The Thief and the Traitor Bride by V. L. Bovalino
The Hand and the Heart #2
Fantasy Romance
September 29, 2026 by Forever
ARC

Review by Angela

I was so happy to be back in this world after loving the first book in The Hand and the Heart series, The Second Death of Locke, so much. The Thief and the Traitor Bride starts out a bit slower, at least for me it did, but I was soon drawn into this tale of estranged spouses, one a thief and one a spy, who are drawn together again for a mission for the crown.

I think the best part of this series is the uniqueness of the magic and political systems. We learned in the first book of the magic of the Isle of Locke, and how it affects the surrounding kingdoms and their system of mages and wells. With the second book, this author pivots to different main characters and broadens the political landscape. When the book opens readers meet Nore Gordon, spy for the Lindle crown and wine merchant. She is often tasked with near impossible missions, and failure is not an option. Her one defiance was falling in love and marrying Caspian– thief, thespian, and tavern worker. She keeps her married and work life separate, even her husband doesn’t know of her life as a spy. Until one fateful night when she realizes the thief she’s been chasing is none other than her husband, and she makes the fateful decision to turn him in.

I love me a good second chance romance, full of yearning and groveling. Caspian and Nore have been separated for a number of years, and each of them hold resentment and animosity toward the other. SO MUCH PAIN. They are sent on a mission TOGETHER, to steal an artifact and spy on the new lady who holds the power of Locke. To achieve their goals, they must pretend to be a happily married couple and work together.

It took me a bit to really get into this book, but once I did… oh, man. I was completely absorbed with the tension, the yearning, the interspersed chapters of what happened before to lead them to their present-day situation. So much angst. I was thrilled to see characters from the first book make appearances and discover how this plotline was woven so neatly into the mystery of Locke and its magic. The ending is so well done. I was all at once thrilled at the trap that was set for Caspian and Nore’s enemies, and content with their HEA.

I’m so invested in this world and can’t wait for another installment in this series. I have no idea where this author could possibly take readers next, but I am more than happy to be along for the ride.

Final grade- B+