What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets and Spies #1
To Steal a Heart
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.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2016
721 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Bateman
12 books843 followersKate Bateman / K.C. Bateman, is a bestselling author of Regency and Renaissance historical romances, including the Secrets & Spies series, Bow Street Bachelors series, Ruthless Rivals series and Her Majesty's Rebels series. Her books have received multiple Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, and her Renaissance romp The Devil To Pay was a 2019 RITA award nominee.
Kate's books have been translated into multiple languages, including French, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, German, Romanian, Czech, and Croatian.
When not writing, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She currently lives in the UK with her husband, three inexhaustible children, and a naughty toy Poodle named Monty.
Kate loves to hear from readers. Contact her on Twitter @katebateman, Facebook, or via her website at www.kcbateman.com
Website: http://kcbateman.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/katebateman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc_bateman/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-b...
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/2AHVgZ
Amazon: http://goo.gl/i3Rhyq
B&N: http://goo.gl/1YzFWU
Kobo: http://goo.gl/x1fQqL
iTunes: http://goo.gl/4b7x53
Google Play: http://goo.gl/3bxOIz
Kate's books have been translated into multiple languages, including French, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, German, Romanian, Czech, and Croatian.
When not writing, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She currently lives in the UK with her husband, three inexhaustible children, and a naughty toy Poodle named Monty.
Kate loves to hear from readers. Contact her on Twitter @katebateman, Facebook, or via her website at www.kcbateman.com
Website: http://kcbateman.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/katebateman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kc_bateman/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-b...
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/2AHVgZ
Amazon: http://goo.gl/i3Rhyq
B&N: http://goo.gl/1YzFWU
Kobo: http://goo.gl/x1fQqL
iTunes: http://goo.gl/4b7x53
Google Play: http://goo.gl/3bxOIz
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
March 7, 2016
Marianne is a woman in a tough spot like many women during those times. She is doing her best to protect her sister and that includes doing things she doesn't want to do. Nicolas needs Marianne and when he catches her sneaking into his home, he seizes the opportunity. I enjoyed the development of their relationship through a plot that ropes in a rich history. It was entertaining to read Nicolas' attempts to treat Marianne as the others he's dealt with in the past when she clearly made him feel differently. Marianne is tested beyond what she thought were her limits and the romance between the MCs blossoms beautifully. There is no drama of OW/OM. There is mention of unsolicited sexual acts though there is no penetration. The implied threat is there as well. I enjoyed this read.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2016
It's not often I make a first book a DIK, but I gave this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded-up.
I was lucky enough to read a number of very strong début novels last year, and that trend is continuing into 2016 with K.C Bateman’s To Steal a Heart, ( Secrets and Spies book 1), an action-packed, sexy romantic adventure story set in Napoleonic France. The story grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let me go until I’d finished it – which I did in about two sittings.
Marianne Bonnard has worked at the Cirque Olympique as a tightrope walker and circus performer for the last five or six years, ever since the death of her parents in a fire. This left her and her younger sister, Sophie, with nobody but each other, and everything Marianne does is focused on keeping Sophie safe and well. After the fire, they were brought to Paris by their slimy cousin Duval, a corrupt official with responsibility for overseeing the city’s many brothels, who threatened to put the girls – then aged ten and fourteen – to work in one of them. But Marianne struck a deal with him. If she could find a way to earn enough money to more than pay for their keep, she would do that instead, on condition that he left Sophie alone. Duval agreed, although not without conditions, which are that Sophie remains in Paris under his control and that Marianne steals and spies for him.
Her latest assignment is to plant some incriminating evidence in the apartment of Nicolas Valette, spymaster, protégé of two of France’s most powerful men, and, according to some, one of the most dangerous men in France. But Valette’s reputation for being one step ahead the game is not undeserved; on the night Marianne is due to break into his study, he is there waiting for her, aware of what she’s there to do. But instead of killing her or turning her in, he makes her an offer. He will protect her sister and destroy Duval if she will undertake to work on one mission for – and with - him.
I’m not going to give the game away, save to say that the mission is an audacious one and Ms Bateman does a terrific job in balancing the romance with the action-based elements of the plot. Marianne and Valette are instantly attracted to each other, but the author rightly focuses on the task at hand, keeping their attraction at a simmer and allowing it to develop through thoughts and feelings as they circle warily around each other. Nicolas is controlled and frighteningly competent, yet we’re shown Marianne gradually getting under his skin, especially during the time they spend together as he puts her through a gruelling training regime. He pushes her to her limits time and again and she tries to hate him for it – but he knows what she’s going to be up against and what she’s going to have to be able to do if she’s going to survive. The sexual chemistry between them is smoking hot and some of the best I’ve read; and their acerbic, sharp-tongued verbal sparring is perfectly done.
"Do you speak Italian?”
"A little. Laurent taught me. Especially swearwords. ‘Vaffunculo,’” she offered sweetly, “means go f—“
"I know what it means,” he said with a dark chuckle. “Good. We’re Italian. You’re my wife, Fatima.”
Nerves made her snippy. “My father would be so proud. He always hoped I’d marry a lying turncoat spy.”
There’s never the sense that these characters are flirting just for the sake of it; rather, the things Valette and Marianne say and do arise naturally out of the situations in which they find themselves. Unlike so many historical romantic spy stories where the espionage plot is nebulous and clearly little more than a way of throwing the hero and heroine together, in To Steal a Heart, there’s a real sense of danger and of something important being at stake.
