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Bow Street Bachelors #2
To Catch an Earl
A case of secret identities finds reunited lovers on opposite sides of the law in this fun, flirty Regency romance.
There's only one case Bow Street agent Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, hasn't cracked: the identity of the mysterious woman who stole a kiss from him before he left for war. He's neither forgotten--nor forgiven--her for leaving him wanting. When he starts investigating the Nightjar, an elusive London jewel thief, he keeps running into the alluring Emmy Danvers, who stirs feelings he hasn't felt in years.
Even though Emmy's loved Alex for years, she can't risk revealing her heart, or her identity as the Nightjar. With Alex on her case, Emmy knows that her secrets are in danger of being discovered. Their cat and mouse game heats up with every interaction, but when Emmy's reputation--and life--is at risk, will Alex realize that some rules are made to be broken for love?
There's only one case Bow Street agent Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, hasn't cracked: the identity of the mysterious woman who stole a kiss from him before he left for war. He's neither forgotten--nor forgiven--her for leaving him wanting. When he starts investigating the Nightjar, an elusive London jewel thief, he keeps running into the alluring Emmy Danvers, who stirs feelings he hasn't felt in years.
Even though Emmy's loved Alex for years, she can't risk revealing her heart, or her identity as the Nightjar. With Alex on her case, Emmy knows that her secrets are in danger of being discovered. Their cat and mouse game heats up with every interaction, but when Emmy's reputation--and life--is at risk, will Alex realize that some rules are made to be broken for love?
325 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
242 people are currently reading
3221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 641 reviews
October 14, 2021
4.5 stars
Okay, this was SUCH a fun historical romance! The heroine is a jewel thief and the hero is trying to track down this jewel thief and stop them. The hero and heroine meet, though, at a ball and are instantly intrigued by each other. Years later, the hero catches on to what the heroine could possibly be up to. It was so fun watching them dance around each other while not being able to resist each other. I loved the heroine's dedication to her cause and the hero's moral dilemma of liking her but knowing what she was up to. I will say the ending was abrupt and I wish things were fleshed out a little more, but I loved their dynamic and couldn't get enough of their romance!
Okay, this was SUCH a fun historical romance! The heroine is a jewel thief and the hero is trying to track down this jewel thief and stop them. The hero and heroine meet, though, at a ball and are instantly intrigued by each other. Years later, the hero catches on to what the heroine could possibly be up to. It was so fun watching them dance around each other while not being able to resist each other. I loved the heroine's dedication to her cause and the hero's moral dilemma of liking her but knowing what she was up to. I will say the ending was abrupt and I wish things were fleshed out a little more, but I loved their dynamic and couldn't get enough of their romance!
April 22, 2020
I really wanted to love To Catch an Earl by Kate Bateman, but I found it to be extremely hard to get into. It took me almost two weeks to finish, which is nearly unheard of for me.
I found Emmy to be a frustrating character. First of all, if you have a very distinct, personalized perfume, why on earth would you wear it before stealing something extremely valuable?? It was just a TSTL move, and I was smacking my face. It was like she wanted to get caught. She kept doing things like that, just revealing herself over and over again.
I also didn't like her crimes, which weren't "crimes for noble reasons" but rather just straight up thievery. I didn't find them to be charming. I also thought the chemistry between the two MCs was lacking. It just felt forced.
To Catch an Earl never grabbed me, and, unfortunately, it was a unmemorable read for me.
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I found Emmy to be a frustrating character. First of all, if you have a very distinct, personalized perfume, why on earth would you wear it before stealing something extremely valuable?? It was just a TSTL move, and I was smacking my face. It was like she wanted to get caught. She kept doing things like that, just revealing herself over and over again.
I also didn't like her crimes, which weren't "crimes for noble reasons" but rather just straight up thievery. I didn't find them to be charming. I also thought the chemistry between the two MCs was lacking. It just felt forced.
To Catch an Earl never grabbed me, and, unfortunately, it was a unmemorable read for me.
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
May 6, 2020
Is anyone else having uncharacteristic reading reaction to this world crisis? I would think having all this extra time in lockdown by myself I would plow through books. Instead I can’t focus for more than 15 minutes and it has taken me several weeks just to get through a few of them.
But we will get through this – so stay inside and be safe!
NB: Spoiler free ARC review – expected publication June 30th 2020
(Tropes: Class Difference, Work Relationship, Mistaken Identity/Disguise, Forbidden Love, Second Chance Romance)
*****
”I truly wish we’d met under different circumstances, Lord Melton. But the fact of the matter is, I’m-“
“A criminal?” he supplied smoothly.
She inclined her head but refused to admit it out loud. “And you’re-“
“Not?”
“Indeed. So we shall ever be on opposite sides. Like Wellington and Napoleon. But I like to think we could have been friends.”
*****
This book felt a bit flat to me. It had its ups and it had its downs. On average it was defiantly an ok read, I just wish it was more.
A criminal and Bow Street Runner, who are both part of the ton, is defiantly appealing, and made for refreshing scenery. The banter and cat-and-mouse game was amusing, and it was clear they both enjoy it.
The sexual chemistry sizzled, but the lack of romance and tenderness made it a bit disappointing. At times the sexy times crossed into coarse and my rose-tinted balloon would deflate.
I expected more.
More clever banter, more subterfuge, more romance. But it never really fulfilled its potential.
3 stars
*****
- He’d always suspected faith was a perverse bitch, but even he couldn’t have predicted this cruel twist. Of course his mystery woman would be the prime suspect in a series of impossible crimes. And of course she would be beautiful, in that subtle, understated way that had always appealed to him most.
- Without Harland’s electrifying presence, the whole evening felt like flat champagne that had lost its fizz. Life was no fun without someone to annoy. Or evade.
- “You are the most aggravating woman I have ever had the misfortune to encounter.”
“And you are the most irritating man.”
She forced herself to hold his gaze.
She understood this game; to close her eyes would be to admit defeat, and she refused to flinch fist. She kept her eyes on his as he brought his fingers along her jaw, just daring her to move, and his hand was so large, he touched both earlobes at the same time.
- “Let’s try something new, shall we? I call it ‘honesty.’ It’s where you say things that are true. I’ll start, if you like. I’m hard as a rock for you right now.”
Her mouth dropped open.
- “You’re mine now, Emmy Danvers. I will never release you. Not even if you begged me on your knees. Not even if you fucked me all night.”
- She was Icarus, flying too close to the sun, Persephone being dragged down int the underworld. She didn’t care. This might be a disaster, but it was a glorious, glittering, incendiary disaster. A crazy blur o seeking limbs and hot mouths in the dark.
But we will get through this – so stay inside and be safe!
NB: Spoiler free ARC review – expected publication June 30th 2020
(Tropes: Class Difference, Work Relationship, Mistaken Identity/Disguise, Forbidden Love, Second Chance Romance)
*****
”I truly wish we’d met under different circumstances, Lord Melton. But the fact of the matter is, I’m-“
“A criminal?” he supplied smoothly.
She inclined her head but refused to admit it out loud. “And you’re-“
“Not?”
“Indeed. So we shall ever be on opposite sides. Like Wellington and Napoleon. But I like to think we could have been friends.”
*****
This book felt a bit flat to me. It had its ups and it had its downs. On average it was defiantly an ok read, I just wish it was more.
A criminal and Bow Street Runner, who are both part of the ton, is defiantly appealing, and made for refreshing scenery. The banter and cat-and-mouse game was amusing, and it was clear they both enjoy it.
The sexual chemistry sizzled, but the lack of romance and tenderness made it a bit disappointing. At times the sexy times crossed into coarse and my rose-tinted balloon would deflate.
I expected more.
More clever banter, more subterfuge, more romance. But it never really fulfilled its potential.
3 stars
*****
- He’d always suspected faith was a perverse bitch, but even he couldn’t have predicted this cruel twist. Of course his mystery woman would be the prime suspect in a series of impossible crimes. And of course she would be beautiful, in that subtle, understated way that had always appealed to him most.
