This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, fast-paced and held my interest. I wanted to find out what was going to happen next. I enjoyed this book and will look for other books by this author.

A very engaging (general market) historical adventure romance. Jasper Truitt and Esme Fox marry in 1918 as they celebrate Armistice Day. They are overwhelmed with emotion, attraction and champagne at the end of WWI. They marry that evening, only to have Esme sneak out early the next day. Four years later their paths cross again, where these two high-end thieves are going after the same tiara.

The Jasper Truitt and Esme Fox romance and rivalry kept me turning pages!

I can always count on captivating action/adventure/historical romances from J'nell Ciesielski!

Thank you to @jnellciesielski @thomasnelson @austenprose for my gifted copy of The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski which published on 8/13/24.

What a fun adventure! Historical fiction readers will be swept across Europe as enemy (and estranged spouses) jewelry thieves race to secure the missing Valkyrie tiara. Esme and Jasper shared one blissful, champagne-filled night together when WWI ended that led to a shotgun wedding and a morning after estrangement. Several years later, the two jewelry thieves find themselves in direct competition for the same prized tiara in a race against time.

Their reconnection is tension-filled and leads to a cat-and-mouse game from England, France, Venice to Neuschwanstein Castle (by train, boat, car and horse!) . Full of 1920's glamour, fashion, and parties, this heist book was immersive and captivating. I loved Esme's strong-willed spirit and swooned over the way Jasper could seemingly disarm and charm her with his charm and wit. As the risk and danger increased as the search for the tiara continued, the two competitors find themselves increasingly working together as partners to avoid catastrophe. Fantastic chemistry, witty banter, action-packed plot twists, and descriptive prose make this book a stand-out fun and swoony romp. This was my first Ciesielski book, and it will not be my last!

The story is a captivating cat-and-mouse tale featuring married jewel thieves in post-WWI Europe. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I struggled to root for the characters due to their questionable morals, particularly Esme's treatment of Jasper in their romantic entanglements. They wed on Armistice Day amidst the celebrations, yet Esme departed the following morning, leaving Jasper alone for four years until their paths crossed again with the intent to steal the renowned Valkyrie Tiara. Discovering that the Tiara is a genuine artifact added intrigue for me, and viewing a photograph of it enriched my reading experience. Jasper and Esme, driven by distinct motivations, traverse Europe in pursuit of the tiara. While certain segments were engaging, others bogged down my reading experience, requiring me to strive harder to continue. The author excels in depicting the era's fashions and various European settings where the chase for the Tiara unfolds, which I found particularly interesting. The narrative also explores the dynamics of Esme and Jasper's marriage, leaving me to wonder if they will ultimately divorce, a notion Esme pushes for throughout the story due to her past. Jasper was the character I somewhat favored, as his reasons for the heist seemed more reasonable, yet he remains a thief. The author's writing style resonated with me, and I plan to explore more of her works, despite the moral conflict presented by the protagonists' lifestyle as jewel thieves.

The prized Valkyrie tiara that is one of the last that were ever made plays an important role in this novel. Two jewel thieves, Esme and Jasper have no problem filching whatever their hearts desire for the lowliest of their “customers,” including the tiara. This book is set in 1918 just after the Great War, which is not often written about so I found the tale of postwar Europe to be compelling. A celebration was definitely in the cards after the war, but this couple celebrates in an unexpected way and might live to regret that moment. If you enjoy lots of verbal sparring, flirting, sparks that fly, and glittering jewels, then you will really enjoy this novel. Personally, I did get a bit weary of their constant “cat and mouse” games, but the ending had a twist that I definitely did not see coming. Please note that I had a very early Net Galley copy and I am quite sure that the final polish was lacking from this novel
I have read and enjoyed a few of her novels and The Songbird and the Spy is my favorite so far. She has a generous backlist that I intend to peruse.
I received an early e-copy copy of this book from a Net Galley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

This is my first novel by Ciesielski as a solo author, but I did read “The Castle Keepers” which she wrote in collaboration with Aimie Runyan and Rachel McMillan, which I enjoyed (and I just got approval for their next collaborative book, “The Liberty Scarf”). So, when I saw her name on this historical fiction novel, I decided to take a chance with it. Now, I don’t think I knew exactly what I was getting into here, since I wasn’t expecting so much romance or adventure, and thought I was getting more of a cozy mystery story with some crime thrown in, and a love interest.

