Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the free ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is described as Oceans 8 meets Janet Evanovich however a lot of it is simply what could be a great heist story reduced to a vain woman attempted to bed the one who got away.

The narration was fine for the most part, though the nasally voice used for the MCs son caused full body cringes at times.

The twists and turns were a fun listen but the main character was unbearable and inspired no reader to route for her - she was vain, quick to forget her darling son when a shot at her old love returned and a lot of the plot was riddled with holes. If it wasn't so fast paced, this title would have been marked lower.

DNF @ 22%

I'm just not interested in this, and the narrator's voice for the MC's son is very, very irritating. I'm sad about it. I will keep trying stuff from this author, but this one didn't work for me.

Please tell me that this is only the first of a very long series!! I listened to the audiobook nearly nonstop from beginning to end. I LOVED it!! The narrator is amazing with different voices and I’m looking for more audiobooks she narrates. The book has a Finlay Donovan feel to it! I cannot wait to hopefully read more in this series. The characters were so interesting and I already want more. Highly recommend!!

DNF at 60%.
This is maybe the third or forth dnf of my entire life, so please know it's something I avoid whenever possible. My main take-away is that the mc is a hysterical shrieking banshee. I couldn't deal.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The heist in the book was well thought out and was very intense. There were so many twists and turns in this book and it kept me guessing. I also really enjoyed the characters.

🎧 audiobook review: Stolen Pieces - S. K. Golden
🗓️ expected release date: May 7, 2024
📈 overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫢 twist gasp level: ⭐️⭐️
…

Stolen Pieces is a bit out of my “thriller” genre comfort zone, but this action-packed crime novel stole my heart! It’s witty, fun, fast-paced and has some very colorful characters. The audiobook was wonderful and Amara Jasper did a fantastic job bringing the story and personalities of the characters to life. I felt like I was listening to a crime comedy movie—a movie I would certainly watch.

The synopsis details the story perfectly. Stolen Pieces is the perfect title because it’s not just about stolen art or money, but the stolen pieces of our main character Bee’s life due to choices she has made. Beyond the buildup to the heist and the heist itself, there is a “will they, won’t they” romance element with a little spice that surprised me. There were also moments I laughed out loud, especially whenever the nanny Malika was involved.

There were a few twists and turns here and there. One moment around 85% made me audibly gasp (hence the 2-star twist gasp level rating), but overall this was a bit predictable and in line with other books with similar premises.

If you enjoy mafia crime, action, and romance—add this to your list.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Meda for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

…
🌃 audiobook publisher: Dreamscape Media
🎧 listened on: NetGalley
🎙️ narrator: Amara Jasper
…

Outstanding. Each page was so incredibly cinematic, it almost felt like a novel based on a movie. Such a fun action-packed rom-com. Will definitely be recommending this book far and wide. 4.5 stars

3.5 stars. I did like this audio book. The narrator did an incredible job. The first half was fast paced and twisty with great banter and tension. The second half was more predictable but still fun. I would recommend this book if the reader is looking for something easy to digest with a familiar plot line. It wasn’t a book I couldn’t wait to get back to - but entertaining enough to keep going. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to an early publication.

"Stolen Pieces" by S.K. Golden is a high-octane crime caper that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end. Bee Cardello, a former con artist turned single mom, is forced to confront her past when her ex-husband steals millions from a dangerous kingpin, putting Bee and her son Oliver in grave danger. With the help of her old flame Adam Gage and her trusted team, Bee must navigate a treacherous world of deception and betrayal to save her son. Golden's writing crackles with energy, and Bee is a fierce and unforgettable protagonist who will stop at nothing to protect her family. Full of twists, turns, and plenty of action, "Stolen Pieces" is a gripping thrill ride that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

I LOVED this title! I could never quite figure out where it was going. There was twist after twist after twist. I love Bea, er, Shelby, and all the special skills she had she kept revealing. It was a great cast, a great story, and I wasn't ready for it to be over!

"Stolen Pieces" by S.K. Golden is a fun crime caper that delivers action, suspense, and a healthy dose of humour. Billed as "Ocean's 8" meets Janet Evanovich, this fast-paced novel introduces readers to Bee Cardello, a former con artist determined to leave her criminal past behind.

Golden masterfully crafts a story filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the end. The dynamic relationship between the characters adds depth and emotion to the narrative, and the chemistry between Bee and her old flame Adam Gage adds a touch of romance to the mix.

