Bateman writes fantastic historical romances and How to Fall for a Scoundrel is her best one yet.

Solving crimes and falling in love is my catnip. I love mystery and romance so when the genres can be combined I devour it. I liked the plot for this story. It was intriguing and kept me guessing.

Eleanor & Harry had a lot of chemistry. They were so hot for each other.. Opposites certainly attract in this love story. The sexual tension was well done and I couldn't get enough of their interactions. Their banter was top notch too. I liked how Harry got Eleanor to loosen up, it was cute. I thought these two were a fantastic couple.

This is second in a series, but I feel it can be read as a standalone.

If you crave a bit of crime solving in your historical romp, give this a try! If you liked the PBS show Miss Scarlet & the Duke, you'll love this.

Author Kate Bateman returns with book two in the Her Majesty's Rebels series with HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL. While each book in the series stands alone with dynamic characters and an intriguing mystery or two to solve, I encourage fans of historical romance to grab book one for an entertaining evening of reading and for an introduction to the three fiesty women who are featured in the overall story arc.

Eleanor Law and two of her closest friends, Daisy and Tess, are the secret founders, as well as the brains and muscle, behind King & Co., London's most successful private investigation firm during a time when women weren't considered intelligent enough or educated enough to run businesses. They operate behind the facade of a fictitious boss named Charles King, who doesn't exist until now when a man appears claiming to be Charles King. They know, of course, that he's lying, but the women can use his con man skills on a difficult case reclaiming a precious manuscript, so they strike a deal playing along to discover the true identity of this mysterious stranger who's captured Ellie's attention and heart.

Harry "King" aka Henri Bonheur aka any of at least a dozen other names has returned to London to reclaim his birthright, but he needs the help of the three smart, beautiful women who run the best PI Firm in London. He strikes a deal with the delectable Ellie, claiming he's given up his notorious past as a con man and thief and will help them recover the manuscript if they help him prove his real identity. The deal throws Ellie and Harry in close proximity for extended periods of time which fuels the flame of desire sparking between them. Ellie repeatedly reminds herself there's no future in falling for a con man and scoundrel. This is business and business only. Right?

Author Kate Bateman is one of the best at rendering heartwarming historical romance stories with a lot of heart, depth, banter and humor. Ellie is highly intelligent, beautiful, spunky and fun. Harry is every woman's dream with a perfect blend of great looks, skills and heart. The growing sexual banter, sizzling chemistry and mutual admiration offsets the intriguing mystery playing out, and a strong support cast, including Daisy and Tess, highlight the value of strong female friendships. Bateman's utilization of short chapters drives a fast pace as this unlikely team of cohorts' race toward the final climax.

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL is a highly entertaining, well-written historical romance with all the right ingredients for romance as well as a good mystery. A strong, smart, witty female protagonist and a kind, loving, charming male protagonist who can't resist bowing to temptation team up and deliver one of my favorite romances by Bateman to date. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, historical romance and even romcoms. This one is a delight to read!

With some 80s TV Remington Steele vibes, Ellie's successful detective agency has a fictional male boss, until Harry announces (falsely) he's the owner. The three women detectives decide to let this charade go on. Maybe having a scoundrel fraudster around will be good for business. Ellie is falling hard but she doesn't even know his real name! Can she trust him? This is all good fun but I do have to wonder at Ellie's incredible freedom as a single young woman. Investigating cases, going undercover, spending the night with Harry, going to clubs. As her father is the Lord High Chancellor of England, he should check in on his daughter!

A romp of a romance between Ellie, a strong intelligent woman, and Henry, charming scoundrel. Wait- is that his real name? These two team up to solve mysteries and for, well, a bit of love. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Great characters and storytelling made this a really good read.

A reformed rake may make the best husband, but a scoundrel certainly makes the best regency hero.

Show me a charming con man who keeps his proverbial cards close to his chest, lies and steals his way along but with his own code of ethics, who sees what others don’t and gives his heart freely to a bright, studious, and thoughtful heroine—and he’ll quickly become my favorite regency hero.

While I will admit the mysteries so far in the the Her Majesty’s Rebels series have been a bit simple, I also must remind myself that without internet and modern technology, they still have to be solvable. Besides, the story revolves less around the two core investigative cases of the novel, and more around the sizzling chemistry between Ellie and Harry when they’re paired up to solve them.

Between their flirtatious banter and matching intellect, I found myself rooting for Harry to break one of his rules—rule 4: never mix theft with seduction—very early on. (Which technically he does, since he’s introduced by way of a stolen mistletoe kiss.)

