Mystery, suspense, romance...The Bachelor Betrayal has it all. I could not put it down. A fantastic read, with pages filled with twists, turns and explosive mayhem. This action packed story, is the second book in the series and could easily be read as a standalone.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

THANK YOU SO MUCH ENTANGLED TEEN!! This is the perfect book to read while waiting for Bridgerton to come out. I loved the romance and the premise of the bachelor betrayal.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book; this is my freely given opinion.

This second book to the series appealed to my intrigue, spy story-Mission Impossible-James Bond loving side. Lady Kat was a great character, taught by her mentor and patriarchal figure, Victor, since the age of 4 in various skills including hand to hand combat, knife throwing, and guns. In other words, she is a total Nikita-esque BADASS. Remember, she pulled a knife on the Bastard of Baker Street in the first book, to ensure that he knew that she was looking out for her friend Livie. Not many people are able to do that.

Alternately though, there is a more vulnerable side to her as well, as Kat was orphaned quite young, and while Victor cared for her, his way of caring for her did not allow much of a childhood, fun, or innocence. She did not really gain any friends until going to finishing school and meeting Livie and Etta. Others she met through her training, such as Nathanial Black. Then finally, she loses Victor to an assassin, which sets her on a path for vengeance against the assassin, the Chameleon.

Marcus Black, the elder brother of Nathaniel, runs into Kat one night, when they both have the same goal. They are both looking for the journal of his deceased wife, which has clues about the Chameleon. Marcus believes it will exonerate his brother, who was painted as a traitor for dealing secrets to the Russians. Kat bests him in a fight and makes off with it. But they decide they should work together since they are both trying to achieve the same goal, to catch and stop the Chameleon.

So there we have it - fast paced spy story, and romance, set in Victorian England, with an ass-kicking heroine. Be still my beating heart - throw in a dog and I am in book heaven... oh wait, there was puppy at the beginning - cue the celestial choir!

Marcus Black was a bit too stiff and formal for my liking, also something pointed out by a few other characters. But what really got me was the female characters. The romance was nice, and expected, with some suitable heat and angst. But what really appealed to me was that the women drove the story far more than the men; I will not say more because of the risk of spoilers. Not to say the men were nothing but background characters, but really the women stood out. Again, we see again the Dragon Duchess, the outspoken, sharp witted godmother of Livie from the first book. We see a bit more of the friend Etta, hopefully as a lead up to her story. There are a couple of twists to the story that I could see developing, involving a few other women we meet in the story, but while they were not huge plot surprises, I enjoyed reading their development and denouement.

There was also the appearance of a character in the latter quarter of the book, that was referred to several times from the beginning that really had me thinking as well, that I would like to see a continuation of their story. Again, no other details because of spoilers, but the sense of loss, bitterness, angst, and regret makes me think that I would love to see their story looked at more, and some kind of hope and redemption in their future.

Loved this story, heck, even loved the detail about the easy detach/attach studs on the dresses. It was fast paced, lots of action, and strong, interesting characters. I would even love to see this translated to the screen!

4.75 stars out of 5 - it would be a 5 out of 5 if Marcus had less of a stick up his butt; Kat obviously does not need a hero - she is one herself.

I was waiting for Kat's story since the first book in the series was released and Kat was introduced into the plot as an ass-kicking female who defends her friend from her rival. This book centers around Kat, seeking vengeance from the "Chamaleon" an international assassin who did a hit on someone she loved. She is paired with Marcus, Earl, and Spy to the English Crown, who is also looking for the "chameleon" to clear his deceased brother's name and deliver him to the Office of War. A lot is going on in the story - a lot of betrayals (hence the name of the book) and a lot of backstories that have been left open for future books (I would guess).

The story revolves more around the mystery than the romance, or the actual main character's relationship. It wasn't so bad, but I didn't feel much chemistry between Kat and Marcus. And since there was so much going on, I would often get lost within the plot and plot twist and get bored. I just look over the middle and focused at the end to know who was who and to get an idea of what would happen in the next book.

We get a glimpse of the future couple in the next book and new characters where introduced. It was overall, alright.

