Ellie is one of the founding members of King & Co, a private investigation firm. The Ton would not be happy to learn the business is comprised of females. To keep their respect, they make up a fictional boss know as "Charles King." When a con artist pretends to be the real Charles King, Ellie has no choice but to accept his help to solve the investigation. Henri has an extensive criminal resume but he needs Ellie's help to uncover his past so that he can lead a straight and narrow life in the future.

Kate Bateman is back with her latest book full of flawless romance, banter and interesting characters. If you love historical romances but need a break from the typical nobility, look no further then Ellie and Henri. The two offer some investigative intrigue helped along by a healthy dose of chemistry. Well propriety must still be respected; they operate far outside the usual constraints of high society. The two are kissing by the first chapter and yet it doesn't feel too soon or forced. Instead it is a promise that what follows will be anything but slow or boring.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the series and my favorite so far. Harry comes barreling into the story pretending to be something he's not. They have to solve a mystery together but this is just the beginning and the real mystery is yet to come. It is charming and fun and I was rooting for their happy ending.

Ellie meets Harry.
Ellie falls in love with one of Harry’s identities. The truth doesn’t come out until it has to and she has to figure things out for herself.
When he is telling the truth, she doesn’t believe him. He “cried wolf” so many times that she doesn’t know what to believe.
The chemistry is undeniable between the two and it is a slow burn.

Kate Bateman has a way of making me fall for the scrupulous and charming man that Ellie loves. I found myself wanting their relationship to work out.
I would classify him as one of my book boyfriends.

It is a regency romance with a crime that needs to be solved and a past that doesn’t seem to stay in the past. This book can be read as a standalone.

Special thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for the #ARC copy. Publication date is set for August 20, 2024.

The story is full of angst and is tinged with some light-hearted moments. The romantic element of the story is entertaining and the characters too are fun to read. I couldn’t stop reading it.

I am really enjoying this series from Kate Bateman! I loved seeing Tess, Ellie and Daisy again as they continue their adventures with their detective agency, King & Company. And I knew I was going to really like Ellie's story since I am much like her, glasses wearing and studious!

Henri Bonheur really intrigued me, and I delighted in the banter between him and Ellie. it was fun watching her try and hide her attraction and desire for Henri, all while working on cases with him as he took on the persona of the elusive Charles King of the ladies' agency, King & Company. And it was super fun watching Ellie break out of her shell a bit and embark on a few risqué adventures with Harry that stretched a bit outside the law. What a thrill she got!

Harry and Ellie were so well suited, in all things, and the way that Harry took such care with Ellie when she gave herself to him in the bedroom. Whatever type of "scoundrel" Harry had been in the past, it was clear that he very much respected Ellie and wanted more than anything for Ellie to love him, regardless of who he was in the past and who he is revealed to be now.

I'm anxious to find out what Daisy's story is going to be, considering she is supposed to meet her love on a dark highway, so that could mean all sorts of scenarios.

Kate Bateman is one of my favorite authors of historical romance. And with “How to Fall for a Scoundrel”, she has created another wonderful story. The story features Ellie, Daisy and Tess and their private investigation agency “King & Company. As society does not consider women to have the intelligence and skills to be private detectives or consider that to be a proper profession for society ladies, they have created a fictional reclusive employer, Charles King. However, the fictional Mr. King becomes somewhat less fictional when “Henri Bonheur”, an accomplished thief (and scoundrel) who claims to be reformed, offers to pretend to be Mr. King so that the ladies can retain a client who will pay well but insists on discussing his problem with Mr. King directly. Henri/Harry has multiple reasons for wanting to take on this role, including to spend more time with Ellie. He recognizes that she is more than the wallflower and bluestocking that her public persona suggests. And he wants to get to know her on a more intimate basis. Ellie finds him confounding, as she does not approve of some of his actions but cannot help but be impressed by the results he achieves. There is also an undeniable attraction between them (which will be thoroughly explored). And as much as he is a scoundrel, Ellie also finds him to be honorable.

Growing up one of my favorite shows was Remington Steele. I was too young to fully understand all of the nuances; however, I enjoyed the adventure. This book is Remington Steele, a historical romance style. So it was right up my alley. I have enjoyed this series, the strong female found family and the sex positivity are phenomenal. This book was no different, although I wish there had more interaction between Ellie, Tess, and Daisy, I missed that in this story. I had a blast with Harry, Henri, well whatever name he goes by, he was charming, smart, and sweet, a perfect Remington Steele. I thought the angst between the two lovers was well developed, but I wish Ellie had not second-guessed, although I guess that is to be expected when someone lies to you initially so it is understood. Overall this was a stellar book, and I enjoyed every minute.

I loved this one more than the first book, it was steamy and sweet at the same time. Kate Bateman is my favorite author now, there’s no going back.

Regency romance with a twist of mystery.
Ellie meets a handsome stranger who gives her a false name, and his real one is only one of the mysteries she and her friends in sleuthing solve in this book.
If you like regency, handsome, morally grey scoundrels, and pretty and clever heroines, you will love How to Fall for a Scoundrel!

Thank you to St. Martin's press for the advanced copy of this work in exchange for my honest review.

