What an absolute delight of a book! Sarah Eden’s The Gentleman and the Thief is a quick and enjoyable read with characters that are so well developed and likable that they’ll feel like friends, and a plot that is so well done and intriguing it’ll pull you right in. I absolutely loved the DPS and their interactions. I enjoyed Hollis and Ana’s characters, interactions, and relationship. The events in the book moved quickly, but everything made sense. The overarching conflict was an intriguing one, adding drama, suspense, and mystery.

My only gripe with this book is that it should be made clear there is a book that comes before, where you are introduced to many of the characters and to that overarching conflict mentioned above. Despite this, I didn’t really feel lost, just left out of a good story. I don’t generally go back and read a previous book if I accidentally entered at a later book, but I may just do so here, purely for entertainment. I anxiously await the next book in this series, but I will caution the author not to drag this story out too long!

A penny dreadful love story. From the moment Anna and Hollis meet, their course is set. Both concealing shameful parts to their identity while trying to restore their family names and fortune, Hollis and Anna must find a way to be honest with each other if their love is to be realized. When a suspicious group moves across the street from Anna's family home, it will take Hollis, Anna and the Penny Dreadful societies collective efforts to get to the bottom of things.

Recommended for fun, adventurous, clean reading - 4 STARS

This is my first time reading a book by this author and steps outside my normal choice of faith-filled stories. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Besides the book itself, there are 2 penny dreadful stories within this book. That was great fun as I found myself wanting to find out what would happen next within those!

London, 1865 - "Hollis Darby learned two things at the knee of his not-so-dear, long-departed, low-life, scoundrel of a father: how to gamble beyond what was advisable and how to be an utter disappointment to his family.

"FOR THE POOR AND INFIRM, THE HOPELESS AND VOICELESS, WE DO NOT RELENT. WE DO NOT FORGET. WE ARE THE DREAD PENNY SOCIETY."

Very Merry was a delight - "Holis dropped his face into his hands. "How often do you hide in this room?" She Shrugged. "I like scones.""

"Thieves. Missing brothers. Shady games of chance. London was many things, but it certainly wasn't boring."

I was gifted an eBook from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

I have already posted to GoodReads. REVIEWS WILL BE POSTED TO MY BLOG, AMZN, B&N, BAM, GOOGLE PLAY BOOKS, KOBO CLOSER TO THE NOV. 3RD RELEASE DATE. Thank you :)

Sarah has done it again. This novel was beautifully written. The characters we first met in The Lady and The Highwayman have returned for another great story. I appreciated the relationship that built between Hollis and Ana. I love that Sarah includes chapters containing penny dreadful written by Hollis (as Lafayette Jones) as well as a new one from Mr. King. Having these alternating chapters has been a new experience with this series from Sarah but it's been an absolute delight to experience the different stories all in one book. I loved the development of Ana's character as the story progressed.

I absolutely loved this story. Sarah M. Eden has such a way with world and relationship building, and she shows her skill throughout this story. I was both engaged in the plot and invested in Hollis and Ana's relationship from beginning to end.

Ah, yes. The characters. What to say? Hollis is pretty two dimensional, isn't he? Rather dull, right? Hah. Not even. Hollis is a brilliantly talented man who everyone overlooks due to (1) his quiet dependability, and (2) station in life. He holds a (somewhat tenuous) position in society and many in the Dread Penny Society tend to write him off as less than useful in their more active escapades. In this story we learn that there is so much more to Hollis (Mr. Lafayette Jones) than what first meets the eye. The same could be said for Ana, but I won't go into that as I don't want to spoil the fun. Let's just say she is a lady of many talents.

Facades feature prominently in the story. A number of individuals appear to be fine at a superficial level, but we learn later that they are barely hanging on, either emotionally or financially. This is a timely reminder for us today: to invest in our relationships and not depend solely on outward impressions.

It is wonderful to see relationship growth between the two brothers and to also watch the Dread Penny Society's estimation of Hollis grow as the story progresses. The story has a great payoff in the end, and I really hope we get to see Hollis and Ana in future Dread Penny Society novels. It still feels like there is more to their story, and I want it all!

Side note: there is a scene in the novel where we get to view a card sharp at work and it is absolutely fascinating! I love the details in that scene; it's fast paced and absolutely engrossing.

I cannot wait for this title to release so I can grab a copy for my collection. Such a fun read.

Thank you, publisher and author, for granting me an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 ⭐️ out of 5 ⭐️
This was such an interesting premise. A music teacher moonlighting as a thief? A gentleman moonlighting as a penny dreadful writer/spy? Um, yes please. But to be perfectly honest this was just okay for me. They were a bit insta-lovey in some ways, but that didn't bother me toooo much.

It took me a while to get into the writing style and also I did frequently get confused by the various concurrent plots (within the penny dreadfuls and the actual)....I liked that it was trying to enrich the text and the story with what the DPS members were writing about, but I felt as though it almost detracted from the story a little bit.

