Stolen Love — Carolyn Jewel

THIEF OF HEARTS

Elizabeth Willard had been the childhood friend of dashing Nicholas Villines -- until the difference in their ages and the vagaries of fortune thrust them part. When they met again, everything had changed.

Poor relation Elizabeth had come to London to be presented to Society with her cousin Amelia. Both girls were expected to find husbands, a task easier for the breathtakingly beautiful Amelia than quiet, serious Elizabeth. Yet Elizabeth had a charm all her own, a fact which did not escape the more discerning gentlemen of their set, especially Nicholas Villines.

Elizabeth had once thought she knew Nicholas through and through, but now he seemed a stranger to her. Most of the time he treated her like a child. Then, suddenly, his smoldering glances were telling her she was the woman of his dreams.

Second Blurb:
Nicholas Villines is the heir assumptive to a viscount. His father left him in dire straits, but he's managed to recover the family fortunes and re-enter society. His childhood friend Elizabeth is now in London, hoping to make a modest marriage, as she is a woman of very modest means. Not so her beautiful (and rich) cousin Amelia. Everyone agrees that Nicolas and Amelia would be a perfect match.

As Elizabeth and Nicholas rekindle their friendship, society can talk of little but The Mayfair Thief, a mysterious and cunning person who has made off with a fortune in jewels and other valuable items. Just who is this mysterious thief, and has Elizabeth really guessed his identity? Nicholas agrees that Amelia would be the perfect wife for him, but he can't stop thinking about Elizabeth and the beautiful woman she's become. Will he accept his feelings for her before it's too late or will she marry his best friend?