This is the first book I've read by Kate Bateman and I'm smitten. I am always game for a good historical romance and on the lookout for new authors to add to my automatic read/buy list. Welcome to the list, Ms. Bateman.

I really enjoyed this story. The heroine is a woman of means who knows her own mind and recognizes her desire to marry for love, not because of her fortune. Because of this, she puts in motion a plan that will leave her a widow after less than 24 hours of marriage, whereby freeing her from the clutches of her slimy cousin and other fortune hunters. Unfortunately, her plan to marry a prisoner bound for the gallows falls short, and she settles for another man who will be sent away for permanent exile. Though she has no idea the man she marries is none other than the brother of an earl, undercover, and definitely not about to be exiled.

Imagine Georgiana Caversteed's surprise when she learns her husband is none other than Benedict Wylde. A member of the ton, though destitute from his father's reckless gambling. But she knows he isn't falling for her because of her money...she already had him sign awa his rights to any of her fortune on the night of their most auspicious wedding. But Georgiana and Ben become entwined as she learns more of his undercover work and he requires her knowledge of sailing and ships.

Together they help to prevent an act of treason and fall in the love in the process. Bateman's voice is engaging, the story flows, and the chemistry between the leads feels natural. Really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next in the series.

This is a beautiful historical romance full of intrigue, betrayal, espionage, and of course, heartwarming romance. Both the heroine, and hero were very likeable, and were intricately created. I felt their chemistry, and love how they came together. I started this book in the morning and couldn't put it down until the end. I recommend this story for all the romance lovers out there. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

This Earl of Mine is a marriage of convenience romance to true love story. Georgiana Caversteed is a very wealthy woman and every man she meets wants one thing, her purse strings. In pursuit of her freedom, Georgiana marries a prisoner bound for deportation only Ben Wylde is an undercover spy for the crown and not going anywhere. Georgiana and Ben's vows are binding and they make an arrangement to make the best of a situation. The couple work well together even in the pursuit of stopping traitors and the HEA comes as no surprise. With a strong female heroine and swoon worthy hero, the story is totally predictable but sweet just the same and a wonderful pick me up for down days. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

A shipping heiress marries a condemned man in hopes to gain her independence as a widow to protect her fortune and family. When things don’t go as planned and she sees her husband across a ballroom, she’ll need to find out why he’s still around and how to resolve their predicament.
Georgie and Benedict are forces of nature, hard-working, loyal and strong willed. While he’s a penniless second son of an Earl who’s had a life of adventure, she craves to have some in her life. Once they get to know each other, they’ll learn not all is as it seems, rumors are not always true and find a mutual respect for each other.
I enjoyed the characters and the plot as well as the elements of intrigue and espionage of the story. It was a fun, entertaining and very easy read, but it was my first read by the author and I found her writing style a little lacking for the genre.

At first, I thought that I had discovered a brand new author and was so excited that I instantly loved her debut novel. Then, I discovered that Kate Bateman also writes as K.C. Bateman – an author I already loved! Once I learned that, I realized that this book has a lot of the same elements (adventure, strong and action-oriented female heroines) as her past novels, and is written just as well.

This Earl of Mine is the first in a new series called Bow Street Bachelors. It’s not entirely believable (at all, really) that members of the aristocracy would serve as undercover police officers, but that’s exactly the frame of this series. If you just suspend disbelief on that front and not worry about it, this book is thoroughly enjoyable.

Benedict William Henry Wylde is working undercover for Bow Street and posing as a condemned prisoner to get information out of another prisoner. Georgiana Caversteed is a shipping heiress who just inherited her father’s shipping company (and a fortune) and is seeking a way to protect it from her despicable cousin who is trying to force her into marriage to gain control of the business and money. Georgiana’s solution is to marry someone who will either be sent to the gallows or transported so she can prevent her cousin from marrying her but also not have to deal with a husband for very long… Benedict (knowing full well that he is not going to be executed) marries her in prison.

Georgiana is understandably shocked when she sees the husband she expected to be dead or transported in a Mayfair ballroom a few weeks later! Ben is intent on securing a divorce from Georgiana and moving on with his life. Ben and his two close friends are known in Society as the Unholy Trinity and are partners in a gambling hell – in addition to their undercover police work (they’re very busy people apparently!). It turns out that Ben’s investigation requires knowledge of shipping and Georgiana is pulled into his adventures – while he, of course, gets involved in helping her thwart her cousin.

This book was really fun and well written – there is great chemistry between the two characters and it’s full of good banter that really helps to bring their romance to life. Both characters are strong and smart and Ben respects Georgiana and her intelligence from the start. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to be released!

