Billionaires Prefer Blondes is the third in Suzanne Enoch’s series starring “reformed” art thief Samantha Jellicoe and her billionaire boyfriend Rick Addison. I haven’t read the first two books in the series (I am planning to remedy that as soon as I can), but I wasn’t at all lost. What I was, was vastly entertained. This book was too much fun!

Former cat burglar Samantha Jellicoe has gone straight. She no longer steals art, but instead works as a consultant to rich people who don’t want their art collections stolen by the likes of people such as her former self. The earlier books in the series tell how Samantha met British peer and mega rich business tycoon Rick Addison back in her burglar days, and how they fell in love. They’ve been together now for several months and still can’t get enough of each other. The only problem with their relationship is that Samantha still occasionally misses the thrill of pulling off a heist, but she’s not about to throw away all she has (a fun job, an uber-rich boyfriend who adores her and a life of luxury). When you consider how wonderful her life is, giving up stealing isn’t such a big price to pay.

As the book begins Samantha and Rick are at Sotheby’s attending an art auction. Rick plans to bid on a previously unknown Hogarth. Naturally he gets what he wants. While at the auction Samantha has a few twinges of her old lust to burgle, but since she knows she’ll get some really great lust from Rick in their limousine after the auction, she suppresses her larcenous urges. To her surprise, at the auction Samantha sees her father Martin Jellicoe, whom she thought was dead. Fearing he is up to no good and not wanting to involve Rick in her problems, Samantha sneaks a note to Martin arranging to meet him in the early morning, then sneaks out of their apartment while Rick is asleep.

Things don’t go well. Martin does not show up, someone breaks into Rick’s apartment and steals the Hogarth and the police arrest Samantha. Naturally Rick is furious. He bails Samantha out and asks her what the heck is going on. She doesn’t want to tell him, fearing that her father will get him into trouble. Then Martin does show up. It seems he is working with Interpol – at least that is what he tells them, but dangerous people are in on Martin’s scam and Rick and Samantha are in danger.

I had a great time with Billionaires Prefer Blondes. Rick is pure yummy wish fullfillment. He’s a British lord, he’s a billionaire, he’s handsome, he’s a wonderful lover, he absolutely adores Samantha and treats her like an empress. Yeah I know he’s not a bit realistic but this is a woman’s fantasy so just go with him – you’ll have a good time.

Samantha is a delicious heroine. She’s had a dysfunctional upbringing (to put it mildly) but unlike her sociopathic father, she has a moral code – of sorts – and her love for Rick is strong and true. She’s got a unique and sassy voice and is exactly the kind of smart, funny woman who would make a good friend. She’s loyal to a fault, and if she needs a bit of work in the trust department – well Rick is patient and loves her dearly.

The book’s suspense sub-plot was good but not exceptional, and the plot moved along nicely. It was the characters who made this book such a fun read. I loved Samantha and Rick and the supporting characters too, especially Stoney, Samantha’s friend and former fence. I have got to read the first two books in this series. I really don’t need an excuse for a trip to the bookstore, so bye y’all, I’m outta here.