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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
The series continues to charm, Kate Bateman always hits the spot when I'm in need for a lighthearted historical romance (with a plot), and How to Fall for a Scoundrel is no difference. Centering around a detective agency set up by the series heroine trio, I'm glad to report there's indeed a lot of sleuthing incorporated within its narrative—and the case is a densely layered one, cascading like Dominoes with 1 case leading smoothly into the next (I do have to overlook a few logic gaps, but they don't hinder the overall experience). The romance is cute (if not overly dramatic/emotional), primarily due to the snappy banters, but it does lose a bit of momentum in its last stretch—the third act conflict feels muted and halfhearted, more like a prerequisite to get to a novel-length page count rather than a necessity for its romance arc. Still, How to Fall for a Scoundrel is a solid entry to the series, and I can't wait for the third book!
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
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 steamI wanted. I recommend this book for fans of Bateman, historical romance, and adventures.
"I am very much regretting my promise to give up crime.... Because I want to steal you away from here and keep you all to myself."
5 stars!
This story was so brilliant and is my new favorite novel by Kate! I absolutely LOVED the dynamic and chemistry between Harry and Ellie. By all accounts they should not have been attracted to each other as the daughter of the Chief of Justice and a self-proclaimed criminal, but their chemistry was instant and constantly simmered between them as they work to solve the case of the stolen artifact. The mystery surrounding Harry's true identity frustrated and intrigued me equally, but just like Ellie, I couldn't help but be swept up in his easygoing nature and charming dimples. The banter and humor between Ellie and Harry was so effortless, while their passionate interludes were so steamy, and I cannot wait for Daisy's book
Him: want a kiss?
Her, emphatically: NO no not at all no
Him: kisses her hand and then her mouth
Her: is... Weirdly aroused?
Me: WTF
Her, emphatically: NO no not at all no
Him: kisses her hand and then her mouth
Her: is... Weirdly aroused?
Me: WTF
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is the second book in the Her Majesty's Rebels series, and it's just as fun as the first one! The story follows Ellie who owns and runs King & Co., a highly successful investigative firm with two of her friends. After an unexpected encounter at a ball, Harry claims to be the infamous King, and though it's a total lie, Ellie goes along with it to help him solve a mystery and to gain a client who will only hire men.
Harry's a self-proclaimed thief, and Ellie knows she shouldn't trust him. But the more they work together, the harder she falls for the enigmatic man. There's definitely more to Harry than he's saying, and the unraveling of secrets is fantastic. I also love the strong friendship between Tess, Ellie, and Daisy. They are all strong intelligent women who defy societal stereotypes, and the way they support and respect each other is friendship goals.
Harry and Ellie are total opposites in so many ways, yet they fit so perfectly together. Harry is a shameless flirt who exudes charisma and charm, and Ellie is a self-conscious bluestocking who prefers to blend into the background. Ellie is a rule follower and the daughter of a barrister, and Harry is a thief with a murky past. It seems like they would have nothing in common, but they actually complement each other well. I love how Harry gets Ellie to let loose a bit as they start investigating together. Sneaking into the Tower of London, pretending to be lovers, the pair go on an exciting adventure, and Ellie changes so much because of it. She becomes much more confident and sure of herself, and it's so good to see her gain a sense of worth.
Some of the tension in Ellie and Harry's relationship stems from Harry's mysterious past. He goes by many names, and Ellie struggles with the fact that she's falling for a man she really doesn't know. He is so gone for her. My word it's wonderful! There are some scenes that had me melting because they were so romantic, and others made me melt because they were pretty steamy! lol Theirs is definitely a swoon-worthy love story!! And the banter? Perfection! You can feel the sparks between them from their very first meeting and in every conversation they have. Bateman always has the best dialogue and banter in her stories.
Harry's a self-proclaimed thief, and Ellie knows she shouldn't trust him. But the more they work together, the harder she falls for the enigmatic man. There's definitely more to Harry than he's saying, and the unraveling of secrets is fantastic. I also love the strong friendship between Tess, Ellie, and Daisy. They are all strong intelligent women who defy societal stereotypes, and the way they support and respect each other is friendship goals.
Harry and Ellie are total opposites in so many ways, yet they fit so perfectly together. Harry is a shameless flirt who exudes charisma and charm, and Ellie is a self-conscious bluestocking who prefers to blend into the background. Ellie is a rule follower and the daughter of a barrister, and Harry is a thief with a murky past. It seems like they would have nothing in common, but they actually complement each other well. I love how Harry gets Ellie to let loose a bit as they start investigating together. Sneaking into the Tower of London, pretending to be lovers, the pair go on an exciting adventure, and Ellie changes so much because of it. She becomes much more confident and sure of herself, and it's so good to see her gain a sense of worth.
Some of the tension in Ellie and Harry's relationship stems from Harry's mysterious past. He goes by many names, and Ellie struggles with the fact that she's falling for a man she really doesn't know. He is so gone for her. My word it's wonderful! There are some scenes that had me melting because they were so romantic, and others made me melt because they were pretty steamy! lol Theirs is definitely a swoon-worthy love story!! And the banter? Perfection! You can feel the sparks between them from their very first meeting and in every conversation they have. Bateman always has the best dialogue and banter in her stories.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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.
3.5 stars
I think this story was a bit better than the first in this standalone series. I think it was a bit humorous as time went along how Henry met Ellie. They both aren’t what they seem but Henry would like Ellie and King & Company’s help. I’m interested in Daisy’s book for sure.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I think this story was a bit better than the first in this standalone series. I think it was a bit humorous as time went along how Henry met Ellie. They both aren’t what they seem but Henry would like Ellie and King & Company’s help. I’m interested in Daisy’s book for sure.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Such a fun book! At first I wondered if Harry was too good to be true, but he really turned out to be a jem of a man. Ellie is smart and beautiful and his perfect partner. The romance was HOT. I look forward to book #3. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.