While "Stolen Pieces" offers plenty of excitement and entertainment, some elements of the story may stretch the bounds of realism. However, this only adds to the book's charm and makes it a perfect escape for readers looking for a thrilling ride.

Overall, "Stolen Pieces" is a fun and engaging read that offers a welcome respite from reality. Despite its occasional lapses into the improbable, the novel delivers on its promise of suspense and excitement. I rate the book three out of five stars and recommend it to anyone in need of a thrilling adventure with a side of humour and heart.

Mama will take care of things will a little help from her friends.

It is not often that I feel that a book summary encapsulates the story as well as this one does. It is definitely OCEAN'S 8 meets Janet Evanovich.

From the start of the story, you knew it was going to take you on a fast ride. Bee formerly Shelby has a great backstory and it felt like we were just scratching the surface. Heck, all of the characters have great backstories that we are only seeing a glimpse of. Even 10 y.o. Oliver is fun and engaged, not just the kid they have to save.

There were several moments that I gasped out loud, fussed at the book and was incredulous about what had just happened. Can you tell I enjoyed the book? I DID!

It is a book that even my dad would like and that is saying a lot. There was lots of action and bada** scenes to keep him entertained. Be warned this is not a chaste cozy mystery/thriller, there is cursing, heavy petting, sexual references, and violence but all done in a fun and tasteful way. There are some great one liners that I am trying to figure out how to work into friend conversations (just kidding, sorta).

I don’t know this author but guess we are about the same age with the same TV taste as some of my favorite shows from the past got a mention (so much fun).

You probably got from the summary that the ex-husband caused the drama. He was useless in solving it. Bee, gets it done with the help of her friends and muscle from Adam Gage. Ah Adam. Well, there is soooo much there that if I tried to explain your head would probably spin. They have a past, he is muscle and things are complicated.

I think I need a Malika and the Nans in my life. If nothing else, it would never be boring and I could probably get out of any kind of scrape I ever found myself in. I can’t forget Linda with her “magical” black bag and Paster Foster, there is a story there I would like to know.

I did have a bit of confusion about two characters who could have possibly been the same character referenced two different ways. While it did cause some head scratching during memory moments and explanations, there was so many other things going on, I moved on quickly.

The narrator was fantastic.

I finished this in one sitting, maybe I will do a second listen and figure out my confusion. Or… just enjoy the ride for a second time.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to do an early read and share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!

Rating math- Audio narration- negative stars, plot 3 stars. Giving it 2 stars since the audiobook narration will be relevant to only some readers. And, in case my negative stars didn't give it away- stick to the print for this one.

This is fast paced and I overall enjoyed it. It started out a little <i>too</i> fast in my opinion- took me a minute to figure out what the heck was happening. And the end was too drawn out. The middle was pretty good though.

Now, the audio. Amara Jasper narrates the audiobook. There were a lot of lines that were re-recorded and dubbed in. And it is a noticeable difference. This is not just once or twice, either. Oliver (the child) in dialogue was painful to listen to. Then, my biggest pet peeve- pronunciation. Normal words like "coupe" were mispronounced. But the one that got me repeatedly was "Os". There is a character named "Os"- the narrator pronounced it like the beginning of "osprey"- short o followed by a definite "s" sound. I kept trying to figure out who the heck this person was and why that was his name. Like 2/3 in, he is finally referred to as Osborne. So it should have been "Oz" all along- which would have made a whole lot more sense.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Stolen Pieces by Golden was a nice little read. I was expecting more humor based on the description.

Book Title: Stolen Pieces
Author: S.K. Golden
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Amara Jasper
Publisher: Dreamscape Media-Severn House
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Pub Date: May 7, 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 224


Bee Cardello is an ex-con artist and since she divorced her gangster husband Charlie has retired and trying to live a crime free quiet life with her ten-year old son Oliver.
However when her ex-husband steals 37,5 million dollars, she are Oliver are targeted in order to get the money back. Bee finds she has been pulled back into the life she's worked so hard to escape.

I was drawn to this when I read S.K. Golden writes cozy mysteries and crime capers.

I like the narrator so thought I was going to enjoy this story.

However right off the bat I was disappointed when ten year old Olive used language that isn’t used in a cozy. I have no doubt ten years olds hear nasty language.

