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gonturans's review against another edition
4.0
I just think giving your fiancé a dagger is really romantic
witandsin's review against another edition
5.0
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2016/07/review-gift-for-guile-by-alissa-johnson.html
A former thief steals the heart of a famous private detective in A Gift for Guile. I’m not an easy sell when it comes to opposites attracting, but Alissa Johnson won me over with this enchanting second installment of the Thief-takers series.
Esther is a former thief determined to make amends. She was used as an accomplice by her father when she was younger, manipulated by him because she was so desperate for his love. Her past brings her shame and she’s desperate to be a better person, but at the same time doesn’t believe she can be one. No one has ever put her first, has ever seen her as anything more than a filler until someone better comes along. She’s used to playing roles, slips into them so easily in order to win others over, but it broke my heart how badly Esther simply wanted to be seen and loved for her true self, though she doesn’t wholly know who that is. It’s delightful that Samuel, a somewhat-staid former police officer turned private investigator, is the person who sees Esther the most clearly.
Samuel is an honorable man with a soul-deep need to protect others. It drives him mad that the woman he falls for isn’t one who will sit quietly and let him guard her when she’s in trouble. Of course, that’s what makes A Gift for Guile so much fun. Esther is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but she’s not superhuman and can see that Samuel has talents that complement her own. Whether they’re investigating a mysterious potential threat to Esther’s family or falling head over heels in love with one another, Samuel and Esther are great together. The energy between them crackles and I can’t count the number of times they made me smile. Of course, being perfect for each other doesn’t make things easy. Esther is quick to take offense because she’s scared of opening herself up to more hurt, and Samuel is adorably terrible with words. Esther has to accept her past in order to risk her heart for a chance at love, and Samuel has to be patient and temper his need to protect by acknowledging Esther’s abilities. They banter, they bicker, and they fall in love in the most charming, romantic way. I absolutely adored these two together, simple as that.
Ms. Johnson weaves in a mystery involving Esther’s past and a potential new threat into the story of Samuel and Esther’s burgeoning romance. The added element of danger enhances the story and keeps A Gift for Guile moving at a quick clip. There’s simply nothing I didn’t enjoy about Esther, Samuel, and their lovely romance. Like the first Thief-takers book, A Talent for Trickery, A Gift for Guile is engaging and the sparks that fly between the leads make the pages of the story fly by. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Johnson has in store for readers with the next Thief-takers book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A former thief steals the heart of a famous private detective in A Gift for Guile. I’m not an easy sell when it comes to opposites attracting, but Alissa Johnson won me over with this enchanting second installment of the Thief-takers series.
Esther is a former thief determined to make amends. She was used as an accomplice by her father when she was younger, manipulated by him because she was so desperate for his love. Her past brings her shame and she’s desperate to be a better person, but at the same time doesn’t believe she can be one. No one has ever put her first, has ever seen her as anything more than a filler until someone better comes along. She’s used to playing roles, slips into them so easily in order to win others over, but it broke my heart how badly Esther simply wanted to be seen and loved for her true self, though she doesn’t wholly know who that is. It’s delightful that Samuel, a somewhat-staid former police officer turned private investigator, is the person who sees Esther the most clearly.
Samuel is an honorable man with a soul-deep need to protect others. It drives him mad that the woman he falls for isn’t one who will sit quietly and let him guard her when she’s in trouble. Of course, that’s what makes A Gift for Guile so much fun. Esther is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but she’s not superhuman and can see that Samuel has talents that complement her own. Whether they’re investigating a mysterious potential threat to Esther’s family or falling head over heels in love with one another, Samuel and Esther are great together. The energy between them crackles and I can’t count the number of times they made me smile. Of course, being perfect for each other doesn’t make things easy. Esther is quick to take offense because she’s scared of opening herself up to more hurt, and Samuel is adorably terrible with words. Esther has to accept her past in order to risk her heart for a chance at love, and Samuel has to be patient and temper his need to protect by acknowledging Esther’s abilities. They banter, they bicker, and they fall in love in the most charming, romantic way. I absolutely adored these two together, simple as that.
