Kate Bateman’s To Catch an Earl continues her historical Regency Romance Bow Street Bachelors series. Working undercover for London’s first official police force, the Bow Street Bachelors have an obligation to serve the city’s best interests–even while they’re falling for the city’s most alluring women… SHE KNOWS HOW TO STEAL A KISS. Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and dedicated rake, never … Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and dedicated rake, never pictured himself as an agent of inquiry. But the thrill of investigation is a challenge he now embraces. When he’s asked to pursue the Nightjar, a notorious thief who is reclaiming France’s crown jewels, the case throws him into the path of the beautiful and equally elusive Emmy Danvers, reminding him of the only puzzle he’s never solved: the identity of the mysterious woman who once stole a kiss from him–and left him wanting so much more…
WILL HE SURRENDER HIS HEART?
The daughter of a thief, Emmy learned long ago how to keep her secrets safeguarded–and, as the notorious Nightjar, her love for Alex Harland is one of them. With the determined earl hot on her trail–and making her hot under the collar–Emmy has no choice but to keep her distance. But when a moment’s danger threatens Emmy’s life as well as her name, will Alex finally discover that he’s followed every clue…to true love?
“Full of intense emotions and dramatic twists….Future installments will be eagerly anticipated by Regency readers.”–Publishers Weekly (starred review) on This Earl of Mine
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I read it but I didn’t read it. Does that make sense? I barely remember at least 60% of this historical romance and I kind of just went through the motions of reading it. Nothing in particular stood out and everything was basic. No excitement. No spark. No flare. It was just unrememberable and I will say it’s more of a ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ type of read. I just didn’t care much for it unfortunately but can definitely see this novel appealing to most readers that tend to gravitate towards this genre.
This story was such a pleasure to read. The story-line was a little different (in a wonderful way) than I am used to seeing in the historical romance genre. Emmeline “Emmy” Danvers is a jewel thief. Right?! Not what you would expect when you begin this book. While she is a member of the ton ; she is also a lithe, elegant, female thief. Emmy has been crushing on Alexander Harland, Earl of Melton, since before he went off to fight in the war. Lord Metlon is the hero of the story and has returned from war with scars; both physical and emotional. He and his friends are now part of the Bow Street to help solve crimes in England. Bow Street now has their sights set on The Nightjar thief since they have stolen the Prince Regent’s diamond on loan to the museum. Now, Emmy and Harland are enemies; on opposite sides of the law. We can already assume that these opposites attract; but, will they be able to find common ground too?
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
I haven’t read the first Bow Street Bachelors book, but this did not affect my reading of To Catch An Earl.
I am on a bit of a historical kick at the moment so Kate Bateman had me at Earl.
Alex and Emmy’s tale took me probably 25% to really get into – I was tempted to DNF this one, but it did seem to take off from there.
At times, I felt Emmy was just a bit dumb – why wear something very distinct to commit a crime? Dudette? Why?
I just wanted Alex to do what he had to do. Dragging out what would happen just went on too long.
I did feel the attraction between our lovelies, but they didn’t really have that “pow” factor. It was like yeah they are in the same circles and just ended up together a lot of the time.
I can see the appeal for lovers of the genre, this one was just flat for me.
I love this synopsis of this one as I’m still enjoying the Bow Street Bachelors series. Alex an agent of inquiry and Emmy the notorious Nightjar thief (trained by her father). I loved the whole plotting of stealing all the France’s jewels to give them back to the country and the underlying reason Emmy has to do it. Loved seeing AIex and Emmy’s relationship develop through this whole situation while Emmy is keeping her second life a secret. I’m also looking forward to the next in the series.
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.
While smoothly written, the story did not wow me. It was ok, but not very memorable. Some aspects I’ve seen before, such as a thief leaving a “calling card”, here it is a feather. Also, the heroine has taken over her deceased father’s “mission” and jewel burglar persona. It brought Hitchcock’s classic To Catch a Thief to my mind. Eye-roll worthy is her use of her unique perfume, which gets on those feathers she leaves behind. As far as the romance goes, not very memorable.
I read an advanced copy supplied by the publisher; the thoughts expressed are my own.
4.5
Loved it!
