“Bateman’s scintillating first Bow Street Bachelors Regency is full of intense emotions and dramatic twists. Intelligent, affable characters make this fast-paced novel shine, especially for fans of clever women and the men who sincerely admire them. Future installments will be eagerly anticipated by Regency readers.” — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)Introducing the Bow Street Bachelors—men … Bow Street Bachelors—men who work undercover for London’s first official police force—and the women they serve to protect. . .and wed?
WILL A FALSE MARRIAGE
Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is done with men who covet her purse more than her person. Even worse than the ton’s lecherous fortune hunters, however, is the cruel cousin determined to force Georgie into marriage. If only she could find a way to be . . . widowed? Georgie hatches a madcap scheme to wed a condemned criminal before he’s set to be executed. All she has to do is find an eligible bachelor in prison to marry her, and she’ll be free. What could possibly go wrong?
LEAD TO TRUE AND LASTING LOVE?
Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street. Georgie doesn’t realize who he is when she marries him—and she most certainly never expects to bump into her very-much-alive, and very handsome, husband of convenience at a society gathering weeks later. Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together…until actual death do they part?
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Good main characters with some surprising depths.
Georgina is fed up with fortune hunters who have been chasing her since she was sixteen. She had one savvy father though that helped her weed them out. He passed on his smart, sharp mind to her. Good thing he encouraged her ability with numbers and the shipping business. When he died in a shipping accident, the business was left in good hands. Hers. She has one NASTY cousin, who is too lazy to work but isn’t too lazy to come up with some sleazy ideas to try to compromise Georgina. He wants control of her fortune and the business. The more time that goes on he gets more and more desperate. A true weasel.
There is so much more to Benedict than meets the eye. Although from all of the descriptions he is a strong, handsome, eyeful. Although the ton may look down on him because of his father’s debts they still like him enough to invite him to most of the social events. I got a kick out of how amused he was by his first encounter with Georgina’s sister and mother.
I found the first meeting between the M.C.’s as unusual as promised.
There is humor, secrets, action and sex in this book. It also has undercover activities with his best friends Alex and Seb. Together they are on the trail of some people working against The Crown.
There is a surprise twist or two at the end of the book which made me smile. Who says nice guys always finish last?
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
What a great regency romance! I loved that Georgie owned her own business, it was so unusual for a woman during this time! I loved when Georgie & Benedict would spend time together and their chemistry would be going crazy! An enjoyable book that I had a hard time putting down!
I loved that our heroine, Georgie, was essentially a shipping magnate. I haven’t read as many historical romances where the heroine is in a trade so this was a fun, defining characteristic. Benedict was positively charming for the first part of the book. I enjoy the idea of a character that can move freely between the classes, although most of his time is spent in the ton with exception to his stint in Newgate. I thoroughly enjoyed the steamy moments shared between Benedict and Georgie, especially a particular scene that happened outside the bedroom.
While I enjoyed the story, I found the pacing slowed significantly just past the halfway mark and by ¾ through I was wondering what on Earth needed to happen to wrap the story up in a meaningful, believable way.
Overall, this was a pretty entertaining story even with some of my personal gripes about the characters/pacing. Even without the depth I had hoped for, I’m looking forward to reading Alex and Seb’s books in the series.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I completely loved this!! I love a good story back in the time of the ton, but what makes it more fun is when you get a story like this and characters you can’t help but love. A feisty strong willed woman, very smart and business savvy, and very rich, who comes up with a crazy idea so she can keep her money and have her freedom, while fending off fortune hunters. She picks who she thinks is a condemned man in prison to marry, thinking she’ll never see him again. Imagine her surprise when she runs into him at a party a few weeks later. What ensues is quite an interesting relationship, filled with fun, adventure, and passion. I loved reading how their relationship flourished, and couldn’t get enough of them!! Georgiana & Benedict were perfect together! And Benedict was definitely a perfect pick!!!
3.5 stars
I enjoyed Georgiana’s unusual job. Her passion for ships and modern views for bettering the lives of her employees stood out, but I also liked her natural curiosity and zest to experience life. She was easy to like and not shy in expressing herself.
Benedict was a charming devil and I thought his pragmatic nature was refreshing for the time setting. His loyalty and support to his family and close friends was admirable. When that same loyalty extended to Georgiana, he may have made my heart skip a beat or two.