- Without Harland’s electrifying presence, the whole evening felt like flat champagne that had lost its fizz. Life was no fun without someone to annoy. Or evade.
- “You are the most aggravating woman I have ever had the misfortune to encounter.”
“And you are the most irritating man.”
She forced herself to hold his gaze.
She understood this game; to close her eyes would be to admit defeat, and she refused to flinch fist. She kept her eyes on his as he brought his fingers along her jaw, just daring her to move, and his hand was so large, he touched both earlobes at the same time.
- “Let’s try something new, shall we? I call it ‘honesty.’ It’s where you say things that are true. I’ll start, if you like. I’m hard as a rock for you right now.”
Her mouth dropped open.
- “You’re mine now, Emmy Danvers. I will never release you. Not even if you begged me on your knees. Not even if you fucked me all night.”
- She was Icarus, flying too close to the sun, Persephone being dragged down int the underworld. She didn’t care. This might be a disaster, but it was a glorious, glittering, incendiary disaster. A crazy blur o seeking limbs and hot mouths in the dark.
July 6, 2020
The newly knighted Alexander (Alex) Harland, Earl of Melton, is asked by Bow Street to investigate a new case. The infamous jewel thief called Nightjar has recently struck again after a four-year absence, this time in London. He has reason to suspect the Danvers family is involved but when he meets Emmy Danvers, Alex realizes she may be more to him than the focus of his current business pursuit.
I loved the idea of a 19th century female jewel thief eluding London’s Bow Street law enforcement. Both Alex and Emmy were ideal in their respective roles, he a dashing and brash figure and she resourceful and elusive. They were also immensely attracted to each other, having met in costume four years earlier but he having no idea Emmy and the woman he fell for were one in the same. The story’s dual plot of Alex discovering the masked woman’s identity and capturing Nightjar kept things exciting and off balance. Their verbal sparring was unique and clever, giving insight into their intellect and histories.
I’m enjoying this series and very much liked this story, primarily because of Alex and Emmy. It was impossible not to root for these two and the strength of the secondary characters just enhanced the reading pleasure. Emmy’s grandmother Camille was delightful and naughty, Alex’s fellow Tricorn Club partners just as brash and daring as he. It was a fun and passionate story and I’m now anxious to read the last in the trilogy.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I loved the idea of a 19th century female jewel thief eluding London’s Bow Street law enforcement. Both Alex and Emmy were ideal in their respective roles, he a dashing and brash figure and she resourceful and elusive. They were also immensely attracted to each other, having met in costume four years earlier but he having no idea Emmy and the woman he fell for were one in the same. The story’s dual plot of Alex discovering the masked woman’s identity and capturing Nightjar kept things exciting and off balance. Their verbal sparring was unique and clever, giving insight into their intellect and histories.
I’m enjoying this series and very much liked this story, primarily because of Alex and Emmy. It was impossible not to root for these two and the strength of the secondary characters just enhanced the reading pleasure. Emmy’s grandmother Camille was delightful and naughty, Alex’s fellow Tricorn Club partners just as brash and daring as he. It was a fun and passionate story and I’m now anxious to read the last in the trilogy.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 5, 2020
2.5 stars
I just couldn't get into this one unfortunately—I'm not sure if it was the concept or the lack of grounded attraction between the two love interests, but this was a miss for me.
Characters: ★★★
Pacing: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★
To Catch an Earl is the second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, but as with many romance series this can be read as a standalone.
Alex Harland, the Earl of Melton, is on the case: a notorious jewel thief, the Nightjar, is stealing certain prized jewels from around Europe and in London. He's determined to find the thief, and to find the mystery woman who enticed him at a masked ball years ago. He thinks he's looking for two different people, but his path might have only one finish line...
Emmy Danvers is the Nightjar, the jewel thief of London. She's also been hopelessly in love with Alex for years, but given his role on the side of the law she knows that they can never be together. But the heart does what it wants...
Overall, this story was...okay for me. I feel like it might have been my mindset, or maybe just a lack of focus, but I spent almost the entirety of this book attempting to keep myself engaged and not mentally wander somewhere else. The characters didn't stick in my brain, and even in the process of writing this review I'm really struggling to remember a lot of details.
However, for those who love Regency-era romances, do check this one out! I think my review might be a one-off in this case.
Thank you to St Martin's Press via NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
I just couldn't get into this one unfortunately—I'm not sure if it was the concept or the lack of grounded attraction between the two love interests, but this was a miss for me.
Characters: ★★★
Pacing: ★★★
Enjoyment: ★★
To Catch an Earl is the second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, but as with many romance series this can be read as a standalone.
Alex Harland, the Earl of Melton, is on the case: a notorious jewel thief, the Nightjar, is stealing certain prized jewels from around Europe and in London. He's determined to find the thief, and to find the mystery woman who enticed him at a masked ball years ago. He thinks he's looking for two different people, but his path might have only one finish line...
Emmy Danvers is the Nightjar, the jewel thief of London. She's also been hopelessly in love with Alex for years, but given his role on the side of the law she knows that they can never be together. But the heart does what it wants...
Overall, this story was...okay for me. I feel like it might have been my mindset, or maybe just a lack of focus, but I spent almost the entirety of this book attempting to keep myself engaged and not mentally wander somewhere else. The characters didn't stick in my brain, and even in the process of writing this review I'm really struggling to remember a lot of details.
However, for those who love Regency-era romances, do check this one out! I think my review might be a one-off in this case.
Thank you to St Martin's Press via NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram
August 3, 2025
This wasn't for me. I like romance, which there was precious little. The story never reeled me in. It was chapter after chapter of jewel heists interspersed by bouts of lust. The first theft wasn't even credible. The heroine made a stupid mistake while the hero failed to do his job and pump up basic security. At 36%, teetering on the decision to DNF, I chose to skim. Finally, at 90% the author allowed the hero to sound like a man in love. Hallelujah.
ETA: GR with its brand new logo, still has the same old issue: no comment alerts.
ETA: GR with its brand new logo, still has the same old issue: no comment alerts.
May 2, 2022
5 Cat and Roaring Mouse Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-Quick, Only $1.99!!!
One of the past phrases of a chase is the use of "cat and mouse". Well, that phrase didn't work when it came to the back and forth between Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, and Emmy Danvers. Every time these two crossed paths, it was questionable as to who was chasing who and who had the upper hand.
As one of the Bow Street Agents, Alex has been tasked to find the thief who has been targeting specific gems. Known as the notorious Nightjar, the last pinching of an infamous stone has put all eyes out to capture the culprit and return the stone.
Emmy Danvers has been hiding in plain sight. As the daughter of the original Nightjar, she has been trying to fulfill her father's quest. Now things have become quite complicated.
First, there is Emmy's desire to have "a moment" with the handsome and charming Alex. When this takes place, all bets are off. Alex is taken with this mysterious woman and she is overwhelmed by the feel of his lips on hers. She is not the only one left with an impression of wonder. Alex is captivated by the beautiful, elusive woman.
Next, there is more than the danger of getting caught by the Bow Street Agents, now there is someone threatening her family. This becomes even more complicated when Alex is tasked to bring the thief to justice.
I loved this book. It worked on so many levels. Emmy was smart and capable. She was not weak even when feeling overwhelmed. The chemistry between them was scorching and we wanted them to find a way to be together.
This series is a winner and the next book is coming later this year. I can hardly wait for Sebastien Wolff to get his comeuppance.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Those Bow Street Bachelors...
Are at it again...
This time it is The Earl of Melton...
Alex Harland can have Any Woman he Wants...
And he usually Does with Excellent Reviews...
But lately, his mind has been on other things...
One, a case he has been chasing...
The Elusive Nightjar, the Jewel Thief...
The other, more personal...
A lasting Kiss before he went off to war...
Never knowing whose lips touched his...
