A princess in disguise is forced to live with a rogue in order to protect her from danger in this fun, sexy regency romance from Kate Bateman. In The Princess and the Rogue, Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, doesn’t believe in love–until a passionate kiss with a beautiful stranger in a brothel forces him to reconsider. When the mysterious woman is linked to an intrigue … linked to an intrigue involving a missing Russian princess, however, Seb realizes her air of innocence was too good to be true.
Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London as plain ‘Anna Brown’. With a dangerous traitor hot on her trail, her best option is to accept Wolff’s offer of protection–and accommodation–at his gambling hell. But living in such close quarters, and aiding Wolff in his Bow Street cases, fans the flames of their mutual attraction. If Anya’s true identity is revealed, does their romance stand a chance? Could a princess ever marry a rogue?
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Kate Batemen is quickly becoming my favorite historical romance author! The Princess and the Rogue is a fast-paced story that keeps the pages turning.
Disguised as Anna Brown, Princess Anastasia Denisova, is on the run from a traitorous villain intent on making her his wife. Employed as lady’s companion to the Earl of Mowbray’s aunt, Anastasia’s life collides with Mowbray’s, first when he spots her at her neighbors (a Covent Garden brothel), and next when he rides to her rescue as she and his aunt are being attacked by kidnappers.
Jaded after years of work as a Bow Street agent, Sebastian Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, doesn’t trust Anastasia further than he can throw her. After all, he met her in a brothel and even propositioned her, only to discover that she and his aunt are thick as thieves. Something’s not right. His investigative instincts are on high alert. The last thing he wants is to get more involved with the chit, yet that’s precisely what happens when his aunt deposits Anastasia in his care.
An impossible romance between a man who doesn’t think he will ever be good enough for a princess, a princess who yearns for freedom rather than marriage, and lots of danger on both their heels creates a truly enjoyable story. One I would highly recommend.
Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, doesn’t believe in love—until a passionate kiss with a beautiful stranger in a brothel forces him to reconsider. When the mysterious woman is linked to an intrigue involving a missing Russian princess, however, Seb realizes her air of innocence was too good to be true. Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London as plain ‘Anna Brown’. With a dangerous traitor hot on her trail, her best option is to accept Wolff’s offer of protection—and accommodation—at his gambling hell.
This is the third book in the series & it’s easily read as a stand alone however I loved catching up with previous characters. A very well written engrossing read, the characters have plenty of depth. I loved both Seb & Anya the chemistry between the pair was sizzling. They were attracted to each other from their first meeting at Haye’s which also got them off to a misunderstanding but it was their verbal bantering that was hugely entertaining. It was a lovely mix of spies, mystery & romance. There were twists & turns throughout the book & a surprise towards the end. As with all the author’s books I love the historical facts, which for me add greatly to my enjoyment
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Wow, even though I don’t mind the “Anastasia” re-imagined because it only has some slight similarities…trust me this story does go into a whole new route that made it new for me. Everything this was great with the imagery, the characters and I just love how Seb was when he was with Anya. This one really was very different than the others in the series and it was nice to see some of the other characters pop up.
This cover is really pretty as well and fits with the answer Seb gives towards the end of the book! I look forward to more of Kates books!
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.
Great book! I loved the characters Anya and Sebastien. I don’t normally enjoy books with Russian characters. I don’t know why, but other than Doctor Zhivago they just don’t appeal. And I normally don’t care for princesses either. Anya was a different story. I could appreciate her point of view and she made an interesting princess, willing to work hard and not prissy. I loved all the references to a wolf in Russian stories and to Seb (Wolff). The characters had meet-cute in a brothel of all things and it worked great. The author built the feelings and changes in the characters at a perfect rate. If you like historical romance, you will love this book.
A hungry man!! Hungry yet honorable! My favorite struggle! Along with a heroine who has a secret and needs protection. I couldn’t put this story down. A fun read. One of my favorites this year.
I was provided an advance reader copy from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion voluntarily given.
“The Princess and the Rogue” (A Bow Street Bachelors Novel) by Kate Bateman
I really enjoyed this historical romance with the thread of suspense running through its entirety. Yes, there are some steamy (in my opinion) scenes, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying the story (in print they are easily skipped). It was an intense read but generally light and fun at the same time… that just doesn’t sound right but is the way I am feeling at this moment in time. If you choose to read this story, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher. This is my honest opinion/review of this story.