This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy this novel, but I am of two minds here about this book. On the plus side, this story is very well written, and I liked Ciesielski’s writing style a good deal. She has a very nice way with words, and descriptions that, for the most part, gave me the types of vivid images I look for in any novel. Furthermore, for the most part, Ciesielski does how to handle pacing effectively. In addition, Ciesielski made her two protagonists quite sympathetic, which made me keep reading to find out what happened to them (and the tiara). Finally, Ciesielski does know how to dramatically draw her characters so that we can identify them as ones we’re going to like or dislike almost immediately, which is a very good thing for this type of a mystery/crime story.

On the other hand, not being one for romance novels in general, I did feel that there were times when the romance was a bit more angst ridden than it needed to be. For me, that felt like the plot sometimes got lost behind the descriptions of how each of them made the other feel, which did slow the pacing down in places (but thankfully, not when it came to the big climax). That said, I’m sure that this will not bother those who are fans of the genre, especially because there’s a whole lot of chemistry and heat going on between these two. Ciesielski makes them each a foil for the other, and their wit as well as their intelligence play off one another beautifully, while they attempt to hide their obvious attraction, while giving in to it at the same time. As far as romance tropes are concern, the love-hate one, combined with professional rivalry works pretty well here, even for me.

While all this sounds pretty good – and I’m certain that this is going to be a huge hit with a wide audience – there were a few things that bothered me here. One pet peeve – it seems that every historical fiction writer who places their characters in Paris, has them either mention or visit the Musée d'Orsay. Sorry, but no, it did NOT exist in when this book takes place. It only opened as a museum in 1986, after several decades of it being an abandoned train station. I know this for a FACT because in early 1987 I visited it during its debut year (when admission was free)! Sorry, but I had to say it. Plus, there were a few other anachronisms and inaccuracies here, which I won’t detail, but these are the little things that sometimes can make or break a book for me. However, despite these problems, which many people will easily overlook, I can still recommend this novel, but I can only give it four out of five stars.

An action filled historical romance that will have you at the edge of your seat as our star crossed lovers travel around Europe to steal a tiara . I had so much fun reading this one

4.25 ⭐️

Crisp, witty dialogue, fast paced action, a delectable rivals to more romance, and a glamorous roaring 20’s setting made the Winged Tiara an absolute favorite! From the very first I was drawn into this engaging story with estranged husband and wife jewel thieves. I loved these endearingly flawed characters who kept me on my toes as they race to find and steal the valuable Valkyrie tiara. It’s a well written, captivating novel that I can’t wait to read again.

After celebrating Armistice Day, Esme Fox was startled to wake up married. Before her new husband could open his eyes, she hurriedly left taking only their wedding photo with her. Now four years later they meet again at a wealthy heiress’ party. Both accomplished thieves, they each try to outwit the other to gain possession of the famed Valkyrie tiara. But while the chemistry sizzles between them, Esme staunchly adheres to her mother’s advice to never risk an emotional attachment.

Jasper Truitt was born on the wrong side of the blanket and has been trying to prove his worth to his grandfather ever since. Though he still dreams of the woman who captured his heart four years ago, he’s learned to stifle his feelings until he sees her again. As the Phantom, he’s developed an infamous reputation as a jewel thief & this time, the prize is personal. He’ll go to any lengths to get it even if it means working with his estranged wife. Unfortunately, there are others who are after it as well & it’ll take both of their skills to get it.

I loved this book! From the 20’s lingo to the exciting race to get the tiara to the sizzling attraction and exquisite fashion, this book was impossible to put down. I loved the complicated relationship between Esme & Jasper. Both grew up in difficult circumstances which leads to a commiserating understanding between them. Unfortunately, being vulnerable is not Esme’s strong suit and so the battle for the tiara as well as Esme’s heart is fierce. But, I was here for all of it & enjoyed every minute. I also enjoyed the side characters, even the infuriating Lamb. I’m hoping the author considers turning this into a series. I’d love to read more about Esme’s and Jasper’s adventures.

Highest of recommendation to historical romance fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

J'nell Ciesielski is a masterful writer. While reading The Winged Tiara, I accurately predicted pretty much everything that was going to happen, but that did not bother me at all because her writing keeps you wrapped up in the story and her beautifully complex characters.

