I loved every moment of reading The Princess and the Rogue from beginning to end. It’s a regency romance that is sweet, steamy, and romantic with brilliant description, excellent character development, and a wonderful balance of humor, angst, royal intrigue, action, suspense, and mystery. Most of all, the hero and heroine get the chance to get to know each other and have conversations about all sorts of things, even as the amazingly intense chemistry between them continues to become something deeper. I must admit I have a weakness for this.

Content with his life as a Bow Street agent, believing that love didn’t exist – at least not for him – Earl of Mowbray, Sebastien Wolff meets the beautiful and mysterious Anna Brown in a brothel and kisses her. From that moment on, his life will never be the same because unbeknownst to him, Anna Brown is none other than Princess Anastasia Denisova. Anya fled her homeland of Russia and took on the fake identity to evade a deadly traitor obsessed with marrying her against her will. After an attempt on her life, Sebastien offers her his protection and a place to hide at his gambling establishment in exchange for her help with his Bow Street cases. In close quarters the two grow closer and the attraction between them intensifies.

Wolff’s self-esteem issues, fear of never being appreciated or loved for himself, and belief that the only thing a woman of worth could ever want him for is his money and title are hidden behind his reckless, carefree, and roguish façade. Somehow Anya manages to sneak behind his walls with ease. Interestingly enough, Anya is fighting similar self-esteem woes and longings. All she wants is for someone that she is drawn to and could possibly desire and love to want her in return for who she is and not her royal title. So, it’s interesting to see these two come together, knowing that they are well-matched and can be so good for each other if they can get over themselves and the fake societal barriers imposed by Anya’s charade. I loved the dialogue, banter, and witty repartee between Wolff and Anya because it added to the development of the characters and story and was sharply written.

Princess and the Rogue is hard to put down as relatable and likable characters take you on a suspenseful, entertaining, and emotional journey through which they not only find love but also inner peace and belonging. It’s a terrific conclusion to the Bow Street Bachelors series. Since I haven’t had the chance to read the first book yet, I will have to do that the first chance I get, and maybe read the other two again.

This is the third in the series, and I have read all three. This is by far my favourite! And honestly, I was a bit leery going in as I don't generally like books with royalty as the hero or heroine. This just really worked for me though, I could not put it down. Anya is a Russian princess who has escaped from from France, with a traitor in pursuit, during the war to England where she is living in secret as a companion to a duchess. The duchess is aunt to Sebastian Wolff. Sebastian is compelled by his aunt to hide Anya once it becomes clear that she is in danger.

I loved everything about this book, the side characters were all great, the relationship building between Wolff and Anya was perfect. I especially loved the scene where she gets drunk teaching him about vodka. I liked that we saw the couples from the previous 2 books in the series. I always love a story where the heroine is smart and can save herself. It was just great!

Russian Princess Anastasia Denisova is hiding in London as a companion to a senior duchess and giving reading lessons to the young ladies in the brothel next to where she lives in Covent Gardens. Her brother is dead and she is trying to keep from being forced to wed a man trying to protect himself from being discovered for the spy he is.
Anya meets Sebastien Wolf in the brothel. He thinks she is one of the girls. The spy is getting closer and he has to protect Anya so takes her to his gaming club. The story goes on to tell us how Seb learns she is a princess and why she has been so secretive about her background. A great story.

Anya is a princess on the run. While she has a job as a companion, she learns that the man the is after her is in London and it is decided that she needs more protection. She moves in with her employer's nephew, the Earl of Mowbray, who lives in a gambling den he runs. But living in such close quarter just makes the attraction they feel for one another that much harder to resist.

Sebastien knows there is more to the story that his aunt and new house guest are not telling him, but he has promised to protect Anya and that is what he will do. With the attraction between them increasing with each passing day, they finally give in to it. But what will happen when Sebastian finally learns who Anya really is? Will this budding romance fizzle before it really has a chance to get started?

I really enjoyed Anya and Sebastian's story! The bantering between these two had me laughing out loud. I always love a good mystery mixed with my romance and this one hit the spot! This was a great finish to the Bow Street Bachelors series!

Love those Bow Street bachelors! The friendship and loyalty these three men have makes the series. They may joke or call each other on their BS, but they have each other’s backs. Love the intrigue, the characters and the women they end up loving. Each story stands on its own, but more fun if you read all three. Good series!