Now as he ponders both puzzles...
The same woman keeps turning up...
Could there be a connection...
Could one be the same...
Or is she here only...
To Catch an Earl (Bow Street Bachelors #2)- May 26th, 2020
This Earl of Mine (Bow Street Bachelors, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
To Catch an Earl (Bow Street Bachelors #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Princess and the Rogue (Bow Street Bachelors, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free-Quick, Only $1.99!!!
One of the past phrases of a chase is the use of "cat and mouse". Well, that phrase didn't work when it came to the back and forth between Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, and Emmy Danvers. Every time these two crossed paths, it was questionable as to who was chasing who and who had the upper hand.
As one of the Bow Street Agents, Alex has been tasked to find the thief who has been targeting specific gems. Known as the notorious Nightjar, the last pinching of an infamous stone has put all eyes out to capture the culprit and return the stone.
Emmy Danvers has been hiding in plain sight. As the daughter of the original Nightjar, she has been trying to fulfill her father's quest. Now things have become quite complicated.
First, there is Emmy's desire to have "a moment" with the handsome and charming Alex. When this takes place, all bets are off. Alex is taken with this mysterious woman and she is overwhelmed by the feel of his lips on hers. She is not the only one left with an impression of wonder. Alex is captivated by the beautiful, elusive woman.
Next, there is more than the danger of getting caught by the Bow Street Agents, now there is someone threatening her family. This becomes even more complicated when Alex is tasked to bring the thief to justice.
I loved this book. It worked on so many levels. Emmy was smart and capable. She was not weak even when feeling overwhelmed. The chemistry between them was scorching and we wanted them to find a way to be together.
This series is a winner and the next book is coming later this year. I can hardly wait for Sebastien Wolff to get his comeuppance.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Those Bow Street Bachelors...
Are at it again...
This time it is The Earl of Melton...
Alex Harland can have Any Woman he Wants...
And he usually Does with Excellent Reviews...
But lately, his mind has been on other things...
One, a case he has been chasing...
The Elusive Nightjar, the Jewel Thief...
The other, more personal...
A lasting Kiss before he went off to war...
Never knowing whose lips touched his...
Now as he ponders both puzzles...
The same woman keeps turning up...
Could there be a connection...
Could one be the same...
Or is she here only...
To Catch an Earl (Bow Street Bachelors #2)- May 26th, 2020
This Earl of Mine (Bow Street Bachelors, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
To Catch an Earl (Bow Street Bachelors #2) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Princess and the Rogue (Bow Street Bachelors, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 27, 2020
Very clever and a fabulous story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’ve read the first book in this series by Bateman and I love that she she gives us a flair for the unexpected. This book is showcases exactly the unexpected, along with some awesome twists.
Normally it’s the guy who is the bad boy, but in this instance, it’s the girl. The story is beautifully crafted and includes so much interest and history that you are involved from the beginning.
Plus, her character development is delightful and so intense. It’s bold and it’s sexy. It’s a heated cat and mouse game and you honestly have no idea where the author is going in order to bring us to a happy conclusion.
With amazing artistic flair, we are given a book that is fun, smoldering, sexy, clever, and just an all-around perfect read. I hope you take a chance on a historical romance like this one.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/to-catch-an-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I’ve read the first book in this series by Bateman and I love that she she gives us a flair for the unexpected. This book is showcases exactly the unexpected, along with some awesome twists.
Normally it’s the guy who is the bad boy, but in this instance, it’s the girl. The story is beautifully crafted and includes so much interest and history that you are involved from the beginning.
Plus, her character development is delightful and so intense. It’s bold and it’s sexy. It’s a heated cat and mouse game and you honestly have no idea where the author is going in order to bring us to a happy conclusion.
With amazing artistic flair, we are given a book that is fun, smoldering, sexy, clever, and just an all-around perfect read. I hope you take a chance on a historical romance like this one.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/to-catch-an-...
May 17, 2021
3.3 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
She’d been afraid he’d take one look at her with those piercing blue eyes of his and see right through the demure wallflower she played in public, to the reckless criminal beneath.
Second in the Bow Street Bachelors series about three men that went to war together and now own a gambling club, To Catch an Earl, features Alexander Harland and Emmy Danvers. You could easily pick up this story without reading the first (The Earl is Mine), as this has a pretty narrow focus on Alex and Emmy. The hero from the first barely makes an appearance and in fact, I kept wishing for more scenes between the three friends as they are supposed to be the connecting thread within the series. Their gambling club doesn't get much screen time, which could be a blessing as the Regency sub-genre is over-saturated with that setting, but I missed a lodestone to feel like I was grounded in this series' world.
They were truly on opposite sides of the law now, the Runner and the thief.
This starts off with a prologue introducing us to our heroine Emmy and her crush on Alex. She knows he's about to go off and fight Napoleon so she decides to dance with him at a masquerade ball and they end up kissing and having that instant attraction/connection that has her (and her scent) lingering in Alex's mind even four years later when the story continues in chapter one. Our hero Alex's role as a Bow Street Runner has been given the mission to find the Nightjar, a thief that stole jewels and left a black feather. Nightjar hadn't been active for four years and then suddenly they commit another theft. Emmy's father was the Nightjar, as a displaced French aristocrat he wanted to steal all the stolen French crown jewels and give them back to the Bourbon monarchy when it is restored in France. He ends up dying, hence the four year inactivity, but then a man named Danton begins to blackmail Emmy's remaining family, her grandmother and brother Luc, claiming he will ruin the family's reputation by naming her father as the Nightjar unless they steal three jewels for him and give him the French royal jewels. Emmy's brother Luc lost his foot in the war, so it's up to Emmy to steal the jewels.
He couldn’t allow himself to feel anything for her. She was a criminal and he was sworn to uphold the law.
I was all in for this dynamic but the cat and mouse game I anticipated was instead muted in favor of a focus more on Emmy and Alex's sensual feel. For the most part, Alex knows Emmy is the Nightjar from just about the beginning of his investigation, she's “caught” at the midway point of the story. Emmy also is a very reluctant thief, she sometimes thinks about how she likes the adrenaline junkie emotions of stealing but she's pushed into it and doesn't want to be doing it. The villain Danton blackmailing them barely gets any screen time until the end, which makes any danger feelings that angle could have provoked nonexistent. Alex has some angst about being attracted to Emmy, he knows she's the mystery masked woman he kissed and she's the Nightjar, because a moment in the war had him hesitating to kill a woman and she ended up killing people because of his hesitation. Emmy's angst should obviously come from Alex is trying to arrest her but that's, for the most part, ignored and she even does things to get his attention.
“I want you again, Emmy Danvers. And I want to take my time.”
I can't say I ever really felt their roles as runner and thief but they did have some hot potato moments. As I mentioned earlier, I felt like the action plot was pushed to the side in favor of sensuality and this couple definitely had some of those moments. I did feel the crackle, tension, and heat between them but it was hard for that to support the whole story. I enjoyed Emmy's grandmother pushing her towards Alex, the secondary romance between brother Luc and Sally, and the brief glances at Alex's friendship with Sebastien. I thought Emmy's love of feelings and words from other languages that can't be translated to English could have been a fun quirk but it was interjected awkwardly (not to mention all the smelling/sniffing going on) and sometimes used as the only building friendship interaction between her and Alex. The ending also had some ungainly feel to it with Alex wanting to marry Emmy to give her protection and then the sudden “I love her” moment. This didn't quite deliver on what I was looking for but if you're looking for a couple that strings their sensuality throughout the story, Emmy and Alex will give that to you.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
She’d been afraid he’d take one look at her with those piercing blue eyes of his and see right through the demure wallflower she played in public, to the reckless criminal beneath.