I won’t deny that there’s a modernity of tone to some aspects of the storyline and dialogue, but it’s not obtrusive and this is one of those books where the story is so entertaining and the characters so engaging as to make it easy to overlook the odd slip. The plot is well-thought out and the characterisation of the leads is excellent. Marianne reminds me somewhat of Annique from Joanna Bourne’s The Spymaster's Lady. She’s determined, courageous, skilled and quick-witted, and won’t take any crap from the men around her; and like Grey, Valette knows she can handle herself and doesn’t try to cosset her or wrap her up in cotton wool. Nicolas Valette is, quite simply, sex on legs. Handsome, dangerously charming, highly intelligent, devious and completely ruthless, he is the sort of man from whom one would probably run a mile in real life, but as the hero of a romance novel? Oh, yes please! *swoon*
Valette’s life for the past six years has been ruled by his overwhelming desire for revenge against Napoleon for the murder of his younger brother, while Marianne has to overcome the events of her past in order to move forward. These aspects of their characters are dealt with reasonably well, although in the end, Nicolas’ desire for revenge almost costs them both dear. Because of that, I am a little torn over the events which lead up to the ending of the book. Nicolas makes a choice which is so perfectly in character that it’s difficult to see how he could have made a different one, but it means he and Marianne are not together at a crucial point in the story. It’s true she’s not a heroine who needs saving and does pretty well on her own, thank-you-very-much – but I still felt just the tiniest bit cheated that they weren’t together at that point. That said, I have to applaud Ms Bateman for the direction she takes because to have done things differently would have been out of character for both of them.
I dithered over the final grade for To Steal a Heart, wondering whether to give it a B+ or an A- and thus make it a DIK. I’ve gone with my gut instinct – the DIK – mainly because the high level of engagement I experienced and sheer entertainment value mean it’s a book I’m likely to re-read. And on top of that, the writing and characterisation 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.
I was lucky enough to read a number of very strong début novels last year, and that trend is continuing into 2016 with K.C Bateman’s To Steal a Heart, ( Secrets and Spies book 1), an action-packed, sexy romantic adventure story set in Napoleonic France. The story grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let me go until I’d finished it – which I did in about two sittings.
Marianne Bonnard has worked at the Cirque Olympique as a tightrope walker and circus performer for the last five or six years, ever since the death of her parents in a fire. This left her and her younger sister, Sophie, with nobody but each other, and everything Marianne does is focused on keeping Sophie safe and well. After the fire, they were brought to Paris by their slimy cousin Duval, a corrupt official with responsibility for overseeing the city’s many brothels, who threatened to put the girls – then aged ten and fourteen – to work in one of them. But Marianne struck a deal with him. If she could find a way to earn enough money to more than pay for their keep, she would do that instead, on condition that he left Sophie alone. Duval agreed, although not without conditions, which are that Sophie remains in Paris under his control and that Marianne steals and spies for him.
Her latest assignment is to plant some incriminating evidence in the apartment of Nicolas Valette, spymaster, protégé of two of France’s most powerful men, and, according to some, one of the most dangerous men in France. But Valette’s reputation for being one step ahead the game is not undeserved; on the night Marianne is due to break into his study, he is there waiting for her, aware of what she’s there to do. But instead of killing her or turning her in, he makes her an offer. He will protect her sister and destroy Duval if she will undertake to work on one mission for – and with - him.
I’m not going to give the game away, save to say that the mission is an audacious one and Ms Bateman does a terrific job in balancing the romance with the action-based elements of the plot. Marianne and Valette are instantly attracted to each other, but the author rightly focuses on the task at hand, keeping their attraction at a simmer and allowing it to develop through thoughts and feelings as they circle warily around each other. Nicolas is controlled and frighteningly competent, yet we’re shown Marianne gradually getting under his skin, especially during the time they spend together as he puts her through a gruelling training regime. He pushes her to her limits time and again and she tries to hate him for it – but he knows what she’s going to be up against and what she’s going to have to be able to do if she’s going to survive. The sexual chemistry between them is smoking hot and some of the best I’ve read; and their acerbic, sharp-tongued verbal sparring is perfectly done.
"Do you speak Italian?”
"A little. Laurent taught me. Especially swearwords. ‘Vaffunculo,’” she offered sweetly, “means go f—“
"I know what it means,” he said with a dark chuckle. “Good. We’re Italian. You’re my wife, Fatima.”
Nerves made her snippy. “My father would be so proud. He always hoped I’d marry a lying turncoat spy.”
There’s never the sense that these characters are flirting just for the sake of it; rather, the things Valette and Marianne say and do arise naturally out of the situations in which they find themselves. Unlike so many historical romantic spy stories where the espionage plot is nebulous and clearly little more than a way of throwing the hero and heroine together, in To Steal a Heart, there’s a real sense of danger and of something important being at stake.
I won’t deny that there’s a modernity of tone to some aspects of the storyline and dialogue, but it’s not obtrusive and this is one of those books where the story is so entertaining and the characters so engaging as to make it easy to overlook the odd slip. The plot is well-thought out and the characterisation of the leads is excellent. Marianne reminds me somewhat of Annique from Joanna Bourne’s The Spymaster's Lady. She’s determined, courageous, skilled and quick-witted, and won’t take any crap from the men around her; and like Grey, Valette knows she can handle herself and doesn’t try to cosset her or wrap her up in cotton wool. Nicolas Valette is, quite simply, sex on legs. Handsome, dangerously charming, highly intelligent, devious and completely ruthless, he is the sort of man from whom one would probably run a mile in real life, but as the hero of a romance novel? Oh, yes please! *swoon*
Valette’s life for the past six years has been ruled by his overwhelming desire for revenge against Napoleon for the murder of his younger brother, while Marianne has to overcome the events of her past in order to move forward. These aspects of their characters are dealt with reasonably well, although in the end, Nicolas’ desire for revenge almost costs them both dear. Because of that, I am a little torn over the events which lead up to the ending of the book. Nicolas makes a choice which is so perfectly in character that it’s difficult to see how he could have made a different one, but it means he and Marianne are not together at a crucial point in the story. It’s true she’s not a heroine who needs saving and does pretty well on her own, thank-you-very-much – but I still felt just the tiniest bit cheated that they weren’t together at that point. That said, I have to applaud Ms Bateman for the direction she takes because to have done things differently would have been out of character for both of them.
