Jennifer Youngblood

3 1/2 stars

After reading False Illusions, I was excited to read To Steal a Heart, the next book in the Honeysuckle Island series. Suspense, mystery, hidden identity, and a series of high end thefts make this book a fun read that kept me turning the pages.

Arden is not only a wealthy heiress, but also a talented best selling author. Because of her wealth, she’s often been the target of fortune hunters. Her brash grandmother whom she often clashes with has a great nose for frauds and often offers Arden unwanted advice on her suitors.

Hoping to find a “normal” guy, she takes a dancing class while researching her next book, and hides her real identity. She meets a handsome guy named Crew who appears to be what she’s always wanted in a man. As they grow closer, Arden struggles with keeping the truth from him. But, Crew is hiding his own secrets. What will happen when everything is revealed, especially when an expensive mask goes missing?

This book had plenty of twists and turns. While it took a while for me to get into, once I became invested in the story, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed Arden’s spunk. I did find her crassness at times a little off putting and she and Crew both acted younger than I thought they were. They talked like teenagers sometimes rather than mature adults.

While this wasn’t my favorite book of the series, I enjoyed the twists. Recommend to YA mystery readers and romantic suspense fans. There’re also brief mentions of faith woven into the story that Christian romance fans will enjoy. Though part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from Book Sirens. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.… (mehr)

This is the first book I’ve read in the Honeysuckle Island series and I was completely drawn into the story. The first part was a bit confusing, but I think that’s because I wasn’t familiar with the previous books. Once I got into the story, it was hard to put down. The characters were engaging and the mystery was good.

Olivia’s life has been difficult ever since her law enforcement fiancé was murdered. When she meets Flynn during a routine traffic stop, there’s an immediate attraction, however she’s not looking to get involved with another cop, especially with a two year old son to think of. Her friend Arden talks her into going out with him though. Fast forward a year later, and things are definitely serious.

When her family’s art gallery is in trouble, a wealthy artist offers a financial rescue if Olivia agrees to come to California and work for him for just 6 weeks. Olivia reluctantly goes for her family’s sake, but things between her and Flynn are strained.

When she arrives in California, she’s upset to learn that instead of having her own apartment, she’s staying in the family’s mansion and doesn’t have access to a car. Everything is provided for her. When she meets Xavier, she’s stunned to learn she could be an identical twin to his dead wife. As Xavier behaves more and more strangely towards her, she doesn’t know if it’s just his grief, or something more sinister. There are a series of disturbing events & misunderstandings with several characters who may not be all they seem. The ending is definitely heart-pounding.

I enjoyed Olivia’s relationship with Flynn. Their meet cute was so fun! I did grow a little frustrated with Flynn’s inability to understand Olivia’s POV and Olivia’s reluctance to commit. Because of how her previous fiancé died, it’s completely understandable. I just wish they would have communicated better. I did like the way they each grew while Olivia was away.

I enjoyed the story and the mystery. One thing I found confusing is there’re a few jumps in the timeline. At one point, the book skips to one year later, but then later on we’re reliving Olivia’s first date with Flynn. It’s explained later, but at first I found it a little jarring. There were also some phrases I found unusual like “laughter slurped from her lips.”

Then there’s Xavier. He is one creepy dude. Though he’s extremely wealthy, he gives off that stalker vibe and it’s hard to know if his moods and attraction to Olivia are because he’s missing his wife or if he really has some major issues. The side characters Merla and Ingrid add to the drama and mystery. The conclusion was extremely suspenseful.

All things considered, an enjoyable mystery & clean romance. I’m definitely going to read the other books in the series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through Book Sirens. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.… (mehr)