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 enjoyed the first book in Bow Street Bachelors series, and I loved the second book, To Catch an Earl, even more. This is a second chance romance between a Bow Street agent, Alex Harland, and a jewel thief, Emmy Danvers. I loved Alex and Emmy’s interactions and chemistry, and their banter was entertaining. I found the storyline of stealing/retrieving French Royal jewels very intriguing. I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one day. I am very much looking forward to the next installment, The Princess and the Rogue, especially since the main heroine of that book is a Russian princess!
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Alex Harland, Earl of Melton is a second born son and a known rake. After Alex’s time in the service he is now working undercover with the Bow Street Bachelors, part of London’s first official police force. Alex loves the thrill and excitement that comes from doing an investigation and his newest case is no exception….capturing Nightjar, a notorious thief who is reclaiming France’s crown jewels one bauble at a time.
When Alex’s investigation brings him up close and personal with Emmeline d’Anvers, all bets are off. Emmy is the only woman that Alex has thought of in the last four years, ever since their lovely dance and sweet kiss. Emmy may be unforgettable, but she is also an irritating spitfire in the form of a beautiful female that always seems to be two steps ahead of him. Alex is convinced that Emmy is Nightjar, now he just has to prove it.
What may have started out as a game of cat and mouse quickly turns into something much more exciting. Just when it looks like one of these two is going to win, it ends up they both end up losing…..their hearts that is!
I just adored this story and could not put it down. I LOVED Emmy! Such a fun, sassy female who had no problem putting Alex in his place! I loved her quick wit and the things she would say. I enjoyed how she challenged Alex every step of the way and she would own her actions. I also really enjoyed Alex. He is a great, noble, honest man who always wanted to do the right thing. It was fun watching him fall so hard for a thief! Overall this book was wonderful and I can’t wait for Sebastien’s story!
I requested an ARC of this book, and these opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and while I did enjoy this one I felt like I had read it before. Not the exact plot, but something similar. The characters just didn’t blow me away, or frankly make me care about them that much.
That being said, there were definitely elements that I enjoyed enough to keep reading. The heroine’s family, for one, were delightful, and I would have liked more of them. The history of the various jewels stolen by the Nightjar was fascinating – real or not. I also enjoyed the word game played by the hero & heroine. That was fun, and educational.
Overall, it’s not a book I’d read again but I’d recommend if you’re into reading entire series.
This book had pretty good main characters with plenty of dangers , clever ideas and emotional ups and downs.
Emmaline or Emmy as she is called never really have a chance for a normal life. She craved it but is caught the thieving way of life. Since the age of 14 she was pressured by her father into the life of crime. Although her father viewed it differently. He saw it more as a noble cause along with the thrill of being so skilled that he had not been caught. Emmy also had more of her family who were in cahoots with her in the jobs that she pulled. Since her father’s death, it was just Emmy, her brother Luc (who was wounded in the war) and her regal grandmother Camille. Not to be forgotten is also Sally Hawkins who almost family and has been a huge help in so many ways. She was a master of disguises that Emmy needed. She also had her eye on Luc. You’ll have to read to see if that goes anywhere. Each one of these people added a lot to the story. That I did enjoy. Also all the clever ideas that “the team” came up with when it came to sneaking into places to rob.
Alex Harland was an interesting opponent whose emotions seesawed back and forth when it came to Emmy. And what was that elusive scent he keeps smelling? It was driving him around the bend every time he smelled it. It reminds him so strongly of the mysterious woman he met years ago. She was the one who wore such a unique perfume. His life moved on but he never forgot her. He was on the side of the law and he began to suspect Emmy of more than just being beautiful and mischievous.
At first I wondered about the name “Nightjar” being the title given the famous thief. It made more sense when I read later that it was a nocturnal bird and that it blends well with its environment. Then it made perfect sense.
Everything was well described in the story without being overwhelming or too stuffy. I will also add that there is some sexual scenes in the story. I also wish that I had liked it more; although it did have it’s moments.
”I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
I loved the chemistry between Alex and Emmy! She’s a bold jewel thief who is always one step ahead of Alex. They both struggle with choosing between honor and love. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
This story had my heart and soul, captivated from the word go. So deliciously fantastic. Highly entertaining, action packed, full of intrigue, heat, attraction with a captivating and unique storyline. I loved everything about these characters and this story.