I dithered over the final grade for To Steal a Heart, wondering whether to give it a B+ or an A- and thus make it a DIK. I’ve gone with my gut instinct – the DIK – mainly because the high level of engagement I experienced and sheer entertainment value mean it’s a book I’m likely to re-read. And on top of that, the writing and characterisation 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.
February 17, 2019
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I expected. Which is likely part of my problem. Too high of expectations. I am typically a fan of spy-themed HRs, so I was excited to try this one. The spy aspect and the historical context in which it was used here was interesting. I just felt the romantic connection felt forced. There was a big age gap 35 to 19, which does not typically bother me but felt very apparent here. There were frequent mentions of his experience versus her innocence (romantically)m and the power imbalance was essentially always in favor of the hero. The opening of this book was memorable, and the heroine Marianne was remarkable in her abilities and feirceness. The hero, though was too high-handed for my taste.
June 7, 2017
I loved this impressive 2016 debut novel from K. C. Bateman. Set in France just before the final defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, it combines a well-written, action-packed story, intriguing characters and a sensual romance.
Following the death of his younger brother, Nicolas carries a deep sense of guilt for having survived when his brother didn’t, and his life no longer has any real meaning. The danger, intrigue and excitement inherent in the world of spying and his desire for revenge against Napoleon, whom he holds responsible for his brother’s death, are what keep him going, earning him a reputation for being bold, arrogant and uncompromising. Handsome, virile and seductive, there are any number of beautiful women only too eager to share his bed, but he has long ago built an impenetrable wall around his heart and his emotions are never engaged.
He always enjoyed their company, but he’d never wanted more from them than a few nights’ entertainment. He had absolutely no difficulty keeping his emotions separate from his physical needs.
Ever since her parents’ death in a fire, Marianne has worked at the Cirque Olympique as a tight-rope walker and knife thrower and as a spy for her corrupt and loathsome cousin and guardian, Jean-Jacques Duval. She is resourceful, intelligent and stubborn but has an Achilles heel – her younger sister, Sophie. Having suffered Duval’s perverted attentions, she is willing do anything to protect Sophie from him.
She felt him (Nicolas) smile against her skin. “Whore for her?”
A wave of shame rolled over her as she forced herself to admit the unpalatable truth. To save Sophie? Yes. She’d suffer any indignity. She closed her eyes in despair. “Yes.”
Ms. Bateman blends the romance and suspense perfectly and I love the back-and-forth verbal sparring between Nicolas and Marianne and one of the most memorable early scenes is where Nicolas buys Marianne and Sophie in a brothel auction arranged by Duval and then has to pretend to relieve Marianne of her virginity.
He sat up slowly so as not to startle her and held his hands up in surrender. “I’m at your mercy, mademoiselle. Please say you’re going to have your wicked way with me.”
She scowled, unimpressed with his attempt at humor.
He sighed. “I suppose we’ll have to go with the backup plan then.”
The backup plan turns out to be hilariously reminiscent of the famous Meg Ryan scene in “When Harry Met Sally”!
I enjoyed the interplay of danger and sexual tension and seeing how their relationship changes and how they grow and evolve both as individuals and as a couple.
At first, Nicolas sees Marianne as merely an integral part of the mission and would willingly sacrifice her in his search for revenge. However, during the gruelling course of training for the mission, she is a constant distraction with her rebellious nature and sheer determination and gradually the dynamic between the two of them changes.
Something had changed between them, some indefinable twist to the dynamic that was both unnerving and exciting. He liked her. Respected her. Wanted her. They were no longer master and apprentice; instead of opponents, they were suddenly a team.
After his brother’s death, Nicolas didn’t really care whether he lived or died but now he finds himself beginning to care about life again all because of Marianne who has slowly broken down his defences and stolen his heart.
Marianne is an intriguing combination of strength and vulnerability. I love how she isn’t afraid to stand up to Nicolas and refuses to give in when the going gets tough. She has to rely on her own skills, resourcefulness and inner strength. Emotionally, Duval’s abuse left her feeling tainted and believing that she would never be able to respond to any man again, so her response to Nicolas is unexpected.
She’d thought herself immune, irrevocably tainted by Duval’s abuse. It was highly disconcerting to discover she might have been wrong. One look from Valette, and her blood heated to a slow boil.
I was frustrated by the decision Nicolas makes towards the end of the book, but I admired the way Ms. Bateman kept him true to character. I think it was the only way he could put the past behind him. Besides, Marianne is a woman quite able to take care of herself.
Duval is a suitably odious and slimy toad while I was definitely intrigued by Raven, the mysterious smuggler. I shall look forward with interest to A RAVEN’S HEART, in which he is paired with Nicolas’ younger sister, Heloise.
Ms. Bateman has obviously undertaken a lot of research to create a real sense of the period and I particularly like how she uses a little artistic license to incorporate Louis-Charles (the “Lost Dauphin”) into the plot.
I was disappointed there was no Epilogue, which made the ending seem rather abrupt. I’m therefore hoping that I may see more of Nicolas and Marianne in the next book.
MY VERDICT: An very impressive debut novel which I can definitely recommend.
Secrets and Spies (click on the link below for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1547...
This review was first posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Following the death of his younger brother, Nicolas carries a deep sense of guilt for having survived when his brother didn’t, and his life no longer has any real meaning. The danger, intrigue and excitement inherent in the world of spying and his desire for revenge against Napoleon, whom he holds responsible for his brother’s death, are what keep him going, earning him a reputation for being bold, arrogant and uncompromising. Handsome, virile and seductive, there are any number of beautiful women only too eager to share his bed, but he has long ago built an impenetrable wall around his heart and his emotions are never engaged.
He always enjoyed their company, but he’d never wanted more from them than a few nights’ entertainment. He had absolutely no difficulty keeping his emotions separate from his physical needs.
Ever since her parents’ death in a fire, Marianne has worked at the Cirque Olympique as a tight-rope walker and knife thrower and as a spy for her corrupt and loathsome cousin and guardian, Jean-Jacques Duval. She is resourceful, intelligent and stubborn but has an Achilles heel – her younger sister, Sophie. Having suffered Duval’s perverted attentions, she is willing do anything to protect Sophie from him.
