I'm not an expert on regency romances and I don't read historicals in order to critique whether the author has used the right clothing or whether something makes historical sense for the timeline - I assume the author has done the research needed so that reviewers who DO know all that stuff won't call them out on it. I read them for the atmosphere, for the characters, for the plot, and for the romance.

In this story, a Russian Princess, Anastasia Denisova has fled to Paris and now to London, hiding her identity, as she knows the man who wants to marry her (for her money) is really a traitor. She's now Anna Brown, and is a companion to a dowager duchess whose nephew happens to be Bow Street agent Sebastian Wolff. Sebastian is suspicious of Anna (she has a variety of friends including the owner of a brothel) but when it becomes clear that someone is after her, he becomes her protector. Along the way they develop a friendship, then a passionate relationship but once Sebastian finds out who Anna really is, he realizes just how far above his station she is. But love always finds a way and they get their happy ending after all. I really enjoyed everything about this story. The characters are enjoyable, the banter between them is fun and witty, and there is plenty of action and intrigue as the traitor follows Anna's trail. It's a delightful, fast paced read with some really sweet scenes (and sexy ones) and another winner in this series.

Waiting in Paris for her brother to return from war, Anastasia Denisova is notified of his death. She is then accosted by Vasili Petrov who wants to marry her for the prestige of having a princess for a wife and also to buy her silence. Vasili believes her brother sent her proof he was a traitor and a wife couldn't testify against her husband.

In a desparate act, Anya destroys a family tiara to fund the way to England for herself and her best friend Elizaveta. There they could start a new life away from those who could recognize her.

Unfortunately Vasili turns up in London, and once again Anya is in danger. Her benefactor and employer the Dowager Duchess of Winwick is quick to aid her. Sending her to stay with her great-nephew Sebastien Wolff, one of the owners of a prestigious gaming hall The Tricorn. Sebastien is the Earl of Mowbray having been granted the title following the war, and after meeting Anya under dubious conditions is more than a little curious.

It's when she aids him in spying on some Russian visitors to the Tricorn that things get even more interesting. Although Petrov doesn't recognize her at that time, she is more than a little spooked by his attention. Sebastien finds a way to distract her in a most intimate manor. Of course he still has no idea who she really is.

I love the way this tale twists and turns, the intrigue ramping up as does the attraction between Anya and Sebastien.

Ah, finally, it's Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray's time to follow, albeit reluctantly in his friends' footsteps; to find a wife. Eagerly anticipated doesn't convey my excitement to read more about the Bow Street Bachelors. 

Sebastien has lost his motivation. His friends have moved out of The Tricorn to live with their new wives and he's all alone… lonely. To occupy his time, he focuses on his work as one of the Bow Street agents. On this occasion, it leads him to a collision course with a missing Russian princess.  

Anastasia "Anya" Denisova is living as plain Anna Brown in London after escaping from Paris. That's until she crosses paths with Sebastien Wolff in a brothel!  

For those familiar with the author's novels, you'll know how she crafts fascinating backgrounds around her characters intertwined with intriguing plot-lines, laced with historical details. With a London backdrop, they are fast-paced, page-turners. The Princess and the Rogue are no exception. There's the romance between the protagonists but also a strong thread of camaraderie as we keep abreast of how the other previous bachelors are getting along as married men. There's much humour as well as sizzling chemistry between Sebastien and Anya as they move towards a happy ending. 

Overall, a fabulous finale to an equally wonderful series. I've loved following the Bow Street Bachelors find their true loves and their intriguing investigations to find them. Ms Bateman is now one of my favourite author's for historical romances and this series comes highly recommended.  

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

3.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ecopy of this book to review.

Princess Anastasia Denisova flees Russia to prevent being forced to marry a traitor. Disguised in London, she meets Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, who works for Bow Street. But what will happen when Seb and society discover her secret?

This regency romance is the third book in the Bow Street Bachelors series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoy intrigue in a historical romance and this was a fast-paced read. Anya and Seb had instant chemistry. For me though there were a few things that kept me from fully connecting with the main characters, such as Seb's attitude at their first meeting and several over the top parts with Anya. However there were also some fun and steamy scenes and I liked seeing both characters do their part to overcome the villain. If you've read previous books in the series you will enjoy seeing those main characters pop up.

This was an enjoyable novel and I would recommend this book and the series to readers who enjoy a bit of intrigue in a romance.