I’m in love with Sebastian….but I doubt the princess will let me have him! lol Oh wow, what a delicious story and I thoroughly enjoyed every page from start to end. Kate Bateman weaves a story filled with intrigue, mystery, danger, Russian royalty, hot passion, humour and rules….oh yes, the rules and traditions:)
Anya is a Russian Princess hiding in England and Seb is a gambling den owner, as well as a Bow Street Runner. While investigating the murder of a Russian, he meets Anya in a very interesting way….loved it!! Having no clue she’s a Russian Princess, but knowing the Russians are after her, he ends up taking her in under his protection. Turn up the heat factor, it gets pretty darn hot!!! All in all, I loved the story, the characters, the plot, the heat and so much more!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
What a delightful read! There’s so much excitement, action, suspense and, oh yes, sensuality in this story. The storyline flows quite well and I very much enjoyed the fun dialogue. It was great following along with Princess Anastasia Denisova, Anya and the Earl of Mobray, Sebastian as they overcome all odds on their way to their HEA. I especially loved all the Russian customs mentioned and followed in the story.
Another outstanding Regency romance!
The opening prologue sets the stage beautifully for what will become an enthralling story filled with action, romance, hard times and steamy hot scenes that culminates in a stunning HEA. We see exactly why Anya and her friend, Elizaveta, had to flee Paris and take refuge as paupers in London. Set just after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, the vividly detailed history lets the reader experience the turmoil through Anya’s eyes.
A year later, we catch up with Seb, Alex, and Ben, our Bow Street Bachelors (though Alex and Ben are very happily married now). Seb is convinced he doesn’t want what they have, and prefers his freedom to enjoy as many women as he can. Until one fateful night when he meets the disarmingly beautiful Anna Brown, a woman who has no trouble resisting his persistent advances. Soon their connection through her employer thrusts them both into each other’s pockets, as the threat she ran from in Paris has finally found her in London and Seb is the only one who can provide the kind of protection she needs.
Whew! This story takes off like a rocket and never slows down! Anya is as determined as she is regal, feisty enough to keep Sebastien on his toes yet charming enough to have the Dread Dowager Duchess backing her every play. Secrets are layered on top of more secrets, and surprises await around every corner. I absolutely adored the attention to detail, especially regarding the Russian language and customs, and I could feel the chemistry between Seb and Anya right from their very first meeting.
This author has become one of my all-time favorite authors with this series, and I cannot recommend this romance highly enough. There are happily ever afters in store for quite a number of couples by the end of this story, but none of them outshine the glorious conclusion for Sebastien and Anya. If you read historical romance at all, you don’t want to miss this one. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
“Nothing really matters except people. Not things. Not possessions. People. Life is worth living because of relationships. With family. With friends. With lovers…what really matters is love.”
Russian Princess Anastasia Denisova has found herself the victim of a powerful man with the intent of marrying her for her wealth and to make sure his secrets stay hidden…no matter the cost. Along with her best friend, Anya flees in disguise to London, where she becomes “Anna Brown”, and becomes part of the working class. Thinking her disguise will never become known, Anya is surprised when the very thing she feared begins stalking her…and she finds help in the most unexpected way…
Bow Street agent, Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, has vowed never to be tied down to just woman. Preferring the talents and passions of ladies in brothels, Seb stumbles upon a woman like none other he has ever seen. Knowing he must have her, Seb offers her to set any price and he would gladly pay it for a night in her bed. Little does he know, his wolfish ways are about to come to heal under the hand of an ice princess…
OMG! OMG! OMG! To the moon and back I loved Kate Bateman’s newest installment to the Bow Street Bachelors series! Although this is book 3, The Princess and the Rogue may be read standalone. Highly recommend!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Excellently crafted! Anya is a princess in disguise. Her life is like a fairytale. Sebastian is the only one of his friends left single and is still enjoying that status. From the moment these two meet sparks fly. The story is exciting and adventurous as Sebastian tries to uncover Anya’s secrets while trying to protect her. As danger lurks, they can’t help but fall in love. It’s interesting to watch Sebastian melt under the bravery of Anya.
