4.25 STARS

Who is the main villain? I must admit I kept switching who was the Chameleon? I never did get it right which made for an interesting read.

The beginning is amazing how the author pulled you in with the relationship of the h and her uncle. Such an emotional read and my heart ached during this scene.

A lot of violence and killings so be prepared. I do like suspense in my stories and this has it in spades.

I enjoyed the main character's but at times the h came across as too brass. There is lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 4 out of 5 and described several times. This was written during the Victorian time period and the h not being concerned if she became pregnant I felt out of character. She is 26 and seen and done a lot.

The Lord's name is used in vain many times. No cheating, no cliffhanger, you will wonder about some secondary character's, HEA, little on romance, suspense, intrigue and many huge twists. The ending has a lot of information and some of it needed to be more in depth. Still a recommended read by me.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley all opinions are my own and given freely. (ljb)

Underestimating Marcus Black is the last thing his enemies ever do. After all, the respected Earl of Westwood is a deadly threat, when her Majesty needs him to be. And his only goal is to avenge his brother Nathaniel’s murder. Which would be much easier if the viciously-skilled Lady Kaitlyn Montrose wouldn’t swoop in, knee him in the bollocks, and then run off with his only lead. Kat is determined to avenge her beloved Uncle Victor’s murder and nothing will stop her. Especially not the devastatingly handsome, and equally lethal Marcus Black. The fact that he’s after the same target is a complication she hadn’t planned on. Now they’ll have to work together… if they don’t kill each other first. Individually, Marcus and Kat are deadly. If they worked together, they could be unstoppable. But when attraction gets in the way of vengeance, it’s more than hearts on the line. And only one person can win.
This is second book in the series & I’ve been eagerly awaiting it & Oh Boy! it didn't disappoint. The very first page drew me in & I was engrossed, luckily I started it early in the day & had cleared the decks as I knew from experience that I wouldn’t be moving far until I’d finished it. Fast paced, lots of twists & turns, surprises, strong characters, witty banter & chemistry, which simmered & I was one very happy reader. I loved Marcus & really like Kat & thoroughly enjoyed their journey. I highly recommend this engrossing, enthralling, captivating read & look forward to Lucas & Etta’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Marcus Black, the Earl of Westwood is determined to avenge his brother’s murder and he is a force to be reckoned with. However, the equally skilled Lady Kaitlyn Montrose poses a threat to his purpose when she decides that he will not get in the way of her avenging her uncle’s murder. Together this couple are unstoppable, but as they get closer to the Chameleon, it seems that their priorities begin to change.
This is a story, full of action and romance. I did enjoy the character of Marcus who respects Kat, believing in her and yet, showing such tenderness for her. Whilst Kat is skilled in fighting and defending herself, this strength and determination, prevents her from showing the same level of feeling for Marcus. At no time was there a break in the pace of this book, with witty dialogue between the two main characters. I look forward to reading more in this great series, and hope that the chemistry between Marcus’ friend Lucas, and Etta, makes for the third book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first book I've read by Maddison Michaels but it definitely won't be the last. The Bachelor Betrayal is actually a second book in a series and while there were mentions of the characters from the first book, I don't think it took away from this book at all that I hadn't read it yet. With that said, I'm definitely going to check it out because the characters and their story sounds interesting.

This book focuses on Kat and Marcus. Both are hunting a killer called the Chameleon for their own reasons and they both have their own end game in mind. I really liked both of these characters. Kat took some time to grow on me but only because she came off as stubborn and somewhat inflexible at first. As they begin to work together, they both recognize there is an attraction but neither wants to marry so they do their best to not even consider the other but eventually Kat's blunt approach to saying what she wants ultimately brings these two together.

I will say, the romance in this one was well done. Both character's backstories help to paint a picture as to why they don't want to marry and they had to decide if they were willing to risk their hearts for a happily ever after.