In The Bachelor Betrayal, Kat was trained by her uncle since a very young age to fight and seek out spies for the good of England. After his death, she is driven by vengeance to unmask the assassin The Chameleon and kill him in order to get revenge for her uncle. Along the way, she reencounters Marcus Black, a man who also trained with her uncle, and together they work to identify The Chameleon while trying their best not to fall for each other.

This book just wasn't generally for me. I found Kat to be frustrating as a heroine - she excels at literally everything she does, is "not like other ladies," and doesn't seem to have a single flaw except that she is a woman in a historical romance who wants to be taken seriously for her talents. Meanwhile Marcus seems solely defined by telling her not to do something that she's definitely going to do and being angry about previously being cheated on by his wife. Marcus is described as being known for being stern and a stick in the mud, but he seems perfectly willing to ignore his own characteristics almost the moment he meets up with Kat again. Additionally, the plot mechanics of the spying and the murderers was just so convoluted while also being rather predictable. Overall, this just didn't do anything for me.

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the phrases and culture were appropriate for the time period the book is set in. I loved the banter and quick wit of Kat. I loved practically everything about this book. I have no complaints. It was a fun, quick read that left me happy and smiling in the end.

A gorgeous story, wonderful characters, lots of action and desire. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough to read Marcus and Kat's happy ending. The plot, characters and romance was an easy 5 stars.

I found this book on NetGalley and since I love reading historical romance, I decided to try requesting an early access to this book and to my surprise it was accepted by the publisher! Thank you to NetGalley and Engtangled Publishing for this ARC!

Since I started reading a lot of historical romance novels, this story came a surprise to me because I love a strong overpowered woman. Kaitlyn was trained as a spy since she was young. And although I had a bit of trouble imagining how she could have learned to throw a dagger when she was just eight?? I also enjoyed how Kaitlyn was the one to initiate a lot of things and not Marcus. This was certainly new to me in a historical romance since it's always the man. I would say this was a breath of fresh air to read!

The murder mystery took up most of the book which got me hooked and gasping at surprise when I learned the truth by the end. The steam was mild in my opinion and I didn't really focus on that part since I was more into figuring out who the chameleon was. Also, I was surprised to find out that this was set in the Victorian era where contraceptives was finally being used. Kaitlyn even had the courage to buy some herself which amused me. I really loved her character despite her flaws. The women behind the Gazette also reminded me of the Wallflowers by Lisa Kleypas, one of my favorite historical romance authors. We love a group of headstrong, intelligent and independent women!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. I also learned that this is the second book of the series. I will read the first one for sure. I'm curious about the man from Baker street after reading about him in this book.

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

Good mystery. Good Intrigue. Loved the characters. Kat was a little too much for me at times and Marxus felt underwhelming. The ending was a bit of a stretch too but all on all I enjoyed it

The Bachelor Betrayal is the exciting second book in The Secrets, Scandals, and Spies series and follows two people bent on revenge. When her beloved uncle is murdered by the Chameleon, Kat vows to get revenge, and she is relentless in her pursuit of the assassin. During her investigation, Kay comes face-to-face with Marcus, a man who, like Kat, trained under her uncle and is as deadly as she is. Marcus also wants to find the Chameleon and avenge the deaths of his brother and wife. Kat and Marcus agree to work together in their search, and they unravel a plot even bigger and more deadly than expected. It’s an intriguing read, as the pair finds out more than they ever expected, put their lives in even greater danger, and begin to fall for each other.

Kat is a walking contradiction. By day, she’s a lady, by night a deadly spy. She’s unbelievably courageous in many regards and yet fearful of being vulnerable. She loves deeply, yet she often pushes people away. I found her character really interesting, layered, and richly developed. Marcus is equally intriguing, and he is much like Kat. He too is respected in polite society, yet he works undercover for the government. He is a gentleman, and he’s lethal. He is kind, but he hates to be vulnerable. It’s easy to see why the chemistry between these two is so fiery!

