Funny (even sexy) rom-com from the roaring 20s, where two - still married - thieves chase after the famous Valkyrie tiara.
They had married 4 years ago, after the Great War ended and people celebrated, so did they. Some champagne, some sparks, some kisses - but in the morning the now sober bride had run away.
But here are they now, chasing after the bejewelled tiara. And while they traipse all over the glamorous hotels, castles and mansions to get the tiara, they realize that they might have some more things in common. And by that I mean their sad childhoods and the hearts broken by being left out.

This novel reads like a movie - all glamorous, all glitzy, all charm. And it IS enchanting, cool and fun. Esme and Jasper have great chemistry and they simply belong together, because of all the people they could accept each other in the whole, with all the unconventional, broken and messy parts of themselves. Even in their ambitious selves!
But...you should not go into this with a strictly logical approach. This is an affair of heart. But this heist would, of course, never work in the real world and the authoress could go deeper with the psychology of the characters.
But having said all that, I still enjoyed this funny ride.

"The Winged Tiara" by J'Nell Ciesielski is a rom com thriller about a pair of jewel thieves both trying to find and steal the same thing, the winged tiara. It is set in 1920s Paris.

This audiobook seemed to be entertaining, but over time, I kept zoning out and/or falling asleep. I had to go back and listen to chapters over and over again. I got really stuck in this book. I finally finished it and appreciated the happy ending and epilogue.

I think perhaps the narrator was part of the problem. Ann Marie Gideon was the narrator for this, and she had a strong accent.

The basic story is that both Esme and Jasper are jewel thieves and both in search of the last Valkyrie's jeweled winged tiara. They actually had met and married one night 4 years previously. Then she woke up the next day and left. Now they meet again in the line of work. Sparks fly.

Characters - 4/5
Writing - 3/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 2/5
Unputdownability - 0/5
Enjoyment - 2/5
Narration - 2/5
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 19/8 = 2 3/8
Rounded down to 2 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Christian Publishing/ Thomas Nelson Fiction, for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Another great read from J'nell Ciesielski. Romantic, exciting, witty and yet full of charm. Also a tad quirky, but in a good way. It is about basically a thief and his estranged wife seeking valuable royal heirloom- and the people after them.

There's a few vague hints of Agatha Christie's Parnters in Crime or the BBC Drama Strangers on a Train here.

Anne Marie-Gideon's narration of the audiobook was so good, although I did notice as a Brit that she's not actually British. I prefer British narrators.

Thanks to Netgalley for approving me for the audiobook which is great fun.

Years after a hasty post-wartime marriage and a disappearance in the middle of the night, the two jewel thieves Jasper and Esme find themselves out to obtain the same piece, the last Valkyrie tiara. When they realize that instead of working against each other, they may need to work together, things get more complicated. Clearly, the attraction that drew them together that fateful night is still present. Will they be able to avoid the (re)budding romance and focus on their jobs or do their hearts have other plans?

I listened to this one on audiobook and enjoyed many of aspects including the setting and the main two characters. It was fun to dive into the 20s and the crime scene. I knew from the first page, when Esme and Jasper wake-up married and then she disappears that this would be a wild ride. Esme and Jasper had fun banter in each interaction. I haven't read very much historical fiction heist stories, but I did thoroughly enjoy the premise.

At times, I feel like the book dragged a little and I felt myself zoning out while listening to it. The cat and mouse felt a little repetitive as we approached the halfway part, but I do believe the book picked up its pace more toward the end. There wasn't very much character development and while I loved the banter between the two, I was hoping that something more would develop over the course of the novel.

I have heard really great things about this author, so I will definitely be picking up one of their other books in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and J'nell Ciesielski for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You like sweeping romances, you say?! Tick ✅ Heist stories?! Tick ✅ funny and tender moments sprinkled with liberalism?! You've guessed, it's another tick ✅ for this heist story for fans of historical fiction. If this hasn't convinced you so far, the 1920s atmosphere, flapper girls, gilded ballrooms juxtaposed to the more prosaic realities of post-Great-War life for the vast majority of people, with some social commentary to round it all up, should surely do it. If you're a fan of all of the above, or even one or two elements, rest assured this book will deliver.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC

Book Review: The Winged Tiara by J’Nell Ciesielski, Narrated by Ann Marie Gideon

The Winged Tiara is a captivating blend of historical mystery, suspense, and romance, and it delivered on all fronts. The characters, especially Jasper and Esme, were a delight to follow. Their banter was sharp, witty, and reminded me of the flirty back-and-forth between Bella and Dean in Supernatural. Even during tense, high-stakes moments, their playful interactions made me smile.