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Bow Street Bachelors
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
Excellent! Such an adventurous, fascinating and romantic story. Both characters are strong, independent, challenge one another and they have great chemistry. Emotionally engaging and very intriguing plot that gripped me from the beginning to end. The risque’ Nightjar escapades are shockingly intelligent and very entertaining. I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Who doesn’t love a sassy thief and a handsome, damaged hero Bow Street Runner. This was a great read with adventure, action, suspense and romance. I found this book very hard to put down. I didn’t know how they were going to get together in the end. There were some of the characters from the last book and the next book but this can be read as a stand-alone. The secondary characters were a wonderful addition to the story. There was a fair bit of sex but this reviewer skipped it as usual and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book. I now look forward to the next one. I received this as an ARC and freely do my review.
ARC Provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It was very hard for me to get into the book. Reason 1: The difficult names to pronounce throughout every other sentence affected me understanding where the sentence was going.
Reason 2Alex and Emmy attraction should more of a focus than the political talk of war or what kings and queens are doing. This is Alex and Emmy’s love story, no one else.
Reason 3: from location 400 up was a jumble of words and sentence that made me lose interest in the book.
Can two people on opposite sides of the law find love? Read “To Catch an Earl” by Kate Bateman to discover the answer. This is book 2 in her “The Bow Street Bachelors” series.
Four years ago Alex Harland, Earl of Melton part owner of the Tricorn Club and a Bow Street Runner, shared a passionate kiss with a masked stranger. He wonders if he will ever find her again.
Emmeline Louise d’Anvers aka Emmy Danvers is the daughter of a jewel thief trained in the family business. She longs for a “normal” life and someone who can love and accept her for who she is.
The fun begins when their paths cross while Alex is investigating a jewel heist. We’re treated to an enjoyable cat and mouse game filled with witty banter. These two are both intelligent and have a grudging respect for each other despite being on opposite sides.
If you enjoy laugh out loud moments, intriguing characters, mystery with a twist, passion and that must have HEA, then this is for you. I now find myself impatiently waiting for Sebastian’s story!
I received a complimentary ARC via GoodReads. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is the second book of the Bow Street Bachelors, you don’t have to read them in order but it makes the stories more interesting as the characters from ‘This Earl of Mine’ show up again.
I was hooked from the start when a young lady at a masquerade ball ask a gentleman for a dance !
Women just don’t do this…This is his last night home before he leaves for Portugal to fight.
They share a dance, and kisses along with some very witty talk before she leave him without even telling her name, just a nickname “Little Thief”. If he only knew how true that was.
Emmeline Lourse d’Anvers, Emmy is the daughter of the most notorious jewel thief in Europe.
He has been stealing back the missing jewels of France for over a decade not to keep or sell but to return to France. He has a calling card, a black feather that is left in place of the item taken.
Nothing has been stolen for four years, then they start up again.
Alex Hartland, Earl of Melton is a Rake who loves women but never plans to marry. An ex soldier
who fought for the last four years again Napoleon. He now works for Bow Street investigating sensitive cases.
It has been four years since Emmy had her dance with Alex. She had watched him at dances and with other lady, before she surprised him at the ball. Even four years later she still has never forgot
that night, thinking about their kisses, and teasing talk way to much.
Alex has also never forgot the lady who broke the rules and asked him to dance. He has though about her way too much in the last four years. Her scent has stayed with him and he looks for her
at the balls and parties even now.
Humm what will happen when a Runner and a thief meet again. When he figures out she is the lady of his dreams. The byplay between these two is wonderful and funny.
How they will solve the problems between then. This book has the best characters in it
Her Grandmother is a hoot, her brother is the best and has been thru so much. The most colorful
is the maid/housekeeper/friend Sally Hawkins you can’t help but love her..
I don’t want to give too much more away as it will spoil it for you…
Trust me get a copy and set back to enjoy a really fun, romantic, suspenseful read..
I can’t wait for the next book, sure hope it’s Sebastien Wolff story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is everything a Regency romance should be! I literally couldn’t put it down. I want to sincerely thank Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for gifting me with an ARC of To Catch an Earl because it was so, so good. I loved how the book not only made Emmy charming and sassy but also good at something most women featured in Regency-style romances aren’t – being a thief. Alex was tenacious and cunning and you could literally feel the romantic tension between him and Emmy. It’s a wonderful game of back-and-forth, cat-and-mouse with a beautiful conclusion. I’m excited to see what Kate Bateman has next in store for the Bow Street Bachelors!