The Princess and the Rogue was a phenomenal read and my favorite book in the Bow Street Bachelors series.

Russian Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London under an assumed name for months, on the run from a traitor who will do anything to find her. After a chance encounter with Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, Anya accepts his protection after the person she's running from begins to close in. But living so closely together at Wolff's gambling hell is doing nothing to discourage the attraction that blazes between them. With Anya's enemies closing in, will their romance have a chance?

Anya is a smart woman who is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. After the death of her brother, Anya was forced to flee after a traitor to her country plans to force her to become his wife. Anya's plan was well thought out and I admired her ability to change things on the fly when she encountered unexpected obstacles. Sebastien is a war veteran whose service to the crown granted him his title as well as a position at Bow Street where, due to his status, he can take on unique investigations. Seb is a confident man who knows what he wants in life and how to go about getting it.

Anya and Sebastien's romance doesn't get off to a great start due to a series of misunderstandings. The pair's first meeting is in a brothel where Seb assumes Anya is a working girl and tries to offer her obscene amounts of money when she refuses his advances. After that Sebastien finds out Anya works for his great aunt and assumes she's a scam artist. Once Anya is under Sebastien's protection and the two live together at Sebastien's gambling hell, the pair's relationship drastically improves. Their banter is fantastic and the chemistry between them is off the charts. The steamy scenes are very well done but I do wish there were a few more of them. I thought the final confrontation with the person chasing Anya was well done and I liked the surprises the author added at the end.

Overall The Princess and the Rogue was a fantastic book and I highly recommend this series if you're looking for some great historical romances to read. I'm looking forward to seeing what the author puts out next.

A Bow Street Agent and a Russian Princess?! They are definitely nothing alike but they compliment one another every way. Their chemistry positively can be felt with every word from their very first kiss that will have Sebastien changing his mind about love. One kiss set his world on fire and staying one step ahead of a traitor fill the book with non-stop excitement!

The Bow Street Runners are back with Sebastian Wolff finding himself protecting the intriguing Miss Anna Brown. He believes Anna is associated with the missing Russian princess, Anastasia Denisova, and offers her refuge in his gambling establishment. Anna had gone to great lengths to make it appear as though the princess had committed suicide so she can escape the grabby hands of Vasili Petrov.

Of course, they spend a lot of time together and fall in love, but that’s the magic of these stories. The action drives the plot along very well. The author knows how to build up the underlying attraction between them and the resulting suspense.

This is exactly the kind of story that I love. The hero and heroine are thrown together by circumstances, they fall in love while trying to fend off the villain.

It’s not necessary to read the series in order, but it is well worth reading all of the books.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalle for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 Stars

My first Bateman historical wasn’t a disappointment and I love a Princess story.

This will probably be my last read for 2020, and I’m happy to say I enjoyed it. Reading hasn’t been too much fun for me the last month or so. I’ve often opened my Kindle app and then immediately closed it because I didn’t really want to read. Love stories weren’t hitting the note and anything else seemed depressing. That said, Bateman’s latest book took me out of the funk.

This is the third novel in Bateman’s Bow Street Bachelors series and for those who’ve read the others I can imagine that Sebastien’s story has been one everyone waited on. I typically don’t like to jump into the middle of the series, but as I mentioned above the story worked. This is a perfect standalone, so even if you haven’t read the others it’s easy to get involved in this story.

We have our princess, Anastasia Denisova, who is attempting to evade an evil man who had her brother killed and wants to force her into marriage so she can’t give testimony against him in court. Anya, as she’s called in disguise, has escaped this evil man by hiding in England and working as a lady’s companion. Of course, all good things come to an end and her days of hiding are numbered as her brother’s murderer is hot on her trail. Then she meets a man who can protect her… only trouble is he’s devilishly attractive.

Sebastien Wolff, earl and expert marksman, has spent his post war life running a popular gaming hell and working for Bow Street. He’s not a believer in true love or anything long-lasting, until he kisses a mysterious woman in a brothel. Said woman, Anya, turns him down and by chance the two meet again. Except this time Anya needs his protection, and he gives it only for a chance at figuring out the truth about her.

These two tangling up together is fabulous. Anya turning Sebastien down sparks a lovely push and pull between them. The attractive is off the charts and Bateman writes this so well, from Sebastien’s will to fight against desire and his undeniable interest to Anya’s fierce determination to learn how to defend and protect herself while falling for the strength and charismatic presence Sebastien displays.

