How to Fall for a Scoundrel by Kate Bateman is the second book in the Her Majesty’s Rebels with the three investigative friends having trouble getting clients to use their services without meeting their boss, the elusive, Mr. King - who does not exist!

When I professional retired thief offers his services and pose as Mr. King and assist them in an investigation for a lost item, a case that they would not have without him…

Who better find a thief than a former thief?

Shockingly enough this thief, “Henri Bonheur” has a few more surprises up his sleeves and ends up hiring the ladies himself for his own investigation!

Studious Elinor Law is swept away by his charisma and spontaneity- but she is hesitant to trust her heart to such a known scoundrel!

This was one of those stories that started off with a bang, and I didn’t want to stop until the end! I couldn’t put it down!

I love it when romance characters, you with a spark between potential couple at the beginning and keeps growing and building until the end! I just loved the pairing of Wilde, Henry and straightlaced Eleanor!

I was so happy that I enjoyed this book to this degree. I wasn’t a big fan of the intro this new series. This definitely redeemed itself and I’m excited for the next partner to find her HEA!

How to Fall for a Scoundrel is the second book in Kate Bateman's historical romance series Her Majesty's Rebels. I really enjoyed the first book, except it took me quite a while to warm up to the hero of that story. I didn't have that problem here; this one could have charmed the, uh, corsets off any woman! There really wasn't much angst or suspense here, but it was fluffy fun. I liked Ms. Bateman's prior series better, but this is very entertaining and charming.

Eleanor "Ellie" Law is one of the founding members (together with her partners and dearest friends Tess and Daisy) of King & Co., London’s most successful private investigation firm. Though no one knows they are actually "Mr. King", Ellie loves to secretly prove women can solve a case as easily as a man. When a charming con man pretends to be her fictional boss, "Charles King," of course Ellie knows he’s lying! However, he offers to help her solve her latest case, and he just might help her recover a priceless book. Henri Bonheur”—or “Harry” as he likes to be called—claims his criminal past is behind him, but Ellie's not so sure. Can a man who easily lies, steals and seduces ever be trusted? As the investigation becomes more dangerous and they discover a burning passion for each other, Ellie wonders how she could fall for a man whose real name she doesn't even know! And what happens when Harry's past catches up with him?

The story was very entertaining. There wasn't as much mystery as I expected, and Her Majesty just had a small presence in this book, but it was still a good tale. What made the story were the wonderful characters. I just loved Ellie! She was studious and wore spectacles...my kind of heroine! She didn't like to wear her glasses in public; she just didn't realize just how lovely she really was even wearing them. When Ellie met Harry she found him to be totally exasperating, but she was also immediately attracted to him big time. Harry was extremely charming, though he was a thief. However, he did tell Ellie that he no longer engaged in crime, and he would help her discover a priceless artifact. He had absolutely mesmerizing eyes, which figures into the story. Harry didn't hesitate to let Ellie know he found her captivating. Their attraction was intense, and there was no holding back for either of them. Steamy time was quite erotic but well written. When Harry's past life is revealed, Ellie assumes their romance will end. Harry, of course, won't let that happen! They had an absolutely lovely relationship, but it wasn't my favorite one in the book - that would be the partnership and friendship Ellie had with Tess and Daisy. They were always there for one another, and when all three of the women are together, the pages always shine. There were some good supporting characters, but Hugo surpassed them all. He was Harry's uncle, and taught Harry all he knew. There are rules for thieves; did you know that? This was a fun book, but I'm especially excited that Daisy's romance will be next. It will take a strong man to be able to hold his own against a woman who has a thing for knives. I can't wait!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own, and I received no compensation for my review.

This was a new to me author and I enjoyed this book! Ellie and Harry together were so much fun. I loved seeing them work together on the mysteries.

Schemes, hijinks, and seduction fill the pages of How to Fall for a Scoundrel, book 2 of Kate Bateman’s Her Majesty’s Rebels series.

She sees herself as the sensible wallflower who easily blends into the background; he sees her as impossible to resist. When newcomer—and criminal?—Henri Bonheur enters the scene and pretends to take on the role of the fictitious “Charles King” of King & Co., Eleanor Law and her friends—and King &. Co. co-founders—find themselves partnering with a man whom they know next-to-nothing about.

This is another fun one from Bateman with plenty of chemistry between our leads. It’s not my favorite of her books, but it's still an enjoyable ride.

I received an advance copy of the book from St. Martin’s Press. All review opinions are my own.

Thank you SMP Romance for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I love Kate Bateman’s books and I don’t think I don’t think they receive nearly enough hype on bookstagram.

This series is great because it mixes romance with a tad of mystery. I love the strong female leads who solve cases.

