I really enjoyed this book. I read the first two books in the series, and this one was definitely my favorite. It had elements that I love - spycraft, history, lots of romantic tension (that takes a while to play out)- and was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The heroine was smart, fierce, and super competent. No TSTL moments, and no weeping, helpless, perpetually outsmarted female here, which I really enjoyed. This author's first two books pitted somewhat skilled heroines against superspy heroes, and the heroines ALWAYS lost. They were just never able to match up or hold their own, but Sabine de la Tour is exactly my kind of heroine! I also enjoyed the history, art, and forgery lessons (though I thought they felt a little overly teachy at some points).

So... why only four stars? There were a few clunky elements to the overall story that detracted from it a little. There was some anachronistic language that was vaguely jarring (she "hated his guts," "faking" something, etc). I thought a few plot points were a little inconsistent (for example, the heroine has terrible eyesight and doesn't wear glasses, but she can see across ballrooms, parks, and pretty much anywhere when she needs to; or the heroine technically lives at one address but callers know to look for her at the other address; that sort of thing) or didn't totally make sense to me (for example, when the H and h had to manufacture all this counterfeit money in such a rush, and the H didn't just press the heroine into giving up her stash of counterfeit money). The subplot involving the general who pursues them from France appeared briefly, fell off the radar, surfaced once, then ended up going away very quietly and anticlimactically.

But overall, these were fairly minor nits, and I thought this was a terrific, enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read it!

I've been in a historical romance sort of mood and this book is a perfect example of why. When done well, historicals have a unique ability to make you yearn to live in a different time, before smart phones, Snap Chat and instant messenger. A time when you looked someone in the eye to judge their character, break their heart or say I love you. The Counterfeit Heart is this kind of historical romance.

The heroine is strong, witty, skilled, and brave. A product of circumstance, she has decided that she will do one last job and then she will only use her extensive artist powers for good.

The hero is an heir — wealthy, aristocratic, spy, chameleon, brave, compassionate, rake, who is smart. He has a 3 month rule, limiting the time he will spend with a woman. He never intended to break that rule. The mere presence of the rule is proof positive that he never saw the heroine coming, because she has him wanting to break every vow he ever made.

If you’re looking for a great romance, that is intriguing, smart and darn good, you just found it.

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Love the story, the English Spy chasing a male forger, who is French. Who walks into his house one might? A beautiful young lady, who he mistakes as a lady of the night! Now that the chase has ended, what happens next. I am very disappointed in a couple of details left out of this book, hopefully they will correct them. It left me very irritated, to ruin such a great book, by leaving out these very vital details. I recommend. Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee

Loved this story. It's filled with intrigue, espionage, fear, unbreakable bonds and unexpected love. The characters are well developed and relatable. The story keeps you on your toes wondering what's going to happen next.i enjoyed every aspect and look forward to reading more by this author

Enjoyed this book as quite a different historical book. The female lead was strong and independent and had great courage. Loved all the historical information.

Richard and Sabine prove that love and hate are two sides of the same coin; whether that coin is counterfeit or not! An adventurous and non-conforming French sprite takes on a wealthy, noble viscount, and the fireworks ignite immediately. Through intrigue and plotting, the pair team up and propel this steamy romance into the stratosphere. Another fantastic installment in this series by KC Bateman that you're sure to revel in as much as those that came before.

Sabine de la Tour is a French counterfeiter who has spent several years under Napoleon’s reign working to destabilize England’s economy with her forged currency and other documents. She has also been outrunning an English spy bent on finding and capturing her. Now, as she tries to escape the guillotine, Sabine must throw herself at the mercy of the spy intent on her capture.
Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovell, is trying to apprehend insurgents bent on destroying England. He decides to make a deal with Philip Lacorte, the best counterfeiter in Europe. But, he is surprised when Sabine proves that she’s Lacorte. Now, the deal may be riskier than Richard intended. He may lose his heart.
This was a great historical romance read. Ms. Bateman has a knack of creating complex characters with damaged hearts and strong wills. The plot sends you on a roller coaster ride of suspense and intrigue. With dastardly characters, and steamy banter, no one should look any further for a great historical romance novel. An Advanced Reading Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Rating

Philippe Lacorte is know as one of the best counterfeiters and forgers in France and Europe. But in reality Philippe is really Sabine de la Tour. Sabine and her friend Anton, who many believe is really Philippe, have a plan to leave France and head for America via England. There is someone (a depraved offical) who is after a large amount of counterfeit currency that both Anton and Sabine have in their possession. This large amount of fake currency is Sabines key to leaving her past life behind and starting over with a clean slate. Her and Anton plan to blackmail Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovel who is a English spy. He has been pursuing Philippe/Sabine for years with no success in catching him/her. Sabine visits Richard at his home late one evening (he thinks she's applying for a mistress position). She reveals who she really is and her plan to flood the English market with counterfeit currency unless he gives her money. Richard becomes very intrigued and pleasantly surprised that Philippi is really this beautiful woman. Richard and Sabine come to an agreement that will benefit them both. Richard needs her help to flush out some antimonarchists with Napoleon forgeries and in exchange he will pay her with a month worth of wages (She and Anton can then leave for America). Also she can't flood England with her counterfeit currency's. The two also come to a realization (secretly of course) that they will need to fight this very strong attraction they have for each other.

