Member Reviews

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/MacMillan for access to a review copy.

This is a fun historical and an excellent follow-up to Second Duke's the Charm. The two books in this series are the only bookes of Bateman's I have read to date. I think Ineed to start looking into her back catalog.

Harry and Ellie are delightful and I liked the Remington Steele vibes (to date myself). Fast-paced with great flow. Can be read as a stand alone.

Recommeded!

Was this review helpful?

This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It is fast paced with short chapters, and has a likable, strong and intelligent female protagonist, an appealing, kind and caring male protagonist, engaging banter, wit, a touch of humor, supportive friends, mystery, intrigue, sizzling chemistry, a heart-warming romance, and a happily ever after ending. This is an excellent addition to Ms. Bateman's outstanding "Her Majesty's Rebels" series, and it can be read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Ms. Bateman, and NetGalley, who kindly provided me with an ARC of this delightful novel. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

In How to Fall for a Scoundrel, Ellie and Harry are initially complete opposites. Ellie is prim and proper, and Harry lives up to the title of scoundrel, with a well-earned reputation for cheating and thieving. His acting skills put him in a perfect position to help Ellie and her friends take on a case that sets them on the path to recover a valuable book and romantic overtures. Admittedly, even though it's an enemies to lovers trope and it's fun, it feels a bit more unrealistic than other romance stories Bateman's written. This book is a little bit different than some of the others in that there's two secondary storylines, with one transitioning into the other - a chance for Harry to reclaim his identity. Naturally, this is also the responsibility of Ellie and her friends. I still loved this story, but there are love stories that Bateman's written that feel more convincing, and give a little more depth to their male character than Harry gets in this one. I also kind of like the single secondary storyline better too. And I'm definitely looking forward to Daisy's story. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fun book! The chemistry between Ellie and Harry was hot but also believable—the attraction was well-grounded in the story. I loved the intelligence of all of the characters and that we see women as ambitious, smart, complex characters. Such a great mix of romance and mystery/adventure, with just the right amount of steam.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A fantastic series that had plenty of intrigue and just the right amount of steam. I can't wait for Daisy's turn.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

Was this review helpful?

How to Fall for a Scoundrel
by Kate Bateman
Pub Date: Aug 20 2024

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?

Was this review helpful?

Loved it! Kate Bateman has yet to disappoint. This time, she has created a loveable scoundrel in the person of Harry. He's easy on the eyes, brimming with charm, and oozing masculine sensuality...it makes perfect sense that Eleanor (Ellie) falls for him. He makes her step out of her comfort zone, and in doing so, she steps into her true self.

The romance is great, the mystery/crime-solving quite enjoyable....there is nothing not to like about this book. I'm already anticipating the next book in the series!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. I've been a huge fan of Kate Bateman's work for years, particularly her Ruthless Rivals Series, and I must say Her Majesty's Rebels is giving that series a run for its money! Most if not all of Miss Bateman's heroines are out of the norm when it comes to Regency social norms and Ellie is no exception. I loved how competent and resourceful Eleanor was throughout the book and how Harry respected and appreciated her as her own independent and capable woman. "Second Duke's a Charm" might still be my favorite book in the series so far, but How to Fall for a Scoundrel is a solid addition to the series.

Was this review helpful?

This was an absolutely FANTASTIC read! I’ve read (and enjoyed) almost all of Kate Bateman’s books but this one is my absolute favorite so far. Harry is now one of my all-time fav MMCs. He is adorable and charming and hilarious; some “con men” characters just come off as slimy and icky, but he was perfection. I adore how he treated Ellie like….an actual independent adult human being!!! No paternalistic “you’re not allowed to do that I forbid it!” Or “I must protect you at all costs you delicate flower you!” Especially when it came to the spicy scenes. No “I can’t take advantage of you!” “I have ruined you!” “I mustn’t, I am not a despoiler of innocents!” He wanted her and trusted her to be able to decide for herself what she wanted instead of deciding for her!!!!! The biggest and most delightful breath of fresh air. I will never settle for anything less with my top tier MMCs from here on out. Harry is the standard for all to live up to. Plus Ellie is of course brilliant and creative and a lovely character, she and the gals are so fun to read. The POV ratio was different from what I was used to (for reasons that made sense eventually) but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment at all.

I also really loved the snippets of history about the Tower of London. And this book does plot twist extremely well—I did NOT see that one coming at all. Usually a plot twist isn’t actually that big a surprise (i.e. someone posing as their own twin, secret baby, etc)—which isn’t to say they aren’t still very fun! But this one blindsided me. I read this while I had some very stressful stuff going on in ReAl LiFe (gross) and it was the absolute perfect book for that. Lighthearted and romantic and hilarious and completely engrossing. I can’t wait to see what Daisy has in store!

A big thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

What a ride! This second book in the Her Majesty’s Rebels series starts with the MMC, Harry, stealing a kiss from the FMC, Ellie, at a ball and then posing as the head of the investigation firm Ellie and her friends run. Ellie is swept along by Harry, who uses several different names. He accompanies Ellie on a job and then hires the firm himself to find proof of his identity.

