So, I had to read this book once I read the description. A jewel thief heroine married to an FBI agent hero? How could that work? And what did I find? An absolutely delightful romance with some suspense, a hint of mystery and lots of sexual tension. Stealing Mr. Right is also a seriously fun book to read, one that is a fantastic way to escape a crazy world and any stress one might be under.
 
At the beginning of Stealing Mr. Right, Penelope and her gang of thieves are on the job, trying to steal a necklace that has some personal importance to Penelope and her family. The theft goes as planned until Grant Emerson, FBI agent and Penelope’s husband, walks into the jewelry store. Penelope who is hidden in a air duct knows he is there on purpose and has to abandon the heist.
 
At this point, we learn some of the backstory - how Penelope and Grant met; how they dated; how they married - all without either one discussing their jobs with the other. Essentially, both needed to keep the other close to try and figure out what the other knew (or didn’t know). Grant is after something, although we are never quite sure what, and he continually interferes with Penelope’s nefarious plans. The reader is often left curious about the reality of their marriage. Is it real? Are they playing each other? Their courtship is relayed through flashbacks that are interspersed with the current story.
 
As the story progresses, we learn much more about Penelope and gang. They are like a family which is critical for Penelope who seems to be otherwise alone in the world. But Penelope’s family situation, the necklace that she was trying to steal at the beginning and Grant’s quest are all related in a very fascinating way. We also start to get a sense that even if we don’t quite know what Grant is after, we know that he cares for Penelope. Meanwhile, Penelope likes to pretend that her marriage is a sham, but she never quite convinces us (or her friends) of this idea.
 
Stealing Mr. Right is the first book in the Penelope Blue series which seems to follow Penelope and Grant in a series of adventures relating to her life of crime. Fortunately, this one does have a happily ever after. There is no cliffhanger ending (thank goodness!). I found this one to be a cute and feel-good romance. Looking for a fun read? Stealing Mr. Right fits the bill.

I first heard about this book over a year ago on Twitter, it had me all atwitter and I knew I had to read it. Fast forward to yesterday, I was scrolling through Net Galley when I saw it as a "read now" offering, I snatched it up and spent the today reading it. I must say that blurb does not fully prepare you for the rollercoaster ride that is this book. I quite enjoyed it and cannot wait to read more in the series.

If you're looking for a fun read that is also a suspense then snatch this bad boy up, you won't regret it.

Oh, my goodness. I cannot remember the last time I laughed this hard while reading a book. I am in love with these characters and if the next two stories would magically be released tomorrow, I’d be quite happy about that. This is a funny, charming story and I am hooked.

Stealing Mr. Right is almost like two stories in one as we get the current day situation between Grant and Penelope as well as how they began. No worries though, each is clearly described as to which time frame we’re in. Both tales are funny, sexy and delivers quite a few laughs along the way. I like this couple. I enjoy their banter and the underlying tensions as well. The issue at stake right now is a big one, both will have to decide what their priorities truly are… the job of a lifetime, a career or each other. Secondary characters add so much to a story and Pen’s friends are priceless. I’m hoping to learn more about them in the coming stories.

In all, this one is frankly a laugh out loud, sexy and charming story of total opposites making something work that really shouldn’t. I love a story where the odds are at play and often the odds for this couple could topple either way. That’s part of the fun in this series, and I cannot help but be looking orward to the next story in this series. I think you’d enjoy this one, what’s not to love about a crazily matched couple who know how to laugh together.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This was a fun cat and mouse romance. It was a quick read and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

You know you are in for a good, funny read when within the first three pages there is already a joke being told. "What do you call a sleepwalking nun?" "A roamin' Catholic".

After this the book just got better and better. I just love when everything just comes together...great characters, awesome storyline, laughs all around, and a happy ending. The product of this outcome can only be found in Tamara Morgan's Stealing Mr. Right!