I thought Michaels did a good job of building up the mystery around who the Chameleon was. In my book, everyone was a suspect and I thought the way it was tied up, was clear and brought everything together.

If you're looking for a historical romance that has a bit of mystery, some well developed characters, and a story that will keep you guessing, consider picking this one up! I'll be looking for more from this author for sure!

Lady Kaitlyn Montrose is on a mission: she wants to avenge her uncle’s death and kill the notorious Chameleon, a vicious assassin. She’s been trained to fight and defend herself since childhood and nothing and no one can stop her… Nothing apart from a dangerous and unexpected attraction to the dashing Earl of Westwood!
Marcus Black wants justice and he can’t be hampered in his search by the intriguing woman the little Kat he once knew has become… And he definitely can’t work with her to unmask a conspiracy against the Crown. Or can he?
Well, what can I say? After the wonderful The Bachelor Bargain, Maddison Michaels did it again and swept me in a world of intrigue, adventure and most of all love. The book was a real treat to read, with its compelling mystery plot, unpredictable villains, fighting and a fair dose of angst, but also of fun. Kat and Marcus are two very believable characters who live a gorgeous love story. Kat is a force of nature, strong and skilled, but also vulnerable in her own way, while Marcus is the typical male of his time, possessive and ready to protect women at all costs, but also smart enough to be able to change his mind about women independence and women rights. I also liked the fascinating setting of the book, meaning the Victorian era, with its innovations, new gadgets and people with a view to the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book has it all spies, fights, a mystery, betrayal, twists a hunt for an assassin and of course a romance that is simple *chefs kiss*.

Kat is a very independent woman, with an unusual upbringing, when others learned how to drink tea, she learned how to throw a dagger and shot a pistol. After her uncle's assassination she makes it her life's work to find the man responsibility for his death and avenge him.

What she doesn't expect is to have an ally, Marcus is an agent for the crown who is after the same man, the one who killed his brother, he wants to bring him to justice and clean his brother name.

Kat and Marcus were old acquaintances, they were both trained by her uncle. They partner up and decide that together they have better changes to succeed even though they have a difficult end game planned.

The romance was so beautiful and I liked how even in the worst situations they were there for each other and how supportive and protective of each other they were.

The storyline was very nicely build up and I was engrossed in it until the end. The characters are interesting it is very difficult to understand who might be hiding secrets and who is telling the truth.

I am very excited to read the next book in this series.


* I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

This story is witty, filled with action and the most beautiful romance add in the excitement of spies and danger and getting to know Kat and Marcus was the best this is a must read story in this series, I thought the first one was fantastic this one tops it, neither Marcus of Kat were looking for love and a HEA but love found them in the most thrilling way, I do hope that you come along and enjoy their story as much as I did.

Lady Kaitlyn Montrose has been trained to look out for herself, she knows how to use a dagger and fight like the best of them, but when her beloved uncle is murdered by the assassin the Chameleon, Kat is out for revenge and nothing is going to stand in her way. This brings her in contact with Marcus Black the Earl of Westwood, they are both searching for the same person and the same item, when they meet the sparks fly in all directions.

Marcus Black has been searching for the chameleon since his wife was found murdered in her bed and Marcus needs to stop him, meeting up with Kat again was a shock and when they agree to work together to catch the chameleon things are going to be hard as Marcus is determined to keep Kat safe but this woman is bold and feisty and stubborn beyond belief but they gel together so well can he protect his heart and not fall in love.

Working together in such a dangerous situation just seems to make the attraction stronger between them and with the secrets that they are uncovering and the thought of a traitor in the war office makes things even more dangerous, but ignoring the pull between them is not easy and maybe an affair will help, or maybe not. I loved this story so much from start to finish, Marcus and Kat are made for each other, they made me smile with their witty banter and I loved the strength and courage that is shown by Kat and the way Marcus coped with his stubborn beautiful woman. This is a must read story filled with so much excitement, it was a thrilling, exhilarating story with the best romance, thank you MS Michaels for another brilliant story I can’t wait for the next one.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

The Bachelor Betrayal is a fun, sexy, exciting ride of a historical spy romance. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the backdrop of Victorian England. It is such a diverse, creative time. Marcus Black, the Earl of Westwood, and Lady Kaitlyn Montrose are spies going after the same assassin. Separately the two are dangerous; together, they are unstoppable. Marcus and Kaitlyn have a fierce, fiery attraction that leads to a passionate complication neither expected.

