by Lauren Blakely
Series: Jewel #2
Narrator: Sebastian York
Length: 5 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5 cups
Keep your lover close and your enemy closer.
After giving in to a fiery night of passion, island adventurer Steph Anderson and bounty hunter Jake Harlowe are back to square one. With millions in stolen jewels at stake, it s hard for Steph not to question her new partner s true motives no matter how sexy he might be. Jake is hungry for more of Steph, but he can sense her growing mistrust, which only fuels his own doubts. Worse, there s undeniable evidence that someone else is now after the jewels and that they are both in real danger.
Fighting against their magnetic attraction is a distraction these two can t afford. In order to survive, they ll have to pull off one more heist and trust each other with something even more precious than jewels: their hearts.
The Sapphire Heist by Lauren Blakely is the second novel in the Jewel series and concluded Jake and Steph’s story. Once again, I chose to listen as Sebastian York narrated. Blakely delivered a fun romantic suspense with twists and plenty of heat. The Sapphire Heist was an entertaining listen and I hope we get to revisit these characters again.
“How do I know if any of this between us is real? Or just a setup to take the diamonds?”
After the cliffhanger ending I was delighted this story picked up right where Sapphire Affair ended. I desperately needed to know if one of our characters was dirty.
From the tropical setting to the dual perspectives, Blakely hooked me and I became caught up in both the romance and case. She blends romance and suspense wonderfully as she allows the listener to fall in love with the characters and keeps them guessing.
I loved the old PI vibe coming from Jake and how strong and confident Steph was. Their emotions, actions and chemistry felt genuine. We get to experience them both working the case and collaborating as they hunt down the jewels. Each has their own motive for finding them, and I enjoyed the cast of suspects.
The romance was delightful from sweet to deliciously naughty. Their banter and Jake’s mishaps had me rooting for them. Blakely does not wrap the romance up in a bow. Instead she kept it light and realistic. The case of the jewels was unrushed, explained and solved. Blakely left me feeling good about their future. The author left the door open for more cases with this duo and I for one hope we see them again.
Of course, Sebastian York enhanced the tale, particularly with his rendering of Jake. I am always impressed with his female voices; sometimes I almost forget he is male. Both audiobooks are around six hours, making these great for listening while traveling.
A fun, sexy suspense makes the Sapphire Affair and Sapphire Heist the perfect end of summer listen.
Listen to a sample: The Sapphire Heist
Sneak a Peek Inside the Book
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
I am confused. Are they good guys or bad guys? First I thought they were good until it said pull off one more heist. I am glad you enjoyed both the books!
kimbacaffeinate
Lorna, Jake and Steph and good guys. He is a PI investigating and she is trying to learn whether or not family was involved.
Jennifer
I have this one and the previous book downloaded on my photo to listen to soon. I may wait until I’ve listened to Well Hung before I do, though.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I am anxious for Well Hung and hope I am asked to review 🙂
Samantha, The Book Disciple
I have been curious about this series in general. Perhaps I will have to check out the audio version of them all!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy. It looks like this is a duology, but I am hoping we see more of this couple 🙂
Cyn
Oh I need to check out this series! I enjoyed her other stuff. This sounds like a great listen (i noticed Sebastian York!) And I like the sounds of the snark! Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy them!
The Bibliophile Babe
5 eargasms! That’s the best thing I’ve read all day!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL…
Katherine
Wait! How is the 2nd one out? I swore I was going to read the first book before the 2nd came out! I love a good jewel heist story and a good narrator makes such a difference. I haven’t listened to Sebastian York yet but I really really want too! Is it wrong to get and audio book strictly for the narrator?
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, they came out quickly and now you can read the whole mystery!
Sophia Rose
Your review reminds me that I wanted to read the first book and now I’m glad I put it off so they are available together. I haven’t read a good old-style jewel heist story in a while. That’s neat that he also feels like the detectives of the past.
kimbacaffeinate
They are a great price on Amazon Sophia 🙂
blodeuedd
A good narrator is everything 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Linda…it adds a whole new level to the book 🙂
AngelErin
Oh look! You added a narration rating! Excellent. What a great idea. I’m glad you enjoyed this one. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, yes ..thanks to Nose Graze’s tutorial..lol
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
Good to know that cliffhanger is dealt with quickly! Thanks for putting this series on my radar.
kimbacaffeinate
At this point it looks like a duology..but one can hope we get more!
sherry fundin
Sounds like the narrator is a lot of fun to listen to. Of course, I love romantic suspense and a tropical setting…that’s just the icing on the cake.
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoy books he narrates.
Debbie Haupt
Okay where has the tern eargasms been all my life I LOVE THAT!! LOL
Second I really want to read these stories. Is this a trilogy or a regular series?
Thanks Kim
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha…some narrators do that!
kindlemom1
Glad this was such a good sequel and picked up right where the last one left off.
kimbacaffeinate
It did and I loved that it wrapped up in two books.:)
Jenny
Clearly you need to read the first book in order to read this one since it focuses on the same characters, good to know! I’ve been on a historical romance kick lately, so I think it might be time for a little romantic suspense!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…it continues in this one..but wraps up. Not bad, about 12 hours total
Kristin
Yay, it’s a duology!! Yes, I claim that its a word and it works! Lauren Blakely is a fun author to read; I’ve read two of her other books. I’ll have to check these out when I can b/c it would be interesting to see how she does suspense!!! You, the expert, obviously approves 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It has an old PI feel to it, but I had a blast. Yes a duology.
Melliane
I can understand I would have been pretty curious to know too! It sounds really good!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Melliane
Bookworm Brandee
I think I could listen to Sebastian York read his grocery list. *sigh* Is it terrible that my first thought was “ooh, I have to listen to this!”?? Luckily the story sounds engaging and entertaining. I like that the suspense is so well done as well as the romance. And I’m kinda glad that both books are out so I’m not left hanging with that cliffhanger. 😉 Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Not terrible at all. There are certain narrators that I actually search for on Audible..then read book synopsis!
Melanie Simmons
Sebastian York is on my list of narrators to try. I keep hearing such amazing things about him. This sounds like it has been a fun series. I can now try it without having to wait after that dreaded cliffhanger. LOL
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, exactly.. I really like York, his female voices are great and his tone is pleasing.
Christy LoveOfBooks
lol – How long have you been rating the narration like that? I just noticed it. 😀 Looks like a fun read …or listen.
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe…I added the Narration Rating last week..but the eargasm is new. LOL
Leona
I’m not sure if I have the first book on audio or maybe it’s Big Rock, or maybe it’s neither. I’ve gone back and forth of books by this author on audio so many times I think I’m losing my mind. I am hesitant to read this series though because I’m not usually a fan of jewel thieves and the women or men that are set out to find them and bring them to justice. I’m glad you enjoyed this and its predecessor.
kimbacaffeinate
I get it, I have quirks like that, but love PI stories, and Jake felt old school which I love!