Ellie owns a detective agency with her two best friends. One day, while attending a ball, she stumbles upon Harry, a thief who offers to team up with her to recover a manuscript.


I feel like this is one of those books where the couple is together from the very first page. I loved Ellie and Harry's banter so much. There are lines in this that I kept repeating to myself they were so good. I also really enjoyed the investigation and the writing is one-of-a-kind (it really flows so well). There are whole passages full of details that were just wonderful, like Harry explaining different card tricks, I just liked that the author delves deep into different things just because it's interesting. The only reason I'm giving it four stars is that I feel there was no build-up at all, Ellie and Harry kiss almost immediately. I do appreciate the total absence of angst (the drama comes from elsewhere) but I like a bit of a slower burn. This is top notch, though, I'm always shocked at how much I enjoy Kate Bateman each time I read her.

My endless thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC!

Kate Bateman's How to Fall for a Scoundrel is a traditional historical romance with a hint of mystery. The story follows Eleanor Law, an investigator and co-founder of London's most successful private detective agency, King & Co. When a charming conman named Henri Bonheur assumes the identity of her fictional boss, "Charles King," Ellie is thrown into a whirlwind of intrigue and undeniable attraction. It is reminiscent of a particular trio of angels with a fictional Charles. The story dives straight into the "fake boss" situation, creating a sense of urgency, but the lack of extensive discussion among the group seems a lost opportunity to get to know the characters better.
Nonetheless, Ellie is intelligent, independent, and fiercely determined. She's not afraid to break the mold of traditional Regency heroines. Henri has a mysterious and shady past but is charming and generous. The story hurries through his past, but despite its colorful nature, it fails to add any intrigue. The pace is fast, and any entanglements are quickly resolved. Perfect for those who like a quick romantic read. This might not be the best choice if you're looking for a book filled with twists and turns, but the romance is lovely.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book for review!

I have amazing luck with Kate Bateman’s books and this was no exception. Ellie works for King & Co., as a private investigator. Harry is a thief with a heart of gold. They team up on various cases while faking for each other more and more.

Like what’s not to love about that?!?! I actually loved both characters. Ellie is so practical and Harry makes her walk on the wild side. While Harry is a bit free and loose with rules but is turning over a new leaf. They truly compliment one another SO WELL.


The plot is filled with missions and this keeps you engaged the whole time. I was just waiting for what happened next. The two of them were also a perfect investigative team!


The side characters are all so good! Harry’s uncle Huge is great and I’m so ready for Daisy’s story.

This is such a fun series!

4.5 Stars

How to Fall for a Scoundrel is the second book in Kate Bateman's Her Majesty's Rebels series. I discovered Bateman a few years ago and she quickly has become a favorite HR writer of mine. Her plots are always such fun and the leads are swoon worthy.

Eleanor Law is cofounder of the mysterious private investigative agency King and Co. No one in the ton knows that the elusive Charles King is really a group of women investigators. When a strange man steals a kiss from Eleanor under the mistletoe. and then purports himself to be Charles King in front of a prospective client, Eleanor must figure out who is really is and not just the many characters he portrays.

I'm not one for a spy mystery story in my historical romance but Kate Bateman continues to make me eat my words. Both books in the Her Majesty's Rebel's series are fantastic and don't rely too heavily on the spy storyline. The mystery serves to further the plot but isn't the entire plot. It's a fun romp and the banter is top notch. I was genuinely surprised when the hero's true identity was revealed. It takes a lot to surprise me now a days. "Harry" is so fun and he and Eleanor played off each other so well. A lot of books purport to have a scoundrel hero but Harry truly was one, and I loved him for it.

Tropes included: mysterious backstory, bluestocking heroine, scoundrel hero, wallflower heroine, secret identity, undercover work, solving a mystery

Thank you to Kate Bateman, NetGalley, and St Martin's Press for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #KateBateman #NetGalley #HowToFallForAScoundrel #StMartinsPress

This was great and very much true to Kate Bateman form. Fun characters, a mystery that was not super complicated but fun, a twist you could see coming but felt smart for figuring out. Highly enjoyable and I definitely want to see what happens for Daisy to finish out the trilogy.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of this storyfrom Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Kate Bateman never fails to amaze me with her beautiful unique stories.  How to Fall for a Scoundrel is exactly what makes her a fabulous author. Eleanor Law is one of three women of an investigate team. However, poeple are always wanting to meet their imaginary male boss, Mr. King. Harry, a reformed thief introduces himself as Mr.King to a potential client and the world for Eleanor turns tipsy turvy from that point forward. The magnetic pull both have towards each other is so magnanimous that itbis hard for Eleanor to decide the true Harry who later claims to be a long lost Earl. A fabulous story!

4.5-5 Stars! Loved this book! Kate Bateman is such a talented author, she’s in my top 3 favorite authors of all time!! This is the second book in ‘Her Majesty’s Rebels’ series and can be read as a standalone. The main characters were Ellie & Harry and I loved both of them. I had a smile on my face for a majority of this book, with all the witty banter the main characters had. They were perfect for one another. Harry was charming and knew how to pull Ellie from her wallflower shell. A few surprises I didn’t see coming & absolutely enjoyed. I love when a book has surprises in it that I don’t see coming since a lot of romance books can all sound alike after a while. Definitely worth reading & I 100% recommend! You won’t be sorry with a Kate Bateman book!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

What a delightful book! Ellie and her two friends run an investigative business. Henri is a scoundrel and gets involved in helping them solve a crime. There’s costumes, disguises, and everything you could hope for in a detective regency romance!

