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
more
This is the first Kate Bateman novel I’ve ever read and I have to say that it was spectacular from beginning to end – an absolute gem of a story!
Emmy Danvers is the notorious Nightjar, a jewel thief so sly and clever she keeps evading capture. Her only weakness is Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, the man she loves and knows she can never marry. The kiss they once in a garden during a masquerade is all she will ever have of him, and she very much doubts he even remembers her. But when he joins the investigation that seeks to bring the her to justice, a thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues – a game Emmy is very determined to win.
Alex Harland has never forgotten the woman he kissed in that blasted garden. Although he never even saw her face, she has haunted his dreams for years and continues to do so until he starts hunting the Nightjar, meets Emmy Danvers, and begins to wonder if all three people might be one and the same. One thing is certain – he will catch her. The only question is what will happen once he does.
I absolutely loved how these two characters kept on getting the better of each other. I loved Emmy’s fun collection of foreign words that don’t exist English, and I loved that the author kept me wondering how a thief and an agent of the law could possibly find their happily ever after together.
The world building/descriptions were phenomenal and really helped immerse me in the story while the secondary characters helped flesh everything out. Highly recommended!
To Catch an Earl Kate Bateman This is my first Kate Bateman book, I think, but it won’t be my last! I like my historical romances to have a slight “edge” and To Catch an Earl delivered! Wonderful characters (Emmy and Alex), fast-paced, cutting dialogue, STEAMY scenes. Romantic and dreamy.
I can’t wait for you all to read about Emmy and Alex’s sexy cat-and-mouse games. Who doesn’t love a Bow Street Runner and a reluctant jewel thief?!
To Catch An Earl is a magnificent historical romance by Kate Bateman. Ms. Bateman has once again amazed me with this spectacular, well-written book. Folks, you’re going to love these characters! Emmy is a thief, trained by her father, the Nightjar. After her father’s death her family is now being forced to steal the missing gems of the French crown jewels. Alex is a former soldier, now titled and doing work for Bow Street and his new assignment is to find the thief. Alex and Emmy’s story is loaded with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. Once started I couldn’t put this book down. I loved it and can’t wait for my next book by Kate Bateman. To Catch An Earl is book 2 of the Bow Street Bachelors but can 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.
I was completely captivated as soon as I started reading and hanging onto every word with incredible characters and a story so beautifully written I felt like I had traveled back to 1816 London and was totally immersed in all that was happening. I loved the instant attraction, repartee and sizzling chemistry between Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and beautiful and elusive Emmy Danvers, daughter of notorious thief, Nightjar. If you enjoy well-crafted Regency Romance that’s full of emotions and dramatic twists, don’t miss “To Catch an Earl”, a Bow Street Bachelors Novel, by gifted author Kate Bateman. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy to read again later.
A cat and mouse game that is witty, intriguing, intelligent and sexy. Kate once again gives us a tale that will captivate and keep you reading well into the night. Could not put this book down. She draws you into the story of a thief and a straight-laced Bow Street Runner. Alex and Emmy are perfect foes. There is no lack of intelligence on either of their parts and when they start dancing around each other I was right in the middle of their story. I have read all of Kate’s books and this one is tied as my favorite. I loved it.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I was completely enthralled by Alex and Emmy’s story! It seems impossible for them to have a happy ever after, despite their extreme attraction.
Emmy is a strong, independent woman and Alex is an alpha male who thinks he’s in control. What could go wrong?
I can’t wait for the last Bow Street Bachelor to fall in love.
5 stars for Alex and Emmy!!
To Catch an Earl (Bow Street Bachelors, #2) by Kate Bateman This is the second book in this series and I enjoyed it as much as the first one and I am looking forward to the next one. There is family love, friendships, intrigue, danger, and lots of steam to get us to a very HEA.
Alex Harland, newly minted Earl of Melton, 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 four years ago and left him wanting so much more. 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.
