Tuesday 30 June 2020

Release Day Review: To Catch An Earl by Kate Bateman


From the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, Kate Bateman, comes the second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, TO CATCH AN EARL (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, June 30, 2020, $7.99). A case of secret identities finds reunited lovers on opposite sides of the law in this fun, flirty Regency romance.


Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and dedicated rake, never pictured himself as an agent of inquiry. But the thrill of investigation is a challenge he now embraces. When he’s asked to pursue the Nightjar, a notorious thief who is reclaiming France’s crown jewels, the case throws him into the path of the beautiful and equally elusive Emmy Danvers, reminding him of the only puzzle he’s never solved: the identity of the mysterious woman who once stole a kiss from him—and left him wanting so much more…
The daughter of a thief, Emmy learned long ago how to keep her secrets safeguarded—and, as the notorious Nightjar, her love for Alex Harland is one of them. With the determined earl hot on her trail—and making her hot under the collar—Emmy has no choice but to keep her distance. But when a moment’s danger threatens Emmy’s life as well as her name, will Alex finally discover that he’s followed every clue…to true love?

After reading This Earl is Mine, I've been eagerly awaiting this second novel in the Bow Street Bachelors series. I adored Georgiana and Benedict's story, a difficult act to follow, but I admit, to enjoying this one a little bit more!

Emmy Danvers is a thief, a detail only known to her family. Unknown to the outside world, she is the Nightjar, a wanted criminal and someone the Bow Street Runners are trying to capture. So far, she has evaded capture, but with Earl Melton, Alex Harland on the case it's a bitter-sweet fact because the tall, handsome gentleman is the one who stole her heart four years ago.

Alex Harland never forgot the kiss he shared with a woman at a masquerade ball four years ago. She's invaded many of his dreams over time and a constant source of irritation to the fact he didn't know who she was. As he begins to investigate the case of a missing diamond, the work of the notorious Nightjar, he gets a whiff of a perfume triggering memories of his mysterious love. Is she, the criminal he must hunt and capture?

Like the previous Bow Street Bachelor book, the narrative is a well thought out, brimming with fascinating facts and details along with an agreeable band of secondary characters. It's refreshing to meet engaging protagonists, from equally intriguing backgrounds, come together in uncommon circumstances. The banter between Emmy and Alex is humorous and electrically charged with smouldering lust as the pair circle each other, knowing one is the hunter, the other the prey.

The outcome is a happy one as Alex finally meets his match, a strong-willed and intelligent woman. We learn Benedict is blissfully happy with his adored, independent wife. Sebastian Wolff remains the only bachelor of The Tricorn Club to meet his match… I can't wait to discover who that'll be!

***arc generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley***



Amazon US           Amazon UK



Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA® nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, and the novels in the Secrets & Spies series To Steal a HeartA Raven’s Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart. When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. Follow her on Twitter to learn more.





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