She’ll Steal Your Heart by Rachel Lacey is a wonderful age gap, friends-to-lovers, contemporary romance about redemption, compassion, and healing.
Last year, Lauren Booker fled New York with a warrant out for her arrest. She’s now back, looking to make amends for her crime, and hoping to rebuild her life. Her online friend is her only support and when they finally meet in person, Lauren is unprepared for the instantaneous attraction she feels as well as the connection Mia has to her crime, putting Lauren’s plans in jeopardy.
Mia Solano’s year has been difficult. Recently divorcing, walking away from her law career, and suffering a health scare have made her rethink her priorities. Running her cat cafe and living her slower-paced life has taken some adjusting when Lauren’s legal troubles force her to confront the life she left behind. She’s drawn to Lauren and can’t explain why.
As the connection between them strengthens, both women must confront their feelings with neither wanting to risk their friendship. With Lauren’s court date looming, they might lose everything, or they might find just what they’ve both been searching for.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
I’ve been waiting to hear Lauren’s side of the story after she briefly appeared in Rachel Lacey’s first book in the series, Don’t Cry For Me. That said, this book, like all of the other books in the series, can be read as a stand-alone. Although reading the other three books in the series would be highly beneficial!
A poor choice 15 months ago has haunted Lauren since and she’s returned to the city she loves to spend a weekend with friends and after that make amends for her impulsive and reckless decision. Lauren confides in Mia that first weekend and fortunately, for Lauren, Mia’s non-judgmental and goes out of her way to help Lauren by representing her, offering her a part-time job, and a place to stay.
Mia and Lauren each wrestle with their budding feelings for one another while trying to maintain the friend- zone. Mia even attempts several dates that never develop into more. This is most likely due to the fact that she compares each of the women to Lauren was reason enough.
Mia and Lauren are perfectly well suited for one another and it was easy to see that they are the other’s missing piece. The baggage that both women came to the table with, didn’t prevent them from pursuing what their hearts so clearly wanted. The chemistry between them is undeniable and the age gap is never an issue.
The time spent in Mia’s cat cafe with all of the adorable rescue cats (especially Gilbert) was delightful and I wish I had the opportunity to hang out at the cafe where I’d be found sipping delicious coffee while snuggling adorable kitties.
The subplot of fandom was engaging as was Lauren’s road to self-publishing her first novel by way of creating fan fiction.
Cons And Heads Up
None for me.
The Conclusion
She’ll Steal Your Heart is a delightful contemporary romance about a former lawyer turned cat cafe owner and amends-seeking writer who’s looking for a fresh start. This book highlights the importance of owning up to your mistakes, allowing second chances, and becoming vulnerable in order to find your way. There’s courage, compassion, and communication with lots of cats. You don’t want to miss out on this one.
Excerpt from She’ll Steal Your Heart by Rachel Lacey
Thirty minutes later, Lauren exited the subway at Hoyt Street. As she stepped outside into the balmy August afternoon, her spirits soared as the familiar sights and sounds of her old neighborhood surrounded her.
She sucked in a lungful of air, laced with car exhaust and the candy-sweet scent of the bakery on the corner, feeling content in a way she hadn’t since she left Brooklyn last year. This place was rooted in her soul. She hoisted her duffel bag across her shoulders and set off in the direction of the Airbnb, about three blocks away.
As she walked, Lauren became distracted watching the woman in front of her. She had on a gray Oxford shirt neatly tucked into eggplant-colored pants that perfectly cupped a shapely ass, not that Lauren was looking…except she was totally looking. The woman walked with a brisk, confident stride, and well, Lauren had always been a sucker for a smartly dressed woman.
And okay, maybe it had been a long time since she’d hooked up with anyone, long enough that she was ogling a stranger’s ass, apparently. Lauren dragged her gaze up to the woman’s wavy, ash-blonde hair, which was just long enough to brush her shoulders.
Idly, Lauren hoped the woman would turn around, so she could see if she was as attractive from the front as she was from behind. As the blonde stopped to wait for the light at the crosswalk ahead to change, Lauren seized the opportunity to stand beside her and satisfy her curiosity.
She gave what she hoped was a casual glance to her left, and then her breath caught in her throat, because the woman was every bit as gorgeous from the front, but Lauren hadn’t been ogling a random woman on the street. It was Mia.
“Mia?”
Mia Solano turned at the sound of her name, recognizing Lauren easily from the many selfies she posted in their group chat. Lauren looked just like she did in her photos, with long brown hair and an earnest smile.
“Lauren!” Mia exclaimed, pulling her in for an impulsive hug.
Lauren hugged her back. “It’s so good to finally meet you in person.”
“You too,” Mia said.
“You cut your hair. I didn’t recognize you from behind.” Mia reached up to touch the ends of her newly shortened hair.
“I did, just a few weeks ago. Part of the new me, I guess.”
Lauren nodded. “I like it. It suits you.”
“Thanks,” Mia said. “We have a fun weekend ahead.”
Lauren’s expression brightened. “I can’t wait to see everyone and watch season five.”
“It couldn’t possibly live up to Skin Deep, if you ask me.”
Lauren ducked her head with a shy smile. “I’m sure Skin Deep was smuttier, anyway.”
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Series
Midnight in Manhattan
Don’t Cry For Me
It’s in Her Kiss
Come Away With Me
She’ll Steal Your Heart
Bits and Bobs
ISBN number:
Publisher: Indie Author
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