Penelope and Grant reminded me of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Although, in this case Grant is the FBI Agent. Yet, it was very entertaining to see Penelope and Grant try to side step each other without entrapping themselves. Penelope may be a good thief but every thief could use some back up. Meet Penelope's partners in crime, Riker, Jordan, and Oz. They were good for laughs as well. However, Oz did not make as many appearances as Riker and Jordan.

One of my favorite moments in this book was involving Riker and Grant. Riker is a no-nonsense type of guy. So to see him wrapped in Grants arms for a "heart hug" was hilarious. I could not stop reading this book. I was having such an enjoyable time. I am thoroughly looking forward to reading the next book.

Stealing Mr. Right is the first of the three part Penelope Blue series by Tamara Morgan, about a professional jewel thief and her husband, an FBI agent. It’s the first time I’ve read this author and she’s got my full attention now with a delightful cat and mouse game that has enough plot twists to keep the reader on their toes, while providing a swoonworthy romance.

'He was the professional, but I had street smarts. He held the cards, but I called the game. Damn, but it was going to be fun seeing which of us would eventually come out on top.'

This quote from partway through the story is an apt description of the relationship between Penelope Blue and Grant Emerson. Penelope is the daughter of a renowned jewel thief, the Blue Fox. When he died, Penelope became a street kid but with all the tricks of the trade under her belt. Those in the crime world on both sides of the law believe she must have access to the millions of dollars worth of jewels her father had hidden over the years, but she has no idea where his fortune is . When the chance to steal a precious diamond necklace that always eluded her father comes her way, she’s ready to do whatever it takes to be successful. If only her husband Grant hadn’t foiled her plans, once again! He’s at the scene of her almost-crime, and she is forced to abort the mission.

Penelope and her partners in crime are busy trying to think up another way to get a hold of the necklace when Grant brings it home for safekeeping. Is it a trap? Did he bring it home to force the issue of her life of crime out in the open, to see if she’d take the necklace and run? The game is afoot, but if one of them wins, they might both end up as losers in love.

This story has both a romantic comedy and a chick lit feel, and when I heard it was the first of three stories about the couple – who are already married – I was worried that this part would end in a cliffhanger. I’m happy to report that that is not the case. Stealing Mr. Right has a wholly satisfactory happy ending and is a complete story on its own. It’s told entirely from Penelope’s point of view and consists of equal parts flashback telling how Grant and Penelope met and got married and scenes in the present dealing with the aborted jewel heist and resulting fall-out. The segments are well identified and the writing voice used also makes it clear which is which – the parts that take place in the past are written in past tense and the parts in the present are written in present tense. It makes for an interesting reading experience.

Penelope is a resilient young woman. She had no choice but to adapt to life on the streets as an abandoned teenager, her mother having passed away in childbirth and her ‘trophy wife’ stepmother unwilling to play the part of mom. She was aided by Riker, another street rat and together they did what they needed to survive, eventually moving on to bigger and better heists. Stealing was a way for her to survive and she’s not apologetic about it at all. Now, she doesn’t do it for the money but for the thrill of the job. Riker is her best friend and they have a close relationship – though that has been strained by her marriage to Grant. He thinks Grant is using her to get at her father’s supposed fortune and that their marriage is a farce that will end with her getting hurt. Penelope finds herself torn between the man she’s in love with and the man who’s always had her back.

Riker and Penelope added two more to their thieving crew, Jordan and Oz, also street kids. They each have a specific role to play. Riker is the mastermind planner who chooses the jobs, negotiates with the backers and runs the show. Penelope is small in stature and can fit into spaces like air ducts and housemaids trolley carts. Ironically, she is claustrophobic yet still finds herself spending hours in small spaces, waiting to give the go ahead or do the job herself when the coast is clear. Jordan is the explosives expert, making whatever is needed to be used as a distraction (like firebombs in garbage cans) and Oz is the everyman, the one who wears disguises and blends into the background, casing joints, providing backup, basically playing whatever character is needed for the situation. These four are not a hard edged violent crew. No one gets killed or injured on their missions (though a guard or two may get knocked out ) and this is one of those scenarios where the crimes are always big ticket items – art heists, jewelry thefts, etc. from big corporations or wealthy people who can live with the loss.

