Book Review: How To Fall For A Scoundrel by Kate Bateman

How to Fall for a Scoundrel, the second installment in Kate Bateman's series Her Majesty's Rebels, is an easy read, both entertaining and mysterious.  Set in Regency England, three friends, Eleanor "Ellie" Law, Daisy Hamilton, and Tess Townsend, the Dowager Duchess of Wansford, form a private investigation firm called King & Co.  Much like the TV series Remington Steele, Charles King, the head of the firm, does not exist.  The three women made him up to give their firm credibility.  However, a mysterious gentleman steps into Ellie's life and assumes the role of Charles King.  The similarities between the TV program and Kateman's tale stops there.

Bateman weaves an intriguing story around the man playing Charles King.  He is a thief, a playboy, a high stakes gambler, and the Earl of Cobham.  At least, once he can prove his inheritance and take his rightful position in society.  In the center of the tale is a charismatic Englishman, who meets an intelligent English maiden, who inspires him to become an honest man. Their romance is charming and pulls the reader to cheer for their union.  The writing is smooth and the pace of the story keeps the reader engaged.  

How to Fall for a Scoundrel follows the first book in the series, Second Duke's the Charm, featuring Tess.  Book three in the series will focus on Daisy and the entanglements of her happily ever after story.