This is the second book in the series & could easily be read on its own. Another well written & very well researched book by the author. I loved both Alex & Emmy who were like two sides of a coin but fit perfectly together. A fast paced story that drew me in from the start & had me sighing at the conclusion. I loved the road to their HEA which certainly wasn’t smooth. I also loved the historical facts that are part & parcel of the author’s books which help raise them above the parapet. I can’t wait for Seb to fall!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This book opens as Emmy manages to steal a kiss from Alex Harland before he heads off to war. Little does she know that kiss has stuck in his memory as much as it has hers.
With the war over, Alex and his best friends are reunited and have opened a gentleman’s club, each of them have new titles courtesy of the Prince Regent. They also do some work for Bow Street and are noted for never leaving a case unsolved.
When a very large diamond is stolen from the Royal Jewelers, the stakes become high. The Prince Regent wants it back and the thief punished to the fullest extent of the law. The telltale black feather says it’s no doubt the Nightjar who perpetuated the crime.
The Nightjar hasn’t been heard from in a long time and not only hasn’t he been captured, the jewels stolen have never surfaced either. Emmy is the Nightjar and when she realizes Alex is assigned to the case she knows her days of thieving are nearing the end. The jewels she is being made to steal would complete the collection and also land her in jail and hanged for the offense.
I love the way this story unfolds, I can see the London of the time, the gentleman’s club in all it’s splendor and the balls in all their pomp and glory. The family loyalty and the race against time add tension to the game.
Cat and mouse is an accurate description of the taunts and teases of the investigation. The romance between Alex and Emmy inevitable and the ending superb.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I hope it’s soon.
Series: Bow Street Bachelors #2
Publication Date: 6/30/20
Number of Pages: 336
Welcome to the second exciting and steamy installment of the Bow Street Bachelors. You are going to love this excellently-written, well-plotted, and well-delivered story which takes place just two months after the first book, This Earl of Mine. I will admit, I had a love-hate relationship with Alex – quite often I didn’t care for how he treated Emmy, even though I could understand his turmoil. As for Emmy, well, I just loved her and her family and was happy to see her find her HEA.
Emmy Danvers (Emmeline Louise d’Anvers), the daughter of Europe’s most elusive jewel thief, has only broken one of her father’s rules – and it will bring her great pleasure and great pain. That rule? Only touch what you’re going to steal. She broke it four years ago when she kissed Alexander Harland at a masked ball. He had no idea who she was, but she knew exactly who he was because she’d admired him from afar for a very long time. She has never forgotten that kiss nor the man who bestowed it – no other man has ever felt ‘right’. She knows he’ll never notice her among the crowds – and she’s grateful for that – because they are on very different sides of the law. After her father’s death, Emmy has assumed his role as the Nightjar and is now being sought by Bow Street after stealing a gem owned by the Prince Regent.
Two months ago, after he and his two best friends, Seb and Benedict, had foiled an attempt to rescue Bonaparte from exile on St. Helena, they were all granted titles. He is now Alexander Harland, Earl of Melton. But, more importantly to him, he is a partner in the Tricorn Club and he aids Bow Street with sensitive cases. He’s just been handed one such sensitive case – a thief known as the Nightjar has stolen a diamond from Rundell Bridge and Rundell. The owner of that diamond is none other than the Prince Regent and he is demanding they find his diamond and prosecute the scurrilous thief. Alex likes nothing better than a good challenge and the Nightjar will be a challenge.
Alex doesn’t ever see himself marrying, but he can’t forget that kiss four years ago. A woman kissed him at a masquerade ball and he never learned her name – but he’s never forgotten her. He remembers every detail -he can picture it in his mind – and her scent – OH! He remembers that as well. When he visits the scene of the crime at Rundell Bridge and Rundell, he catches a whiff of that scent. He hasn’t smelled exactly that scent in four years, but he is positive it is the same. Yet, there are so many people on the street he can’t find the source ** He should be prepared, that scent is going to drive him insane for the next few weeks. **
I loved the mystery and the chase. Emmy and Alex are both very smart strategic thinkers and each takes delight in outwitting the other. Will she finish her father’s task and escape being arrested? Will he catch her and send her to the gallows? It seems it must be one way or the other with no in-between. You’ll just have to read the story to find out all of the wonderful details. Be prepared – there isn’t a dull minute in there anywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a sweet, funny, utterly charming story. I was captivated beginning to end. Alex and Emmy are so much fun. Cat and mouse, wordplay and innuendo, sexy, steamy interludes. It is just delightful to go along on the ride to see who figures out what, who catches who, who realizes first they are in love and does something about it.