While I felt Benedict’s job as a runner kept the mystery in the forefront, pushing the developing romance into the background, I think it worked out for the best. The details that gradually emerged allowed me to get to know both characters and what made them tick, so by the time the romance aspects really kicked in, I was fully invested in the end result.
This Earl of Mine is the first book of the Bow Runner series from new author for me, Kate Bateman. Georgiana and Benedict start off under false pretenses and a marriage of convenience from prison; what follows is a very modern romance, with open-minded viewpoints for the time. Not that that’s a bad thing, because I enjoyed the the story, but I concede I had to stretch credibility a few times 🙂 Overall, I thought the story was pretty good and plan to read the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Georgie has to take the desperate step of looking for a husband in prison who would not have a say in her fortune or her future. She marries Benedict Wylde and believes they will not meet again. You will follow Benedict as he has to weigh up the life of running a club with 2 friends which he uses to support the family estate. Or take a chance on life with Georgie and all the exciting new adventures to come. This is a fast pace story with plenty of characters you may see in future stories
Desperate to evade fortune-hunting suitors and hold onto control of her own property, Georgiana Caversteed marries the most convenient of all possible husbands – a convicted felon in Newgate who’s about to be shipped off to the Antipodes.
Or so she thinks.
It turns out that her husband, Ben Wylde, was actually in Newgate undercover for the Bow Street investigators, looking into a smuggling ring and a possible plot to rescue Napoleon from exile on St. Helena. The younger brother of an impoverished earl, he’s definitely not someone Georgiana can disregard, for all her wealth. Soon, she’s finding herself not only inexorably drawn to him, but entangled in his work, unable to resist learning more about the enigmatic man she’s unexpectedly found herself married to.
I’m a bit of a stickler for both historical accuracy and incorrect forms of address, and initially I thought this author had run afoul of both. Definitely Ben, as the younger son of an Earl, wouldn’t be plain Mr. Wylde; he’d be Lord Benedict. And I have to admit I pshawed at the idea of a prototype submarine in the early years of the 19th century, so imagine my astonishment when I checked the history of submarines and realized that not only did the technology exist, but the author had obviously researched and used the career of American inventor Robert Fulton to weave a fascinating mystery into the plot. I was absolutely delighted and promptly forgave the small matter of Benedict’s incorrect address. I love it when authors weave in obscure but fascinating bits of historical fact into their stories and I get to learn something new!
Georgiana and Ben were genuinely well-suited as a couple, intelligent, strong-minded and independent, better as a team than as individuals, and both willing to make adjustments to their lives to accommodate the other. Though there’s an initial attraction between them, the romance itself takes time to grow and there’s lots of opportunity to observe the two of them together and the affection and respect steadily developing. I’m giving this five stars for being an absolutely believable romance between two very likable characters and the bonus of some fascinating quirky historical facts thrown in!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
Charming! This is the first story that I have read by Kate Bateman and I can’t wait to read the next one! This story was a unexpected delight. It had fabulously crafted characters, that were engaging, full of warmth, intelligence and sexual tension that was off the charts. The plot was original, clever, full of witty banter, adventure, intrigue and swoon-worthy romance.
This Earl of Mine is absolutely everything I want out of a romance. A cold hero with hidden depths, a spirited heroine who’s got dreams and ambition. And a plot that is consistent and compelling. As well as secondary characters that add to the story rather than distracting from it and most importantly the romantic and sexual tensions is off the charts. Loved it! Loved It! Loved It! Don’t miss this one!!
Blessed to receive a early copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This Earl of Mine
by Kate Bateman
Well I was thoroughly captivated I loved the storyline, absolutely ADORED Georgina Caversteed, she’s one smart cookie! And of course Benedict William Henry Wylde is no simpleton, he’s her perfect match. He’s managed to avoid the parsons trap quite successfully thank you very much. Working undercover for Bow Street, not only does he have to look like he’s committed a crime and waiting to hang for it but he acquires a wife! One that can help his financial situation. What ensues is one fast paced read full of intrigue romance that just melts your heart! If you live spy romances this one is for you!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
I am not sure if Ms. Bateman was trying or not but I thought this was a great homage to a beloved romance author. The story flows well, the characters are not necessarily unique but they are different and fascinating. I loved the friendship between Ben, Alex and Seb. I also liked the fact that Georgie’s mom was loving and accepting. Georgie and Ben’s love is genuinely shown as these two navigate interesting situations. I loved the story and the storytelling.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley.
