MY FAVORITE THIEF
Karyn Monk
Bantam Books
ISBN 0-553-58441-3
December 2003
Historical Romance
Charlotte Kent was born desperately poor and from an early age was pushed
into stealing to survive. Eventually she was incarcerated but later rescued
and adopted by Lord Redmond and his wife, along with five other impoverished
children. Now an adult, Charlotte is determined to help other poor women
and children overcome the harsh hand life has dealt and make something
better of their lives. Having no husband or family of her own, she shares
her home with the people she seeks to help. A chance encounter with the
infamous jewel thief known as The Dark Shadow will thrust Miss Kent into the
center of London's society spotlight. Although she is uncomfortable with
the attention, Charlotte will use the opportunity to raise money for her
charity. However, a ghost from her past is threatening her and all those
she holds dear. Feeling that there is no option left, Charlotte attempts to
blackmail Harrison Payne, Earl of Bryden-the man she knows as The Dark
Shadow. Instead, Harrison pledges to help Charlotte but who will help
Harrison as he finds himself threatened by an enemy of his own?
If you buy only one book for yourself this holiday season, make sure you
pick up a copy of MY FAVORITE THIEF. Readers of historical romance will
find a lot to love about this book. The hero and heroine are both "flawed"
characters with secrets, which lend to the realism of the mesmerizing,
intensely emotional story. Charlotte and Harrison are a thoroughly
appealing couple, their story also made richer by the supporting characters.
The villainous element of the story is everything it should be. The plot is
well crafted with elements of danger, suspense and intrigue. The narrative
is absolutely fluid and loaded with detail. However, Ms. Monk takes great
care in only revealing enough to keep the reader hooked, as I myself was
hooked from the very first page!
I cannot end this review without saying that MY FAVORITE THIEF also contains
one of the most sensuous love scenes I've ever read in a historical romance
or any romance for that matter! Ms. Monk is a new-to-me author and one I am
adding to my must-buy list. MY FAVORITE THIEF is more than just a keeper;
it is a story to treasure!