Grant is an enigma. Penelope assumes that he knows exactly who she is when she first – and rather audaciously – approaches him on a surveillance job. In fact she introduces herself by her real name, so there’s no mystery. What she doesn’t expect is that he’ll ask her out! How much he knows about her isn’t clear, and nor is his motive is in wanting to date her. As the story progresses, Grant’s role becomes murky. In the sections of the story set in the past, he’s a handsome man in pursuit of a beautiful woman and they share some sensual scenes (which aren’t overly descriptive, though Grant is a good kisser!) as their relationship heats up. In the present, all bets are off and we don’t know if he’s a good guy or a bad guy, a man who loves his wife and is willing to do anything for her or if everything is leading up to a big takedown. Honestly, it makes for a very exciting and page-turning read because the reader has no idea what is going to happen right up until the very end. The plot twists are eyebrow raising, with the necklace at the center of the story. Stealing Mr. Right entertained me from beginning to end and I definitely plan to read more about this intriguing couple!

This review has been posted at All About Romance. An abbreviated version will be posted at sale sites during release week.

This was a seriously fun, lighthearted romp. It made me smile throughout and I didn't want it to end. It's been a long time since I've read a "romantic comedy" and it made me want to go find more books like this. This is a perfect summer beach read and I'll be looking out for more Tamara Morgan, that is for sure.

The only problem I think some people may have with this book is that it's told in alternating timelines. The chapters alternate between present day and the beginning of their relationship. I didn't find it confusing because it tells you what time period you are in at the beginning of each chapter. I think it was a great way to keep the action spread throughout the book and also allowed you to see what led to where they are now. I kinda loved it.

Also, I would be first in line if they made this into a movie. Just throwing that out there.

If anybody has any similar book recommendations, I'm all ears. Until then, I've already added Saving Mr. Perfect and Seeking Mr. Wrong (Books 2 & 3) to my TBR list. I'm definitely going to want to go along for the ride.

Stealing Mr. Right is the first of the three part Penelope Blue series by Tamara Morgan, about a professional jewel thief and her husband, an FBI agent. It’s the first time I’ve read this author and she’s got my full attention now with a delightful cat and mouse game that has enough plot twists to keep the reader on their toes, while providing a swoonworthy romance.

He was the professional, but I had street smarts. He held the cards, but I called the game. Damn, but it was going to be fun seeing which of us would eventually come out on top.

This quote from partway through the story is an apt description of the relationship between Penelope Blue and Grant Emerson. Penelope is the daughter of a renowned jewel thief, the Blue Fox. When he died, Penelope became a street kid but with all the tricks of the trade under her belt. Those in the crime world on both sides of the law believe she must have access to the millions of dollars worth of jewels her father had hidden over the years, but she has no idea where his fortune is . When the chance to steal a precious diamond necklace that always eluded her father comes her way, she’s ready to do whatever it takes to be successful. If only her husband Grant hadn’t foiled her plans, once again! He's at the scene of her almost-crime, and she is forced to abort the mission.

Penelope and her partners in crime are busy trying to think up another way to get a hold of the necklace when Grant brings it home for safe keeping. Is it a trap? Did he bring it home to force the issue of her life of crime out in the open, to see if she'd take the necklace and run? The game is afoot, but if one of them wins, they might both end up as losers in love.

This story has both a romantic comedy and a chick lit feel, and when I heard it was the first of three stories about the couple - who are already married - I was worried that this part would end in a cliffhanger. I'm happy to report that that is not the case. Stealing Mr. Right has a wholly satisfactory happy ending and is a complete story on its own. It's told entirely from Penelope's point of view and consists of equal parts flashback telling how Grant and Penelope met and got married and scenes in the present dealing with the aborted jewel heist and resulting fall-out. The segments are well identified and the writing voice used also makes it clear which is which – the parts that take place in the past are written in past tense and the parts in the present are written in present tense. It makes for an interesting reading experience.