Esme and Jasper's dynamic as rivals vying for the tiara added an exciting layer to the story. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the way they tried to outdo each other kept me hooked. The author’s vivid descriptions made me feel as if I could see the jewels and sense the suspense as they raced to outsmart one another.

The twists and turns throughout the story kept me guessing, and there was just the right amount of romance to balance the mystery and adventure. It’s the perfect read for fans of historical fiction with a dash of romance and intrigue.

Ann Marie Gideon’s narration was excellent, bringing the characters and their world to life. Her performance made the audiobook thoroughly enjoyable and easy to follow.

Overall, I highly recommend The Winged Tiara to anyone who enjoys a good historical mystery with a touch of romance. I’ll definitely be reading more from J’Nell Ciesielski!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with this ARC audiobook!

The Winged Tiara
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this story. It did start a little slow for me. Stick with it & it will turn out to be a good book.
Fun time in our history. You could feel the time in history popping out off the pages.
Thank you NetGalley!!

The Winged Tiara offers a glittering chase through 1920s Europe, as thieves attempt to secure the legendary Valkyrie tiara. Two of the thieves turn out to be a couple—married hastily in the end of WWI celebrations and long separated—both in search of the same prize. As they encounter one another over and over in various storied locations, including the French Riviera, Venice, and Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, they banter and bicker. Both the thrill of the chase and the examination of their relationship provide an adrenaline rush to this tale. The book started strong, and then I felt like it staggered a bit, with the same try-and-fail thievery repeated in different places—but then the action shifted and the wild events that followed launched the story in a new direction. I loved the protagonists, Jasper and Esme, and their attempts to overcome past hurts and find love. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I enjoyed this Historical, action adventure, mystery, romance book. I love a good heist, witty banter, and romp across Europe and this book didn't disappoint. This book was so fun. I felt like I was right with Esme and The Phantom. I highly recommend this book if you like a fast paced read.

I know a lot of others really enjoyed this book but it just fell flat for me. I felt like it had the potential to be really good but it just didn't quite get there. The beginning started off alright but then I quickly got bored throughout the middle. The competition between Jasper and Esme to get the tiara was fun but it honestly got tiresome after awhile. Just when I was really starting to get interested, the scene changed and I had to really refocus instead of just getting caught up in the story. So parts were good but it was just a meh for me.
*2.5 stars*

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC of this book.

A Historical mystery,suspense and romance.
Love the characters,suspense,mystery, twists,adventure and bit of romance.
Really enjoyed Jasper and Esme and their relationship.
Looking forward to more with Jasper and Esme.
Narration was very good and enjoyable to listen to.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Finally!! A cute and fun historical mystery that didn't miss its mark!!

I didn't know I needed this book until I was reading this book. Narrator was excellent and the whole tone of the novel was delcious and smooth like chocolate!!

Esme and Jasper... SIGH!!! Well written and intriguing characters and the attraction between them was gone with finesse.

It was really well written for a book that straddled several genres but the balance was perfect and the whole book was entertaining as all heck!

I love historical fiction and I know some people won't read it because it comes across as "stuffy" but this book will change your mind on the genre.

4.5 stars!

The Winged Tiara
A Historical
J'nell Ciesielski, author

A darling fun story full of angst between the two main characters.....

I enjoyed this quick read. It was fast paced with a continuous action-packed plot. Occurring during the Great War, otherwise known, as World War I, Jasper and Esme play a game of chase in pursuit of the last Valkyrie tiara.

Once married, they now seek a fast divorce, as they both feel it was a rash decision on their parts and want to seek out their fortunes on their own without the accompaniment of the other. With shots being fired, arrests taking place, and that blasted diamond tiara in the hands of others, will they accomplish the task of actually obtaining the jewel? And what will happen to their personal relationship? Can it be amended or is it doomed? I highly recommend this enchanting tale to be read. You're sure to laugh at the characters antics and set on the edge of your seat while turning the next page to see what is about to happen next.

I read the book and listened to the audio while doing so. The narrator did a superb job telling the story with a full range of emotions. I enjoyed her accent. It was perfect for the story. It was a lovely after and into the night read. I was afforded an advanced reader copy of both the book and the audio book from Netgalley, the publisher and the author. I leave this review of my own volition. I do so happily. Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this novel. I have read this author for years and enjoy each book she writes. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy. I promise you'll enjoy the ride.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a bit of a cat and mouse them going on and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I love historical fiction and this was a great time period for the book to be set in.