Throughout the book Emmy loves to discover foreign words that have no direct translation in English. Author Kate Bateman says in the Author’s notes that the Japanese phrase Koi No Yokan is perfect for Emmy and Alex: “The sense of inevitability upon first meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall in love.“ She is exactly right. We all know it. When Alex and Emmy met in the past they felt it, but timing can be everything and the timing wasn’t right. And when they meet again, not only does the timing not seem ideal, they are on opposite sides of the law and family is at stake. So how is that ever going to work out? Take the journey with them, see if they can work it out, if they are able to accept the inevitable despite the barriers and bumps and those who would stop at nothing to see them harmed. It’s a trip well worth taking! Read To Catch an Earl. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of To Catch an Earl via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend it.
A rioting page turner. Emmie is forced to live the life of a thief and a wallflower. It becomes a game of cat and mouse for her and Alex. He is a man who loves to solves mysteries and she is a mystery he has been trying to solve for the past four years. The story is filled with wicked wit as the characters trade barbed conversations. It turns heated as they are unable to deny their passions for each other. You will love the conclusion as Alex finds a way to get them to their happy ending.
The Bow Street Investigator and the jewel thief…a story of wrestling with what is right and wrong, and steamy sexual chemistry! Who is the rightful owner of artifacts when they are liberated from their original home? Is it wrong to return them to their origin? Big questions to ponder and consciences to examine…I loved Alex struggling with these questions while Emmy just wanted to keep the blackmailer away from her loved ones. It’s complicated by the incredible sexual magnetism between these two people.
Emmeline Louise d’Anvers is the daughter of the French jewel thief Nightjar. Her father set out to liberate the French Crown Jewels that were used by revolutionary forces that traded them for support for their cause. Emmy’s father was determined to return the jewels to the Bourbon Throne. He died before he got the last four. Nightjar’s nemesis was Danton and his son Emile wants the jewels and blackmails Emmy’s and her family. She aided her father in her teens has no choice but to resurrect Nightjar and get the jewels.
Alex Harland, Earl of Melton is the second son of a duke. He gained his title in service to the king during the war. He’s co-owner of the Tricorn gambling Club with his two long held friends, Benedict Wylde now Earl of Ware and Sebastian Wolff now Earl of Mowbray. They help Bow Street with sensitive cases on occasion. Alex met a mystery woman four years ago at a masked ball, just before he went to war, and has never forgotten her. He’s determined to figure out who she is and explore their chemistry. He soon discovers his mystery woman is Emmy and she is the thief he’s trying to capture. This begins the dance as to how Emmy will recover the remaining jewels to keep their blackmailer off their backs and Alex’s conflict over how to arrest and yet protect her. Very interesting plot twists to accomplish this HEA. I just loved it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“To Catch an Earl” A Bow Street Bachelors Novel – by Kate Bateman
I loved this story. It kept me caught up in the intrigue of what was going to happen next and would there be a HEA for the characters that I came to adore. I will admit to skipping a few scenes that the sizzle was a bit more detailed than I need to read. I am glad I didn’t allow the sizzle to keep me from enjoying all the rest of the story. This was a really good read with lots to twists and turns and characters that I truly cared about. So, if the description caught your eye… then I say, go ahead and grab your copy of this story and get ready for a “never a dull moment” read. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I requested and received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.
I received an ARC of The Catch an Earl through a Goodreads giveaway. What follows is my fair and honest review.