Kaitlyn was an exceptional character. Kaitlyn was a strong, capable, intimidating woman. Kaitlyn could hold her own physically and mentally with any man. I loved Kaitlyn’s independence and stubbornness. Marcus allows Kaitlyn to spread her wings. Marcus is protective, yet he will enable Kaitlyn to be herself.

The plot was elegantly intricate. The spies, action, intrigue, and passion are combined expertly. I was on the edge of my seat, guessing what would happen next. The connection between Marcus and Kaitlyn was remarkable as they faced each other as equals. The couple’s relationship is passionately romantic.

The Bachelor Betrayal is the second book in the Secrets, Scandals, and Spies series. This is an entertaining, stand-out novel in a promising, fascinating series. Full of espionage, fight scenes, and passionate encounters, this romance will keep you up reading late into the night!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish! I was drawn in from the very first page and could not it it down. Kat is such a powerful, strong and courageous heroine who you can’t help but love. She desperately needs someone to take care of her for a change as she is o busy taking care of everyone else. Marcus is hurt from his past and needs someone to break through and earl his heart, and help him understand that not all women are evil. Their chemistry lit the pages on fire! I especially enjoyed Kat’s relationship with the Dragon Duchess, their verbal sparring was delightful. You could tel that Kat was the embodiment of a young duchess. I was pleasantly surprised with the mystery elements of the story. So often they are more of a background to the romance but his story is equal parts romance & mystery. It kept me guessing from start to finish, I must have suspected every single character at some point. It made for such a compelling and entertaining read. I will definitely be going back to read Livvie’s story and cannot wait for Etta & Lucas. Their contempt for each other and constant banter already has me eager for more, they almost stole the show at some points. A masterful story from an author I will most certainly be reading more of!

What an incredible story! I thought I was going to read a romance but it was so much more! There was danger, intrigue, spys, murder, and yes romance. The characters reach out and grab you from the first page and they do not let go until the very end. And oh what a ride you are privileged to accompany them on. I can not wait for the next installment in this series! Madison Michaels is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley but the opinions expressed are solely my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book; this is my freely given opinion.
This book is a romantic spy novel that is set in the late Victorian era. Kat was trained as an agent of the Queen by her beloved uncle. The first few chapters of the book really grabbed my attention as Kat is hunting for the killer of her uncle and meets the Earl of Westwood who is also an agent of the Queen and is looking for his wife's killer. The plot is twisting, and I only guessed part of it. The romance was not quit as fleshed out as I would have liked, and I didn't feel invested in the romantic relationship till the end. Kat is a strong character more along the lines of a female James Bond (without the gadgets). I rate the book 3.5*

'A welcome return to the wonderful world of Secrets, Scandals and Spies! It's good to get my hands on another Maddison Michaels read!'

Thank you to Maddison and her team for arranging this ebook ARC for me to read. I appreciate all the effort from both parties so I can read it and leave an honest review.
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I stated in my review of 'The Bachelor Bargain', that it was quote unquote 'better than Bridgerton'. I was sure that when I made the statement that it only referred to that book but I am happy proved wrong, as the statement applies here and now to The Bachelor Betrayal.

