Set in the 1950’s, The Steal is the first novella in a new series by M.J. Rose and C.W. Gortner and is both a caper story and an open door romance.

Jerome Curtis is the competent but rather rumpled insurance investigator sent to recover stolen jewelry intended for celebrities to wear at Cannes. He’s soon in pursuit of The Jaguar, a notorious thief and his personal obsession, along with jeweler Ania Thorne - an elegant, icy blonde who brings several 1950’s actresses to mind.

With insights into Jerome’s history chasing Nazis after World War II and the way Ania was molded from childhood, this is a story that is interesting on multiple levels. With an ending that leaves much open for the second novella to develop, this caper is a bit of an opposites attract story with a one bed trope thrown in for good measure. Told in alternating voices, there were a few times I was thrown out of the story by a detail or phrase, but overall this first romantic adventure for Ania and Jerome is a bit of historical fiction fun.

This review refers to a digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own. This review originally appeared on Instagram.

A High Profile Jewelry Theft in Cannes

Ania Thorne, a talented jewelry designer, has worked hard for the last five years to restore the reputation of her father’s company. She has planned a stunning collection centered around special designs for three movie stars that will be shown at the international film festival, but now the enterprise is threatened by the theft of the jewels.

Jerome Curtis is an insurance investigator. He arrives in Cannes to locate the stolen gems. He immediately sees that several things are unusual, like leaving the jewels in a separate room from Ania’s suite. Then at lunch Ania’s salad arrives with a surprise. One of the pieces is returned with a note.

The audacity of the theft and particularly the note lead Curtis to the assumption that the thief is none other than the fabled jewelry their, Leopold. Now the chase is on and he can’t ignore his increasing interest in Ania.

This book is reminiscent of a 1950’s movie. There’s glamour, priceless jewels, a notorious thief and a budding romance. The pace is fast much like a movie. The descriptions of the Carleton Hotel and the avenues of Paris combined with movie stars and jewels is an irresistible combination.

Ania’s character is perfect. She has trained herself to be an ice queen, showing no emotion, to keep her competitors from getting an emotional edge. I enjoyed seeing her transition to a warmer person as she helped Curtis chase the thief. Curtis was also an excellent character. He’s tough and smart and his rumpled appearance is the perfect foil to Ania’s icy perfection.

If you like romance with a gorgeous setting and a mystery, this is a good one.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

The Steal is a fast paced romantic mystery set in France during 1950. Ania Throne arrives in France with her jewelry collection to be wore by various actors at the Cannes Festival. Jewelery theft at the event brings her in touch with the investigator Jerome Curtis. Together they form a team to find the infamous thief Leopard.

C. W. Gortner and M. J. Rose has delivered a fun, quirky, fast paced heist story with sprinkle of romance. I really enjoyed reading this short book of 141 long.

Thank you GetRedPR, @netgalley, @mjroseauthor and #cwgorner and @1001darknights_blueboxpress for including me on this epic tour

Thanks to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the chance to read a copy of this book!

Warning: Ends on a cliffhanger! But before the cliffhanger, it was a fun, retro mystery/adventure that made me feel like I was watching a Cary Grant movie, just with more discussion of the fallout from WWII.

Classic 1950s Jewel Heist
This story was more than I was expecting. An insurance recovery agent with a sordid WWII past is after a jewel thief. This is a good story with believable characters. The setting is classic late 1950s Europe with the famous actors of the time gathering at Cannes and wanting to be dressed in expensive, unique jewelry. The story keeps the reader hopping with few clues to who the thief is. The story ends with the suggestion of a story arc that will take a few episodes to cover. This should be a good series! I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Fun historical romantic suspense set in the 1950's. I enjoyed reading about Ania and Jerome. Loved their interactions and chemistry. This book reminded me of the old Cary Grant-type caper movies. It was kind of a quick story that ended with a set-up for the next book in the series.
Will they be able to find (and stop) the Leopard?

Thank you to the publisher, Blue Box Press, and NetGalley for a copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation expectation.

A delightful romantic caper!
Ania Throne is the head of one of the biggest Jewelry Companies in the world. She is in Cannes with her latest designs meant to grace the heads, throats, and wrists of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but when the notorious jewelry thief the Leopard manages to get away with her entire collection, she teams up with insurance investigator Jerome Curtis to hunt down the thief and help save her business.
It is 1957 and Ania has recently taken over the business from her father who was forced out by the board of directors, causing a strain to their relationship. Determined to breath new life into the company and shore up its reputation, Ania is not about to sit idly by and let the rumple-suited, mysterious Jerome take over. The duo devises a plan to trap the Leopard and find out his true identity. The chase takes them from Cannes to Paris to New York, with danger around every corner, delightful plot twists and a cliff-hanger ending.
A fast-paced, glamorous romp, with an “opposites attract” romance and a sprinkling of celebrity sightings and historical landmarks. I can’t wait for the next installment.

I'm new to these authors and I couldn't wait to dive into The Steal, especially seeing as it's the first time they’ve teamed up. Also, springboarding off contemporary romance, I’m more into romantic suspense and crime novels than ever.