I received a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

As an avid and longtime historical romance reader, I gotta admit that I found This Earl of Mine pretty bland. While I am a HUGE fan of improbable plots, I never really could get behind the premise of this one. Georgie, a heiress, decides that the best course of action to her is to marry a convicted criminal in Newgate. He'll be hanged and then she'll be free. But, since it's all a big secret, its really just for a backup plan to keep her cousin's hands off her fortune. I still feel rather confused as to why this was Georgie's best option. Of course, it all works out in the end since the man Georgie marries in secret is actually a Bow Street Runner. But wait, they continue to keep their marriage a secret for...reasons. Ultimately, this one required a suspension of belief that I was not capable of. The writing is good, and for that reason I would absolutely try the next in the series. This one just didn't work for me.

✮ 4.5 ✮

WILL A FALSE MARRIAGE LEAD TO TRUE AND LASTING LOVE?

❝How liberating, to be able to share a joke with someone of equal wit and flexible morals.❞

When your cousin is intent on marrying you and stealing all of your money, what choice do you have but to find a husband on death row? That seemed the logical solution to shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed. Once her “husband” was put to his death, she would be a widow. She planned to tell everyone her husband was a sailor and was at sea, thereby letting her be free to live as she chose and keeping her cousin far away from her and her vast wealth.

Only, plans don’t always go as intended, and her husband, Benedict Wylde turned out to be the second son of the late Earl of Morcott and was only in prison because he was runner/investigator for Bow Street (the senior magistrate court in the capital). He’d been hired to find out who was trying to free Bonaparte.

A secret marriage of convenience turns into a necessity. For her, it keeps her cousin away from her wealth and avoids a scandal amongst the ton for both her and her sister. For him, she’s the perfect cover and he genuinely enjoys spending time with her …

❝I’d know you anywhere, Georgie girl.❞

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I cannot wait to read more. Her storytelling is captivating. I loved these characters and couldn’t wait for their happy ending.

‘This Earl of Mine’ was a slow-burn romance filled with sexy times and entertaining banter.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. This Earl of Mine is the first book in the new Bow Street series and it was so good. I loved getting to enter this new world and meet these new characters. I just fell in love with this story and these characters and I am so excited to see what this author writes next.

My first book by Kate Bateman and I can say that I was hooked from the start and all through the end I completely enjoyed this story.
From having well written and developed characters (I loved both the hero and the heroine); to having an interesting plot where you have from romance to intrigue and a fluid and compelling writing, "This Earl of Mine" is I think a must read for fans of not just historical romance but I'd say romance in general.
I very much look forward to read the next book in the series.

This was a great story, loved the couple and the setup, there are not many really unique stories in historical romance but this is one of them in many ways. The high spirited independent woman (who is filthy rich) and the hero of the story who is not what he seems (and definitely NOT rich) is a nice story that feeds you entertaining bits from each of them and as usual they both are determined NOT to really like each other you know where this is going but it does have a few unique twists and turns.

He doesn't want her money but of course everyone thinks he does because he could use it and she has to be aware of the fact that there are a ton of "treasure hunters" out there waiting to take her (and her money) to the alter.

Let us not forget my favorite thing, revenge and it finally does happen to the most slimy character :)

This is a romp of a story and I can't say too much more without giving away things better left to the readers to find out themselves. 4 Stars and was trying to be 5 but I felt it was just a bit long in the telling.

This is the first book by Ms Bateman that I have read. It grabbed me from the first page. What an unusual way to start the story. The story was filled with two love stories and all the adventure, mystery, suspense, excitement, romance and humor that you would want. The characters where all wonderfully written and flowed together nicely. It was an easy read and I found it hard to put down. I am hoping there will be more books to follow telling the story of the secondary characters. There was a couple of sex scenes which this reviewer skipped and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I will be looking forward to reading more by this author. I received this book as an ARC and freely give my review.

I enjoyed this historical romance. The trope is a favorite of mine and the circumstances put an interesting spin on it. The heroine is likeable and so is the hero. The antagonist is sufficient.

I would read this again.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

Historical romance with handsome hero and strong feisty heroine. Good storyline with interesting side characters.

I am a big fan of regency romance books and this one did not disappoint! The book had all the key ingredients, but what I enjoyed about this one is that there was some political mystery-intrigue that was a big part of the storyline! Also, that the heroine AND the hero worked together to solve it! Bravo!! It was not the usual "poor-little-penniless-woman looking for a rich man with a title".....as a matter of fact, the heiress Georgiana Caversteed has the money and is tired of the men looking to woo her in hopes of getting at her riches. And she wonders if she will ever find true love that doesn't want or need her money? And so Georgie comes up with a plan that she feels will keep both young and old suitors away from her door and allow her the freedom to do as she wishes without the burden of her mother trying to make her a suitable match. As we all know, the best laid plans will go awry, as did her plan to marry a convict who was condemned to death or transport, thus being taken out of the picture and allowing her the freedom she so desired! The rest of the story is both entertaining and well-written as we are introduced to the first of the Bow Street Bachelors, Benedict William Henry Wylde, second son of a deceased Earl. I look forward to the next two books of this series and the writing of Ms Kate Bateman. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this book in return for an honest review, which this has been. #NetGalley, #StMartinsPress

This is a terrific story.