Second in the Bow Street Bachelors series about three men that went to war together and now own a gambling club, To Catch an Earl, features Alexander Harland and Emmy Danvers. You could easily pick up this story without reading the first (The Earl is Mine), as this has a pretty narrow focus on Alex and Emmy. The hero from the first barely makes an appearance and in fact, I kept wishing for more scenes between the three friends as they are supposed to be the connecting thread within the series. Their gambling club doesn't get much screen time, which could be a blessing as the Regency sub-genre is over-saturated with that setting, but I missed a lodestone to feel like I was grounded in this series' world.
They were truly on opposite sides of the law now, the Runner and the thief.
This starts off with a prologue introducing us to our heroine Emmy and her crush on Alex. She knows he's about to go off and fight Napoleon so she decides to dance with him at a masquerade ball and they end up kissing and having that instant attraction/connection that has her (and her scent) lingering in Alex's mind even four years later when the story continues in chapter one. Our hero Alex's role as a Bow Street Runner has been given the mission to find the Nightjar, a thief that stole jewels and left a black feather. Nightjar hadn't been active for four years and then suddenly they commit another theft. Emmy's father was the Nightjar, as a displaced French aristocrat he wanted to steal all the stolen French crown jewels and give them back to the Bourbon monarchy when it is restored in France. He ends up dying, hence the four year inactivity, but then a man named Danton begins to blackmail Emmy's remaining family, her grandmother and brother Luc, claiming he will ruin the family's reputation by naming her father as the Nightjar unless they steal three jewels for him and give him the French royal jewels. Emmy's brother Luc lost his foot in the war, so it's up to Emmy to steal the jewels.
He couldn’t allow himself to feel anything for her. She was a criminal and he was sworn to uphold the law.
I was all in for this dynamic but the cat and mouse game I anticipated was instead muted in favor of a focus more on Emmy and Alex's sensual feel. For the most part, Alex knows Emmy is the Nightjar from just about the beginning of his investigation, she's “caught” at the midway point of the story. Emmy also is a very reluctant thief, she sometimes thinks about how she likes the adrenaline junkie emotions of stealing but she's pushed into it and doesn't want to be doing it. The villain Danton blackmailing them barely gets any screen time until the end, which makes any danger feelings that angle could have provoked nonexistent. Alex has some angst about being attracted to Emmy, he knows she's the mystery masked woman he kissed and she's the Nightjar, because a moment in the war had him hesitating to kill a woman and she ended up killing people because of his hesitation. Emmy's angst should obviously come from Alex is trying to arrest her but that's, for the most part, ignored and she even does things to get his attention.
“I want you again, Emmy Danvers. And I want to take my time.”
I can't say I ever really felt their roles as runner and thief but they did have some hot potato moments. As I mentioned earlier, I felt like the action plot was pushed to the side in favor of sensuality and this couple definitely had some of those moments. I did feel the crackle, tension, and heat between them but it was hard for that to support the whole story. I enjoyed Emmy's grandmother pushing her towards Alex, the secondary romance between brother Luc and Sally, and the brief glances at Alex's friendship with Sebastien. I thought Emmy's love of feelings and words from other languages that can't be translated to English could have been a fun quirk but it was interjected awkwardly (not to mention all the smelling/sniffing going on) and sometimes used as the only building friendship interaction between her and Alex. The ending also had some ungainly feel to it with Alex wanting to marry Emmy to give her protection and then the sudden “I love her” moment. This didn't quite deliver on what I was looking for but if you're looking for a couple that strings their sensuality throughout the story, Emmy and Alex will give that to you.
April 27, 2023
⭐
1 star.
➕ What I liked :
Some of the side characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Thin plot. (The hero made the deduction/conclusion about the heroine early in the book, so there was no real chase etc.)
Too much focus on the jewels and the royalty etc. and not enough time on the couple/main characters and their romance.
The heroines personality was too inconsistent.
The main characters love for each other felt too forced, and the why and how of why the hero fell in love with the heroine and her with him is rather mysterious/unclear.
The relationship is mostly based on lust/sex.
(But the romantic build up and chemistry between the main characters was still very unconvincing/lacking and rushed.)
Immature and annoying heroine.
Rather flat characters.
Generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)
The villain was underdeveloped.
Disjointed.
Repetitive character description ( both main characters in different ways harp on about the big size difference between them…. especially the hero who keeps referring to the heroine as tiny and little and delicate/slight etc. and to himself as a big man etc.)
Annoying and wishy-washy hero.
Power imbalance.
Dragged.
1 star.
➕ What I liked :
Some of the side characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Thin plot. (The hero made the deduction/conclusion about the heroine early in the book, so there was no real chase etc.)
Too much focus on the jewels and the royalty etc. and not enough time on the couple/main characters and their romance.
The heroines personality was too inconsistent.
The main characters love for each other felt too forced, and the why and how of why the hero fell in love with the heroine and her with him is rather mysterious/unclear.
The relationship is mostly based on lust/sex.
(But the romantic build up and chemistry between the main characters was still very unconvincing/lacking and rushed.)
Immature and annoying heroine.
Rather flat characters.
Generic/formulaic character descriptions (appearance.)
The villain was underdeveloped.
Disjointed.
Repetitive character description ( both main characters in different ways harp on about the big size difference between them…. especially the hero who keeps referring to the heroine as tiny and little and delicate/slight etc. and to himself as a big man etc.)
Annoying and wishy-washy hero.
Power imbalance.
Dragged.
June 28, 2021
I was debating between a 3 star rating in the beginning because the set up isnt my fave storyline with her being a jewel thief. But but but. The mystery and adventure was more interesting than then the first one and i really like their love and chemistry!
July 4, 2020
I loved the first book in this series, This Earl of Mine, so I was excited for the second installment. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me.
Four years ago, Emmy and Alex met: “They’d talked. Danced. Flirted. They’d shared one perfect kiss.” Spent minutes together, in an underwhelming encounter, IMO, and yet they can’t forget each other? Maybe if there was more of a setup before their meet up I could’ve bought into the romance, but I just didn’t feel it.
Also, not a fan of the whole jewel thief plot. Alex in pursuit of a jewel thief, which is Emmy. This secret hanging over them for a good portion of the book.
One hit, one miss. Not sure if I’ll read the next one or not.
A copy was kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Four years ago, Emmy and Alex met: “They’d talked. Danced. Flirted. They’d shared one perfect kiss.” Spent minutes together, in an underwhelming encounter, IMO, and yet they can’t forget each other? Maybe if there was more of a setup before their meet up I could’ve bought into the romance, but I just didn’t feel it.
Also, not a fan of the whole jewel thief plot. Alex in pursuit of a jewel thief, which is Emmy. This secret hanging over them for a good portion of the book.
One hit, one miss. Not sure if I’ll read the next one or not.
A copy was kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2023
Thank you, Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, for making me so very hot.
He didn’t wait for her to answer. “Not that I don’t approve. You in breeches is quite possibly the finest thing I’ve seen all year.” His eyes clashed with hers. “A brand-new fantasy to add to my collection.”
“I have scores of them,” he said darkly. “Of you and me together.” His gaze lasted five whole beats of her heart before he looked away. Good God. Something dark and dangerous shivered in the air between them, a mutual awareness. Hunter and hunted. Predator and prey. Emmy’s heart raced, but mixed in with the fear was a sharp, unwelcome stab of desire. She must be mad.
He smiled. “Let’s try something new, shall we? I call it ‘honesty.’ It’s where you say things that are true. I’ll start, if you like. I’m hard as a rock for you right now.” Her mouth dropped open. He casually lowered his hand to his lap and readjusted the bulge that had appeared in the front of his breeches. It reached almost to his waistband. He made no effort to hide it; he simply looked down and laughed.
Thank you, Emmy Danvers, for being the kind of heroine I love to love: whip smart, brave, kind, irreverent and unafraid to dance on the edge.
Girls were scolded for laughing too loudly, for dancing too enthusiastically. For revealing they had a working brain. Part of Emmy’s delight in thieving had come from the knowledge that she was subverting every expectation. Breaking all the rules.
