Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: The Thief 
AUTHOR: Bonnie Dee
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 193 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 28, 2020
BLURB:
Street hustler Jody plays any role that will win the confidence of a mark. His sights are set on Lord Cyril Belmont, a potential ticket to financial freedom that could change Jody’s life. With a fake investment scheme in mind and larceny in his heart, he sets a snare for the wealthy gentleman.
Cyril Belmont may have a title but he’s as broke as a china plate and on the verge of selling his dilapidated country estate to start a new life in America. When his quiet, solitary life is invaded by a bright, passionate man who sets his head spinning, Cyril is ready to share whatever he has with the electrifying stranger—including the deepest recesses of his heart.
As Jody begins to cultivate inexplicable feelings for the sweet, gentle man who raises rare orchids, he intends to end his seduction and slink back to the ghetto. But then his cover is blown and the budding romance is crushed.
It takes an ocean voyage and several unexpected twists of fate to bring two strangers to a true understanding of each other and the very real bond they share.
REVIEW:
Lord Cyril Belmont is a gentleman whose fortunes have waned. He lives in London simply because his ancestral home is a crumbling disaster. He was left in a poor financial state and he’s no way to fix it. He’s to the point that he is going to be sell the estate and he’s not sure what to do about his future.
Jody Smith, aka Tobias Wentworth, is a con man. He’s been tasked by his boss with convincing Lord Belmont to invest in a phony Indian mine deal to satisfy the debt of a former classmate. He senses early on a bit if a kindred spirit. He also realizes the mark doesn’t have anything to invest. But when the plan goes awry and he’s found out, he is sorry and ashamed for the first time in his life. And he decides to move on and head into a new life in a new land.
When Jody and Cyril surprisingly meet again, their circumstances are somewhat different. Cyril is still not convinced he can trust Jody, but he does want to know and understand him. And maybe they can come to an understanding and find their futures together?
Oh this was lovely little gem of a story. Cyril is such a sympathetic character. His love of plants and his withdrawal from socializing is not lost on this reader 🙂 And orchids no less! Full disclosure: My grandmother was a grower of orchids and for those US readers – she sold them to David Letterman’s father for his floral shop in Indianapolis in the 40s and 50s 😉 Jody of course has had a much different path. But though he’s lived a hard life and has managed to scrape by after being tutored by many – some well-meaning, others not – along the way. However, when he meets Lord Belmont, he recognizes something in the man. And despite the urging of his “boss” he’s reluctant to see the con through. And when he realizes that truly there is nothing to be gained, he begins to have doubts for the first time. His dawning awareness that he might have actually feelings for Cyril is something new to him. I was cheered by his attempts to make amends and I just knew that couldn’t be the last of Cyril and Jody.
This author is a very reliable crafter of historical romances. And this offering is no exception. I really appreciate the attention to details and the glimpse of life in a time gone by. Every time I hear of the White Star Line, I’m transported to the documentaries and movies dedicated to that storied past. The strictures of the English class system are always fascinating and the amusements of the various strata are always interesting to contemplate. I loved how the men from two very different worlds were able to find their common ground, learn to trust – despite many missteps – and find a way forward. Recommended, especially for fans of historical second chances stories.
RATING: 
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