He's a Runner, she's a thief.

Well, its a bit more than that, Alex is an Earl, who works as a Bow Street Runner and is working on tracking down the Nightjar, a jewel thief. In addition to being an earl, he co-owns a gaming den, is a rake, he by no means has been celibate and was in the army.

Emmy, is a thief with a purpose, she's part of a family of thieves and has had a crush on Alex for years.
They shared a kiss four years ago and while she's still crushing on him, Alex has had many mistresses and certainly hasn't been celibate, but he remembers her scent.

So, Alex is the law and Emmy is the thief (with a specific purpose and who's also being blackmailed).
At times, the book is too clever, for the times, their access to information and knowledge is perhaps not accurate.
The dialogue is witty and the secondary pairing of her brother Luc and Sally is very enjoyable.
Overall, a solid Sunday afternoon read.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC. Kate Bateman does such enjoyable tales! This is a very good sized book that keeps you in reading. The characters have such deep personalities and the spark between them lites a fire in the entire story. So well done.

I liked this story more so than the first book in this series and that one was good. I’m enjoying the strong and unconventional characters that Bateman Has created.

Emmy is not your average member of the ton. She’s actually the Nightjar and is finishing up what her father started by stealing the Crown Jewels of France from where the reside on English soil. She’s at war with herself. Living two different lives is beginning to take its toll.

Alex met Emmy at a ball 4 years prior. Not knowing her identity, all he has to remember her is her scent. One he recognizes when he comes into contact with Emmy on his search to bring the Nightjar to justice.

I loved the internal war both characters were waging. The character and relationship development made this book.

Can’t wait to see who Seb falls for!

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

To Catch an Earl was such a welcome and refreshing read. I loved the plot of the story and the characters were entertaining. I really adored Emmy and all her exploits. It was definitely fun watching Alex and Emmy pitted against each other.

"Only touch what you’re going to steal. Of the many rules of thieving her father had taught her, that one was key. Emmy Danvers broke it the night of Lady Carlton’s masked ball; she touched Alexander Harland."

I found To Catch an Earl to be a fun, easy historical romance! It follows Emmy Danvers, a thief who doesn't want to be a thief, and Alex Harland, a Bow Street runner. The two strangers first crossed paths when Emmy decided to steal a dance from Alex before he was set to leave to the war. Her reasoning was that he could possibly never return and she must take what she wanted before she could no longer. But 4 years later Alex is returned. And now he is part of the Bow Street, AKA Emmys enemy as she has taken over her fathers role as the infamous thief, The Nightjar. Emmy and Alex find themselves crossing paths once more when The Nightjar resumes their thievery of priceless jewels. Alex is set on finding and locking away the thief. Until he discovers that The Nightjar is none other than Emmy, the mysterious woman who has been haunting him ever since that night at the ball.

"Anyone who said women weren’t capable of such things was a fool. Women were capable of anything."

I liked our two main characters a lot. Emmy was funny and smart (but not as smart as everyone made her out to be as The Nightjar). As a thief, she seemed mediocre to me at best but everyone was always raving about how brilliant of one she is. Alex was a great bow street runner who started out a bit cocky but gradually eased out of that. I thought the two had wonderful chemistry! I love a good opposites attract/ enemies to lovers trope! Emmy is a thief and Alex is the law. There was some good cat and mouse back and forth going on between the two. BUT. I have never been a huge fan of the whole insta-love thing. Now this had definite aspects of that bleck trope but they do try to fight it a bit and it turns it into a bit of a more slow burn insta-love. Is that a thing? 

"Alex Harland was just as much a thief as she was. He’d stolen her heart four years ago and never given it back."

The historical bits of it were fun to read about although I can't say how accurate it all is. Overall, this had a fun storyline that will pull you in and keep you interested. I am giving it a 4 out of 5 stars.

To Catch An Earl is the second in the Bow Street bachelors trilogy by Kate Bateman. It seemed a little slow at the beginning but once into it this book it was alot of fun. Alex Harwood, Earl of Melton has a problem....the woman he loves is a jewel thief. As a member of Bow Street he is honor bound to bring her in for punishment. Emmeline Danvers has been Nightjar...jewel thief...since her father died and she vowed to carry on his quest to locate jewels stolen from France and return them to the French government. The sparring and back and forth between Emmy and Alex is fun...the romance hot! With likeable characters, plenty of intrigue, a satisfying, but not unexpected, ending this was an enjoyable read. If you are a fan of Regency romance you will enjoy this book.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent historical romance, engrossing and entertaining.
I liked the fast paced plot, rooted for the characters and appreciated the vivid historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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.

I have really enjoyed the Bow Street Bachelors series. The characters are rich, fun, & enjoyable. I really enjoyed Emmy & Alex’s story. The book starts with them dancing 4 years earlier & sparks flying. Emmy knows who he is but because she’s wearing an,ask, he doesn’t know her. Now 4 years later, Emmy is interesting with taking up her dad’s mission of stealing back the Crown Jewels for France. Of course Alex is a Bow Street Runner & only sees things as black & white. Sparks continue to fly & I highly recommend reading this to see what happens with them!!!

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.

Emmy and Alex are charmers! They fall in love at first sight, then take *years* to find each other again. Emmy is a thief, and Alex is a thief-catcher. She is a rule-breaker, and he is an enforcer. Despite their differences, they come together with sizzle. Kate Bateman is on a roll with this new “Bow Street Bachelors” series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.”

This is book 2 in the Bachelor's of Bow Street series. It can be read as a stand alone.
I was hooked with the opening prologue. I could feel the connection and the chemistry between Alex and Emme. I knew it was going to be a good book. The back and forth banter and trying to out smart each other was very enjoyable. You were waiting to see who was going to make the next move.
Emme was a strong, determined heroine. Alex was tough but kind and very protective. They were the perfect hero and heroine.
I enjoyed this book and give it
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

Oh, how I loved the banter and cat-and-mouse game that unfolded between Emmy and Alex. Emma knows exactly who Alex is and she should stay far away but he draws her to him like a moth to a flame. Eep!

Full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer on July 2, 2020. Link provided.

"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.

This book started out great, but got repetitive. I loved the author's idea but it could have used a good deal of editing. There are also some historical issues that should be addressed.

She's carrying on her father's legacy as jewel thief, but under duress. He's the man tasked with catching her. They have undeniable chemistry.

I was here for this book for the first 60-70% - it was a game of cat and mouse, with heists, mystery, and tension. It was a lot of fun! I appreciated the way she taunts him after a heist at the British Museum. And I also appreciated the discussion they have about returning looted museum objects to their home countries while standing in front of the Elgin Marbles!

Then the characters were together and I found it less compelling. Once the chase was over, the fun fizzled for me and a book I quite enjoyed became just meh. There's also a third party villain who is not fully formed (though I haven't read the first book in the series, so maybe the groundwork was laid there?) and it's not clear what logic he's operating under.

It's a bit out there, plot wise, so some extra suspension of disbelief is required - which is not a bad thing for me.

Mostly fun, slightly meh, YMMV.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Alex, the Earl of Melton, is trying to catch the Nightjar, a jewel thief who has eluded everyone to date. He's also looked over the years for the woman who kissed him at a masked ball. Turns out that was Emmy, who has pined over him. AND Emmy, who is the thief! This is a cat and mouse historical romance which is heavy on the romance and light on the history (but that was ok by me.). It's unique in that Emmy is the elusive bad guy with a heart of gold. It's a light fun read that I enjoyed more than I thought I would (this isn't my usual genre) because Bateman is a good storyteller. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A good read.

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.