"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 himâŚ
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 pastâŚ
Genres:
A metallic tinkling sound heralded Emmettâs 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.
âDraft, please, Jennie. Pint.â
The blonde narrowed her eyes at him before grabbing a pint glass and pulling the tap. âEmmett Roland. Iâve been serving you at this bar for going on fifteen years now. You think I canât remember what you drink?â
Emmett smiled. âOh, I know you can. Youâre worlds smarter than me, Jennie, and always have been.â
âAnd there you go, flashing those baby blues at me from under that gorgeous thick dark mop of Elvis hair. You always were a flirt.â She planted the beer in front of him on top of a cardboard coaster advertising some fancy low-carb ale heâd never drink.
READ MOREâAm I a flirt?â he asked with a grin, reaching for the cold glass before taking a swallow of the hoppy, aromatic brew.
âNow youâre flashing those dimples at me. Me, a happily married woman.â She winked at him, teasingly.
Emmett clutched his hand to his heart. âPlease. Donât remind me how I missed my chance. My only consolation is that you ended up marrying one of my best friends. Heâs a way better man than me, but still, even he can only come close to deserving you, Jennie darlinâ.â
âAre you flirting with my wife again?â Russ asked, coming up behind him and squeezing the back of Emmettâs neck.
âAlways.â Emmett grinned.
âCan we talk?â Russâs tone was suddenly serious.
âYeah, of course.â 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, âWhatâs up?â
âA woman was in here about an hour agoâŚâ Russ began, his gaze on Emmettâs. âShe was asking for Emmett Wilder.â
Emmettâs brows rose at the name he hadnât heardâor been known byâfor over twenty years. âWhat the hell?â
âMy sentiments exactly. Especially when she pulled out her ID. FBI.â
âFBI?â That tidbit proved to be an eye opener.
âYeah. I was a little worried too until she showed me a picture of the âEmmett Wilderâ she was looking for.â
Confused by Russâs use of air quotes as much as by his statement, Emmett shook his head. âWhat do you mean?â
He was Emmett Wilder. At least he used to be. Thatâs what it said on his birth certificate and the driverâs license heâd gotten at sixteen, right about the time heâd dropped the name Wilder forever in favor of using his middle nameâhis motherâs 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 heâd once upon a time been a Wilder. Russ and this FBI woman, apparently.
âShe showed me this picture.â Russ turned his cell to face Emmett. âRecognize him?â
The man in the photoâa mug shot, which was fittingâhad even less of the thin blonde hair than heâd had ten years ago, but the weaselly thin pale face was the same.
There was no doubt in Emmettâs mind who it was. âThat mother fucker. Todd Marshallââ
âStole your identity,â Russ finished Emmettâs thought. âAnd heâs committing cons all over the country using your name.â
âAnd now heâs got the feds after him,â Emmettâs pulse sped as the full ramifications of exactly how bad that was hit him.
His friend spelled it out for him anyway, saying, âWhich means theyâre also looking for you.â
âShit.â
âExactly.â
JJ Reviews 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!
Katze on Amazon wrote:5 Stars
This was a really good story. The "real" Emmet was a trip...
Deb Brown 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.
Suzanne Clemons on Goodreads wrote:5.0 out of 5 stars
An exciting conclusion to the WildersWe 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.
Louisa Lee on Goodreads wrote:"Wow! This was a plot twist I didn't see coming!"
Dana Zamora on Goodreads wrote:"Emmit's story does not disappoint âŚa romance with a little heat combined with a mystery"
Sue Parker on Goodreads wrote:"steamy beyond my wildest dreams, family feuds, long lost cousins, cattle rustling and art thieves, exciting from beginning to the end"
"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?