There are plenty of references and visits from previous books main characters, momentary danger that doesn’t let up, and plenty of ramping sexual tension. Nothing says romance like foreplay, am I right?

A couple of other things to think about. This is a Napoleonic Historical romance, which I’m not a fan of, but the time period enhances the story line and makes the set up believable, though it’s not over the top in period details. There’s a bit of a miscue and missed chance to build suspense with the villain as this dastardly jerk keeps finding our heroine, but we never discover how he found her so easily, especially since no one really knew her in the city. But magically, this guy is everywhere she is or immediately ferreting her out to send kidnappers after her.

Overall, it’s a nice escape romance. Something to get wrapped up in momentarily as the Sebastien the earl wars with Anastasia the princess. I’m finding I like royal stories a bit more than I have in the past. They bring a little added flair. If you like tall, dark, handsome and deadly heroes and heroines with spunk, this one’s for you.

~ Landra

Fun and sassy characters, interesting storyline, and lots of steam. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

This is the story of Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, Bow Street agent, and grouchiest of the trio of friends who own the Tricorn club and Anastasia Denisova, Russian princess in hiding and companion to the Dowager Duchess of Winwick, Seb’s aunt. Hooked by their hilarious first meeting, I loved watching the two of them come to terms with each other. There is instant attraction and great chemistry. There are also lots of secrets, mostly on Anya’s part. We have a truly nasty villain in Petrov. Couples from the other books in the series are joined by a feisty lady’s maid, a friendly Madam, a fussy French Chef, and Mickey. The story is fast paced and exciting, full of danger, drama kidnapping, and rescue, with a large side of romance, and a couple of surprises. The marriage “tests” for Seb are a hoot. This is a really good story. I enjoyed and recommend it.

What do you do when you realize the man you were kissing in a brothel is the nephew of your employer? Talk about an awkward moment! Especially when the man assumes you work there, never imagining you could be tutoring the prostitutes in reading.

Princess Anastasia “Anya” fled Paris after losing her family and having her own life threatened. Now in England, she takes a job as a lady’s companion and befriends the brothel owner, hence the reading lessons to the prostitutes. The ‘lady’ is the Dowager Duchess of Winwick, Sebastian Wolf’s aunt, and she suggests Seb act as Anya’s bodyguard as she travels to her home in Russia. Since Seb is a Bow Street Runner he is perfect for the job!

Kate Bateman combines intrigue, romance, laughter, witty banter, and wonderful Russian history into this well-written story. The chemistry between Anya and Seb is palpable and adds to the suspense of the story. Characters from the previous books in the series have cameos; Alex and Benedict have a ball watching Seb deny and then finally admit his love for Anya. Sebastian and Anya’s journey is definitely worth reading. You will be happy you did!!

I wish to thank the publisher and Net-Galley for a complimentary copy of The Princess and the Rogue. I voluntarily read and left my review.

This is an intrigue packed historical romantic suspense set in the times of the Napoleonic wars. Princess Anastasia Denisova was visiting her brother in Paris when Napoleon escaped. When her brother was killed a rejected suitor endeavours to force Anastasia to marry him but she escapes to England where she tries to make a new life for herself and her loyal maid, hiding their true identities. Unfortunately, the treasonous suitor is still searching for her but when Sebastien Wolff, the Earl of Mowbray, offers his assistance in hiding her should she agree to go with him or will their mutual attraction prove too much temptation?

This is a fun read, full of escapades, adventures and romance. There are plenty of twists and danger to keep you guessing and turning the pages and the romance is magnetic, too. It is a lovely story to escape into, especially if you enjoy suspense filled historical romances!

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

THE PRINCESS AND THE ROGUE by Kate Bateman is the third book in the Bow Street Bachelors Series. This is the story of Princess Anastasia Denisova aka 'Anna Brown' and Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray. I have read the previous books in this series which did add to my enjoyment of this one. But, I do feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Anastasia is hiding from danger when she meets Sebastien. Sebastien is a Bow Street Runner and he starts to suspect something going on with 'Anna', Anastasia growing feelings for Sebastien along with her helping him with his case is bring her closer to the danger that lurks around her. I am a big fan of this author's writing so I do recommend this book and of course her writing.