While I would have liked more of Harry’s POV in this one, I recognize why that wouldn’t have worked, since one of the mysteries is about his identity. I just feel like Ellie might have come alive more as a character through his perspective, as opposed to her own, biased one.

That said, this was a fun, low-angst adventure, and served as a great palate cleanser for me between heavier stories. I also think it has great re-readability potential—if only to relive the top-tier banter.

This was a well paced book with just the right amount of sizzle that I crave in a historical romance. The main character was likable - which for time, is freshing to read that she's not about being on the marriage mart. She's strong and intelligent. A career female. I adore that! The male lead was quite the scoundrel but with a touch of flare and humor that kept people on their toes.

Together, they lit up the pages with their undeniable chemistry, quick whit and never ending banter.

This book was entertaining, but of course again, I stared with the second book of a series - and that will forever erk me to no end. I will now have to go back to read the 1st of the series.

This is book two and the scoundrel series. I have enjoyed both books thoroughly. Three girls who went to school together we're on the Charles King investigation agency.
This book is the story of Eleanor or Ellie. She is the daughter of the Chief Justice. She's not wealthy or titled as her two companions are. But she is extremely intelligent, a definite blue stocking.
The scandal on this book is Harry or Henry. He is a con man, a charmer, and a thief. He has decided to insert himself into the agency by conning a client of theirs. Ellie is furious. They have worked too hard for someone to just jump in and take over. But his experiences on the wrong side of the law have benefited them in helping to solve a case so they give him the benefit of the doubt.
There is a definite chemistry between Ellie and Henry or Harry. Working together brings them closer together. He's a little too easygoing, and she's a little too proper.
I really enjoyed both characters They brought a lot of different parts of the personality into the story and made it very enjoyable. There were a lot of twists and turns in the story which keeps the story moving and keep your attention involved.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

What a book! I was hesitant to read “How to Fall For a Scoundrel,” the second in the series, because I loved the first so much but also excited. I will say that I had nothing to worry about, this book was amazing! I read the novel in 24 hours, it had me hooked from start to finish. Ellie (the FMC) is trying to continue her investigative agency with her three friends but their fictional figure head, Charles King, is starting to not convince their clients to give them cases anymore. Enter Henri Bonheur, or Harry for short, which may or may not be his real name. He’s on to the investigator’s deception and willing to play the part of Mr. King if they include him in their cases. He has an ulterior motive to helping them which becomes clear later.

The chemistry between these two characters was steamy but a wonderful banter and friendship emerged as well that I really enjoyed. I love seeing Tess from “Second Duke’s the Charm” in the story as well as Daisy. I loved the mystery plot line and how Harry helped them to solve three mysteries by the end. The final chapters were very sweet between the MMC’s and I enjoyed every moment reading this book. I could not put it down. Now the wait begins for Daisies story, while I am waiting I think I will need to reread Tess’ story!

Regency romance is my comfort read. And this one was no exception. The characters were likable. The plot was just interesting enough to keep my reading, and the romantic tension was excellent.

Was the story historically accurate? No. But that’s hardly a prerequisite for the genre. The plot reminded me of the old 80s TV show, Remington Steele. A group of female detectives invent a fake male boss to give their investigations more credibility, but are caught off guard when a man shows up claiming to be that boss. Despite their initial hesitation, they begin to solve multiple cases with their new “boss.”

This was the type of easy to read, slightly spicy romance that makes a good palate cleanser between weightier reads. It was very enjoyable.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

Fun quick read, and enjoyable second book in this series!

This book could be read as a standalone, but would be better enjoyed read in order. I definitely also enjoy when FMC in historical romance step out of their gender norms. This makes this series especially delightful.

Ellie and Harry have great chemistry, and really great banter. I love how gone Harry is for Ellie, he sees her more than she even sees herself.

I adore the friendship between Tess, Daisy and Ellie, and I cannot wait for Daisy’s book. I feel her backstory, may come into play for her HEA.

Eleanor Law is one of the ladies who run King & Co. private investigations. As we learned in the first book in the series, there is no Mr. King. Eleanor meets “Harry”, a reformed charmer and thief who steps in as “Mr. King” when she needs help to find a missing manuscript. Harry. Eleanor soon finds out that Harry has numerous identities, and she finds herself being taken in by his charms. I really enjoyed Eleanor and Harry as a couple and seeing them both happy at the end.