The theme of secrets, scandals and spies runs throughout this book, stepping away from the predictability of regency-type romances full of rakes and debutants. Maddison knows how to 'add a little bit of....spice' to the genre and does so with gusto with the two main characters who are taking the spotlight this time around, Marcus Black and Katherine 'Kat' Montrose. Oh, Marcus, Marcus, Marcus. I had fallen head over heels for the Bas*ard of Baker Street, but you've swooped on in like a thief in the middle of the night and have won my affection without so much as a fight. You're going to be a book boyfriend, and a character, I'm going to be thinking about for the rest of the year to come.

Putting Marcus Black aside for a moment--as hard as that is to do--I must praise Maddison for an intense and gripping storyline for the whole of The Bachelor Betrayal. The genre itself is very limited in terms of what can physically happen within the time period, and The Bachelor Bargain blew me away so much, I was keen as mustard to see where Maddison would spin another book in the series. Immediately I put on my Sherlock Holmes hat and tried to get one ahead of the game to work out what was to be worked out--my lips are sealed as to why, as I don't want to drop a spoiler--but as with the greatness of Maddison's writing I was once more thoroughly outwitted and my jaw dropped to the floor when the inevitable clanger was dropped. That was one hell of a bombshell I should have seen coming, but didn't. I love it!

Also, the kill count in this book. Wowza! It's an authors prerogative to kill off a character or two, but this count could rival Jack the Ripper! The twists and turns it took to get to those moments and the moments that followed thereafter, absolutely fantastic.

If I have a spare moment between reads, I'm for sure one hundred percent going to re-visit this read time and time again, as I'm firmly under the spell of this series and of course, Maddison.

One more bachelor bit the dust, Kat worked her strong, independent female magic and what a journey these two went on. Cannot recommend this read or Maddison enough, truly! I've seen this in a few other reviews and I'm going to have to echo it here in my own myself, I have found my new and firm favourite regency/historical/romantic suspense author.

Five thrilling stars for The Bachelor Betrayal and for Maddison Michaels!

A story with a kick butt plot and characters. It is romanced that is made even better by the adrenaline involved in the chase to catch a killer. Marcus and Kat are both of the peerage and spies for the Crown. The author uses witty conversations between the characters to keep the pace of the story quick and snappy. The plot is interesting and digs deep to pull the reader in and keep you turning the pages. The peripheral characters perform a great role as supporting cast. Marcus and Kat along with others will make memorable characters for quite awhile.

A young woman brought up from the age of four to fight, both with her body and weapons, despite being an Earl’s daughter, is bent on vengeance. However she needs help in the form of Marcus Black to track down her nemesis. The trouble is that with Marcus her ice maiden role is impossible to maintain and she finds him unusually distracting. Lots of action, bedroom scenes and several villains whose identity keep you guessing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kat and Marcus both hold unconventional jobs, working as spies who currently seek revenge against the Chameleon, who has played a major role in the loss of loved ones within their families. After they see each other for the first time in years, an attraction between the two is immediate, but both refuse to marry and therefore do not want any relationship aside from a secret affair. While working together to find the Chameleon, a ghost of an assassin, Kat and Marcus try to continue denying their developing feelings toward each other.

This was my first book by Maddison Michaels, and I really, really enjoyed it! The main characters and plot were both addicting, and I loved watching Kat and Marcus fight their true feelings for each other while seeking answers and justice in their mission. The side characters were wonderful as well, and I definitely plan to read the first book in the series at some point soon so I can get some more of Livie and Sebastian. There was only one aspect of this book that I didn't absolutely love; the chemistry between Kat and Marcus was absolutely amazing, but I felt as though the actual execution of their passion was missing something. Other than that, however, I loved this book! Historical romance is a genre that I have been reading on and off for about a year now, and The Bachelor Betrayal is a reminder as to why I enjoy it so much!

TW for violence, murder, sexual content, cheating (not between the mcs), loss of loved ones.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Entangled: Amara, and TLC Book Tours for the ARC of The Bachelor Betrayal by Maddison Michaels! I look forward to sharing my review publicly on my tour date.