This is one of those zero-to-sixty, suspend your disbelief, somewhat bonkers romances. It was so fun and a little silly. A few historical trappings that would have impeded the relationship development are cast aside to serve the plot and I wasn’t bothered by it at all. Ellie and Harry were a fun pair to follow through two investigations. I only wish we got more of them!

I loved that Tess, the heroine from the first book, gets more than a cameo in this book. So many series tuck the earlier lead characters away in subsequent books. The three main characters in this series are best friends, so it makes sense that we get to see all three of them in each book.

The third friend, Daisy, seems to have gotten set up for her story during the finale of this one. I’m eager to see how she gets to happily ever after!

Was this review helpful?

This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. Both Ellie and Harry are charming, interesting, and very easy to root for, in spite of their very different personalities. The pacing of the book made it a quick read, because I needed to know what would happen. There are a couple of different subplots to anchor the romance, and I do love a story that combines love, adventure, and mystery. Kate Bateman/K.C. Bateman is one of my 'reliable reads' authors. I always adore her storytelling and the way she conveys the chemistry of the couples. I can't wait for Daisy's book, as I have a few theories.

* I received an advanced digital copy of this book through NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

I love everything that Kate Bateman writes and this book did not disappoint. This book is part of Her Majesty’s Rebels series and this is the story between Eleanor Law and Henri Bonheur (or Harry). Ellie and Harry meet under the mistletoe, share a quick kiss and then end up having to be professionally associated. At first glance, Harry seems to be a conman and possible reformed criminal. He uses a lot of aliases and Ellie doesn’t know which one is the real him. He does come to the rescue of Ellie’s and her friends by posing as Charles King from King & Co. London’s most successful private investigation form.

I am a huge fan of spy/investigative/mystery historical romances. The chemistry between the main characters was sizzling. It turns out that Harry has a mystery of his own and it’s possible that Ellie and her friends can help him. As they uncover his mystery, Ellie and Harry have to face their undeniable attraction. All the characters are charming. I love the funny, witty and fast paced dialogues. There is enough suspense to keep you reading until the end. So, just be prepared to settle in with this book. You will have to finish even if you have to read it until 3am (speaking from experience). I love the friendships between the women and I kept cheering Harry on as he built up Ellie’s confidence in herself. A great read! A definite add to your TBR pile.

This book will be released August 20, 2024. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Is there much more exquisite than a finely-written, banter-y historical romance? Not much, imo.

@kc_bateman is an expert at writing these. Did I swoon? Only every time Harry flashed those delectable dimples. Only every time Ellie realized she is just as desirable as Harry is.

What a gorgeous, fun, sexy caper! You should 100% add this to your TBR. Join Ellie, Harry and the rest of Her Majesty’s Rebels as they solve crime and sort out secret identities.

Visit illicit gaming hells in disguise. Meet up with double-crossing crooks. Make out (in Italian!) a hairs-breadth from your mark.

Oh man! This has been a journey. I couldn’t put this book down. I had so much I needed to do after work, but how could I when Ellie and Harry were calling my name? These two are going in my top favorite couples. I ADORE them.

I received an arc in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.

#romance #historicalromance
#arc #ellieandharry #netgalley #katebateman #smp #stmartinspress

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fun adventure!! I loved Ellie, who is so smart and so good at what she does and is so outraged at this stranger claiming to be her fictional employer!! Harry is an absolute cinnamon roll of a thief. I loved him!! I loved them!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a DRC of this title.

One of my favorite current historical romance writers, Kate Bateman has never let me down, and this one’s another winner! Looking forward to having this one as part of our collection and recommending it to patrons! 4.5 stars/5.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun read! I liked seeing the business the ladies had developed grow further, and it's always a fun twist when a conman worms his way into someone else's con. The chemistry was on-point, and the adventure/intrigue enjoyable. Looking forward to the next one.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book by this author and it was delightful. It was a very fast and easy read. Both character are enjoyable. Harry is a charming rouge without any cruelty in his bones. He is a reformed thief helping the PIs solve a few cases in exchange for their help to move on from his past. Ellie is a bluestocking with social abilities so that is nice. The romance was open door and I liked that Ellie was very confident in her wants and desires. I didn’t read the first and had no issue jumping into this one and need to go back and read the first. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I found that this novel was so well-written that I did not have to read the first book in order to understand it.

This was a charming romance centered around one of the founding members, Ellie, of King & Co., London’s most successful private investigation firm. Interestingly this company is run by women and the "king" person is fictional...until now!

There is plenty of intrigue, and we even have an unforeseen twist that makes this book even more interesting. There are plenty of sensual scenes between Ellie and 'Harry' as he prefers to be called. And they will curl your toes.

My only complaint that kept me from giving this book a four-star rating was the overuse of certain words, one of which is 'dimple'. Ugh!

This was a very fast read that you may be able to do in under 5 hours.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Publishing Group/Macmillan Publisher, the author, and NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

This novel was a quick fun read. The mystery elements of this book weren't executed very well. The chemistry between the main character and the love interest was undeniable, however the romance aspect of the novel wasn't written as well as it could have been. The structure of this novel was also poorly executed, since I found unnecessary bantering scenes occur way too often and drag on too long. Overall, the novels as still enjoyable to read, but it didn't live up to it's potential.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this novel!

Was this review helpful?