Prepare to be transported to post-WWI in this romantic jewelry heist adventure! This was a fun romp of a heist - I loved the husband/wife competition between Jasper and Esme as they fought to find the tiara. Venturing throughout Europe was grand and I appreciated that while WWI was mentioned this story took place a few years after the war had ended and we got more of the glitz and glam from the 1920's. I really enjoyed how Esme's character changed throughout the story and Jasper - well, he was just too dashing. *Swoon*
I could picture this book in my head as a movie and overall enjoyed the story.

This was a fun historical romance/ jewelry heist story . I’f you like movies like the Thomas Crown Affair or the Italian Job and want some 1920s and romance thrown in, make sure to get a copy . I read it in one sitting - I loved all the different places our duo travelled to in search of the winged tiara ( Paris .. Venice … Neuschwanstein Castle etc) ; both Jasper and Esme were damaged in their own way; their chemistry was great and I felt like I was watching a movie reading this !

Such a fun read.

I love the historical aspects to this book, set right after WWI right as we enter the roaring 20s. You can tell the author researched this era because it came alive on the page.

The story is interesting and intricate. I love the way the the story works with the characters to add depth and layers. The characters are strong and well-developed. Esme is a gem. She is no nonsense and her banter is amazing. Her chemistry with her husband, Jasper, is fun and flirtatious. The pace of the story is also well done. It speeds up and slows down with the action and helps to further immerse the reader in the story.

The ending ties together all the loose ends and is HEA that satisfies and leaves us wanting more.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for an ARC of this story.

📖🎧 Book Review 🎧📖 It’s always a real treat to review both a book by reading and listening simultaneously for a truly immersive experience! Imagine being on the greatest chase of your life to steal a tiara while running from the worst decision of your life. After over-imbibing on Armistice Day, Esme immediately regrets marrying Jasper and disappears for the next four years…until their paths cross when they are both after the winged tiara. J'nell Ciesielski’s writing is beautiful, captivating, and sharp, bringing us on an exhilarating journey..

Review is on Goodreads and will be posted on instagram closer to publication date and on Amazon when published!

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for access to this arc.

This was fun. There are loads of zingers and quips, delicious historical clothing details, and lots of European scenery. But – for the historical sticklers (and I am one of them) it ends with a doozy of a “not possible in any authentic historical” mistake. I love Jasper and Esme to death but no, this could never have happened.

After the prologue, the story starts quickly. Esme and Jasper have both been “hired” to find the same thing – a fabulous “winged” tiara that was created decades earlier after the Wagner craze caused by the Ring operas. Both have legitimate and personal reasons. Esme was brought up in the theater of the East End by a single mother actress. Esme has scrabbled to get out of that gutter and if stealing things for grasping 1%ers lets her live a comfortable life, she’ll steal.

Jasper is the bastard son of a bastard son of a Duke. Jasper also grew up poor until “Duke” (as he calls his grandfather) began to show some interest in him, finally teaching him gentlemanly things although still letting Jasper know that he is not worthy of the family name. Now Jasper hopes that by finding this priceless object and returning it to his grandfather, he might finally secure a place and be accepted.

For the first part of the book, trailing the tiara seems more of an excuse to toss Esme and Jasper back together as they try to outwit each other. They’re both intelligent and have been stealing things across Europe long enough that they can quickly regroup, plot a new strategy, and be off again with little time lost. This also gives readers a great view of 1922 when flappers were in style, people smoked and people drank – a lot.

Then the action shifts to England and Esme’s tough mother appears a few chapters before Duke finally pops up in person. Neither of them are really nice people but at least, for me, Maud has some excuse as she’s made something of herself in the face of all the men taking from her. But what about the romance between Esme and Jasper? It’s clear to readers that they actually do love each other even if initially they are both prepared to pip the other to the post when it comes to bagging the tiara. I got a bit more annoyed with how long Esme continues to deny her feelings and puzzled later on by how Jasper appears to do a (temporary) volte face. I’m not really sure the plot needed it but there it was.

