3.5 ⭐️

From the first page, Ciesielski draws the reader into the glittery, dazzling world of a Gatsby-esque 1920s, parading down European streets on a whirlwind jewel heist trip.

I appreciated the way the post-war atmosphere was framed. It was a time of forging ahead while being overshadowed by all the horror left behind. Coming off the high of Armistice Day, Esme and Jasper
meet & marry immediately… for all of one day. Only to be reunited 4 years later. Despite the insta-love it’s ultimately a story of discovering what love & commitment look like (as neither Esme or Jasper have had good marriages modelled in their lives), a tale of breaking down fears & barriers in a relationship, of removing the masks they hide behind and risking someone seeing their hearts.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.


Content: opening chapter starts with woman awaking naked in bed with a man (not descriptive and they are married); woman drugs her husband with a sleeping pill to win a contest; mild language (h and d words)

This story takes you right into Europe during the flashy 1920s. The author does an excellent job in portraying the attitudes, styles, and popular society during the time. Everything from the outfits to the smoking this book covers what you would expect from a 1920s time frame. This story reminded me a lot of the movie Fool's Gold which stars Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey only in a historical context. It is labeled as historical fiction but this story is very much a romance and boasts a silly adventure type feeling that doesn't really feel like typical historical fiction. You follow the two main characters in hijinks across countries as they lie, cheat, and steal their way through life only this time they are both looking for the same item. It is a typical lovers to enemies to lovers romp that had a bit more spice to it than I was expecting. This book is very different from the author's other novels and honestly I never know what to expect with her writing as no book is similar to the next. While I did enjoy this story for the most part, I was pretty disappointed in the character growth and lack of morals as a whole. As a reader I was frustrated most of the time with Esme and Jasper wasn't a hero I would want to look up to. It was just a bit disappointing in that aspect. The setting and silly treasure seeking adventure was entertaining.

Three Stars.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and I was not required to write a positive review."


*Please understand that this is not Christian fiction and it doesn't claim to be aside from the publisher. I read this book as if it was secular fiction because that is how it reads.

I enjoyed this story, but not quite as much as past books by this author. To be honest, I struggled to connect with the characters, but wow, the plot moved at a fun pace and I enjoyed the banter. Though this wasn't my favorite, I have loved so many other books by J'nell Ciesielski, so I'm 100% in for whatever she writes next!

“Diamonds and women are more beautiful when paired together.”

Jewel thieves competing for the same ‘heist’, the Valkyrie Tiara, keep running into each other and getting in each others way. There is something between them- and both try to deny it. What is it? They just happened to be husband and wife.

They had a hasty post-war marriage -and hadn’t seen each other for years after she disappeared the morning after their wedding.

This story is fun, full of adventure and surprises, and yes- has a unique love story with it.

I was excited to get this ebook from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

This book was amazing! J’Nell Ciesielski did such a great job with this book. It was so addictive and I could not put it down. The writing and romance was so addictive.

In THE WINGED TIARA, J’NELL CIESIELSKI has treated us to a delightful historical extravaganza that takes place in 1922 Europe and England as people try to get over the horrors of WW1. Her prose and quick dialogue is outstanding as we journey with two thieves, Esme Fox, whose beginnings were in the music halls of London’s East End, and Jasper Truit, the bastard grandson of the illustrious Duke, in search of the Valkyrie tiara. They aere both broken and suffering from the after effects of the war, and their marriage on Armistice Day in 1918 lasted only one night.
They meet four years later, both chasing after the same prize. But what are they really after?……
The pace is hectic as they evade one another, then chase after one another, until they grudgingly decide they need to work together so as not to get killed……
This is a lovely read and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

She has done it again!! I picked up a J'nell Ciesielski book last year on a whim, and she has become one of my auto-buy authors very quickly. I've devoured her backlist, and The Winged Tiara is no different. Devourable, lush, romantic, and engrossing, it's the perfect read for anyone seeking depth and complexity in their historical reading fare. HIGHLY recommended!