Thank you for the advanced audio book copy. This is not my typical genre. I absolutely love this book. I look forward to reading more from this author For the audiobook, if the narrator has an accent, sometimes it’s hard to understand and follow along. But I felt this narrator wasn’t as bad as it normally is for me.

I loved the suspense, and the wit in this rivals-to-lovers-to-still-rivals battle to find the Valkyrie tiara. The story of these two competing jewel thieves is a thrilling ride that kept me hooked.

It’s 1918, and the Great War is over; Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt are celebrating with all of France. But with too much champagne and revelry, Esme finds herself in bed the following day, next to Jasper, and a wedding band around her finger.

Esme flees, knowing it’s for the best, or before he does.

Four years later, Esme and Jasper meet again. Separate employers have hired each to hunt down the Valkyrie tiara. It becomes a race across Europe as Esme and Jasper try to outmaneuver one another. This would be so much easier if Jasper and Esme weren’t still fighting feelings for one another.

With stunning historical sights and landscapes, plus plenty of action, THE WINGED TIARA is a fast-paced adventure, as much as a push-and-pull romance. The snarky yet romantic banter between Esme and Jasper adds a delightful charm to the story.

The story sparkles, much like the tiara itself. I hope there will be more of Jasper and Esme in the future.


Thank you @jnellciesielski @TNZfiction and @HarperCollins for a gifted book.

Thank you @harpercollinschristian for a gifted audiobook.

'The Winged Tiara' by J'nell Ciesielski follows to thieves-who happen to have gotten married to each other in a drunken revelry following armistice day- as they both. chase a precious tiara (and each other) across Europe. I was anticipating a more straight forward, historical fiction, heist novel, but was delighted to find 'The Winged Tiara' to be quite funny- if not a little ridiculous (the chicken??) at times. Both main characters experienced growth in their motivations and ability to trust one another. It did seem, at times, that things were going just a bit too easily for them, everything fell into place without too much need to plot or figure anything out.

I was lucky enough to review this book in audio format. Ann Marie Gideon's narration was excellent, clear, and engaging. I listen to audio books at 1.5 speed and it was very easy to follow.

Thank you to J'nell Ciesielski and HaperCollins Christian Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Oceans 11 set in post WW1 Europe. While the setting and time period was fun, the real star of this book were the MCs. I felt a deep understanding and kinship in Esme, and Jasper was a joy to get to know. The two of them together were magnificent. And Ann Marie Gideon did a beautiful job representing both characters.

It’s Armistice Day in Paris and the whole world is celebrating the end of The Great War in Paris. Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt, like many others, get carried away in the festivities and end up in a hasty wartime marriage, one that Esme wants no part of.

Raised in the East End of London by her mother, who refuses to be acknowledged as such, Esme has learned that she can only rely on herself. As a high-end thief for hire, her moral code has kept her safe in a dangerous occupation. Now, she is hunting down the Valkyrie crown for a countess, who is losing her patience, and has sent out a thug to chase her down.

Jasper has only ever wanted to have a family who wants him. Born on the “wrong side of the blanket” his high-born family has never claimed him, and that long standing rejection has put a rather large chip on his shoulder. Jasper thought proving himself as a soldier in war would change his grandfather’s opinion of him, but that proved false. Now, all his grandfather wants for his birthday is the Valkyrie crown, and Jasper also known in the heist world as Phantom, is determined to get it for him.

Two spouses, who only spent a night together, end up in a game of cat and mouse chasing after the same prize, but is the crown what either truly wants?

Ciesielski’s latest novel is a glamourous and fast paced heist novel. Though the plot is somewhat predictable, it doesn’t detract from chemistry that Esme and Jasper share. Both are both cheeky and entertaining and their romance reminds me of a historical Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Christian Publishing, and author J’Nell Ciesielski for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Winged Tiara is out now! All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun historical mystery. I loved the banter between Esme and Jasper and the way they were drawn to each other even when they wanted to only view each other as the competition. Honestly, their interactions made me think of the banter between Bella and Dean on Supernatural. Their flirty interactions, even during stressful times, made me laugh. The author has a talent for description and I could see the jewels they were talking about and feel the suspense as they tried to beat each other to win the tiara. There were enough twists to keep me guessing and to keep the story interesting. This really is the perfect book for those who like historical fiction, romance, and mysteries. I highly recommend The Winged Tiara and will definitely be reading more by this author!