Ms. Johnson weaves in a mystery involving Esther’s past and a potential new threat into the story of Samuel and Esther’s burgeoning romance. The added element of danger enhances the story and keeps A Gift for Guile moving at a quick clip. There’s simply nothing I didn’t enjoy about Esther, Samuel, and their lovely romance. Like the first Thief-takers book, A Talent for Trickery, A Gift for Guile is engaging and the sparks that fly between the leads make the pages of the story fly by. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Johnson has in store for readers with the next Thief-takers book!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
wordnerdy's review against another edition
3.0
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2016/07/2016-book-130.html
The second book in Johnson's Thief-Takers series, after A Talent for Trickery, is more of the historical-romance-cum-mystery same, focusing on the younger sister and friend/co-worker of the couple from the first book (as predicted). This one didn't work quite as well for me--the pacing was a little bit off (it dragged at times) and there are like, weird interludes where they play badminton. Sure, whatever. I just wasn't super invested in either the romance or their macguffin quest. I did like that the couple makes an effort to clearly communicate, which is a nice change of pace, but it all eventually descends into the usual melodrama. I did like how things wrapped up and will maybe check out more in this series (if any are forthcoming), but am just feeling kind of meh about it. B.
The second book in Johnson's Thief-Takers series, after A Talent for Trickery, is more of the historical-romance-cum-mystery same, focusing on the younger sister and friend/co-worker of the couple from the first book (as predicted). This one didn't work quite as well for me--the pacing was a little bit off (it dragged at times) and there are like, weird interludes where they play badminton. Sure, whatever. I just wasn't super invested in either the romance or their macguffin quest. I did like that the couple makes an effort to clearly communicate, which is a nice change of pace, but it all eventually descends into the usual melodrama. I did like how things wrapped up and will maybe check out more in this series (if any are forthcoming), but am just feeling kind of meh about it. B.
akmargie's review against another edition
3.0
This was fun. I might have liked it a bit more than the first in the series, something about the tall, hulky, gruff heroes. Looking forward to the third book.
sans's review against another edition
3.0
I have actually read something. Finally. I read a book! One that I have not read before!
Since ye olde plague started I’ve had a SHIT time doing anything other than working and playing dumb games. And watching Hamilton at least once a week. Even my beloved comic books take more concentration than I can generally muster. Here’s hoping this is a sign I can finally get back in the swing of things.
As for the book itself, it’s ridiculous and slightly sappy and melodramatic and nearly exactly what I needed. (What I really need is the new Tessa Dare that was delayed until February but this will do for now.)
Since ye olde plague started I’ve had a SHIT time doing anything other than working and playing dumb games. And watching Hamilton at least once a week. Even my beloved comic books take more concentration than I can generally muster. Here’s hoping this is a sign I can finally get back in the swing of things.
As for the book itself, it’s ridiculous and slightly sappy and melodramatic and nearly exactly what I needed. (What I really need is the new Tessa Dare that was delayed until February but this will do for now.)
ssejig's review against another edition
4.0
After finishing "A Talent for Trickery," I was immediately ready for the story of Esther Walker-Bales. In the first book, she was portrayed as feisty and knowing her own worth but doubting some of her past. And Sir Samuel Brads seemed like a perfect foil, handsome but no-nonsense.
This book opens with Esther waiting on a train platform because of a mysterious note that had been sent to her. Samuel has followed her to London because... Well, he tells himself it's because her sister is married to his best friend. But the readers know it's all bunk.
This book wasn't quite as good as the first one in terms of the sense of fun but three and a half stars is still an enjoyable read.
This book opens with Esther waiting on a train platform because of a mysterious note that had been sent to her. Samuel has followed her to London because... Well, he tells himself it's because her sister is married to his best friend. But the readers know it's all bunk.
