Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reading copy! I love Kate Bateman, and this book was a fun continuation of her Her Majesty’s Rebels series. This book had a great plot, with Eleanor (Ellie) being a female detective, who teams up with a “scoundrel” and recovered thief - Harry. They have to retrieve a stolen museum artifact, and later, solve a case of lost identity. The pacing is nice and moves along well, and it’s steamy and fun. I read this at the beach, and it delivered what I wanted for a pleasant, historical romance read. Though I liked this book, I don’t think it was as sweet and thoughtful as some of Bateman’s other historicals - but that’s okay, it delivered on the fun and steam I wanted. I recommend this book for fans of Bateman, historical romance, and adventures.

4.5 stars. This was such a fun book! I loved the chemistry and banter between Ellie and Henri/Harry. Ellie is used to being in control and one step ahead of others in life and in her work as an investigator, but Harry continually pushes her buttons and devises outlandish but effective schemes to achieve their goals as they partner up (albeit reluctantly on her end). There is lots of action and intrigue as Ellie and Harry handle multiple investigations, including searching for a stolen Book of Hours that once belonged to Napoleon, retrieving a stolen gemstone that once was in the Crown Jewels and eventually looking for proof of Harry's own identity so he can reclaim his place in society. The only thing knocking it down to 4 stars was that I felt like the story lost momentum and dragged a little in the last 1/3, as Ellie and Harry were separated by circumstances. Otherwise, this was one of my favorite books by Kate Bateman so far.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

Her Majesty's Rebels are back at it again in this ridiculously fun second book of the series! I will admit, I tend not to fall for scoundrels, preferring white knights, but Bateman writes her Scoundrel, Henri Bonheur, so fantastically, I found MYSELF falling!

Eleanor Law is a dream of a strong heroine: quick-thinking, resourceful, smart, and caring. She's completely unprepared for the insta-lust that she feels, and is returned by, Henri Bonheur, the charismatic man with a past who is bored with his life and wants to use his skills for the greater good. Nothing is as it seems, however, and Bateman writes many-a-plot twist to perfection. There's mystery! There's danger! There's dimples! There's a hot man saying dirty things in Italian. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?!?

I was on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the entire ensemble cast. The sexual tension was TOP NOTCH. This book is the definition of a page turner. You spend your time furiously tracking the mystery, danger, and the romance. It's just SO FUN.

Can the third book be out already? I'm ready for Daisy to find her man!!! ❤️

Trigger warnings: shooting/person getting shot

I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
🔥🔥 - 3 spicy scenes, mild details

[ thank you @smpromance for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own! ]

PUB DATE: August 20, 2024

Well my friends, Kate has done it again! I loved book 1 (Second Duke’s the Charm) and I loved this one!!

I fell in love with Ellie and Harry!

I loved their relationship, the dynamic they had, their banter, the chemistry!! Everything! I loved when they worked together to solve the mystery of recovering a priceless manuscript and also Harry’s identity. They were just the best team. 💚

Plus, it was great seeing Tess and Daisy again. I adore the friendship between those three women.

I was instantly hooked from the first page and couldn’t get enough. I highly recommend this series! Now I can’t wait for Daisy’s book and see her get her happily ever after!

Tropes: false identity; MC's team up to solve a case; opposites attract
Steam level: 3
Part of a series, but works fine as a standalone.

This is a fun, clever HR with plenty of steam and some solid research for the world building. It's just all around entertaining and I preferred it to the first book in the series. (Beautiful cover, btw). I love the "fictitious boss" trope (yes, I was a Remington Steele fan as a kid, and yes, I just aged myself) and thought Harry was delicious. I liked Ellie as well, although I did think she tumbled into bed with Harry slightly sooner than a young woman of that period, with her straightlaced personality, would have.

If you're looking for a lightweight, twisty-turny HR with a dollop of spice and a yummy MMC, look no further.

Great addition to ladies of "King and Co" . The case in this book is very interesting . I loved the characters and am looking forward to the next book .
The chemistry between the main character and the love interest was undeniable. I loved the banter between them and the friends

Adorable first meeting. I didn't know that about mistletoe.

Haha. this guy is fun! And just telling her all his business.

Why only a few weeks?

Daisy's taste in men is questionable. I like it.

William Bullock was a smart businessman in real life.

Huh. I never thought of superstitions like that.

I don't blame Morris.

Ah, the age-old discussion of if two wrongs make a right.

This is so hot.

Ooh, delicious plot twist.

Dayum. I love Daisy.

Sneaky.

Well, the Emberton men sure are interesting.

It's always strange to remember that the Tower had a zoo.

These girls have Ellie's back.

The story never dragged, which I appreciated.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman is the second book in a new series called Her Majesty’s Rebels. The book centers around three women who run King and Co. The business is an investigative agency, only there is no Mr King. Until a man introduces himself to Eleanor Law as Henri Bonheur (Harry) and informs her that he would like to be Charles King AND then he introduces himself to a client as Charles King.

The women of King and Co. are willing to give him a chance, not to be their boss, but as a colleague. It is clear that this unknown man is quite interested in Eleanor. After helping solve the first crime with the team, they will be hard pressed to turn him away. The other factor is the secret of who Harry is and why it is a secret. There is much that Ellie and Harry have to admit and address.

I really enjoyed this book. I have read one novel that had a similar trope, but it wasn’t as engaging as this book by Kate Bateman. I enjoyed the characters of Ellie and Harry. Hugo was a hoot! How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman was a good read!

This was such a fun historical romance. This follows Ellie one of the investigators at King and Co who meets “Henri” or so he says. He claims he is a reformed rake and wants to hire King and Co. I loved the relationship between these two and where it goes throughout the book. You’re not sure at first if Henri/Harry can be trusted and I liked the way his motives are revealed. I love a historical that does something a little different and Kate Batemans books do that.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

What a delightful read! The scoundrel is incorrigible and funny. She is smart but her heart fell for him almost immediately. Wonderful investigative escapades later, they have their HEA and now, we have bloodthirsty Daisy’s tale to look forward to!

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

📚✨Book Review✨📚

How to Fall for a Scoundrel
Author: Kate Bateman

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

Notes: I received a copy of this book as an advanced reader, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I Liked:
🎩 First and foremost, the ladies of King and Co are so amazing. I’m obsessed with them! I love ladies who take control of their fate and create lives for themselves. This trio is certainly no exception!

🎩Second, Harry was a mystery that I was delighted to figure out. I loved that you never really knew his true story, at least for a good portion of this book.


What I Didn’t Like:
🎩 It was a little bit predictable what would happen in this story. Honestly, it’s not really a negative for me but if you are looking for more plot twists and turns this might not work for you.


Final Thoughts:
🎩Kate Bateman had fast become one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her books always feature strong women, often with more feminist views compared to others in the time period. I would totally recommend any of her books!

#bookreview #reviewsneedlovetoo #readforeverpub #unpopularopinion #booktok #bookstagram #bookfriend #books #bookish #booklover #instablog #romancereader #romcom #fantasybooks

Bateman writes fantastic historical romances and How to Fall for a Scoundrel is her best one yet.

Solving crimes and falling in love is my catnip. I love mystery and romance so when the genres can be combined I devour it. I liked the plot for this story. It was intriguing and kept me guessing.

Eleanor & Harry had a lot of chemistry. They were so hot for each other.. Opposites certainly attract in this love story. The sexual tension was well done and I couldn't get enough of their interactions. Their banter was top notch too. I liked how Harry got Eleanor to loosen up, it was cute. I thought these two were a fantastic couple.

This is second in a series, but I feel it can be read as a standalone.

If you crave a bit of crime solving in your historical romp, give this a try! If you liked the PBS show Miss Scarlet & the Duke, you'll love this.

Author Kate Bateman returns with book two in the Her Majesty's Rebels series with HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL. While each book in the series stands alone with dynamic characters and an intriguing mystery or two to solve, I encourage fans of historical romance to grab book one for an entertaining evening of reading and for an introduction to the three fiesty women who are featured in the overall story arc.

Eleanor Law and two of her closest friends, Daisy and Tess, are the secret founders, as well as the brains and muscle, behind King & Co., London's most successful private investigation firm during a time when women weren't considered intelligent enough or educated enough to run businesses. They operate behind the facade of a fictitious boss named Charles King, who doesn't exist until now when a man appears claiming to be Charles King. They know, of course, that he's lying, but the women can use his con man skills on a difficult case reclaiming a precious manuscript, so they strike a deal playing along to discover the true identity of this mysterious stranger who's captured Ellie's attention and heart.

Harry "King" aka Henri Bonheur aka any of at least a dozen other names has returned to London to reclaim his birthright, but he needs the help of the three smart, beautiful women who run the best PI Firm in London. He strikes a deal with the delectable Ellie, claiming he's given up his notorious past as a con man and thief and will help them recover the manuscript if they help him prove his real identity. The deal throws Ellie and Harry in close proximity for extended periods of time which fuels the flame of desire sparking between them. Ellie repeatedly reminds herself there's no future in falling for a con man and scoundrel. This is business and business only. Right?

Author Kate Bateman is one of the best at rendering heartwarming historical romance stories with a lot of heart, depth, banter and humor. Ellie is highly intelligent, beautiful, spunky and fun. Harry is every woman's dream with a perfect blend of great looks, skills and heart. The growing sexual banter, sizzling chemistry and mutual admiration offsets the intriguing mystery playing out, and a strong support cast, including Daisy and Tess, highlight the value of strong female friendships. Bateman's utilization of short chapters drives a fast pace as this unlikely team of cohorts' race toward the final climax.

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL is a highly entertaining, well-written historical romance with all the right ingredients for romance as well as a good mystery. A strong, smart, witty female protagonist and a kind, loving, charming male protagonist who can't resist bowing to temptation team up and deliver one of my favorite romances by Bateman to date. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, historical romance and even romcoms. This one is a delight to read!

With some 80s TV Remington Steele vibes, Ellie's successful detective agency has a fictional male boss, until Harry announces (falsely) he's the owner. The three women detectives decide to let this charade go on. Maybe having a scoundrel fraudster around will be good for business. Ellie is falling hard but she doesn't even know his real name! Can she trust him? This is all good fun but I do have to wonder at Ellie's incredible freedom as a single young woman. Investigating cases, going undercover, spending the night with Harry, going to clubs. As her father is the Lord High Chancellor of England, he should check in on his daughter!

A romp of a romance between Ellie, a strong intelligent woman, and Henry, charming scoundrel. Wait- is that his real name? These two team up to solve mysteries and for, well, a bit of love. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Great characters and storytelling made this a really good read.

A reformed rake may make the best husband, but a scoundrel certainly makes the best regency hero.

Show me a charming con man who keeps his proverbial cards close to his chest, lies and steals his way along but with his own code of ethics, who sees what others don’t and gives his heart freely to a bright, studious, and thoughtful heroine—and he’ll quickly become my favorite regency hero.

While I will admit the mysteries so far in the the Her Majesty’s Rebels series have been a bit simple, I also must remind myself that without internet and modern technology, they still have to be solvable. Besides, the story revolves less around the two core investigative cases of the novel, and more around the sizzling chemistry between Ellie and Harry when they’re paired up to solve them.

Between their flirtatious banter and matching intellect, I found myself rooting for Harry to break one of his rules—rule 4: never mix theft with seduction—very early on. (Which technically he does, since he’s introduced by way of a stolen mistletoe kiss.)

While I would have liked more of Harry’s POV in this one, I recognize why that wouldn’t have worked, since one of the mysteries is about his identity. I just feel like Ellie might have come alive more as a character through his perspective, as opposed to her own, biased one.

That said, this was a fun, low-angst adventure, and served as a great palate cleanser for me between heavier stories. I also think it has great re-readability potential—if only to relive the top-tier banter.

This was a well paced book with just the right amount of sizzle that I crave in a historical romance. The main character was likable - which for time, is freshing to read that she's not about being on the marriage mart. She's strong and intelligent. A career female. I adore that! The male lead was quite the scoundrel but with a touch of flare and humor that kept people on their toes.

Together, they lit up the pages with their undeniable chemistry, quick whit and never ending banter.

This book was entertaining, but of course again, I stared with the second book of a series - and that will forever erk me to no end. I will now have to go back to read the 1st of the series.

This is book two and the scoundrel series. I have enjoyed both books thoroughly. Three girls who went to school together we're on the Charles King investigation agency.
This book is the story of Eleanor or Ellie. She is the daughter of the Chief Justice. She's not wealthy or titled as her two companions are. But she is extremely intelligent, a definite blue stocking.
The scandal on this book is Harry or Henry. He is a con man, a charmer, and a thief. He has decided to insert himself into the agency by conning a client of theirs. Ellie is furious. They have worked too hard for someone to just jump in and take over. But his experiences on the wrong side of the law have benefited them in helping to solve a case so they give him the benefit of the doubt.
There is a definite chemistry between Ellie and Henry or Harry. Working together brings them closer together. He's a little too easygoing, and she's a little too proper.
I really enjoyed both characters They brought a lot of different parts of the personality into the story and made it very enjoyable. There were a lot of twists and turns in the story which keeps the story moving and keep your attention involved.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

What a book! I was hesitant to read “How to Fall For a Scoundrel,” the second in the series, because I loved the first so much but also excited. I will say that I had nothing to worry about, this book was amazing! I read the novel in 24 hours, it had me hooked from start to finish. Ellie (the FMC) is trying to continue her investigative agency with her three friends but their fictional figure head, Charles King, is starting to not convince their clients to give them cases anymore. Enter Henri Bonheur, or Harry for short, which may or may not be his real name. He’s on to the investigator’s deception and willing to play the part of Mr. King if they include him in their cases. He has an ulterior motive to helping them which becomes clear later.

The chemistry between these two characters was steamy but a wonderful banter and friendship emerged as well that I really enjoyed. I love seeing Tess from “Second Duke’s the Charm” in the story as well as Daisy. I loved the mystery plot line and how Harry helped them to solve three mysteries by the end. The final chapters were very sweet between the MMC’s and I enjoyed every moment reading this book. I could not put it down. Now the wait begins for Daisies story, while I am waiting I think I will need to reread Tess’ story!

Regency romance is my comfort read. And this one was no exception. The characters were likable. The plot was just interesting enough to keep my reading, and the romantic tension was excellent.

Was the story historically accurate? No. But that’s hardly a prerequisite for the genre. The plot reminded me of the old 80s TV show, Remington Steele. A group of female detectives invent a fake male boss to give their investigations more credibility, but are caught off guard when a man shows up claiming to be that boss. Despite their initial hesitation, they begin to solve multiple cases with their new “boss.”

This was the type of easy to read, slightly spicy romance that makes a good palate cleanser between weightier reads. It was very enjoyable.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.