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Stolen Hearts

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Even assassins need a vacation…

When Diamond and her equally deadly husband head to Dahab, jewel of the Red Sea, all they want is a relaxing fortnight on the beach.

But the bodies soon start stacking up, and for once, it’s not their fault. Together with local cop Khaled, they’re soon sucked into the case, but there are too many suspects and not enough clues. Then there’s teenager Zena, their self-appointed sidekick who just can’t keep her nose out of other people’s business. Will the team be able to unravel the mystery before the killer gets personal?

Stolen Hearts is a standalone thriller novel featuring characters from the Blackwood Security series.

348 pages, ebook

First published August 31, 2019

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About the author

Elise Noble

86 books686 followers
Elise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.

Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.


You can get find her current freebies HERE.

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122 (77%)
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30 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Trish Goodgame.
434 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2019
Yet another brilliant novel from Elise Noble in the Blackwood series of books. Emmy & Black take a long overdue vacation, but nothing is ever simple when they find a body while on a deep sea scuba dive. The local chief of police is inept so they cannot let the victim go without justice being served. Along the way as more bodies appear, they accumulate a nosy teenager, a rabbit and a local police junior officer, just to keep it interesting! Lots of action with humour interspersed as well as the sombre realisation that a serial killer is at work. Fast paced, with great characters who kept my interest from beginning to end. Great to see an even better insight into the relationship between Emmy & Black. Highly recommended reading, especially for fans of Elise Noble's books.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Elise Noble.
Author 86 books686 followers
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August 31, 2019
Emmy's back, and this time she's on holiday! Only things don't quite work out as planned...

Even assassins need a vacation…
When Diamond and her equally deadly husband head to Dahab, jewel of the Red Sea, all they want is a relaxing fortnight on the beach.
But the bodies soon start stacking up, and for once, it’s not their fault. Together with local cop Khaled, they’re soon sucked into the case, but there are too many suspects and not enough clues. Then there’s teenager Zena, their self-appointed sidekick who just can’t keep her nose out of other people’s business. Will the team be able to unravel the mystery before the killer gets personal?

Stolen Hearts is out now!
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August 26, 2019
I have read every book Elisa Noble has published - and plan to continue! I was given access to the book yesterday about mid-day and finished it by the time I went to bed. My husband is rolling his eyes...

This book centers almost entirely on Diamond and Black, which was nice to see. Other team members are mentioned, but not to the degree that they have been tied into books in the past. Therefore, this book is stand-alone and I suspect that new fans might read this book first and then get turned on to the rest of the library of Elise Noble books.

As a scuba diver, it was fun to find that part of the story included some diving. As usual, Elise writes well-developed characters so one can never be sure who is or isn't involved in the crimes. I am also always impressed with the amount of detail around various subject matters, which tells me that she does her research.

I particularly enjoyed getting glimpses of the depth of the connection between Diamond and Black - both characters admitting some of their vulnerabilities in the otherwise harsh reality of their jobs.

Elise writes with humor and wit - making the main characters both likable and exciting. And last, but certainly not least - if you like strong female characters, you will love Diamond in any of the books.
2,284 reviews13 followers
August 26, 2019
Oh wow....Emmy and Black my favourite couple in this series. When I was told we were getting a new story, namely a thriller, I was ecstatic. I love visiting Egypt and the setting couldn’t have been more perfect for me. What starts as a vacation turns into something completely the opposite! In usual Emmy style things heat up and who better to have by her side than Black, her hubby. Now throw in a teenager, a few animals and you have the recipe for disaster but also intrigue. Once body parts start showing up they know something is really wrong in Dahab. As always the dialogue and banter between the couple makes me smile and laugh. Equally they’re also so totally in love that their connection is palpable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was thrilling to read. I couldn’t guess from one moment to the next where Ms Noble would take us. Unfortunately it ended all too quickly but hey I’m greedy and always want more so that’s not a criticism just a fervent unrealistic wish. Great book highly entertaining and full of what we’ve all come to love about this amazing family of characters.
893 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2023
Loved this book

No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There is some swearing and a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
There are no errors.
The characterisation is perfect, given that this is Emmy and Black it's been a real treat to see more of them.
The plotline is quite engaging, with lots of local descriptors that transport the reader to the shores of Dahab.
It can be read as a standalone although it would be best reading the series to enable the reader to obtain the best reading experience.
Would I recommend the book?
Yes, without reservation.
56 reviews
February 28, 2020
Absolutely love this series..the Blackwood gang remind me of the Masters and Mercenaries series by Lexi Blake.. Emmy and Black on vacation..fate doesn’t think so..dead bodies, animals and a teenager oh my.
16 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2020
total success

