Stealing Hearts

Finally a man willing to move for the woman he loves. Lucy was all grown-up but her brother didn't want to recognize this. Her life is in danger and she runs to her hometown and this sets in motion danger, romance and finally love. Good read.

A great return to Magnolia Bay, Erika Marks crafted another enjoyable read with characters that reel you in. Mick & Lucy were perfect for each other and it was nice to see a believable story with characters who had lives before meeting each other.

good enjoyable read

3.5 stars. This was another cute trip to Magnolia Bay with a guy who’s possibly one of the best friends in the world, a woman on the run and an attraction that won’t be denied.

With a sweet romance, nice characters and a lovely setting, this is another solid read from Magnolia Bay and a nice way to pass an hour or two.

Excellent story! Mick Atwell and his partner Tim are working hard to get their new wine bar open. When Tim's little sister Lucy unexpectedly shows up he doesn't expect much help from her but he is so so wrong. The two have an immediate attraction but she's his best friends sister and he's leaving town so nothing can happen, until it does.

This is a wonderfully written story and the characters are great. I really enjoyed this one and I think you will too. I highly recommend it.

Lucy Waverly is running scared. She’s been working in an art gallery and found that her boss is selling forgeries - he’s threatened to kill her! She knows her big brother, Tim, still thinks she’s a kid and always into trouble but she’s desperate to find sanctuary and safety whilst she sorts out what to do!

Tim is busy - very busy - getting ready for the opening night of his new wine bar, POUR. His best friend, Mick Attwell is proving a tower of strength and resolve, helping him sort it all out despite the tight schedule and so much yet to do! When Lucy arrives, Tim is about to leave town, so she doesn’t tell him her problems. Tim asks Mick to take care of Lucy. Mick would love to take care of her but not in ways that her brother would approve of! Mick is a planner and his plan at the moment is to get Tim’s business up and running then he’s off to Colorado . . . he doesn’t plan to have any relationship or commitments with anyone in Magnolia Bay, certainly not Lucy - but boy, is he tempted!

As Lucy’s troubles follow her to the Bay, their mutual attraction sizzles and they’ve still got to get POUR ready for the grand opening! Will Lucy escape the clutches of her mad ex-boss? Will Mick break his own rules and succumb to the temptation that is Lucy?

An excellent story with great characters in a superb setting. The history the characters bring to the story help enhance it and make it more believable. Although this is the fourth book in the series, I don't think you need to have read the others to appreciate that this is another great story from this author!

A cute, fun and quick read, with the best friend's kid sister being in trouble, and the hero falls in love with her while helping her out.
Another trip to the Magnolia Bay, with the delightful characters of the town, and other new business about to open in the pier. The story is a fun mix of the stress of opening a new wine bar, how everything that can go wrong does as well, friends who are willing to help and step up as needed, while falling in love with the owner's kid sister. Little suspense is put into the mix, by Lucy, who has caught an art fraud in New York City, and runs for her life into Magnolia Bay, to her older brother Tim. What I liked was how Tim didn't get all alpha older brother on Mick and Lucy, but just warned Lucy not to break her heart. While working together to get the bar open, Lucy and Mick fight against the attraction, as long as they can. The characters were charming, likable, and the best friends a person could have. The story brought enough history and background into the characters to make the connection they had real. It was an entertaining couple of hours of read
~ Three spoons

It was short and sweet.. Mic and Lucy had their happy ending. I did enjoy reading this story. It had little bit of everything from romance to thriller.
I did like Mick and Lucy's story. Story was cute.
Whoever wants short story that would make you feel all cute..

This book is about 2 people on the run from something but definitely not on the run together and both hiding something from the other. Mac is working hard to help a old friend out and help him set to open a new bar, when Tim is called away everything falls in Mac's lap. Lucy knows her brother thinks she's a failure but she thinks this will top it all and this time its not her fault well not really anyways. I love the silliness in the book between Tim and Lucy, and I loved Lucy's can do attitude and big heart with just about everything. Mac oh my can you say HOT and Trouble with a capital T. Mac and the chemistry he has really sets the tone for the book from the very beginning. This book will not fail you if you are looking for smoken hot and steamy with a whole lot of mystery then this book will not let you down. I had a hard time putting it down its a quick read but a good read. You won't be let down and it will keep you going to the very end.