This book wasn't quite as good as the first one in terms of the sense of fun but three and a half stars is still an enjoyable read.
prgchrqltma's review against another edition
4.0
This should be just my speed, but it seemed kind of sloggy and internal.
jaclynder's review against another edition
5.0
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
A Gift for Guile is the second in Johnson’s Thief Takers series. As much as I enjoyed the first one, I think I have to admit that I liked A Gift for Guile just a tad bit more. Intrigued by the character of Esther Walker Bales in A Talent for Trickery, I was curious to see how the author would pull off a romance between a cunning woman and a private investigator. Let me tell you, it really, really worked.
Esther Walker has come to London to make amends. However, London is the last place she should be because of her and her family’s disreputable past. Esther’s father was a con artist and unbelievably as it sounds, Esther was his muscle. Despite her small stature, Esther is a wizard with knives and that was all it took for her father to put her to work as an accomplice. Now that her father is dead, Esther can move forward and away from her past, which means that she wants to meet her biological father. The problem is that Esther is all too recognizable in London and if she’s discovered she could be in big trouble especially with her father’s enemies.
Sir Samuel Brass is a private investigator and years ago he and his business partners allowed the Walker family to inform for the police. Now that Esther’s sister has married one of Samuel’s business partners his concern for Esther is a little more personal. Tracking down Esther in London when she goes missing, Samuel insists on assisting her in her mission despite the fact that he would much rather her be safe and sound in the country. Naturally, Esther refuses to put up with Samuel’s protective instincts and feels queer in his presence, after all, she’s a former criminal and he's a former police officer. How could he possibly accept her more fluid approach to the law?
As a romance, I really, really enjoyed A Gift for Guile. It features a woman struggling to find herself and reconcile who she is today with who she was in the past. She’s frightened of being judged and not accepted for who she is, and her clumsy suitor doesn’t help matters when he can’t quite explain that he does, in fact, like her for who she is. Esther’s path of discovery was a highlight in A Gift for Guile. There was something about her struggle for who she is on her own when she’s not responding to other’s expectations that just seems so authentic. Esther’s desire for affection from her father and others has led her to believe that she can’t be considered a priority:
Esther was second-best. She was a filler, a stand-in until something better came along, or came back. She wasn’t good enough to keep. She wasn’t worth fighting for. And whatever approval and acceptance she might garner were undeserved, and temporary.
She could and would be replaced at the earliest opportunity (p. 249).
The fact that Esther truly believes that she will never be the most important thing to anyone is tough. But, what I liked about the novel is the path that Esther takes to realize that she does deserve to be a priority. While a large part of this has to do with her relationship with Samuel, it also has a lot to do with her own introspection and consideration of her past actions. When Esther accepts her past, even those parts that she’s ashamed of, she can finally see herself as someone worthwhile. It was a great journey for a reader to be part of.
While Esther is by far the more complex character in A Gift for Guile Samuel Bass was a perfect foil for her. There’s a lot to like about this clumsy, bearish, over protective private investigator, most especially his willingness to let Esther do things on her own terms. Samuel doesn’t always say the right thing, he doesn’t exactly have a way with words, but eventually he gets where he needs to go as it concerns Esther. Ultimately, what I liked about their romance was that it was about each of them just making the effort for one another. All too often the romance genre skips over real issues and that wasn’t the case in A Gift for Guile. Instead Samuel and Esther actually talk about their problems and how it impacts their relationship. It doesn’t always go well, but they keep trying, which is appealing in a genre that is often flooded with the grand gesture. A big, dramatic scene between the couple is all well and good (and there is lots of drama in A Gift for Guile), but the presence of a real dialogue between the hero and heroine goes a long way in cementing the romance element of the book.
Strong characters aside, there is also a fabulous sense of humour prevalent throughout the book. Samuel and Esther do not initially start out liking each other; there’s a lot of animosity between them when Esther discovers that Samuel has followed her to London and would like to dictate her investigation. That tension fuels a lot of witty barbs between these two, a particular favourite is when Samuel tries to lecture Esther on the risk she takes in coming to London:
“Heavens, I’d quite forgotten,” she drawled in a voice that could only be described as sweetly caustic. “Thank goodness you are here to remind me of all the little details of my life.”