Richard and Sabine are both very intelligent and competitive individuals. They feed off each others stimulating conversation, ideas and sharp intellect. But what is most prevalent and obvious to both is the attraction that is becoming to hard too deny for either of them. The two surrender to their attraction and realize that their feelings for each other might just be love. But each is harboring some secrets and wrestle with their relationship and where it might all lead.

There is intrigue, blackmail, conspiracies and fast paced action. I thought the writing was really good and character development excellent. I so adored the handsome hero. Richard was such a strong and multi layered character that was such a compliment to the heroine. Sabine was a beautiful, smart and confident woman that also came across as a soft/tender woman. Their relationship development was built in a believable and realistic manner. Richard and Sabine's chemistry and sexual tension was very prevalent throughout the book. You add their banter and dialogue and it was icing on the cake. I didn't give it a five star rating as I found "something" seemed to be missing and I still can't put my finger on what it is/was. I might go back and reread this at some point to see if I can figure out what exactly it is. But I would highly recommend this read. This author is definitely becoming one of my favorite.

Amazing read! Sabine is the master forger everyone wants, but no one knows her true identity. Lord Richard Hampden has been chasing this forger for years. He gets quite a surprise when he "catches" the forger. This was such an exciting story from the intrigue to the overall relationship. The writing was magnificent and beautiful with some really wonderful added quotes that tied the story together perfectly! Ms. Bateman plot crafting keeps you so entangled you cannot put the book down. The characters were complex that you immediately connected with them and understood their struggles. I don't have enough adjectives to tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I don't want this series to end and I can't wait for another book.

What a truly marvelous historical romance. I found it interesting and romantic. Loved it!

This novel was an enjoyable read. I loved the interaction between the characters and how they were always trying to stay on step ahead of the other or trying to outsmart the other. I had a few laughs. This novel contains a very good story line romance, adventure, danger, plot twists, and hidden lies and truths.
Sabine de la Tour has a secret life as a forger, known as Philippe Lacorte. Many believe Sabine's friend Anton is Philippe, but that is not the case. However, she wants to give up her ways a forger, but needs to get Anton safely away from those who want the counterfeit money. They escape from France and head to London.
Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovell, is a spy and has been chasing Philippe Lacorte for years. After all, shouldn't the best forger work for you? When Sabine arrives as Richard's home claiming to be Philippe, Richard decides to keep her under his watch. Sabine will help him catch those that are traitors to England and French spies by using her forgery skills and he will pay her after one month of her services.
Sabine and Richard both have their reasons for trying to out do the other. However, both did not realize the intense attraction they would have for each other. It only complicates things when both try to out smart the other, but it provides each with challenges they need to face and overcome.
They both have enemies who want to use one for their own purposes and ones that they need to get revenge on. Will Sabine and Richard be able to accomplish the goals they set for themselves? Will they both realize that they love each other or will they go their separate ways? Will they be able to stop those whom wish to harm England? Read and find out!!

Although this is the third in a series it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

Sabine de la Tour is a french counterfeiter. She and her best friend Anton have fled to England en route to America to escape a corrupt official who wanted to keep the counterfeit currency she had created. Her cunning plan is to blackmail the English spy who had relentlessly pursued her to prevent her destabilising European currencies by flooding the market with counterfeit money.

Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovell will do anything for his country but the greatest regret of his life is that he couldn't catch the notorious counterfeiter Philippe Lacorte. When a beautiful Frenchwoman arrives at his door late one night claiming she is Lacorte at first he is incredulous but she quickly proves her credentials. They strike a deal, Sabine will help Richard uncover a group of English Bonaparte sympathisers and in return he will pay her £10,000. Oh, and she won't flood England with millions of pounds of counterfeit currency.

As plot and counterplot intertwine with blackmail and coercion Richard and Sabine become ever more involved with each other. But when both are harbouring secrets what chance does love have?

This definitely passed the Georgette Heyer sniff test for me (for the bemused, this means that it seems to have the same sort of historical accuracy/inaccuracy eg use of conge lack of modern colloquialisms etc).

I liked this very much. The plot was fast paced and furious, there were numerous strands interwoven and each of the characters was engaging and interesting. I haven't come across K.C. Bateman but I would say this was just as good as the books I read recently by [author:Elizabeth Hoyt|16202].

Highly recommended if you liked the scheming of [book:The Scarlet Pimpernel|136116], the dastardly French and the plucky Englishmen who outwit them (and fall in love with complex Frenchwomen).