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

The Princess And The Rogue, by Kate Bateman, is available in booksellers on 12-29-2020. We've come to book 3 of 3 in A Bow Street Bachelors series. I thought all 3 of the gentlemen leads were likeable characters but in book 3 we have a great guy, confirmed bachelor, and a princess in hiding. That's exciting and an enjoyable twist. That Anya manages to survive as well as she has on her own is admirable. Of course some of the story begs you suspend your sense of belief. Anya has had too easy of a time, I don't think she'd be living next to a brothel. Working at it maybe. Anyway, I'm glad she didn't, it would have marred an enjoyable read.

#KateBateman #BowStreetBachelors #ThePrincessandtheRogue #netgalley #romance #historicalromance #StMartin'sPaperbacks

The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman had such a great blend of romance with a little suspense. Instantly you could feel the chemistry between Anya and Sebastian and it was fun to see their sunshine vs. grumpy natures battle with one another. I would have liked to see a bit more of their non-physical interactions play out on the page to get a better sense of how their relationship developed.

4/5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A tale of false identity and hiding out from a traitor. Princess Anya fakes her death and runs with her trusted friend to England. She becomes a companion to a curmudgeonly old woman who she endears herself too. When her past catches up, the old woman tasks her rogue nephew, Seb to keep her safe. Their passion for each other explodes and when Seb finds out the truth he foolishly pushes her away. But when danger rears its ugly head he will need to be the hero again. These two are so right for each other.

Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London for over a year. In her past life as a princess she had all the riches money could buy, but not always the protection she needed. She finds herself making ends meet by caring for an aging Dowager and teaching manners and etiquette to the girls of her friend Charlotte's establishment - a brothel.

This is where Anastasia - aka Anna Brown - meets Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray. He assumes Anna works at the brothel and they share a passionate kiss. Wolff and Anna soon find each other sharing close quarters when Anastasia is discovered to be living in London and a threat is made on her life. She must seek Sebastien's protection - he does work at Bow Street after all - and stay with him at his gaming club until they figure out who to apprehend.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Anna and Sebastien. Their chemistry was immediate right from the beginning of the book. I always love a fierce and strong heroine and love that Anna chooses to try to be stronger so that she can never be taken advantage of.

The Princess and the Rogue was a great mix of romance and suspense. Although this book is part of a series I read it without reading the previous books and it completely stands alone as a romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

Without him, she felt as cold and frozen as a bulb beneath the surface of the soil. He was the warmth she needed to thaw the ice and coax her into the sunlight. He’d taught her to glow, to burn.

This was such a fun, sexy, and engaging romp! I’ve truly enjoyed this series from Kate Bateman—book one was my first of hers, and I can safely say I’ll be looking for more of her work in future—because it’s different. And The Princess and the Rogue is probably the most different of all. Is it perfect? No, it’s not. But what it is a regency romance with a contemporary kind of twist that makes it the perfect escape for a few hours of relaxation and reading. I don’t think I stopped smiling the entire time.

Sebastian and Anastasia banter and bicker and their back and forth is electric. I loved the two of them—neither one making the right moves at all times (sometimes it felt like at any times) but always likable and interesting and, in the case of the titular rogue, Sebastian, incredibly swoony. You know, in that grumpy alpha way that you maybe shouldn’t love but kinda do? Yeah, that in that way. Plus, our previous bachelors (for those that have read the first two books; not a requirement, but a good idea to set the tone) are on hand to tease and mock and protect and love, and that is one of my favorite things about interconnected series. It’s executed wonderfully here.

I can recognize that, for some, this story might be a bridge too far in the way it approaches Anastasia’s story (historical accuracy is not exactly prevalent) but if you go in armed with that knowledge and ready to simply enjoy this modern-but-historical romance, you won’t be disappointed. In fact, I’d wager you might even be charmed. I most certainly was—which is probably why I’m STILL smiling.

A fun, fast moving story full of adventure and many twists and turns. The characters in this book were masterfully written, with depth and breadth that made you fall in love with them. I loved the banter and arguments between our hero and heroine, that built their relationship and the tension they were resisting. The plot and sub-plots kept me guessing through most of the book, which only added to the suspense and build of the story as it developed. I loved how resilient the heroine was—from a princess to a pauper and back again, without a complaint, all while staying two steps ahead of her pursuers. It is a fabulous story. Don’t miss this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my freely given, honest review.