Steal Me by Lauren Layne

Steal Me (New York's Finest)

by Lauren Layne

Being a cop might be in Anthony Moretti's blood, but protecting and serving the city of New York has always been more than just the family business. If that means his love life stays locked up, well, that's just another sacrifice made in the line of duty. That is, until he sets eyes on the gorgeous new waitress at The Darby Diner. Suddenly, Anthony's morning coffee is leaving him a whole lot more hot and bothered than usual.

Though waitressing at The Darby isn't exactly Maggie Walker's dream job, it pays the bills and gives her time to work on her novel. Now, if only she could stop fantasizing about gorgeous Anthony Moretti every time he sits down at her table, she'd really be in great shape. But when he needs her help identifying a criminal threatening The Darby--and Maggie recognizes her ex-husband--she fears her fresh start might be a pipe dream. Faster than a New York minute, Maggie and Anthony find themselves in one perilous pursuit that only gets hotter with each and every rule-breaking kiss.

Reviewed by Lynn on

5 of 5 stars

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Anthony “Anth” Moretti is as prickly as a porcupine – he's also 6' 4'' of Italian deliciousness. He's the eldest of Tony Moretti's boys and the one carry the burden of following his father's footsteps to become a future police commissioner – a goal he's motivated to achieve but begrudges the personal sacrifice he expects to make for his dream to become a reality.

Maggie Walker moved to Brooklyn after divorcing her layabout husband. She's independent and has embraced her new found freedom, happy to blend into her surrounding. She may be a waitress, but she has ambitions to be a writer. Her easy charm has made her a favourite within the Moretti family when they all get together for brunch on a Sunday. This irks Anth because Maggie is useless at her job as she somehow manages to spill something on him each week. He's grumpy, but Maggie isn't phased. A sassy remark to the 'Captain' is all it takes for Anth to be smitten. Not that he'll admit it.

What endears Anth to me the most are his imperfections. His character is flawed and that makes him even more intriguing and irresistible. He tries to apply his police training to solve his personal life issues and fails. If only he'd listen instead of presuming the worst...at times he is his own worse enemy! It's heartbreaking that he can't get over how things ended with his last girlfriend and the tragic consequences it triggered. If only he'd pay attention to what is right in front of him. However, despite his gruffness, he's nurturing, caring and selfless...oh and incredibly sexy! Of course, there are his parents, siblings and Nonna to tease and call him out too. At times he reminded me of Atlas – carrying the world on his shoulders.

Maggie isn't the quiet mouse type he thought and shows she can quickly stand her ground when necessary – at least with Anth. Her quick witted retort fires up a desire in Anth that he didn't see coming. However, she still struggles when her father and brother are leeching for her hard earned salary, when she's barely keeping her head above water herself.

I liked Frisk Me, but loved Steal Me so much more. The slow-burn build up of Anth and Maggie's relationship is palpable and captivating whilst the chaos that is the Moretti family swirls around them...Nonna, never stray from the road of growing disgracefully! I can't wait to see how Vincent and Jill's relationship pans out.

5 stars

***arc generously received from publisher Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley***

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 November, 2015: Finished reading
  • 21 November, 2015: Reviewed