This is a slow burn historical romance with a mystery that propels the plot. Discussions of class differences, marriage to someone of a different station, loyalty, humor, and years of misunderstanding. 

I loved the gentle love story and the fabulous family that comes in near the climax. Whose? Like I’d give that away. 

Joanna Barker’s books continue to draw me in and keep me hooked to the final page.

**I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher. All my words and opinions are my own.**

I loved the chemistry between Jack and Genevieve. This was a delightful read. 
Many thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

What an absolutely FABULOUS regency romance with a thread of mystery!! This is my first novel by Joanna Barker and I now feel an incessant urge to buy up her whole backlist!! Joanna’s writing style is lyrical and melodious and just SO beautiful❤️  

“A Heart Worth Stealing” was just the absolute BEST!! I am fairly new to the regency romance genre, but it’s stories like this one that make me want to read more regencies STAT😍 

First off, the mystery was FANTASTIC!! The last 20% had me SPEED-READING to discover who the culprit was and the ending took me by SURPRISE in the BEST possible way🤩 I stayed up wayyy too late finishing this story and I have NO REGRETS😂 

Second, the ROMANCE!!!! There’s just something so sweet and wonderful about regency romances that makes my heart just SWOON!! The chemistry between Jack & Ginny was OFF-THE-CHARTS🤩 That tree scene… PHEW😍🔥 

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this regency/mystery romance!! 

🚨TW: grief over a deceased parent, kidnapping, attempted murder, mild violence
🚨CW: just kisses & no language!!

I actually finished A Heart Worth Stealing (thank you @shadowmountainpub for my gifted copy) a couple of nights ago and really enjoyed it.  I love the female protagonists that Joanna Barker writes. They’re always brave, bold, and spunky. Genevieve was no different. I wasn’t quite sure about the bit of mystery thrown in at first, but I really ended up loving it. I was surprised how it all unfolded. And I loved Jack. 💕 If you’re into clean, closed door, proper romance, I definitely recommend this book. I love Joanna’s writing and am always looking forward to what she writes next!

I have wanted to read A Heart Worth Stealing by Joanna Barker since the first time I saw its gorgeous cover. Isn’t it just lovely?! And the story itself is pretty excellent. My favorite aspect to this story is the mystery. It is very well done. I was all over the place trying to guess whodunnit, and it kept me up way past my bedtime furiously turning pages. I really enjoyed Ginny’s character. She is a wonderful heroine: determined, feisty, highly intelligent, and brave. Ginny finds herself in need of help at the beginning of this story. She is forced to take matters into her own hands after it is made clear that local powers-that-be won’t help her. Enter Jack Travers, a former Bow Street officer. I very much enjoyed the back-and-forth banter between Ginny and Jack. They made me chuckle often. Jack is a perfect hero — he has a good heart, he cares about doing what is right, he is loyal and steadfast, and he is willing to do whatever necessary to keep Ginny safe. He immediately understands that Ginny needs actual help and does what he can to help her, all while good-naturedly ribbing her and getting her to open up. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a romantic relationship. The internal struggle of both characters to keep their distance emotionally is well written. The chemistry between Ginny and Jack is palpable from their first interaction, so it was fun to follow along as they attempt to ignore their very obvious feelings towards each other in order to placate Society. The whole time, I kept saying to myself, “Who cares?! You love each other and that is enough!” I appreciate when a good story makes me scold it. LOL! This story also includes timely themes. I especially appreciate Ginny’s perspective on loss. Something very bad happens to Ginny near the end of this story (yes, I’m being vague on purpose), but instead of dwelling on the very bad, Ginny rolls up her sleeves and focuses on what she can do, what she can change. I love this SO much. There is no whining, no complaining. Just a strong woman standing up and doing whatever she can to make her situation better with the resources remaining to her. This world would be a better place if we all acted like Ginny in times of struggle.