Seize the day, her grandmother Camille had adjured her. Go after what you want, my love, but be careful. Emmy gave a wry smile. Not carpe diem. Carpe hominem. She would seize the man.
She was Icarus, flying too close to the sun, Persephone being dragged down into the underworld. She didn’t care. This might be a disaster, but it was a glorious, glittering, incendiary disaster. A crazy blur of seeking limbs and hot mouths in the dark.
Thank you, Kate Bateman, for breaking me out of a months-long reading slump. For giving me the chemistry and passion, intimacy and feels I’ve been longing for.
Lust was undeniably a factor, but there was more to it than that. He loved her strength, her bravery, her quick wit. He loved catching her eye in a shared joke across the room, the way they seemed able to engage in silent communication. He appreciated her humor, and even the quiet moments, holding her in the darkness, just standing next to her without speaking. She engaged his mind. His heart. Alex blinked. Good God. Was he in love?
For writing a story that drew me in from the very beginning… for creating two characters I fell in love with and a story I didn’t want to end. And oh, the delicious kisses…
Alex closed his eyes and kissed her deeply, extravagantly. He let her taste his hunger, taking her breath and giving her his in a sinful, erotic exchange.
[…]
In a sudden move, he yanked the ribbon that held her mask. It fell to the floor, and Emmy felt instantly exposed. The tiny piece of cloth had given her more confidence than she’d realized, the illusion of safety. “Better,” he murmured. “I see you, Emmy Danvers.” Was that a threat? A warning?
There was no hesitation this time. No uncertainty. His mouth molded over hers confidently, the perfect weight, neither too soft nor too aggressive. Heat curled inside her. He increased the pressure, and her lips opened at his silent command. She gasped as his tongue tangled with her own. Brandy and sin. Emmy closed her eyes. He traced her lower lip then slid back for more, angling, pressing, repositioning; an endless slow burn that grew more and more urgent with every swirl of his tongue. Reason slipped away. Madness. This was madness. Nothing had ever felt so right. His mouth was even better than she remembered. Hot and insistent. Addictive. […] Another kiss. A deep, wet slide. Slow and languid, as if he had all the time in the world. As if he were savoring the taste of her.
He didn’t wait for her to answer. “Not that I don’t approve. You in breeches is quite possibly the finest thing I’ve seen all year.” His eyes clashed with hers. “A brand-new fantasy to add to my collection.”
“I have scores of them,” he said darkly. “Of you and me together.” His gaze lasted five whole beats of her heart before he looked away. Good God. Something dark and dangerous shivered in the air between them, a mutual awareness. Hunter and hunted. Predator and prey. Emmy’s heart raced, but mixed in with the fear was a sharp, unwelcome stab of desire. She must be mad.
He smiled. “Let’s try something new, shall we? I call it ‘honesty.’ It’s where you say things that are true. I’ll start, if you like. I’m hard as a rock for you right now.” Her mouth dropped open. He casually lowered his hand to his lap and readjusted the bulge that had appeared in the front of his breeches. It reached almost to his waistband. He made no effort to hide it; he simply looked down and laughed.
Thank you, Emmy Danvers, for being the kind of heroine I love to love: whip smart, brave, kind, irreverent and unafraid to dance on the edge.
Girls were scolded for laughing too loudly, for dancing too enthusiastically. For revealing they had a working brain. Part of Emmy’s delight in thieving had come from the knowledge that she was subverting every expectation. Breaking all the rules.
Seize the day, her grandmother Camille had adjured her. Go after what you want, my love, but be careful. Emmy gave a wry smile. Not carpe diem. Carpe hominem. She would seize the man.
She was Icarus, flying too close to the sun, Persephone being dragged down into the underworld. She didn’t care. This might be a disaster, but it was a glorious, glittering, incendiary disaster. A crazy blur of seeking limbs and hot mouths in the dark.
Thank you, Kate Bateman, for breaking me out of a months-long reading slump. For giving me the chemistry and passion, intimacy and feels I’ve been longing for.
Lust was undeniably a factor, but there was more to it than that. He loved her strength, her bravery, her quick wit. He loved catching her eye in a shared joke across the room, the way they seemed able to engage in silent communication. He appreciated her humor, and even the quiet moments, holding her in the darkness, just standing next to her without speaking. She engaged his mind. His heart. Alex blinked. Good God. Was he in love?
For writing a story that drew me in from the very beginning… for creating two characters I fell in love with and a story I didn’t want to end. And oh, the delicious kisses…
Alex closed his eyes and kissed her deeply, extravagantly. He let her taste his hunger, taking her breath and giving her his in a sinful, erotic exchange.
[…]
In a sudden move, he yanked the ribbon that held her mask. It fell to the floor, and Emmy felt instantly exposed. The tiny piece of cloth had given her more confidence than she’d realized, the illusion of safety. “Better,” he murmured. “I see you, Emmy Danvers.” Was that a threat? A warning?
There was no hesitation this time. No uncertainty. His mouth molded over hers confidently, the perfect weight, neither too soft nor too aggressive. Heat curled inside her. He increased the pressure, and her lips opened at his silent command. She gasped as his tongue tangled with her own. Brandy and sin. Emmy closed her eyes. He traced her lower lip then slid back for more, angling, pressing, repositioning; an endless slow burn that grew more and more urgent with every swirl of his tongue. Reason slipped away. Madness. This was madness. Nothing had ever felt so right. His mouth was even better than she remembered. Hot and insistent. Addictive. […] Another kiss. A deep, wet slide. Slow and languid, as if he had all the time in the world. As if he were savoring the taste of her.
August 11, 2020
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating 4.25
Nightjar, is Europe's well known jewel thief that has alluded being caught. Earl of Melton, Alex Harland has been asked to assist the Bow Street runners in the investigation and capture of Nightjar.
Emma Danvers has been attracted and fascinated by Alex Harland. One night at a masked ball the two met and shared a very memorable kiss. Alex never did find out who the woman was he kissed, before he headed off to fight in the war.
Years later the two are thrown together and become entangled in a game of "to catch the thief". I loved how these two interacted. The chemistry and attraction jumped off the pages as they danced around each other and eventually couldn't resist the pull any longer. But as the layers of their relationship unfold the truth of who Emma is revealed and now the two have to figure out how to make their love and relationship last and achieve their HEA.
I loved the development of Alex and Emma's relationship. The intrigue and complexity of who each individual character was added to the excitement and pull of their love story. How Alex came to terms with how Emma became who she was and his wanting to rescue her. Emma being drawn to Alex when she knew it could be her downfall in not just the breaking of her heart but a possibility of imprisonment as well. But the two do find their HEA.
Rating 4.25
Nightjar, is Europe's well known jewel thief that has alluded being caught. Earl of Melton, Alex Harland has been asked to assist the Bow Street runners in the investigation and capture of Nightjar.
Emma Danvers has been attracted and fascinated by Alex Harland. One night at a masked ball the two met and shared a very memorable kiss. Alex never did find out who the woman was he kissed, before he headed off to fight in the war.
Years later the two are thrown together and become entangled in a game of "to catch the thief". I loved how these two interacted. The chemistry and attraction jumped off the pages as they danced around each other and eventually couldn't resist the pull any longer. But as the layers of their relationship unfold the truth of who Emma is revealed and now the two have to figure out how to make their love and relationship last and achieve their HEA.
I loved the development of Alex and Emma's relationship. The intrigue and complexity of who each individual character was added to the excitement and pull of their love story. How Alex came to terms with how Emma became who she was and his wanting to rescue her. Emma being drawn to Alex when she knew it could be her downfall in not just the breaking of her heart but a possibility of imprisonment as well. But the two do find their HEA.
June 20, 2022
✨Carpe hominem✨
✨Fate was a perverse bitch✨
✨Emmy Danvers: Recent Virgin✨
✨Torn between his head and his cock✨
______
Alex was such a hottie. I want one. I need one. Give me one. He is Lawful Sexy™️. He likes laws and being hot. To which I reply: that’s hot.
