To Love a Thief

By Julie Anne Long

     Gideon Cole is a man with drive and ambition, but no title or money. He plans to overcome his shortcomings by marrying Lady Constance Clary and to leverage his successes in court and his future father-in-law's influence to become the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Unfortunately, Gideon has some competition for Constance's hand: Lord Jarvis, who has money and a title.

     On his way to put a down payment on the townhouse that Lady Constance badly wants, Gideon finds himself coming to the aid of the lovely pickpocket who tried unsuccessfully to steal his pocket watch. It costs him the entire down payment for the townhouse to buy her freedom. Surprisingly, Lily, the thief, has the face of an angel and the manners and sultry voice of an aristocrat. Gideon decides to transform Lily into an aristocratic lady in an effort to make Constance jealous and to speed the engagement along, but Gideon's master plan derails when he realizes that he is falling in love with Lily.

     In To Love a Thief, Julie Anne Long crafts a refreshing new twist on the "My Fair Lady" tale. The chemistry between Gideon and Lily is charged with energy and passion that leaps off the page. Alice, Lily's younger sister, is a charming supporting character who will steal your heart as well. To Love a Thief is an entertaining novel from beginning to end and one that I most highly recommend.