Emmy Danvers had always stayed away from Alexander Harland, even though he had been her secret fantasy for so long. She was wary of his reputation and his intelligence. Afraid that he would see right through her demure wallflower act she played in public to the reckless criminal beneath. Until she heard that he was leaving to fight against Napoleon. That night at a masked dance she shamelessly approached him, asking him to dance with her. Although she never meant to steal anything that night, she broke the one rule of her mother’s “only touch what you are going to steal” and possibly stole Alexander Harland’s heart.
Alexander Harland, now known as the Earl of Melton, after being rewarded with an Earldom for his work with Bow Street, was now investigating the Nightjar a renowned jewel thief that had been stealing gems for over a decade. Alexander has never been able to forget the woman of his dreams, who got away and even dreamed of her still. A woman who’d not only excited him physically but challenged him mentally. A woman whose husky laugh and intoxicating scent had wrapped around his heart and had given him the perfect kiss, then disappeared. But when he starts running into to Emmy Danvers at every turn through his investigations to catch this thief, his sizzling awareness of Emmy may just be her undoing. Will opposites attract and give love a second chance? You don’t want to miss every sizzling, heart pounding moment!!
Received a early copy through the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
To Catch an Earl was an awesome read. I enjoyed it. I loved the chemistry between the characters and the fact that they were both on different sides of the law so to speak. I loved that Emmy was unconventional. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To Catch An Earl, by Kate Bateman, is available at booksellers on 6-30-2020. Catch is book 2 in Ms Batemans A Bow Street Bachelors series. The premise is 3 army friends back in London and working for Bow Street, believable enough but not likely. Runners were most often rough men, some former criminals themselves which made them good at their jobs. These runners are now titled gentlemen, thanks to Prinny, involved with the government somehow, and Bow Street, and the ton and run a gambling establishment. It’s too much to wrap my head around.
Alex is nice enough, handsome, straight arrow kind of guy. He gets bored easily by his new life out of the service & is always up for the hunt and chase of a new case. Emmy is completely unbelievable as a regency woman. She is so much more 20th century, with a good head on her shoulders, running around alone, and is a darn good cat burglar. Admirable lady. The story is fine, the characters are fine, it’s not overly long but dragged in several places.
#KateBateman #ToCatchAnEarl #BowStreetBachelors #Netgalley #StMartin’sPaperbacks
This book was kind of a split decision for me. Some things I really liked but unfortunately they were almost equally matched with things I didn’t. I really liked the concept behind this book. It promised to lead to a story that was fun, exciting and emotional and I felt the author partially delivered this but I also felt there was plenty of untapped potential. I liked the characters. Their chemistry was spot on but I would have loved to see more romance and meaningful emotion in their relationship. Add in some personal pet peeves and a few “what!!?” or “Why!!?” moments and I was left with a good read that left me feeling a bit let down. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
I loved this clever take on To Catch a Thief. Emmy Danvers is a jewel thief — not for profit, but her family has a mission to restore the royal jewels of France. Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, is a Bow Street agent, tasked with bringing the thief to justice. These two had met anonymously and shared a sensational kiss. Now they are caught in a cat-and-mouse game while facing their intense attraction. Will he catch her? What will he do with her? We have the age-old honor vs. love conflict.
The writing was bright and clever. Both characters were very smart and that added to their attraction. It was a completely enjoyable read. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. Emmy has secrets, and now she’s come to Alex’s attention. He’s determined to solve the puzzle and she’s determined to keep her distance. The story moved quickly and it was hard to put down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
As a second son and soldier, Alexander Harland has spent his life proving his mettle after a fairly wild youth. Now made Earl of Melton in recognition of his bravery, Alex also uses his skills in investigations for Bow Street. His one source of distraction is the woman who’s never far from his thoughts, despite the fact that he only shared one kiss with her before he left for war four years ago and never even learned her name. Now he’s investigating a peculiar jewel thief known as the Nightjar and his inquiries have him repeatedly encountering the beautiful Emmy Danvers. Alex is certain she’s his mystery woman from years ago, but unfortunately, he’s equally certain she’s the thief he’s set to bring to justice.