Throughout the story, Kat is so conflicted. She never expected to find love and never looked for it or wanted it. She closed herself off to do her job and do it well. I suspect that part of the reason revolves around her feelings for Marcus, which she’d had for a lot longer than she even realizes. She’s known Marcus since she was a kid, and she has a soft spot for him, as he does for her. I love how they come to see that they are stronger together than apart. They make a fierce team, and they forge a great partnership. Plus, their banter and interactions are so tense with sexual chemistry. From their first meeting, where they fight each other, their chemistry is explosive!

Throughout the story, Kat constantly has to prove her skill and experience. She is so underestimated, and though it often works in her favor, it also sheds light on the inequities between genders. Female spies and assassins are not the norm and are not widely accepted, and the men in her profession and circle make that abundantly clear. Even Marcus feels this base need to protect her, although he knows she does not need protecting. There are some thought-provoking insights about gender stereotypes and defying societal expectations that I really enjoyed.

I also love that the story has tons of action, intrigue, and suspense, and several twists and surprising revelations. There’s never a dull moment for Kat and Marcus as they slowly unravel the mystery of a deadly assassin, and murders, secrets, lies, and betrayal abound. You never know who is loyal, who could be a traitor, and where Marcus and Kat’s journey will take them.

With a ton of action, mystery, and romance, The Bachelor Betrayal is a great addition to The Secrets, Scandals, and Spies series. Though it’s the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, The Bachelor Bargain, the first book in the series, is outstanding, and I highly recommend it! Special thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Kat was trained by her uncle to handle anything. When he is murdered by the Chameleon, she is determined to avenge his death. Her investigation puts her in the path of her uncle's former student, Marcus. The Chameleon is responsible for Marcus's brother's false accusation of selling secrets to the Russians and his death. Finding the Chameleon will exonerate his brother.

This was a very good read. Characters were engaging and the plot was well-paced.

ARC via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

This is a first time read by Maddison Michaels, new author to this reader. Well, I am one for stating that I was not anticipating this story to quite this good. It had all the makings of keeping this reader engaged. You had a beautiful but, dangerous heroine by the name of Lady Kaitlin “Kat” Montrose and a handsome lethal hero, Marcus Black...agent of the Crown. There is mystery, intrigue, murder, and twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. This is one historical suspense romance that lived up to the plot.

Lady Kaitlin Montrose, after the deaths of her parents when to live with her uncle, Victor. She has been trained by him since the age of eight to protect herself…familiarized and skilled with knives, shooting and the arts. Her uncle wanted her to be a well-rounded arsenal if needed. Unfortunately, when her uncle is killed by an assassin, the Chameleon, she vows at all costs to track him down and make him pay. Then there’s the handsome, Earl of Westwood, Marcus Black who is his own right can be just as deadly, seeks the assassin too…to avenge his brother’s and wife’s murders.

Oh, how I love a combat. When the two set out to retrieve a secret diary that could lead them to the Chameleon, and altercation ensues between the two where Kat is subsequently the victor after coming too intimately close to Marcus. There’s were the attracting starts to brew. Seeing how both realize they can do more together than solo. I thought both Kat and Marcus were loveable characters, and the sub-characters, Lucas and Etta did their part of providing more angst to the story with their banter. It is unfortunate that women in espionage still must prove themselves way too much to men and that was clearly shown in this story at times. In that retrospect, that is what I loved about Kat. She was strong, intelligent, and fearless in her pursuits of what she wanted to do.

Concluding, I thought this was a wonderfully written story that had to me more than one plot, action, twists, and intimacy that I like between the H/h in my historical romances. Recommend the read and looking forward to Lucas and Etta’s story which I am hoping to be a part of this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

OMG GUYS I think I found a new favorite Historical Romance Author that I want to now go a read her backlist! This one was so good! Had a lot of action, mystery romance and just a whole well round about story. The writing was that good. It was a fun treat to learn that Etta and Lucas' story is next, and I'm for sure going to go back and read the first in this series this week hopefully. I highly recommend this one, as I was never bored at all and I'm adding this to my favorites shelf.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Goodness! We have a story filled with spies, murderers, assassins, traitors, Ninjas, and so many twists and turns your head will be spinning. There are definitely no dull or draggy spots in this book – especially with all of the plots within plots. I loved Marcus Black; I liked (but didn’t love) Lady Kaitlyn Montrose; and I enjoyed the feuding between Lucas Devereux, the Marquis of Cantfield, and Henrietta (Etta) Merriweather who I assume will be the leads in the next book.

