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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4.5-5 Stars!!! This is book number 3 in the ‘Bow Street Bachelors’ series and can be read as a standalone. This book, NO, this series, is awesome! This author is really talented. I’d say this book is a bit of a love/lust-hate/annoy along with being a historical romance with a bit of a mystery!
I loved the main characters, Sebastian/Seb and Anastasia/Anya. He’s the perfect bad boy, good guy, hero. She’s the perfect stubborn, good girl in trouble, can save herself, heroine. There’s a perfect bad guy, mustache and all!
The story was interesting.
The characters were well written.
The banter between Seb and Anya was on point.
And there was a big, shocking surprise that I did NOT see coming! I Highly recommend! I read this book in 1 day, I couldn’t put it down!!! Also- I hope Charlotte gets a novella/short story! I love her!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher and I voluntarily left a review.*
This was a well-written, entertaining historical romance. Princess Anastasia Denisova is hiding in London under the assumed name “Anna Brown.” She’s being chased by a traitor, and she is offered protection by Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray. Living under the same roof, it’s hard to fight the attraction between them. The book was fast-paced and hard to put down. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Waiting in Paris for her brother to return from war, Anastasia Denisova is notified of his death. She is then accosted by Vasili Petrov who wants to marry her for the prestige of having a princess for a wife and also to buy her silence. Vasili believes her brother sent her proof he was a traitor and a wife couldn’t testify against her husband.
In a desparate act, Anya destroys a family tiara to fund the way to England for herself and her best friend Elizaveta. There they could start a new life away from those who could recognize her.
Unfortunately Vasili turns up in London, and once again Anya is in danger. Her benefactor and employer the Dowager Duchess of Winwick is quick to aid her. Sending her to stay with her great-nephew Sebastien Wolff, one of the owners of a prestigious gaming hall The Tricorn. Sebastien is the Earl of Mowbray having been granted the title following the war, and after meeting Anya under dubious conditions is more than a little curious.
It’s when she aids him in spying on some Russian visitors to the Tricorn that things get even more interesting. Although Petrov doesn’t recognize her at that time, she is more than a little spooked by his attention. Sebastien finds a way to distract her in a most intimate manor. Of course he still has no idea who she really is.
I love the way this tale twists and turns, the intrigue ramping up as does the attraction between Anya and Sebastien.
3.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ecopy of this book to review.
Princess Anastasia Denisova flees Russia to prevent being forced to marry a traitor. Disguised in London, she meets Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, who works for Bow Street. But what will happen when Seb and society discover her secret?
This regency romance is the third book in the Bow Street Bachelors series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoy intrigue in a historical romance and this was a fast-paced read. Anya and Seb had instant chemistry. For me though there were a few things that kept me from fully connecting with the main characters, such as Seb’s attitude at their first meeting and several over the top parts with Anya. However there were also some fun and steamy scenes and I liked seeing both characters do their part to overcome the villain. If you’ve read previous books in the series you will enjoy seeing those main characters pop up.
This was an enjoyable novel and I would recommend this book and the series to readers who enjoy a bit of intrigue in a romance.
Paris – 1815
Russian Princess Anastasia (Anya) Denisova and her friend, Elisaveta, are secreting diamonds from a tiara as they prepare to flee Paris now that Napoleon has escaped capture. Anya’s brother, Dmitria, has been killed and there is no one to protect her. She is being pursued by Vasili Petrov, a vile traitor, who only wants her dowry. When he shows up at her door, Elisaveta hits him with a vase and knocks him out. They flee after Anya leaves a note saying she is going to drown herself because she cannot live without her brother. They then head to England where Anya will call herself Anna Brown and Elizavita will be Lizzie Bennett.
London – 1816
Sebastian (Seb) Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, works covertly for Bow Street along with his friends Benedict Wilde and Alex Harland. Those two men are married but Seb is a bachelor.
Anya and Elizaveta are settled in London now and live in a tiny apartment. Finding work was difficult but Anya accepted a position as companion to the elderly Dowager Duchess of Winwick and Elizaveta is a seamstress. Anya gets along very well with the Dowager and finds the woman to be very sharp.