This is the second book in the series Her Majesty's Rebels. It can be read as a standalone.
This is a wonderfully written, entertaining read. It is lighthearted and has such wonderful characters and a great storyline.
There is great chemistry, steam and witty banter between Ellie and Henry as they work their way to proving his identity.
I love the friendship between Ellie, Tess and Daisy as they work together at their detective agency.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

This is an outrageous fun, sexy light read with wonderful characters. I was hooked by end of page one and couldn't put it down. Eille along with her two best friend run a detective service with a fake "owner" by the name of Charles King. Ellie,Daisy and Tess handle cases have built a good reputation for solving their cases. While at a Christmas ball Ellie who is great at down playing how pretty she is and staying on the sidelines is asked by a stranger if she is waiting for a Kiss! The stranger turns out to be just about the most handsome man she has every seen. Henri Bonheur or Harry as he likes to be called is a man of many talents. Ellie can't believe that the stranger knows not only her name but who her father is too. With is easy smile and fun smile she finds herself being kissed by him. He gives her a made up name the Tess figures out and then leaves. When he shows up again he is pretending to be non other then their boss, Charles King! Oh, my let the games begin. With him helping them out with a case, a mystery to solve and both having many thoughts about the other that have nothing to do with the case its wonderful. So much flirtation, playful banter, a handsome devil that is also a con artist, thief and liar what is a Ellie who has always thought life was just right and wrong, black and white. Harry brings out all her hidden desires and wanton thoughts. This is a fast paced story with many twist and turns and so much just plain fun you don't want to miss it. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Be sure and grab a copy and get started to see how it all comes out in the end.

I love this series so much. These three women, determined to follow their interests, even when men won’t allow them.
I love a charming scoundrel. Especially one with a dubious history and a complicated future.
This book was the perfect amount of fun and heist and sexiness.

Harry and Ellie have a special connection that develops as she doesn’t even know his name. Yet, she knows him; her heart knows him. Kate Bateman does a fabulous job of keeping Ellie wondering who and what Harry is as he gives her glimpses of his talents. Her mind keeps telling her there is more to him than he is telling her. And, Ellie never lets up on questioning or watching him to make sure he does not embarrass King and Company.

Bateman throws in a bonus to their romance as they work to prove Harry is ‘who he says he is.’ All in all you will find this to be a beautiful romance with a bit of investigation and lots of love.

This is the second book in the Her Majesty's Rebels series, and it's just as fun as the first one! The story follows Ellie who owns and runs King & Co., a highly successful investigative firm with two of her friends. After an unexpected encounter at a ball, Harry claims to be the infamous King, and though it's a total lie, Ellie goes along with it to help him solve a mystery and to gain a client who will only hire men.

Harry's a self-proclaimed thief, and Ellie knows she shouldn't trust him. But the more they work together, the harder she falls for the enigmatic man. There's definitely more to Harry than he's saying, and the unraveling of secrets is fantastic. I also love the strong friendship between Tess, Ellie, and Daisy. They are all strong intelligent women who defy societal stereotypes, and the way they support and respect each other is friendship goals.

Harry and Ellie are total opposites in so many ways, yet they fit so perfectly together. Harry is a shameless flirt who exudes charisma and charm, and Ellie is a self-conscious bluestocking who prefers to blend into the background. Ellie is a rule follower and the daughter of a barrister, and Harry is a thief with a murky past. It seems like they would have nothing in common, but they actually complement each other well. I love how Harry gets Ellie to let loose a bit as they start investigating together. Sneaking into the Tower of London, pretending to be lovers, the pair go on an exciting adventure, and Ellie changes so much because of it. She becomes much more confident and sure of herself, and it's so good to see her gain a sense of worth.

Some of the tension in Ellie and Harry's relationship stems from Harry's mysterious past. He goes by many names, and Ellie struggles with the fact that she's falling for a man she really doesn't know. He is so gone for her. My word it's wonderful! There are some scenes that had me melting because they were so romantic, and others made me melt because they were pretty steamy! lol Theirs is definitely a swoon-worthy love story!! And the banter? Perfection! You can feel the sparks between them from their very first meeting and in every conversation they have. Bateman always has the best dialogue and banter in her stories.

I always enjoy Kate Bateman's historical romances, and this is no exception. It's such a fun and sexy story, and the banter, wit, and suspense are fantastic! Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

The first half of this book was so flipping good. I was chuckling and smiling at all of the quips from Harry and the interaction with Ellie. Then it kind of slowed down for me and I wanted more of the intrigue that at the beginning of the story. Still, Kate always writes amazing stories. I read this one right through. Her characters are always interesting and the stories are always top notch. Won’t tell you the big secret but it is too cute and a game changer.

Eleanor Jane Law is the daughter of Sir Edward Law, the Lord Chief Justice. Together with her friends Daisy and Tess they own and run King & Company, London’s most successful private investigation firm. Since they are women, they must keep their identities hidden so they use the name Charles King as the "man" in charge.