Georgiana believes she has little in her life other than the business she inherited. She is the daughter of a “cit”. Her father built a very successful shipping business and he doted on his Georgie. He taught her how to run the business. She is extremely wealthy and has drawn money hungry suitors. Her cousin, Josiah, is attempting to force her into a marriage with him. He needs her money too. She does not feel as beautiful as her younger sister. Finally, no man wants to deal with a woman who is so very intelligent. She is certain, her life will never include marriage and a family of her own.

She comes up with a wonderful solution. She will go to Newgate prison, marry someone about to be hanged and then Josiah will be out of luck and her mother will be able to concentrate on finding her sister a member of the ton to marry.

Things in life do not always go as planned.

The man about to be hanged has already died by the time she arrives at the prison. She is offered a man who will be shipped out of the country in the morning. Since that is all that is available, she accepts.

Unfortunately for Georgiana, the man is not really going to be shipped out at all. He is working undercover for the government. He was a hero in the Napoleonic wars and he is now trying to find out who is planning to help Napoleon escape from his island prison. His name is Benedict Wylde and he is the second son of an earl and brother to an earl. When his life is threatened, he goes through with the wedding. He recognizes her name when they are filing in the marital paperwork.

Ben has no plans for marriage. After he is no longer in prison, he wants to meet Georgie in a social situation and try to figure out how to get out of the marriage. He doesn't know why she arranged this sham wedding, but he is certain she will want to solve the problem just as he does.

Things in life do not always go as planned.

Georgie and Ben are two wonderful characters. She is so certain about some aspects of her life and so very uncertain about others. But, her intelligence, humor and sweetness make Ben immediately realize there is much more to her than he expected.

Ben is heroic. He was a hero in war and now he is a hero working for the safety of his country. He and two friends own a gentleman's gambling club. The money he makes there goes to his brother to help rebuild the family's estates and wealth. He does not recognize his good qualities and he works hard to keep anyone else from seeing who he really is. When Georgie starts focusing on Ben, she realizes his intelligence, kindness and humor make him attractive. The fact that he is drop dead gorgeous doesn't hurt either.

These two people begin to like one another. Each of them bring skills to solving the problem of who is working to help Napoleon escape.

Together they make a good team. As they follow clues and become more comfortable with one another, they begin to relax and simply be themselves. That is when they are at the very best.

This story has adventure, villains, danger and lots of humor. There is tenderness and realizations that life may not go as planned but it can be quite full of wonderfulness.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

What an enjoyable romp with Benedict and Georgie. He was recently returned from the war on the continent and she is trying to hold her family and fortune out of the hands of a conniving cousin. They join forces to solve an investigation into a sinister, treasonous plot. There is action and adventure as well as sizzling romance for these newlyweds. This one is not too long so it is a welcome, easy read.

This Earl of Mine (Bow Street Bachelors #1) by Kate Bateman...What a great start to a new series by Kate Bateman ..thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for letting me preview this book. Georgiana Caversteed ( Georgie...Shipping heiress..needs to be married to escape her cruel cousin) Benedict William Henry Wylde, ( second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street.) She marries him thinking he is being transported and she will never see him again...well we all know the best laid plans and all... There is action from the beginning of this til the end. Laughter, tears, danger, adventure, intrigue, wonderful friendships and loyalty and some steamy stuff... all getting us to a very HEA. I can't wait for Alex and Seb's books...

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Page-turner Easy-to-read Action-packed Informative Entertaining Great world building
Romantic Happily Ever After Wonderful characters Steamy Witty

What a fun read! Going to the prison to find a husband is priceless. And that is just the start of this story. She has a brain and a fortune. Why let a man take her fortune away? So many wonderful tidbits of anti convention yet concerned for wagging tales of the ton. And the hunk she marries turns out to be so different than her plan. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

This is the first book I have read from Kate Bateman I really enjoyed it and looking forward to more books in this series I loved Georgina 's kickass attitude. I love how she stood up and did what she had to do instead of what others would have done

Georgie is a wealthy widow who is sick of her cousin attempting to marry her for her money. She decides to go to the jail and find someone to marry who will be hung the next day. Instead she finds a man who will be shipped out within the next week. She is happy to finally have her cousin off her back.
Unfortunately, when she goes to yet another party for the "ton" season, she sees Wylde, her new husband, standing across the room
Wylde has been working undercover for the government for years with his two best friends, something very few people know. Georgie still believes that he is a convicted felon!!!
The heat between these two will burn the pages as they try to figure out how to quietly develop a relationship without everyone knowing who Wylde is and, destroying her younger sister's chance at an appropriate match this season!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book to read and you will LOVE IT!!!