Secrets & Spies Series

A master spy and a beautiful thief find love and intrigue in each other's arms. . . Forced to do the bidding of a corrupt government minister, Marianne de Bonnard agrees to plant incriminating evidence in the offices of France's most notorious spymaster. Under cover of night, the tightrope-walking thief puts her skills to good use—until her aerial stunt is foiled when her target appears in the window and, with consummate poise, helps Marianne off the wire and into his lair. The tremors that run through her body are not just from fear; there's an unwanted frisson of desire there, too. But is it because of her elegant, wickedly handsome host . . . or his proposition? Nicolas Valette has had plans for his graceful trespasser since he witnessed her unique skills at the Cirque Olympique. Sinuous as a cat, Marianne is perfect for his next mission, but she refuses his generous offer for fear of disobeying her family's tormenter. When their mutual enemy auctions off her virginity to the highest bidder, Nicolas leaps at the chance to purchase her cooperation. Keeping her will be like trying to tame a wild animal, but what's life without a little risk? Besides, Nicolas and Marianne both want the same thing: revenge—and, perhaps, something else that's equally delicious. Praise for To Steal a Heart "[To Steal a Heart] is rich with espionage and suspense. Multidimensional believable characters and fast-paced plotting propel the story forward to its moving conclusion."—Publishers Weekly "The writing and characterization are superb, the romance is hot, snarky and tender and the hero is delicious. I couldn't ask for much more in an historical romance and I'm eagerly awaiting whatever Ms. Bateman comes up with next."—All About Romance "The sexual chemistry between the two built so steadily that I thought I would go up in flames if they didn't stop battling each other and give in to their needs."—Kilts and Swords "A memorable entry into the world of historical romance . . . Secret agents and steamy sensuality join forces and ignite the pages."—Jenerated Reviews

When a bookish codebreaker and a dashing spy are reunited in this steamy historical romance, their lives depend on their ability to resist temptation. But fate is a mistress who cannot be denied. . .   England, 1815. In the war against France, Heloise Hampden is a high-value asset to the Crown. When she cracks the enemy's most recent communication, French agents are sent to silence her. But it's the agent assigned to protect Heloise who poses the greatest threat to her heart: William de l'Isle, Viscount Ravenwood. Heloise has quarreled with the man they call Raven since childhood, yet always maintained a chaste distance. She's sure nothing will change, thanks to the disfiguring scar on her face.   Nothing has changed. Raven still wonders how Hell-cat Hampden's lithe body would feel pressed against his, but for the mission he must remind himself that the woman takes more pleasure in ancient languages than she does in seduction. His imprisonment six years ago broke him in a way that makes the prospect of love impossible—he's a shadowed Hades pining for sun-kissed Persephone. Still, his heart beats like mad whenever he's within ten paces of Heloise, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if that means taking her to Spain as an unwilling hostage. Protecting her from danger will be a challenge; protecting her from desire will be pure agony.   Praise for K. C. Bateman's books: "(To Steal A Heart) is rich with espionage and suspense. Multidimensional believable characters and fast-paced plotting propel the story to its moving conclusion."— Publisher's Weekly   "The writing and characterization are superb, the romance is hot, snarky and tender and the hero is delicious. I couldn't ask for much more in an historical romance and I'm eagerly awaiting whatever Ms. Bateman comes up with next." – All About Romance.   "Delicious, witty, and ripping good fun! Kate Bateman's writing sparkles." -- USA Today bestselling author Laura Lee Guhrke   "Dashing, daring, and deliciously romantic!" -- USA Today bestselling author Caroline Linden   "Bateman's scintillating first Bow Street Bachelors Regency is full of intense emotions and dramatic twists. Intelligent, affable characters make this fast-paced novel shine, especially for fans of clever women and the men who sincerely admire them. Future installments will be eagerly anticipated by Regency readers." -- Publishers Weekly (Starred Review for This Earl Of Mine)

Reclusive ex-spy Christopher 'Kit' Carlisle has barely left his country estate since his escape from wartime captivity, but a deathbed promise has forced him to London to seek out the beautiful—and elusive—Emma Townsend. Botanist Emma is back from Brazil, determined to keep her precious orchids alive long enough to present them to the Royal Society. For that she needs a hothouse, and the assistance of the one man who's always made her heart beat faster: the broodingly handsome Kit. When Kit reluctantly agrees to allow Emma—and her plants—to spend Christmas with him at his country estate, the attraction simmering between them is hard to deny. In Emma's company, grouchy Kit rediscovers the joy of being alive, while Emma can't resist the impulse to make Kit smile again—or to steal his clothes while he's bathing . . . NB: This sweet addition to the Secrets & Spies series features the 'best friend's sister' trope, with hints of Beauty and the Beast.   Look for all of K. C. Bateman's delightful Secrets and Spies novels: TO STEAL A HEART | A RAVEN'S HEART | A COUNTERFEIT HEART "Scintillating! Clever characters and sizzling romance!"  - Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW on This Earl Of Mine.   "Rich with espionage and suspense . . . Multidimensional believable characters and fast-paced plotting propel the story forward to its moving conclusion."—Publishers Weekly, on To Steal a Heart.   "I couldn't ask for much more in an historical romance and I'm eagerly awaiting whatever Ms. Bateman comes up with next."—All About Romance, on To Steal a Heart   Perfect for readers who love Loretta Chase, Julia Quinn, Caroline Linden, Janna MacGregor, Scarlett Peckham, Laura Kinsale, Kerrigan Byrne, Lisa Kleypas, Courtney Milan, Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Grace Burrowes, Madeline Hunter, Lenora Bell, Sophie Jordan, Lorraine Heath, Eva Leigh, Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Shupe, Sarah MacLean, Shana Galen, Stephanie Laurens and Sabrina Jeffries.   Keywords: Historical romance, Regency romance, Christmas romance, Holiday romance, Victorian romance, action-adventure, sweet, best friend's sister, friends to lovers, second chance romance, Napoleonic romance, spies, Bow Street, funny, charming, Bestseller