This book deserves 5 stars simply for making me sit in the same spot reading roughly 60% of it with hardly any breaks for my poor eyeballs. It’s so fun and adventurous! I haven’t read a romance like this in a little while, so it was very enjoyable. I really enjoyed learning all of the Russian superstitions sprinkled throughout the book and loved Anya as a character. There was only one moment when I was screaming at her not to do something stupid, but other than that, she was a pretty smart heroine.

Sebastien was glorious, and my heart pained for him at every instance he felt he wasn’t enough for her. I wanted him to figure out who she was on his own, but the way Bateman does it was totally believable for me. Speaking of believable, I found Anya’s command of English and French to be a little hard to believe, but what do I know about the education of 19th-century Russian princesses? Diddly-squat. So let her be a masterful polyglot, I say.

They truly are an equal couple, both with their own strengths and weaknesses, who are able to come together and be a complimentary pair. There’s an interesting power dynamic with these two. Obviously, Sebastien’s a big strong man (and an earl) in Regency England, which gives him the upper hand. Conversely, Anya is a bona fide princess, which makes Seb’s earl status means next to nothing. They have to find equal footing, and I don’t think they would have if Bateman had constructed the story differently.

As for the villain, sneaky ol’ Vasili Petrov deserved to suffer more in my opinion. I don’t want to give too much away, and maybe I was too overjoyed at a certain revelation at the end, but as I said, more suffering for that slime ball would have been very welcome indeed.

I still haven’t read the second book in this series, though I really enjoyed the first, so I hope to get to that one soon so I can read Alex and Emmy’s story. They were really cute in this book, and I’m sure I would enjoy that one, as well.

I am so beyond happy I was given the next book in this series!!! It was such a sweet fun read!! Anya & Seb are so utterly perfect for each other! Anya is a Princess who is hiding in London.....she is escaping an engagement. Anya is actually working as a commoner for a dowager. Seb is an Earl for which he earned his title & a Bow Street agent. When Seb sees Anya, he wants her immediately, to bed her. Anya tells Seb a grand amount thinking he won’t take it thus he agrees! (Omg!! This is an amazing meet cute!! I love it so!) They share a swooning lustful kiss. Well no Seb is in charge of protecting Anya while fighting his lust and feelings! Anya is a strong heroine who holds her own! Which I adore! These two had some serious chemistry! I really enjoyed watching these two get their much deserved HEA!!! I can’t wait to see what Kate does next!!

Sebastien Wolff, Bow Street agent, war hero, and newly made Earl of Mowbray, is a cynic after seeing his parents' tempestuous relationship. Even seeing his two best friends find love and marry isn't enough to make Seb believe in love, but a chance encounter with a lovely stranger in a brothel changes everything. When he learns the woman is Russian and possibly linked to the disappearance of a princess, Seb knows he must learn anything he can from her.

Princess Anastasia Denisova has been in hiding for over a year now, working as simple lady's companion Anna Brown. When her treasonous would-be suitor she's been running from turns up in London, Anya is left with no choice but to accept Sebastien's grudging offer of protection and lodging. But with Anya and Seb sharing close quarters in the apartments above his gaming hell, their attraction becomes nearly impossible to ignore. The threat against Anya is stronger than ever, but she must keep her true identity hidden, even from Seb, and when the truth comes out, his less than stellar reputation may render a future between them unattainable.