Stealing Hearts is just what bar tender Mick Atwell does with his gorgeous looks and his quick wit but Mick doesn't make commitments. He blames himself for the death of a former girlfriend and doesn't want to run the risk of something like that happening again. Lucy Waverly is Mick's best friend's little sister and that puts her at the top of the forbidden fruit list as far as Mick is concerned. Tim and Mick are working hard to get Tim's new wine bar ready for opening when Lucy arrives unexpectedly and for both Mick and Lucy the attraction is instant, but Mick knows Lucy is off limits, particularly when Tim has to go away on business and asks him to look after Lucy.
This book is well written with nicely developed characters who are both believable and likeable. The story flows well with enough happening to keep the pages turning and a touch of suspense courtesy of Lucy's rather unsavoury boss adds interest. The sexual attraction between Mick and Lucy is well developed and the bedroom scenes have plenty of zing while remaining tasteful. I really enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend it.

Magnolia Bay's new wine bar called Pour is set to open on Valentine's Day with a masquerade party and hopefully lots of customers. Owner Tim Waverly and his best friend Mick Atwell are working day and night to get ready. Mick will be interim bartender till Tim can find a permanent one; then Mick's off to new adventures in Colorado. Unexpectedly, Tim's little sister Lucy (Luce) appears for a visit. Tim considers her a bit of a Calamity Jane with men, jobs and normal life. He'd been thrilled when she got the job at a gallery in New York City and seemed happy. Tim's headed out of town overnight for a meeting, but should be back the next day. Luce will be at his condo with Mick. Their first obstacle is their liquor license which has been thwarted by the Bloom sisters, Camellia and Daisy, tea totalers who feel there are far too many drinking establishments in Magnolia Bay. Luce, with a secretive smile, is taking over this problem. But, Luce has far bigger problems. She caught her boss in the gallery selling forgeries of paintings for a lot of money, and skipped town with one in her car! Until she can figure out what to do, she's hiding out with her brother and Mick doing her best to not let them find out.

️Snow storms, trying to hire wait staff, construction and Tim getting stuck in Boston for days makes their work twice as hard. Mick and Luce are feeling attraction brewing and when suddenly her boss shows up wielding a gun, he becomes her protector. Romance, laughs and danger make this a very fun read. This is the first novel I have read by this author, but I'm looking for more.

I received this e book from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce

Stealing Hearts by Erika Marks is an intriguing read. Although the story started off slow, it quickly picked up the pace. Romance with an element of danger. Lucy Waverly has returned home to hide out. Her boss was involved in illegal activity. Due to her knowledge she is forced to hide out. Falling in love with her brother's best friend is the last thing she expects to happen. A good story.

4.5 Stars Lucy Waverly is back in Magnolia Bay to figure her way out of a dangerous situation at work. Her boss at the art gallery is selling forgeries and she needs to find a way out of the dangerous situation that he has put her in.

Bartender Mick Atwell is headed for Colorado, but is committed to help his best friend, Tim, get his new bar POUR, ready for a Valentine’s Day grand opening before he leaves Magnolia Bay. When Tim’s little sister Lucy comes to town, he is determined NOT to get distracted by her. He does not do relationships. Anyway, Lucy is his best friend’s little sister – so not a problem – she is forbidden fruit. When Tim has to go out of town and asks Mick to look after Lucy while he’s gone… then her work problem follows her to Magnolia Bay, Mick finds it hard NOT to get involved.

Erika Marks pulls out all the stops in this highly enjoyable, insightful, and funny look at self-sacrifice and romantic entanglement. It is gritty, angst-ridden and sweet. STEALING HEARTS is a fun, short trip back to Magnolia Bay – perfect for Valentine’s Day! I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend!

*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love the town of Magnolia Bay. So excited that we get a story of Mick, who we met in a Very Married Christmas as the bartender.

Mick is helping his good friend, Tim opening a wine bar when Tim's sister shows up. Lucy has come to Magnolia Bay to hide out from her boss. Lucy helps Mick getting the bar ready for the big opening. There is an immediate attraction between them. Mick is not looking for a relationship, plus this is his best friend's sister. Loved how their relationship grew.

This is packed full short story, but really enjoyed the characters. My favorite part was the wine tasting. I highly recommend for a sweet Valentines Day read.

I've actually met/read about Mick Atwell, the bartender, when he was introduced in the holiday story, A Very Married Christmas where he's got the moves and groove for some of the patrons in Magnolia Bay. This sexy man could easily get the ladies' panties twisted with just a flick of his hand. In Stealing Hearts, however, he was helping his friend Tim open his wine bar on Valentine's Day. There were things that still needed to be done - like hiring more hands and getting their licence approved by the Bloom sisters, but they were running out of time.

