The third story in the Dainty Devils, Lady Summer is stealing art work to get it back to its rightful owner but when she does she finds something disturbing and goes to Eliot Howard, the Earl of Blackpool the nephew of the woman who she is trying to get the art work back to. The story has mystery, drama, suspense, twists, turns and romance. It held my interest from cover to cover. This is the first story in this series that I have read, I now want to read the other two. The cover is beautiful.

4 1/2*STARS*
It's five years before Waterloo and someone is planning to expose all the British women spies to France. A collection of artwork was donated to the Mayfair Art Collectors Society and they refuse to return them to the widow of the owner. Someone in the Society is hiding coded messages in the artwork to sell to the French. The Earl of Blackpool is working for The Home Office to ferret out clues of the traitor's identity. Summer is stealing the artwork to return to the widow. At the same time she is working with Blackpool as a Lark. As Summer and Blackpool get closer to the identity of the traitor, their own relationship takes an unexpected turn. An unusual cast of characters. Steamy descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the third book in the Dainty Devils series, a Regency-set series about unconventional women of the aristocracy. Our heroine is Lady Summer Winter, the still-unmarried twin sister of the hero of the first book, the Duke of Tremaine, and bosom bow of Lady Tessa, newly Countess of Dartmoor, who is the heroine of the second book, The Countess Caper.

Sixteen years after her come out, Lady Summer is still the Diamond of the ton, glittering her way through promenades, soirées and balls; admired by her beauty, her dowry, and her family connections, she’s essentially played the rôle of the consummate socialité to the hilt, season after the season.

As the novel starts, she’s thirty three and fed up with her aimless existence; when a group of unscrupulous men steal from someone she loves dearly, Summer decides to fight fire with fire, and steal the items back.

Beware: emotionally abusive mother; loss of a spouse; grief; explicit sex, racism..

I started reading this book with some trepidation; it’s the second I’ve read by the author, and since I liked the first one so well, I really wanted to like this one too. Alas, while the humor is there, the banter between the two main characters is good, and the sex scenes are very hot, I struggled with the book.

As stated above, Summer is tired of the idleness of her life, especially because, having spent time with her sister in law, who runs a smuggling operation to feed a Cornish village, and with Tessa, who provides a haven for abused women, the contrast is fairly brutal. She wants a chance to prove that she’s more than empty beauty.

A first step is to steal back a number of pieces of art (small sculptures, vases, paintings, and so on), that hold enormous sentimental value for her (honorary) aunt Georgie, the recently widowed Countess of Sutherland. Once that’s accomplished, Summer plans to find something else productive to do with her life.

As luck would have it, she manages to stumble her way into a conspiracy to sell the identities of a whole network of women spies “to the highest bidder”, which in turn leads her but heads with her childhood friend, and long-time freenemy Eliot Blackpool, who is very interested in finding out who’s behind the list and the auction.

Eliot, who happens to be such a “beautiful man”, that both women and men “fall under his spell”, chafes against the perception by the higher ups at the Home Office that all he’s good for is carrying messages for “the real spies”; like Summer, he wants to do more, and he knows he can do more.

The two have known each other since they were young teenagers, and their relationship has the push-pull of people who’ve been rubbing each other wrong forever, but who are also fond of each other. Strictly as friends, of course, because…reasons.

In theory, part of the relationship development would involve each discovering the other’s worth beyond the vacuous façade the present to the world, but the narrative makes it clear they are both aware of the other’s intelligence, strength of character, and so on, since forever, so that fails.

They are also of an age, of the same class, similar fortune and so on.

The only potential real obstacle is that Eliot’s mother was “French-Micmac”, and her mother was one of the Mi’kmaq people (there’s a line about how the French and the English–meaning, white men–“take what they want”, and that her falling in love with a British aristocrat was “a mystery of life”); he recalls that, despite being an Earl’s heir, other boys at Eton did the racist thing. Once an adult, however, he’s “so beautiful and so charming”, and his manners just so perfectly British, that no one holds his mother’s ancestry against him.

But even this doesn’t come up again once they decide to aim for each other.

In sum: I enjoyed their banter, but it never gelled for me that they would keep this juvenile dynamic going for these many years; or why it would suddenly change now.

Beyond that, the espionage plot thread has so many holes, false starts, and loose threads, that any attempt to make sense of it brings on a headache (how did the villain get his hands on the names? why would he hide it in the object Summer finds it in? how did he arrange for the auction? and many more).

It was very annoying, to be honest, because the premise of a vast network of women, from all walks of life, working together for a common goal, at the direction of one woman, is very intriguing; alas, this too fals apart under the most cursory scrutiny.

Even more frustrating is the never-explained introduction of two female secondary characters, one an aerialist and acrobat at Astley’s circus; the other a social chameleon who carries a notebook and “writes lists”. Conveniently, their talents are useful to steal some of the artwork back (what a coincidence), but otherwise, they’re just there.

