The tenderness of thieves

A summer romance filled with danger and lies

Jane is ready for a fantastic summer. In fact, she’s pretty sure the universe owes her one. This past winter, Jane was held at knifepoint during an armed robbery and the specter of that night still haunts her. A summer romance with one of the town bad boys—sexy Handel Davies, who takes her breath away and makes her feel like a bolder version of herself—seems like the universe’s way of paying her back. But bad boys always have secrets, and Handel’s secret just might shatter Jane completely. This suspense novel marries psychological thriller with summer romance and is perfect for teen fans of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl.

“Tempting, sexy, and dangerous, this book will steal your heart. I was...completely lured by the story's dark twists and turns.” –Marie Rutkoski, author of The Winner’s Curse

"Donna Freitas's stunning prose catapulted this dark, seductive tale straight into my head and heart. This is a perfect read for thrill-seeking teens." --Anna Collomore, author of The Ruining

Advance praise for THE TENDERNESS OF THIEVES:

"The meandering, dreamy language—grass is 'tender with the newness of life,' and Jane's desire makes her heart 'flutter like the wings of a hummingbird'—is perfect for the hazy, hot summer days depicted."--Kirkus Reviews

"Full of passion, tenderness, and fun...readers will enjoy the chemistry that simmers between Jane and Handel....For a summer romance with a twist, Freitas delivers."--Publishers Weekly

"Both the romance and mystery are skillfully told, with smooth, believable dialogue and well-developed characters....The surprise ending is likely to spark discussion, especially for those with strong feminist viewpoints."--Booklist

Praise for Donna Freitas's previous books:

“Love and death are always a potent mix, and in the hands of a talented writer like Freitas, this is especially so.”—Booklist

“This is an amazing story about love, loss, and the healing power of music.”—Morgan Matson, author of Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour

“A riveting portrayal of the corruption of power and, ultimately, the triumph of innocence.”—Francisco Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World

Donna Freitas's Awards

The Gorgeous Game – 2010 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books Sex & the Soul – 2008 A Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly The Survival Kit – 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults List for Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA); 2013 Bookstar Award (Switzerland)