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?
more
What an exciting and fast paced book ! I read it in one sitting, I just had to know what was going to happen next. Sebastien Wolf is the Earl of Mowberry , an ex-solider of Her Majesty’s Rifles and part owner in The Tricorn, a gambling hell. What a guy. He is also a Bow Street Agent along with his two ex-solder buddies Benedict and Alex. He doesn’t believe in love or marriage thanks to his parents.
He does love his half-brother and his great-aunt. He teased both Benedict and Alex when they fell in love with their wives. When he goes to a new Brothel, he comes across a woman that makes him see stars he wants her no matter what the cost.
He doesn’t wait to find out her name or anything else. He walks straight to her and kisses her. To his surprise she kisses him back, then he finds out she is not one of Ladies of the house.
Princess Anastasis Denisove , Anya has lost her parents and now her brother to the war. When an evil Count tries to force her to marry him for her wealth and so she can’t tell others he is a traitor. She and her friend flee to England and hide. She finds a job as a companion to an older lady.
Anya can’t believe it when she finds out who she has been kissing. He is the nephew to The Dowager Duchess of Winwick the lady she works for.
Oh my, the plot thickens with highway men, kidnapping, and others trying to grab her and return her to the evil count.
Sebastien is told by his aunt to watch over her and keep her safe.
The attraction is off the charts between these two but will that change when he finds out who she really is ? Can a princess fall in love with a Rogue? Can the Count be stopped ?
Oh, so much going on and lots of twist and turns in this great romance.
The books in this series are all good, and can be read as stand alone. But so much better in order.
Knowing the history with the fellows makes some of the scenes so much funnier.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
Sebastion Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, and Bow Street Runner is tall, handsome, and deep-voiced. He comes to Mrs. Hays for relaxation. He has not been here before but it had been recommended. Mrs. Hays runs an expensive brothel. When he arrives he finds three lovely women and thinks they all three work there. One woman is exceptionally lovely. She won’t take his money and he leaves unsatisfied. Princess Anastasia Denisova is the woman he is attracted to. She is a Russian Princess, and she has to flee. Her brother had died while fighting against Napolean and she was the only one left of her family. Vasili Perov had been haunting her to try to get her married to him. He hit women and was one nasty character and a traitor to his country. Elizaveta was her best friend and hopefully, between the two of them, they could keep him away. She wrote a quick note saying she was going to jump into the Seine and then they ran.
I found it to be an exciting read. Vasili was always looming in the background. Her relationship with the Dowager Duchess was a sound and respectful friendship. Sebastion and Anya were very attracted to each other. The dowager wants Sebastion to marry her. They love to argue with each other and banter about it. He believes she is just the prettiest thing he has ever seen and he wants her.
There are a lot of things going on in this tale of spies, princesses, an earl, and the duchess, one attempted kidnapping, and a successful kidnapping. It keeps your attention and the plot is crisp. A truly wonderful book and I highly recommend it.
I received this novel from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Perfectly charming and heartwarming characters. Witty and romantic! Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Review originally published at Romancing Romances.
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
A Russian Princess and a Bow Street agent – the perfect recipe for a different story!
Anna and Seb didn’t hit it off in the beginning, especially considering that Seb believed that Anna was fooling and endangering his grandmother.
This forced proximity story ticks all the boxes for a romance from… maybe not completely enemies (but close enough) to lovers, with lots of danger, history, and sexy times in between.
Although I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I really enjoyed meeting the characters that formed the original owners/lodgers of the gambling hell where our hero currently lives. It was very interesting to read about Sebastian’s feeling regarding the changes in his life, and how he was dealing with it, which not the most common situation in romances. You might have the teasing between friends saying “you’re the last one, it’s your time to find a partner”, but here we had the hero actually working through his own feelings of, in a way, losing his best friends, even though they are still around.
