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TO KISS A THIEF…

Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can face the most sinister criminals in London–but the widower’s two unruly children are a different matter. Little Caitlin and Andrew go through a governess a week, sending the ladies fleeing in tears. There is, however, one woman in town who can hold her own.

Roberta “Bertie” Frasier enters Sinclair’s life by stealing his watch–and then stealing a kiss. Intrigued by the handsome highlander, Bertie winds up saving his children from a dangerous situation and returning them to their father. Impressed with how they listen to her, Sinclair asks the lively beauty to be their governess, never guessing that the uncoventional lady will teach him a lesson or two in love.

 

To hell with what they say… there’s more to Historicals then Dukes and Earls. At least that’s what Jennifer Ashley is showing me with her latest highland hero, Sinclair McBride the Barrister. Or as they call him, Basher McBride. With a nickname like Basher, I can’t go wrong.

That’s not the only unconventional approach Ashley takes in this latest book in the Mackenzie series. No, I get a heroine who’s a thief from the streets. Bertie is her name and she’s wily. Oh, so wily. These two make quite the pair. Our heroine is used to walking the grey line. Somewhere between the good and bad. She’s not a bit sigh about her origins and she doesn’t make excuses for them. What I liked about her is that she doesn’t enjoy seeing bad things happen to good people. So, when her father demands she steal something from our lovely barrister I knew it would get good.

“So, you decided to show your gratitude by pinching my watch and leading me into the arms of your ruffian friends?” He made a noise of disbelief. “If that’s your method of thanking a man, I’d hate to see ye when you’re annoyed with him.”

She didn’t smile. “I told ya, you were supposed to run. They’d have gutted you. What were you thinking? You should have just let it go.”

His temper splintered. “Why the hell should I? It’s my watch. My wife gave it to me.”

The young woman took a step back as Sinclair’s voice rose. “Yeah? You’re a rich bloke. Have her buy you another one.”

“I cannae, can I?”

“Why not?”

“Because she’s dead!”

And that, right there, ensnared me hook, line, and sinker. Basher’s not just a man who fights for justice, he’s a wounded soul who lost his wife. I don’t believe men who are hurting should be hurting for long. Bertie luckily is his perfect match. She brings a refreshing perspective to McBride and his entire family.

Now, what else? Sure, I’ve mentioned romance, but with Ashley you can expect more. There’s villains in Bertie’s would-be fiancée, McBride’s brother-in-law, and a mystery letter writer. No worries about loose ends either, Ashley delivered a satisfying wrap-up to the entire story and I was satisfied with the results.

Overall, if you want a book that takes out-of-the-box, strong characters, with a dash of romance, a little gun play, sinful bedroom romps, and a heroine who can scale walls then this is the book for you.

Reviewed by Landra
Heat Level: Hot

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