Brook Street: Thief

By: Ava March

Narrated by: Charlie Belmont

London, 1822

It was only supposed to be one night. One night to determine once and for all if he truly preferred men. But the last thing Lord Benjamin Parker expected to find in a questionable gambling hall in Cheapside is a gorgeous young man who steals his heart.

It was only supposed to be a job. Cavin Fox has done it many times - select a prime mark, distract him with lust, and leave his pockets empty. Yet when Cavin slips away under the cover of darkness, the only part of Benjamin he leaves untouched is his pockets.

With a taste of his fantasies fulfilled, Benjamin wants more than one night with Cavin. But convincing the elusive young man to give them a chance proves difficult. Cavin lives with a band of thieves in the worst area of London, and he knows there's no place for him in a gentleman's life. Yet Benjamin isn't about to let Cavin - and love - continue to slip away from him.

©2012 Ava March (P)2012 Audible, Inc

Good premise but horridly long-winded.

I liked the premise even though I thought the execution was somewhat wanting because the main characters just weren't attractive. Or attractive enough. Lord Benjamin Parker came across as a nondescript, boring person, without even the benefit of good looks to attract me. As a romance-lover, I need at least one of two things - the MC has to be gorgeous even if he isn't powerful, smart or rich; or he has to have a great personality if not the looks to accompany it.

The other thing that lost it another star, IMO, was that the author tended to over-write. The narrative was too long, stretching out a point as if she thought I, the reader, wouldn't get it. Much of the time I was itching for the story to get moving. Instead, one of the drawbacks of audiobooks, I was forced to listen as Cavin went on endlessly about some point or other. In the end, I had to hit the pause button and read the ebook, skimming over the lines until the storyline picked up again. As any audiobook lover knows, this is not an easy task and does pull one out of the story by the time you locate the spot you want.

Charlie Belmont was good but even he couldn't save this work. I fell asleep in the second book, Fortune Hunter, so I can't review that beyond saying I like my heroes taller than me (superficial bitch that I am) so five feet four doesn't do it for me. I will try the last book in the series, though, and if that doesn't work either, then no more Ava March for me.

I do hope to see more MM romances by Belmont, though. He has a lovely timbre to his voice. His execution may not be as smooth as David Morey, Jack LeFleur, Sean Crisden or Charlie Carr but he's still better than many male narrators out there. I'd like to see how he carries off a story that's set in the US with American characters.

It Will Steal Your Heart

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I definitely would. Considering it's a little on the shorter side, I was more than impressed with how it truly felt more like an eight hour novel. The pacing was excellent, with nothing rushed. The number and types of encounters flowed and fit. It did not drag on, and did not feel as if it were lacking at all to fit a shorter length.

What did you like best about this story?

Probably the pacing. It was a wonderful story with excellent narration and good characterizations. The characters have their flaws, and they reflect on them, though it is not overdone the way many books are. It feels very natural and the conflict seems real rather than manufactured for drama.

Which scene was your favorite?

Probably when Sam is hired. It shows so much of both Ben and Cavin's characters. It's a natural way to continuing showing the reader/listener who these people are. This book is very good at the "show don't tell" method of writing. Something most blockbuster movies seem to be lacking these days.

Who was the most memorable character of Brook Street: Thief and why?

The cast was rather limited, which is probably why the pacing worked so well for a novel this length. I think Cavin would be my favorite. Ben is a little naive and idealistic, but in a very charming way. Cavin's had a rough life and yet he has a strong moral compass. It seems he just needed to find his true North to really utilize it.

Wonderful story!!!

If you could sum up Brook Street: Thief in three words, what would they be?

loved the setting

What did you like best about this story?

Seemed like to a REAL story to me.

Which character – as performed by Charlie Belmont – was your favorite?

Parker

If you could rename Brook Street: Thief, what would you call it?

Julian!

Any additional comments?

Definitely like book 1 in series better.

Great new series

I just loved this story and it's narrator.

This historical MM romance it's sweet and hopeful. And even though it's unlikely that Benjamin and Calvin relationship would have happened . I mean, Benjamin is a Peer of the Realm and during that period of time , social class division was very strict, I love the idea of it. Anyways, that's why I read romance novels after all... For the escape and illusion😍😘

Sweet and Simple

What did you like best about this story?

The raw honesty of accepting yourself and falling in love

What does Charlie Belmont bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love audio books because it allows me to do other things while I listen.