Thursday, May 16, 2024

Review: Kate Bateman's "How to Fall for a Scoundrel"

 

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL
Historical Romance


 

AUTHOR:
Kate Bateman

RELEASE DATE:
August 20, 2024

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250907370

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kcbateman.com/

 

 

Miss Eleanor “Ellie” Law is the daughter of the Lord Chief Justice. She is one of the three co-founders of a successful private investigation firm. Eleanor encounters a charming scoundrel who steals a kiss from her at a ball. Now the man is assuming the identity of her fictional boss, “Charles King”. Reluctantly, Ellie agrees to allow Harry to help on a case he secured for them. Can Eleanor trust Harry with more than just her heart?

Henri Bonheur – or Harry to some – is a charismatic con man who has gone straight. He needs the King & Company’s help in proving his true identity. Henri first pretends to be their imaginary boss and secures them a case to gauge their ability. He never expected to be fascinated by Eleanor Law or enjoy helping her on cases. Will Harry’s criminal expertise be useful for King & Company?

Eleanor is a woman who likes to prove that women can solve crimes just as well as men. I like how she utilizes the resources available. Ellie is not afraid to use her father’s name to get the information she needs. I love how Ellie is Harry’s complete opposite. He is spontaneous to her careful planning; he is not above bending the law to her being a stickler for the law. The two play off each other wonderfully. Plus, Harry helps Ellie to see another side of life that she misses.

I would like to state first that I am not a fan of the name “Harry”. It is one of those names that makes me shudder in distaste. However, I adore this Harry. He has this infectious air about him that makes him lovable. I wonder if the author modeled Harry after Pierce Bronsan’s character in Remington Steele? If so, she NAILED it! What I like the most about Harry is his continual attempts to corrupt Elle. He tries to help her see beyond black and white but to shades of gray.

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL reminds me of the 80’s television show, Remington Steele but with a regency twist. The premise is almost the same. I believe that is why I enjoyed this book so much. And yes, that TV series is a fond favorite.

HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL is the second book in Kate Bateman’s historical romance series, HER MAJESTY’S REBELS. The story can stand alone. There is no on-going plot. However, the first book (SECOND DUKE’S THE CHARM) explains how and why the three friends created King & Company. I cannot wait for the next book! And see what is in store for Daisy.


No comments: