Miss Genevieve Wilde will do anything to get her father’s missing watch back, even hiring a thief-taker. Former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on her doorstep and immediately frustrates her with how unpredictable he is. Insisting on working with the man, Ginny soon learns her father’s watch is just part of a larger plot against her and her life is in danger.

This story is told from Genevieve’s point of view, which is a shame. I was intrigued by Jack Travers and his work as a thief-taker, and found him to be the more interesting character. In my opinion, Genevieve’s headstrong nature made her difficult to like, especially as I didn’t understand why she didn’t trust anyone.

The plot felt slow in places, but otherwise moved at a good pace. The cover has to be my favorite part. It is so beautiful! It caught my eye right away.

I would recommend this to readers looking for a Regency romance with a smidge of adventure. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. ( )

Hold on tight! This amazingly witty, swoony, enemies to lovers, Regency mystery/romance by Joanna Barker will take you on a ride that’ll have you swooning and anxiously turning those pages. I absolutely adored this book! From the fantastic characters and clever, flirty banter, to the compelling mystery, this story had it all.

Miss Genevieve Wilde, now the owner of Wimborne Manor, is trying her best to keep everything up and running. When her cherished watch left to her by her late father goes missing, Ginny seeks help from the man who took over her father’s magistrate position. Finding her concerns not taken seriously, she places an advertisement in the newspaper and hires an ex-Bow Street Runner/thief-taker to find it.

Jack Travers is the epitome of the handsome rogue. From his winning smile to his flirty banter, it’s all Ginny can do to not be constantly exasperated by the man. But Jack is good at what he does and takes her stolen watch and the threats she’s been receiving seriously. As the two work together to solve the mystery, they get more than they bargained for as every person in her sphere becomes a suspect, from household staff, to even her own half sister. When the threats escalate, Jack and Ginny find themselves fighting for Wimborne and their lives.

Loved Ginny & Jack! Take “The Duke” from Miss Scarlet and the Duke and combine him with Flynn Rider from Tangled, and you have Jack! His charm and good looks make him impossible to ignore. But, Ginny’s his match in every way. Where’s he’s unpredictable and elusive, she’s stubborn and willful. They definitely make a dynamic combination. And, when they find themselves hiding in a tree together, the passion that erupts between them is sizzling.

The story is uniquely told from Ginny’s perspective which prevents us from knowing what Jack or anyone else is thinking. We’re limited to her observations and experiences which adds to the mystery. I enjoyed trying to figure out “whodunnit,” and while my suspicions were mostly correct, I enjoyed watching the whole story play out to its thrilling conclusion. It’s a captivating, suspenseful, romantic, clean Regency mystery that will leave you wanting even more. Highly recommend! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own and voluntarily offered. ( )

What a perfect blend of historical romance and mystery! The characters are endearing and relatable, the premise is creative, the writing flows well, and the story kept me engaged and turning pages. Soon after Genevieve Wilde inherits her father’s estate, things begin to go wrong. When her father’s beloved watch disappears, she hires investigator Jack Travers to find it. Jack is a fantastic hero—handsome, charismatic, and capable. I enjoyed the interaction between Jack and Ginny as they try to solve the mystery. With Barker’s signature wit and humor, this is a delicious and charming story that will delight lovers of clean and wholesome Regency romance. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( )

This was a really fun Regency adventure/romance! I enjoyed the characters and the banter. There's a bit of a mystery hanging over them, although one that's not overly difficult to see through. Still, it was entertaining to be along for the ride.
Genevieve, the heir to her father's estate, is having a rough time. All is not going well with the management of the property, and then her father's watch, her prized heirloom, goes missing. When she can't get the local magistrate to take it seriously, she decides to hire a "thief-taker," which raises eyebrows in all the wrong ways. Thief-takers have the most dubious of reputations and are often nearly as much trouble as the thieves they are hired to find. But when Jack shows up in answer to her summons, he tells her he prefers to be called a "special investigator" and goes on to up-end all her expectations. A pleasant read, with a nice balance of lightness and heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this digital review copy! ( )

A Heart Worth Stealing, is a romance, suspense, mystery, and page turner. Yes, I need to find answers, and although I had my suspicions, I was partly right, but there is so much more.
This is a story about a family, sisters, but no relationship, a story of a missing watch, that becomes so much more, but brings in a thief taker aka as a private investigator! Wow, there is so much action, and seems everyone is under suspicion, including the help.
This is Genevieve and Jack's story, but it is also Catherine and Genevieve's and their father.
We begin looking for a watch, but then there is vandalism, and arson, guns being fired, and then we wonder whom will survive!
I loved this story, it kept my attention from beginning to end, and then I still wanted more!
I'll be look for more ready by Joanna Barker!
I received this book through the Publisher Shadow Mountain, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )