A master spy and a beautiful thief find love and intrigue in each other’s arms. . . Forced to do the bidding of a corrupt government minister, Marianne de Bonnard agrees to plant incriminating evidence in the offices of France’s most notorious spymaster. Under cover of night, the tightrope-walking thief puts her skills to good use—until her aerial stunt is foiled when her target appears in the … appears in the window and, with consummate poise, helps Marianne off the wire and into his lair. The tremors that run through her body are not just from fear; there’s an unwanted frisson of desire there, too. But is it because of her elegant, wickedly handsome host . . . or his proposition?
Nicolas Valette has had plans for his graceful trespasser since he witnessed her unique skills at the Cirque Olympique. Sinuous as a cat, Marianne is perfect for his next mission, but she refuses his generous offer for fear of disobeying her family’s tormenter. When their mutual enemy auctions off her virginity to the highest bidder, Nicolas leaps at the chance to purchase her cooperation. Keeping her will be like trying to tame a wild animal, but what’s life without a little risk? Besides, Nicolas and Marianne both want the same thing: revenge—and, perhaps, something else that’s equally delicious.
Praise for To Steal a Heart
“[To Steal a Heart] is rich with espionage and suspense. Multidimensional believable characters and fast-paced plotting propel the story forward to its moving conclusion.”—Publishers Weekly
“The writing and characterization are superb, the romance is hot, snarky and tender and the hero is delicious. I couldn’t ask for much more in an historical romance and I’m eagerly awaiting whatever Ms. Bateman comes up with next.”—All About Romance
“The sexual chemistry between the two built so steadily that I thought I would go up in flames if they didn’t stop battling each other and give in to their needs.”—Kilts and Swords
“A memorable entry into the world of historical romance . . . Secret agents and steamy sensuality join forces and ignite the pages.”—Jenerated Reviews
more
This was an absolutely fantastic story that takes the reader on an action-packed adventure. The heroine’s a thief, the hero’s a spy, and together they must break a prisoner out of the most fortified prison in France. A brilliantly written enemies to lovers romance you won’t want to miss. Thrilling!
When a tight-roper walker (who is also a thief) is pressed into service to help free a prisoner from a French prison in this Paris-set historical romance, the world of her employer, Nic, is turned every which way but up. Neither of these characters is really who they say they are in this exceptionally written novel, but through their action-packed adventures, the layers of their lives are peeled away to reveal their secrets. Très bien!
To Steal a Heart (Secrets and Spies#1) by K.C. Bateman is a fast paced spy adventure/romance story. The plot line gallops along making it difficult to put the book down. The attraction between Marianne and Valette is explosive and danger and intrigue add to the tension. Main characters are complex and skillfully placed backstories help flesh out traits and responses. Historically the period up to Napoleon’s final capture is an interesting one describing political factions between groups of people in war torn France. Altogether this was an excellent and absorbing read.
Marianne is a tight rope walker who’s skills are needed to help make a daring rescue. Nicolas is the spy master extraordinaire who recruits/buys/expects Marianne’s help. He’s always correct and seems to have the answer to everything, much to Marianne’s dismay. What’s a spy to do when he meets his match?
First off, I think this is the first time I’ve read a MC in an historical romance who worked for the circus! Marianne’s job was unique and interesting to get her rationale behind why she enjoyed it. I also really enjoyed her sass and determination. Taking her sister out of the mix also showed how focused Marianne had been on one driving goal, to keep her sister safe.
Nicholas was a little harder to get to know. He’s older, and as I mentioned above, literally seems to know everything or have solutions to the problem. He plans for every contingency, except his feelings for Marianne.
I really enjoyed the French history mixed in to the storyline and the circus details as well. The romance was alright; I wasn’t totally sold on it. The age gap was some of it, but mostly it was just the way their feelings came about.
The cast of characters are interesting, especially Raven-I can’t wait to dive in to his book!
This was a thrilling regency romance by Kate Bateman. A master spy and a beautiful thief find love and intrigue in each other’s arms… What more could you want!
Nicholas and Marianne were scorching together, this story was engaging and action packed, with lots of chemistry. A page turner to the end.
The wonderful story of a girl who would do anything to protect her sister. Marianne has had to become a thief in order to protect and provide for her and her sister. She is being tormented by her vile Uncle and while doing a “job” for him she meets a very handsome spy. Nic likes what he has caught and decides she is prefect for an important job! He buys both Marianne and Sophie from their dangerous uncle and promises to keep Sophie safe if Marianne helps him. The job is to break an important prisoner out of a quite secure prison. They both, while training, start to fall in love and when the job gets a little hairy almost lose each other. They both learn each other’s true identities and with more fighting yet to come must figure out what each wants most. This story is filled with mystery, daring feats, revenge, love and so much more! The characters are full of depth and the storyline flows. Quite the intriguing love story!
Bateman hits another home run! Found myself holding my breath on more than one occasion. Steamy romance and daring adventure. Fabulous book!
07/31/2021 I began reading “To Steal a Heart” (nook) as soon as I finished “A Raven’s Heart.” These stories are part of a marvelous series and are must reads. I love both books and am anxious to read more stories by K. C. Bateman.
A delightfully complex story based in France during the Napoleonic war. Set just before Waterloo and full of action. It is the first time I had read any story set in France at this time period. The lively dialogue between the main pair was wonderful The Brave heroine was finely crafted to go with the dark hero. I look forward to reading more of this author. 5+ stars
A riveting tale of deceit!
Forced into bondage under the watchful eye of her cousin, Marianne de Bonnard will do whatever it takes to keep her younger sister out of his lecherous hands- even break the law. But when she is caught, Marianne learns the biggest danger is yet to come when a spymaster threatens to steal her heart.
France’s notorious spymaster Nicolas Valette has been watching the talented tightrope thief Marianne de Bonnard for some time. He needs her for his next mission- one that is of utmost importance- and makes her an offer she can’t refuse; freedom for herself and her sister if she goes through with the deed.
What follows is a cat and mouse game as Nicholas tries to rein in the headstrong Marianne so that he can teach her what needs to be done in order to succeed the undertaking he’s set out for her.
The chemistry between these two is scorching, but the author does a superb job of tempering it with witty dialogue and plenty of angst. I enjoyed this read so much that I immediately picked up book two in the series!
Great read! You won’t want to put it down! Great characters’
Interesting twists and turns, kept me reading
I enjoyed reading this well developed plot and complex character building.
Well developed characters and plot. Great read!
This book was everything you need in a story, action, intrigue, mystery, adventure, love, and a happy ending. Very well done.
Valette was a British/French spy bent on revenge against Napoleon, for the death of his younger brother, because he ordered injured soldiers shot instead of treating them, He had a mission to rescue the Prince of France, he needed a specialized skill which he found in Marianne, a thief and circus tightrope walker. Marianne had been brutalized by her cousin in order to save her 16 yo sister from a brothel. Valette was no better while training her for the mission. He lied to her at every turn but she fell for him anyway. During and after the mission she saved Valette several times. What will happen when Napoleon is finally defeated? Will Valette finally accept the fact that he may have fallen for Marianne or will he go back to his family in England after ten years?
Excellent read!!!
Throughly enjoyed the story. Well written.
You keep reading becaue the characters are so interesting and intelligent.
Choose your character every page has been riveting.