“Leopards don’t like to be trapped.”
“They don’t. But only a trap will catch him.”

The character development is strong insofar as the female protagonist isn’t at all likeable. I’m pretty sure this was the authors’ goal, her traits certainly making me more aware of her feelings. I understood her anxiety; nevertheless, the way she treats those who work for her irritated me. I can’t say the same thing about the leading man who is much more considerate.

'Cold as a glacier when the mood overtakes her. But there was also fear.'

Ania Throne knows her business inside out. Bred to take on the world of jewellery, what shouldn’t have been possible happens in the blink of an eye, leaving no trail of dust. In steps Jerome Curtis, the insurance investigator who’s determined to track down the culprit. Not only is he the perfect candidate to unravel the theft, but he’s also a rough diamond with a past. Observer extraordinaire, did he rock my socks off or what!

“Don’t make promises. I never trust promises.”

I loved the middle 50s postwar era setting, the whodunit plot and the descriptive writing that gave me a distinct déjà vu feel. The protagonists ‘shall or shan’t we get to know each other better angle’, the take on opposites attract regardless of tomorrows is very well done. And if you want to see if they’ll succumb to temptation, I can’t recommend reading this action-packed novella enough.

Men might fantasize about an independent woman in the bedroom, but they rarely want one in real life—and certainly not outside the bedroom.

The authors did a marvellous job with the dual perspectives in the present tense. However, a little bit more banter wouldn’t have gone amiss. Blinking heck, I could have stamped on my e-reader when I reached the ending. By no means satisfied and led to believe that The Steal was a stand-alone, I started to investigate. And just as well! The Steal is the first novella in the To Catch A Leopard series, The Bait coming 4th January 2022.

'Goddesses don’t fall in love with mortals. They use and discard them.'

I had to think hard about my final rating. Almost halfway through the book, I’d jumped the gun and awarded it three stars. But as I progressed, the mysterious jewel thief known as the Leopard intrigued me even more and I upped it to four stars! Bravo to C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose!

ARC kindly received from Blue Box Press through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

M.J. Rose is a great writer and I love most of her books - 'The Steal' is a romantic 'caper' set in the 1950s and although the premise is great, I was not fully engaged with the protagonists. Ania Throne and Jerome Curtis work together searching for her stolen jewelry and fall in love while traveling through europe. I expected more of a fun romp and the book was at times too serious and at other times too frivolous. I haven't read anything by the coauthor CW Gortner and will stick with books written only by M.J. Rose in the future.

This was a fun and exciting book to read! Love the elaborate heist and the glamour of 1950s set in Cannes, Paris and New York. I enjoyed the mystery and of course, the partnership/blooming romance of Jerome and Ania. I also love that Ania’s a force to reckon with during the male-dominated era. I wasn’t able to guess who the Leopard is so that’s a bonus. My only complaint is that the ending was a major cliffhanger so I need to read the 2nd book soon!!! 😭

This new heist novel by M. J. Rose is a fun summer read, with jewels, thieves, and the French Riviera. The tone is reminiscent of old movies with a strong sense of setting, and tons of action. The cliffhanger ending sets the stage for a follow-on novel involving the same characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story reads like one of those classic movies that the AMC plays for their late night movie marathons. It has the glitz, the glamour, the mystery, a sprinkle of romance plus a few ~very minor~ celebrity cameos. And honestly, what more could you need?

This story is short, so I will keep my review the same. If you're looking for a book that makes solving a jewel heist not only exciting, but also super romantic, then do yourself a favor and pick this one up. The writing is SO vivid, it really transports you directly into the story. Anyone who considers themselves a fan of classic movies or cozy mysteries should give this book a try.

While this story was super fun, it only clocked in at about 140 pages it just felt so LONG to me. It's definitely a book that requires all of your attention, which given the synopsis and length I wasn't expecting. This was fun but unfortunately it wasn't for me.

The Steal by C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose is a fun historical mystery. I felt like I was thrown back in time and on the set of To Catch a Thief. Set in Cannes, Paris and New York City, The Steal is truly a story of international intrigue.

The fast-pace plot is perfect, and the stoic, strong war vets making their way as private investigators and security specialists and a willowy, smart blonde make for sexy, suave characters. The novella is a quick fun read that ends with not a cliff-hanger but room for a story continuance.

While I have read and enjoyed many of CW Gortner's books, I have not ready any of MJ Rose's. I was looking for a light, summer read, mystery. Since many reviews include an overview of the book, I will omit that here.

The book is written from the two points of view, Jerome and Ania's. This back and forth kept my interest and did not feel like a ping pong match. Unfortunately, the overall plot was weak and the writing very basic. Neither character was interesting nor developed enough to support the plot. The story did fulfill the quick, summer read I was looking for. I hope that Gortner returns to the historical fiction that I have enjoyed.

I rounded up my 2.5 rating.

Thank you, NetGalley, the authors and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for honest feedback.

