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
Like a thief, Kate Bateman steals your heart in the opening pages, then sets the reader on an adventure full of suspense, a sizzling attraction and carefully guarded secrets.
“Only touch what you’re going to steal. One of the many rules of thieving her father had taught her. Emmy Danvers broke it the night of the masked ball; she touched Alexander Harland.” Yes, I fell in love just after those two sentences. So simple yet so powerful that set the stage! The Prologue read like a fairy tale, and I could only sigh as I turned the next page which picks up 4 years later.
Harland had returned from the war and he and his two friends had helped the Bow Street Runners investigate several cases and now the one case of finding the NightJar thief was at the top to be solved. A thief who was very clever but Alex knew he would make a mistake.
I loved every word of this story with a little suspense, intrigue, several twists and turns and emotions that weave a spell. I highly recommend To Catch and Earl and anything this amazing author pens!
‘The Bow Street Bachelors‘ series continues with ‘To Catch An Earl‘, a romance full of intrigue, secrets, danger, and sizzling chemistry.
I liked Alex and Emmy’s romance, there were moments when I shook my head at some of the actions because they were just too… obvious, like continuing to wear a signature scent when in either or both roles that Emmy had going in her life. Yet the chemistry between them let me overlook some small things that hovered at the edge of my enjoyment. So I wish I could say I loved ‘To Catch An Earl‘ but I did enjoy it.
Nightjar might have finally gone too far with the most recent theft considering who owned that glittering stone. Now Emmy is not only keeping one step ahead of those searching for her but also from the man she’s loved for a very long time while doing nothing about it – except for that one kiss that neither can forget. Emmy is good at what she does, she learned all she knows from her father who she has now taken over for in her criminal activities. And no matter how you try to maneuver it, Emmy is a thief, and not robbing from the rich to give to the poor kind either. Now, not only is she being sought after by the authorities Emmy is also in danger from another source and that danger could cost her life.
Alex has never forgotten the kiss from the beauty at a masquerade ball, one stolen kiss that has haunted him for years along with an elusive scent he’s never encountered since… except, there is a lingering of it in the air where he least expects it to be. Alex has been charged with finding a thief, one who is cunning, talented, and stole the wrong gem from the wrong prince. What he’ll discover will put him in a most difficult position. Protect the crown or the woman he’s come to love.
‘To Catch An Earl‘ is steamy, sensuous, and sexy in many ways. This couple is on fire for each other, and it shows. While I’ll confess to enjoying/liking the first story of this series more, I did like Emmy and Alex – it just won’t be a re-read for me. It’s a good story, with danger and intrigue, and a likable couple, so if you love your Historical Romance on the steamy side with an unusual couple to follow along the journey to their happy ever after ending then you’ll want to pick this one up soon.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I love this series. The heroines are strong women who take their responsibilities to themselves and their families seriously; and they are unconventional. Emmeline D’Anvers (a/k/a Emmy Danvers) is being blackmailed into stealing back the French Crown Jewels for a despicable man. Her father stole many of them back before his death. His intention being to return them to the French government, but he died before he completed his task. She must finish his it or harm will befall her family. Alex Harland, Earl of Melton has been tasked by Bow Street with finding the culprit. He will soon learn who the thief is and will realize she is the woman he fell in love with at a masquerade ball years ago on the night before he left for war. I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher for my reading pleasure.
To Catch an Earl is the second book in The Bow Street Bachelor series by Kate Bateman. So its a catch me if you can romance wherein the main female lead seems to be a very well trained jewel thief and the male lead is the one assigned to catch her. Well Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and Bow Street investigator doesn’t really know the identity of his elusive thief much less its the same individual that has his attention captured even before he went to war! Emmy Danvers has kept secret her attraction for Alex bit when her differing worlds are about to collide, can they salvage their growing romance? I’ve been anticipating the release of the next Bow Street Bachelors book and although I love the first one dearly this one doesn’t lack in the surprising twist and turns, witty dialogue and intriguing characters the first book is known for. To Catch an Earl will definitely keep you guessing how its all going to work out for our OTP in the end.
I was sent a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the first installment of this series, and I couldn’t wait for this one to come out. I was not disappointed. I read all but 30 pages of this book in one day. This book can be read as a stand-alone even though it is the second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series. So don’t let the fact that its the second book stop you from reading it.
I want to say that this is more of a second chance romance than enemies to lovers romance. I enjoy both but I wanted to put that out there just in case you pick this up thinking it is one thing and then being disappointed.
Alex Hartland a second son and an Earl in his own right occasionally handles difficult cases for Bow Street. Emmy has been forced to take up the mantle to the Nightjar due to her family being blackmailed. All Emmy wants is to find someone that knows her secrets and can still love her. Everything is against these two opposites coming together.