There are some moments of quiet reflection on their lives sprinkled throughout but really this one is all about the froth and the repartee. I wondered how Jasper’s journey would end. Part of me wanted one thing and part of me wanted the opposite. Either would have been okay but when things played out, I realized how I wanted things to end. The epilogue, dragged. But overall, I still enjoyed the fizz and fun. B

Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt have a whirlwind romance and wedding at the end of the Great War. But the next morning reality hits Esme and she gathers her belongings and leaves before her new husband can stop her. Four years later Jasper has made a name for himself as a jewel thief in the underground world. In his pursuit of a one-of-a-kind winged tiara called the Valkyrie, he comes face-to-face with his estranged wife, who also happens to be in search of the tiara. She vanishes into the night, but this isn’t the last time they see each other. A cat and mouse game unfolds across Europe. One that brings them together over and over again. But only one can succeed in capturing the Valkyrie. And with a hitman on their tail and feelings starting to grow it’s becoming harder and harder to imagine that one of them will have to lose.

This was such a fun book! Esme and Jasper’s epic cat and mouse game was so enjoyable. They have great banter and surprise each other in such fun and unexpected ways. And the game just reminds them of why they got married so quickly in the first place and that maybe they should give it another try. But lessons learned in childhood and hurts from those they thought were family prevent both of them from taking that leap. They needed to sort that out first and I love how all that panned out with their families.

This book packs in a sweet slow burn romance, trickery, thievery, and a few eccentric characters to keep you entertained. But also, some trigger-happy characters that keep you on your toes and make you nervous waiting for when they will show up next. So much enjoyable storyline and fun places explored. I really enjoyed this. It's enough romance for the romance reader but also so much more with the jewel thieving and difficult/unusual family situations. So good!

If you’re looking for a historical book that takes you across Europe in a cat and mouse chase full of bantery goodness and romance, then this book might be for you.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Winged Tiara is a fascinating story of a post war culture. The vivid writing style immediately transports the reader back in time to a vivid, lush fairy tale world which existed just a few years ago. The reader will enjoy the characters and plot as an estranged married couple finds each other again and learns to give love another chance. I give this book 3 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

J’Nell Ciesielski begins her latest novel The Winged Tiara on the day after Armistice Day in 1918. Femme fatale Esme Fox wakes from a delicious dream about a handsome man. She can linger no longer in the fantasy: a hangover has other plans. Esme holds her throbbing head in her hands and sees a ring on a certain finger. What happened yesterday?

Esme pieces together what happened after meeting a returning soldier. In Paris, people spilled out into the streets and celebrated the signing of the agreement to end four long years of the Great War, World War I. She and Jasper Truitt went from strangers to husband and wife in a whirlwind courtship. Both were zozzled when they married. But Esme refuses to be tied down. Sick as she is, she pulls herself together and hightails it out of the hotel room. She leaves the ring, takes the cannoli. Just kidding. She takes a photo taken of the happy couple as she leaves. Jasper wakes wifeless and finds only a gold band. He will carry that band and look for his wife in the faces of strangers for four years.

The reader learns how suited they are for one another. They just don’t know that yet.

Background on the Characters

Esme and Jasper are highly skilled thieves. They love a good heist, pinching everything from an apple to food tins, art and artifacts, rare and royal jewelry, and dancing girls in their skivvies. (Jasper nicked that last one for soldiers in the trenches.) Each has a past that aids them in their life of crime.

Esme grew up with her mother Maud, known as Mimsy, who performed on East End stages and now owns the Scarlet Crown theater. Esme knows a thing or two about donning disguises and quick costume changes. She can pull off any character needed for success in a heist and in life. She can glide like a duchess through a ballroom, or blend seamlessly in the background as a servant.  Jasper grew up the bastard son of a bastard son of the 7th duke of Loxhill. His grandfather the Duke gave Jasper a formal education and even took him on a coming-of-age tour of the continent. He just won’t give Jasper the Roxburgh name. Jasper is infamously known as the “Phantom,” and his “gifts” were put to good use during the war. But that moniker also led to his arrest.  

Like Sherlock Holmes and Leroy Jethro Gibbs (NCIS lore), Jasper and Esme have rules they follow. Unlike the former Victorian-era detective and the Navy cop, they choose to use their skills for nefarious reasons. Jasper’s rules are:

1. Keep it entertaining. 2. Don’t make enemies. 3. Don’t allow the game to be personal. 4. Appear confident in all situations. 5. Know the staff of an establishment by name. 6. The truth is not an accusation. 7. Never blame circumstances; blame your own abilities.