Lady Kaitlin Montrose certainly had an unusual upbringing and family history. She lost both parents at the age of three, but we never really learn what caused the deaths. I ASSUME they were somehow killed as part of working for the Crown, but it was not spelled out – they could have died from the flu for all I could tell. At any rate, upon their deaths, her uncle Victor became the new earl and her guardian. Victor was determined that Kat would be able to defend herself as her parents could not and instituted a rigorous daily training schedule that left little time for anything else in her life. She became skilled at knife fighting, knife throwing, shooting, and eastern martial arts – she IS a weapon. When Victor was murdered, she also became a woman on a mission of revenge. Victor had been tracking down the Chameleon, an assassin who has taken countless lives over the years. Kat is sure the Chameleon is the one who murdered Victor and she will do anything to bring them to justice. Kat’s version of justice is her putting a bullet squarely through the center of the Chameleon’s forehead.

Marcus Black, the Earl of Westwood is a much-respected earl – and agent for the Crown. He is deadly and fully determined to avenge his brother’s death. Marcus knows the Chameleon planted evidence to brand Nathaniel as a traitor and then cause his death. The Chameleon has hit too close to home too many times – first, with Marcus’s wife, then his brother, and then his mentor Victor. No, Marcus will deliver justice to the Chameleon. Marcus’s version of justice is to catch the Chameleon and then let the justice system take care of the punishment. Mmmmmm – I think I see a major conflict there. 😊

Both Marcus and Kat choose the same night (and time) to break into the Viscount of Somerville’s residence to retrieve a diary that belonged to Marcus’s dead wife, Elizabeth. That, of course, leads to an altercation between the two of them and Kat wins when she knees Marcus in the nether regions. Later, Kat realizes that they should work together since they are after the same thing. Can Marcus agree to that?

Marcus comes to learn many surprising things about Kat, yet he still feels protective of her. She hates that protectiveness and goes way, way, way out of her way to show him that she is better than he is, that she is smarter than he is, that she is more determined than he is, etc. That is the reason this is a 4-star review rather than a 5-star review. Kat is much better than most I’ve read lately, but it seems that in order for a female to be strong, intelligent, shrewd, bold, fearless, etc. she must also be a shrew and show men up at every opportunity. Why is that the perception and the way they are written? What happened to a true partnership? Why can’t Markus be protective of Kat – AND – Kat be equally protective of Marcus? Don’t get me wrong – I am fully for a strong, intelligent female – I am one – but I don’t think my strength should be at the expense of my male counterpart. I’m sure most of you won’t agree with my perception of Kat, but still, it is my opinion.

I can definitely recommend this book as an excellent read with a wonderful mystery within a mystery. It is non-stop excitement and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady Kaitlyn Montrose is just about the most "kick ass" historical heroine I've had the pleasure to read about. Victorian times were starting to be slightly less restrictive for the ladies, but none of them are anything like Kaitlyn. She has been trained by the best to protect herself and do some work for the Crown.

Marcus Black, Earl of Westwood is looking for something that will help clear his deceased brother's name. He doesn't expect a knee to his nether parts for his trouble. Our hero works for the Crown. There have been several assassinations recently and he must track down the person responsible.

This Victorian, historical romance is bursting with action, great characters and danger. It is part of a series, but easily read on it's own. You will definitely be tempted to buy the others. I can't wait to read the next one.

I loved it.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Kat was such a fun character. I love her fearlessness and competence. The plot was super compelling, though I did guess a twist or two along the way (I blame my over-familiarity with the genre for that). There was still a little weirdness with "darn" instead of "damn" being used in the strangest places. Overall it was a fun read.