Despite a couple of rocky sections that made me unsure of it, this book wound up checking all my boxes for a good romance. I loved Seb's initial terror and reluctance to admit his feelings for Anya and his jealousy and protectiveness over her. They were so cute together and the hidden identity trope was quite well done here. I loved the danger elements and how they served to strengthen the relationship between Anya and Seb and they had to fight for their HEA. I loved that Anya recognized when she needed help and wasn't afraid to ask for it. The fact that Seb stepped up and provided that and protected her without smothering her. The chemistry between Anya and Seb was amazing and with everything they'd both been through, rooting for them was great fun, and I found myself savoring the read. This had excelled side characters, reappearances from the heroes and heroines of previous books, steamy scenes, suspense, a vile villain, a protective hero whose world has been upended by the heroine. In short, all the things that make a good read for me. I quite enjoyed this series of crime-fighting heroes and found it to be original and enjoyable. I'm sad to see it end, but I'm looking forward to what's next from this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Princess Anastasia “Anya” Denisova was staying in Paris when she learned that her brother Prince Dmitri perished in the battle of Waterloo. Heartbroken she makes plans to return to St. Petersburg with her companion Elizaveta and is in the process of dismantling her family heirloom tiara to pay for passage when she is accosted by a fellow countryman – Count Vasili Petrov – he is sure her brother sent her evidence of his traitorous activities and wants the letters and demands that she marry him so she would not be able to testify against him. She refuses but is easily overpowered by the larger man, but thankfully Elizaveta returns in time to save her. And in an instant, their plan changes, since her family is dead, there is no one to protect her from Petrov – so she fakes her death and escapes to England. Fast forward one year, she and Elizaveta have created a new life for themselves and she changes her name to Anna Brown. She has not only taken a job as secretary to the dowager Duchess of Winwick, but she has also befriended her neighbor – Charlotte Haye – the owner of a very exclusive brothel and offered to teach the girls to read and write. It is there that she finally meets her employer’s roguish nephew – Sebastien “Seb” Wolff, the newly minted Earl of Mowbray, owner of the Tricorn Club and sometime Bow Street Runner. She is at the brothel to give reading lessons to some of the girls when Seb comes in the room and mistakes her for a courtesan – they share a kiss and he offers her an outrageous sum to spend the night with him. She refuses and leaves – intent on never seeing his handsome face again. But She that plan is tossed when her worst nightmare comes true – Petrov has followed her. The dowager figures out what is going on and offers to hide her in the country – she will ask Seb to provide them with protection.

Seb is intrigued by the girl and amazed that she turned him down, something that has almost never happened to him. He should just forget about her, but he can’t – much to the delight of his newly married friends, who are also his business partners in not only the club but also in Bow Street. They are working the case of a Russian man found dead on the docks and believe it is connected to a Russian spy – a case that is frustrating them and one they could use help with. It is about this time that his Great Aunt asks him to provide an escort to her country estate – he forgot and sets out to find them – what he finds is their carriage under attack and his mystery woman being abducted! He saves her and his aunt insists that he must take her back to London and protect her – but they don’t tell him who she is or why they were attacked. Seb agrees and they return to London. He tells himself that she is off-limits and that she is irritating – but he is still fascinated and attracted to her. He recruits her to help with his case and slowly, she worms her way into his heart and the hearts of his staff. But when he learns the truth – he is enraged and sends her back to his Aunt – with a plan to save her from Petrov – He tried to convince himself that she means nothing to him, but when things go wrong and he finally admits what is in his heart – will he be able to save her in time or will she be lost to him forever?

I loved this well written, fast-paced final installment of the series – Seb and Anya are a wonderful couple and I just loved their interactions. The book has it all; intrigue, murder, steamy love scenes, witty banter, delightfully silly Russian superstitions, cameos from the other “Bachelors” and their wives, a really vile villain, a shocking surprise, and finally a hard-won HEA. I am sad to say that while this book was a great read – I was disappointed in the lack of an epilogue – it was the end of the series and I was hoping for a glimpse into the collective HEA – but sigh, no such luck. This is the third and final book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title with no problems. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. *

Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, doesn’t believe in love—until a passionate kiss with a beautiful stranger in a brothel forces him to reconsider. When the mysterious woman is linked to an intrigue involving a missing Russian princess, however, Seb realizes her air of innocence was too good to be true. Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London as plain ‘Anna Brown’. With a dangerous traitor hot on her trail, her best option is to accept Wolff’s offer of protection—and accommodation—at his gambling hell.
This is the third book in the series & it’s easily read as a stand alone however I loved catching up with previous characters. A very well written engrossing read, the characters have plenty of depth. I loved both Seb & Anya the chemistry between the pair was sizzling. They were attracted to each other from their first meeting at Haye’s which also got them off to a misunderstanding but it was their verbal bantering that was hugely entertaining. It was a lovely mix of spies, mystery & romance. There were twists & turns throughout the book & a surprise towards the end. As with all the author’s books I love the historical facts, which for me add greatly to my enjoyment
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I have thoroughly enjoyed this Bow Street Bachelors series and this finale book did not disappoint. Anya's story as a princess on the run was a fascinating one! I loved how she decided to forsake her previous life in order to fine safety. For a princess to abandon her life of luxury for one as a working woman would be a tough pill to swallow, but she handles it well! I also loved her balance with Sebastien and his roguish ways. From their first meeting until the end of the book, the chemistry is simply sparkling between the. I also loved the addition of Sebastien's aunt and Anya's employer into the story. It was a fantastic suspenseful romance!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC!

