The Winged Tiara

She has done it again!! I picked up a J'nell Ciesielski book last year on a whim, and she has become one of my auto-buy authors very quickly. I've devoured her backlist, and The Winged Tiara is no different. Devourable, lush, romantic, and engrossing, it's the perfect read for anyone seeking depth and complexity in their historical reading fare. HIGHLY recommended!

In THE WINGED TIARA, J’NELL CIESIELSKI has treated us to a delightful historical extravaganza that takes place in 1922 Europe and England as people try to get over the horrors of WW1. Her prose and quick dialogue is outstanding as we journey with two thieves, Esme Fox, whose beginnings were in the music halls of London’s East End, and Jasper Truit, the bastard grandson of the illustrious Duke, in search of the Valkyrie tiara. They aere both broken and suffering from the after effects of the war, and their marriage on Armistice Day in 1918 lasted only one night.
They meet four years later, both chasing after the same prize. But what are they really after?……
The pace is hectic as they evade one another, then chase after one another, until they grudgingly decide they need to work together so as not to get killed……
This is a lovely read and one I highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book was amazing! J’Nell Ciesielski did such a great job with this book. It was so addictive and I could not put it down. The writing and romance was so addictive.

“Diamonds and women are more beautiful when paired together.”

Jewel thieves competing for the same ‘heist’, the Valkyrie Tiara, keep running into each other and getting in each others way. There is something between them- and both try to deny it. What is it? They just happened to be husband and wife.

They had a hasty post-war marriage -and hadn’t seen each other for years after she disappeared the morning after their wedding.

This story is fun, full of adventure and surprises, and yes- has a unique love story with it.

I was excited to get this ebook from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

This is an amazing book that will delight fans! I also just really love the cover, which I found striking.

Paris, France 11 November 1918: After four years of death and misery, the Great War is over and all of Paris, the world, is celebrating. Focus in on one couple: Jasper, a war weary soldier and Esme, a just as weary nurse. With the flow of champagne and the and the joy of the end of hostilities, Jasper and Esme take it all one step further, they marry. The next morning after the bubbles have disappeared, so too does Esme.

But that is not the end of that relationship. These two charmers meet again only to find they are both chasing the one thing...the Winged Tiara.

So begins the hunt and the chase through 1920s exotic cities as they follow the elusive prize.

I loved this book. From the first page I was hooked and couldn't read fast enough to follow the adventures and dangers of the chase. Beautifully written and described, here is a story for the romantics.

I do hope that we will see more of Jasper and Esme in the future because, having fallen in love with these two delightful characters, one book is definitely not enough! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story prior to publication.

A quote near the end of the book, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread" perfectly sums up the early behavior of the protagonists of J'nell Cielsielski's novel "The Winged Tiara". This intriguing and fast-paced story follows long-estranged married couple Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt as they individually traipse through Europe in search of the same tiara. These two flawed people are both products of unfortunate upbringings, and are actual thieves. "Survival had its own code of ethics."

Their cat and mouse game takes them to glittering parties and fabulous homes. The author's imagery is lush and evocative: "the women as gaily dressed as tropical fish in their pinks, silvers, and greens" is just one example of her flair for description. Characters come to life as well. Countess Accardi, her violent henchman, and the clever, egg-shaped Lamb are just a few of them. Even eccentric Lamb's pet chicken has a personality, and the Duke's true character is surprisingly nuanced. Esme and Jasper become the people they're meant to be. Dialogue is intelligent and witty.

Cielsielski's prose is crisp and expressive. This author pens deeply romantic stories without resorting to smut. There is some innuendo, perhaps, but nothing that comes close to being graphic. These characters are already married. "The Winged Tiara" is a wonderful read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this captivating novel.

Romantic, intriguing, and well-paced, this is the first book I've read from the author and I can see why they have a dedicated audience. It combines the high drama of the Gatsby-era 1920s with a somewhat silly yet fun adventure with married main characters.

This was lighthearted fun! Competing jewel thieves galivanting across Europe in pursuit of a famed tiara. To add to the fun, they happen to have a history: a hasty marriage after the post-war celebrations, only to end the next morning when the bride disappeared without a trace. The prose was fun and easy. You could taste the food and drinks and see the glitz of the jazz age. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Thanks to Net-Galley for the ARC.