She felt him (Nicolas) smile against her skin. “Whore for her?”
A wave of shame rolled over her as she forced herself to admit the unpalatable truth. To save Sophie? Yes. She’d suffer any indignity. She closed her eyes in despair. “Yes.”
Ms. Bateman blends the romance and suspense perfectly and I love the back-and-forth verbal sparring between Nicolas and Marianne and one of the most memorable early scenes is where Nicolas buys Marianne and Sophie in a brothel auction arranged by Duval and then has to pretend to relieve Marianne of her virginity.
He sat up slowly so as not to startle her and held his hands up in surrender. “I’m at your mercy, mademoiselle. Please say you’re going to have your wicked way with me.”
She scowled, unimpressed with his attempt at humor.
He sighed. “I suppose we’ll have to go with the backup plan then.”
The backup plan turns out to be hilariously reminiscent of the famous Meg Ryan scene in “When Harry Met Sally”!
I enjoyed the interplay of danger and sexual tension and seeing how their relationship changes and how they grow and evolve both as individuals and as a couple.
At first, Nicolas sees Marianne as merely an integral part of the mission and would willingly sacrifice her in his search for revenge. However, during the gruelling course of training for the mission, she is a constant distraction with her rebellious nature and sheer determination and gradually the dynamic between the two of them changes.
Something had changed between them, some indefinable twist to the dynamic that was both unnerving and exciting. He liked her. Respected her. Wanted her. They were no longer master and apprentice; instead of opponents, they were suddenly a team.
After his brother’s death, Nicolas didn’t really care whether he lived or died but now he finds himself beginning to care about life again all because of Marianne who has slowly broken down his defences and stolen his heart.
Marianne is an intriguing combination of strength and vulnerability. I love how she isn’t afraid to stand up to Nicolas and refuses to give in when the going gets tough. She has to rely on her own skills, resourcefulness and inner strength. Emotionally, Duval’s abuse left her feeling tainted and believing that she would never be able to respond to any man again, so her response to Nicolas is unexpected.
She’d thought herself immune, irrevocably tainted by Duval’s abuse. It was highly disconcerting to discover she might have been wrong. One look from Valette, and her blood heated to a slow boil.
I was frustrated by the decision Nicolas makes towards the end of the book, but I admired the way Ms. Bateman kept him true to character. I think it was the only way he could put the past behind him. Besides, Marianne is a woman quite able to take care of herself.
Duval is a suitably odious and slimy toad while I was definitely intrigued by Raven, the mysterious smuggler. I shall look forward with interest to A RAVEN’S HEART, in which he is paired with Nicolas’ younger sister, Heloise.
Ms. Bateman has obviously undertaken a lot of research to create a real sense of the period and I particularly like how she uses a little artistic license to incorporate Louis-Charles (the “Lost Dauphin”) into the plot.
I was disappointed there was no Epilogue, which made the ending seem rather abrupt. I’m therefore hoping that I may see more of Nicolas and Marianne in the next book.
MY VERDICT: An very impressive debut novel which I can definitely recommend.
Secrets and Spies (click on the link below for more details):
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1547...
This review was first posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
February 3, 2016
4.25 Netgalley for honest review.
Very impressed with this debut author and her writing.
Marianne de Bonnard works for the circus as well as her very revolting and terrible Uncle. Working for her uncle as a thief, she uses her talent for tight rope walking to steal for him. He has used her sister, who is several years younger as leverage to manipulate Marianne to do is bidding. Marianne's parents died in a fire when she was younger and her Uncle became their guardian to an extent.
Nicolas Valette is a spy who is very good at his job. He's filled with revenge against Napoleon, who was in essence responsible for his brothers death.
Marianne is asked to plant some evidence at Nicolas's home by her Uncle and this is where the two characters meet. They both find the other attractive immediately on meeting, as Nicolas is there waiting for Marianne, somehow aware she is coming. Marianne does not fulfill her objective and makes for her escape. But before she escapes, Nicolas offers her a job that involves the use of her talent and Marianne immediately refuses knowing she could never leave her sister vurnerable and alone with her Uncle. As the story unfolds we find Marianne's virginity being auctioned off at a brothel that her Uncle works at, as well as her sisters. Nicolas comes to the rescue and takes Marianne and her sister away. What progresses from here is Nicolas proceeds to train Marianne.. He takes her to a run down and neglected castle that Marianne falls in love with. A good portion of the story takes place during this time of training and preparation that Marianne endures. I use the word endure because Nicolas puts her through some rough and difficult training, to the point of almost being cruel. It's an intense, emotional portion of the story with some real sexual tension and chemistry between the two. Marianne finds out at this point what her mission/job is and finds it to be very daunting. Marianne is insecure and unsure if she is capable to achieve what Nicolas is asking of her, which is to help a man escape from prison. But there is more, in that she will have to impersonate this man (she will switch places with him) and then she will have to escape on her own. Well things go horribly wrong and both Nicolas and Marianne are caught and endure some very intense scenes of torture and heartache.
Marianne and Nicolas do escape and return to his home in England. And during this time is when there is an emotional shift in their relationship. They begin to share more of what they are feeling for each other and the romance from here takes on a more emotional depth. Marianne decides that she has to return to her sister (she was being watched over by one of Nicolas's men). From this point each character evaluates their feelings and what the other truly means to them. Marianne watches her sister fall in love and marry the man who was protecting and watching over her. She's happy for her sister but lonely and missing Nicolas. Nicolas goes on to seek his revenge but realizes that what he truly wants in Marianne. Oh and the Uncle he gets whats due him.