Case & many points
- “I want to be inside you. I want to fuck you all night”
- “I want you Emmy Danvers and I want to take my time.”
- “Who has you?” He felt himself growl
“You,” she panted. “Alex Harland.” Her voice held a delight and disbelief that mirrored his own.
He increased the tempo and she groaned against him, unconsciously seeking her own climax. “It’s always been you.”
✨Fate was a perverse bitch✨
✨Emmy Danvers: Recent Virgin✨
✨Torn between his head and his cock✨
______
Alex was such a hottie. I want one. I need one. Give me one. He is Lawful Sexy™️. He likes laws and being hot. To which I reply: that’s hot.
Case & many points
- “I want to be inside you. I want to fuck you all night”
- “I want you Emmy Danvers and I want to take my time.”
- “Who has you?” He felt himself growl
“You,” she panted. “Alex Harland.” Her voice held a delight and disbelief that mirrored his own.
He increased the tempo and she groaned against him, unconsciously seeking her own climax. “It’s always been you.”
May 27, 2025
REREAD UPDATE
yuppppp this still hits. also they're so batcat coded but with slightly different issues. like okay period lawful man trying to catch cunning woman!
I LOVE YOU ALEX HARLAND!!!!! I WISH YOU WEREN’T A FICTIONAL DEAD 19TH CENTURY MAN :(
This book was so good, like so freaking good!!! Alex and Emmys chemistry was perfection and I just loved their dynamic so much. Alex was so attractive, what a sexy man. My stomach was literally filled with butterflies, I just loved this book so much 🤩
yuppppp this still hits. also they're so batcat coded but with slightly different issues. like okay period lawful man trying to catch cunning woman!
I LOVE YOU ALEX HARLAND!!!!! I WISH YOU WEREN’T A FICTIONAL DEAD 19TH CENTURY MAN :(
This book was so good, like so freaking good!!! Alex and Emmys chemistry was perfection and I just loved their dynamic so much. Alex was so attractive, what a sexy man. My stomach was literally filled with butterflies, I just loved this book so much 🤩
July 3, 2023
2.75
It's a little unclear how the heroine knew the hero and was infatuated with him from the beginning of the book. Did she know him simply because they were both aristocrats and she saw him from across the ballroom at one point and fell in love at first sight??? Maybe her infatuation was established in the previous book because the book immediately begins with a masquerade, where the heroine boldly asks the hero for a dance. No build-up whatsoever. That was probably my main qualm with the book.
It's a little unclear how the heroine knew the hero and was infatuated with him from the beginning of the book. Did she know him simply because they were both aristocrats and she saw him from across the ballroom at one point and fell in love at first sight??? Maybe her infatuation was established in the previous book because the book immediately begins with a masquerade, where the heroine boldly asks the hero for a dance. No build-up whatsoever. That was probably my main qualm with the book.
June 23, 2023
I liked the plot: female jewel thief pursued by an Earl sworn to uphold the law; they fall for each other. But I felt it could have easily been 100 pages shorter. The characters were ok. A lot of times their internal musings went on for longer than necessary and I couldn’t often tell whose voice was whose. I do wish Emmy’s grandmother would have been in more scenes as she was great.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
Oh give me a Regency Romance! Make it funny and I'm yours! This book hits all the chords. A spunky heroine, and brooding hero, mistaken identity and between the sheets romps. This is the kind of book that is almost impossible to put down and makes you fall in love with the characters. It's got all the fun of "To Catch a Thief" but with corsets.
This is a brilliant author and I would LOVE to read more of her works!! 'hint, hint'
This is a brilliant author and I would LOVE to read more of her works!! 'hint, hint'
June 2, 2020
Emmy is in love with Alex, Earl of Melton, but her criminal back ground forbids her to come forward with her love. She steals a kiss at a masquerade ball, and during his following years at war he can not forget the mysterious stranger.
Back in London he works as a bow street runner, and his new assignment is to catch the Nightjar, a jewel thief. Who is no other than Emmy, and he is coming dangerously close to the truth while he reluctantly falls in love with her.
A jewel thief with honorable motives that are not honorable at all. A bad guy who is, of course, stupid as well. A deceived male protagonist (poor guy ...), and people who jump to conclusions that were already ruled out a chapter before ... nope.
This was a disappointing second in a series that started out very promising with This Earl of Mine, the first in the series that I would recommend.
Back in London he works as a bow street runner, and his new assignment is to catch the Nightjar, a jewel thief. Who is no other than Emmy, and he is coming dangerously close to the truth while he reluctantly falls in love with her.
A jewel thief with honorable motives that are not honorable at all. A bad guy who is, of course, stupid as well. A deceived male protagonist (poor guy ...), and people who jump to conclusions that were already ruled out a chapter before ... nope.
This was a disappointing second in a series that started out very promising with This Earl of Mine, the first in the series that I would recommend.
June 27, 2020
Well, these two were delightful. After devouring the previous book in this series, there was no way I was going to skip this one.
I loved Emmy and Alex. They’re both so smart and so stubborn and really good people. Their button pushing was fantastic, especially when it was so thinly veiled as flirting and the chemistry between them was fantastically out of control. Emmy’s grandmother stole every scene she was in and I can’t wait to see the girl who knocks Seb on his ass.
Plot wise, it was good. I enjoyed reading the thefts and how detailed the family got with planning. I could have done with a bit more regular conversation between Emmy and Alex, but this wasn’t a regular relationship and even Alex mentally notes that they need to learn about each other.
Overall, it was another great story, with very little angst and a whole lot of irritation and I was here for all of it.
**Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Emmy and Alex. They’re both so smart and so stubborn and really good people. Their button pushing was fantastic, especially when it was so thinly veiled as flirting and the chemistry between them was fantastically out of control. Emmy’s grandmother stole every scene she was in and I can’t wait to see the girl who knocks Seb on his ass.
Plot wise, it was good. I enjoyed reading the thefts and how detailed the family got with planning. I could have done with a bit more regular conversation between Emmy and Alex, but this wasn’t a regular relationship and even Alex mentally notes that they need to learn about each other.
Overall, it was another great story, with very little angst and a whole lot of irritation and I was here for all of it.
**Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing the arc free of charge**
June 19, 2020
Series: Bow Street Bachelors #2
Publication Date: 6/30/20
Number of Pages: 336
Welcome to the second exciting and steamy installment of the Bow Street Bachelors. You are going to love this excellently-written, well-plotted, and well-delivered story which takes place just two months after the first book, This Earl of Mine. I will admit, I had a love-hate relationship with Alex – quite often I didn’t care for how he treated Emmy, even though I could understand his turmoil. As for Emmy, well, I just loved her and her family and was happy to see her find her HEA.
Emmy Danvers (Emmeline Louise d’Anvers), the daughter of Europe’s most elusive jewel thief, has only broken one of her father’s rules – and it will bring her great pleasure and great pain. That rule? Only touch what you’re going to steal. She broke it four years ago when she kissed Alexander Harland at a masked ball. He had no idea who she was, but she knew exactly who he was because she’d admired him from afar for a very long time. She has never forgotten that kiss nor the man who bestowed it – no other man has ever felt ‘right’. She knows he’ll never notice her among the crowds – and she’s grateful for that – because they are on very different sides of the law. After her father’s death, Emmy has assumed his role as the Nightjar and is now being sought by Bow Street after stealing a gem owned by the Prince Regent.
Two months ago, after he and his two best friends, Seb and Benedict, had foiled an attempt to rescue Bonaparte from exile on St. Helena, they were all granted titles. He is now Alexander Harland, Earl of Melton. But, more importantly to him, he is a partner in the Tricorn Club and he aids Bow Street with sensitive cases. He’s just been handed one such sensitive case – a thief known as the Nightjar has stolen a diamond from Rundell Bridge and Rundell. The owner of that diamond is none other than the Prince Regent and he is demanding they find his diamond and prosecute the scurrilous thief. Alex likes nothing better than a good challenge and the Nightjar will be a challenge.