One evening while tutoring some of the girls in a brothel, Seb walks in and seeing Anya thinks she is a prostitute. He then says he must have her and offers to pay 500 pounds. Even though she is attracted to him, she refuses and leaves.
Anya sees Petrov on the street and realizes she must flee. The Dowager then guesses that she is the Princess that Petrov is seeking and claiming that she is his fiancé. That’s when the woman suggests that they head to her estate, Everleigh, and asks that her nephew, Seb, go with them for protection. On the way, Anya is nearly kidnapped but for Seb rescuing her and taking her to his home.
Together, they learn more about one another but he does not know she is a princess. But more danger lurks. Can Anya be kept safe from the hands of the vile Petrov? Is there love in the future for Anya and Seb?
I really liked this book even thought I’m not wild about cloak and dagger mixed in with romance novels. The author obviously researched this book very well and I learned quite a number of new things because of that. A good romance and two very strong characters. Well done!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Sebastien Wolff, Bow Street agent, war hero, and newly made Earl of Mowbray, is a cynic after seeing his parents’ tempestuous relationship. Even seeing his two best friends find love and marry isn’t enough to make Seb believe in love, but a chance encounter with a lovely stranger in a brothel changes everything. When he learns the woman is Russian and possibly linked to the disappearance of a princess, Seb knows he must learn anything he can from her.
Princess Anastasia Denisova has been in hiding for over a year now, working as simple lady’s companion Anna Brown. When her treasonous would-be suitor she’s been running from turns up in London, Anya is left with no choice but to accept Sebastien’s grudging offer of protection and lodging. But with Anya and Seb sharing close quarters in the apartments above his gaming hell, their attraction becomes nearly impossible to ignore. The threat against Anya is stronger than ever, but she must keep her true identity hidden, even from Seb, and when the truth comes out, his less than stellar reputation may render a future between them unattainable.
Despite a couple of rocky sections that made me unsure of it, this book wound up checking all my boxes for a good romance. I loved Seb’s initial terror and reluctance to admit his feelings for Anya and his jealousy and protectiveness over her. They were so cute together and the hidden identity trope was quite well done here. I loved the danger elements and how they served to strengthen the relationship between Anya and Seb and they had to fight for their HEA. I loved that Anya recognized when she needed help and wasn’t afraid to ask for it. The fact that Seb stepped up and provided that and protected her without smothering her. The chemistry between Anya and Seb was amazing and with everything they’d both been through, rooting for them was great fun, and I found myself savoring the read. This had excelled side characters, reappearances from the heroes and heroines of previous books, steamy scenes, suspense, a vile villain, a protective hero whose world has been upended by the heroine. In short, all the things that make a good read for me. I quite enjoyed this series of crime-fighting heroes and found it to be original and enjoyable. I’m sad to see it end, but I’m looking forward to what’s next from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I will read anything Kate Bateman writes. She has a way of taking historical settings and making them into fascinating stories. Here we have a philandering war hero with a hardened heart in regards to love who can’t leave a puzzle unsolved. Then you have a strong Russian Princess hiding from an obsessive suitor bent on beating her into submission and you have two people who can’t resist each other. Add to that a meddlesome great-aunt who brings the two together and you have a love match.
Sebastien Wolff is the last remaining of a trio of men who were granted titles from the crown for their service in the war with Napoleon. They work for Bow Street utilizing their skills in solving crimes instead of helping win the war. They created the Tricorn gambling club and all of them once lived there. Now it’s just Seb left and he’s lonely though he doesn’t realize that what is wrong. He and his friends are helping Bow Street track down who is passing state secrets to Russia. He also visits with his beloved but cranky great aunt Dorothea.
Anastasia Denisova, a Russian princess and cousin to the Tzar is stranded in Paris after her brother is killed at Waterloo. She and her best friend-maid Elizavetta manage to escape to London after knocking out Count Vasili Petrov who won’t take no for an answer to his demands she marry him. He’s after her wealth and power being her spouse will gain him. He’s also a controlling brut with women. Once in London they live on Covent street next to a high class Madame’s house. She teaches the girls there to read and write and meets Seb there one afternoon. He’s intrigued immediately when she says no. Anna also works as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Winwick Dorothea, who happens to be Seb’s great-aunt. When Petrov finds her in London Dorothea takes her to the country and asks Seb to provide protection during the journey. So starts their unusual partnership to find the traitor and fall in love along the way.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A tale of false identity and hiding out from a traitor. Princess Anya fakes her death and runs with her trusted friend to England. She becomes a companion to a curmudgeonly old woman who she endears herself too. When her past catches up, the old woman tasks her rogue nephew, Seb to keep her safe. Their passion for each other explodes and when Seb finds out the truth he foolishly pushes her away. But when danger rears its ugly head he will need to be the hero again. These two are so right for each other.