Hollis and Ana were definitely well-matched and cute together, but I didn't feel as though their chemistry was as well built up as it could have been.

I will say though, that I will look into the first book in the series as I would love to see how Elizabeth first joined the DPS and got together with Fletcher!

Note: I was very kindly gifted an ARC of this novel by the publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book was so well written and intriguing and just draws the reader in. The heroine is the daughter of a merchant whose partner stole from the company, escaped with the funds and left her father to pick up the pieces. She now works for a school for urchin children and her father lives in a single room of the large house they still own. The hero is the younger son of a family who is part of the ton, but not titled. He is a secret writer of children serials and adult books and uses a 'nom de plume'. They meet at the school for urchins and they are attracted to each other. The heroine feels that she is too low in society and the hero feels that he lacks the means to support her. This sounds just like any other similar story, right? Well, keep reading because the story takes a hard left into secrets and intrigue and the reader happily follows along. I must say with all.of the story plots and twists, this author shows a master of storytelling dexterity that keeps.the story on point and makes sense. I can give a handful of authors who can't do that and I have read 4 this week so far. I will not reveal any more spoilers or cliff hangers, for I recommend that you obtain this story and read it. The twists and turns are gripping, but the plain writing of the settings and characters and realistic situations are sublime. And you know what, thinking back, I do not think there was a sex scene, or if there was, it was not the focus of the book. What a blessed change from the vapid choices that romance readers face. The characters were likeable and grew in the story. I give this book 5 stars and a hearty recommendation to read.

3.5 Stars

This was a really sweet, charming heartfelt romance with a transportive Victorian setting!

This was a fun idea, which I think I may have enjoyed more if I'd read the first in the series. I liked the Penny Dreadful stories intermixed and how they fit thematically with the main story. I never felt fully engaged in any of the characters' lives though, and no suspense making me "need" to read the next installment.

The Gentleman and the Thief was a clean and fun new romance with a twist. I love all things English and found the writing to be light and fun but also intelligent. it was a bit slow pace for me personally but in the end I really enjoyed it.

thank you

Mysteries blaze bright, but the romance barely sizzles in The Gentleman And The Thief by Sarah M. Eden. 

Hollis is a young man who's family fortune has been gambled away by his predecessors. With his family name on the brink of falling completely in the gutter, Hollis pretends. He pretends to be a member of polite society while hiding the fact that he writes penny dreadfuls (completely untoward for a gentleman in the 1800's London). He is also a member of a secret association, the likes of which see it as their duty to rescue children from the streets and generally make London less seedy. 

Ana is a young woman with a soiled family name. Her father, who came from little, made a good investment, only to see it stolen away from him. Now she teaches at a school, and by night, she thieves back family heirlooms that were taken from them when the fallout happened. 

These two characters meet, and while it is clear they have growing affections, the more focused plot is that of an underground gambling den tricking their way into the deep pockets of the wealthy families, sometimes to the point of ruination. A link develops between Hollis's secret society, Ana's family downfall, and the underhanded cheats of London thugs. 

Focusing on these characters who are decidedly middle class is an exceptional idea. More often than not, period pieces lean either to the rich or the incredibly poor. Ana and Hollis are exquisite little characters with no flaws, perhaps a flaw in and of itself. The sweetness of their merits may be written to counteract the sordid aspects of the novel; only, even those parts aren't all that terrible either. 

Eden uses alternating voices throughout the story, which slowly mingle together, drawing Hollis and Ana closer and closer. Also included in the novel are two penny dreadful tales written by characters within the book. They are distracting and superfluous. These little tales interrupt the flow of The Gentleman And The Thief, even if they might be quite interesting by themselves. 

Overall The Gentleman And The Thief is splendidly pert. There's a sprinkle of mystery, courtship, and adventure all over the pages, and a jolly cast of characters. The villains aren't precisely villainous enough, and the romance isn't exactly romantic enough, but overall, Sarah M. Eden delivers a charming, lively novel.

I really enjoyed this story about a gentleman hiding his true profession as a penny dreadful writer and a thief working to steal back the family heirlooms that were stolen from her. Hollis is the perfect gentleman, but he secretly spends his time with people Society has written off and works to save young children from terrible futures. Ana's family was once a part of the very Society she now works for, but when they fell on hard times, everyone turned away from her and they lost everything. She refuses to allow that to stand.

Together, these two will work to uncover truths, help those who need them, and perhaps fall in love along the way. They are adorable, and all the side characters are so great. I really enjoyed this story!

I enjoy Sarah Eden's novels and this series is especially fun because it's more lighthearted than her others. The characters are fun as is the plot. I will say that I don't necessarily enjoy the penny dreadfuls that are interspersed between the main story.

