The Winged Tiara

You know that feeling when you discover a new author and think to yourself, why did it take me so long to read their books? That is how I felt only a few chapters into this story, it was so good, I was hooked immediately and officially want to read everything in Ciesielski's backlist.
The Winged Tiara was such a unique read for me. I loved the historical setting, the vibes, and the romance. It was fun cheering for Jasper and Esme who were semi-gray characters as they both were thieves trying to obtain a special winged tiara. I loved the motivations for both and oh man, their love story was really special. I was hooked and Jasper was just so patient and determined, I was happy to see Esme open her eyes a bit more to what they could be and the ending was very satisfying for me.
The dual POV was fantastic. I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. Ann Marie Gideon narrates the entire book (single narrator for both POVs), but I felt like she did really well with the characterization and inflection with the dialogue and inner thoughts that it was easy to follow along with and stay connected to the story. I recommend the audiobook version for sure.
This is a clean romance. I received an advance listening copy of this book from Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced audiobook. The narrator did a brilliant job in bring the story alive. The dialogue and characters were really well written and the banter between Esme and Jasper was both fun to listen to and kept the story and their adventures interesting and exciting. I have never read or listened to any stories from this author before, but if this novel is anything to go by I will definitely be seeking more out. It would make a fantastic film !! Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to such a great audiobook.

Title: The Winged Tiara
Author: J’Nell Ciesielski
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: Approximately 9 hours and 31 minutes
Source: Thank you @jnellciesielski @thomasnelson @austenprose for the physical review copy and @netgalley audiobook review copy of of The Winged Tiara.

What book are you most likely to gift to a friend? I like to give books to friends or family that I think they will like. Sometimes I read a book, enjoy it and immediately think of who else I know that will also enjoy the book. The Winged Tiara was a book I instantly knew a few friends and family members would enjoy.

Jasper and Esme were caught up in celebrations after the end of WWI and had a quick alcohol filled marriage. Esme slipped away the next morning. Years later, the two meet up again as both are famous jewel thieves on the hunt for the elusive winged Valkyrie Tiara. Will they find the tiara, and will they find their way back to each other?

My thoughts on this book:

• I loved the witty banter and romantic tension between the two main characters. Sparks definitely fly in this novel.
• This book reminded me of many of my favorite movies that had romantic tension, witty dialogue, a love/hate relationship, and one upmanship among the leads including To Catch a Thief, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Thin Man, or The Thomas Crown Affair.
• I loved the constant adventure with their pursuit of the winged tiara.
• The audiobook had a great narrator with unique voices for all the characters. It was so fun to listen to this audiobook!
• The narrative was fast paced.
• I loved the roaring 20’s setting among the elite and glamorous in Europe.
• This was a clean read.
• Two of my favorite tropes were in this novel including enemies to lovers and second chance romance.
• Esme and Jasper were both great characters. They were both interesting with flaws, fears, and ambitions.
• There is a nice set of discussion questions at the end of the novel which would be great for a book club.

Overall, The Winged Tiara is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend this historical romance. I would love to see this as a movie.

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.

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.

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.

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.