I enjoyed the cat and mouse chase that happens in this story. Emmy just can help herself from pushing his buttons. And even though Hartland knows that she is the Nightjar he just can’t bring himself to end the game. I really enjoyed watching the back and forth between these two.
If you are looking for a fun historical romance then you should give this one a try.
I loved this one. It flowed even better than book one, it was funny, full of banter, steamy, and creative story line. Alex who we meet in book one is set onto a new case. Emmy meet Alex at a ball 4 years before and they fell for each other but Alex had no clue who he meet. Because of Emmy’s father profession she has to set into his shoes to save the family which put her back into Alex’s world. Their game of cat and mouse made for a fun read. I loved the British Museum bit and all the history and fun words the author put into this book.
Can’t wait to read book 3 and see how Seb handles falling in love. Also, we might get some more of these two.
Overall, 4 stars and 3 steam.
To Catch an Earl is the second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, and I enjoyed it more than the first book. Emmy Danvers, daughter of a notorious thief, versus Alex Harland, a Bow Street investigator! It’s an interesting plot in which the heroine is the “criminal” and the hero is fighting the sizzling attraction while trying to uphold justice at the same time …
Emmy’s father made a mission of his life to retrieve all the French crown jewels that were lost during the Revolution and hope to return them to the French royal family. Years after he died, Emmy and her brother are blackmailed into stealing the rest of the jewels. So Emmy is pushed into continuing her father’s legacy and taking up the Nightjar role again. But her job is not as easy as before when Alex, her long time crush, is after her at every turn and successfully predicts her next moves.
After returning from Waterloo, Alex joins his two best friends to open a gambling club and works as a Bow Street detective. At the end of the first book, he was granted an earldom for his services to the crown. He’s upright, honorable, an alpha hero! When dealing with the irritatingly attractive adversary , he has to face the tough dilemma: arrest her or protect her? The game of cat and mouse between them is quite fun to read .
This book has very promising premises and the writing flows very nicely. I feel that the execution could have been better. There are details that are quite unbelievable or come too easily, and the catching of the culprit at the end doesn’t seem to be grand enough . All in all, I think this couple has better chemistry than the couple in the first book , and their enemies-to-lovers relationship is portrayed well. This book has almost no angst without many surprised twists and turns, so if you’re looking for something light and pleasurable, this is for you!
4.5 for me!
*Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Before he went to war, Alex and Emmy met, danced, and shared a kiss that neither has forgotten. Alex Harland is now a war hero, Earl Melton, partner in a gaming house, and a Bow Street runner determined to capture Nightjar. Emmy Danvers is a jewel thief, a very good jewel thief. Following in her father’s footsteps (and due to a blackmailer), she has become the infamous Nightjar. Their story is a fast-moving “catch me if you can” adventure. The chemistry between these two is sizzling, but how can romance bloom under the circumstances?
The characters in this story, are intelligent, strong-willed, and quite daring. Emmy and Alex enjoy challenging each other. Emmy’s brother Luc and her friend Sally are in cahoots with Emmy. Her grandmother Camille provides a connection with society and very clever encouragement and wisdom. Alex gets help and some snarky observations from Seb Wolff, his partner and fellow Runner. The second installment of the Bow Street Bachelors is an exciting story full of action, drama, danger, humor and fun. I enjoyed and recommend To Catch an Earl. I look forward to Seb’s story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
This is a magnificent cat and mouse historical romance novel, a delightful read, written with a humorous voice, endearing characters and a intriguing plot. I read an ARC from NetGalley.com and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
The premiss of the series is three veterans of the Napoleon wars, return to London, open a gambling den, the Tricorn Club and use their skills learn in the war to help Bow Street. The three of them stopped a plot to free Bonaparte, in the previous book, and each were rewarded by the Regent with titles. This book centers on Alexander Harland, a second son, the spare, of a Duke, now the Earl of Melton. Before he went to war, he had met the woman of his dreams at a Masquerade, but he never saw her face or learned her name. That woman is Emmy Danvers, who had crushed on him for years, but as the daughter of a master jewel thief, known as The Nightjar, had no hope of ever having the life she desires, a loving husband who knows all her secrets and children. Her father had been a French patriot, recovering all the French crown jewels, stolen by French revolutionary leader, Georges Danton. But her father died, before recovering all the jewels. Her brother, Luc, was injured in the Navy. They had been living with their grandmother, Camille, until they started receiving blackmailing letters from Danton’s son, threatening to expose them if they do not steal back the rest of the jewels and give them to him. The Nightjar, seemed to have retired, but now is back in the game, and Alex quickly deduces that Emmy is the thief and the woman he has been dreaming of for years. While they play their game of cat and mouse, Camille is plotting their union. Delicious!