Another winner...I love all the books, but anything with Emmy and Black front and center is my favorite. On to the next installment, and more Blackwood-consuming, sleepless nights :)
66 reviews
December 16, 2020
I am totally in love with Emmy and Black. Next on my list is...another Blackwood related novel :)
290 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2022
Absolutely Brilliant

Sorry running out words. Great story I love Emmy and Black. Amazing author

Buy the book you won’t be disappointed
169 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2019
Stolen Hearts fully delivers on the author's promise of an irresistible Emmy and Black's new adventure! The chronicle of their unplanned and unconventional vacation in Dahab is a joy to read and a source of unlimited entertainment. In addition to that, every few lines, one of Ms. Noble's signature paragraphs leaves the reader in awe of her writing abilities. Although the book is an excellent stand-alone novel, the affectionate readers of the Blackwood Security series will undoubtedly appreciate the first real insight into Black's personality. An intriguing element is the evolution of Ms. Noble's characters' personalities; for example, I find it fascinating to observe how Emmy gradually grows more mature and emotionally stable as the series progresses, while remaining unpredictable, volcanic and, of course, preserving her sparkling nature.
There are a few other distinctive elements in the book.
First of all, the rich cast of secondary characters. Most of them are depicted with detailed personality traits, making them lively and active co-protagonists of the story. The few ones that are barely jotted contribute to engaging the reader, either hinting at clues to solve the ongoing investigation or, more frequently, evoking emotions giving depth to the narration.
A returning element in Elise Noble's books is the presence of a serious theme hidden behind the light tone of the story. As always, it is approached with respect and balance; at times, the suffering of the victims exudes from the pages creating moving and engaging episodes.
Finally, the richness and the completeness of the plot deserves to be mentioned. Ms. Noble takes the time to explore every ramification of the story, allotting the right space and resolving loose ends. In Stolen Hearts, Ms. Noble demonstrates to be a gifted and very creative writer, delivering a wonderful novel that will capture and intrigue her affectionate readers while charming many new ones to her stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own
Profile Image for Leisel.
542 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2019
Oh my goodness another GREAT story from author Elise Noble. Filled with mystery, murder, sex, mayhem, more sex and full octane energy from our two lovable 'superheroes' Emmy and Black.
My one recommendation to fully appreciate these wonderful characters would be to read Elise's earlier works in the Pitch Black series which gives you a comprehensive standing of the characters Emmy and Charles Black and the work they do, simply think James Bond but so much better and hotter!
In stating that, you can read this book without having ventured down the earlier series and believe me if that is what you do, by the time you finish this book you will be dying to read the rest of the series.
Emmy is a wonderful strong character, that is, both physically and mentally resilient, that grew up on the wrong side of the street as they say but due to an incredible opportunity was transformed into a deadly assassin that has a heart of gold when it comes to crimes commmited against others. She is cunning, highly motivated and down right deadly in which ever strategy or technique she is willing to utilise to fulfil a contract. This story sees our two characters taking a well deserved vacation in Dahab Egypt, but as usual to find a bloody mess that simply they cannot ignore.

The fantastic thing with Elise's novels is that she writes great storylines filled with such detail but gives the reader lovable characters and some outstanding comicial moments and lines, that allows everyone to relate to at some time or another. Honestly from the moment I started reading it I didn't want to put it down.
784 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2019
Omgosh Elise!

First and foremost, that actually seemed appropriate for a Black and Emmy holiday...LMAO
To paraphrase one of the greatest lines in the book, at least it's not boring....Perfect!
Zena made the most awesome secondary character, absolutely fell in love with that kid. Somehow, I knew she would be in trouble, as well as Aurelia (hopefully correct), bc they both cared! But Zena. I could see her as a future Emmy, she was simply so good, and that attitude! Finally her comments on the wedding invitation about the "Italian Stallion" ....your mind is Scary, Elise. I love it!

Black and Emmy, who worked in plenty of vacation sex, one attempt to kill Black in her sleep, and doing what she was meant to do, have a great time with her soulmate, and still taking out or collecting the trash! But having Black with her, even though one of the themes, black market organ harvesting, check out South America statistics, the one they allow, and US how many Drs have been caught, shudder), made so much fun with all happening, add a couple more animals to make Black crazy, one teenage monster, (as a retired teacher of that age they're almost all monsters, wonderful, sweet one minute, then boom, HELL REIGNS), and an officer that truly cared about his town, and his town's tourists...
Killer, Elise! (no pun intended)
More, more, more, together they are truly such an amazing read!

Love it. Bring on Electi...lol Copper excited about, I know is soon.
You do sleep, yes?