This was well written (with some minor issues I will touch on) and engaging story. The pacing was excellent from the beginning, with a lot of action and spy theme's. I had a few issues with the characters. One is there is a very large age difference between the hero and heroine, 15 years. At times I felt Nicolas was little too cold and Marianne somewhat immature (even for her young age). The other issue I had with the book was at the beginning of the story. The first chapter and some of the second, felt way too wordy and descriptive. The overkill of what a room looked like or a certain scene that was unfolding was way too detailed. I almost felt lost at times. But all in all a well written book for a debut author. I will be looking for her future books.
Very impressed with this debut author and her writing.
Marianne de Bonnard works for the circus as well as her very revolting and terrible Uncle. Working for her uncle as a thief, she uses her talent for tight rope walking to steal for him. He has used her sister, who is several years younger as leverage to manipulate Marianne to do is bidding. Marianne's parents died in a fire when she was younger and her Uncle became their guardian to an extent.
Nicolas Valette is a spy who is very good at his job. He's filled with revenge against Napoleon, who was in essence responsible for his brothers death.
Marianne is asked to plant some evidence at Nicolas's home by her Uncle and this is where the two characters meet. They both find the other attractive immediately on meeting, as Nicolas is there waiting for Marianne, somehow aware she is coming. Marianne does not fulfill her objective and makes for her escape. But before she escapes, Nicolas offers her a job that involves the use of her talent and Marianne immediately refuses knowing she could never leave her sister vurnerable and alone with her Uncle. As the story unfolds we find Marianne's virginity being auctioned off at a brothel that her Uncle works at, as well as her sisters. Nicolas comes to the rescue and takes Marianne and her sister away. What progresses from here is Nicolas proceeds to train Marianne.. He takes her to a run down and neglected castle that Marianne falls in love with. A good portion of the story takes place during this time of training and preparation that Marianne endures. I use the word endure because Nicolas puts her through some rough and difficult training, to the point of almost being cruel. It's an intense, emotional portion of the story with some real sexual tension and chemistry between the two. Marianne finds out at this point what her mission/job is and finds it to be very daunting. Marianne is insecure and unsure if she is capable to achieve what Nicolas is asking of her, which is to help a man escape from prison. But there is more, in that she will have to impersonate this man (she will switch places with him) and then she will have to escape on her own. Well things go horribly wrong and both Nicolas and Marianne are caught and endure some very intense scenes of torture and heartache.
Marianne and Nicolas do escape and return to his home in England. And during this time is when there is an emotional shift in their relationship. They begin to share more of what they are feeling for each other and the romance from here takes on a more emotional depth. Marianne decides that she has to return to her sister (she was being watched over by one of Nicolas's men). From this point each character evaluates their feelings and what the other truly means to them. Marianne watches her sister fall in love and marry the man who was protecting and watching over her. She's happy for her sister but lonely and missing Nicolas. Nicolas goes on to seek his revenge but realizes that what he truly wants in Marianne. Oh and the Uncle he gets whats due him.
This was well written (with some minor issues I will touch on) and engaging story. The pacing was excellent from the beginning, with a lot of action and spy theme's. I had a few issues with the characters. One is there is a very large age difference between the hero and heroine, 15 years. At times I felt Nicolas was little too cold and Marianne somewhat immature (even for her young age). The other issue I had with the book was at the beginning of the story. The first chapter and some of the second, felt way too wordy and descriptive. The overkill of what a room looked like or a certain scene that was unfolding was way too detailed. I almost felt lost at times. But all in all a well written book for a debut author. I will be looking for her future books.
May 27, 2017
I waited a couple of days before writing this review to allow the book to percolate in my mind for a while. Why did I need to do that? Well, the book had some good things (and good reviews) going for it.
Here are some of them.
Good characterisation- lots of description and interaction between hero Nicolas and heroine Marianne.
Terrific imagery of that tumultuous time in France when Boney was having a second shot at running the show in Europe, before he got his at Waterloo.
Fluid, well-written story with detailed and interesting plot.
But I still didn't like the book very much.
The problem for me was the nature of the main protagonists. Nicolas Valette had spent lots of time planning and working towards the downfall of Bonaparte, whom he held responsible for his brother's death. The causal link was tenuous at best, but to let it rule his every thought and action was obsessive and borderline unbalanced. He did not care who he used or what he did, as long as it contributed to his goal of vengeance. He was hard, cruel and just plain mean.
Marianne, on the other hand, had managed to escape death with her little sister when her home was set on fire, a fire in which her parents perished. She survived by working at a circus balancing on a tightrope. (Yep, bit of a stretch!) She protected her sister and avoided becoming a prostitute through sheer courage and strength of will. But her life was pretty bloody hard.
Along comes handsome Nicolas and decides he will use her to help spring an important prisoner from gaol and help mysterious prisoner escape to Holland. And use her he does. He sets about "training" her, that is, puts her though frigging bootcamp, where she is constantly battered and bruised by falls and knocks that he deliberately arranges so that she will toughen up and master the skills she will need for her task. It was abusive treatment, as far as I was concerned. Oh, and I forgot to mention that he was blackmailing her: he got her to acquiesce by "buying" her from an evil dude who has threatened her sister. Said sister is now in Nicolas' clutches, apparently safe IF Marianne does what she is told.
Now, please don't tell me he is training her for her own good (so that she will be able to get away after springing the prisoner). The bastard PUT HER IN THIS POSITION IN THE FIRST PLACE!
I won't go on- it just pissed me off so much. If you start to fall in love with someone, you do not treat them like that. Worse, Marianne puts up with it. She has to, of course, because he is blackmailing her, but she also can't help falling in love with Nicolas. Well, I could bloody-well help it!
Even when he seems to care for her, he chooses to continue his anti-Napoleon campaign in Belgium, leaving her to go back to Paris alone and continue her crappy life with more attendant disasters. Yet she still yearns for him. I cannot understand why you would feel like that about someone who lied to you constantly, treated you like dirt and then abandoned you to go haring off on some ill-judged and self-indulgent revenge scheme. Well, I am sorry to say it but F*** YOU, Nicolas. Nothing could justify his treatment of Marianne. She was worth twenty of him and his misplaced, pathetic revenge-trip.