Every time Beatrix, with her changeable accent, her way of disappearing into different roles and classes, etc. shows up, I wonder where either Summer or her aunt could have even met such a woman, let alone befriend her; Summer reflects more than once that she doesn’t know anything about Beatrix background, yet she’s trusting her not only to orchestrate stealing back her aunt’s art, but with all the family secrets, essentially. Meanwhile, where does Beatrix usually live? how does she afford shelter, clothes, food?

There were also a few editing issues; for example, at one point Summer is both outside and inside a room, without moving; at another, Eliot is touching her neck, then in the next line she turns toward him and he “stalks toward her slowly”.

It makes me sad, but I really did not enjoy The Husband Heist anywhere near as much as the previous book. 6.00 out of 10.

A new author for me and I have not read the other books in the series, but this was not an issue. I loved the story of Summer and Eliot Howard, the Earl of Blackpool, someone Summer has known from childhood. Summer, the twin sister of a Duke, and her group of friends are assisting Aunt Georgie to steal her artwork back from The Mayfair Art Collectors Society and on one of these runs, Summer manages to retrieve a vase that holds sentimental value to Aunt Georgie as it was a gift purchased for her by her late husband. Said vase also contains a list of women spies working for the British Crown whose identities will be compromised if it falls into the wrong hands. The traitor has been using the art exhibit to pass messages to the various interested parties about the auction to sell the code to the highest bidder.

Eliot himself is a skilled spy and is working to identify the traitor. Summer and her group, which consists of Maggie, Beatrix, and Aunt Georgie, propose that they work together with Eliot to help identify the traitor and find the cypher before it is too late.

The chemistry between Eliot and Summer was great, the dialogue and witty banter between the parties with another joy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers and submit my honest review.

The Thief and the Earl

Summer was stealing from The Mayfair Art Collectors Society, in part as revenge, and to give it back to Eliot’s aunt, to whom the artwork belonged. Her husband gave it to the Society as long as his wife could see it. The cads took it, but Aunt Georgie was not welcome. Soon there was much more to worry about than pieces of art. Summer stole an object that contained a list of spies. She is caught in a web of danger and intrigue. In the meantime, the romance would heat up between her and Eliot. They had known one another for years, and they always seemed to spar and bicker. Finally, they realized what was between them, but they must work together to navigate the web of danger and intrigue in which Summer was caught. Stealing that list of spies put her in the line of fire. Who was the traitor, and would Summer survive the peril in which she finds herself? Could Eliot find her in time?

This story is a delight. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like steamy historical romance.

This was a lot of fun. Summer is attempting a stakeout—dressed as a man—so she can eventually steal back artwork for Aunt Georgie. Then enters her longtime competitor, Eliot. Together they have the best time egging each other on, their banter was funny. The heist was so much fun. Aunt Georgie was such a great character—an absolute joy. I will be reading the previous two books in this series, because this brought a smile to my face.

This story had plenty of action, mystery and a very sexy couple! There were a few places in the book that I struggled to keep my interest, therefore the 3 star rating.

It was a great steamy story. There was a lot of suspense which I really enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing what else this author has in store for their readers. I received this as an ARC copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

A steamy spy & mystery romance that takes readers on a wild ride through the world of art theft and espionage, The Husband Heist follow Lady Summer, a duke's twin sister, who isn't a typical aristocratic lad but she's a skilled art thief with a heart of gold.

When she accidentally steals a list of women spies working for the Crown, she is forced to team up with her childhood rival, the rakish Earl of Blackpool, Eliot Howard, to protect them and take down an auction that threatens their lives.

Harvey's novel is a fun romp with romance, intrigue, and adventure. As Summer and Eliot spar and attempt to uncover who is trading on the lives of female spies, their attraction to each other only keeps rising. A fun read that kept me guessing until the very end.

(Received this ARC in exchange for my honest review)

An entertaining and witty romance, this novel takes an interesting turn when Lady Summer and her accomplices inadvertently remove a vase from an art collection that compromises the War Office's efforts in their fight against Napoleon. Eliot, The Earl of Blackpool is already involved in efforts to unmask England's traitors, even though he hides behind his persona of rake and devil-may-care wastrel. He has been Summer's nemesis ever since she was a young girl in her first season and despite the decade already behind her, he continues to plague her. The fact that Summer is part of the group of women liberating the art stolen from his aunt, makes his quest all the more difficult. However, when it is discovered that Summer is behind the heist at an exhibition, Eliot's task becomes even more difficult. It is only when they join forces that they discover the blinding attraction between them, but even more so that when they work together, they have a partnership to be reckoned with. There is suspense, wit, and sizzling romance in this novel, but when Summer's life is in danger, Eliot finally realizes that he is no longer willing to compromise her safety and makes demands on her, giving no quarter. The novel comes to a successful and rather witty conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

A clever and quipping historical fantasy packed with adventure and spicy romance, The Husband Heist stands alone in a trilogy by Alyxandra Harvey. I enjoyed this book from the moment it opened until its end and I am excited to read the others that accompany it. The characters are friends to lovers and the chemistry between them was palpable for me. I was hanging on every smart interchange.