Karen
Profile Image for SylviaV.
561 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2019
Stolen Hearts by Elise Noble
Emmy and Black are back. This can be read as a stand-alone book, but in my opinion you need to read the first 3 books; The Black Trilogy (Blackwood Security #1-3 Pitch Black, Into the Black, Forever Black first, to get the most out of this book.
Elise Noble is a great story teller and this book had it all. The romance between Emmy and Black, the snarky dialogue, the interactions with the locals, a beautiful setting. This story showed their private lives and the ways they deal with the pressure of their business empire. I loved how the good intentions to save the rabbit and the rabbit hutch took on a life of it's own and the end result was hilarious. It was great to see their reactions and creative solutions to the various situations they encountered in this book. All in all a great read. 5 stars.
Disclaimer "I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
Profile Image for Alison Woodland.
168 reviews
September 2, 2019
Elise Noble is a rare treasure of an author who has the ability to pull the reader head first into the story they are reading. The action takes place around you keeping you reading until the final page is turned. Emmy and Black decide to take a ‘vacation’ after another job falls through at the last minute. They start off slowly and soon boredom sets in until they find a body amongst the coral reef of Dahab. This find brings on countless bodies and the pair use their ‘vacation’ to mount a murder investigation. Danger is always with them; so is sex and more danger and more sex. Black is finally revealed in some detail and so is the close bond he has with Emmy. The action includes a rabbit and a stray dog and an obnoxious teenager and plenty of laughter along the way. This is an amazing story of which I hope we will see more and even more or Emmy and Black.
40 reviews
August 27, 2019
Emmy and Black are back! And what a return as main characters! A fantastic mix of humour, sex, sun, suspense and action - even including a rabbit and a dog in the drama.
The reader gets further insight into the relationship between Emmy and Black, the dynamics between them personally and professionally.
Add into the mix a drama-queen teenage girl, a starved rabbit, a street dog, an incompetent chief of police and a murderer in the sunny and “peaceful” paradise... It’s safe to say that the vacationing didn’t last long...

Stolen Hearts is another “I’m not getting much sleep tonight because I need to finish this” book from Elise Noble - and it comes highly recommended by me. So get the book, sit back and enjoy the ride!

Profile Image for R.
291 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2019
Some writers get 'stale' by the fourth or fifth book; Ms Noble remains spot on ~ and this the, what?! 20th book or do with Emmy & Black?!! While there are, of course, 'inside jokes' scattered throughout, it is not necessary to have read prior books ~ it just helps with the subtle layers Ms Noble so deftly applies: Black's laugh-out-loud internal dialogue cracks about Bradley and the pink bathroom is one scene that is funny even if you don't know who Bradley is ~ but it is so much more satisfying remembering the two previously sniping about it!!!
Reading about the entire team is always wonderful, but reading Emmy and Black together (on a _vacation_ suggested by BLACK, no less?!?!?) is amazing!
Elise Noble: please, please, PLEASE never stop writing Emmy and Black stories!!!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Ogidi.
58 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2019
vocation is overrated when it comes to my favorite Couple, Emmy & Black in the Blackwood Series and this time as the main character although, you could read "Stolen Heart" as a stand alone but i recommend you read Elise Noble "Black Trilogy" so as to appreciate the story and series more. A simple vocation for Diamond and Black ends up with a murder on their laps, would Black's itch for action win over his desire to spend time with his gorgeous and deadly Assassin wife or would they both jump in to solve the murder together and save the day? I could hardly put down this action packed and suspense filled story once received my copy. Elise Noble never cease to keep one on their toes with her endless heart gripping and captivating stories.
784 reviews6 followers
October 4, 2019
Stolen Hearts is the brilliant first book in the new Blackwood case files series. When Emmy and Black unexpectedly find themselves with some free time they impulsively decide to take a vacation in Dahab, Egypt. This location also featured in Trouble in Paradise.
This mystery, thriller focuses more on Emmy and Black and their relationship but still has suspense, action, bodies, regular characters, wonderful new characters and humour. Teenager Zena is delightful and I hope we see her again in future books. Once again this book was difficult to put down. I loved it a thoroughly recommend it to everyone.
This is a stand-alone book but to fully appreciate all the characters and references I recommend you read the previous books by this amazing author.
11 reviews
August 31, 2019
You know that book you read for a few days then you get to the good part and have to read till you finish even if it means all night? Well this ain’t it. Carver you out some time cause you will not want to put this down.
Emmy and Black on a much need vacation! What could go wrong?
Emmy saves a rabbit, an unhappy teenager keeps popping in and the local police want to ignore all the dead bodies that start showing up.
Elise spins another wonderful story with colorful characters, a knowledge of the location, some sex that will make you dream (sigh) and a believable mystery with a twist.
ARC provided for a fair review.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2019
Small town Egypt

What happens when two billionaire security company owners go on an impromptu vacation? They head for their villa at the Black Diamond Hotel in Dahab, Egypt, sit in the sun, drink margaritas, catch up with Black's former boss from the team's, and barge into the investigation of the murder of an Italian waitress and activist.

