The Thief and the Agent

"exciting from beginning to the end" 5 Stars

Morally Gray Hero | Spicy Small Town Romance | Opposites Attract

 

The man named Emmett Wilder has a secret. So does the man pretending to be him…

 

Emmett Roland Wilder built a life and a fortune operating in the gray areas of society all while shunning his family heritage and the Wilder name.

But when a man from his past steals his identity, he must step out of the shadows to save himself and those depending on him from the FBI agent determined to take down the imposter, but who, in the process, has stumbled upon the real Emmett and his past…

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Excerpt:

A metallic tinkling sound heralded Emmett’s arrival to everyone inside as he ducked to avoid hitting his head on the bell that hung above the door.

The blonde behind the long-scarred bar on the left wall raised her gaze and smiled as he headed in her direction.

“Draft, please, Jennie. Pint.”

The blonde narrowed her eyes at him before grabbing a pint glass and pulling the tap. “Emmett Roland. I’ve been serving you at this bar for going on fifteen years now. You think I can’t remember what you drink?”

Emmett smiled. “Oh, I know you can. You’re worlds smarter than me, Jennie, and always have been.”

“And there you go, flashing those baby blues at me from under that gorgeous thick dark mop of Elvis hair. You always were a flirt.” She planted the beer in front of him on top of a cardboard coaster advertising some fancy low-carb ale he’d never drink.

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“Am I a flirt?” he asked with a grin, reaching for the cold glass before taking a swallow of the hoppy, aromatic brew.

“Now you’re flashing those dimples at me. Me, a happily married woman.” She winked at him, teasingly.

Emmett clutched his hand to his heart. “Please. Don’t remind me how I missed my chance. My only consolation is that you ended up marrying one of my best friends. He’s a way better man than me, but still, even he can only come close to deserving you, Jennie darlin’.”

“Are you flirting with my wife again?” Russ asked, coming up behind him and squeezing the back of Emmett’s neck.

“Always.” Emmett grinned.

“Can we talk?” Russ’s tone was suddenly serious.

“Yeah, of course.” He picked up the pint, grabbing a bar napkin for the condensation already forming on the glass, and followed Russ to a table in the back corner. When they were seated, he asked, “What’s up?”

“A woman was in here about an hour ago…” Russ began, his gaze on Emmett’s. “She was asking for Emmett Wilder.”

Emmett’s brows rose at the name he hadn’t heard—or been known by—for over twenty years. “What the hell?”

“My sentiments exactly. Especially when she pulled out her ID. FBI.”

“FBI?” That tidbit proved to be an eye opener.

“Yeah. I was a little worried too until she showed me a picture of the ‘Emmett Wilder’ she was looking for.”

Confused by Russ’s use of air quotes as much as by his statement, Emmett shook his head. “What do you mean?”

He was Emmett Wilder. At least he used to be. That’s what it said on his birth certificate and the driver’s license he’d gotten at sixteen, right about the time he’d dropped the name Wilder forever in favor of using his middle name—his mother’s maiden name.

Now he was Emmett Roland in every way that counted.

Russ was one of only a handful of people in the world who even knew he’d once upon a time been a Wilder. Russ and this FBI woman, apparently.

“She showed me this picture.” Russ turned his cell to face Emmett. “Recognize him?”

The man in the photo—a mug shot, which was fitting—had even less of the thin blonde hair than he’d had ten years ago, but the weaselly thin pale face was the same.

There was no doubt in Emmett’s mind who it was. “That mother fucker. Todd Marshall—”

“Stole your identity,” Russ finished Emmett’s thought. “And he’s committing cons all over the country using your name.”

“And now he’s got the feds after him,” Emmett’s pulse sped as the full ramifications of exactly how bad that was hit him.

His friend spelled it out for him anyway, saying, “Which means they’re also looking for you.”

“Shit.”

“Exactly.”