Emmy has held a tendre for Alex for years but knows nothing can ever come of it since they are now enemies. She knows her game is nearly up, but a blackmailer has left her with no option but to steal, no matter how reluctant she is. When her elaborate game of chase with Alex ultimately puts her life at risk from the impatient blackmailer, Alex is left scrambling for a way to protect the troublesome woman he’s come to love and make her his.
I’m not sure if it’s really the book’s fault given the difficulty I’ve had focusing on reading lately, but I had such very high hopes for this book and it just didn’t meet them for me after how much I loved the first book. Emmy, the heroine, was my main problem. She was constantly sniping at Alex and complaining about his arrogance and lack of trust when really she was the one who was exceedingly arrogant and mistrustful. The banter between Alex and Emmy was clever and entertaining, though at times it was a bit much and the need for Emmy to constantly best him got a bit old and it didn’t make Emmy charming for me, though I’m sure it was meant to. These two definitely had chemistry between them, but fairly little in the way of actual romance, though there was plenty of steam and tension. I found Emmy to be rather a conundrum as she is presented as being highly intelligent and yet she continued to make ridiculously stupid decisions with regard to her thievery even after she knew Alex had figured out her identity. I enjoyed this much more once the two started working together, but even then I felt Alex was the one doing the giving in the relationship and Emmy never put any trust in him, not even at the end, which made their relationship a bit of a letdown because it seemed she never had any faith in him to protect her. I think part of the problem here was a need for more fleshing out of the blackmailer’s character to make him a true villain and make his motivations believable. This was still a good read, it just wasn’t what I expected and fell a bit short of what I wanted from it, which is probably unfair of me. Regardless, this still wasn’t a bad book and I’m looking forward to Sebastian’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The good storyline and interesting characters made this book a very enjoyable read! I look forward to reading more from this author!
This is a light and suspenseful regency. Alex is on the hunt for the jewel thief stealing from seemingly secure locations. What Alex doesn’t realize is that the thief is the mysterious woman Emmy that he kissed at a ball four years ago. I received a free ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. I liked that Alex captured Emmy’s scent at the ball and was always searching for it. I also liked how Alex and Emmy struggled with what was the right thing to do. The strong attraction that they had for each other definitely led to some steamy scenes. I also like how Emmy kept Alex on his toes and vice versa. I enjoyed this book very much.
Another enjoyable book from Kate Bateman! I really enjoy her writing style. She moves the plot along with dialogue and action. Her characters are believable although I wondered how Ms. Bateman was going to bring a thief and a lord together but she did beautifully! I recommend this book for the joy of reading entertainment!
I received an advance reader copy of this book through Netgalley. The opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Emmy has fantasized about Alex for a long time and takes the plunge at a masked ball to allow him to kiss her. Sadly Alex is about to go to war but he never forgets the glorious, mysterious young woman who so sweetly captured his attention. Fast forward a few years and Alex assists the Bow Street Runners and is asked to investigate the resurgence of a notorious jewel thief. Emmy knows all too well who the Nightjar is and finds herself meeting up with Alex again . Emmy plays a dangerous game but cannot divulge her secrets because the staunchly law abiding Alex just might spell her doom !
This was a fun read that could be classed as enemies to lovers but honestly this couple never really hated each other. They share a palpable chemistry, an attraction that they both find impossible to resist. I particularly enjoyed the passages told from Alex’s point of view as he is beyond obsessed with Emmy but woefully ignorant of how exactly to proceed with their relationship. If you enjoy historical romance then I think this author is certainly one to check out.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I believe this is the first Kate Bateman novel I’ve read. I didn’t read the first book in this series, and it’s not necessary, but I enjoyed it enough to want to read more of her novels.
Series – Book 2 of Bow Street Bachelors Series
Heat Level – 7/10
Tropes – Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers, Wounded Hero, Virgin Heroine, Strong Heroine
Premise – To Catch a Thief
The prologue – Emmy Danvers (daughter of The Nightjar, an infamous jewel thief) while wearing a mask, dances with Alex Harland before he goes off to the Peninsular War. She’s had a crush on him, and he is immediately smitten with her after their kiss. Too bad he doesn’t know who she is. He’ll be haunted by her distinct perfume.
The meat of the story is a few years later, Alex is back in England, gifted with an Earldom, and now an integral part of the Bow Street Runners. They’re after a The Nightjar, who has resurfaced after years. Prinny has had his diamond pilfered and is most put out. Alex always gets his man, and the Nightjar will be no different. He is bound by duty.