This was my first read by Kate Bateman, and admittedly it was a compelling read, but for me, it was a bit much at times. A little too far-fetched, or over the top, for my liking. I truly enjoyed the first meeting between Sebastien and Anya at the brothel. But from there, I was not quite so enthralled with this read.
I never connected with Anya. Too many times I shook my head at her and her antics and lack of common sense. I love a headstrong heroine as much as the next reader, but not when it comes at the expense of your own safety and well being. I wasn’t sure if she truly was just too obstinate, but her actions just caused unnecessary eye rolling drama in the story. She wasn’t very forthcoming with Sebastien, even when it risked her own life, and I’m not a fan of that in a story.
Now, Sebastien I truly did like. I loved his over-protective, alpha personality. I really didn’t understand what it was about Anya that he loved so much, but hey, the heart wants what the heart wants.
I was on board for the mystery and intrigue, but in all honesty it ended up being a little over the top for me. I did love the ending, although I would have loved to see a little into their future. perhaps we’ll see them again appear in another story?
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for providing me with an advance review copy of this title in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
This was another entertaining entry in this series and I liked it a lot. I thought that Sebastian and Ana’s story had a very “classic” feel to it and I do not mean that in a bad way. It’s just that I’ve read many takes on the same plot concept and yeah, there is a big reason for that. It’s because it works. Secrets, twists, drama, tension, emotion, intrigue and desire make a compelling and enticing blend that is always sure to go down easily. Toss in the extra swoon appeal of the royal angle, a spunky heroine to root for and a dashing rogue that is sure to make your heart skip a beat and you pretty much have yourself some guaranteed catnip to a romance reader. This is my forthright, volitional review.
The Princess and the Rogue
A Bow Street Bachelors Series #3
Kate Bateman
https://www.facebook.com/kcbatemanauthor/
Release date 12/29/2020
Publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks
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 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?
Will they be able to thwart the villain’s designs …
I liked the premises until the heroes first encounter, immediately after meeting the hero who propositions her and offers a huge amount for a taste of her charms, the heroine jumps to his throat and mingles tongues with him.
I am no great fan of lusty characters, even more when it deprives them of any sense.
Thus said, when rethinking this read, I liked the whole plot line even if some details were too far fetched, why does a Princess have no guard, nor how a so lofty born lady can throw caution to the wind because of lust, nor why can’t she confide her true identity to her newly assigned guard and rescuer, and who in its right mind when tracked and aware of it, goes out and of course straight in the arms of the villains and so on …
After outside all this, it is an entertaining and easy read with a rake on his way to be tamed, a princess who gets a taste of adventures and side characters who bring levity and humor to the story.
Sebastian is the last of the Bow Street Bachelor to be unmarried, and while he is happy for his friends, he does not share their feeling of shackling himself to only one woman. He enjoys the charms of the female gender with all its variety. A sad experience in his past plus his family’s history make him believe women are greedy or inconstant.
Anya went from fur lined cloaks and silk underthings to drab coton and practical items of clothing. It has been quite a reversal of situation for a spoiled lady. Yet she adapted readily and made things do. Until her security is threatened and meddling people decide to play matchmaker.
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.
: detailed onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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WOW!!! I loved, loved, loved Anya and Seb’s story in The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman, book three in her Bow Street Bachelors series. This fantastic Regency romance of a princess in danger who’s hiding in plain sight and the rogue who helps Bow Street catch criminals while protecting her is a story that warms one’s heart, especially since these two swore to never fall in love and marry.
