I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this new series from Kate Bateman, so was excited to jump into this, the second in the series. I'm happy to say that it did not disappoint. I enjoy the main characters in this series, a group of young ladies who have started a private investigation firm who are forced by societal rules of the time to come up with an imaginary male "leader" who always happens to be away on important business when his presence is requested. These are bright, witty women whose intellect and backgrounds make them good at what they do. The titular scoundrel in this installment is just the kind of man to test the limits of Ellie Law's wits - and patience. She knows he isn't who he pretends to be, but who is he really? And why is she so attracted to him? And can she trust "Harry", knowing that he hasn't been truthful about his identity? It's another fun, spicy, and engaging story - just what I've come to expect from Kate Bateman.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing copies for an unbiased review.

"How to Fall for a Scoundrel" by Kate Bateman is a cute, steamy historical romance with some solid banter, but it’s pretty predictable. The enemies-to-lovers trope is fun, but honestly, some of the plot feels a bit too familiar. While I enjoyed the chemistry between the leads, the whole “bad boy” thing felt a little overdone, and the pacing could’ve been quicker. Overall, it’s a fun, light read that hits the romance sweet spot, but it didn’t blow me away.

Kate Bateman is one of my favorite historical romance authors! I highly recommend her books.

This was well written and steamy full of mystery and intrigue. It was fast paced and fun to listen to. It gave me Remington Steele vibes which was a TV show I loved when I was young! I both read and listened to the audiobook. I really liked the narrator.

Love love love this!! Ellie is a great female lead and the banter between the 3 friends is so fun to read. I love Kate Bateman and the stories she creates with mischievous, smart and talented women. Another 5star read for sure!!

(4.5/5 stars)

How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman is a historical romance following one of three women who run London's most successful private investigation firm.

This is book two in the Her Majesty's Rebels series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. That being said, I have already borrowed the first book--Second Duke's the Charm--from my library, so I'll definitely be reading it soon.

This was very charming! The banter between our two mains was great here, and I really bought their chemistry. The spice level was perfect for me, and I appreciated the focus on enthusiastic consent. I continue to enjoy historical romances that have smart, witty female leads, and the three women who run King & Co. are wonderful.

If you're looking for a historical romance with amazing banter and good levels of steam, you'll have to check this book out.

I liked this book, just as I've like the previous books I've read by Kate Bateman. I will continue to read books by this author. I liked that this book had a more unique plot than many historical romances.

I fell in love with Kate Bateman's books in her Ruthless Rivals series, so when I was offered this one on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it. She never disappoints. Her female characters are always strong and willing to stand up for changes even when the society they live in looks down on them for doing so. In the "Her Majesty's Rebels" series, three ladies open an investigative agency called King & Co. with a fictional man, Charles King, at the head. Their ingenuity and willingness to disguise themselves to gain access to information, was on full display in "How to Fall for a Scoundrel."

When Ellie kisses "Harry" under the mistletoe at a ball, she never expects him to 1. steal her bracelet, or 2. claim he is actually Charles King. She's pretty sure he lifted his name from a popular play, and she KNOWS he's not her employer, so she sets her keen investigative mind to the task of figuring out who he really is. As their new case unfolds and Harry's help proves invaluable, can she keep from falling for the scoundrel who has rapidly proven to be a complete enigma? Is he a thief, or some kind of secret agent? Is he a commoner, or a peer?

I listened to this one through my LIbby app, and as always I enjoyed the narrator, Beverly A. Crick. She does a great job, and her English accent makes the story even more authentic.

I enjoy the stories in this series. I like how the women are strong women with strong minds. I like how they let Harry help them with some of their investigations because he has some unique skills. I also liked that they were able to help him in his own investigation. I also liked that through these investigations Ellie learns to let down her guard and falls in love with him. I liked seeing their romance progress and I loved how they could bring out the best and worst in each other.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed Eleanor and Harry's story! It was fun watching these two play their cat and mouse game!

I've gotten really into historical romance lately and I looooved this one. The "taming of a scoundrel" subgenre is one of my favorites and this one is a very very good example of how to do that particular microtrope correctly!

Kate Bateman is one of the history romance author that always works for me! I find that she seems to be one of those hidden gems that if you know about her you love her and I hope that more and more historical romance readers discover her. How to Fall for a Scoundrel is exactly what I would expect from her. Featuring a strong and independent heroine, a charming hero with a heart of gold, and a unique and fun look at history and some of the bold women who helped to pave the paths for the future. Bateman's writing is engaging and evocative, her world is rich and easily comes to life before my eyes. Bateman's characters feel like real people that you would wish to be friends with. The romance between the hero and heroine is clear and rich. Bateman's way of showing the strong building of a relationship really helps the reader to fall in love along with the couple and makes this romance something truly beautiful! Definitely pick up this novel and fall in love with this architectural couple who challenge each other, help each other, and champion the other!

