Crooked Hearts: 7

If I had to pick my favorite romance novel, this would be the one. I read this book when it was first published by the late Topaz division of Penguin, when the book had a cover that actually matched its contents. I was lucky to grab another copy before it went to a hearts and flowers format. Don't be fooled by the cover -- this is an adventure story with a dash of romance and much humor. Grace and Reuben are the most appealing of charcters -- funny, romantic, and hard-boiled all at once. The opening scene is memorable: con-woman Grace, disguised as a nun, pulls up her skirts to re-adjust the gun she has hidden under her habit. What she doesn't know is that the "blind" man seated across from her in the stagecoach is another grifter, taking in the view from behind his dark glasses. Set in California in the 1880s, this book makes you wish you had seen old San Francisco, before the earthquake. It is in the zany tradition of the cult TV program "Brisco County, Jr." with chase scenes, narrow escapes, bad guys with issues, and sex that can be both humorous and tender. If you are feeling low, this is a book to lift your spirits and tickle your funny bone at the same time.

I read Patricia's other books and I always felt her books were lacking in some way. Not with this book. This book was a laugh out loud, funny, and sexy book about two thiefs with insercurities. They are not perfect, but they are good people who deserved the ending they got.

I am so glad to see Patricia Gaffney enjoying well-deserved success -- especially as it means a return to print of one of my all time favorite romances. Crooked Hearts has it all, wonderful, unique, fully fleshed characters, witty dialogue, adventure and a deep, soul-fulfilling love. Not only is there one copy on my keeper shelf, but two-- one to lend, and one to cherish.

Grace and Reuben are a couple of con artists who meet by chance while traveling (in disguise, of course: she, a nun; he, a blind spaniard.) Hilarity and hijinks ensue as a result of one's belief that the other can't see, etc. Meeting one another was an intriguing diversion, nothing more, considering the two would probably never cross paths again...that is, until their stagecoach is robbed, their "winnings" are stolen, and their false identities exposed in the process. As help is sought from the authorities after the bandits are subdued, Grace and Reuben, fearing questioning by the police, make their escape on horseback with nothing but the clothes on their back and a small, mysterious chinese figurine that seemed to be of special interst to the robbers.Back at Reuben's San Fransiscan apartment, the two decide to partner up, just for a scam or two, until they can recoup their lost winnings. They develop a certain friendly-but-somewhat-suspicious camraderie, and, finding that they work rather well together, decide to see what they can get out of the figurine.Grace and Reuben are wonderful characters - quite a refreshing change from the typical romance genre. Both are somewhat jaded and devious, yet the reader sees glimpses of basic goodness and kindness - even innocence - that only desperate circumstances and hard luck has served to temper in both of them. The book drew me in immediately - action-packed from the get-go. The dialogue was quite clever, with lots of quite funny moments, as well as a couple of intricately impressive con schemes (where DOES Ms. Gaffney come up with this stuff?) Reuben and Grace are endearing, and I think any reader would soon find themself cheering for this couple.Grace and Reuben develop a certain honor-among-thieves trust and friendship, and even grow to depend on one another (though they'd never admit it), and though there is a mutual attraction, they each inwardly determine to keep things neutral...until they find themselves caught up in the dangerous world of a deadly chinese mafia in Chinatown, the leader of which wants the little figurine quite desparately...and wants Grace even more.Though the story is lively and witty, a deep, abiding love is developing between Grace and Reuben that is really quite touching and very deeply sexy. Reuben, though a shaking coward where knives are involved, a devious con-man when the moment calls for one, and a comic with an appreciation for the absurd, is probably the sexiest hero I've ever "met" in the pages of a book!

Very sad to see that this title is out of print. The he & she of this book are both con artists who constantly try to put one over on each other until they band together and in the process fall in love. This is a refreshing dialogue between two equals both of whom do not want to give up their illegal activities or their independence. And we love them for it....The repartee between the two main characters constantly sizzles and provides many laughs! Pick this one up if you can find it. Another thoughtful & sparkling romance from the always wonderful Patricia Gaffney!