Alex doesn’t ever see himself marrying, but he can’t forget that kiss four years ago. A woman kissed him at a masquerade ball and he never learned her name – but he’s never forgotten her. He remembers every detail -he can picture it in his mind – and her scent – OH! He remembers that as well. When he visits the scene of the crime at Rundell Bridge and Rundell, he catches a whiff of that scent. He hasn’t smelled exactly that scent in four years, but he is positive it is the same. Yet, there are so many people on the street he can’t find the source ** He should be prepared, that scent is going to drive him insane for the next few weeks. **
I loved the mystery and the chase. Emmy and Alex are both very smart strategic thinkers and each takes delight in outwitting the other. Will she finish her father’s task and escape being arrested? Will he catch her and send her to the gallows? It seems it must be one way or the other with no in-between. You’ll just have to read the story to find out all of the wonderful details. Be prepared – there isn’t a dull minute in there anywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/30/20
Number of Pages: 336
Welcome to the second exciting and steamy installment of the Bow Street Bachelors. You are going to love this excellently-written, well-plotted, and well-delivered story which takes place just two months after the first book, This Earl of Mine. I will admit, I had a love-hate relationship with Alex – quite often I didn’t care for how he treated Emmy, even though I could understand his turmoil. As for Emmy, well, I just loved her and her family and was happy to see her find her HEA.
Emmy Danvers (Emmeline Louise d’Anvers), the daughter of Europe’s most elusive jewel thief, has only broken one of her father’s rules – and it will bring her great pleasure and great pain. That rule? Only touch what you’re going to steal. She broke it four years ago when she kissed Alexander Harland at a masked ball. He had no idea who she was, but she knew exactly who he was because she’d admired him from afar for a very long time. She has never forgotten that kiss nor the man who bestowed it – no other man has ever felt ‘right’. She knows he’ll never notice her among the crowds – and she’s grateful for that – because they are on very different sides of the law. After her father’s death, Emmy has assumed his role as the Nightjar and is now being sought by Bow Street after stealing a gem owned by the Prince Regent.
Two months ago, after he and his two best friends, Seb and Benedict, had foiled an attempt to rescue Bonaparte from exile on St. Helena, they were all granted titles. He is now Alexander Harland, Earl of Melton. But, more importantly to him, he is a partner in the Tricorn Club and he aids Bow Street with sensitive cases. He’s just been handed one such sensitive case – a thief known as the Nightjar has stolen a diamond from Rundell Bridge and Rundell. The owner of that diamond is none other than the Prince Regent and he is demanding they find his diamond and prosecute the scurrilous thief. Alex likes nothing better than a good challenge and the Nightjar will be a challenge.
Alex doesn’t ever see himself marrying, but he can’t forget that kiss four years ago. A woman kissed him at a masquerade ball and he never learned her name – but he’s never forgotten her. He remembers every detail -he can picture it in his mind – and her scent – OH! He remembers that as well. When he visits the scene of the crime at Rundell Bridge and Rundell, he catches a whiff of that scent. He hasn’t smelled exactly that scent in four years, but he is positive it is the same. Yet, there are so many people on the street he can’t find the source ** He should be prepared, that scent is going to drive him insane for the next few weeks. **
I loved the mystery and the chase. Emmy and Alex are both very smart strategic thinkers and each takes delight in outwitting the other. Will she finish her father’s task and escape being arrested? Will he catch her and send her to the gallows? It seems it must be one way or the other with no in-between. You’ll just have to read the story to find out all of the wonderful details. Be prepared – there isn’t a dull minute in there anywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2022
As a second son and soldier, Alexander Harland has spent his life proving his mettle after a fairly wild youth. Now made Earl of Melton in recognition of his bravery, Alex also uses his skills in investigations for Bow Street. His one source of distraction is the woman who’s never far from his thoughts, despite the fact that he only shared one kiss with her before he left for war four years ago and never even learned her name. Now he’s investigating a peculiar jewel thief known as the Nightjar and his inquiries have him repeatedly encountering the beautiful Emmy Danvers. Alex is certain she’s his mystery woman from years ago, but unfortunately, he’s equally certain she’s the thief he’s set to bring to justice.
Emmy has held a tendre for Alex for years but knows nothing can ever come of it since they are now enemies. She knows her game is nearly up, but a blackmailer has left her with no option but to steal, no matter how reluctant she is. When her elaborate game of chase with Alex ultimately puts her life at risk from the impatient blackmailer, Alex is left scrambling for a way to protect the troublesome woman he’s come to love and make her his.
I’m not sure if it’s really the book’s fault given the difficulty I’ve had focusing on reading lately, but I had such very high hopes for this book and it just didn’t meet them for me after how much I loved the first book. Emmy, the heroine, was my main problem. She was constantly sniping at Alex and complaining about his arrogance and lack of trust when really she was the one who was exceedingly arrogant and mistrustful. The banter between Alex and Emmy was clever and entertaining, though at times it was a bit much and the need for Emmy to constantly best him got a bit old and it didn’t make Emmy charming for me, though I’m sure it was meant to. These two definitely had chemistry between them, but fairly little in the way of actual romance, though there was plenty of steam and tension. I found Emmy to be rather a conundrum as she is presented as being highly intelligent and yet she continued to make ridiculously stupid decisions with regard to her thievery even after she knew Alex had figured out her identity. I enjoyed this much more once the two started working together, but even then I felt Alex was the one doing the giving in the relationship and Emmy never put any trust in him, not even at the end, which made their relationship a bit of a letdown because it seemed she never had any faith in him to protect her. I think part of the problem here was a need for more fleshing out of the blackmailer’s character to make him a true villain and make his motivations believable. This was still a good read, it just wasn’t what I expected and fell a bit short of what I wanted from it, which is probably unfair of me. Regardless, this still wasn’t a bad book and I’m looking forward to Sebastian’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Emmy has held a tendre for Alex for years but knows nothing can ever come of it since they are now enemies. She knows her game is nearly up, but a blackmailer has left her with no option but to steal, no matter how reluctant she is. When her elaborate game of chase with Alex ultimately puts her life at risk from the impatient blackmailer, Alex is left scrambling for a way to protect the troublesome woman he’s come to love and make her his.
I’m not sure if it’s really the book’s fault given the difficulty I’ve had focusing on reading lately, but I had such very high hopes for this book and it just didn’t meet them for me after how much I loved the first book. Emmy, the heroine, was my main problem. She was constantly sniping at Alex and complaining about his arrogance and lack of trust when really she was the one who was exceedingly arrogant and mistrustful. The banter between Alex and Emmy was clever and entertaining, though at times it was a bit much and the need for Emmy to constantly best him got a bit old and it didn’t make Emmy charming for me, though I’m sure it was meant to. These two definitely had chemistry between them, but fairly little in the way of actual romance, though there was plenty of steam and tension. I found Emmy to be rather a conundrum as she is presented as being highly intelligent and yet she continued to make ridiculously stupid decisions with regard to her thievery even after she knew Alex had figured out her identity. I enjoyed this much more once the two started working together, but even then I felt Alex was the one doing the giving in the relationship and Emmy never put any trust in him, not even at the end, which made their relationship a bit of a letdown because it seemed she never had any faith in him to protect her. I think part of the problem here was a need for more fleshing out of the blackmailer’s character to make him a true villain and make his motivations believable. This was still a good read, it just wasn’t what I expected and fell a bit short of what I wanted from it, which is probably unfair of me. Regardless, this still wasn’t a bad book and I’m looking forward to Sebastian’s story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2020
Release Day!
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He stole a kiss at a masquerade ball, she stole his heart without leaving a hint to who she was. Now it is years later and he is determined to find her; she is determined to evade him even though she has a huge crush on him.