The Winged Tiara is such an enjoyment to read. It takes place in Europe after the war in the dazzling 1920s when a shift in society started taking place.

We are introduced to Jasper and Esme who, 4 years prior, hastily exchanged vows in a moment of celebration. The next morning, Esme leaves and Jasper wakes up alone. Years later, they are reunited, both jewel thieves after the same prized item, and the race to reach the item first begins.



Their interactions with each other are hilarious and amusing. Always trying to outdo one another results in entertaining schemes and comical reactions.

Esme tries hard to ignore the feelings starting to grow, but can't deny the chemistry between them.



From start to finish, this story will thrill you with a unique plot, sweeping romance and exciting adventure.


Thank you netgalley for a free copy of this book, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski is a book you will not be able to put down. Esme and Jasper create chemistry that I could not get enough of! Between the cat and mouse games to the moments of unparalleled romance, I was turning pages as quickly as I could absorb the tantalizing tale. Esme and Jasper are both notorious thieves who find themselves after the same prize, the Valkyrie tiara. Each has their own compelling reason, and neither will let anything stop them from succeeding. Their intersections on the chase are charismatic and addictive. I wanted them both to succeed. Moreover, I wanted them to succeed together. The story comes full circle in a serendipitous twist, and I could not have been more thrilled. I was entranced from start to finish. Highly, unabashedly, recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

J'nell Ciesielski does it again in this historical fiction novel, it had everything that I was looking for in the time-period and enjoyed the overall feel of this story. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed the overall way they worked with the story. I enjoyed the idea of this elusive tiara. It had that romance element that I was looking for and glad it was so well done.

Drop everything and read this book!! One of my favorite reads this year! Fantastic story of enemies to lovers and priceless jewels. When I tell you I could not put this book down! I absolutely adore this author and this is probably her best book yet! I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone!!

How amazing!! Our dashing hero and daring heroine play cat and mouse games as they hunt for a bejeweled winged tiara. Estranged spouses and jewel thieves, each needs it for different purposes. Just when they think they have it, the chase is on! Full of witty, snappy banter, glamour, danger, and romance, they romp through post-WWI Europe on their search. This was my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last, as I really enjoyed it!

"But want and need were two very different beasts, and only one could be mastered at a time."

Such an interesting historical fiction set in 1922 about two high-end thieves! I definitely enjoyed the backdrop of Europe as it was coming back to life after WWI. The parties held by the nobility were fun to get glimpses of. Esme and Jasper were a fascinating pair - both born into less-than circumstances but making the best of what they know. It was definitely an adventure following them as they chased the infamous winged tiara while they met resistance from foes known and unknown.
Esme and Jasper had an unconventional romance and their banter was truly witty and delightful. Their moves as they tried to outsmart each other at first, then as they combined forces to outsmart others, were impressive and clever. The plot had plenty of surprises that made the story more complex. There wasn't much faith element in the book but it was a fun, adventurous ride through the black market of stolen art and jewelry to find trust and belonging.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

J’nell Ciesielski is one author that I read without even knowing what the books are about. And I am never disappointed. And The Winged Tiara proves that yet again. Dashing and fun and full of life and light, it will keep you guessing and laughing and hoping for a beautiful and happy ending! Better get it soon so you can see for yourself!

Fun and entertaining read about two different thieves who want the same prize. Jasper and Esme married on a whim and haven’t seen each other in years but a chance encounter during a job leaves both of them wanting to rekindle a relationship while they search Europe for a treasure. Great story with action and adventure.

Such a fun book with tons of adventure, mystery and fantastic characters. Jasper and Esme were brilliant as they competed as high-end thieves with snarky and flirty dialogue and interaction, and plenty of history between themselves to work thru.

I enjoyed their waffling between competing and when absolutely necessary, teaming up for a hot second at different times, as well as the quirky situations they got themselves into. I thought the ending was perfect and equally entertaining yet endearing.

Overall it was a lighter story - the characters dealt with their own issues and struggles but the focus was more on the action and adventure as well as the tension between them more than anything. All in all it was an enjoyable and highly entertaining book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

An amazing and entertaining adventure romance set in the Roaring Twenties that will leave you wanting more adventure, more romance, and more jewel heists!