Emmy has been blackmailed into taking over the Nightjar persona from her deceased father. She’s really adept at it, at least the one time she stole something. Proud. Her father stole back the French Crown Jewels to return to France, after all. It was a “noble” cause that is now being tainted by Danton, who is blackmailing her family for all those crown jewels plus 3 more (ruby, diamond, saffire for the French flag) but it seems he wants them for himself. He’s dangerous and he’s the villain here.
Will he catch her? Won’t he? If he does, then what? I enjoyed it. There’s great passion between hero & heroine even when they’re arguing. The secondary characters are interesting. I like that Emmy is always one step ahead of Alex and frustrates him to no end. I liked the camaraderie between Alex, Seb, and Benedict (the Bow Street Bachelors). Alex has been haunted by the woman from his past with that perfume and once he gets another scent of her, he knows who she is and what she’s doing. Loved and hated that part. Loved how it drove him mad but…
Huh, Moment – I know Emmy isn’t the Nightjar from way back and she’s only been filling in for her father since the blackmail – but why on earth would a thief wear a distinctive perfume only she owns? That’s counterproductive. “Feeling naked without it” isn’t an excuse. Also, I had to look up what a Nightjar was in the beginning because it made no sense to me. It’s a bird, and that’s revealed later in the book.
NB: I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
To Catch an Earl
A Bow Street Bachelors Series #2
Kate Bateman
https://www.facebook.com/kcbatemanauthor/
Release date 06/30/2020
Publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks
Blurb :
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 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?
My review :
When two sides of the law taunt one another, is there a common future awaiting them …
After two novellas, this is my first full length read by Mrs Kate Bateman.
This is a fun and entertaining read, with many sensual scenes and a scorching hot couple.
Still I found the voices in it a bit too modern for the time period.
The book is set in two parts, the first the hunt, as both provoke one another. And while I understand Alex as it is his job to catch thieves, I found Emmy quite foolish and delusional when he showed every signs he knew who she was, and she continued to taunt him.
And I very dislike women who can’t keep their knees straight at the sight of a gorgeous man, in my mind she very likely deserved to be caught.
I liked better the second part, the rescue, when they worked together.
Emmy took over her father’s mantle once more because she is blackmailed when she wants only one thing, a normal life, if possible with the man she dreams about from afar.
And now he is back in the country and her direct opponent, she is unable to stay away, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
And the more she gets closer, the more she risks her wings to get burned, and by doing this she endangers her family.
And burned she will be as she is enticed by his mere presence, and can’t say no to him.
Alex is the personification of honor, why he is duty bond to catch and stop the French Crown Jewels thief. I like him most, he has every right to be angered when he discovers who was the woman who stole a kiss some years ago, in some way it shattered his long time fantasy. But it does not diminish his attraction, and the more he plays cat and mouse with Emmy, the more he settles his feelings. Thus, when time comes to make a choice, he chooses his heart over everything else.
My practical mind had just a very down-to-earth problem, how could they travel ninety miles in a few hours with a carriage, nineteen would have been possible but to even think twice this distance…
An amusing and pleasant tale of hide and seek, with very ahead of their time characters, 4 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher St Martin’s Paperbacks, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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To Catch an Earl (A Bow Street Bachelors Novel book 2) by Kate Bateman
Creative plot of thieves recovering France’s stolen crown jewels by locating them and stealing them back, and a forbidden love, doubly cursed from the wrong side of the tracks and the wrong side of the law. The storyline is well written, fast paced, with fun and witty characters who have a steamy romantic chemistry that left me with a sunburn! One of my favorite parts of the book is the character’s witty banter and sarcastic teasing. I also enjoyed looking up the names of the individual jewels listed in the story, and to my delight, they were the real “French Crown Jewels” that were in fact stolen. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will definitely read more of her work. Happy Reading
Content: Adult. There are a few random swear words. Steamy 4 out of 5 flame open door romance with explicit details.
3.5/5
Second in series from a new-to-me author. A bit different as the heroine had been swooning after the hero from a distance for awhile before they met. She’s a jewel thief, he’s an aristocrat who helps out Bow Street. While not earth shattering, it was fun, with good cat-and-mouse byplay/banter/chemistry between the leads and some sizzling bedroom moments. And I would definitely read more from this author.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.