In To Catch and Earl, the second book of the Bow Street Bachelors , Emmy asks for a dance and ends up dancing away with Alex's heart. Problem #1 she is a notorious Jewel thief. Problem #2 he is an agent of Bow Street and is looking for her secret identity the Nightjar. Problem #3 she is being blackmailed and needs to steal some very famous gems in the next few weeks or her family will be ruined.
I very much enjoyed this book. Emmy is a lot of fun. She sneaks around stealing things and has an aunt who is pushing her into finding a good time with a rogue, or even a pirate would do, but a man in uniform is preferable. Emmy's father was once a great jewel thief and on his death left the great task of reuniting the French Royal Jewels to their original home. She could possibly let that all go if it wasn't for the blackmailer. She has also loved Alex Harland from afar for years.
Alex is an easy man to like as well. He is smart and catches on right away to the fact Emmy is more than she seems. Still the chase is on and he can't decide what he will do with the woman once he catches her. The Agent in his says to turn her in, but the man... Well the man has other plans for her.
There are some fun characters and good times to be had along with a few inventive heists, all a win in this reader's book.
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He stole a kiss at a masquerade ball, she stole his heart without leaving a hint to who she was. Now it is years later and he is determined to find her; she is determined to evade him even though she has a huge crush on him.
"Sometimes the chase is such fun that the catching is quite a disappointment." she took another bite of teacake. "One the other hand, sometimes being caught is only the start of the adventure."
In To Catch and Earl, the second book of the Bow Street Bachelors , Emmy asks for a dance and ends up dancing away with Alex's heart. Problem #1 she is a notorious Jewel thief. Problem #2 he is an agent of Bow Street and is looking for her secret identity the Nightjar. Problem #3 she is being blackmailed and needs to steal some very famous gems in the next few weeks or her family will be ruined.
I very much enjoyed this book. Emmy is a lot of fun. She sneaks around stealing things and has an aunt who is pushing her into finding a good time with a rogue, or even a pirate would do, but a man in uniform is preferable. Emmy's father was once a great jewel thief and on his death left the great task of reuniting the French Royal Jewels to their original home. She could possibly let that all go if it wasn't for the blackmailer. She has also loved Alex Harland from afar for years.
Alex is an easy man to like as well. He is smart and catches on right away to the fact Emmy is more than she seems. Still the chase is on and he can't decide what he will do with the woman once he catches her. The Agent in his says to turn her in, but the man... Well the man has other plans for her.
There are some fun characters and good times to be had along with a few inventive heists, all a win in this reader's book.
July 2, 2020
The Earl of Melton is determined to catch an elusive London jewel thief known as the Nightjar. The Nightjar who hasn’t been active in years is suddenly stealing gems with a unique history.
Since returning from the war, he has also been working his own personal case; one that haunts his dream. Before leaving, he shared a kiss with a masked woman and no other will do. She proves to be just as elusive as the Nightjar until past and present collide….
Oh, how I loved the banter and cat-and-mouse game that unfolded between Emmy and Alex. Emma knows exactly who Alex is and she should stay far away, but he draws her to him like a moth to a flame. Eep!
I adored Emmy. She is cunning, clever and loves her family beyond measure. She fantasied about Alex, even if he may cost her everything.
Bateman weaved a tale that held me captive. The Nightjar was clever and the history, methods and reasons kept me flipping through the pages. Would they be caught?
Fans of historical romance, suspense and swoon-worthy romances filled with wicked banter will want to add To Catch an Earl to their bookshelf.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Since returning from the war, he has also been working his own personal case; one that haunts his dream. Before leaving, he shared a kiss with a masked woman and no other will do. She proves to be just as elusive as the Nightjar until past and present collide….
Oh, how I loved the banter and cat-and-mouse game that unfolded between Emmy and Alex. Emma knows exactly who Alex is and she should stay far away, but he draws her to him like a moth to a flame. Eep!
I adored Emmy. She is cunning, clever and loves her family beyond measure. She fantasied about Alex, even if he may cost her everything.
Bateman weaved a tale that held me captive. The Nightjar was clever and the history, methods and reasons kept me flipping through the pages. Would they be caught?
Fans of historical romance, suspense and swoon-worthy romances filled with wicked banter will want to add To Catch an Earl to their bookshelf.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 8, 2020
I read it but I didn't read it. Does that make sense? I barely remember at least 60% of this historical romance and I kind of just went through the motions of reading it. Nothing in particular stood out and everything was basic. No excitement. No spark. No flare. It was just unrememberable and I will say it's more of a 'it's not you, it's me' type of read. I just didn't care much for it unfortunately but can definitely see this novel appealing to most readers that tend to gravitate towards this genre.
March 29, 2020
This is the first Kate Bateman novel I've ever read and I have to say that it was spectacular from beginning to end - an absolute gem of a story!
Emmy Danvers is the notorious Nightjar, a jewel thief so sly and clever she keeps evading capture. Her only weakness is Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, the man she loves and knows she can never marry. The kiss they once in a garden during a masquerade is all she will ever have of him, and she very much doubts he even remembers her. But when he joins the investigation that seeks to bring the her to justice, a thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues - a game Emmy is very determined to win.
Alex Harland has never forgotten the woman he kissed in that blasted garden. Although he never even saw her face, she has haunted his dreams for years and continues to do so until he starts hunting the Nightjar, meets Emmy Danvers, and begins to wonder if all three people might be one and the same. One thing is certain - he will catch her. The only question is what will happen once he does.
I absolutely loved how these two characters kept on getting the better of each other. I loved Emmy's fun collection of foreign words that don't exist English, and I loved that the author kept me wondering how a thief and an agent of the law could possibly find their happily ever after together.
The world building/descriptions were phenomenal and really helped immerse me in the story while the secondary characters helped flesh everything out. Highly recommended!
Emmy Danvers is the notorious Nightjar, a jewel thief so sly and clever she keeps evading capture. Her only weakness is Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, the man she loves and knows she can never marry. The kiss they once in a garden during a masquerade is all she will ever have of him, and she very much doubts he even remembers her. But when he joins the investigation that seeks to bring the her to justice, a thrilling game of cat and mouse ensues - a game Emmy is very determined to win.
Alex Harland has never forgotten the woman he kissed in that blasted garden. Although he never even saw her face, she has haunted his dreams for years and continues to do so until he starts hunting the Nightjar, meets Emmy Danvers, and begins to wonder if all three people might be one and the same. One thing is certain - he will catch her. The only question is what will happen once he does.
I absolutely loved how these two characters kept on getting the better of each other. I loved Emmy's fun collection of foreign words that don't exist English, and I loved that the author kept me wondering how a thief and an agent of the law could possibly find their happily ever after together.
The world building/descriptions were phenomenal and really helped immerse me in the story while the secondary characters helped flesh everything out. Highly recommended!
May 19, 2022
A pleasant read, overall. The characters were generally appealing, though I could have used a little more detail about how the hero and heroine formed their personalities. So many holes in the plot it looked like Swiss cheese. If an author is going to add mystery and/or intrigue to their story, it really needs to be less lame than in this story. I’m supposed to believe the masterminds of a heist at the British Museum can’t locate and defeat a blackmailer? Preposterous. The best part of this book is the romantic relationship between the principles, which is very nice indeed.
March 1, 2020
I struggled ridiculously so to get into this book! When it was all said and done, I just didn’t feel Alex and Emmy had that ‘zing’ if you will, to make me believe they were meant to be with each other. I was really disappointed, especially after enjoying the first book of the series so much, but three stars for the storyline and other characters.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martins and this is my honest review.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martins and this is my honest review.
December 5, 2025
I loved the flow of the book and the characters' interactions
I think the grand-mère was pretty epic (stolen stone/soup scene made me laugh out loud)
I had three big problems, though:
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I think the grand-mère was pretty epic (stolen stone/soup scene made me laugh out loud)
I had three big problems, though:
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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