I loved the first two Bow Street Bachelors books and the third, The Princess and the Rogue, did not disappoint. Each of them can be read as standalones but I recommend you read them all since the featured bachelors are friends and make appearances in each of the books.
Princess Anastasia Denisova came to London as Anna Brown in order to escape the Russian traitor on her trail. Sebastian Wolff is coerced by his aunt, the dowager duchess, to ensure Anna’s security. Like the other ladies the Bow Street Bachelors are attracted to Anna is a strong independent woman that intrigues Seb at every turn. As their attraction grows so does the uncertainty of her safety.
What occurs between the sheets by these two is fan worthy!! Kate Bateman is a master at writing steamy scenes and tantalizing moments. Highly recommend for those who love historical fiction.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Princess Anastasia “Anya” Denisova was staying in Paris when she learned that her brother Prince Dmitri perished in the battle of Waterloo. Heartbroken she makes plans to return to St. Petersburg with her companion Elizaveta and is in the process of dismantling her family heirloom tiara to pay for passage when she is accosted by a fellow countryman – Count Vasili Petrov – he is sure her brother sent her evidence of his traitorous activities and wants the letters and demands that she marry him so she would not be able to testify against him. She refuses but is easily overpowered by the larger man, but thankfully Elizaveta returns in time to save her. And in an instant, their plan changes, since her family is dead, there is no one to protect her from Petrov – so she fakes her death and escapes to England. Fast forward one year, she and Elizaveta have created a new life for themselves and she changes her name to Anna Brown. She has not only taken a job as secretary to the dowager Duchess of Winwick, but she has also befriended her neighbor – Charlotte Haye – the owner of a very exclusive brothel and offered to teach the girls to read and write. It is there that she finally meets her employer’s roguish nephew – Sebastien “Seb” Wolff, the newly minted Earl of Mowbray, owner of the Tricorn Club and sometime Bow Street Runner. She is at the brothel to give reading lessons to some of the girls when Seb comes in the room and mistakes her for a courtesan – they share a kiss and he offers her an outrageous sum to spend the night with him. She refuses and leaves – intent on never seeing his handsome face again. But She that plan is tossed when her worst nightmare comes true – Petrov has followed her. The dowager figures out what is going on and offers to hide her in the country – she will ask Seb to provide them with protection.
Seb is intrigued by the girl and amazed that she turned him down, something that has almost never happened to him. He should just forget about her, but he can’t – much to the delight of his newly married friends, who are also his business partners in not only the club but also in Bow Street. They are working the case of a Russian man found dead on the docks and believe it is connected to a Russian spy – a case that is frustrating them and one they could use help with. It is about this time that his Great Aunt asks him to provide an escort to her country estate – he forgot and sets out to find them – what he finds is their carriage under attack and his mystery woman being abducted! He saves her and his aunt insists that he must take her back to London and protect her – but they don’t tell him who she is or why they were attacked. Seb agrees and they return to London. He tells himself that she is off-limits and that she is irritating – but he is still fascinated and attracted to her. He recruits her to help with his case and slowly, she worms her way into his heart and the hearts of his staff. But when he learns the truth – he is enraged and sends her back to his Aunt – with a plan to save her from Petrov – He tried to convince himself that she means nothing to him, but when things go wrong and he finally admits what is in his heart – will he be able to save her in time or will she be lost to him forever?
I loved this well written, fast-paced final installment of the series – Seb and Anya are a wonderful couple and I just loved their interactions. The book has it all; intrigue, murder, steamy love scenes, witty banter, delightfully silly Russian superstitions, cameos from the other “Bachelors” and their wives, a really vile villain, a shocking surprise, and finally a hard-won HEA. I am sad to say that while this book was a great read – I was disappointed in the lack of an epilogue – it was the end of the series and I was hoping for a glimpse into the collective HEA – but sigh, no such luck. This is the third and final book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title with no problems. I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. *
I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.
This was a great story to close out the Bow Street Bachelors series.
In this book, Princess Anastasia Denisova fakes her death to avoid a disastrous marriage. By pure chance she meets Sebastian Wolff – the Earl of Mowbray – and with one kiss their lives are changed. Whether it’s for the better remains to be seen…
I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, and the dialogue witty. Although it’s the third in the series, I think it stands on its own with enough reference to the first two to avoid any confusion.
