I will freely admit that I picked up this book from the rack here at work simply because of the cover. I've always enjoyed Historicals and this one is pretty eye-catching!
Brandon Wycroft, Earl of Stockport, has invested in a new textile mill that he hopes will give his tenant farmers an additional source of income. But his efforts at encouraging investors are being hampered by The Cat, a notorious burglar who is stealing from the rich to feed the poor -- and frightening wealthy investors away from the town of Stockport.
It's no spoiler to let you know that The Cat turns out to be a woman, and she and the Earl engage in a battle of wits that includes -- for various contrived reasons -- several tumbles in the bedroom. I hoped that the saucy cover image would be an indicator of the level of sensuality but unfortunately for me, most of the sex scenes in this novel were left to the reader's imagination. :(
Despite that disappointment, this novel is a good, fast read; I enjoyed the verbal sparring between The Cat and the Earl as they fall for each other while arguing their side, and the action-packed conclusion as the Earl is forced to help The Cat evade capture by the authorities.
Verbal sparring
IMHO there can be a high level of sensuality without any explicit sex. It sounds like you and I define sensuality differently. For me this was an intense level of sensuality, but low level explicit sex scenes. The verbal sparring was all part of this couple's spark. I just loved this book! The Cat is a fiesty, strong female character and the Earl...yum.
Nancy
sheandeen@gmail.com
Not bad...
I was actually the proofreader for this book so I can't add it to the challenge since i read it so long ago. I enjoyed it, especially Cat's spunky attitude, but it wasn't one of my favourites. I don't understand the title though...she's not a pickpocket! :P