Nell MacInnes is an expert in her field of art restoration.  She can detect a forgery from a mile away.  All of this is due to her father, an art thief who was recently released from prison.  A rare sketch by Leonardo da Vinci is missing and authorities suspect Nell’s father.  Nell’s father urges her to contact his friend, Nicholas Draycott.  Dakota Smith is assigned to Nell as they deal with the missing art and her father.

Nell and Dakota make for a winning couple.  She is a feisty heroine who is put through the ringer and comes out stronger at the end.  Nell is in a situation not of her making but she has to do whatever she can to save her father.  Dakota is an alpha male.  He would love to be in control all the time but finds himself falling for a woman who doesn’t like to be controlled.  They have strong personalities which add to the chemistry between them.  It was great to watch them together as they try to work together and later when they start giving in to their feelings.  While Nell and Dakota are the featured couple, there are many secondary characters that will provide lots of enjoyment including Nell’s father and Izzy. This reader is anxiously awaiting Izzy’s story as he has appeared in previous books.  He is a tantalizing character and we can’t wait to find out more about him.

To Catch a Thief is the latest book in the Draycott Abbey series.  I have to admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed this series to date.  To Catch a Thief is a wonderful addition with lots of action and memorable characters.  The story is fast paced and extremely riveting -- it will definitely win Ms. Skye even more fans!

August 16, 2008