A Heart Worth Stealing is a well-written, highly engaging Historical Romance + Mystery that I highly recommend. I enjoyed my time with this story very much. Purchase yourself a copy today. You do not want to miss out on this story!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Heart Worth Stealing is a romantic tale that will grip you as heroine Genevieve Wild seeks to find her lost pocket watch and enlists the help of Bow Street officer Jack Travers. There were so many moments that had me laughing, had me wondering what the mystery was, and kept me turning the pages.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

Aptly titled A Heart Worth Stealing is a refreshingly clean and beguiling Regency romance story with mystery, too.   Genevieve (Ginny) Wilde's beloved father passed away months ago and her grief is raw and real.  When his pocket watch is stolen, she is troubled as the watch held special significance for her.  The police aren't helpful so she submits a newspaper ad seeking aid.  Meanwhile, former Bow Street officer Jack Travers, now a thief taker, materializes, handsome and clever.  As he and Ginny dig deeper, they quickly realize there is much more than a theft and they encounter dangers.  In order to inveigle Jack pretends to be Ginny's cousin.  But they cannot pretend they are not in love.  A suitor also appears which makes the dynamic even more interesting.  What joy it was to follow them through the nooks and crannies of life!  The ending is satisfying and leaves me craving more from Ginny and Jack.

There is so much to love about author Joanna Barker's gorgeous writing which wrapped around my heart like a comfy quilt.  My favourite aspects of this story are the setting and endearing characters including the Travers family and Ginny's household.  Banter is fun and a bit syrupy at times but it is obvious the characters respect each other and win each other's hearts.

Romance readers who enjoy proper clean love stories will very likely fall head over heels in love with this.  Curl up and allow yourself to be fully immersed and swept away into a beautiful escapist world.  Joanna Barker is an auto-read author for me, no need for a blurb.  Her name is enough.

My sincere thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this stellar novel.

It's hard to believe that this is only my second book from Joanna Barker, but this solidified her as an auto-buy for sure! I stayed up way too late to finish this book, and I have zero regrets 😉

First of all, JACK?? The swooniest of all the swoon?? I have such a weak spot for smooth-talking heros, so I (and Ginny) didn't stand a chance from the start 😂 the romance was amazing, the mystery was intriguing, with just enough danger thrown in to keep you at the edge of your seat.

Thank you to @netgalley and @shadowmountainpub for my arc, all thoughts are my own.

A heart Worth Stealing is a delightful read of passion, pain, determination, and of course love. The darling story explores a not to written about Bow Street runners, or retired ones. Intriguing and entertaining.

This book was such a delightful surprise! I didn't think I was in the mood for a regency romance but I started it anyway and was pulled in immediately! It kept me entertained the whole way through and was a really happy reading experience overall! 

I really enjoyed the fact that I kept thinking I knew what would happen and then would be surprised by things going very differently than I expected! It always felt like, "oh I know what is about to happen, I have seen it so many times before" but then it would go in a totally different direction that always added to the story for me! 

Jack and Ginny were such fun characters! I particularly liked Jack and his cheeky teasing, as well as his fierce care for those he loved! 

This was my first Joanna Barker and I can't wait to read more from her!

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the arc!

I loved A Heart Worth Stealing! Joanna Barker is a wonderful author. Her characters are great, her stories always keep my interest, and her writing is always engaging.

I really liked the romance between Ginny and Jack!  I have to admit, at the beginning of this story I was a bit concerned because I felt like Ginny said some things to Jack that were frustrating. Happily, about mid-way through the book, she started really growing on me and I ended up really liking her. Jack, on the other hand, was more than easy to like. As soon as he stepped on the page I knew he was gonna be a great character! He was charming, witty, and flirtatious. The chemistry between Ginny and Jack was perfect. The mystery aspect was a fun addition to this story and I absolutely loved the ending! 

A Heart Worth Stealing is the third book I’ve read by Joanna Barker and I’ve loved them all. She has definitely become an auto buy author for me. If you’re looking for an excellent regency, this is the one! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. This is a clean read.

Yes- read it.

I enjoyed the story because there were so many different "things" that kept my interest.  It's a romance, it's a mystery - it's just a good read.

I like the characters and the story doesn't follow any set pattern which is a very nice change.  I found myself hoping the romance worked and trying to figure out whodunit.  Nothing truly remarkable but a nice enjoyable read.

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help prepare my honest review.

Oh my darling 😍

@authorjoannabarker, you are exceptional. Every book I read I fall more madly in love with your writing. But Jack Travers. You write these male characters that have personalities so large you have to say their first and last name together. Nicholas Avery, Jack Travers, they just have that extra “oomph” every writer is wanting to write and every reader is wanting to fall in love with. Way to go lady. Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻

Look, I’m late to the game with promoting this book, so I’m sure a lot of you have already read this book. But if you haven’t!! Then let this be your sign that it’s time to snatch it up and put it as your next read. 