I really liked Anna, she was very fierce, very determined, very loyal, and very resilient. Not everyone would be able to change lives the way she did. And she took control of what she could!
As they slowly fall in love, we see some romantic gestures, and how each of them pays close attention to one another. The writing was compelling, and the book had a good pacing. An enjoyable read.
This book was fun to read and it had me laughing, cheering, cringing and gasping. It starts with Princess Anya and her best friend hiding diamonds in order to escape Paris after Napoléon’s fall at Waterloo. With the loss of her brother, Anya has no one to protect her and when Count Petrov, the man her brother suspected of treason, tracks her down and threatens her, she has no choice but to flee and hide. In London, Princess Anya becomes Ann Brown and finds herself a job as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Winwick and a tutor to the ladies in the brothel next door to where she and her best friend now live. One night, Anya is accidentally propositioned at the brothel by Seb, the Earl of Mowbray who also happens to be the great-nephew of the Dowager Duchess.
Seb is an investigator for Bow Street and part owner of a gaming house. He does not believe in settling down with one lady and continuously teases his friends about their marriages and staying with one lady forever. They in turn cannot wait for the day when some lady turns Seb on his ear and upsets his world. The Dowager Duchess soon has to enlists Seb’s help in protecting Anya from Count Petrov who has tracked her down in order to get the information that he thinks she has. Seb knows that neither Ann Brown nor Anya Ivanov are Anya’s real name, but little does he know that she is an actual Russian Princess. While he is protecting her, he enlists her help in spying on the Russian contingency in London and Anya in turn rattles Seb’s cage and causes him all sorts of trouble.
What happens when Anya’s true identity is known? Can Seb protect her and not succumb to love? Can a Princess and an Earl marry? Enjoy reading the book to find out the answers.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kate Bateman, and St. Martin’s I was able to read an ARC of this book. This is my freely given review and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
What a fun read! Sebastien and Anya are a perfect couple. Secondary characters as well as ones that had their own books previously added to the story. It was steady paced and had some action in addition to some very steamy parts. Interesting to learn some Russian superstitions. I will be looking for the first two in this series.
The Princess and the Rogue, by Kate Bateman. I am so glad to have read this book. This romance story played with my emotional heart strings and I loved every minute of it. In my mind I kept saying, “more, more”. “Give me more” (wink, wink).
If you read the book, you would know what I mean by this. Hot daum! Kate Bateman, where did you come from? You’re like one of those predators in the jungle at night, stalking their prey. Waiting for that precise moment to jump out and attack. Well I am your prey, and you just gobbled me up with your fantastic writing. It was unrelenting and I loved it. I said it. I L-O-V-E-D it! The writing was crisp.
It was sharp. I was captivated. The writer provided enough drama to keep me hanging on to each word. All the action and the sexual pleasures between Seb and Anya—. Hold up for just a second, before I go on further about the authors writing. Let’s discuss the leading character Seb. Seb. Seb. The man that could be the hero/ savior of any woman’s dream. He moved threw this book with swagger, charm, and dominance. Go on ahead and dominate me! You sexually charged, wicked man you. Where – is – the – release Lord Jesus?! Back to the writing. I enjoyed the witty banter among the characters.
This brought some light hearted moments to the book. The humor is well placed and timed. The suspense. The drama and the high intense romance is wrapped in a neat little bow within this romance story. Anya a princess, who is forced to flee her home country Russia.
She escapes the clutches of a madman and flees to London. She leads a disguised life in London as a companion, hoping that no one recognizes her. Little does she know that someone has been watching her from the shadows. Someone else notices her too. Seb mistakenly assumes Anya is a working lady.
Words are exchanged and things uptick to the next heated level. Later, the two meet again when Anya’s past comes back to lay claim on something that is not his. Anya decides that she must flee again. In her hasty escape with Sebs aunt, mayhem breaks out. Once the smoke clears, Anya finds herself back in London, trying desperately to hide from her past.
