Books Read: Carmen Reid - The Jewels of Manhattan

Source - Bought (Second hand on Ebay)

Like all crazy plans, it was plotted on a cocktail napkin.

1. Steal fabulous jewels
2. Sell for millions
3. Live happily ever after

Brilliant and oh so simple ... when you're a few Cosmopolitans down.

Not quite so easy ... if you've never stolen anything before, and you're dating a detective.

The three Jewel sisters, Amber, Sapphire and Em, came to New York in search of the perfect life.

But do they have to steal their dream?  Or can they resist the temptation?

This is the first of Carmen Reid's standalone books that I've read as previously I have only read her Annie Valentine series which I love.  And to be honest, I'm on the fence about this one as it was just ok... not fabulous but not terrible enough either to not finish reading it.   

The idea behind the storyline was an interesting one, 3 southern belles thrust into the bright lights of city life in vibrant New York and planning a jewel heist to fund the lifestyle.   The plot seemed so far-fetched which was why it actually appealed to me.  However, my main gripe about this storyline was that the synopsis suggests that all three sisters come up with the main when in fact it was only one, Em. 

As with any book with several main characters you come to love one, Amber, and hate another, Em, whereas the third sister, Sapphire, was almost like an afterthought.

But the robbery storyline is not all that this book is about as there is also the usual element of romance that is common in most chicklit novels between Amber and detective Jack as well as Sapphire and fellow auctioneer Fergus. 

Overall this book is perfect if you want a quick cheesy read to while away a few hours on a cold winters day.  Sorry Carmen I just didn't love this book but hoping that the next Annie Valentine book will restore my love of your books.