It’s regency with some fun. I mean, I love regency, it just takes it a step further than ball rooms (it does have one of those) and brings in mystery, thief takers (fancy name for paid vigilantes), lots of flirtatious banter, and of course a tree. Is it even a Joanna Barker novel if it doesn’t have the most perfect banter? Lady, you have me hook, line and sinker for your books. 

So if you’re looking for swoon, adventure, and good ol’ historical fun, this is it my friends. Give Ginny and Jack Travers a chance, they won’t let you down.

This book was good. I felt like maybe the main characters could have used a few more moments together, to make the romance more believable, but overall, I enjoyed it. The mystery/danger subplot was the best part. It really gave the story a purpose.

This was the perfect blend of intrigue and romance! I love that the whodunnit takes center stage, but we also witness a super sweet, satisfying romance slowly building in the background. Ahhhhh, Ginny and Jack. Neither is perfect, but they do perfectly complement each other.

The mystery element was the perfect amount of twisty and turny. I had a couple speculations that turned out to be correct, but the ending was brilliant! It kept me guessing right up to the very last moment -- which threw yet ANOTHER curveball! Delightful.

Thinking back on books I've recently read, this one most reminds me of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane, by Michelle Griep. Not QUITE as madcap, but the bones are similar, along with the characters. Jack -- Jack. What to say? I have a type. This is yet another impetuous, kind-hearted, loyal man who steadfastly guards a world that has been quite unkind to him. And Ginny ... Ginny, who takes up her father's estate after his death. So concerned about what society thinks, and so worried about making a mistake. It was extremely rewarding to see her gain confidence and strength. I love the humor laced through the story, and I was thrilled to find that this couple speaks sarcastic banter as their love language.

I highly recommend this one for anyone that enjoys the aforementioned story by Michelle Griep, Sarah M. Eden's Jonquil Brothers or Lancaster Family series, or Rebecca Connolly's London League series.

Content Considerations
** Romance: Nothing more than (numerous) kisses.
** Violence: Present, particularly in the last 1/3 of the book. On-page injury, but not graphic or gratuitous.
** Language: Nothing at all concerning.

Thank you, Author, Publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy of this title! All opinions expressed are my own.

Ahhh this book. It was beautiful. Joanna Barker has done it again. Full of mystery and romance, A Heart Worth Stealing is a beautiful book. Jack was the perfect yet unconventional Male Main Character. 

“I had the feeling that not kissing Jack Travers would be the greatest challenge of my life.”

The way that the romance blossomed was beautiful and the mystery kept the book moving the entire time. An easy five stars! 

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️

This book was beautiful, inside & out—from the characters, to the cover, to the themes, to the storyline! 

Jack & Ginny were amazing! They had an enemies-to-lovers & reverse grumpy-sunshine feel that just worked so well. And Bea was simply marvellous—I would be so happy to read her story! 😍

The mystery had enough twists to keep me on my toes & I was beyond pleased that my suspicions proved correct.

Also, the title tie-in… ahh, so perfectly touching! And this line has my heart:

“Esse quam videri. To be, rather than to seem.” 💛



*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

BOOK REVIEW - A Heart Worth Stealing - Joanna Barker - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
I'm a little late to the party on this book but the wait was worth it! A Heart Worth Stealing definitely lives up to all the hype and more! Regency romance will always be my first love so this book is going on the favourites list. It had everything you want in a Regency romance, beautiful intelligent herione, dashing flirtatious hero, clever wit and banter, lovable best friend, unpleasant relatives, dresses, a ball, mystery, a bit of adventure and of course lots of romance and kisses!

THE ROMANCE
This book was the perfect example of enemies-to-lovers! Lots of verbal sparring without all the unnecessary anger and yelling. Jack and Genevieve were well matched and I so enjoyed them trying to outwit each other. Their mutual respect of each others intelligence and abilities was refreshing and it was so nice for the female MC to be the 'hero' #iykyk Oh and did I mention the need-a-fan-because-I'm-going-to-melt swoony kisses! Well there's those too....

THE TRUTHS
Jack has made some mistakes in his life that cause others to look down on him and judge him for who he is but as Genevieve gets to know him, she's able to see beyond the labels placed on him to the heart of who he really is. Isn't that what God does for us? We are constantly making mistakes and sinning against Him but God looks beyond that to the person within and loves us anyway. He loves us despite what we've done or where we've come from or what labels the world had placed on us. He loves us even knowing that many of us will not love Him back. How amazing is He!

This was both a good mystery and a good romance. I enjoyed the characters that the author created. I would read more books by this author, especially if the two main characters became leads in a detective series.