combines two very different personalities and ages in the suspense turns edge of your seat ride with the cop and white hat hacker…the link between them?
The disappearance of a loved one while women’s bodies are random rivers, with a small tattoo right beneath the fingernail.
Follow this amazing, staggering and spicy 🌶️ ride to the conclusion…making you WANT Wilder to make this into a series.
Thursday, April 27th
💙 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 💙
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒔, the romantic suspense debut from @penn_wilder_writes is now available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐞𝐭:
💙 Law Enforcement MMC
💙 Ethical Hacker FMC
💙 Age Gap
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Medium Burn
💙 Sworn Off Relationships
𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ8T63RT/
#romanticsuspense #romancebooks #romanticsuspensebooks #authorpennwilder #newrelease #kindleunlimited #bookstagram @penn_wilder_writes @weaverwayauthorservices
April 27, 2023
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This book had it all-
Grumpy male cop with a tragic back story, spitfire female hacker that knows how to handle her own, drama, angst, love, passion, spice, & action.
We have Rook (H), a lonely Boston cop who has been searching for his missing sister for 6 years. And then we have Josie (h), who is a tech wiz, & has the skills that might help find the answers everyone's been searching for.
Their chemistry is just off the charts! I love that Rook knew that she could handle herself, and wasn't some brooding alpha-hole. He took care of her when she needed it, but for the most part let her handle things alone. The way they trusted eachother was swoonworthy.
The action- it was a little predictable, BUT it was well written. Nothing could have prepared me for the end though. I was hoping for a different outcome😭
The spice was good, there wasn't a whole lot to be honest, but the scenes themselves were great. Plus the tension leading up to the first time was *chefs kiss*.
This book had it all-
Grumpy male cop with a tragic back story, spitfire female hacker that knows how to handle her own, drama, angst, love, passion, spice, & action.
We have Rook (H), a lonely Boston cop who has been searching for his missing sister for 6 years. And then we have Josie (h), who is a tech wiz, & has the skills that might help find the answers everyone's been searching for.
Their chemistry is just off the charts! I love that Rook knew that she could handle herself, and wasn't some brooding alpha-hole. He took care of her when she needed it, but for the most part let her handle things alone. The way they trusted eachother was swoonworthy.
The action- it was a little predictable, BUT it was well written. Nothing could have prepared me for the end though. I was hoping for a different outcome😭
The spice was good, there wasn't a whole lot to be honest, but the scenes themselves were great. Plus the tension leading up to the first time was *chefs kiss*.
April 18, 2023
Not what I was expecting, but great just the same. Strong, passionate characters and an intense, emotional storyline. It’s an exciting, fast-paced age-gap story told from dual first-person POV of the two main characters – Rook and Josie. He’s a grumpy alpha cop trying to find his missing sister and she’s a smart, professional hacker with a sassy attitude who’s trying to solve the murder of her best friend. When their paths collide, sparks fly from the start. Realizing they can help each other; they team up to find answers. There’s plenty of emotions, danger, spice, twists and turns, and a shocking outcome that I did not expect of one situation.
This is a dark romantic suspense that delves into human trafficking and depravity and includes a diabolically twisted bad guy. *Mind trigger warnings.
*I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This is a dark romantic suspense that delves into human trafficking and depravity and includes a diabolically twisted bad guy. *Mind trigger warnings.
*I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 26, 2023
Before I loved romance novels, I loved mysteries, and this book had a healthy dollop of both.
The Heart of Thieves is a beautifully written, suspenseful book that features some of my favorite tropes: cop hero, age gap romance, forced proximity, STEAMY, and a hearty plot.
It features some heavy topics, but it is so well-balanced with the character and world building that it all comes together seamlessly. It also features a very easy-to-hate villain, and a lot of tear jerking scenes.
I got totally wrapped up in the story, and it provided me with a much needed distraction from my real life and my own book writing, which I *very much* needed :)
If you're looking for romantic suspense that you can sink your teeth into, look no further!
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Heart of Thieves is a beautifully written, suspenseful book that features some of my favorite tropes: cop hero, age gap romance, forced proximity, STEAMY, and a hearty plot.
It features some heavy topics, but it is so well-balanced with the character and world building that it all comes together seamlessly. It also features a very easy-to-hate villain, and a lot of tear jerking scenes.
I got totally wrapped up in the story, and it provided me with a much needed distraction from my real life and my own book writing, which I *very much* needed :)
If you're looking for romantic suspense that you can sink your teeth into, look no further!