I mostly really enjoyed this! I stayed up late reading because I couldn't wait to find out who the Chameleon was. I liked that the romance took some time to develop, even though it was insta-lust. The pacing of the first 80% or so was great, but it really went from 0-100 in the last 20%. I know it's a lot to wrap up, but my head was spinning by the end and it could've been mediated out more in earlier pages. It left me unsatisfied, though I really did like most of the book. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, and hope that it has a more measured pace.

This is the second book in a Victorian-era spy series and this one featured the not very typical character of Lady Kat. She’s been trained by her uncle in the art of spying and and self defense and just about anything else. Kat was a secondary character in the first book so I was looking forward to her story.

In this book, she’s trying to find the Chameleon, an assassin her uncle was after, who ultimately ended up killing her. And Kat wants her revenge. In the process of hunting down clues, she runs into Marcus, who was also trained by Kat’s uncle and he’s now an Earl and trying to find the Chameleon as well. They end up working together to find out who this assassin is while trying their best not to fall in love with each other.

Overall, this book was disappointing to me. Kat was like a super human, she could do no wrong and she never missed a shot or a knife throw. But then we realize that this super human who knew everything couldn’t tell that there was a traitor very close to her? And Marcus, while typical of a man during this time period, pretty much existed to tell Kat what she could and couldn’t do. Which annoyed Kat endlessly, but she still falls in love with him? So needless to say, I wasn’t impressed by the romance. The suspense part of this book worked a little better for me, the intrigue was interesting, and while I suspected who the Chameleon was as soon as that character was introduced, there was a twist toward the end that I wasn’t expecting.

I thought the first book was a little better, mostly because I thought the characters were fleshed out better in that book. Maybe I would have liked this one a little more if Kat and Marcus weren’t such two dimensional characters.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

<b>Thanks to the author and netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</b>

Trained to be able to protect herself in a world of spies. Lady Kat is a unusual lady. Not afraid of anything. Impatient. Almost devil may care but when her uncle is murdered and dies in her arms. Nothing will stop her from seeking her revenge not even the devilish handsome Marcus Black. He maybe the an Earl but even he has difficulty handling Kat.

A spy for his country, searching for the killer of his wife and hunting for answers on who framed his brother as a traitor. Marcus has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t have time for love or want to marry again. Until Kat comes flying back into his life.

When two strong personalities collide the sparks and passion flys and things get a little hot and bothered between them.

I have to applaud other, the plot was jam packed, sprinkled with a few plot twists which made it a real page turner. The characters are strong and powerful. No insipid maid anywhere. She’s crafted strong women who won’t be pigeonholed.

He wants justice
Underestimating Marcus Black is the last thing his enemies ever do. After all, the respected Earl of Westwood is a deadly threat… when her Majesty needs him to be. And his only goal is to avenge his brother’s murder. Which would be much easier if the viciously-skilled Lady Kaitlyn Montrose wouldn’t swoop in, knee him in the bollocks, and then run off with his only lead…
She wants revenge
Kat is determined to avenge her beloved uncle’s murder and nothing will stop her. Especially not the devastatingly handsome, and equally lethal Marcus Black. The fact that he’s after the same target is a complication she hadn’t planned on. And as much as she enjoys taunting him, she has a job to do—one that doesn’t include sparring with the infuriating man at every turn. Except Kat has a new plan… one that Marcus will just hate.
Now they’ll have to work together… if they don’t kill each other first
Individually, Marcus and Kat are deadly. If they worked together, they could be unstoppable. But when attraction gets in the way of vengeance, it’s more than hearts on the line. And only one person can win...
They all wanted justice but it wasn't to be.
Treachery four fold made up the story of Kat and Marcus. This is an interesting storyline and I absolutely loved the read.
Maddison Michaels has written a book that has spunk.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Mystery, suspense, romance...The Bachelor Betrayal has it all. I could not put it down. A fantastic read, with pages filled with twists, turns and explosive mayhem. This action packed story, is the second book in the series and could easily be read as a standalone.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.