Eleanor meets Henri or Harry at a function and he steps in and pretends to be their nonexistent employer. He makes a deal with the ladies to help solve their cases. Henri/Harry and Eleanor were such fun. They had great banter and chemistry. Although she’s unsure she can trust Harry, she quickly develops feelings for him.

I loved the twist about his identity and how they had to solve his case too. I can’t wait for Daisy’s book!

Title:  How to Fall for a Scoundrel  
Author:  Kate Bateman        
Genre: Romance        
Rating: 4 out of 5

As a founding member of King & Co., London’s most successful private investigation firm, studious Eleanor Law delights in secretly proving that women can solve crimes just as well as men. When a charming con man pretends to be her fictional boss, "Charles King," Ellie knows he’s lying, but accepting the scoundrel’s offer of help might just be the key to cracking her new case and recovering a priceless manuscript.

“Henri Bonheur”—or “Harry” as he asks to be called—claims his criminal past is behind him, but a man who steals and seduces with such consummate ease can never be trusted. As the investigation draws them deeper into danger and desire, Ellie’s infuriated to realize she’s developed feelings for her law-breaking accomplice. How can she love the scoundrel when she doesn’t even know his real name? And what will happen when Harry’s past finally catches up with him?

This was a fun read! I liked the basic premise of the three girls secretly investigating crimes, and they were a ton of fun to read. Ellie and Henry were a lot of fun to read together, and I enjoyed their adventure.

Kate Bateman is from England. How to Fall for a Scoundrel is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Eleanor works with her two best friends as part of a private investigation firm, led by a fictional boss, Mr. Charles King. When a dashing rogue, claiming the name of "Harry," kisses her at a party, then claims to be Mr. King in front of a potential client, her senses are on high alert, wondering what this mysterious man's sudden arrival in her life means. Ellie and her friends begrudgingly allow Harry to assist them, as his skills as a former thief may come in handy in their line of work. As they work together to solve cases, Ellie and Harry grow closer until a secret Harry is keeping threatens to ruin everything they've built.

Kate Bateman always succeeds in drawing me into her Regency world of intelligent women and handsome scoundrels. Harry was a bit of a departure from previous heroes, with his previous life as a thief putting him into more of a morally gray territory than the typical nobility. Ellie was an interesting character, growing up assisting her lawyer father, but unable to make a career of it on account of her gender. The romance between Ellie and Harry was cute, if not overly exciting, and their costumed escapades were one of the highlights of the story.

A history lesson and a romance, two of my favorite things. Did I researched everything about the Tower of London after reading, yes I did. The romance part of the book was also fantastic, a mysterious Henry hiding a secret identity as the MMC and Ellie 1/3 of Charles King investigation office. A fun quick read full of humor and lots of swoon and history.

This was an amusing little romp of a story. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters and the backstory of the hero’s unconventional upbringing.

I would have liked more exploration of their emotional connection- it seemed to happen very quickly and stem from insta-lust.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Published: August 20, 2024
Series: Her Majesty’s Rebels
Pages: 304

I love Kate Bateman as an author and “How to Fall for a Scoundrel” was an entertaining and lighthearted book to read. The hero, Harry, is most definitely a scoundrel in retirement and is quite an interesting and likeable character. Then you have the heroine, Ellie from the first in this series who has established King & Company private investigations…along with her friends, Tess, Duchess of Wansford, and Dorothea (Daisy) Hamilton. When I say entertaining…you have a P.I. and a charmer who has everyone eating out of his hand, even the heroine finds it hard not be so attracted to this con man let alone trust him. In the end, confessions become known, and both the hero and heroine have fallen head over heels in love. This is a fun historical romance with loveable characters…including the sub characters. Straight-laced spinster meets her bad-boy and the story keeps you smiling from page to page. Highly recommend the read.

How to Fall for a Scoundrel is the second book in Kate Bateman’s Her Majesty’s Rebels series and this one I enjoyed!

Eleanor is one of the co-owners of King & Co, London’s most discreet private investigation company, along with her friends. One day Ellie meets ‘Harry’, he says he’s a former conman who is looking to retire from being a thief and wants to work with the ladies at their private investigation company. He says a former thief is the best to work on solving other cases after all. He even poses as their fictional boss and gets them out of a bind since he’s determined to work with them and prove he can be useful. Harry has some secrets and a mystery of his own and wants help from Ellie too.

I enjoyed this one more than the first book in the series! Ellie and Harry together were so good and so much fun. I loved seeing them work together on the mysteries as well and their chemistry was just so fun. While not an absolute favorite from this author for me, still such a solid addition!

I received an ARC from the publisher, all thoughts in this review are my own.