Three days before their opening night, Tim's sister, Lucy, came to Magnolia Bay and was instantly attracted to gorgeous Mick. And Mick, vice versa. The attraction and desire for one another is palpable, but both weren't sure how to proceed. Mick, on his part, couldn't fall for Lucy because she was his bestfriend's sister, so he was hand-off. He was also afraid to commit because of a tragedy that happened to his girlfriend in the past. And Lucy, unlucky Lucy, was actually running away from someone. She couldn't let him get involved in her because her life was in danger.

I felt really good after reading this. The title, Stealing Hearts, perfectly describes Mick, because he's got the looks and the body that women fall for. The story was well-written and deliciously portrayed by the characters, enough to excite my heart and whet my appetite. Ericka Marks is a talented author, I've sampled two of her books already and now I can't wait to read the others!

Stealing Hearts is an enjoyable Magnolia Bay story concerning a sister who is on the run. Her brother already has his hands full opening a new pub with the help of his friend Mick. Mick is the perfect love interest for sister, Lucy. Unlike her brother Tim, he does not see as a trouble magnet. I kept reading not so much for Mick and Lucy though I liked these characters. I kept reading to see if Tim would see Lucy as a helpful adult in the story. The suspense of the forgery and the crooked art dealer were entertaining but it was Tim’s view of Lucy that I wanted to see change. Realistic, oh yeah, since I also have a big brother, I know. I can testify that Tim’s attitude is authentic and annoying.

The background story line of the bar’s opening for Valentine’s Day gave the story a focal point for me. I knew all would be resolved by that time. Tim’s attitude, Lucy’s danger and Mick’s past were all on a deadline along with the opening of Tim’s bar.

I also knew this story would have the required happily ever after for Lucy and Mick. The predictability of the ending did not take away from my enjoyment of seeing how it would all play out as the story progressed. Before the HEA could happen, Mick would need to come to terms with his internal demons. Perhaps taking care of Lucy’s dishonest boss would be the easier of the problems that Lucy and Mick faced. The author does good showing the reader how these two have more going for them then first expected.

NetGalley provided a copy.

Mick Atwell is sort of a drifter due to a tragic event that happened in his past. He is planning to stick around Magnolia Bay just long enough to help his best friend, Tim, get his new wine bar up and running. A few days before the bar is set to have it's grand opening, Tim's sister Lucy shows up for what she says is a surprise visit. Tim ends up getting stuck in Boston until the day of the opening, leaving Mick alone with Lucy when her boss shows up. Lucy is actually in hiding from her boss because she just discovered that he was selling forgeries. Mick swore to Tim that he would take care of Lucy while he was gone which leads them to an interesting adventure.

The characters are really relatable. Mick is running from his life while Lucy is running for hers. The attraction between them is strong and Mick keeps trying to deny it. Lucy thinks this is because Tim is always treating her like a kid and Mick can only see her this way. It was a really good love story with a nice ending. Now I need to read the first three Magnolia Bay stories.

Rating: 4 stars

A short book with a full story. Even though it takes place over a few days nothing is missing from the plot. It is a complete short story with a good mix of suspense, romance and danger.

Another Magnolia Bay Love Story, Stealing Hearts by Erika Marks will steal your heart (no pun intended) in the first chapter.

Remember Mick Atwell from “A Very Married Christmas”? This is his story. He is still in Magnolia Bay for a few more days before he goes to Colorado for another job. That is until his plans were derailed by the arrival of Lucy Waverly.

Good looking as he is, Mick can pick and choose among the beautiful women of Magnolia Bay. But, it was not until he laid eyes on Lucy Waverly that his heart skipped a bit. Aside from the fact that she is his best friend’s sister, Lucy also comes with a whole lot of issues and baggage. And of course, she lives in New York!

Mick has less than a week to find his happily ever after with Lucy, that is if they can survive it especially with mobster-type men looking for Lucy.

Stealing Hearts is Rated T for Teens.

I liked this book from the Magnolia Bay Series - it was the first one I've read and it won't be the last. Erika Marks told a great story about two individuals who needed two very different things right now.

Some people just have bad luck. They get over it and move on. Unfortunately, Lucy is the poster child for an old country song lyric.. “if it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all”.

Finally after years of screw-ups, bad choices and having her big brother always rescue her from her best laid plans, Lucy thought she had the ideal job in NYC. And it was… until she discovered her boss was a crook and she was on the run from his threats. So she came home – ran home – to big brother Tim’s protectiveness and a town where she knew every available hiding spot should she need them. Only… she didn’t mention, at first, just how much trouble she was in — and she certainly didn’t expect to run to Mick, her brother’s best friend, for help too.