God, she was infuriating. “Esther -“
“You’re rather like my very own talking diary” (p. 10).
Sarcasm and Esther get along really well.
If you enjoy your historical romance filled with strong characters and more of an emphasis on the relationship building part of the romance, A Gift for Guile will not disappoint. Bring on more from Alissa Johnson!
A Gift for Guile is the second in Johnson’s Thief Takers series. As much as I enjoyed the first one, I think I have to admit that I liked A Gift for Guile just a tad bit more. Intrigued by the character of Esther Walker Bales in A Talent for Trickery, I was curious to see how the author would pull off a romance between a cunning woman and a private investigator. Let me tell you, it really, really worked.
Esther Walker has come to London to make amends. However, London is the last place she should be because of her and her family’s disreputable past. Esther’s father was a con artist and unbelievably as it sounds, Esther was his muscle. Despite her small stature, Esther is a wizard with knives and that was all it took for her father to put her to work as an accomplice. Now that her father is dead, Esther can move forward and away from her past, which means that she wants to meet her biological father. The problem is that Esther is all too recognizable in London and if she’s discovered she could be in big trouble especially with her father’s enemies.
Sir Samuel Brass is a private investigator and years ago he and his business partners allowed the Walker family to inform for the police. Now that Esther’s sister has married one of Samuel’s business partners his concern for Esther is a little more personal. Tracking down Esther in London when she goes missing, Samuel insists on assisting her in her mission despite the fact that he would much rather her be safe and sound in the country. Naturally, Esther refuses to put up with Samuel’s protective instincts and feels queer in his presence, after all, she’s a former criminal and he's a former police officer. How could he possibly accept her more fluid approach to the law?
As a romance, I really, really enjoyed A Gift for Guile. It features a woman struggling to find herself and reconcile who she is today with who she was in the past. She’s frightened of being judged and not accepted for who she is, and her clumsy suitor doesn’t help matters when he can’t quite explain that he does, in fact, like her for who she is. Esther’s path of discovery was a highlight in A Gift for Guile. There was something about her struggle for who she is on her own when she’s not responding to other’s expectations that just seems so authentic. Esther’s desire for affection from her father and others has led her to believe that she can’t be considered a priority:
Esther was second-best. She was a filler, a stand-in until something better came along, or came back. She wasn’t good enough to keep. She wasn’t worth fighting for. And whatever approval and acceptance she might garner were undeserved, and temporary.
She could and would be replaced at the earliest opportunity (p. 249).
The fact that Esther truly believes that she will never be the most important thing to anyone is tough. But, what I liked about the novel is the path that Esther takes to realize that she does deserve to be a priority. While a large part of this has to do with her relationship with Samuel, it also has a lot to do with her own introspection and consideration of her past actions. When Esther accepts her past, even those parts that she’s ashamed of, she can finally see herself as someone worthwhile. It was a great journey for a reader to be part of.
While Esther is by far the more complex character in A Gift for Guile Samuel Bass was a perfect foil for her. There’s a lot to like about this clumsy, bearish, over protective private investigator, most especially his willingness to let Esther do things on her own terms. Samuel doesn’t always say the right thing, he doesn’t exactly have a way with words, but eventually he gets where he needs to go as it concerns Esther. Ultimately, what I liked about their romance was that it was about each of them just making the effort for one another. All too often the romance genre skips over real issues and that wasn’t the case in A Gift for Guile. Instead Samuel and Esther actually talk about their problems and how it impacts their relationship. It doesn’t always go well, but they keep trying, which is appealing in a genre that is often flooded with the grand gesture. A big, dramatic scene between the couple is all well and good (and there is lots of drama in A Gift for Guile), but the presence of a real dialogue between the hero and heroine goes a long way in cementing the romance element of the book.
