A Heart Worth Stealing

February 13, 2023
Opposites attract in this adorable Regency romance from Barker (A Game of Hearts). When the authorities refuse to believe Miss Genevieve “Ginny” Wilde’s claims that the watch bequeathed to her by her late father, a magistrate, was stolen, not misplaced, Ginny hires thief-taker Jack Travers to investigate. A rock thrown through Ginny’s window suggests that whoever stole the watch is not done targeting her, so Jack offers to stay with her for her protection. To preserve Ginny’s reputation, they’re forced to pretend to be cousins while he’s residing at her estate—but their lingering stares and obvious attraction threaten the ruse. Ginny’s “half-sister of ill-repute,” Catherine, has never tried to hide her disdain for Ginny (their father married Ginny’s mother mere months after Catherine’s mother’s death), putting her at the top of an already long list of suspects mainly comprising criminals Ginny’s father put away. Things grow more complicated in both the case and Ginny’s romance with Jack when the new magistrate vies for Ginny’s hand. Jack proves easy to crush on: he’s witty, sweet, and thoughtful, with just a touch of a bad boy persona. Unique characters put and a fast-paced mystery add flavor to this sweet romance.

Starred review from May 15, 2023
Genevieve Wilde has never been one to balk in the face of adversity, but her father's recent passing leaves her struggling to skirt the social standards of 1802 and prove she can successfully run the family estate as a single woman. When the estate becomes the target of increasing vandalism and theft, Genevieve hires London-based special investigator Jack Travers, a man seemingly made to test her patience and her passions. As the duo races to secure the safety of her home and the recovery of her treasured belongings, Genevieve realizes that Jack has already secured the most prized possession of all, her heart. Barker presents a wonderfully exciting work of Regency romantic suspense that features the scintillating thrill of coquetry and the high drama of a period mystery. Her characterization of Genevieve as a woman of gumption who balances determination with vulnerability shines. Humor and wit are delightfully laced throughout the novel and offer a colorful contrast to the story's complex emotional landscape of grief, family relationships, identity, and worth. Whether from the adrenaline of the action or the indubitable chemistry radiating from this proper romance, readers will be kept on edge until the final pages.

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March 1, 2023

Since her father died, young heiress Genevieve "Ginny" Wilde has tried to protect her family's estate. When a string of bad luck occurs, followed by the theft of her father's watch, Ginny decides to take matters into her own hands after the local magistrate refuses to help. Reluctantly, she hires roguish thief-taker Jack Travers to track down the watch and find out if her property is being targeted. As maddening as he is brilliant, Jack soon moves under Ginny's roof, posing as her cousin to protect her when the threats escalate. As they work together to crack the case, their list of suspects shrinks while their attraction to each other grows. The heat level stays mild, with romantic tension built through stolen glances and flirty banter. Barker (A Game of Hearts) does an admirable job conveying Jack and Ginny's passionate chemistry without revealing too much, while the side cast, including a disapproving butler, an unconventional set of friends, and a rival suitor for Ginny's affections, are all thoroughly enjoyable. VERDICT An excellent choice for readers who love both traditional Regencies and detective mysteries.--Kathryn Howe

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