So despite waiting a few days, I am still angry about this story. There was so much potential here and instead we have a cardboard cut-out alpha hero with a submissive, hero-worshipping sweetheart. I have this author's other two books on my Kindle, the second one has already started to piss me off and I have only read 25 pages. I have the feeling they will languish on my unread shelf indefinitely!
Here are some of them.
Good characterisation- lots of description and interaction between hero Nicolas and heroine Marianne.
Terrific imagery of that tumultuous time in France when Boney was having a second shot at running the show in Europe, before he got his at Waterloo.
Fluid, well-written story with detailed and interesting plot.
But I still didn't like the book very much.
The problem for me was the nature of the main protagonists. Nicolas Valette had spent lots of time planning and working towards the downfall of Bonaparte, whom he held responsible for his brother's death. The causal link was tenuous at best, but to let it rule his every thought and action was obsessive and borderline unbalanced. He did not care who he used or what he did, as long as it contributed to his goal of vengeance. He was hard, cruel and just plain mean.
Marianne, on the other hand, had managed to escape death with her little sister when her home was set on fire, a fire in which her parents perished. She survived by working at a circus balancing on a tightrope. (Yep, bit of a stretch!) She protected her sister and avoided becoming a prostitute through sheer courage and strength of will. But her life was pretty bloody hard.
Along comes handsome Nicolas and decides he will use her to help spring an important prisoner from gaol and help mysterious prisoner escape to Holland. And use her he does. He sets about "training" her, that is, puts her though frigging bootcamp, where she is constantly battered and bruised by falls and knocks that he deliberately arranges so that she will toughen up and master the skills she will need for her task. It was abusive treatment, as far as I was concerned. Oh, and I forgot to mention that he was blackmailing her: he got her to acquiesce by "buying" her from an evil dude who has threatened her sister. Said sister is now in Nicolas' clutches, apparently safe IF Marianne does what she is told.
Now, please don't tell me he is training her for her own good (so that she will be able to get away after springing the prisoner). The bastard PUT HER IN THIS POSITION IN THE FIRST PLACE!
I won't go on- it just pissed me off so much. If you start to fall in love with someone, you do not treat them like that. Worse, Marianne puts up with it. She has to, of course, because he is blackmailing her, but she also can't help falling in love with Nicolas. Well, I could bloody-well help it!
Even when he seems to care for her, he chooses to continue his anti-Napoleon campaign in Belgium, leaving her to go back to Paris alone and continue her crappy life with more attendant disasters. Yet she still yearns for him. I cannot understand why you would feel like that about someone who lied to you constantly, treated you like dirt and then abandoned you to go haring off on some ill-judged and self-indulgent revenge scheme. Well, I am sorry to say it but F*** YOU, Nicolas. Nothing could justify his treatment of Marianne. She was worth twenty of him and his misplaced, pathetic revenge-trip.
So despite waiting a few days, I am still angry about this story. There was so much potential here and instead we have a cardboard cut-out alpha hero with a submissive, hero-worshipping sweetheart. I have this author's other two books on my Kindle, the second one has already started to piss me off and I have only read 25 pages. I have the feeling they will languish on my unread shelf indefinitely!
December 1, 2022
Listening to the audio version was difficult because the narrator did the voices of the main characters and most of the supporting characters with a French accent and it was tough to follow at times. But, even with that problem the narration was excellent, and I really liked the book even if the heroine came off as a tad whiny and showed a bit of angst at times. What she endured would give anyone a touch of angst. The hero showed great restraint in his dealings with her but letting her think she was totally undesirable to any man was a low blow to a young woman who had suffered more than her share of disappointments. Overall, it was a good Historical Romance set during the end of Napolitan's reign.
Marianne de Bonnard lost her parents and barely escaped with her life and her sister during the French Revolution. A high-ranking government has kept her a virtual prisoner, holding her sister's life over her head. But Marianne has developed some interesting skills while performing for the circus and this nasty baddie has been making use of those skills to steal from his enemies. When she is caught by one of her targets, she is made a proposition which she promptly refuses, but the spark of a fuse is lit which will bring her and the handsome and dangerous Nicolas Valette together.
Nicolas Valette is not at all what he appears to be. When he finds Marianne on a wire attempting to break into his apartment, he knows that he has a use for her, and he won't take no for her answer to his proposition. But his mission is vital and when he has to literally buy her, he has no qualms doing so. Now he has her body, but can he ever gain her cooperation both in his mission and his bed.
Marianne de Bonnard lost her parents and barely escaped with her life and her sister during the French Revolution. A high-ranking government has kept her a virtual prisoner, holding her sister's life over her head. But Marianne has developed some interesting skills while performing for the circus and this nasty baddie has been making use of those skills to steal from his enemies. When she is caught by one of her targets, she is made a proposition which she promptly refuses, but the spark of a fuse is lit which will bring her and the handsome and dangerous Nicolas Valette together.
Nicolas Valette is not at all what he appears to be. When he finds Marianne on a wire attempting to break into his apartment, he knows that he has a use for her, and he won't take no for her answer to his proposition. But his mission is vital and when he has to literally buy her, he has no qualms doing so. Now he has her body, but can he ever gain her cooperation both in his mission and his bed.
August 30, 2022
4.5 Stars.
This HR was fantastic! I loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers story.
It was set in a time and place I never see featured- Paris during the dark days of the French Revolution. The heroine is an acrobat and a thief and the hero is an intimidating, infuriating spymaster determined to recruit her for the execution of a seemingly impossible heist.
It's steamy and tender and perfect.
This HR was fantastic! I loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers story.
It was set in a time and place I never see featured- Paris during the dark days of the French Revolution. The heroine is an acrobat and a thief and the hero is an intimidating, infuriating spymaster determined to recruit her for the execution of a seemingly impossible heist.
It's steamy and tender and perfect.
November 12, 2025
Read: 11/12/25
Setting: 1815 France, England
Trope: spy, revenge
This book was a moderately good book. It took me a while to get into it. The 2nd half was better. Still, compared to her other books this one just fell flat for me.