To Catch an Earl is the second book in The Bow Street Bachelors series by Kate Bateman. I read this and the first book (This Earl of Mine) back-to-back, but To Catch an Earl can be read as a standalone.
While I really enjoyed This Earl of Mine, I loved To Catch an Earl even more. What can I say, I’m a sucker for heist books. The cat-and-mouse chase between Emmy and Alex is fun to read, and Emmy’s tendency to poke fun at Alex’s serious demeanor is delightful. I especially appreciate how Alex thought he was going to catch a thief, but what he really caught were feelings. You love to see it.
I highly recommend To Catch an Earl to historical romance readers, especially those who enjoy the “enemies”-to-lovers trope, heist stories, and/or lots of adventure in their romances.
In Contemporary Romance you find the seductive shower scene. In this Historical Romance you have an equally sensual bathing tub scene. Pass the ice water, please.
Another exciting adventure in Kate Bateman’s Bow Street Bachelor series. This is book #2, To Catch an Earl. Emmy Danvers is the daughter of a deceased thief called Nightjar. The Nightjar’s calling card is a black feather left at the scene of the crime. Four years after her father’s death a despicable Frenchman by the name of Georges Danton blackmails Emmy into taking up the mantle of Nightjar for a series of thefts. She will have to turn over the jewels she steals to him or else. She has no choice. Alex Harland, Earl of Melton is tasked by Sir Nathanial Conant, Chief Magistrate of Bow Street to investigate and comprehend Nightjar. To Harland’s utter dismay he figures out the mysterious woman he fell for at a masquerade party prior to his stint in the military during the Napoleonic Wars is none other than Emmy Danvers, current Nightjar. Their adventures are fun to read about. I love some mystery and suspense in my Historical Romance reads. This is an exciting, fun book.
I can’t wait to see what adventure Ms. Bateman comes up with to entertain her readers for Sebastian Wolff, Earl of Mowbray’s story
I loved this book. It starts with a masquerade ball at which Emmy approaches Alex and they exchange a kiss before he leaves for the army. Four years later and neither of them have forgotten said kiss, but now she is a jewel thief called the Nightjar and he works for the Bow Street runners and owns a gaming house. Alex and his friends are tasked with find Nightjar as the Prince Regent’s diamond has been stolen. Alex begins to investigate and while leaving the scene of the crime he encounters the fragrance of his mysterious kisser. So now the game begins, where Emmy enjoys taunting Alex and Alex doesn’t want to believe that his lady love could also be the thief that he is after. If Emmy does turn out to be the infamous thief, what will Alex do…turn her in or find a way to save her. The other characters that help make this book fun are Emmy’s grandmere and brother and their friend, Sally. Then there are Alex’s two friends and the Prince Regent. This story was very entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read and ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own and are being freely given.
He wanted to both conquer her and protect her. To capture her and keep her safe.
Determined to save her family, Emmy Danvers is forced to continue her father’s passion. As the Night Jar, she catches the attention of Bow Street agent Alex Harland, Earl of Melton. Alex finds himself in a dreadful situation … prosecute the Night Jar and lose his second chance with her or circumvent the law, and make her his.
He wanted her, with that clever mind and tart mouth,
Emmy was spunky and fiercely loyal to her family. She was a force to be reckoned with. I loved her strong will and sassiness. She was the perfect match for the cocksure Alex, who admired her wit and bravery. I loved the push and pull between Alex’s desire to do what was right and what he wanted. Emmy was the one who’d gotten away all those years before, and now that he had her, he couldn’t imagine a life without her in it.
The second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, To Catch an Earl hit all the right notes!
Recovering the Crown Jewels of France.
Loved this story from start to finish. The interaction between the characters was great and the story had a good flow. Finished it in one day. So nice to read a historical romance with a good storyline. It would be great to read a follow up story where Emmy and Alex were solving a case/foiling a plot, as a married couple for Bow Street or the Crown.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.