The dialogue between Ellie and Henri is so witty and I adore their verbal sparring. I found myself laughing out loud often. The pacing is perfect and I never had a moment where I felt like the book dragged. It felt like a quick read and I wish I got to see more of “Carlotta and Enrico.” Those were my favorite scenes. I could have read at least another hundred pages of them working together on solving crimes. I loved seeing not just a romance being built, but a true friendship of equals who respected each other.

The relationship between Ellie, Tess, and Daisy was also very sweet to read. It was nice seeing such a warm and supportive girl friend group.

This happened to be the first book I read from the series, and I didn’t feel lost at all, so it can be read as a standalone. Although now I definitely want to dive more into the different stories!

I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. Thank you to the author and the publisher!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book. all opinions are my own.

I will post my full review once SMP address the insensitive comments of their employee.

Harry is a mystery with all kinds of skills. Ellie and Harry match so well they fall for each other fast. All the characters are great and add to the story so well your kept very entertained. Can’t wait for the next book.

I absolutely adore Kate Bateman's books and this was no exception. Harry and Ellie were just wonderful together and the story had me hooked!

Thank you for the early copy!

The three young women running the Charles King investigation agency are surprised when a man, using a pseudonym from Puss in Boots, steps into one of their investigations claiming to be Charles King. Ellie Law works with him on a case to retrieve a stolen gem encrusted gold book and sex blossoms. He is back in England to prove his identity after living as a con man and thief. Queen Charlotte even makes an appearance. Bateman's series will appeal to fans of Bridgerton.

This was a sweet continuation to the series, I enjoyed the story with its interesting challenge. The characters were interesting, the pace however was a bit slow

Really enjoyed this one, even more than the first of the Her Magesty’s Rebels book! Ellie and Henry are such a fun pair to follow.

The connection between Ellie and Harry was instant. They drew me into their adventures, which were non stop. It was exhilarating and steamy. The ending was slightly comical, with Daisy and Tess, and romantic. This author never disappoints.

Kate Bateman continues her streak with HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL. Building on her strengths as displayed in the first of the series, this book features Bateman's well written women, banter, and a romance that made me stay up at night reading.

Eleanor Law is a founding member of King & Co., a successful private investigation firm in London. The Ton would not be pleased to find out that the company is run by women - in order to keep their secret, the friends have made up a fictional boss aka Charles King.

Ellie is kissed by a mysterious, yet charming stranger at ball. He refuses to give her his real name, only to introduce himself to one of their clients later in the evening as Charles King. Ellie reluctantly accepts his help with the case and the two set off to find a jewel encrusted book that has gone missing.

Henri Bonheur, or Harry as he has asked to be called, claims that his criminal past is behind him, but Ellie has her doubts. As the investigation draws them deeper into danger and potential scandal, Ellie is irritated to discover she has developed feelings for her partner-in-crime. How can you love someone when you don’t truly know who they are? What will happen when Harry’s past catches up to him?

Read if you like:
* regency romance
* smart women
* charming men
* forced proximity

The second installment in the Her Majesty’s Rebels is an absolute delight. Ellie was one of favorite characters in the first novel - she is studious, smart, and despite being a wallflower, has a wonderfully wicked side. Harry is so charming and watching him fall for Ellie is incredibly sweet. Their chemistry and banter is off the charts and the two couldn’t be more perfect for each other.

I adore the friendship that the women have and can’t wait for Daisy’s story!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free digital copy of this book. This is my honest review. Publication date: August 20, 2024.

I was given the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed the first book in this series. Three strong women characters form an investigative firm with a fake male, Charles King at the helm. Ellie Law meets a "charming, anonymous scoundrel" at Lady Chessington's annual Christmas ball. He kisses her and she feels a jolt of faint lightening at the contact. He gives her a fake name, later introduces himself to one of their clients as Charles King and becomes involved in helping solve one of their cases.

This is a fast paced story with twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoy reading Kate Bateman's novels and this one did not disappoint. If you enjoy historical romances, mysteries, and strong women, you can read this book 2 stand-alone novel in Her Majesty's Rebels series.

What a fun story! Harry was great. I loved his attitude and charm and how he pulled Ellie out of her shell.

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

So I expected to enjoy this story, but I didn't expect to love it nearly as much as I did. I want to keep it in my pocket to keep re-reading it.

So a bit of backstory, I love this detective show from the 1980s - Remington Steele. It's main premise is Laura Holt starts a PI agency and no one wants to hire a woman so she invents a male superior - then in the pilot this mysterious conman (played by a young Pierce Brosnan) steps into the shoes and becomes Remington Steele. I love this show and I have been looking for books with this concept and most importantly the fun if campy tone with a smattering of romance. I have been looking for YEARS, and nothing. Then I started this book, didn't even read the blurb (its Kate Bateman, can't go wrong, and I liked the first one so why bother with a summary). AND HERE IT IS. The perfect homage to Remington Steele. We have a lovable already smitten MMC who helps out the FMC AND her friends. He is a conman and thief, but so endearing. She is smart and confident and blooms under his attention. There is a great supporting cast, fun banter, layers of intrigue and hijinks, and the most important: a delightfully playful tone. This book is everything I wanted and couldn't find (which could have spelled disaster, but instead made a spot on my favorites shelf forever). My only complaint is that I wanted this to be its own series and not find out his dark past for another 20 or so books. But seriously, a great book and I can't wait for the third one.