Setting: 1815 France, England
Trope: spy, revenge
This book was a moderately good book. It took me a while to get into it. The 2nd half was better. Still, compared to her other books this one just fell flat for me.
April 19, 2023
2.5 stars. So much potential… but so many things just left a bad taste in my mouth. The age gap in this one felt predatory. IIRC he’s 35 and she’s 19. I realize this gap wasn’t necessarily a huge deal back in the day - but the way that the hero talks about her and the way that she’s characterized makes this age gap extra icky. She’s described as basically a waif, very petite with no breasts, she has her hair cut and is easily disguised as a young boy. Meanwhile, he’s this worldly seducer of women and has been with many of “the most beautiful women in Europe”. Her only experience was being nearly raped; she was sexually assaulted but she got away from the experience with her virginity. There’s such a vast gap in their life experiences that when he starts to compare her favorably to other women, it felt extremely disingenuous and creepy.
The storyline itself was pretty good - lots of action, and it kept my attention well. I do wish there had been an epilogue. The ending was very abrupt and a lot was left unexplained and unclear.
Safe w/ Exceptions:
Virgin heroine who has been SA’d in past and forced to perform sexual acts that didn’t include penetration
Hero manwhore
Age gap 19/35
No scenes with OM/OW
No OM/OW drama
No cheating
TW: noncon and dubcon memories and on page, death of parents (memories on page), violence, torture, murder
The storyline itself was pretty good - lots of action, and it kept my attention well. I do wish there had been an epilogue. The ending was very abrupt and a lot was left unexplained and unclear.
Safe w/ Exceptions:
Virgin heroine who has been SA’d in past and forced to perform sexual acts that didn’t include penetration
Hero manwhore
Age gap 19/35
No scenes with OM/OW
No OM/OW drama
No cheating
TW: noncon and dubcon memories and on page, death of parents (memories on page), violence, torture, murder
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Review to follow.
Review to follow.
November 14, 2023
So my first impression when I read the synopsis, that a spy needs the help of a thief, a con artist, to accomplish his mission and ends up falling in love with her, was excitement. However, I did not anticipate the hatred I'd feel towards the love interest or the abusive power dynamic in their "relationship".
Now I know that Historical romance comes with a great amount of misogyny but this one was too much to handle. He regularly emotionally abused her and instead of apologizing he proceeded to kiss her. so we're supposed to forgive him because he's so hot and a good kisser!!!!!!!! How is this romantic????? He lied to her, used her, manipulated her, never took her trauma into consideration. And the power dynamic never once tipped in her favor. and just when I didn't think he could get any worse he brought up her abuser while having intimacy!!! This guy had no morals and was truly the worst.
She ended up with the abusive love interest who lied to her until the very last chapter. And I was livid because the story had potential and the main character was so good, except for the fact she had no self respect towards the end and took that scumbag back.
Now I know that Historical romance comes with a great amount of misogyny but this one was too much to handle. He regularly emotionally abused her and instead of apologizing he proceeded to kiss her. so we're supposed to forgive him because he's so hot and a good kisser!!!!!!!! How is this romantic????? He lied to her, used her, manipulated her, never took her trauma into consideration. And the power dynamic never once tipped in her favor. and just when I didn't think he could get any worse he brought up her abuser while having intimacy!!! This guy had no morals and was truly the worst.
She ended up with the abusive love interest who lied to her until the very last chapter. And I was livid because the story had potential and the main character was so good, except for the fact she had no self respect towards the end and took that scumbag back.
December 20, 2023
I very much like french revolution adjacent romances and I am always willing to entertain a royalist alternate history, but randomly saying Marie-Therese was married to an austrian when she was married to a french cousin was a bit odd. But this was fun otherwise! We will see what my library has for potential future reads.
November 12, 2022
“You asked me once, in England, what I would do if I got my wish. If Napoleon was defeated. I didn’t have an answer for you then. But I have one now. I want to live. To live in the world with you .”
help they are so cute
help they are so cute
August 31, 2018
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this read, my first book by K.C.Bateman. The spy HR theme isn't my usual read, but it was quite well written on the whole, and the story moved along fairly quickly. It is reminiscent of Joanna Bourne, some of whose books I have also enjoyed.
Nic, the spy H, is gorgeous. Marianne, the h, is a circus performer and a thief, which is an interesting premise. The opening of the book is novel and fresh, and draws you into the book. I will now add the other books in the series to my t-b-r pile.
Nic, the spy H, is gorgeous. Marianne, the h, is a circus performer and a thief, which is an interesting premise. The opening of the book is novel and fresh, and draws you into the book. I will now add the other books in the series to my t-b-r pile.
September 26, 2022
I just love Kate Bateman. Her storylines are so unique and different from other historical romances.
July 23, 2017
Une très bonne surprise, avec une histoire dont une grande partie se déroule en France. L'auteur a fait de bonnes recherches et a réussi à inclure la partie historique à la romance sans aucun problème. Je suis très intriguée par les personnages du deuxième tome (ils apparaissent dans celui-ci) et j'ai hâte de découvrir leur histoire.
J'ai beaucoup aimé l'héroïne, le héros avait un objectif bien précis et même s'il est antipathique par moments, je ne suis pas arrivée à vraiment le détester, sauf une fois.
J'ai eu une petite larme pour les cheveux de l'héroïne.
J'ai beaucoup aimé l'héroïne, le héros avait un objectif bien précis et même s'il est antipathique par moments, je ne suis pas arrivée à vraiment le détester, sauf une fois.
J'ai eu une petite larme pour les cheveux de l'héroïne.