Miss Eleanor “Ellie” Law is the daughter of the Lord Chief Justice. She is one of the three co-founders of a successful private investigation firm. Eleanor encounters a charming scoundrel who steals a kiss from her at a ball. Now the man is assuming the identity of her fictional boss, “Charles King”. Reluctantly, Ellie agrees to allow Harry to help on a case he secured for them. Can Eleanor trust Harry with more than just her heart?
Henri Bonheur – or Harry to some – is a charismatic con man who has gone straight. He needs the King & Company’s help in proving his true identity. Henri first pretends to be their imaginary boss and secures them a case to gauge their ability. He never expected to be fascinated by Eleanor Law or enjoy helping her on cases. Will Harry’s criminal expertise be useful for King & Company?
Eleanor is a woman who likes to prove that women can solve crimes just as well as men. I like how she utilizes the resources available. Ellie is not afraid to use her father’s name to get the information she needs. I love how Ellie is Harry’s complete opposite. He is spontaneous to her careful planning; he is not above bending the law to her being a stickler for the law. The two play off each other wonderfully. Plus, Harry helps Ellie to see another side of life that she misses.
I would like to state first that I am not a fan of the name “Harry”. It is one of those names that makes me shudder in distaste. However, I adore this Harry. He has this infectious air about him that makes him lovable. I wonder if the author modeled Harry after Pierce Bronsan’s character in Remington Steele? If so, she NAILED it! What I like the most about Harry is his continual attempts to corrupt Elle. He tries to help her see beyond black and white but to shades of gray.
HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL reminds me of the 80’s television show, Remington Steele but with a regency twist. The premise is almost the same. I believe that is why I enjoyed this book so much. And yes, that TV series is a fond favorite.
HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL is the second book in Kate Bateman’s historical romance series, HER MAJESTY’S REBELS. The story can stand alone. There is no on-going plot. However, the first book (SECOND DUKE’S THE CHARM) explains how and why the three friends created King & Company. I cannot wait for the next book! And see what is in store for Daisy.

Another great installment in this book series by the wonderful Kate Bateman.

Eleanor is usually a wallflower, when she’s not helping her other friends solve crimes, but when she is kissed suddenly by a charming rake everything changes. Soon she’s on a mission with this con man rake at her side. Are the feelings real if she doesn’t even know his name?

This book was charming. I like Eleanor and Harry and didn’t find the plot to be too convoluted.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC.

Kate Bateman always manages to write engaging plots with swoon-worthy romances. This book is no exception. I can’t wait for the next installment of Her Majesty’s Rebels. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book.

This is the second book in the series, and it’s amazing!! I loved the main characters Ellie and Harry. Ellie runs an investigation agency with her two friends Tess - her story is the first book, and Daisy- whose story better be the next book! Harry is a charming thief who helps them with a case and then they help him with his case. Love the dialogue and character interactions. Great romance! A must read!!

Kate Bateman did it again. The book was a fun and heated love story with a mystery to boot. The characters were witty and likable. The story had a mystery that brought Ellie and Harry together, which I thought they were perfect for each other. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

I would not have picked this book up if Kate Bateman hadn't written it. I really don't like crime/mystery crossovers in my regency romance and weirdly, I'm not a fan of regency romance heroines having jobs. The leisure life is part of the escapism love about regency romance, after all! However...that being said....Kate Bateman can basically do no wrong, so of COURSE I loved this. I loved it so much that I think I want to go back and read more stories like this one, because she totally sold me on the premise and this genre.

How to Fall for a Scoundrel was another one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 and I enjoyed the heck out of this book! Ellie and Harry were perfect together! This book was funny, sweet, intriguing, steamy af, and a lot of fun. I like the crime/mystery element of these books a lot more than I thought I would. The all female agency is just a blast to read about. Ellie and Harry had chemistry from the jump. I loved how Harry basically started calling Ellie "sweetheart" or "sweets" from the jump. He made his intentions very clear even though Ellie chose not to believe him. The twist was an actual twist that I did not see coming. I knew there was more to Harry but I didn't expect that to be his backstory. I enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for Daisy's book!

What a delightful story this is! It reminds me of a TV show with a similar situation, but , oh, how delicious this one is. Henry is a thief. Ellie is a stickler for the Law. When he approaches her at an event, nothing in either of their lives is ever the same. I loved the banter, the suspicion and Henry’s outlook on life to enjoy it to the fullest. The descriptions of the Tower of London were tremendous and I could envision what they were seeing. (Since I have never been to London, it was quite a delight to read ) Daisy and Tess are adorable, especially bloodthirsty Daisy and can’t wait for her story to be told. The chemistry between Ellie and Henry was so hot and swoon-worthy. The twist 2/3 through the book was not something I saw coming and it was so cool how all that was resolved. An adventure of a read and well worth the time!

I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.

This one was pretty fun. Ellie is at a ball when a mysterious man approaches her & steals a kiss! He gives her a false name and then precedes to call himself, Charles King. Who is this man that has infiltrated himself into their investigation business? As they begin an investigation, she learns that he’s a thief! As the weeks go by, Ellie can’t help to fall for the mystery man. Who is he really though? Ellie will soon find out, but will it affect their burgeoning relationship? I liked Harry and Ellie together. I wish the story had focused more on his mysterious past a little longer, but overall I really enjoyed this story.

A delightful addition to the series. Bateman’s writing sparkles with wit, and her characters are very well drawn.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.