4+ Stars!
The beginning of this book had me hooked with a misguided and inauspicious start to a marriage-of-convenience romance. One of my favorite tropes and I really enjoyed it! The story was peppered with witty banter, nasty villains, and some swoon-worthy tension. It also had an original and intriguing idea for the hero’s investigation as a Bow Street employee and it’s link to the heroine. All of the characters were wonderful in the story. Maybe not the most accurate portrayal of an H/h of the times, but I loved both the honorable and rakish Benedict and the progressive, but highly feminine Georgiana. The secondary characters were equally fun, which made me excited to read the stories of Ben’s closest friends, Alex and Seb, next. It was definitely compelling and a hard book to put down. With this being my first by the author, I’m looking forward to her back list and future releases.
This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman is the First book in the Bow Street Bachelors Series. This is the story of Georgiana Caversteed and Benedict Wylde. Georgiana is a shipping heiress who runs her own life without any real issues but now her cousin Josiah who is a money hungry man threats her self Independence. Josiah has threaten to compromise her and make her marry him but Georgiana makes plans to end that plan. Georgiana thoughts are to marry a condemned criminal in Newgate which will get her the freedom of being married or better yet widowhood. Ben is a undercover agent for Bow Street and is undercover in prison when Georgiana happens to come up with her plan. Ben is also the brother of the Earl of Morcott which is a poor title for his brother. The money Ben earns goes toward helping the family. Georgiana is taken back when her ‘husband’ shows up in her life which starts the fun story of them.
Page Turner.
This book was a delight from the first page to the last with strong characters and a strong plot. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was of two minds about this book. There were things I liked and things that I didn’t. As for the good: I enjoyed the characters. Georgie and Ben were both likable. Together I thought they made a very fun couple. Now for the bad: The plot required the reader to completely ignore reality. A storyline that had zero plausability is going to be a big turn-off for readers that are knowledgable about the era and are all about the details and facts. I do not consider myself anywhere near an expert but, while the author may have thought this story would come across as cute, it was simply too far fetched for me to buy. If these things do not bother you, it is not a awful read. For me though it was just OK.
This is the first book in Kate Bateman’s new series, Bow Street Bachelors.
I found this story very refreshing as both the characters were very honest with each other from the start. Georgiana Caversteed needs a husband. Georgie never thought she would marry, she runs her late fathers shipping bushiness , is wealthy beyond reason and has no need for a man in her life.
Then enters her nasty, broke, mean cousin who wants her money and will not leave her alone.
She fears that he will find a way to make her marry him. So she comes up with way to get married and become a widow within days. She is going to marry a criminal at new gate that is on death row. This way her cousin will leave her alone.
This idea is nuts to start with and as one would think goes terribly wrong. The man she was suppose to marry dies the night she goes to the prison. The other man in the cell is forced to marry her. Even though he is dirty, in rags for reason she can’t understand she is somewhat drawn to him.
He can’t say or do anything to stop it as he is a undercover bow street runner and the brother to an Earl !!
Georgie thinks all is well till she sees her supposed to be dead husband at a ball.
As these two have to work together to solve a mystery, figure out what to do with their marriage
and her cousin. It is funny, sad, intrigue. The batter between Georgie and Benedict is laugh out loud funny. Their is a attraction between the two from the start. Don’t miss this sexy, loving story of two very strong people find their way past hidden secrets to a happy ever after.
I received an arc from netgalley and am giving my honesty opinion.
A sterling start to this new series. Georgiana is strong willed and determined to take her future into her hands. Benedict becomes the unexpected husband to her while on a mission undercover. This is is a great story. They both took a risk and end up with forever. On the way there they have lots of fun discovering each other and solving crimes. Georgiana is a great character as she is strong, witty and beautiful. Ben is a gentleman despite his roguish reputation and fulfills her needs by loving her and making her smile. Looking forward to see his friends who made fun of him also fall in love.
