To Sway A Soul
Tempting Thieves Collection
by Ireen Chau

Half a Soul meets your favorite historical C-drama in this short-and-sweet romantic fantasy novella.

A passionate painter’s apprentice. An art thief without a soul. The bargain that brings them together.

When Zhi Lan turned down the opportunity to become a nobleman’s concubine, she vowed to make her own fortune—not marry into it. But as a lowly farm girl, becoming a self-sustaining artist like her master Dan Li Chen is a lofty goal. Her meager fortune finally takes a turn when Master Dan’s recent masterpiece catches the attention of the city magistrate, who offers them both his esteemed patronage. But when the prized painting is stolen, the magistrate issues an impossible ultimatum: paint a replica in three short days or hang with the criminal who stole from him.

Zhi Lan knows her only choice is to recover the masterpiece—even if it means joining forces with the uncommonly handsome thief who stole it.

It has been six years since Shao Qing made a foolish bargain with a demon. The price? His soul. Since then, he has been traveling with a raucous band of art thieves, numb to everything but the thrill of their heists. But when an impassioned painter’s apprentice blackmails him into returning her master’s painting, his long-dormant emotions begin to awaken. Compelled and unexpectedly intrigued, he accepts her bargain.

However, retrieving the stolen artwork proves more difficult than either of them anticipated. When the two are forced to conduct a heist of their own, Zhi Lan and Shao Qing must rely on one another despite their conflicting beliefs. Suddenly Zhi Lan is questioning the principles she has always lived by, while Shao Qing begins to suspect he might have something left to lose.

As three days come to a close, the secrets they uncover will either bring them closer—or tear them apart.

To Sway A Soul is Book Six of the Tempting Thieves Collection.

Tempting Thieves is a multi-author romantasy collection featuring cunning thieves who outsmart relentless hunters, steal forbidden treasures, and find love along the way. With enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn longing, forced proximity, secret identities, only one bed, and grumpy/sunshine dynamics, every story delivers an irresistible fantasy escape.
Perfect for fans of forbidden romance, morally gray heroes, daring rogues, and clean yet sizzling chemistry.
Each book in the collection is a standalone. Read in any order.

5 out of 5 fairies

I cannot tell you how hooked I was from the moment I read the prologue. Chau has a great way with words, and knows how to really capture your attention. Although this is a clean romance, I’d still put it squarely in the New Adult category for some other things that occur in it. The characters are complex, and you’ll find it easy to hate the villains. I love how the art theme flows throughout the story, and how important it is to the MCs. Overall, I’d say this has a bit of a cozy vibe, with only a few dark notes mixed in. Final note: I’d love to see an expanded version of this as it’s a novella, and I was sad to leave the MCs behind!

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