Princess Anastasia, Anya, Denisova fled Paris after news that her brother had been killed at Waterloo and being hounded by an abusive man who wants to marry her for her title and wealth, not for love; a man she has refused before. Arriving in London, Anya is hiding as plain ‘Anna Brown’, companion to a wealthy, elder duchess. Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbrey and Bow Street investigator does not believe in love, despite his best friends having found it. During an evening visit to a brothel, Wolff shared a passionate kiss with a beautiful stranger who was not one of the girls working there. Leaving frustrated, unable to forget her, he tries to learn more about her, especially who she is; making him reconsider his view on marriage. Sebastien can’t believe his luck when he discovers his mysterious woman, but becomes concerned upon learning of her connection to a case involving a missing Russian princess and a Russian traitor. When Anya realizes that the dangerous traitor is getting closer to finding her she accepts Wolff’s offer of protection and a room at his gambling hall. Living in such close quarters and helping Wolff with his Bow Street cases, the compelling and shared attraction draw them together while the sizzling chemistry between them would electrify the gambling hall, if possible. When Anya’s life in danger, Wolff is determined to keep her safe and away from the Russian traitor determined to marry her; in doing so, these two find themselves having fallen in love, despite her being a princess and him being a rogue.
I love a strong heroine and Anya definitely exemplifies one; from being a Princess, to traveling to London, and then searching for work, in order to support herself. Sebastien was everything Anya needed in a man, despite thinking she never needed one. Sebastien was told by his friends that he would know he found “the one” when all he wanted to do was strangle her. That was exactly how he felt with Anya, in addition to gobsmocked upon learning she was the missing princess. There were lots of twists and turns in this story that kept me on my toes, surprised how perfect Anya and Wolff were for each other.
Ms. Bateman wrote a wonderful, amazing, and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, witty banter, endearing character, twists and turns, as well as a swoon worthy romance giving Anya and Sebastien a chance at love, happiness, and a future neither expected. I highly recommend The Princess and the Rogue to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I loved this!!
Based on past experience as a romance reader, you assume that eventually Sebastien will discover that Anya is a princess and it will drive a wedge between them. But Kate Bateman makes getting from point A to point B so exciting!! Anya and Sebastien burned up the pages.
5 stars!
The Princess and the Rogue is the third book in the delightful Bow Street Bachelors series by Kate Bateman. It has become one of my favorite historical romance series. I loved the first two books, but the hero of this one may very well be my favorite! The story here stands alone, but I really do recommend reading them in order, as you will want to see the history of the titular rogues and their friendship.
Princess Anastasia Denisova of Russia has been hiding as unremarkable Anna Brown in London. She had to flee her homeland to protect herself from a traitor who wanted to force her to wed him, and is now working as a companion to the “Dreadful Duchess”. While teaching young ladies in a neighboring brothel to read, Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray and a Bow Street agent (and the dowager duchess’s nephew who has never met Anya) mistakes her for a prostitute and kisses her passionately. Later he saves Anya from a kidnapping attempt and discovers she’s seemingly more than his aunt’s companion. He moves Anya into his gambling hell in order to protect her and so she can help him catch a Russian traitor. Can love exist between a foreign princess and an English earl? Will they even get an opportunity to find out?
This was such a fun and steamy story that I had trouble putting it down. I hate when earning a living interferes with my reading time! I especially liked the premise, as my father’s family is allegedly related to Tsar Nicholas II and I’ve been to Russia. Anya was such a strong heroine, hiding her heritage while living in a foreign land. She was devastated at the loss of her brother and was determined to avoid the traitor who was hunting her. Seb lost his hearing in one ear during Waterloo, and now works as a Bow Street Runner with his two best friends and former comrades-in-arms. He’s a broody fellow, watching his besties find the loves of their lives and being left behind. Separate they were great characters, but together they were perfect…and very, very steamy times were had. There was romance, adventure, suspense and wit all here. My favorite moments, however, were when Seb was together with Benjamin and Alex; their banter made me laugh, and they were like true brothers. If you don’t believe in love and romance, you certainly will after you read this lovely book!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Princess Anastasia flees to London. to escape a traitorous suitor, who only wants her for her title, her connections, and her silence. Now she is Anna Brown part-time companion to a dowager duchess. When the dowager duchess realizes that Anna is really a princess and in danger, she offers her great-nephew Sebastien’s protection. Sebastien has been searching for her ever since he gave her a sizzling kiss. Sebastien doesn’t know that she is a princess, but know there is more to Anna’s story that she is saying. Sebastien plans to learn who she really is as well as seduce her. I was given a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this book because of the wonderful characters of Anna and Sebastien. The book has suspense, witty dialogue, and two steamy chapters. This book is a fitting end to this trilogy.