The story begins with two people whom barely know one another, end up married, they had quite a celebration of the War finally being over. She sneaks out, and leaves Jasper asleep, but Esme and Jasper's path cross again!

These two are professional thieves, and each wanting the same coveted winged tiara, and we are there for the banter and danger that surrounds the lifting of this elaborate piece.

As we search for the tiara, we are privileged to delve deeper into their personal lives.

You wonder, even with the attraction between them if these two can ever end up together? I did love the epilogue that the author gifts us with!

Enjoy!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book was everything I was looking for - a wonderful romance, excellent plot and dialogue between the characters, and a story that kept me turning the pages late into the night! J'nell Ciesielski is writing that classic kind of story that is not very common nowadays - attention to historical detail, characters you like and root for, and an ending that is satisfactory in every way. I highly, highly recommend this book!

Wow! More than 5 stars for this book! I honestly feel like this could be the next Jason Bourne movie! A marriage doomed from the start, notorious thieves, a winged tiara, and a crazy chicken! The imagery is amazing! I felt like I was traveling along with Jasper and Esme on their quest.

The characters are written brilliantly! Jasper is swoon worthy! Although he is suffering from a shameful family secret and a wife who disappeared on him years ago. He is loyal, romantic, and a gentleman. Esme is a strong and determined woman. She presents as a porcupine, but her heart is tender. Lamb cracked me up! He's full of mischief!

The theme of second chances is apparent in the story. Jasper and Esme get second chances with estranged family. Their marriage also gets a second chance. The epilogue of the book is a fantastic happy ending!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Winged Tiara by J'nell Ciesielski is a glorious post-WW1 heist that is opulent, dynamic and utterly electrifying

The first impression was the pace of the dialogue and the worldbuilding, perfect for the era, rebuilding after the first great war, art deco, style and a whole new world of excess - which brings us to the day that Esme Fox wakes up, realises she's married and does a bunk to get out quick smart!

Four years later and Esme's husband, Jasper Truitt, is a renowned jewel thief and on the prowl for a bejewelled Valkyrie tiara. However, he locates it in the most unlikely place; on the head of his estranged wife who he has not seen since she disappeared. Esme is after the tiara for an Opera singer and as such, she is not going to let it go

A rollicking great adventure that rampages across Europe. A fantastic read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson and the author J'nell Ciesielski for this scintillating ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

The Winged Tiara began in a manner that startled, yet intrigued me. The journey of two people who had lived through so much uncertainty and self-doubting to a place of understanding themselves and their unique gifts and abilities was well-developed and thought-provoking. While it took me a bit to arrange the many characters in my head as the story progressed, Ciesielski developed them beautifully and brought the reader to an unexpected, yet satisfying conclusion. Well done!

Such a great story that I couldn't put down!
This author really knows how to make her characters come alive and make you feel like that you're a part of their lives.

An over the top luxury in a post war world. This book is just lavish, sinister, and so fun. It has to be a movie. A historical action movie is a thing, right? Mr& Mrs Smith vibes with an art heist. The Italian Job meets The Crown.

This is an exciting story about two famous thieves, who happen to be estranged spouses, in a race against each other to find an elusive tiara. Jasper and Esme had a whirlwind marriage that was over before it had barely begun. Four years later they are brought together again while searching for a one-of-a-kind winged tiara. At first they work as rivals trying to outsmart each other. Later, they must join forces to outsmart a new player in the game. It is an exciting race through 1920’s Europe that the reader is taken on. The chemistry between Jasper and Esme is strong, but they have some serious obstacles to overcome. I love the complexity of this author’s characters. Their strength and their vulnerability. I definitely recommend this story. This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

Oh my goodness, this was such a fun adventure! As the story begins, we meet Esme after she has just married a near stranger Jasper... and leaves him the next morning. Four years later, their worlds collide again when they both find themselves on the hunt to steal the same treasured tiara. What follows is a great cat and mouse adventure across Europe... all set in a wonderful 1920s setting. There was fantastic banter and sizzling chemistry between the two, and I couldn't help but love the back and forth between them. It was a unique story that kept me guessing right through to the very end and enjoying every minute of it. If you're looking for a fun adventure romance, this is certainly one you'll want to experience for yourself.