This opener for the spinoff Casefiles series is another winner for Ms. Noble. It was time well spent following Emmy and Black around Dahab as they chased leads, making friends and enemies along the way. I always enjoy anything Blackwood Security, and this book didn't disappoint.
69 reviews
September 30, 2019
When Black decides it's time for a vacation with his wife Emmy, we just know trouble can't be far away. This time, they didn't mean to get involved, but as bodies keep turning up they can't help their insatiable curiosity and when the local authorities seem unwilling and incapable of solving the mystery, they set about getting justice. Add in a bunch of unlikely characters and Elise Noble's sense of humour and sharp writing and you have a fun read that can be read alone, but one that satisfies fans who've been clamouring for a book about Emmy & Black. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
401 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2019
Awesome Book!

This is another intriguing book written by Elise Noble! I loved us getting more Emmy and Black and seeing their interactions as a couple as well as in an investigative capacity.

The story itself was just as great. So many questions of who done it and wondering what chaos would happen next.

I highly recommend giving this book a read. If you haven't yet read the Black Trilogy I recommend at least that (if not all of the Blackwood Security Series) so you better understand the dynamics of Emmy and Black's relationship.
15 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2019
Stolen Hearts by Elise Noble is the continuation o Emmy and Black’s story. Having a last minute vacation practically fall into their laps, Emmy and Black head to Egypt. Little did they know there vacation was going to turn into another investigation waiting on their expertise. Get ready for a wild adventure with plenty of sex, intrigue, and laugh out loud humor that readers enjoy from Ms. Noble. This is another of those hard to put down novels. Order your copy today. You’ll be glad you did! I received an advanced copy of Stolen Hearts for an honest review.
276 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2019
I really enjoy The Blackwood Security series. With that being said, taking a vacation with Emmy and Black in Stolen Hearts was exciting. Nothing goes as planned, but then if it did Emmy and Black would be just regular folks and not the investigators/assassins that I’ve grown to love.
Am I crazy to say I love an assassin? I don’t think so.... I just appreciate Elise’s ability to bring her characters to life in the midst of intrigue, murder and suspense.
"I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"
September 29, 2019
Mind Blown!!!

Wow Elise! You floor me every time with your impressive writing skills. Impressive isn’t enough to describe them but that’s all I’ve got right now.
A book full of Black and Emmy and it still wasn’t enough. I love them so much, Thank you for giving us a little something more on them.
I love the fact that trouble always seems to find them and they always fix it while ruffling some feathers along the way. I also love their big bleeding heart. I can’t ever get tired of them.
Dahab is always lively with any member of Blackwood in it, lol.
33 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2019
Emmy and Black should have just taken the vacation. But really, when you come face to face with a dead body, of course you're going to get a little curious. And when that curiosity turns into a full blown investigation, more dead bodies starts turning up. As always Emmy's antics make this hilarious and Black makes this seriously snarky, and it's a well put together plot with good twists in the story. I loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book
85 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2019
Since the day I started reading Elise's books, Emmerson Black has been my favorite character...and a story exclusively of Emmy and Black, this is just terrific!! without any doubt, this story is full of action, thriller, and of course, Emmy's antics...the new characters like Zena are also too good...that's what I love about Elise's stories, there are so many new and old characters and all of them are equally awesome...I am in love with the story...
26 reviews
September 7, 2019
Another Fantastic Story! I really like all of the Blackwood books, and particularly like the ones that focus on Emmy and Black, so this is one of my favorites.
Like the rest of the series, this is an easy, fun read, with action, love, humor and that ever present twist all in the one book.
Would totally recommend these books for anyone who likes a good read, and doesn't mind a bit of violence and swearing.
Profile Image for Kenisha Lewis.
42 reviews
August 29, 2019
This book is soooo good not your typical love story but with Emmy and Black involved nothing can be ordinary. Two weeks of vacation in a quiet town in Egypt with a crime rate of 0% what could go wrong??? With the couple on vacation being Emmy and Chuck something is bound to happen. Sex lies and chopped up bodies all in the mix you just have to read to find out the whole story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
57 reviews
August 30, 2019
If any fictional couple were made for a thriller it is Emmy and Black. And if there is ever an author born to write thriller its Elise Noble. Put the two together and you have Stolen Hearts. A book that has everything, a couple in tune with each other, a murderer to catch before any more victims die. Plus a rabbit, dog and teenager. Another can't-put-down book, written to be read several times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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