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2023
The Heart of Thieves by Penn Wilder
Rook & Josie
Holy smokes! What a debut novel! An adrenaline ride from the beginning. The suspense. Lord did my anxiety spike!. Wowzers! But so good! Two characters brought together by a common thread. Both seeking answers and justice. I loved the investigative side of this book! I've never read a book with an intensity like this and I loved it. I loved Rook & Josie. Their undeniable chemistry. I loved their banter. And then thrown in there was one of my favs, age gap! He's the broody hot cop with the world on his shoulders, she the strong willed, take no bs computer geek. They are so good together. Seriously loved this! Can't wait to see what Penn comes out with next! 🩵
Rook & Josie
Holy smokes! What a debut novel! An adrenaline ride from the beginning. The suspense. Lord did my anxiety spike!. Wowzers! But so good! Two characters brought together by a common thread. Both seeking answers and justice. I loved the investigative side of this book! I've never read a book with an intensity like this and I loved it. I loved Rook & Josie. Their undeniable chemistry. I loved their banter. And then thrown in there was one of my favs, age gap! He's the broody hot cop with the world on his shoulders, she the strong willed, take no bs computer geek. They are so good together. Seriously loved this! Can't wait to see what Penn comes out with next! 🩵
April 16, 2023
Gripping debut! This dark romance is full of tingling suspense!
This isn’t my typical read and I fell *hard* for this story. Absolutely loved the dual POV between Josie, the strong and brilliant FMC, and Rook, the grumpy sunshine MMC.
The police/detective and age gap tropes are wonderfully written and had me rooting for this couple the entire book.
Author Penn Wilder certainly did their research regarding computer hacking and scary-as-hell human trafficking. This sexy and dangerous ride will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Definitely recommend for dark romance suspense readers who enjoy fierce FMCs, passionate MMCs, and age gap elements. Mind the triggers.
This isn’t my typical read and I fell *hard* for this story. Absolutely loved the dual POV between Josie, the strong and brilliant FMC, and Rook, the grumpy sunshine MMC.
The police/detective and age gap tropes are wonderfully written and had me rooting for this couple the entire book.
Author Penn Wilder certainly did their research regarding computer hacking and scary-as-hell human trafficking. This sexy and dangerous ride will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Definitely recommend for dark romance suspense readers who enjoy fierce FMCs, passionate MMCs, and age gap elements. Mind the triggers.
April 27, 2023
So I was able to arc read for this amazing author and I can absolutely say I am glad I did. This book was amazing. I loved Josie and Rooks interactions along with Josie’s strong willed personality and sassiness. She was a straight up amazing FMC that I was fan-girling over. Rook, man gotta love the grumpy alpha-hole types. For some reason it always draws my appeal. Especially when the tension and banter is straight from the get go. The suspense, the tension, the banter, the chemistry! This book occupied my mind for days on end. The Heart of Thieves is a book you don’t want to miss with Herat stopping suspense and romance that you won’t want to put down, definitely my favorite genre.
April 28, 2023
It had been some time that I hadn't read l@w enforc3r tropes and after reading this advanced copy it reminded me why I liked them so much. The story follows Office Michaels and his journey of trying to find his little sister. He encounters Josie Watson cyber security tech. She is smart as heck and has the skills that could help him. The only thing he was not expecting was that she is not only smart but she is a strong female and turns out they both have a main goal which is finding justice for the ones they love. How far are they willing to risk their lives to find the awful truths! Please make sure you check TW before jumping in.
May 14, 2023
If you like romance with a little spice, blended with suspense and action, this book is a great choice! I have never been into romance, but bought these books to support the author (she's a friend), and I have been so pleasantly surprised - every book she has written has been really well done. (I should have known!) I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It gets intense at times, which given the subject matter is to be expected. Overall, I really enjoy the author's writing style and the voice she gives to her characters. Highly recommend checking this one out. She also writes under the name Ashley Kay - check out her Montana Heirs series which is also really good!
April 18, 2023
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Dark romance suspense for those who enjoy fierce FMCs, passionate MMCs, and age gap elements. Mind the triggers with emotions. Fast past the chemistry between Josie and Rook is definitely there from the start and when the spice starts it gets hot 🔥.
Age-gap
Forced proximity
Law enforcement MMC
MIT Nerd FMC
Medium Burn
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
⚠️ Please read triggers before jumping in.
Dark romance suspense for those who enjoy fierce FMCs, passionate MMCs, and age gap elements. Mind the triggers with emotions. Fast past the chemistry between Josie and Rook is definitely there from the start and when the spice starts it gets hot 🔥.
Age-gap
Forced proximity
Law enforcement MMC
MIT Nerd FMC
Medium Burn
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emotions: 😩
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
⚠️ Please read triggers before jumping in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews