I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

A slow burn at first but built up to be pretty, uh, spicy 3.5 rounded up

I do so enjoy reading about these Bow Street Bachelors. There is a lot to love about Alex Harland and especially about Emmy Danvers. They are both professionals and extremely skilled in their own right - and have an intense connection that carries over years of separation after only a single kiss.

Alex is a veteran of the pennisular wars. The younger son of a Duke, he has returned from war with a loss of peripheral vision and a skill set to become a gentleman detective. He runs a club and investigates crimes on the side. He is also recently was granted an Earlship based on services to the crown. Overall he makes for a very interesting character.

Emmy is the daughter of a master thief, and a master thief in her own right. She blends in to the background on purpose, but truly stands out from the crowd. Even if being a thief isn't exactly what she wants for herself.

She and Alex embark on a game of cops and robbers - but still manage to find love along the way.

Conceptually it was very interesting to consider a "heist" in regency terms. I really enjoyed the thought that went into the security for the British Museum.

What I didn't like as much were the regular "reminders" of how skilled Alex was. I also got a little confused at times as to how long he's actually been working for Bow Street. I know he was a sharpshooter in the military - but not a lot of other details were given to show how skilled he really was. I guess I just didn't think he was quite the bad-ass he and those around him seemed to think he was. But overall, that's a relatively minor detail.

I am enjoying this series so much!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.

This novel was an enjoyable read about the next bachelor that works for Bow Street. Alex Harland, Earl of Melton is a second son who received his title from the king for his work. A former soldier, Alex was injured and sees things differently then before. However, he never forgot the woman he danced with the night before he left for war. Emmy Danvers has a big secret that she has kept for years. She can never let Alex know how she feels and keep at a distance or he will figure everything out about her and her family. Emmy protects her family and will sacrifice herself if it means they stay safe. As Alex pursues the thief, Nightjar, Emmy fins herself more entwined with Alex. Alex cannot deny his attraction for Emmy, even though he suspects she is hiding things from him. As they play their game of cat and mouse, they fall in love. However, someone plans to ruin Emmy and her family. Alex must decide if he should follow his head or his heart.