Penelope is a resilient young woman. She had no choice but to adapt to life on the streets as an abandoned teenager, her mother having passed away in childbirth and her 'trophy wife' stepmother unwilling to play the part of mom. She was aided by Riker, another street rat and together they did what they needed to survive, eventually moving on to bigger and better heists. Stealing was a way for her to survive and she's not apologetic about it at all. Now, she doesn't do it for the money but for the thrill of the job. Riker is her best friend and they have a close relationship – though that has been strained by her marriage to Grant. He thinks Grant is using her to get at her father's supposed fortune and that their marriage is a farce that will end with her getting hurt. Penelope finds herself torn between the man she's in love with and the man who's always had her back.

Riker and Penelope added two more to their thieving crew, Jordan and Oz, also street kids. They each have a specific role to play. Riker is the mastermind planner who chooses the jobs, negotiates with the backers and runs the show. Penelope is small in stature and can fit into spaces like air ducts and housemaids trolley carts. Ironically, she is claustrophobic yet still finds herself spending hours in small spaces, waiting to give the go ahead or do the job herself when the coast is clear. Jordan is the explosives expert, making whatever is needed to be used as a distraction (like firebombs in garbage cans) and Oz is the everyman, the one who wears disguises and blends into the background, casing joints, providing backup, basically playing whatever character is needed for the situation. These four are not a hard edged violent crew. No one gets killed or injured on their missions (though a guard or two may get knocked out ) and this is one of those scenarios where the crimes are always big ticket items – art heists, jewelry thefts, etc. from big corporations or wealthy people who can live with the loss.

Grant is an enigma. Penelope assumes that he knows exactly who she is when she first - and rather audaciously - approaches him on a surveillance job. In fact she introduces herself by her real name, so there's no mystery. What she doesn't expect is that he'll ask her out! How much he knows about her isn’t clear, and nor is his motive is in wanting to date her. As the story progresses, Grant's role becomes murky. In the sections of the story set in the past, he's a handsome man in pursuit of a beautiful woman and they share some sensual scenes (which aren’t overly descriptive, though Grant is a good kisser!) as their relationship heats up. In the present, all bets are off and we don't know if he's a good guy or a bad guy, a man who loves his wife and is willing to do anything for her or if everything is leading up to a big takedown. Honestly, it makes for a very exciting and page-turning read because the reader has no idea what is going to happen right up until the very end. The plot twists are eyebrow raising, with the necklace at the center of the story. Stealing Mr. Right entertained me from beginning to end and I definitely plan to read more about this intriguing couple!

Oh, this was a fun read! Stealing Mr. Right kicks off Tamara Morgan's new trilogy, Penelope Blue, which covers Penelope, a jewel thief, and Grant, an FBI agent . . . and her husband. Yep, that's what grabbed my attention when I saw this up on NG a few month ago and it is just as good as you imagine.



First off, it's first POV from Penelope only. To be honest, I wish that we could have had Grant's POV, too, but I understand how keeping it limited to her POV kept the reader guessing during their cat-and-mouse games. Still, I'm greedy and really wanted his POV as well, partly because without it I didn't get a solid enough feel for his character, for why these two worked so well together. As it is, it wasn't a complete bust, by any means, but I wanted more, and I feel like some of his POV sprinkled throughout would have helped.



Second, it alternates between present time and the 18 or so months leading up to that -- basically the time from when the two first met to after they've been married (and the main plot begins). Now, this may sound like it's a recipe for confused disaster on the story flow, but it actually works quite well. Admittedly, it did take me perhaps two chapters or so to get into the flow of it, but I can see why it was done this way; if the story had been told chronologically, it really wouldn't have flowed well and would have been more stop-start because of the gaps in time while Penelope is looking back at what happened. I actually think this past-present combination was done in a smart way and once I got the hang of it, I enjoyed it without question.