Undeniably clever, suspenseful, well-researched, and deftly written, but the romance was practically nonexistent, taking third place after the action sequences and the two penny dreadful stories. I enjoyed the hero and heroine when they were secondary characters in the previous book and feel like they deserved a better happily-ever-after than they got in this one. I also expected more resolution for the primary characters from the previous book, but nothing seemed to have changed for them. Perhaps that's more realistic and I was simply feeling more fanciful about their relationship. There are many unresolved threads hanging, although that may be because this is going to be an ongoing series. I was disappointed in the relative lack of witty dialogue that I usually so enjoy in books by this author. My expectations and excitement for this book were perhaps a bit too high, but it was still without question an interesting read.

At first, I thought it was a bit slow. But then, I looked down to see what percentage I was on and BA BAMM - I was already a third of the way through. I loved the plot of this book. Even though its a romance, there's a mystery at the core. The love story is adorable, especially with the dual-perspective.

I loved the author's choice to include the stories that Hollis and Elizabeth write! They were so cute and added a lot to the story - especially Hollis because the characters he wrote reflected his internal struggle.

My one qualm with this book is that there were so many characters and code names and I was a bit confused at some parts.

All in all, I would totally recommend this book if you're into historical fiction, cute romances, or even mysteries.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an eARC!!

The story was interesting from the first chapter for me and had me reading it all in one sitting. I liked the characters and the events, although I wanted or better said expected more from them at some points. I don't usually read closed door intimate scenes but that's what I've got.
I'm sure many people will enjoy this one.

This was my first time reading anything by this author and I am so excited she has many more offerings! I’ve already added several to my TBR list and can’t wait to dive in!
This book was captivating from the very start and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the romance, the mystery, the wit of the characters and plot.
I was sympathetic to the street urchins and couldn’t help but want to see justice served and their abuser apprehended.
I loved reading the Penny Dreadful stories and I thought they were a very clever touch to an already engrossing story.
My only disappointment with this story was the fact that it is part of a series so it leaves you at a bit of a cliffhanger with not everything tied up in a pretty little package. I’ll be honest I’m not a fan of having to wait for the next book in a series to release but I do understand that it is necessary at times to fully tie a series together. For this reason I can only give four stars.
Highly recommend and I would definitely read again.
I was given this copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are completely my own.

NOTE: This is book 2 in the series. It doesn't give away much, but will make more sense if you've read The Lady and the Highwayman.

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Miss Ana Newport is a music teacher at Thurloe Collegiate School for Girls. Her father was once a successful businessman, but his partner's poor choices resulted in a loss of the family's fortune and good standing in society. Several years after being rejected and mistreated by the ton, Ana is taking action to recover sentimental items stolen from her family.

As a long-standing member of the Dread Penny Society (DPS), Hollis Darby knows he can do more than solicit donations for their cause. When he inadvertently stumbles across a secret gentleman's club, he finally gets a chance to prove his abilities and make a difference. Meanwhile, his affection for Miss Newport grows despite learning about her past and discovering her current activities.

BONUS! Two more "penny dreadfuls" are sprinkled throughout: "The Gentleman and The Thief" by Mr. King and "Higglebottom's School for the Dead" by Lafayette Jones (Hollis Darby). While they reflect -- and occasionally foreshadow -- parts of the main story, they each have their own happy endings!

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The "penny dreadfuls" are so light and entertaining. Their unexpected twists kept me on my toes the whole time!

Between the "penny dreadfuls" and the emphasis on solving the mystery / catching Four-Finger Mike, the relationship between Hollis and Ana has less page time than would be expected in most romance novels. I would categorize this book as a mystery / crime-fighting novel with a hint of romance.

I loved the extension of the characters and underlying plot from "The Lady and the Highwayman"! It was fun to hear a little bit from Fletcher and Elizabeth again. I can't wait for the DPS to catch Four-Finger Mike and to learn the identities of the Dread Master and The Mastiff in future "installments"!

OVERALL
Some mild peril and very mild violence.
Language: squeaky clean!
Romance: clean; two semi-passionate kissing scenes.
Themes include: crime rings, gambling, cheating, financial ruin, theft, protecting children, keeping secrets, ghosts and mythological creatures.

I always love Sarah Eden’s books, but this particular read was uniquely enjoyable. In addition to the beautifully complex characters and swoon-worthy romance we always expect from Eden, The Gentleman and the Thief offered a dose of excitement, mystery, and intrigue. It is a rare bit of fun when I can be on the edge of my seat during a romance novel. And for someone like myself, who does not generally delight in too much excitement in my reading, this novel provided the perfect amount. I recommend for anyone who fancies historical romance but could appreciate a bit of adventure as well.

Another winner in this series by Sarah M. Eden. I love the Penny Dreadfuls and the stories with just enough fanciful magic to make it fun. It is fun to sort through the three stories. It takes talent to put three stories interwoven in one book with pieces that overlap.

This book was pure enjoyment and escape for me. The mystery is really just coming together and I anticipate it reaching across the rest of the series. I loved getting richer details about characters that we were introduced to in The Lady and the Highwayman. I will certainly be adding this book to my shelves when it hits the bookstores.

The romance was perfect and fun as well. As the title suggests there is a gentleman and a thief that are truly perfect for each other and understanding of each other's flaws.