A member of the Tricorn Club, Alex Harland is working for Bow Street investigating the robberies of jewelry in London. The thief known as Nightjar always leaves a black feather and is leading him on a mad chase. The scent of a specific perfume on the feathers, leads Alex to Emmy Danvers. A cat and mouse game ensues between Alex and Emmy, until she reveals that it’s a blackmailer who is forcing her to commit the robberies. When Alex realizes that he must protect Emmy at any cost, he can think of only one solution. An engaging, sexually charged book in pursuit of a thief. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I thought this was a fun read….after all, how many heroines do you know that can steal royal jewels from places that are deemed non-penetrable?! She’s a jewel thief and he’s a Bow Street agent so be prepared for the exciting cat and mouse game they play with each other!
I loved Emmy’s character, she’s so daring and loving. Even though she has no wish to be a jewel thief like her father was, she’s forced into it by a blackmailer. Find the rest of the royal jewels from France or her family will suffer. Alex, on the job to find the thief, doesn’t take long to realize who the thief is and that’s when his problems really start! Protect Emmy or turn her in….
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
To Catch An Earl is book two in A Bow Street Bachelors series by Kate Bateman. I enjoy Bateman’s writing. She has a talent for hooking the reader’s attention and then pulling you along at a frantic and frenzied pace. I was mesmerized and couldn’t put the book down. Alex Harland is a magnificent hero – a man torn between his attraction to a thief and doing his job helping Bow Street investigate sensitive cases. I liked the heroine Emmeline Louise d’Anvers. She has enough humor and wit to keep the story interesting. “Her heart almost stopped when he bent his head and kissed her. A light, almost questioning touch. He repeated the action, his lips soft yet firm, and Emmy closed her eyes, determined to savor the experience. This might be her one and only kiss with Alex Harland, ever.” There are a number of steamy sex scenes. I also enjoyed the references to words not found in the English language. One lovely example is a word Ms. Bateman mentions at the end of her book – Koi No Yokan means the sense of inevitability upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall in love. Bravo Ms. Bateman. Another masterpiece!
“I want you again, Emmy Danvers. And I want to take my time…”
“How on earth was a woman supposed to resist that?”
A kiss from a mysterious stranger at a masquerade ball is what kept Alex Harland, the Earl of Melton, going long after the war is over. After all this time, he still cannot forget the scent and feel of the beautifully bold woman that asked him to dance and stole a kiss in the moonlight. Now an agent for the Bow Street Runners, Alex has been given a task of apprehending the infamous Nightjar—a jewel thief that has been stealing the French Crown Jewels. While investigating the latest crime scene, Alex is jolted to awareness by a familiar scent…one that kept him awake many a night dreaming of the woman that got away before he even got her name. Realizing his fantasy is close at hand, Alex is determined to solve not only the case of the stolen crown jewels, but also that of his stolen heart…
Emmy Danvers has helped her father, the Nightjar, steal back the crown jewels for the French. But when her father dies, the Nightjar’s thieving ways are laid to rest with him. That is until a blackmailer threatens the Danvers family with bodily harm if they do not finish the job and collect the remaining jewels. Left with no choice, Emmy plots to steal the last of the jewels, but as fate would have it, the one man she both loves and fears has been assigned the job of tracking down the Nightjar. Now she will have to walk a fine line between saving her family as well as her heart…
To Catch an Earl is what most would refer to as an enemies to lovers trope. While I prefer friends to lovers, I did enjoy the cat and mouse games Alex and Emmy played, and found this an enjoyable read. To Catch an Earl is the second in Kate Bateman’s Bow Street Bachelors series, but may be read standalone. Would recommend to fans of this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
To Catch An Earl is the second standalone in Kate Bateman’s Bow Street Bachelors series, and it was an intriguing read.
Emmy Danvers and Alex Harland were such a fun couple. They shared excellent banter and knew just how to challenge each other and push each other’s buttons. They were seemingly adversaries, but they sensed such rightness and content in the other person’s presence, and I was curious to find out how they would resolve everything between them.
Their chemistry was definitely heated and I enjoyed the build up. I also enjoyed the secondary characters in the book, especially Emmy’s family and Seb. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with the final member of the bachelor trio.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***