The Lady and the Thief

by Kate Moore

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In 1835 London, companion Vivian Bradish daringly pursues her dream of being a writer by researching and notating her ailing employer’s new book–A Guide to London for Fearless Women. Posing as a mark, Viv boldly enters a street known for pickpockets. When she’s attacked, she accidentally shoots the handsome gentleman who aids her. She brings the wounded stranger to her employer’s home for medical aid, but they are caught in a compromising situation, threatening Viv’s position and dreams. Her would-be rescuer, Lark, was once a Lost Boy, part of a gang of street urchins and pickpockets rescued by the Duke of Wenlocke. Reformed, he’s now Edward Larkin, posing as a gentleman and searching for clues to his past. Meeting Viv is unexpected, and to save her position in the household, he proposes a fake betrothal. To “court her,” Lark promises to guide her through the streets of the London she’s never seen so she can finish the book, never dreaming his impulse to help Viv will lead him to his lost family.

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Book Details

Genre

Historical Romance

Subgenre

Regency Historical Romance

Series

The Duke's Men • Book 1

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

1 None

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1 None

Publication Date

June 13, 2024

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novel

About the Author

Kate taught English Literature to generations of high school students, who are now her Facebook friends, while she not-so-secretly penned Romances. In Kate’s stories an undeniable mutual attraction brings honorable, edgy loners and warm, practical women into a circle of love in Regency England or contemporary California. A Golden Heart, Golden Crown, and Book Buyers Best award winner and three-time RITA finalist, Kate lives north of San Francisco with her surfer husband, their yellow Lab, toys for visiting grandkids, and miles of crowded bookshelves.

A Former Thief Starts a New Life

Edward Larkin wants to start a respectable life and leave pickpocketing behind him. He meets Viv Bradish when he unwittingly falls into her trap. She initially has no idea that the handsome man was anything other than a well-intentioned rescuer. Thinking that Viv would benefit from having a man in her life, Lark manages to insert himself into her world, even going so far as claiming to be her betrothed.Viv, a ladies companion, is overwhelmed but appreciative of his help. However, she is not quite able to put her feeling of unease to rest. In the end, everything comes down to the question of whether their blossoming love is able to overcome Lark's foundation of mistruths.This clean romance was pleasant to read. I was surprised to see that it is the first book of a series. It felt like it should have been at least the second. Maybe there is a prequel out there that I'm not aware of. Several characters are introduced and they will obviously be the leads in future works. Perhaps the future books will help flesh out the backstory.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Lark and Vivian

Their time together wasn't conventional in the least. They met when she accidentally shot him after she was accosted by his friend, a true thief. A fake betrothal keeps her reputation intact, saving her from the wagging tongues of her employer's self-righteous cousins. As he accompanies her around town, discovering new sights to tantalize the independent woman, their affections secretly deepen even as there are those lurking to tear them apart. How will they possibly untie the knots in which they have found themselves?This is a wonderfully written story. The main characters are so good together. He's her dashing protector as he squires her around town. She gives him her trust, this stranger, never thinking he would do her harm. When she is betrayed by someone she holds dear, he risks his neck to get justice for her. If that's not love, I don't know what is. Lark remembering his origins is the icing on his happy cake. He did have a doting aunt, just not in Somerton.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Great novel

I really enjoyed reading this book it is a great story that I really enjoyed a very well written novel.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Fun Summer Read

A touch of mystery in the characters. What really is Lark's story? Kept me reading to find out. While set in 1835 the family dynamics are fun and relatable for all. Viv navigates the complex relationships with between family, friends and wealth seekers. Pre-ordered book 2. Always love the way Kate Moore builds the relationships through out her series.

Charming. A Perfect Introduction to Regency Romance.

Regency romance is not my go-to genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Viv pursues her dream of being a writer by co-writing a book with a famous author who now needs a companion. Lark is a quick-witted ex-pickpocket who is as charmed with Viv as I was--even after he gets in the way of the bullet she aimed at his ex-partner. I'll read the series, and only wish it were easier to figure out how to get my hands on the earlier books about these characters. I'd love to read the Duke's story.