Roman Holiday is my absolute favorite Audrey Hepburn film, so I could hardly wait for this undercover princess romance. A secret Russian princess on the run, no less, and discovered by the hero in a brothel - this sounded amazing. Unfortunately, cynical, high-handed Sebastian made a terrible first impression when he first encounters Anya in that brothel and never redeemed himself in time to deserve, imho, a HEA.

Normally I love a good mistaken identity meet-awkward. But Sebastian simply grabs Anya, kisses her, and demands again her asking price. Although he later believes Anya is his great-aunt's paid companion, Sebastian continues to treat her with complete disdain, with small passive-aggressions to remind her that she is below his rank.

Essentially, Sebastian doesn't think much of women ("I don’t bed virgins. Ever. I bed wenches. Actresses. Widows. Tarts."). He's annoyed that one of the "whores" turned him down, then irritated later that his great-aunt asks him to protect her companion. Sebastian is completely put out that he's attracted to a beautiful young woman who doesn't seem to understand her place as his inferior, even as Anya's Russian language and diplomacy skills are the key to Sebastian's undercover mission. Anya's trust in Sebastian is completely misplaced even as she confides in him during an intimate moment:

"I don’t think you men truly understand the enormous level of faith women put in you at any given moment. With very few examples, you are stronger. You can simply take what you want. So any time a woman is alone with a man, she must trust that he won’t use his superior strength to take advantage. She must hope that he has a core of honor, of decency, not to abuse his position.”

Oh no, Anya. Once Sebastian discovers Anya's true identity, the begrudging respect and liking he's developed for her vanishes. Sebastian is furious with the "bloody little liar" and how much her subterfuge has cost him (never mind that he now understands Anya is in hiding out of fear for her life).

By the time Sebastian realizes that he loves Anya, it was too late for me to enjoy their romance. I wanted Anya to ditch Sebastian, reveal the evil traitor, and return victorious to Russia. I can only hope that after marriage, Anya keeps all her Russian holdings secret from Seb and teaches their children how to secretly curse their dad in Russian.

This was my first read by Kate Bateman, and admittedly it was a compelling read, but for me, it was a bit much at times. A little too far-fetched, or over the top, for my liking. I truly enjoyed the first meeting between Sebastien and Anya at the brothel. But from there, I was not quite so enthralled with this read.

I never connected with Anya. Too many times I shook my head at her and her antics and lack of common sense. I love a headstrong heroine as much as the next reader, but not when it comes at the expense of your own safety and well being. I wasn't sure if she truly was just too obstinate, but her actions just caused unnecessary eye rolling drama in the story. She wasn't very forthcoming with Sebastien, even when it risked her own life, and I'm not a fan of that in a story.

Now, Sebastien I truly did like. I loved his over-protective, alpha personality. I really didn't understand what it was about Anya that he loved so much, but hey, the heart wants what the heart wants.

I was on board for the mystery and intrigue, but in all honesty it ended up being a little over the top for me. I did love the ending, although I would have loved to see a little into their future. perhaps we'll see them again appear in another story?

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me with an advance review copy of this title in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

I loved this retelling of Anastasia! It's everything I wanted and more.
I have not read the other books in this series but this seems to be a standalone as far as characters and story lines go. The writing is superb. I was sucked into the story from the first page. I read this so quickly, I couldn't put it down.
I loved the sense of danger in the beginning and that there's a reason behind Anya running away from her life.
The chemistry between Anya and Sebastian was steamy and they totally gave me Anya and Dimitri vibes.
If you're looking for an Anastasia retelling or a royalty historical romance set in Russia than this is the book for you! I will definitely have to pick up more Kate Bateman.

What is it about lost princesses that makes them such junk candy reading? Anastasia Denisova is a Russian princess who who has just been told that her brother has been killed fighting Bonaparte. Now she needs to escape the traitorous (and utterly dastardly) Count Petrov who wants to marry her and “tame her”. And so the adventures begin. With her maid and friend Elizaveta, Anastasia turns herself into Anna Brown and heads for the safety of England. Sebastien Wolff, the Earl of Mowbray is investigating the Russian delegation in London, hunting for spies for the French. His meeting with Anna (in unusual circumstances) entangles Sebastien and his friends Lords Melton and Ware in her attempts to keep herself safe from Petrov.