Seb believes there something off with Anya , but he can’t put his finger on it. Trying to figure out what to do with Anya, Seb hires her on to transcribe Russian documents for the Bow Street Runners. The action and suspense picks up from there, with mad villains hiring roughings to kidnap and beat people. Documents are stolen and traitors are smoked out from their hiding places. While all this is happening around them, Seb finds Anya utterly irresistible and he absolutely needs her under him.
Anya feels the same way. First of all. Anya, if you are going to make Seb sit in a chair and then order him to hold the back legs of a chair. Don’t sit there in fondle over him! Nooo!
You set the mans male anatomy free. Hop on him and ride like the wind and there is no tomorrow. Like your life depends on your ultimate release woman! Seb and Anya confess their feelings for one another when all heck breaks loose. The dead has arisen, traitors have been scammed, and someone has drunk a heavy dose of sleeping potion.
Oh my! Yes, I recommend this book with two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Oh, how the mighty fall. Seb’s story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think Bateman hit the mark with these three best friends and developing the stories around these guys. They are humorous and definitely don’t let their buddies get away with anything. I love their loyalty and camaraderie and have just really enjoyed the series.
This story is about Sebastian. He’s the grouchiest one, I think. So it can only be right that he gets taken down by a princess.
The best part of the book is just the unique flavor that the author brings. This is not a run-of-the-mill story loaded with drama and chatter, Bateman works hard to craft entertaining, sexy, and unique stories that suck you right into a time warp.
The characters are perfectly crafted and I just love the slow to burn development of feelings. We even have a touch of suspense to keep it interesting too.
With some twists and turns, Bateman develops a wonderful story you can get lost in which includes a little bit of everything. It’s no wonder that I have enjoyed the series so very much. I hope this is not the end. However, I am thinking we might be seeing a few of these characters again soon!
Awesome Read!
Ms. Bateman did it again! I love the characters in her books, they all seem to have sass and spunk. This book hooks you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the very end. Really this entire series is that way.
Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, is an intelligent man who thought love wasn’t real, until his friends fell one by one head over heals for their wives. Sebastians still didn’t believe he would be bitten by the bug though until he runs into Anya. Princess Anastasia Denisova (Anna Brown) is a strong independent woman who is doing what she has to in order to stay one step ahead of the bad guy.
I recommend this book to all historical romance lovers.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The well written storyline and the well defined characters made this book a very enjoyable read! I look forward to reading more from this author!
The Princess And The Rogue…OMG…I couldn’t read this book fast enough! Kate Bateman gets another check on my list of books I’m glad I didn’t miss. The characters in this book are magnificent! You can’t help but love them. This well-written book is the story of Princess Anastasia Denisova as she and her companion go undercover to escape an evil Russian. Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, owner of a gambling den and investigator for Bow Street gets tangled in the tale when he rescues his aunt and Anastasia from kidnappers. Their story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I loved every page of this book and can’t wait for my next book by Kate Bateman. The Princess And The Rogue is book 3 of the Bow Street Bachelors Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Princess and the Rogue, is a great book.
Princess Anastasia Denisova is hiding in London as Anna Brown.
Sebastian is a free man, who doesn’t believe in marriage.
One kiss, that’s all it takes, that he is reconsidering his vows.
I loved Anastasia and Sebastian, they have great chemistry.
I’m so happy, that I got opportunity to read this book.
The Bow Street Bachelors by Kate Bateman is a series you won’t want to miss, and in my opinion, the author saved the best for last. The Princess and the Rogue was a historical romance dreams are made of.
Sebastien was a swoon-worthy hero: grumpy, yet loyal and protective, and cynical about love until he met the woman who changed his mind.
Anya was an amazing heroine. While she was a princess and could have been the pampered and privileged kind, she was actually quite resourceful and independent with plenty of fire.
Together the two of them were both wonderful and torturous; they were fiesty and kept each other on their toes, and then the attraction and slow-burn between them was enough to make me weep. I loved it.