Third, while there is a HEA and this doesn't end in a cliffhanger, it is the first of three planned books covering these two. Obviously there's still more that's going to unfold in the next two books, both for the plot and, I'm sure, for the characters' arcs. While you're not going to reach the end of Stealing Mr. Right and feel like you've been left hanging, you will no doubt be very curious and ready for the next installment. Much like any good book will do. :)



I'll quickly cover the basics of the story, but I won't go into too much detail because I don't wish to ruin it for you. This is as much a light mystery/suspense/action read as it is a light rom-com, and Morgan does a great job at keeping things moving and keeping the reader guessing.



Penelope grew up in the family business -- that is, stealing. Her father was a jewel thief, and after he suddenly disappeared without a trace in her late teens, leaving her with only a stepmother (and fellow thief) a few years older than herself, she took to the streets and began to earnestly follow in his footsteps. She would later find herself part of a small group, who she's still friends with/working with today.



When her father disappeared, he had been trying to steal a particular (and very expensive) necklace. When the book opens, Penelope and her group are in the middle of attempting to steal it themselves, as the owner comes into the jewelry store to pick it up. However, right as Penelope is getting ready to drop out of the vent and snatch it, she realizes who the familiar "bodyguard" is standing by the necklace's owner -- it's her husband. Quickly she aborts the mission, and the rest of the story is her trying to figure out just how much he knows about her and her plans -- and whose side he's on. Like I said, very much a cat-and-mouse game, with all sorts of subtle hints and exchanges between the two, which kept me turning the pages. And I definitely didn't see the twists that came late in the story -- or at least, I didn't fully process all the hints before the reveal.


Besides the plot, which was well done and engaging, I really did enjoy Penelope and Grant together (though, as mentioned before, I do still wish we could have had some of his POV). There's really only one sex scene on page and it's barely PG-13, at least compared to much of what I read. I don't feel like the story was lacking because of that, mind you, but if you know me by now, you know I'm all about the heat, so I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit disappointed by this. Still, I thought the two had a good dynamic going on, and more than a few cute moments, with good sexual tension thrown in. Penelope's a bit hesitant to let her true feelings for him be known, and of the two Grant is much more emotionally open. However, I wasn't quite sure why these two got married, and so quickly, which would explain part of the small disconnect I had from them as a couple here. I'm hoping that in the next two books their relationship will be a bit more fleshed out -- even without Grant's POV (damn it).


This was truly a fun start to a new series and one that I had a good time reading (and highlighting quotes from -- because, hello, it's me we're talking about!). The one thought I couldn't get out of my head was: this would make a FANTASTIC movie. Seriously, if Hollywood wants to consider this trilogy for a series -- and not fuck it up like Hollywood can often do with book-to-movie scripts -- I would happily hand over all my money. Like, yesterday. Until that happens, I'll be here, waiting for the next book.



4 STARS!

5 stars - I loved this book. The characters were great & I liked how the story-line went back & forth, it kept me guessing & loved that. I couldn't put this down & I can't wait for the next one.

My first time reading a book by this author, I lucked out! Such a fun premise. Really out of the box thinking and I love that, can't say this one was predictable.. All of the supporting characters were fun, feel bad for Ryker, he seemed so sweet under all that gruff exterior. Grant was dreamy and seemed happy to let us in on the joke!!!! Loved it! Hope there is more

I was intrigued by the synopsis of STEALING MR. RIGHT by Tamara Morgan, it reminded me a little of the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith. An FBI agent married to a jewel thief sounded like a fun afternoon tango. Despite a slow beginning and back and forth timeline, STEALING MR. RIGHT delivered humor, an exciting heist and lots of twists.