While this is from a Christian publisher (Thomas Nelson), it should be noted that it is not marketed as Christian fiction and does not contain any faith elements. There is also some content that readers might not expect from this particular publisher... the story starts with a couple (married) waking up in bed together, so there is definitely some implied intimacy and innuendo as well as some minor language. It's definitely closed-door, but just more than readers might expect from this publisher.

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

** “The devil with belonging. We’ll create our own world and rules, and you will make something wonderful of it. After all, you’ve proven yourself quite the champion of lost causes.” **

J’nell Ciesielski delivers an action-packed heist story with “The Winged Tiara.”

After a hasty wedding at the end of World War I, Esme Fox knows she can’t stay with the handsome and debonair Jasper Truitt. But when their paths cross again four years later — both on the quest for the elusive Valkyrie Tiara, a crown that represents women from the Norse mythology of “who choose who lives and dies on the battlefield” — they find their journeys have become very similar. Both, seeking to improve upon their pasts, have turned to heists to validate their identity.

As they both work against, and sometimes with, each other, can they capture the elusive tiara, as well as reclaim their initial feelings toward each other?

Ciesielski creates a story filled with many capers, but also includes moments of levity to lessen the tone. She develops characters that struggle with their identities as they both come from what were not considered socially acceptable beginnings. Readers will be able to relate to the flaws and doubts Esme and Jasper have.

She also includes some good themes, like being vulnerable; fighting to make something of one’s self; being accepted on one’s own merits; and finding a sense of belonging.

Fans of her “Jack and Ivy” series, historical fiction, especially war-era stories, as well as action-packed characters like Clive Cussler’s Isaac Bell and dynamic duos like Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence and The Thin Man’s Nick and Nora will love “The Winged Tiara,” which is due out Aug. 13.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Thief vs thief. Estranged spouses. A thrilling adventure full of glamour, wit, danger, and sparks. The suspense of who would win the prize and whether both their hearts would survive! A true page turner!! Spectacular dialogue and the descriptions of the places, buildings, and people made me feel like I was looking at pictures not just reading words. And in true J’Nell style there were a few unexpected twists and turns.
Esme is glamorous, quick thinking, a little underhanded, and afraid of commitment. Jasper is devastatingly handsome, brilliant, charming, and wants a life different from his patriarchs.
“I’ve made many mistakes and I’m bound to make many more, but the greatest mistake I could make would be to let you walk away before telling you I am absolutely mad about you. Desperately, hopelessly, incandescently, maddeningly in love with you “
This ARC was provided through NetGalley by the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

I have yet to read a J’nell Ciesielski book that I didn’t absolutely love. I went in to this one totally blind and was immediately swept up in the romance/rivalry between Jasper Truitt and Esme Fox. They are positively divine! I mean even their names are *chef’s kiss*.

From the moment the crowd parted and those two locked eyes—across the room, amidst the fanfare and excitement of the armistice—they were absolutely fire. But Esme was too afraid of getting burned. After the “I dos”, her self-preservation kicks in and she leaves Jasper with only the memories of a happily ever never to be. Love at first sight becomes leave at first light.

Every moment those to grace the page together is filled with such terrific tension and banter. The cat and mouse game, the crazy twist of fate that continually lands them in each other’s paths makes their rivalry/love/hate relationship a pure joy to watch play out.

There is so much action, danger, and heart stopping romance. Add in the glitz and glamour of the era with those two fabulously resilient and resourceful people and you have an amazing, fast paced adventure you can’t put down.


Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

The Winged Tiara is a captivating tale of pursuit and romance, set against a backdrop of rich historical detail and suspenseful pacing. This novel held me spellbound from start to finish.

Ciesieski’s latest is a true gem. Intelligent writing, cinematic imagery, and electric moments give readers a front row seat to Esme and Jasper’s push and pull toward one another. This novel doesn’t need explicit scenes to create heat. There’s sexual tension in spades that catapults this romantic adventure to another level. Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets the Roaring Twenties in this lovers to enemies to lovers tale that’ll enchant readers with perfect banter and sizzling chemistry.

PITCH: The Thin Man meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith

I loved this story. The banter is top notch. The leads (Jasper and Esme) are well defined and come across as equals. It’s a heist book set in the 1920s and it moves quickly! As a standalone, the book is delightfully refreshing. I have not had much attention span for books lately, and I devoured this one within 48 hours.