Esme’s list is shorter: 1. Have no entanglements. 2. Depend only on herself. 3. Never let a handsome face trick her into taking her eyes off the prize. And most importantly - 4. Don't become her mother.

The Plot

Despite the fear of going back to jail, Jasper is on the hunt for the last Valkyrie tiara ever made by Pierre Cartier. The tiara’s coiled-wire springs on the wings appear to move with the wearer.  Framed in gold and silver, the ethereal Viking-inspired headpiece has 2,500 cushion-shaped diamonds and can be disassembled and worn as brooches. Jasper’s friend and former comrade Desmond Walsh tells him about a rumor that an aristocrat had the tiara made for his mistress, an Italian opera singer. When he married, he took it back for his bride.

Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the Cote d'Azur (photo credit)

Jasper and Mond attend a party thrown at Madame Rothschild’s Villa Ephrussi in the French Riviera (see the real villa to the right.) The men gaze on enchanting costumed ladies who fairly float toward them, wearing exquisite jewelry: Empress Josephine’s sapphire-and-diamond parure; Catherine the Second’s crown and scepter; the Bagration Tiara; and the pièce de resistance – the Valkyrie tiara.

Seeing his prize, Jasper calculates how he will seduce the woman wearing the tiara. She wears huge white wings and has her dark hair in a ‘20s bob. She smiles as she makes her way toward him. Recognition dawns – Esme. How’s that for a reunion?

Upon inspection of the tiara, Jasper tells Esme it is a fake. Her employer Countess Rossalini Accardi has a jeweler confirm this – and she is homicidally livid. She has dastardly deeds in mind for this tiara. The countess demands Esme find the tiara, and she sends Gio Pirazzo, her henchman, as incentive to succeed. Scary dude lurks in the background and threatens to strangle Esme…on repeat. I think he’d rather strangle her than allow Esme to continue the search.

Jasper thinks Esme is his only rival for this famed tiara, but he learns from a collector in Venice that a no-necked, egg-headed prankster named Lamb is after it as well. Felipe Auguste Constantine Lambert Boisseau is this wealthy Prussian who wants to add the Valkyrie tiara to his collection mostly to thwart the best of the best thieves: “the Phantom and the Fox.” Instead of a guard dog, Lamb hilariously owns a guard Silkie named Lettie who is straight out of Despicable Me 2. (Made me think of El Macho and his guard chicken, Pollito.)

The hunt for the Valkyrie tiara begins for the lovers-turned-enemies. They follow the clues across Europe while pursued by Pirazzo and the impish prankster Prussian in pursuit. The duo double-crosses each other, flees from and finds each other again. They will pair up later, but not before an exciting, fast-paced cat-and-mouse game.

My Review

I enjoyed spending time in the Roaring Twenties with Jasper and Esme. I’m used to leading ladies and gents with virtues more than vices, but I rooted for these crooks just the same. In her fight to survive a hard life, Esme brooks no weaknesses. She smiles in the worst of circumstances. She works hard to stay in control. And she sounds like a dapper darling no matter what happens with her sleek black bob and high-end wardrobe. She is a 1920s fashion plate, like Louise Brooks.

True-to-life locations and historical figures add realism to Ciesielski’s clean, historical romance. The Valkyrie Tiara exists. German Composer Richard Wagner’s third act in his opera Der Ring des Nibelungen is “The Ride of the Valkyries.” His opera elicited a desire for all things Viking in the fashion world. A goddaughter of Queen Mary, the late Mary Crewe-Milnes, a real Duchess of Roxburghe, commissioned the Valkyrie tiara in 1935, based on those famed Valkyries of Norse mythology. Valkyries were powerful women who served Odin and were "the choosers of the slain." They decided whether a warrior who died was worthy of Valhalla where Viking warriors go in the afterlife. (If you’ve seen Thor: Ragnarök, then you know a bit about the Valkyries.) When I searched for the Valkyrie myself, I found a Canton, Ohio, connection. The 25th U.S. President William McKinley's wife Ida Saxton McKinley had a similar tiara.