This is the last book in the Bow Street Bachelors series. Sebastien Wolff returned from Waterloo with his two best friends, bearing a permanent hearing loss in one ear. Alongside his friends, he’s earned an earldom in his own rights for his contributions to the crown as a Bow Street Runner. He’s cynical, doesn’t believe in love or happy marriage. A chance encounter with a mysterious woman, who he assumes is a prostitute, at a famous brothel has set his life in a different direction.
Anya, a Russian princess, was having her grand time in Paris when the news of her brother’s death in Waterloo came. Being threatened by a villainous national traitor, she faked her death and fled to England with her closest friend. She found a job as a companion to the dowager duchess, also Sebastien’s great aunt. When the traitor came after her again, she was advised by the duchess to be under the protection of Sebastien. The close proximity forces them to face the sparks they have experienced for each other. She has her own secret while he has his own assumption. And now they’re sharing the same enemy, she has to reveal herself for her own safety…
Overall, it’s a fast paced read for the most part, and I really enjoyed the author’s voice. However, I’m not really a huge fan of the hero , he seems to be a jerk for most of the time . While I love an alpha grumpy and emotionally constipated hero, he also needs to have a tender caring heart , and I feel like Sebastien doesn’t show enough of this side. And Anya has some questionable actions that I just couldn’t get in an intelligent princess. But there are some hot steamy scenes that will satisfy your romance loving hearts … It’s a nice conclusion to this whole series, and I was delighted to see previous characters again.
4 read from me!
*Special thanks to St Martin’s Press for sending me the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
What a wonderful action-packed Regency romance! The story moves at a decent pace and never slows down. It really is hard not to get caught up in the masterful story. The plot twists along with fantastic characters makes the book quite a page-turner. Ms. Kate Bateman spins a tale that takes us on an extraordinary journey that not only makes you love everything but really feel for the characters and their troubles. Anya the beauteous hidden princess is courageous and strong. She isn’t scared of things even hard work or her enemy. In fact she would make a great teacher maybe she could teach everyone Russian? Sebastien what a wonderful reserved aloof hero; sure he has a temper but he still is hard to fall for. Sebastien also makes a good book boyfriend and knows how to protect when in danger. What’s not to like? There really needs to be more bow street bachelors because the stories are just that magnificent!
To escape a forced marriage, Russian Princess Anya fakes her death and escapes to London. When she’s discovered, Bow Street Runner Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, takes her under his protection. Even though they’re from different worlds, the attraction between them is instant and powerful. Can they bridge the distance between them? And can they escape the traitor trying to kidnap her and take her back to Russia?
This is a fun read with unflagging action. Anya is strong and clever. Sebastien is skeptical about marriage but unable to resist her allure. Despite the danger throughout, the tone is light and charming, with delightful banter. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
Oh dear, we have a problem. Anya is trying to hide from a forced marriage to an unscrupulous character and while she is doing good work at a brothel, Sebastien walks in and decides she is one of the workers. From there this is a journey of exciting escapades and sexy moments that will keep you reading way into the night. Yep, that was me. This is a fun, exciting and wonderfully written story. Sebastien never had a chance. I have read all of Kate’s books and she never ever disappoints.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
For me this book was just okay. Granted it did have it’s moments. Some of those had to do with the spunky interchanges between Anya and Seb. Both of them had lives through some interesting times; dangerous ones as well.
Anya was clever and resourceful and that has kept her steps ahead of the vile Count who is after her.
There is also some good secondary people in the story. That includes Anya’s close friend, Elizaveta who is also on the run with her.
Charlotte added some flavor to the story as did the Dreaded Dowager Dorothea.
There was plenty of Russian fairy-tales, traditions, and superstitions. There is also dangers, attempted kidnappings and rescues.
A surprise twist is waiting towards the end of the book.
I’m glad that there was a H.E.A. but I just wish I had liked it more. Maybe others will enjoy it more.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”