I highly recommend this book if you you’re a fan of romance, intrigue, and gaming dens.
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for a complimentary copy of The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman. I have read and reviewed this book prior to publications. My opinions are my own, and no one has influenced them.
The Princess and the Rogue is a well-written Regency novel with engaging characters and a action-packed plot. From the first exciting scene, the pacing pulled me in and held my attention until the end.
Anya, AKA Anne Brown’s character has several facets with personality traits I most enjoy in a romance. Her determination to survive under extremely difficult conditions impressed me. Her loyalty to her friend is also impressive. I ached for her pain of losing her family, and her fear she would be pushed into marriage.
Sebastian Wolff is a great hero with the characteristic I most love. He’s dashing, gorgeous and brave. His need to protect the heroine touched my heart. His loss of his hearing during the Battle of Waterloo adds a deeper level to his personality.
The romance between Anya and Seb bursts to life from the first meeting, even though neither wants of them desires it. They both fight it, but the overwhelming passion cannot be denied. I wanted them to find their happy ending.
If you enjoy Regency romance set in the glittering ballrooms of London, and with characters that will intrigue, then you will love The Princess and the Rogue as much as I did. Although this novel is part of a series, I had no problems reading it without having read the first two. Happy reading!
Spies, criminal investigators, and criminals are all like catnip for me and I have been itching to get my greedy paws on Sebastien’s book since the first book in the series. Paired with my fascination with Princess Anastasia and I was smitten.
I loved Anya! She is exactly the sort of heroine I enjoy rooting for. Clever, practical, and loyal; she was such a fun heroine to follow. I don’t think I’ve come across a heroine with a Russian background before so I enjoyed learning some of the cultural tidbits Bateman wove in. Sebastien was delightfully suspicious of Anya at the start. It made watching his declaring permanent bachelorhood all the more entertaining.
The chemistry between Sebastien and Anya was sizzling. That delicious tension and growth from lust to love was perfectly paced and had me hooked for the entire read. As always, Bateman’s smexy scenes were on point and blush inducing.
Summed up, I adored this couple! A chef’s kiss blend of mystery, romance, and action. I only wish we had a little bit more time with Seb and Anya because I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I highly recommend if you are looking for a book with a fun royalty spin and a sizzling romance, look no further. It can be read as a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment I recommend reading the whole series.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
THE PRINCESS AND THE ROGUE by Kate Bateman is the third book in the Bow Street Bachelors Series. This is the story of Princess Anastasia Denisova aka ‘Anna Brown’ and Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray. I have read the previous books in this series which did add to my enjoyment of this one. But, I do feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Anastasia is hiding from danger when she meets Sebastien. Sebastien is a Bow Street Runner and he starts to suspect something going on with ‘Anna’, Anastasia growing feelings for Sebastien along with her helping him with his case is bring her closer to the danger that lurks around her. I am a big fan of this author’s writing so I do recommend this book and of course her writing.
I believe this is the final book in the Bow Street Bachelors series and it was definitely a fun wrap-up. I’m the first to admit that I thought the premise of this series was a bit far-fetched – and it is – but it is also delightful and fun and the characters are wonderful. I would have been less skeptical of the premise if the three heroes in the series had been working for the Home Office, but the jobs they performed just didn’t seem to fit with Bow Street. However, none of that matters because I loved the series – just had to really stretch my imagination.
Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, didn’t inherit his title, even though he is the son of a duke. No, his half-brother Geoffrey will inherit the dukedom. Sebastien earned his title the hard way – through service to the crown. He and his two friends served in the Rifles during the war, and they still provide service to the crown through their work at Bow Street. His two best friends, Benedict Wilde (This Earl of Mine), and Alex Harland (To Catch an Earl), also received titles for service to the crown – and they are partners with Sebastien in a gaming hell, The Tricorn Club. Sebastien watched with great merriment as each of those best friends found the women they would love and marry. Sebastien is very, very cynical about love and marriage after watching so many ton marriages provide nothing but misery and unhappiness. I LOVE what Sebastien had to say at one point in the book where his friends were chiding him about finding his match. Alex and Ben had been talking about how much their wives had irritated them and driven them crazy prior to marriage. His friends are convinced Sebastien is more attracted to the lady in his care than he wants to admit – some of that conversation is:
“I thought it was irritation at first,” Alex said with a reminiscent smile. “I wanted to throttle her.” Benedict chuckled. “Well, then.” Seb crossed his arms. “I’m still waiting to find that gorgeous someone who irritates me enough to want to strangle her.”