COLLAPSE

Reviews:Suzanne P on Amazon wrote:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Will the real Emmett stand up?
I'm glad we got to know the real Emmett Wilder. He is quite the character. There is lots of interaction between all the Wilders. The bantering back and forth is fantastic. I absolutely loved the epilogue!

JJ Reviews on Amazon wrote:

5 Stars
This was a really good story. The "real" Emmet was a trip...

Katze on Amazon wrote:

5.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't put it down .
I absolutely loved Emmet & Leila's story. Full of fun characters, and more about the Wilders of Bitter End. Love the fun names. The cockroach finally gets his just desserts. Thanks, Cat, for another great book.

Deb Brown on Amazon wrote:

5.0 out of 5 stars
An exciting conclusion to the Wilders

We finally get to meet the elusive Wilder cousin. What we find out has the makings of a great story. We learn a lot of this cousin's Wilder history. The added addition of the heroine makes this an enjoyable read.

Suzanne Clemons on Goodreads wrote:

"Wow! This was a plot twist I didn't see coming!"

Louisa Lee on Goodreads wrote:

"Emmit's story does not disappoint …a romance with a little heat combined with a mystery"

Dana Zamora on Goodreads wrote:

"steamy beyond my wildest dreams, family feuds, long lost cousins, cattle rustling and art thieves, exciting from beginning to the end"

Sue Parker on Goodreads wrote:

"a fun story!"


BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION PROMPTS:

1. The theme of identity is central to the story. How do the characters in the novel grapple with their own identities? How does Emmett's secret and the imposter's actions affect their sense of self? Discuss instances where characters have to confront and redefine their identities throughout the book.

2. The concept of family heritage plays a significant role in the novel. Explore how Emmett's decision to shun his family name and heritage has shaped his life and choices. How does his journey to reclaim his identity intersect with his family's expectations and history? Discuss the significance of family legacy in shaping the characters' actions and motivations.

3. The book features a cat-and-mouse chase between Emmett and the FBI agent determined to catch him. How does the pursuit impact the dynamics between these two characters? Analyze the complex relationship that develops between Emmett and the agent as they both uncover secrets and truths about each other. What do their interactions reveal about trust, deception, and the lengths people go to protect themselves?

4. The author explores the gray areas of society in which Emmett operates. Discuss the ethical dilemmas presented in the novel and how they relate to real-life situations. How does the author challenge traditional notions of right and wrong? Are there instances where the characters' actions can be justified despite their questionable morality? Explore the moral ambiguity in the story.

5. Love and romance are integral elements of the book. Analyze the romantic relationships portrayed in the novel, including Emmett's past and present connections. How do these relationships influence the characters' decisions and actions? Are there any sacrifices made in the name of love, and if so, how do they impact the characters' growth?

6. Secrets and deception are prevalent throughout the story. Discuss the consequences of keeping secrets and the impact they have on the characters' lives. How do these secrets shape the narrative and create tension? Are there instances where revealing the truth could have altered the course of events? Explore the role of truth and honesty in the characters' lives.

7. The title of the book, "The Thief and the Agent," is significant. Discuss the symbolism behind the title and its relevance to the story. How does the title encapsulate the main themes and conflicts explored in the novel? Consider the multiple layers of identity and the various versions of Emmett portrayed throughout the book.

8. The novel is set in the gray areas of society, blurring the lines between legality and illegality. How does the author use the setting and atmosphere to enhance the story? How does the depiction of the gray areas affect the characters' choices and their perception of right and wrong? Analyze the impact of the setting on the overall tone and themes of the book.

9. Explore the theme of redemption and second chances in the novel. How do the characters navigate their past mistakes and seek redemption? Discuss instances where characters are given opportunities for redemption and the choices they make. Are there any characters who are unable to find redemption? What does the book suggest about the possibility of change and growth?

10. Reflect on the ending of the book. Did it meet your expectations? Were there any surprising twists or resolutions? Discuss the resolution of the conflicts and the characters' arcs. Did the ending provide closure, or were there lingering questions? How did the ending leave you feeling about the characters and their futures?