In Morgan’s debut novel she introduces us to Penelope Blue, the daughter of a notorious thief who disappeared after attempting to steal a two-million dollar necklace. Left to live on the streets, she and her partners in crime have successfully pulled off heists that have left her with a tidy sum. However, she is haunted by the loss of her father’s disappearance and hidden windfall. She and her friends have spent seven years searching for it. They are in the middle of stealing the same necklace when Grant Emerson, her husband, and FBI agent shows up on the scene and they abandon the heist. The story that unfolds takes place in both the present and the past.

Current Timeline: Penelope is married to Grant, but still pulling off cases but his presence ruins her chances of getting her hands on the necklace. Things get interesting when Grant is assigned to protect the jewelry. ONLY it’s a lot more complicated than that. What unfolds was brilliant with lots of twists, turns, and shocking discoveries.

Past Timeline: This takes us through the courtship of Grant and Penelope and offered insight into both. These two are playing a game of cat and mouse. But what is their end game and who will get caught? Mogan weaves past and present together for the romantic aspect of their story all while pulling both threads into the current mystery. It was neat seeing events from the past storyline tie into the present storyline.

The story started off very slowly for me, and admittedly I struggled with the back and forth. I needed to feel connected, and that didn’t happen until the 46% mark. I will say, that the remainder of the story was addictive, with puzzle pieces falling into place, suspenseful moments and FINALLY as a reader establishing a connection with the couple. I became a part of the story, one of the gang.

I ended up loving the characters and appreciated how developed the secondary characters were. Penelope is funny, with witty comments but she is also pretty ingenious at devising a plan and sneaking into weird places. Grant, is an FBI agent through and through but he is also loyal, and the more Morgan peeled back his layers, the harder I fell.

So despite my initial struggles, I whole-heartedly recommend STEALING MR. RIGHT and plan to read SAVING MR. PERFECT. Now that the pesky back and forth is over I am ready to spend more time with Penelope and Grant.

'Stealing Mr. Right' by Tamara Morgan is book One in the "Penelope Blue" series. This is the story of Penelope and Grant. Pen is a jewel thief who works with what really are her friends. Her husband is Grant who is a FBI agent. This book starts with her and her friends trying to do a heist but her husband comes in doing his job to help protect a necklace...the same necklace Pen wants to take. This book hooks you in by you wanting to find out how these two even meet much less become married. Which the books slow starts to tell you in the way of jumping from present day to the day they first met to through out their lives up until the present day again. I am usually not a fan of those type of stories that jump around but this one did work for me. I also like the secondary characters, the humor and just all around story. I will be looking for more books by Ms. Morgan for sure! *A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection*
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I liked this book and romance. I enjoyed the team aspect of stealing items. I didn't really feel the romance between the husband and wife. I understand that there are secrets because of the job, and stealing stuff. I enjoyed OZ.

Penelope Blue is a jewel thief, in the midst of a job that was her father's mea culpa. A job which took him away from her at a young age and left her to find her own way in the world.

Grant Emerson, FBI agent who may or may not be following Penelope's every move... oh and he's her husband.

This book was a fun and interesting read. Penelope and Grant's relationship is complicated and Penelope thinks of it as a game between the both of them. Grant is a sweet, funny, complex character who Penelope just can't seem to get a read on. I loved the underlying game of cat, mouse and necklace and the insight on how Penelope and Grant were married to begin with. Great writing, fun supporting characters and a unique, engaging plot. This was my first Tamara Morgan book, and it will definitely not be my last! I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

I loved this book, it was so entertaining. Penelope was hilarious, and Grant was awesome. You had to love Jordan and Oz, they were a great team, and then there is Riker, who was always there for Penelope and truly loved her. The story was different and kept you interested the whole time. To read about Grant and Penelope and how they truly did love each other, even though they were both lying and trying to stay a step ahead, it was good. The only thing that I regret is that I did not read it sooner. I hope to read more about this crew.

Fun to read from beginning to end. Looking forward to reading more of this authors books.