Mick has his hands full. POUR,the trendy new bar he’s helping his friend get ready for launch, is supposed to be ready to open it’s doors in days. But no liquor license, no staff, no bar set up, and no Tim who’s stuck out of town due to the weather. Plus.didn’t it just make his life perfect that his best friend’s little sister breezes back into town, hiding trouble badly and tempting him into more trouble than he’s wanted for a long time. And his feelings toward Lucy have nothing to do with brotherly affection.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read of two people who really need a break more than Mick and Luce – these two really have had a crapshoot dealt to them recently. They need a break. And they need each other.

I completely enjoyed Mick and Lucy’s love story. Full of tension, sexy banter, smokin’ hot love scenes, pure fun, annoying older brothers and pesky villainous bosses. Our couple will find their happy ever after – and we have the fun of watching them make it there. I won’t spoil your fun, but I will highly recommend this one. It gets a 4 outta 5 rating from me.

*I received an e-ARC of Stealing Hearts from Tule Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

This has sizzle appeal. Younger sister of his partner is a walk disaster. Lucy is everything he should stay away from but she needs his help. Lucy has messed up her life again and is running to her big brother for help. Problem is big brother is not available but the guy he is partnered with in a new wine bar is. Mick, red head with killer dimples and a way with filling out his jeans. Mick only does casual but Lucy wants to change that, but can she? Find out in this fun and exciting book by Erika Marks.

Mick Atwell's time in Magnolia Bay is almost up. He has an opportunity waiting for him in Colorado, but before he goes, he promises to help his best friend Tim open his new wind bar, Pour. They have less than a week, and are no where close to being ready. When Tim's sister Lucy comes home for an unexpected visit, Tim asks Mick to take her to dinner and keep an eye on her while he goes on a quick overnight business trip. There is instant attraction for Mick and Lucy, but she is his best friend's sister and he is on his way out of town. Lucy comes home to Magnolia Bay to escape her crooked boss in New York and hopes to get her brother's help and advice. Instead, she ends up with sexy Mick. When a snowstorm strands her brother, Lucy steps in to help Mick get the bar ready for it's grand opening, hoping to put her brother's notion of her as a drifter and a disaster to rest.
Erika Marks has woven a fun story full of romance, attraction and intrigue. The characters are well-developed and the story is well-paced. I love that Lucy is able to change her brother's mind, and that both Lucy and Mick have things to get past and move through to have a future. Returning to Magnolia Bay is always fun, and I love seeing new faces but also revisiting those we have met in the past!

A great short story that was full of romance. I enjoyed reading it.

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Mick is helping his friend Tim open a restaurant before he hits the road again--one complication, Tim's sister shows up. Lucy's on the run from her boss. She has something her boss wants, he's running a counterfeit art business, and thinks she can hide in her hometown. As Lucy and Mick work together to get the wine bar opened, they find attraction. With danger on the horizon, Mick helps Lucy, and after he saves her, he still walks away from the relationship--because it's not in his plan. Lucy goes back to her life in New York, but one night when she opens the door for her take-out order, she finds Mick is back and ready for life in New York, with her. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

I love Magnolia Bay and every visit with stories like Erika Marks' Stealing Hearts. Stealing Hearts is a smooth telling read that will have you needing to know what Mick and Lucy will do next. I thought the match between them was clever and meant to be.

I'll continue to pick up an Erika Marks, they've all been not to be missed reads.

Another enjoyable read by Erika Marks. A quick-paced romance between a charming bartender and his buddy's younger sister Lucy. Mick tries to deny his attraction to Lucy and simple treat as his friend's kid sister but the attraction is too strong. Throw in a little danger and some protective instincts and you have the two of them falling for each other. Another sweet and easy romance in Magnolia Bay .

This story was going so nicely and then the final chapters were just so bleh; I felt like the end was just so rushed.

We get a funny meeting scene between Mick Atwell and Lucy Waverly; which by the way know-it-all big brothers should not share certain stories with their best friend's. Mick and Lucy worked really well throughout the whole story and seemed like a very well set couple, but then at the end it just went wrong. When Mick finally comes back to grovel to Lucy, there really isn't any groveling or "let me think about it" from Lucy. Plus the whole scene with Lucy's ex-boss and what was supposed to be an action packed moment just fell flat.

I've read a few of Ms. Marks stories and I'm usually very impressed, however, although this one was good, it wasn't great.

Rating 3.5 out of 5 Read@Book

sweet story :)

Very nice romance story. However, I feel that the previous books related to this book have to be read first. Otherwise, its a good book.