This book was so much fun to read. Emmy Danvers just wanted to live a normal life but her family thought that was an awful idea. She is on a mission to complete what her father started. Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and a Bow Street runner has been put on the case of the missing jewels with his friends. Oh what a merry weave she leads him on. All the while, Alex is just waiting for her to fall into the trap. The trap captured them both. She has been in love with him and he is now coming to the conclusion that he is also in love with her. You just have to love these two.
I don’t remember how I came across the first book in this series, but I did devour it in one sitting. Historical/Regency romance is a new thing for me, I use to never read them. I’ve been all over them the past year though. This author was a new to me author with the first book in this series, she will be one I follow now.
This book was just as enjoyable as the first one was. Her writing style is easy to read, and it’s one of the things I like the most. Alex and Emmy had great chemistry together. The spark they created was present from beginning to end. I can’t wait for the next one in this series!
If you haven’t read her yet, please do! If you don’t read this genre, just try it. Don’t dismiss it like I did, I regret not trying it sooner.
WOW! This book is going to stay with me. I loved it from beginning to end. The characters were lovely the connection was undeniable. The dialogue was great the witty banter between the characters smooth and enjoyable. Emmy is an honorable thief and Alex Danvers, Lord Melton is an honorable Bow Street runner, the sparks between these two HOT!
I am looking forward to the next installment of this series. I recommend this book to all Historical Romance lovers.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the first book, we saw Ben and Georgie fall in love after they met each other in the strangest way possible: he was a prisoner in Newgate and she was desperate to pay to marry a convict and be able to take care of the business left by her father.
Lots of confusion, right?
Now, we have Alexander Harland, Earl of Melton, who helps Sir Nathanael Connant, Chief Magistrate of Bow Street, to solve various mysteries and crimes, and comes across the famous jewel thief Nightjar. This thief has the characteristic of only stealing one piece at a time, even when he would have the opportunity to take several at the same time, and whenever he takes a rock, he leaves a big black feather.
Alex was more than committed to finding out who this thief was who had given Magistrate a headache for years, and who now, in his boldness, had stolen a diamond that belonged to Prince Regent himself.
On the other hand, Alex himself had been stolen in another way years ago, when at a masquerade ball he was boldly invited to dance with a lady whose face was completely covered by the mask, and who stole a kiss… and his heart.
The next day, years ago, Alex traveled to Portugal because of the war. Now, he was determined to discover not only who Nightjar was, but also the mysterious lady of the ball.
Emmy Danvers, or rather Emmeline Louise d’Anvers, came from a family of thieves. She was very good at what she did, along with her brother Luc and Grandmère Camille.
Now, they were being blackmailed into stealing more and more by someone who knew their secret because of something that her father had done in the past.
The problem now was not just stealing jewelry, but that Nightjar was being investigated closely by none other than the man Emmy secretly loved.
Years ago she invited him to dance and marked his life, even without knowing it.
At this point, she will have to choose between listening to her heart and surrender to the man she has always coveted or going to be hanged with her family for the many crimes committed.
A game of cat chasing the mouse, but who will actually fall into the trap?
5 stars
Kate Bateman weaves a tale so provocative that you can’t help but want more!!!
How refreshing it is to read a different concept in the Historical Romance genre.
Can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
***I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***
To Catch an Earl by Kate Bateman is book Two in A Bow Street Bachelors Series. This is the story of Emmy Danvers and Alex Harland, Earl of Melton. I have read the previous book, which did add to my enjoyment of this one. I did feel though this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Emmy has always loved Alex but she of course stays in the background until he is at a Masquerade party where she gives him a kiss before he leaves for war. Alex never knew who kissed him but he remembers that kiss that has haunted him through the years. Now in their present day, Alex helps to work with the Bow Street runners to find and capture the elusive jewel thief known as Nightjar. But in addition to that, Alex has also been on the lookout for the mysterious women that kissed him. What he keeps finding is Emmy at different points in his search. Emmy knows that it is a dangerous game to be in the sites of Alex but she is still drawn to him. But it is a dangerous game for sure the closer he gets to her. As always, this author writes stories that draw you into the chapters. I loved this book and will be reading more from Ms. Bateman.
Emmy Danvers was raised knowing not to touch what she didn’t plan on stealing. However, when she ‘touched’ Alex Harland she didn’t think he would remember her years later. Even though she recalls everything about that one kiss. Little does she realize he remembers it as fondly as she does. And the smell of her perfume.
Years later Emmy is working as the elusive thief Nightjar and has just pulled off a major heist. Alex Harland is now the Earl of Melton and is working as a Bow Street Runner. He is assigned the case and upon arriving at the jewelry shop, recognizes a scent from years ago – but he never learned the identity of the woman he kissed. He is determined to find her now!