While at a stakeout, Ellie is approached by a man who claims to be Charles King. Since Ellie knows it's a made up name, she knows this man is trying to con her....what a scoundrel! He ends up telling her his name is Henri Bonheur, the Comte de Carabas. It seems Henry would like the services of King & Company but on the down low to prove who he really is. Ellie, Daisy and Tess agree to help Henry if he would help them with another case. William Bullock, the owner of Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly would like to hire King & Company regarding a theft case, but he wants to speak directly to Charles King. Overhearing this conversation, Henry joins in and introduces himself as Charles and thus begins the job of finding the missing artifact.

All the time Ellie and Henry spend together, feelings start to become involved. Ellie knows Henry is hiding something from her but she just can't help herself....she wants Henry to bed her. She knows she is going to end up a spinster and she may as well have some fun. What Ellie doesn't realize is that Henry is falling for her, but he cannot do anything about it until his past is figured out once and for all. Just when it looks like Ellie and Henry are going to get their happy ending, the past comes crashing in. Ellie figures her time with Henry is over, but suddenly realizes that it isn't....that it always has been her!

I just adored this historical romance with a fun adventure thrown in. Ellie was such a perfect heroine. She was strong, smart and didn't realize her true worth. Henry was the best scoundrel. He may have led a life of crime, but that is all in his past. Together they complimented each other well during their story. Now I can't wait for Daisy's turn!

The series continues to charm, Kate Bateman always hits the spot when I'm in need for a lighthearted historical romance (with a plot), and How to Fall for a Scoundrel is no difference. Centering around a detective agency set up by the series heroine trio, I'm glad to report there's indeed a lot of sleuthing incorporated within its narrative—and the case is a densely layered one, cascading like Dominoes with 1 case leading smoothly into the next (I do have to overlook a few logic gaps, but they don't hinder the overall experience). The romance is cute (if not overly dramatic/emotional), primarily due to the snappy banters, but it does lose a bit of momentum in its last stretch—the third act conflict feels muted and halfhearted, more like a prerequisite to get to a novel-length page count rather than a necessity for its romance arc. Still, How to Fall for a Scoundrel is a solid entry to the series, and I can't wait for the third book!

As most of you know, Regency-era romances are one of my favorite genres to read. And, if you have been following me for a long enough time, you know that I love Kate Bateman’s books. So, when How to Fall for a Scoundrel came across my email, it wasn’t even a question of me reading the book. It was an automatic acceptance on my end.

How to Fall for a Scoundrel is the second book in the Her Majesty’s Rebels series. You can read it as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading book one first. It provides a more in-depth background of the main characters and how their detective agency started.

The main storyline of How to Fall for a Scoundrel is centered around Ellie and Harry. Ellie is 1/3 of the owner of King & Co., a detective agency that the Queen uses. Harry is an ex-con who wiggled his way into her life by claiming to be her fictional boss, Charles King. Ellie and Harry are forced together when King & Co. is approached and asked to find a stolen priceless manuscript. But Ellie isn’t aware that Harry has secrets that revolve around his past. What happens when Harry’s secrets come to light? Will their fledgling relationship be able to withstand them?

I loved the chemistry between Ellie and Harry. I wasn’t expecting that because it was an Instalove-type deal, and usually (in my experience), Instalove doesn’t have the chemistry that these two did.

I liked Ellie. She certainly didn’t take any shit from Harry, that’s for sure. I loved watching her interact with him. It was a healthy blend of skepticism, lust (later love), and amusement.

Harry was an enigma. When he introduced himself as Henri, my attention was caught from the beginning. The author did an excellent job of keeping his identity a secret, but I wasn’t surprised when it was revealed. I also liked that Harry was very much in tune with his feelings. He acknowledged what he felt for Ellie before she even began to admit it to herself. And for a Regency-era man, I thought that it was refreshing.

The storyline with the manuscript was exciting, but it was more of a backdrop for Ellie and Harry’s romance. I liked the shenanigans that they got into, and I loved watching them fall for each other.

Toward the end of the book, a secondary storyline revolves around Harry. This interesting storyline involved Harry’s eyes (he had heterochromia). Other than that, I can’t get into the storyline because there are some major spoilers, and I don’t want to give anything away.

The end of How to Fall for a Scoundrel was a HEA. I liked how the author wrapped up Ellie and Harry’s love story, solved the manuscript mystery, and solved the secondary storyline with Harry. I cannot wait for the third book in this series to come out!!

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks, NetGalley, and Kate Bateman for allowing me to read and review this ARC of How to Fall for a Scoundrel. All opinions stated in this review are mine.