3.5 stars

I think this story was a bit better than the first in this standalone series. I think it was a bit humorous as time went along how Henry met Ellie. They both aren’t what they seem but Henry would like Ellie and King & Company’s help. I’m interested in Daisy’s book for sure.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I am a HUGE fan of Kate Bateman's books, and of this series, but I have to say this one was not as exciting as the others. The leads were fun and charismatic, but I felt like there wasn't any real conflict for them to overcome. However, even th0ugh there wasn't that kind of excitement, there was plenty of the other kind. Ellie & Harry had ridiculous chemistry, and I really enjoyed their banter. Harry is an absolute flirt, but with a heart of gold, and Ellie is his perfect no nonsense foil.

While it's part of a series, the book can stand well on its own, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romance.

I love Kate Bateman's books including this one. It has delightful characters and a very different and original premise. Harry and Emma are lovely and a wonderful match, even if she doesn't know it yet. Tess, Daisy, and Hugo are great too.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Paperbacks for providing an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book was just amazing. I loved it so much. Dare I say that it might actually be my favorite by Kate Bateman... This was just such a fun and cute read. I loved the two main characters, how they met, and how they worked together in different situations and got to know one another. I loved the friend group and how the other girls kept helping the main couple get closer together. And this really just had so many unexpected events that it kept me wondering what would happen next. I truly loved this one and can't wait to read Daisy's book. I just love Kate Bateman's writing so much and this one definitely didn't disappoint!

This one was quite the cute read. Henri/ Harry is quite charmjng and I honestly had my doubts about whether he was worthy of Ellie but of course! They are a lot of cute banter and of course the mystery to solve. I just found it odd how trusting Tess and Daisy were about him... A former criminal who now just took on the name of Charles King.... I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. But it didn't... And it was a nice little low angst twist which is what you need sometimes.

Steam: 🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️❤️

Thank you to SMP Romance for the review copy!

Series Info: While you could read these as interconnected standalones, I would recommend starting with book 1: Second Duke’s the Charm. Her Majesty’s Rebels follows a group of women who started a private detective agency together.

Review: Who doesn’t love a reformed rake? …What about a reformed thief?

Eleanor “Ellie” Law and her fellow members of King & Co. have finally stumbled upon a case that won’t hire them until they meet their boss, the fictional Charles King. Lucky for them, the mysterious “Henri Bonheur” volunteers to pose as King for the job.

I am such a sucker for the wallflower & rake trope, and I loved watching Harry and Ellie fall in love while solving mysteries together. This is the perfect book for when you are looking for something light and vibey. It was the perfect read for me after some books with darker themes, and was just so much fun.

Kate Bateman’s books are always quick reads for me, with low angst and a fair amount of steam, and this one absolutely met my expectations!

🎧 The narration was excellent, the characters were well crafted and I was able to disappear into the story.

This is the second installment in a series following the lady detectives of King & Co. Ellie Law kisses a handsome stranger under the mistletoe, only to learn that the man she kissed is claiming to be Charles King, who she knows does not exist. The ladies team up with handsome rogue, Harry, to solve a case for an Egyptian museum and then work together to solve the case of Harry's true identity. I love historical romance, and this definitely has all the elements I've come to love and expect from the genre. But Ellie is not the most interesting female protagonist to me. However, I would like to read Daisy's book, if there's going to be one - it's definitely set up for hers to be quite interesting!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

Part mystery and mostly romance, this second installment in a series involves a rakish thief with a checkered past joining forces with a private investigation firm of three society ladies.

This was just OK for me. I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the second in the series. There is plenty of steam between Harry and Ellie, but not a lot of chemistry that I could find. A decent romance, just not my favorite.

⭐️⭐️Another Win for Kate Bateman⭐️⭐️

Kate Bateman delivers a captivating Regency romance in *How to Fall for a Scoundrel*, the second book in the *Her Majesty’s Rebels* series. This novel masterfully blends adventure, intrigue, and steamy romance with Bateman’s signature wit and charm.

**What I Loved:**

- **Dynamic Protagonists:** Eleanor Law, a clever investigator, meets her match in Harry, a reformed thief with a mysterious past. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their banter is electric. Bateman skillfully crafts their relationship, making every interaction a delightful mix of tension and attraction.

- **Exciting Plot:** The story is filled with thrilling escapades, including sneaking into the Tower of London and unraveling secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat. The narrative’s balance of romance and suspense is spot-on, ensuring a thoroughly engaging read.

**Favorite Quotes:**
- “To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”
- “You are remarkable. Never forget it.”

**Conclusion:**
*How to Fall for a Scoundrel* is a delightful mix of romance and adventure that will leave readers swooning and eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you enjoy strong heroines, charming rogues, and witty banter, this book is a must-read.

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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