Kate Bateman writes a wonderfully charming and witty cat and mouse game between Emmy and Alex. The sexual tension that builds between the two characters matches the criminal/Bow Street Runner suspense. Both are clever, highly intelligent, and determined to win. The stakes are high for both – for Emmy, it is a matter of family and the gallows; for Alex, it is his career since the stolen jewel belonged to the Prince Regent.
This is the second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone story. Set aside some quiet time because you are going to want to finish this exciting, steamy tale in one sitting! Grab a cuppa and enjoy!! Thank you to the author and St. Martin’s Press for sending me the ARC through NetGalley. My honest opinion is happily provided.
5 Cat and Roaring Mouse Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free- It’s LIVE!!!
One of the past phrases of a chase is the use of “cat and mouse”. Well, that phrase didn’t work when it came to the back and forth between Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and Emmy Danvers. Every time these two crossed paths, it was questionable as to who was chasing who and who had the upper hand.
As one of the Bow Street Agents, Alex has been tasked to find the thief who has been targeting specific gems. Known as the notorious Nightjar, the last pinching of an infamous stone has put all eyes out to capture the culprit and return the stone.
Emmy Danvers has been hiding in plain sight. As the daughter of the original Nightjar, she has been trying to fulfil her father’s quest. Now things have become quite complicated.
First, there is Emmy’s desire to have “a moment” with the handsome and charming Alex. When this takes place, all bets are off. Alex is taken with this mysterious woman and she is overwhelmed by the feel of his lips on hers. She is not the only one left with an impression of wonder. Alex is captivated by the beautiful, elusive woman.
Next, there is more than the danger of getting caught by the Bow Street Agents, now there is someone threatening her family. This becomes even more complicated when Alex is tasked to bring the thief to justice.
I loved this book. It worked on so many levels. Emmy was smart and capable. She was not weak even when feeling overwhelmed. The chemistry between them was scorching and we wanted them to find a way to be together.
This series is a winner and the next book is coming later this year. I can hardly wait for Sebastien Wolff get his comeuppance.
Back in the day I got to enter with this one that has something that I always was interested about how agencies ran. This is another one for Bow Street agency and the agent we come to know. Alex is investigating a case that has him crossing paths with Emmy whom was unforgettable. This was a bit predictable for me but still fun to read. Feelings will soon rise but stubborn can be said. This is a fun mystery to find yourself in till the end.
You will need 5 full cups of tea for this amazing new release! To Catch an Earl, the latest in A Bow Street Bachelor’s series by Kate Bateman is sure to take the romance world by storm! This book will take you on the twistiest, up and down ride of your life! Not only is it filled to the brim with deep romance and sensual passion but it’s also filled with intrigue, wonder, and mystery!
We first meet Emma Danvers and Alexander Harland at a masked party where they kiss in the garden and Emma (Emmy) leaves Alexander in a dash but he can’t ever forget that kiss and nor can she. Sometime later, Alexander who works for the Bow Street Runners and runs a club with his two friends, Benedict Wilde and Sebastian Wolff is in search of the NightJar who has been stealing precious jewels and unbeknownst to him the NightJar is his beloved Emmy. When investigating a break-in he smells the perfume she wore on the night of the masked ball and he knows it’s her! As things progress he soon connects with her and they begin to have feelings for one another but he also knows what he must do right by the police and that Emmy and her family should stand trial. However, there is a man who is putting a monkey wrench in everything with a threat to Emmy’s family and also there is a reason behind why Emmy steals the jewels. Emmy’s life is soon in danger and it is Alexander who comes to her aid and saves her; however, will he turn her over to the police or will he soon become her husband?
This story just kept me glued from the very beginning and I loved the chemistry between Emma and Alexander, the buildup to their awakening romantic feelings were so sweet and yes some passionate scenes but not like in other books, this book is a true romance and not just erotica claimed as romance, no, this is a deep story that you are going to want to dive into! Bateman’s writing is impeccable, her splashes of mystery and thrill mixed with deep emotions and romance are just truly unique and an amazing gift! I’d most highly recommend To Catch an Earl and the whole series!
The premise of this book was very exciting but the execution was a bit off for me. There were many scenes of the book that I really enjoyed but there were also parts that were drug out for reasons I couldn’t fathom. A lot of superfluous detail went into certain aspects of plot while the romance and banter between the main characters never really caught a solid momentum. But those little glimpses of fun and mischief between the two were really great and worth reading this through until the end.
I love the idea that Kate Bateman had here with a thief and a man of law and how the two danced around each other despite that glaring problem between them. The cat and mouse game between them was definitely a fun chase and cleverly plotted. The author’s writing kept me engaged for most of the time. Although in some circumstances, as I stated, the details became mundane. The strength and freedom of the heroine though was quite admirable and once you saw that through the heroes eyes it made the connection more real.