Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Description:
Diamonds are a duke’s best friend…

When the infamously cold-hearted Duke of Helston decides to catch a gang of jewel thieves stealing from London’s elite circles, he never expects the thief to be a woman.

She’s not just any woman either…she happens to be the bewitching creature he met in the darkened corridor during a musicale who changed his life forever.

What’s a duke to do when he wants to catch a thief who not only stole his family diamond, but also his heart?

Review:

Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith the first book in a new series. I really like how this author does both historical and paranormal stories. Dukes and Diamonds is the first book in a new Victorian Jewel trilogy featuring three women who come together to steal from the rich and give to the poor. (Very Robin Hood vibes.) 

Without her new found friends, Tabitha’s story might have turned out completely different! Stealing food to survive, her fathers death had left her destitute and all alone. Then stealing from the rich to give to the poor (but only the ones who deserved it!).

Fitzwilliam Seagrave (Fitz to friends) the cold-hearted Duke of Helston (the name the ladies of high society gave him) decides to catch an elusive gang of jewel thieves stealing from London’s elite circles. Setting a trap to catch the thief he never expects the thief to be a woman. And she’s not just any woman either…she happens to be the young lady he’s beginning to fall for, exchanging heated woods and a wonderful moment that has him thinking of wedlock! 

Fitz doesn’t believe or carry the notion of love. But spending illicit moments with Tabitha has him thinking thoughts he ought not to! And how can he marry a penniless young woman who he thinks is a thief? So beneath his station (arrogant man 😆) but with the help of his friends and grandmother (who is such a hoot) he’s taught a few valuable lessons. He just has to come up with a way of letting Tabitha know his feelings (and to stop her from stealing!) 

I liked Tabitha (although a little uncomfortable with her stealing, but I see why) her actions had a motive, and her wit had me chuckling throughout the book. I like that she wasn’t a shy and innocent maiden (he won’t be her first bedroom experience 😜) and lusted after her Duke. She’s loyal to her friends and a quick mind.

Her partners in crime are Julia and Hannah, and they make a great trio. And I’m hoping they both get a story as each young lady is such a laugh, but have their own stories of woe! 

Add in a few steamy interludes, the other  Robins and other side characters and it’s a good read. Throw in a little angst and a twist, and it turns from a good into a great read. 

I can’t wait to read who’s next. So what happens next? There has to be consequences to her actions. If she’s caught will she name her accomplices? And will Fitz forgive her, or turn her into the local constabulary? 

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Copy supplied by Author