How to Fall for a Scoundrel

June 17, 2024
Bateman’s entertaining second Her Majesty’s Rebels Regency romance (after Second Duke’s the Charm) revisits King & Company, a private detective agency founded by Ellie Law and her two best friends, all of whom must pretend they’re mere assistants to the fictional Charles King in order to win clients. Imagine Ellie’s shock when a man shows up to a meeting with a prospective client claiming to be Charles himself. After the client leaves, the handsome con man gives his name as Harry and his backstory as a reformed thief. He’s hoping to leave his criminal past behind him and begs for the chance to join King & Co. Ellie agrees to let him assist on her case, which sends the duo in and out of museums, dress shops, and balls on a glittering tour of London—and along the way Ellie enthusiastically responds to Harry’s seductive charms. But the real mystery is Harry’s true identity. Bateman elicits electric chemistry between her leads and keeps the pages turning with a healthy helping of suspense. This winning couple is sure to charm.

July 1, 2024

The second in Bateman's Regency spy series, following Second Duke's The Charm, focuses on another member of the King & Co. investigative agency, Eleanor Law, the quiet wallflower of the all-women trio who clandestinely run the agency and pretend that the fictional Charles King is their boss. When a charming criminal currently using the name Henri Bonheur claims he is King, he forces the women to parlay--he will lend his skills to their cases if they help him. Ellie is swept away by his charisma, even as she keeps a firm eye on his ethics, and her partners, Tess and Daisy, are delighted that Ellie is challenged--and, clearly, tumbling head over heels. From one case, involving a plot to aid Napoleon, to another, retrieving a missing jewel, Ellie and Henri skillfully investigate and learn each other's characters and desires, which helps them navigate the last case of the novel--the one involving Henri. VERDICT Fluid pacing, companionable characters, plenty of spy/PI action, and a lovely sensibility all combine in a historical that will please many readers, from fans of Erica Ridley to Tessa Dare.--Neal Wyatt

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.