Book two as delightful as book one.
598597
Just as delighted with this second book in the The Thorne Brothers trilogy as the first book, "My Steadfast Heart."  Focus is on the second brother, Decker, raised as a thief who finds his elder brother (Colin from the first book) and moves to Boston to make his way honestly in shipping.  It takes a while to get to know Decker and a while to get to know his extremely challenging HEA, Jonna, owner of Remington Shipping.  Their dialogue is sharp, frequently sarcastic, often hurtful, honest, and eventually loving.  Add to that the whole Boston setting, abolitionist activities, a ruthless villain, and a whole plot unfolds.  I seriously appreciated Colin and Mercedes being brought into the plot, too, catching up with their lives and children.  Overall, some suspense, some heroism, loving relationships and, finally, a true HEA.  Fine historical romance set mostly in America.  Off to buy book three.
2254302
I enjoyed book one so much and went straight to book two and I was not disappointed.  Love it so much.
3698100
As wonderful as the first book was this is every bit the same. I could not put the book down.
4608830
This is the second book in a 2 book series and it is every bit as good as the first book - maybe even better.
4515469
Brought us from the excitement of book one to book two. It also provided enough interest for me to read book three.
3803621
Books one and two very alluring and gripping. The third book, not so much, since it missed the flair of one of the characters.
3585492
Wow I loved the first, but the 2nd is even better. I really grew to appreciate Charles in this series and the support he provides. This book has it all and adds in a bit of humour too, found my self laughing out loud quite often and smiling while reading. It's a shame the books aren't longer. LOVING this series
3903112
Book 2 is just as thrilling as Book 1. One must love Locke and Jean because while they are thieves, they are honorable, good guys who appeal to the heart. They take but give, receive and offer. They fight alongside their friends and take down their enemies. Yet, for all their thievery, they are loyal, nice guys. It's bizarre to say but they are really charming.

In Book 2, they voyage from land to sea. Their loss of friends remains heavy on their hearts but they continue on as the notorious, "Gentleman Bastards", true priests of the Crooked Warden, the 13th God. Locke leads the way as the mastermind with Jean at his side.

Jean and Locke find themselves in the company of pirates after they are forced to aid a rogue leader. The Bondsmagi are still pissed over their fingerless and tongueless comrade so they continue to plot against Locke and Jean by exposing their identities and whereabouts to men who may come across them. Their watchful eyes puts them on the archon's radar. Again Locke and Jean are taken out of their comfort zone of masterminding cons for financial gain to masterminding cons in order to stay alive. This time, the hustlers get hustled.

Brilliantly written! Great story, with two lovely and fierce female protagonists joining the men. The ending is endearing but heartbreakingly sad.

I love Locke's compassion, how easily wounded he gets when insulted and Jean's sensitivity to loss and the ease at which he cries. Their friendship is one of a kind and so very admirable. What remains present when reading their story is that both men didn't choose to be thieves, they were made thieves. They don't play honest but they play gentle unless forced into a fight. They are an unforgettable pair much like Holmes and Dr. Watson in that they are entertaining and work well together on the opposite side of the law.
1901671
This series was a delight from the first book forward.
3234522
As riveting as the first book. Can't wait to dive into book three.
1955079
I loved this book so much I had to buy book 2 and 3 and am waiting for the next book.
1941933
I thundered through Book 1 in one day and Book 2 in the next. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Could do with some editing - Book 2 used "pour" instead of "pore" when reading a book and Book 1 used "aid" when the author meant "aide" as in a person, not a verb. I am buying Book 3 now
1039025
This continuation in book 2 is just as exciting and captivating as book 1.  With the advancement of scientific discoveries the possibility of a super race is not so far fetched. A good read to stimulate the imagination and cause you to think about how our world is heading.
3474570
This second book in the series certainly is not a disappointment.
Again the plot and the characters are well defined and the reader becomes emotionally involved with them on their way to happiness.
Getting ready to read the third book and can hardly wait!
1635768
I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed reading the first book in this series.
2644431
Since I'd already read book one I was eager to read book two and it did not disappoint. Most of the characters were friends and it was fun catching up with them. I had worried about Devi (who had been injured in book one) and was glad to learn she was well on the mend. Once again I became embroiled in the lives of the residents of the Brookside Retirement Community. Book one was fun and book two was just as much fun. Happy to recommend this book.
4206291
This series is both warm, intelligent,  and captivating.