Strange footmen, a mad dash around London, a lot of art, an eclectic aunt you can’t help but adore, the best girlfriends in the world, acrobatics, disguises, pink pineapples, balls, auctions, brothels, gambling, spies, a secret code, subterfuge and a wallflower debutante… this is a fun and fast-paced ride!

We have older MCs - Summer is 33, Eliot is 35 - who’ve known, wagered and teased each other for over 15 years.
He’s her twin brother’s best friend, an earl more handsome than any man ought to be, suave and always a bit naughty, he’s the golden boy every woman swoons for, mothers and daughters alike. The perfect disguise to gather secret intelligence for the Crown.
A duke’s sister, gracious and kind, she’s the ton’s eternal diamond showered with flowers she's allergic to, unoriginal poetry and superficial compliments. Society’s sweetheart, she knows how to play her part even when they rarely notice she’s also clever, cunning and brave.
On a secret mission with her friends to recover his aunt’s art collection, she - on a whim - takes a vase that contains a list of English spies. As it happens, that list and the traitor who’s trying to sell it to the French are the leads in Eliot’s current mission. She won’t back down, and neither will he…

I get why Summer is still unattached at her age. What started as a rebellion against her mother’s wishes, turned her into a master of the social game simply refusing to be someone’s pretty footstool with a big dowry. She wants to be seen as a person – smart, capable and loved for who she truly is.
What I don’t get, is why it takes Eliot over a decade to make his move. Yes, she’s formidable, but he’s admired her for so long, knows her through and through, and is more than capable of seducing her… Then why does it take a gun pointed at her to jolt him into action?

Anyway, this was an thrilling steamy read with a well-kept secret and a most unexpected villain in the end!

Stealing a list of spies was not in Summer's plans. Yet once she had them in hand and realized that they were all in danger, she was determined to help them. The third book in this series is as fantastic as the first book. Filled with wit, banter and great chemistry between Eliot, her nemesis this book is a homerun. The author shows great talent and creativity with both her characters and the overall plot. I love reading her works and believe you will enjoy it as thoughly as I have.

Witty Hijinks.
Suspend disbelief and enjoy a romp through the ballrooms and art galleries of London. Along with a smidgen of danger as Lady Summer and her friends join the Earl of Blackpool in the search for a traitor.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a duke’s twin sister, Lady Summer is used to being both noticed and ignored and she finally means to use it to her advantage. First, she steals art from The Mayfair Art Collectors Society with none the wiser. Well, except for Eliot Howard, the Earl of Blackpool, the bane of her existence. But as the art she steals with her madcap friends rightfully belongs to Eliot’s aunt, Summer is certain he will not get in the way. The trouble is, she has also accidentally stolen a list of women spies working for the Crown. Someone is using the art exhibit to pass messages about an auction to sell off the code that will reveal the names and put them all in danger. Summer is determined to protect them & Eliot is determined to protect Summer above all, even as they work together to take down the auction.
The third book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. A very well written entertaining romance. I really liked both Eliot & Summer, they’ve known each other for years & secretly cared about each other, I loved their journey to a HEA. The chemistry between them sizzled & the banter was witty. They also knew how to wind each other up. A delightful mix of intrigue & romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This story was fantastic!! Highly recommend reading. To me was an emotional story with such a good storyline. Definitely a must read.

I loved this book! Laugh out loud dialogue, romance in 1805, royalty, spies… .What is not to love?! I got so drawn into the story right from the start and couldn’t stop reading. Too many late nights and delivery meals later I was sorry to finish. Bravo!

This is the third book in a series, and the first I have read. I was enjoying it so much by halfway through. I went straight and bought the first two. The female characters are fascinating, and I need to know how they came together.

In this book, our heroine is a Duke's sister and a thief. That alone would have made her interesting to me, but she is so much more. For a historical romance heroine, she is most unusual. Her hero might not approve of everything she does, but he's playing a very similar game.

There is danger and intrigue as well as giggles and sexy scenes. Every page is filled with adventure and fun. I can't wait to get into the other books .

Really great fun.

This friends to lovers trope is very well done. Summer Winter and Eliot Blackpool have known each other since they were children. They are brought together trying to get her Aunt George's stolen art back to her. There's lots of witty banter and Summer and Eliot have smoking hot chemistry.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

Lady Summer is a diamond of the ton who is tired of being compared to summer and diamonds. Not finding a match as a debutante she immerses herself in other activities. Lord Blackpool is all that and a bag of chips and everyone wants to be with him or seen by him but he has only ever loved one woman. As they share interesting tidbits and seen some robberies they found out who is what and something a little deeper. This book was a little steamier than I usually read BUT havng said that the steam did not take away from the book but only heightened the drama. This was an intriguing book (pun intended). I really enjoyed seeing where this was going. Because I guessed the cipher shortly after it was mentioned and the culprit I figured out at 68% through. Now I usually don’t read mysteries because I am not a sleuth. But I have really enjoyed this series and how she writes. I only remembered the previous books when they were mentioned lat into the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.