Anastasia (Anya) Denisova is a Russian Princess. She’s also very rich and from a very powerful family. Yet, at the moment she is all alone and virtually helpless. Her brother, Prince Dimitri, is working with a Russian diplomatic group and has made arrangements to meet Anya in Paris. On his way there, Waterloo happened, and somehow Dimitri was caught up in it and lost his life. Before they left Russia, Dimitri had told Anya that he was pursuing information on a traitor and he was sure the traitor was Vasili Petrov, but he didn’t yet have proof. Vasili pays Anya a visit in Paris to try to force her to marry him so she cannot testify against him. He is cruelly attacking her when Anya’s best friend and companion, Elizaveta, managed to bash Vasili over the head and incapacitate him. They knew they had to escape and they had to go someplace Vasili wouldn’t expect – definitely NOT back to Russia. So, they sewed whatever jewels they could into their clothing and headed for England.
Life hasn’t been easy for them in London, but they have learned how resilient they are. Anya is working as a companion to the Dread Dowager Duchess, as she is known among the ton. The Dowager Duchess puts fear into the hearts of most, but Anya really likes her and they have formed a friendship. It also turns out she is also the great-aunt of Sebastien.
I loved the scene where Sebastien meets Anya – and mistakes her for someone/something she isn’t. He can’t forget her, but he knows there is something not exactly true about her. I loved Anya and Sebastian together and I loved watching them come to love each other. It is great fun to watch Sebastien’s friends rib him about his feelings for Anya – especially when he continually denies them.
It is a delightfully fun read that is well-written, excellently plotted, and a lovely wrap-up to the series. I would have loved an epilogue set a year or two into the future with all of the folks from the series getting together so we could see how they and their families have grown.
I can definitely recommend this book and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Bow Street Bastard and the fairy-tale princess fell in love.
I’m still waiting to find that gorgeous someone who irritates me enough to want to strangle her. Until then, I plan to enjoy my bachelor status to the hilt.
Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, is tasked with figuring out who is responsible for the recent string of murders and discover the link (if any) to a missing Russian princess.
I don’t bed virgins. Ever. I bed wenches. Actresses. Widows. Tarts.
While he’s not new to the charms of women (he visits the brothel to get his ‘needs’ met), Sebastian doesn’t believe in love. But a passionate encounter with a stranger who runs away has him chasing a future he never considered.
Russian Princess Anastasia Denisova is on a mission to stay undercover so as to not bring harm to her door. She’s living an unassuming life as the assistant to Dowager Duchess of Winwick and tutor in the brothel next door to her home. Getting involved with anyone is risky, but the alluring Earl of Mowbray has her questioning if the risk is worth it.
This story is filled with passion, tension, teasing, and exploring.
She circled him and he regarded her warily, like a wolf trapped in a snare, unsure whether she meant to free him or dispatch him.
Princess and the Rogue was a passionate slow burn romance with off the charts sexual tension.
3.5 Stars
Some HRs are all about the seduction, ensuing romance, character conflict, and then the happy ending. Some add intrigue, mystery and/or suspense. Bates’s Bow Street Bachelors Series has a nice combination of it all.
Like the previous books, The Princess and the Rogue involved one of three aristocratic friends who served together in battle during the Napoleonic Wars. They now run a popular, high end gaming house, as well as work as Bow Street Runners for the Crown. Each mystery has been linked in some capacity to Napoleon with this story concerning a Russian traitor and a missing Russian princess.
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous book, but not as much as the first in the series. This story started out strong with a riveting prologue that pull me right in and kept me reading. I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense, but I didn’t feel as strong of a connection to the romance. I had liked Seb in the previous stories, as well as in this book, but the romance felt a little odd after a potentially inauspicious first meeting. Definitely, not a meet-cute. The climactic ending was very entertaining, even if it was precipitated by a senseless decision by the heroine.
The epilogue was sweet (if a little silly) and I enjoyed how the author brought all of the main characters from the previous books together for one final scene.