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.