He wants out. Anthony Young grew up living the gang life, robbing and stealing to make money for Keno, the leader of Tray Side.  Anthony once looked up to Keno, but now he fears him, and he knows Keno would not make leaving easy for him.  Keno demands payment for Anthony’s freedom and in order for him to pay it, Anthony needs to make a really big score. Millionaire Valery Balen is his target.

Caught red-handed robbing Valery’s home, Anthony is faced with another debt to pay for his freedom, but this one may be used to his advantage.

It Takes A Thief was okay, although I questioned some of the actions of the characters in the story.  Keno taking Anthony under his wing I understood, but Valery’s actions, I felt, were out of the realm of ordinary and logical for a contemporary story, especially someone like him who’s openly gay and has no problem finding companionship.  I liked Anthony. He had some redeeming qualities and I could see Valery’s feelings growing for him over time.  However, I did feel he left one teacher for another.  Keno taught him street smarts, how to survive and take risks.  Valery showed him the intimate part of life, he helped Anthony admit to his sexual orientation and experience being loved by a man.  I felt for Anthony. He had to be two people all the time. Even if he left the gang, it would be difficult for him to live openly gay where he comes from.  For readers looking for a gritty, part reality, part fairytale romance, It Takes A Thief fits the bill.