This is a fun, lighthearted romp that is perfect for escapism reading in these dark winter days!

Of traitors and princesses!

Lively Russian princess Anastasia Denisova escapes to England from Paris after Waterloo. Living under the name of Anna Brown she's become companion to the Dowager Duchess of Winwick, who just happens to be Seb Wolff's great aunt. Mmm! Anya is fleeing a rather nasty Russian nobleman, the scheming Vasili Petrov, who's after her money and lands. Her brother Dmitri, killed at Waterloo 'had told her in confidence that Vasili, or someone close to him, was suspected of passing information to the French.' Now Anya is seeking evidence to show Petrov up for who he is.
Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, and a Bow Street agent is looking for a traitor. When Anya and Seb's paths cross in a brothel (now thats interesting!) things heat up--on many fronts. Seb, the man who doesn't believe in love, finds himself unaccountably unable to think of anyone else. Anya finds herself in a pickle on many levels and Seb is smack bang in the middle of that conundrum. But when danger threatens Seb is the one she turns to, or rather, is sent to. But maybe stepping into Seb's gaming house will prove to be a step too far--for both of them!
A racy Regency mystery, with suitably strong main characters and a somewhat predictable plot nicely executed.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman (Bow Street Bachelors #3) 3.75 stars

A nice finish to a trilogy, it is Sebastian's turn to have his HEA. A series about three men who become friends and survive a war. They are part of the aristocracy but are not totally idle since they also work for Bow Street. Sebastian is tasked with trying to find a Russian who spied for Napoleon; frustrated by a dead informant and dead ends, Sebastian decides on a brothel visit for entertainment. There he meets Anna Brown, a beautiful woman who is not there to work. He is intrigued and searches for her, unbeknownst to him she is working for his aunt as a companion/secretary. Through an attempted abduction, he finds out she is Russian and needs protection from a "dastardly villain". Anna Brown is hiding a very great secret, she is actually Princess Anastasia Densinova. What follows is heavy flirting, seduction, some comic relief and a dangerous incident.

I found this book entertaining but it did have some low points. Sebastian seemed a little too much alpha male (circa romances of 90's). I found some of his suppositions to be insulting. For example, when he found Anna with his aunt, he assumed that she was a liar/thief/con artist and that implies that his aunt was gullible. Anna is a strong woman. Her actions showed ingenuity and grit. She falls in love with Sebastian and he finally admits that he is in love with her, but I think she is too good for him. Also, the villain was too obvious and relies on henchmen and brawn. What redeemed this book for me was the conversation between Sebastian and his partners and the banter between his friends and their wives. A fairly good finish to a decent series.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martins Paperbacks for this ARC.

Why is this my first Kate Bateman book? I’m a sucker for a good historical romance, and The Princess and the Rogue did not disappoint! I love that the hero & heroine kept each other on their toes, and that this romance was fun. Drama, danger, intrigue and did I forget to mention steam?! A good solid story!!

I did not expect to love Seb as much as I did. What is it about a grumpy hero? And I loved Seb and Anya's chemistry. This was a fun wrap-up to this series.

Princess Anastasia Denisova flees France after the death of her brother to escape a fellow countryman who won't take no for an answer. Once in London, she becomes Anna Brown, a ladies companion. She enjoys her job with the Dowager Duchess and helping the women of the brothel next door learn to read.

Sebastian Wolf, the Earl of Mowbray, does not believe in love and that's thanks to his upbringing. He encounters Anya at Miss Hayes' brothel believing she is someone she is not. And when she hears his name she recognizes that he is her employers' nephew.

When she learns the man who tried to force her into marriage is in town, she has no choice but to accept the protection that Wolff offers.

Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

This book started off good with the Russian backstory, but honestly, I didn't finish the book. I just got too bogged down in names and trying to keep track of folks. It's unfortunately, because it's well written... it just didn't capture my attention.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I don't think I've read anything by this author before but I'm going to have to start! I loved this book. I was captivated right from the very beginning and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen. The characters in the book were great too - Sebastian was brooding and an excellent hero but Anya really stole the show for me. Her strength of will, her compassion, and her overall character were just so wonderful. I loved reading her story and her journey as a runaway princess. I especially loved how there were Russian fairytales interwoven into this story, it was a great addition to the overall book. I really enjoyed readying this and I would definitely recommend it!