When jewelry designer Ania Thorne has all the pieces she designed for the 1957 Cannes film festival stolen, she knows that Thorne and Co's business is on the line. Jerome Curtis is asked to look into the situation by the jeweler's insurance company. Reputations are at stake. Can Jerome and Ania stop The Leopard before the thief strikes again?

The book's cover caught my attention and set the vibe for the story. It reminded me of a Cary Grant movie. This was a quick read taking the reader through France to London. The book is written in dual point of view, alternating between Jerome and Ania. They made a good pair in crime-solving with a bit of an opposites attract romance. The book ended a bit abruptly but this is book one and I look forward to seeing what Jerome and Ania do next on their way to catch the thief. Thank you to the publisher, Let's Talk Books Promo and Netgalley for my ecopy of this book.

A mystery story set in 1950's France with a bit of Romance. Ania Throne is a Jewelry designer and Director of Throne and Company. She is at the Cannes film festival when disaster strikes and her Jewels get stolen which are worth millions of dollars and can mean the end to her company if not recovered. The Insurance Company sends Jerome Curtis to investigate the crime and he soon discovers this is the handy work of the Leopard who has eluded him numerous times before. This will become a race against time as they try to capture the Leopard and recover the Jewels as they travel between Cannes, Paris, and NY. Will they be able to recover the Jewels and capture the thief or does fate have something else in store for them.

I enjoyed reading the book. A quick read and the who did it was easy to figure it out. That is why I gave it 3 stars. I was surprised at the ending as I was expecting the book to end with a solution but it is left open with an option for a second book if they choose. I hope they do as I want to know what happens. The writing is great as you feel you are in the hotel listening to the sounds of Paris and the music playing. I would recommend this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review.
This is a fun historical romantic mystery in the style of a 1950s-noir caper. It’s fast-paced and engaging, keeping me guessing. The prose also has a period feel to it, without sacrificing reader comprehension.
However, I can’t say the characters made that big of an impression, and it was a bit too short and the ending too abrupt.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

Set in the 1950’s this is a throwback to the type of book written “for women” in the 70’s. At least that was my feeling.

Priceless jewelry has been stolen before the Cannes Film Festival is set to begin and the rich and famous are ready to wear the jewels. This story takes place in all the high end areas you expect. Besides Cannes there is Paris and NYC. And the race is on with Ania and Jerome to find the jewels before time runs out.

What I found most interesting about this book was the writing. I am used to the writing of MJ Rose but have not read anything by CW Gortner. Each author seemed to take the role of one character, Rose with Ania and Gortner with Jerome. Each gives us a history into their lives up until the present. However, I certainly enjoyed Rose’s chapters more than Gortner’s. Gortner seemed to get stuck on certain phrases that were repeated way too often.

This book was an interesting combination of the 1970’s and 2020’s.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Though it was a quick read, it took a while for me to get into the book. The premise of The Steal is fun and exciting, but for me it did not deliver on that excitement. The pace felt jarring-it dragged in the beginning, picked up in the middle, and then ended in somewhat of a cliff hanger. It seemed like too much time was given to more mundane details and the characters behaviors were not congruent with what was laid out beforehand. I don’t think this is a book I would read again, nor would I choose to continue reading the series.

I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

#TheSteal
#CWGortner and #MJRose
#BookTour

This read was so refreshing, such fun, lighthearted with a very #yesteryear feel to it. That’s what sealed it for me.

The year is 1957 and the backdrop, the rich and famous at the #CannesFilmFestival and then in the #arrondissments of Paris, #TheSteal steals your heart as a romantic caper.

The read was fun, it was short and it brought alive the vibe of the Cary Grant - Grace Kelly film, ‘To Catch a Thief’ ( Hitchcock)

The Steal was neatly told with the right amount of trusts and romance to make you smile and turn the page. The end is a cliffhanger of sorts and was perfect to kick off the series. I’m awaiting Book 2 where our protagonists chase down the Leopard.

Thank you @letstalkbookspromo, @netgalley and @mjroseauthor for an advance digital copy and a spot on the book tour.

#TheSteal is scheduled to be published on August 10, 2021 and I wish it much success.

Pure entertainment, you’ll love it if you’re into old time Hollywood movies.

QOTD: Who is your favorite actor/actress from the old times?

My heart beats for Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.

Synopsis
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until they’re stolen.

Ania Throne is devoted to her jewelry company. The daughter of one of the world’s most famous jewelers, she arrives in Cannes with a stunning new collection. But a shocking theft by the notorious thief known as the Leopard throws her into upheaval—and plunges her on an unexpected hunt that challenges everything she believes.

Jerome Curtis thinks he’s seen it all, especially when it comes to crime. Until he’s hired to investigate the loss of Ania Thorne’s collection, his every skill put to the test as he chases after a mysterious master-mind responsible for some of the costliest heists in history—and finds himself in a tangled web with a woman he really shouldn’t fall in love with.

From the fabled Carlton Hotel to the elegant boulevards of Paris, Ania and Jerome must race against time to catch a thief before the thief catches them. With everything on the line, can they solve the steal or will the steal take more than diamonds from them?

Set in the late 1950s, THE STEAL is a romantic caper by bestselling authors C.W. Gortner and M.J. Rose..