Of course, there was some mystery and intrigue thrown in for good measure, appearances from characters of the previous books, no overbearing drama, the list goes on. All in all, it kept me flipping pages into the wee hours when I really should have been sleeping.
I can’t wait to see what Kate Bateman comes up with next.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***
I loved this novel which is the 3rd in the Bow Street Bachelors series. I love strong heroines and Anastasia is definitely that. All the characters in the novel were wonderful and I hope to read more on their stories in the future.
Wow, I loved this! My first by this author and it was so good I’m questioning why I haven’t read her before.
Anya was an interesting heroine as she was fierce and yet needed a certain amount of protection. However, she was no weakling that couldn’t do anything for herself, but she recognized her limitations and sought to correct them. For the era, her decision on taking things with Seb to the next level was liberating but she made it with honest introspection for this time period.
Sebastien was pure swoony goodness. He was rather grumpy, definitely protective, and had to fight his reaction to claim Anya when society dictated he could not. I had the best time watching him fall for her, help her through her problems, witness his internal battle against everything that was against them at the end and finally see what a contented Sebastien looks like. I can’t help but wonder if the other heroes in this series are just as swoon worthy.
This is a relatively fun romance with a hero and heroine that kept each other on their toes as well as myself throughout the story. The steam is beyond anything I’m capable of explaining as it left me dry mouthed and turning the a/c down. While there is danger, drama and intrigue interlaced with the perfect amount of light hearted fare, this never felt heavy or bogged down by the issues needing resolution. It was the perfect combination to keep me turning pages.
Definitely recommending this one to those who love their historical romance with a Russian flair!
Hands down, The Princess and The Rogue is my favorite book of the Bow Street Bachelor series! Anya and Sebastien have amazing chemistry and there was just enough push and pull to lure me in and keep me hooked on their journey! The banter was full of humorous quips and sass, and I got a kick out of the guys ribbing Sebastien while he was trying to sort out his feelings for Anya. The hidden identity element was well played too… I could blather on about all sorts of goodies, but I’ll behave:) It was more than obvious these two were meant to be, especially after the most hilarious meet cute!, and I loved how all the elements came together for a keeper shelf read.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martins and this is my honest review.
This is the third book in the series and although I enjoyed it, it wasn’t my favourite. I still loved the way the characters are written and the storyline was lovely. For me, I missed all the action and adventure the last few books of hers I have read had in them. This was a lovely romantic story and still well worth reading. There was a couple of sex scenes which this reviewer skipped as usual and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.
Title: The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman
Series: Bow Street Bachelors book 3
5 Stars – I devoured this book! Bateman’s writing is fantastic. Sebastien is the reluctant rogue who of course never wants to marry, but he’s met his match with Anya. Their chemistry was rich and wonderful. The characters were fully developed and I enjoyed watching them fall in love so much. All the extra bits, traditions and superstitions that were woven into the story, just makes it that much more enjoyable! It was heartfelt, funny and sweet.
This series was great, I believe I gave all three books five stars. I can’t wait to look at her backlist, and will definitely keep an eye out for anything of hers in the future!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
~Paragraphs and Petticoats~
Forced to flee Paris and believing it not safe to return home, Princess Denisova flees to London, accompanied by her lifelong friend and what jewels they could sew into their cloaks/dresses and conceal on their persons. Whilst her companion becomes a seamstress, Anastasia/Anya now known as Anna Brown, becomes a companion to an elderly lady but lives in fear that her nemesis will come after her. When her fears come to pass, she is rescued by Sebastian Wolff and taken into hiding.
Highly enjoyable story – loved the snippets of Russian superstition and custom.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the story of Seb and Anya. Bonus points for Dimitri and his story! I loved the part about Anya’s interaction with her “next door neighbors”! Thank you for the advanced copy, it was a great read!