I went to Cozy Mystery web site and saw that only ‘The Pinnacle Hotel Mysteries’ are listed as Cozy!
Then I read S.K. Golden’s review of her book ~ Well, I liked it! This one is different than my cozies in that there is swearing and violence on the page, but it is lighthearted overall and I hope you like it too!

Although I didn’t completely get over my disappointment, I hung in there - it was a fast read. ,

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media/Severn House for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2024.

I really really liked the way this one started. It was snarky and sassy and the narrator was fabulous and perfectly suited to the story. The premise wasn't new but was managed in a fun and engaging way that had me eagerly listening to see where things would go. I was clicking along for most of the book, until I hit the point that I *thought* was the end but then saw that there was a full hour left to listen, and realized yet another twist was coming. I didn't mind that, per se, although I did find my interest flagging as that final confrontation played itself out...

Frankly, I could have done without that last hour - it wasn't that there was anything wrong with it so much as that it felt gratuitous. We'd already had the betrayals flying thick and fast, with misdirection and sexual tension permeating every sentence. It felt like just a bit too much to have yet one more significant plot point unraveling... Still, I enjoyed listening and if there was a sequel, I'd listen again. The characters were quirky and snarky and entertaining, and if the plot felt somewhat familiar it was a delightful familiarity that I found comfortable and would seek out again.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Amara Jasper who does a fantastic job.

Upon reading that this was a cross between Ocean's 8 and Janet Evanovich, I was excited to read this. Its a fairly well executed storyline with sarcasm, sexual tension and mystery between the characters.

Bee is a retired, grifter and criminal living in Miami with her son and his nanny. These days her only aspiration is to find funding for her dream bookstore. But one night her past comes calling and she is drug back into the fray of her old life.

Told with sharp humour and colorful characters, this is a light but twisty read that is fun to experience.

Advertised as similar to oceans 11. I see the comparison. The characters reminded me of Finlay Donavon as well. Fun quick story. Well written.

This book was so much fun! A high-stakes caper with just enough humor (and a pinch of mild spice) to keep things light, even when it got a bit violent. I recently heard a podcaster pose the question, “If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would it be?” Well, inspired by Bee and her talents, I think I just might like to give the art of grifting a whirl.

Stolen Pieces by S. K. Golden and narrated by Amara Jasper is dynamic, witty, tense, action-packed and oh so much fun! Outside of the hilarious comedy value of an ever flatulent and lazy bulldog, the action begins immediately and does not stop until the last chapter. I was glued to this audiobook, utterly glued to it

Amara Jasper is a fantastic narrator and easily moves from the comedic son Oliver in his innocent protestations to the sassy nanny (who is in fact an FBI trained techie) to the delicious Adam Gage, and the vulnerable yet ever sneaky female protagonist and star of the show Bee (formerly Shelby and now Beatrice in her new live) The narration was absolute perfection throughout!

Now the storyline was fantastic, Bee was a career criminal in her past life, a fraudster and accomplished pickpocket who was essentially groomed by one of the richest criminals in the world (Alvarez). She at times shared jobs with the almost Statham-esque skills of Adam Gage and tehy had a hookup once, but that was a long time ago, 12 years ago. Bee got out, ran away from her old life, changed her name, got married to a very, very rich guy who knew nothing of her past and had a son, Oliver (now 10). However, 2 years ago, Bee's husband cheated so they divorced amicably and Bee got the house, but all she wants is some independance, to raise money to buy her own bookshop, but with extensive animosity toward her ex-husband, it is impossible to get finance and of course, she has no official income outside of alimony.

After an unsuccessful foray to go get funding, Bee is back home, licking her wounds and planning her future, when she spots a torch beam in her garden, all hands on deck, they are under attack from a hit put out on them, despite all plans of go-bags and escape routes, it all goes a bit pear-shaped and Bee, Oliver, the nanny and dog are caught by the invaders, what to do, what to do?? At this point, an old friend shows up... and all hell breaks loose! This begins an awesome crime caper that is highly entertaining and unique

A great crime caper with sharp humour, a delicious slow burn and wonderful characters. The twists and double-crosses and triple crosses and 180's are numerous and that's not just the car chases (which are scenes that Deadpool would be proud of!) I absolutely loved this audiobook and I really, really hope there will be more!

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, the author S. K. Golden and narrator Amara Jasper for this awesome ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own