Strong characters aside, there is also a fabulous sense of humour prevalent throughout the book. Samuel and Esther do not initially start out liking each other; there’s a lot of animosity between them when Esther discovers that Samuel has followed her to London and would like to dictate her investigation. That tension fuels a lot of witty barbs between these two, a particular favourite is when Samuel tries to lecture Esther on the risk she takes in coming to London:
“Heavens, I’d quite forgotten,” she drawled in a voice that could only be described as sweetly caustic. “Thank goodness you are here to remind me of all the little details of my life.”
God, she was infuriating. “Esther -“
“You’re rather like my very own talking diary” (p. 10).
Sarcasm and Esther get along really well.
If you enjoy your historical romance filled with strong characters and more of an emphasis on the relationship building part of the romance, A Gift for Guile will not disappoint. Bring on more from Alissa Johnson!
beckymmoe's review against another edition
5.0
How have I never read anything from this author before? Must. Remedy. SOON.
I absolutely adored everything about A Gift for Guile. Esther and Samuel were wonderful characters--definitely not perfect by any means, and boy did they have a talent for making the other one crazy!--but wow, were they absolutely perfect for each other. Their banter seriously had me giggling practically nonstop for pages at a time (thank goodness no one was around during my lunch break. I'm pretty sure they would have been speculating about my sanity. More than usual, anyway) and my ecopy has so. Many. Highlights. Really, it was getting ridiculous. :)
(And oh, poor Samuel. The guy just couldn't get a gift that was truly for Esther--and he tried so hard! But when he finally does, boy does he! The guy's good...I guess that's why he's a detective, huh? ;))
The relationship angst was 100% believable, and nicely resolved in a way that felt natural. There was a good dollop of suspense thrown in--just enough to make one anxious, but it didn't go overboard. Really, the writing here was wonderfully balanced--I honestly couldn't think of any way the story could have been improved.
A Gift for Guile clearly follows the events of book one, [b:A Talent for Trickery|25266042|A Talent for Trickery (The Thief-takers, #1)|Alissa Johnson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433274562s/25266042.jpg|44990089], which are alluded to, but it worked just fine as a standalone. Esther and Samuel spend this entire book away from the other series characters, in fact, so really, starting with this book was not at all an issue. (But, yeah. I'm going to be reading book one ASAP. Because did I mention I can't believe I haven't read anything by Alissa Johnson before? Truly, what was I thinking?) Here's hoping there's more to come in this series! (There is at least one more sibling...maybe more--so there's hope!)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored everything about A Gift for Guile. Esther and Samuel were wonderful characters--definitely not perfect by any means, and boy did they have a talent for making the other one crazy!--but wow, were they absolutely perfect for each other. Their banter seriously had me giggling practically nonstop for pages at a time (thank goodness no one was around during my lunch break. I'm pretty sure they would have been speculating about my sanity. More than usual, anyway) and my ecopy has so. Many. Highlights. Really, it was getting ridiculous. :)
(And oh, poor Samuel. The guy just couldn't get a gift that was truly for Esther--and he tried so hard! But when he finally does, boy does he! The guy's good...I guess that's why he's a detective, huh? ;))
The relationship angst was 100% believable, and nicely resolved in a way that felt natural. There was a good dollop of suspense thrown in--just enough to make one anxious, but it didn't go overboard. Really, the writing here was wonderfully balanced--I honestly couldn't think of any way the story could have been improved.
A Gift for Guile clearly follows the events of book one, [b:A Talent for Trickery|25266042|A Talent for Trickery (The Thief-takers, #1)|Alissa Johnson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433274562s/25266042.jpg|44990089], which are alluded to, but it worked just fine as a standalone. Esther and Samuel spend this entire book away from the other series characters, in fact, so really, starting with this book was not at all an issue. (But, yeah. I'm going to be reading book one ASAP. Because did I mention I can't believe I haven't read anything by Alissa Johnson before? Truly, what was I thinking?) Here's hoping there's more to come in this series! (There is at least one more sibling...maybe more--so there's hope!)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.