Ciesielski is an excellent wordsmith and storyteller. She slowed down scenes to build tension. She appealed to all the senses. I could slink alongside Esme and Jasper at these grand European locations. I found only one example of what’s called on-the-nose writing about Mimsy lighting a cigarette and smoking. Most adults know about cigarette holders, how to light a cigarette, and how to smoke one. Esme and Mimsy then talk about smoking and making rings or something. I would cut that, but that’s just me. I wish I could quote from this work though. I would include quotes here of sentences that I thought sang off the page. Beautiful writing overall.

My fly-on-the-wall status enabled me to listen in on Esme and Jasper (alone or together) planning how they would steal this tiara. Their growing interest and true affection led to passion, which made for a thrilling treat of a tale. Their scents showed up before they did in their pursuit of the tiara, so I knew they had to be nearby. I thought maybe the two forgot their mission of retrieving the tiara and decided to chase each other. But hurt people, hurt people.

Themes in The Winged Tiara to Explore

Themes to consider when you read this novel begin with masks and mirrors. Jasper and Esme know about the existence of their personal masks and each other’s masks. They also see themselves reflected in the other, a mirror to themselves, their heart’s desires and needs. They refuse to acknowledge those needs, their brokenness, and the walls they’ve erected. The masks skip and all they need do is scale those walls, but will they?

Feather sighting are everywhere in this tale. I counted 40 feather references. Esme wears wings that have white feathers on the catwalk as she wears the winged tiara with its faux feathers. Wings with feathers show up on another aristocrat’s wife wearing the winged tiara. Feathers are in bandeau-style headpieces, in lapels, on a ringmaster’s whip. Peacock feathers, feathered turbans, guard-chicken Lettie’s silky feathers show up. A feather boa interferes with Jasper’s interrogation of Esme in a costume closet at one point. Thrown in for good measure are feathery expressions.

Someone could write an excellent literary critique on either of those themes. I would consider the feathers in the novel. (Hint: Use the Kindle search feature and you’ll find the feathers faster.) Feathers after all pertain to birds, flight, and freedom. But just how free are our lovebirds? That’s the question.

I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read and review this novel that reminded me of stars of Turner Classic Movies. I received a complimentary advance reader copy of “The Winged Tiara,” set to release on Aug. 13.

Look at that gorgeous cover!! I’ve seen this one billed as “The Great Gatsby meets Ocean’s Eleven” and I think it fits. Esme and Jasper are jewel thieves competing to locate the infamous Valkyrie tiara for different clients. Did I mention that they are married but haven’t seen each other since Esme snuck out on their wedding night four years prior? In her defense, they did meet and get married all in the same day.

This was such a fun book! I’d say it’s part historical fiction, part romance with a game of cat and mouse. I enjoyed the chase throughout Europe in the early 1920s. Who will get the tiara and will they remain married in the end? Highly recommend!

I loved this story! Witty banter. Rival jewel thieves. Yearning. Villains. Elaborate parties to forget hard times. A collision course for Esme and Jasper. Love those two! I want more of their stories!

This book starts with the burst and fizz of a cool glass of champagne sliding down your throat. The bursts of flavor popping as I was thrust into the lives of Esme and Jasper. The details are exquisite, I could picture myself among the insanely rich. Who love to show off just how much money they have. Each topping the other parties. Making them more spectacular and over the top as the last. Trapeze artists flying through the air, fire eaters, the glitter jewels wrapping each woman from head to toe. Did I mention the Valkyrie, the winged tiara that is dripping in diamonds? Making it seem like it is a glowing beacon, especially to those who are trying to steal it! Esme and Jasper are just to name two.

Four years ago, Esme slinked out of her and Jasper's marriage bed. The end of The Great War and too much champagne led to a night where they both said yes before they could figure out who the other was. Fast forward to four years and Jasper and Esme finds themselves running into each other constantly. Both are seeking to steal the prized Valkyrie. It is a fast-paced game of cat and mouse. Each trying to leave the other in the dust and the other always showing up at the most inopportune times. Who will come out the winner in this glittering hunt? Will it help their relationship prosper or will it wither and die?

This one kept me on my toes. I loved the details that went into the insane parties. Everything over the top, nothing out of reach for the rich. The attraction these two feel for one another adds another deep layer. The way in which Esme and Jasper transverse both the world of the rich and the world of the black-market is fun to watch unfold. Thank you to J'nell Ciesielski and Thomas Nelson for my #gifted copy!