Wealthy shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is desperate to keep her business and fortune in her own hands and away from her dreadful cousin who will merely squander it. To do so, she concocts a plan to marry a condemned Newgate prisoner and then never see him again, maintaining her independence as a widow. She’s shocked by her body’s reaction the the rogue’s kiss, but even more so by the sight of her new husband at a crowded ball.
War-toughened rogue and penniless brother to an earl, Benedict Wylde never anticipated marriage. He was no true prisoner, but working in Newgate undercover for Bow Street. When it becomes apparent that their marriage won’t be easily dissolved, Benedict and Georgie determine that the best way to maintain their secret is for him to publicly court her, culminating in an end-of-season wedding, after which they can both go their separate ways. It’s a solid plan, but as they spend more time together, attraction ignites between them and their marriage becomes more real than either expected, if only Georgie can trust that a man like Benedict could truly want her and not her money.
Georgie is so used to people only seeing her money and only wanting her company for that reason that she’s become obsessed with her fortune. The number of time she mentions the obscenity of said fortune did get a bit annoying, but it was also understandable given how she was surrounded by fortune hunters and a ridiculous mother. Said mother, as well as Georgie’s younger sister and her suitor also provided great humor and there were some slippery villains for our main characters to contend with together. What really kept my interest and made me not want to put this book down was the sizzling chemistry and emotional development between Georgie and Benedict. He wound up being an adorably sweet hero with a little PTSD and some surprising self-confidence issues, but despite being in need of money, he truly didn’t want Georgie’s fortune. I loved that it wound up being her convincing him of his worth rather than the other way around.
This was an original plot and all that burn-up-the-pages chemistry between Georgie and Ben makes this one a keeper. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes and I’m looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is nearing twenty five when she’ll have control of her fortune she’s done with men who covet her purse more than her person especially her cruel cousin Josiah who is determined to force Georgie into marriage. Georgie hatches a madcap scheme to wed a condemned criminal before he’s set to be executed. All she has to do is find an eligible bachelor in prison to marry her, and she’ll be free. Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street. Georgie doesn’t realize who he is when she marries him—and she most certainly never expects to bump into her very-much-alive, and very handsome, husband of convenience at a society gathering weeks later.
The first in a new series & a new take on a marriage of convenience. I was drawn in from the start & enthralled all the way through & read, once again, into the night to finish it. Very well portrayed characters & a very well paced story that never lagged. Whilst I loved Georgie who was intelligent, strong & feisty it as Ben who won my heart, oh my he was so swoon worthy & toe curlingly gorgeous not only his appearance but he was so honourable & truly fell hard for Georgie. The attraction between the pair sizzled but they also found they could talk to each other & came to like each other too. The added mystery &intrigue all added to my enjoyment. I’m so looking forward to Alex & Seb’s stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Georgie wants a man to love her for herself not her money. Georgie is strong and capable woman who is afraid of losing control of her fortune to a fortune hunter. Benedict, temporarily in prison to gather information, is forced to not only marry Georgie, but to sign away any claim to her fortune. Georgie is surprised to see her new cleaned up husband at a society event. As they discuss how they can end their ‘marriage’, they both feel a very strong attraction to the other. Before long, Georgie is helping Benedict on his mission. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. Even though I don’t often read books with lots of sizzling scenes and some steamy ones, I enjoyed this book very much. I liked that Benedict was doing various things to earn money to support his brother and the family estate. I loved that Georgie was now the head of a large shipping company. I enjoyed this reversal of typical romance roles. Benedict’s friends and Georgie’s family are interesting characters as well. This is a fun read and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
This Earl of Mine is a delightful, fun, and sexy read. Georgiana is smart, savvy, and way ahead of her time as she is successfully running the family’s shipping company. She devises a plan to get married, but it comes back to bite her when she realizes that she married Benedict, who works for Bow Street and is the younger brother to an Earl. Ben may not have a title or money, but he is a loyal friend and brother and he runs a newer gentleman’s club with his two best friends. Georgie and Ben married in secret, so now they have to figure out what’s next. They banter and challenge each other and they grow closer as they end up helping each other. Kate Bateman created an engaging story with a unique starting point and I can’t wait to read the next book in this new series.