Another book that I am so glad that I waited till I was over my book slump to devour!

I adore Kate Bateman's historical romances and How to Fall for a Scoundrel was exactly what I expected. Our wallflower Ellie is use to blended in to get her job at King & Co Private Investigators accomplished. Harry, reformed thief and complete opposite of Ellie , forces her to come out of her shell, take chances, and live in the moment. Harry joins the ladies at King & Co to help them in exchange for them proving his title as an Earl.

How to Fall for a Scoundrel is an entertaining historical romance filled with going undercover, cheating at cards, verbal sparring, steam, and a happy ending.

How to Fall for a Scoundrel is a fun historical romance with a group of women working as private detectives, and a reformed (according to himself) thief/grifter looking for a job.
From the first moment Eleanor meets Henri Bonheur, aka Harry, if that is his real name, the chemistry is palpable. You could tell right away they were going to have some great banter, and Kate Bateman didn't disappoint. I loved watching them work together, and if Harry needs to demonstrate what a great pickpocket he is from time to time, well, it's all in the name of solving a mystery.

I thought the romance was steamy, the mystery entertaining, and I was thoroughly immersed in the story and our couple from beginning to end.
I can't wait to see who will be the match for our final detective and how their romance is going to play out.

Wow this book was a joy to read. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but the combination between mystery hero and three female detectives was great. Disappointed that the next book isn’t out yet, but that’s the only complaint I have

I enjoy reading adults navigate their love lives :) I wish there had been more banter and spark between our leads. Overall, an enjoyable, well written hisrom.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC

After Second Duke’s the Charm, I was looking forward to reading more about King & Co and the cases that the women were solving.

I highly enjoyed the fictional names and references to other stories. And of course, also the banter and push and pull between Ellie and Harry. A mystery, a romance and some fun and secrets. What’s not to love?

Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc. And I’m looking forward to Road Trip with a Rogue, the third part of the majesty’s Rebels series of Kate Bateman.

‘Even the best laid plans can change’ whether that’s a desire for independence or the belief that you’re happy as a rogue. An ill planned fake betrothal begins an entertaining journey from friendship to everlasting love. Jo & Sheff had the best foundation, friendship and respect. This made some aspects of their story a little easier but there is still plenty of problems ‘Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when at first we begin to deceive.’ As schemes began to unravel, this quote kept tumbling through my mind. Though the tangles were ‘mostly’ not of their creation, they still had one heck of a jumble to work through. Most enticing is the fact that some of those tangles will need to be worked out in future stories, giving us something to look forward to. This story in particular gave me so many of the same feels I had during the Phoenix Society series. In part, due to its involvement in the story and the cameos. Loved revisiting the Phoenix Club and old friends. But also just in the tender feels that it produced. This is a wonderfully written story and I can’t wait for more rogues to fall.

I really enjoyed this one a lot! I loved the steam and how fast paced it was. I flew through this in less than a day!

As a founding member of King & Co., London’s most successful private investigation firm, studious Eleanor Law delights in secretly proving that women can solve crimes just as well as men. When a charming con man pretends to be her fictional boss, "Charles King," Ellie knows he’s lying, but accepting the scoundrel’s offer of help might just be the key to cracking her new case and recovering a priceless manuscript.

“Henri Bonheur”—or “Harry” as he asks to be called—claims his criminal past is behind him, but a man who steals and seduces with such consummate ease can never be trusted. As the investigation draws them deeper into danger and desire, Ellie’s infuriated to realize she’s developed feelings for her law-breaking accomplice. How can she love the scoundrel when she doesn’t even know his real name? And what will happen when Harry’s past finally catches up with him?


I didn’t realize this book was a part of a series. But I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading the first book. I enjoyed the unique aspect of Ellie and her friends running an investigative agency! Also Ellie and Harry relationship was fun to read too! If you enjoy historical romance, you’ll enjoy the this book!

Glasses wearing bluestocking wallflower stole my heart! Ellie and Harry are so cute together- I love their banter, stolen kisses, partnership and finally getting their HEA. Harry is that charming mystery man but turns into so much more with understanding and love for Ellie. Like we get the side characters of her friends and then his uncle. Enjoyed the crime solving plot and then the ending melted my heart!

I love Kate’s series and this one is no different. Enjoy this investigation firm - solving crimes for all sets of people in London. Love the strong female bond and friendship with these leading ladies. Then leading men that fall hard for their ladies. Can’t wait for Daisy to get her HEA!