A feisty counterfeiter and a cocky British agent clash in this sultry Secrets and Spies novel by K. C. Bateman, whose witty, intelligent, and sexy historical romances have become her signature.As Sabine de la Tour tosses piles of forged banknotes onto a bonfire in a Paris park, she bids a reluctant farewell to her double life as a notorious criminal. Over the course of Napoleon’s reign, her … reign, her counterfeits destabilized the continent and turned scoundrels into rich men, but now she and her business partner must escape France—or face the guillotine. Her only hope of surviving in England is to strike a deal with the very spy she’s spent her career outrunning. Now after meeting the arrogant operative in the flesh, Sabine longs to throw herself upon his mercy—and into his arms.
Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovell, is prepared to take any risk to safeguard England from the horrors of the French Revolution. To lure the insurgents out from the shadows, he’s even willing to make a pact with his archenemy: Philippe Lacorte, the greatest counterfeiter in Europe. But when a cheeky, gamine-faced beauty proves herself to be Lacorte, Richard is shocked—and more than a little aroused. Unlike the debutantes who so often hurl themselves at him, this cunning minx offers a unique and irresistible challenge. Richard will help her. But in return, he wants something that even Sabine cannot fake.
Look for all of K. C. Bateman’s delightful Secrets and Spies novels:
TO STEAL A HEART | A RAVEN’S HEART | A COUNTERFEIT HEART
“Scintillating!” – Publisher’s Weekly STARRED REVIEW on This Earl Of Mine.
“Rich with espionage and suspense . . . Multidimensional believable characters and fast-paced plotting propel the story forward to its moving conclusion.”—Publishers Weekly, on To Steal a Heart
“I couldn’t ask for much more in an historical romance and I’m eagerly awaiting whatever Ms. Bateman comes up with next.”—All About Romance, on To Steal a Heart
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Captivating regency spy romance on every page. Richard and Sabine were enemies with an undeniable attraction. I enjoyed the suspense, the passion and that it wasn’t a simple journey for them.
This is an intense story about an English spy and a French forger who worked for Napoleon. Sabine, the forger came to England to help the English after Napoleon was in exile, went to Viscount Lovell, Richard, she basically blackmailed him into letting her help him for a month to get money from him to help her adopted brother leave for America. Even though Richard and Sabine had an instant attraction they fought it. Looking for an assassin that came to England and a group of subversives trying to tear down England. Sabine was helping Richard find these people but didn’t tell him. When he found her missing from his house he panicked and admitted he loved her, but would she accept his statement and proposal because she knew what he thought of her, being a thief and forger, a criminal.
I am a fan of Ms. Bateman and “A Counterfeit Heart” is another intriguing and enjoyable read. Sabine de la Tour is the most infamous forger, Philippe Lacorte, in Europe, but she wants out of the business. When she shows up at Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovell’s doorstep, the fireworks begin. Richard is a spy working for the Crown and has been hunting Lacorte for years. Everyone had assume Lacorte was a man so this was a great twist in the story. The dialogue between Sabine and Richard is top-notch. I only have one slight criticism around Sabine’s virginity. It was an issue earlier in the book, but then the whole thing was dropped. It doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this book, it was that it stood out for me and a sentence or two resolving that would have gone a long way.
If you enjoy a mix of romance and spies, you’ll definitely enjoy this one! Definitely recommended.
I’ve received a copy of this book in exchanged for a fair and honest review. (
Sabine de la Tour aka Philippe Lacorte burns piles of forged banknotes in a Paris park as she bids a reluctant farewell to her double life as a notorious counterfeiter. She and her business partner & front man Anton Carnaud must escape France; General Jean Malet is closing in on them. Her only hope of surviving is to go to England & strike a deal with the very spy she’s spent her career outrunning. Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovell, is prepared to take any risk to safeguard England from the horrors of the French Revolution. He’s even willing to make a pact with his archenemy: Philippe Lacorte. But when a cheeky, gamine-faced beauty proves herself to be Lacorte, Richard is shocked but they enter a deal to work together for the next four weeks to flush out a gang of insurants.
I’d been eagerly awaiting this book after loving the previous two books. Whilst this is the third in the series it could well be a stand-alone book but I’d definitely recommend reading the other two books. The book is very well written, the plot is so well paced that I had difficulty putting the book down. The characters both main & subsidiary are very well portrayed. The chemistry & sexual tension between Richard & Sabine is electric, that alone had me on bated breath to find out when it would combust. The dialogue is witty & often had me smiling & in places laughing especially Raven’s teasing of Richard, which is so entertaining. I also loved the insights into how to recognise a painting by a certain painter, the hallmarks on silver & breathing on gems, all of which added to the credibility of Sabine. I only hope there are more in the series as I’d love to read Kit’s story, he needs his HEA!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third and final story in the Secrets & Spies series! Richard Hampden, Lord Lovell has been after the infamous counterfeiter Philippe Lacorte all during the French Revolution. He has done whatever it takes to keep England safe. In walks Sabine de la Tour… who happens to be the infamous counterfeiter, she has given up the life and must make some serious cash to get a brand new start in France! Thinking Richard has one last job for her, she goes to Lord Lovell! Well she walks right into his trap but Sabine plays her one and only Ace! Sabine tell Richard she could ruin England’s economy if he doesn’t pay! He tells her he will pay if she works to help take down some criminals who would do the Royals harm… The two work together to get what they both want and during this exciting journey learn they want each other but neither one can trust the other.
This story was well written with funny dialogue and an intriguing storyline! Raven and Hell Cat make a few appearances which is a delight in itself! I will miss this family for sure!
Wow! A Counterfeit Heart by K.C. Bateman is a phenomenal historical romance. Ms. Bateman has once again impressed me with her story-telling skills. She has delivered a well-written book and loaded it with outstanding characters. Kudos to Ms. Bateman on her characters and dialog. Sabine is a French counterfeiter known as Philippe Lacorte. She leaves France and travels to London and presents herself to Richard, Viscount Lovell. Their story is packed with suspense, action, humor and sizzle. I loved this book from the first page to the last and can’t wait to read my next book by K.C. Bateman. A Counterfeit Heart is book 3 of the Secrets and Spies Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Ms. Bateman is an original, outstanding voice in the genre. I would highly recommend all of her books. The heroines are smart, positive women that meet the man of their dreams and he is a better man because of it. Fascinating stories-
Excellent word crafting and spot on correct with historical details.
A GEM of a writer!