I received "The Bachelor Betrayal" from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Maddison Michaels is one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her beautiful sensual stories have so much charm and charisma. The rapport between all the characters is outstanding. In this story, the espionage is mind-boggling...the suspense, the intrigue... absolutely fascinating.
Two spies, one suspect. Two murders, same suspect. Numerous murders, and one assassin. Lady Kaitlin Montrose and Marcus Black, Earl of Westwood have known each other for a very long time. They were both trained as spies by Kaitlin's uncle, and are now after the same person known as the Chameleon. They discovere that as independent as they are, working together would bring them closer to discovering the identity of the Chameleon sooner rather than later. At the same time, they have to find the courage to give each other their self dependence while still loving and taking care of each other. Mystery, suspense, romance... you name it, you've got it in this fantabulous story.

Lady Kaitlyn (Kat) Montrose was raised by her Uncle Victor to be a self-sufficient, intelligent, athletic and dangerous spy. Not your typical lady of the Ton! However, tragedy strikes, and her beloved Uncle is killed practically in front of her eyes. Since that day she has been on a quest for the truth and to avenge the man she loved and knew as more of a father than just an Uncle.

Marcus Black, Earl of Westwood, is seeking out the same assassin as Kat but for a different cause. His brother was framed as a traitor and killed, as well as his wife was years before that, by the same assassin called the Chameleon.

They cross paths after years living separate lives but working for the crown while both hunting down this killer. Kat bests Marcus the night their paths cross again and the chemistry is immediate.

I can't imagine anyone reading this book and not falling in love with Kaitlyn, let alone Marcus. She is strong, incredibly smart, independent and confident. Not to mention her well-honed skills with weaponry galore. The best part of this story, following in the vein of the series, is the independence and strength of the heroines. Marcus isn't a milksop or anything, but frankly, Kat's a hell of a lot more intense than he is, in my esteem. She's bold and willing to take risks, while Marcus struggles with his desire to protect her while she blazes a path through the city and beyond in her quest for revenge. There are plenty of surprises written so well that they will have you struggling to put this on down!

I also enjoyed that while there is plenty of heat in this story including on-screen love scenes, it doesn't overwhelm the plot, but complements it perfectly.

A+++++ and now I'm desperate for Etta's adventure!!

YES! Another fantastic book from Maddison. I love how Kat is so badass that she takes control of her own life and went after what she wanted. These types of stories (suspense) draw me in like no other stories. Maddison makes us think and realize some of our thinking is wrong but some is right, or we think we are right in guessing the villain. Just when one clue was thrown in we are lead into another direction. I did partially figure out the villain but…nope not going there, you will have to read it. Marcus and Kat are a favorite couple (like all of Maddison’s couples) and I love reading their verbal sparring and making up. I cannot get enough of these stories.

Will they let past wounds and scars come between what could be between them …

After the first book, there were no way I would pass on this one and now the next.
The author promised, and she delivered. The heroine is everything we glimpsed in the first book and even much more, than the sample we had.
While reading the first scenes, I pictured her as a cross between Catherine Zeta Jones in Entrapment and Charlie’s Angels.
Yet as the story progressed, Kat is them plus James Bond and Wonder Woman, all in one book.
If it is to say, this story is non stop action tale with a lot of sensuality and great emotional moments.

Kat has been trained from her infancy to be a deadly being, she is the weapon no one see coming, that everyone dismiss because of her genre, yet she is better than even the best men.
So she required the right opponent and the right partner.
Her nemesis is as unexpected as Kat is in this men’s world, and while she is quite running after the villain for all the narrative, often a step behind, she is also the one created to defeat such a devil.
And to accompany her, she has her own Dr Watson, a man who while grumbling stands by her and admire her proficiency, never threatened by her sex.
Marcus is the man she did not know she needed, he awakens sensations and feelings she had buried under her veneer of icy maiden, and if not for him, she might have turned as ruthless as her enemy. And for all Marcus’ says of being broken, he is a man who feels and resents things deeply. Why he is so drown to her, past the initial lust both sense when in close vicinity.
It could have been only adrenaline rush after crossing Death’s road, but it was something more, in the making for years, a calling they both ignored and went their way until they crossed path again.

While i had some doubts about who could be the one of the ruffian, I did not see coming the last twist.
So be prepared to be swept of your feet with this epic journey, running in the heroes’ steps to discover who is hiding behind the Chameleon and sort out how these two stubborn persons will be able to protect their heart when they are such a perfect match.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 three onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.