The Thief

Michele Hauf

Apr 2017 · Lyrical Press

About this ebook

The Elite Crimes Unit works behind the scenes of Interpol—and employs some of the world’s most talented criminal minds. Because as everyone knows, it takes a thief to catch a thief—or to seduce one . . .

The old farmhouse in the French countryside is a refuge for former jewel thief Josephine Deveraux. Admittedly, there aren’t many men in the vicinity, but she has her cat to cuddle up with. It’s a far cry from her former life, constantly running from the law, and she’s enjoying her peace . . . until the intruder in the three-piece suit tackles her. He wants her back in the game, helping with a heist—and he’s not above making threats to get his way.

Little does Josephine know that notorious—and notoriously charming—thief, Xavier Lambert, is after the very same 180-carat prize she’s being blackmailed to steal. To his chagrin, he’s doing it not as a free agent, but as a member of the Elite Crimes Unit—the team he was forced to join when his brilliant career came to a sudden end. And little does Xavier know that his comeback is about to include a stranger’s kiss, a stinging slap, and a hunt for missing treasure—along with the infuriatingly sexy woman who’s outfoxing him . . .

“Hauf delivers excitement, danger, and romance in a way only she can!” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Chock-full of non-stop action and excitement . . . supremely sexy.” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars Top Pick

Ratings and reviews

Josephine Devereaux is a retired jewel thief, and after two years, an unwelcome ghost from the past resurfaces and not so kindly convinces her to steal a necklace: and Lincoln Blackwell is not a welcome sight. Josephine had been living quietly in the French countryside, but must return to Paris for the job, which will take place during a black tie charity ball. Unbeknownst to Josephine, she is not the only one after the piece of jewelry; so is legendary thief Xavier Lambert, known as Le Renard – The Fox, for his calling card. Xavier had been whisked from prison from The Elite Crimes Unit under duress, and he now steals for them in exchange for a semblance of freedom. At the ball, Xavier charmed his way in relieving the precious necklace from a countess, although I wondered how a woman would not notice a necklace removed from her person, without being otherwise incapacitated, but Xavier is no ordinary thief; he is a legend! Xavier then encounters a woman in the dark, she kisses him, and when she’s gone, he notices she left with the stolen necklace! Josephine has outsmarted her teenage idol! They have met before, but Xavier can’t seem to remember Josephine, the traitor! But Josephine was not stealing for herself, and Xavier must tell her that it’s not professional pride that has him needing to get the necklace back, it’s a question of life and death to some people! THE THIEF is a heist caper that matches the best movies of the genre, which are also Josephine and Xavier’s favourites! It’s action-packed, fast-paced, infused with a healthy dose of humour, and in a way reminded me of Mr. and Mrs. Smith on some aspects. While Josephine and Xavier run madly around Paris, the sexual tension between them mounts as they bicker, and even manage to chat civilly once in a while, and get to know each other a tiny bit better. But for people accustomed to making a living through deception, trust doesn’t come easily. THE THIEF is a romantic suspense with thieves, basically. I was a bit reckless in choosing to review this book, as I disapprove of stealing as a profession, if you will, but Michele Hauf is a favourite author of mine, and she does not disappoint. I pushed my preconceived notions out of the way, and reviewed THE THIEF objectively. THE THIEF was also a tad more violent than I would have wanted though, and I did not appreciate Gentleman Jack’s presence; I think things could have been dealt with more peacefully. But still, THE THIEF is a very entertaining read with complex and interesting characters, and quite an original premise with fun gadgets galore, and a romance where both characters have to really work at it. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

About the author

Michele Hauf has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was Dark Rapture (Zebra). France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage “write what you know,” all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.