October 5, 2016
Marianne de Bonnard high wire artiste at the Cirque Olympique in Paris has been blackmailed for years by Duval a corrupt government minister, she agrees to plant incriminating evidence in the offices of France’s most notorious spymaster, in fact she’d agree to almost anything to keep her sister Sophie safe. Under cover of night, the tightrope-walking thief puts her skills to good use, that is 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.& he has been watching her for over a year
Nicolas Valette has had plans for his graceful trespasser. 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. He bids a ridiculously high price for her & has to do the same for her sister when she is also auctioned. Marianne agrees to help Nic on his mission to rescue a prisoner.
Everything doesn’t go smoothly, there’s a flight across France & encounters with smugglers. Nic & Marianne are so attracted to each other but fight it. The verbal interaction is lively & very entertaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the plot was very well paced & certainly kept me turning the pages. The characters were well drawn & certainly weren’t two dimensional. The chemistry between Nic & Marianne was scorching. Marianne was strong willed but Nic pushed her to her limit in training for the assignment. Nic absolutely gorgeous. A very good first novel & I look forward to the other two books in the series
Nicolas Valette has had plans for his graceful trespasser. 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. He bids a ridiculously high price for her & has to do the same for her sister when she is also auctioned. Marianne agrees to help Nic on his mission to rescue a prisoner.
Everything doesn’t go smoothly, there’s a flight across France & encounters with smugglers. Nic & Marianne are so attracted to each other but fight it. The verbal interaction is lively & very entertaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the plot was very well paced & certainly kept me turning the pages. The characters were well drawn & certainly weren’t two dimensional. The chemistry between Nic & Marianne was scorching. Marianne was strong willed but Nic pushed her to her limit in training for the assignment. Nic absolutely gorgeous. A very good first novel & I look forward to the other two books in the series
March 24, 2021
When K.C. Bateman’s 2016 debut came out, it was awash in positive reviews and since I love the spy/thief trope in historical romance, I expected to love this one. But it didn’t end up working for me. On top of a bunch of other tropes I don’t care for, I just couldn’t get past the hero’s bullying treatment of the heroine, and their ensuing affair felt too thinly sketched.
In post-revolutionary Paris, 19-year-old trapeze artist and knife-thrower Marianne works double-duty, as both a circus performer and henchwoman for a corrupt government official who dabbles in sex trafficking. One night, while sneaking into his office to plant evidence against him, she meets 35-year-old spymaster Nicholas. Rather than arrest her, he insists on recruiting her to his latest mission and proceeds to buy her cooperation through a virginity auction that the evil minister-pimp puts on. After paying for her exclusive attention and using her sister as collateral, they remove to the countryside to prepare for the prison break Nicholas has planned. While she practices the skills she’ll need for their mission, he learns about her history of sexual assault and they fight their growing lust for one another. Eventually, they realize they work well as a team and this virgin/rake pairing begin to fall in love.
Listen, I’m always up for a morally grey protagonist or romantic anti-hero, but usually, that works best when the author is aware that they’re writing that type of character. When it’s a conscious part of the text, the unsympathetic hero typically gets an arc, within the narrative, that indicates his development or growth (that’s what “groveling” scenes are for) or there’s some sort of complicating backstory that makes us, as readers, understand why he’s cruel, self-serving, or rude to the heroine. Here, that’s missing.
From the onset of his relationship with Marianne, Nicholas is dictatorial and manipulative. In the early scenes, when the villain and Nicholas are fighting over control of our heroine, it’s impossible to discern the moral difference between them, except that Nicholas is conventionally attractive and sexually desirable whereas the villain is repellently fat. In this way, To Steal a Heart reminded me of a dark romance, wherein the anti-hero only represents a marginally better alternative than whatever abusive situation the heroine had previously found herself in. Once Nicholas and Marianne are alone and preparing for the mission he feels entitled to demand of her, he becomes endlessly critical, domineering, and lascivious, even after hearing about her sexually traumatic past and individual phobias. When he isn’t negging her, he’s lewdly referencing her proximity to sex work or making sexist speeches comparing women to inanimate objects. And again, it seems as if the author is unaware of how unappealing his behavior is, since he’s never supplied with the complexity of an enlivening backstory or redemptive arc.
After all this skeevy behavior from the hero, it’s difficult to discern what this couple’s love is built on. Besides her unusual employment as a circus performer, Marianne exists in the story as a straightforwardly chaste, old-fashioned virginal heroine who rejects Nicholas’s lustful advances out of hand. He makes minimal sacrifices for her continued safety; she thinks longingly of returning to her sister. Although I’m guessing that their relationship was supposed to read as enemies-to-lovers, it comes off as the less persuasive belligerent sexual attraction, which is mostly communicated via an excess of snarky banter. Marianne is given a number of strikingly modern, sarcastic one-liners, but this battle-of-the-sexes angle doesn’t fill in the gaps of their connection or suggest a deeper, more emotional part of their love story. For me, it was all too thinly sketched.
And like a lot of stories I don’t get on with, To Steal a Heart felt way too similar to other romances I’ve read, without adding anything original or fresh of its own. Most egregiously, this book echoed a lot of Joanna Bourne’s “Spymasters” series, especially the first and third volumes: The Spymaster's Lady and The Forbidden Rose. The scene in which Marianne tightrope walks into Nicholas’s office reminded me of one of the opening scenes in Connie Brockway’s All Through the Night and the ending of this book mirrors the denouement of another British/French spy historical romance, Adele Ashworth’s Winter Garden. I enjoy when authors pay subtle homage to books they’ve admired in the genre, but overly familiar derivatives leave me irritated and wishing I were re-reading the original.
Although this didn’t click for me, I can understand why it worked for other readers. Bateman’s writing is accessible, the pace is zippy, and there is always a lot for the characters to do, plot-wise. If you’re someone who tried Joanna Bourne’s “Spymasters” series and found it too dense or if you’re used to the more recent historical romances or YA books that favor plot over character, perhaps you’ll like this more than I did. Having said that, there are a few retro elements that potential readers should be cognizant of, like the unacknowledged infantilization of the heroine within this age gap romance, the hero’s supreme competence and sexual self-assuredness (especially in comparison to the heroine’s relative ignorance and insecurity), and fatphobic clichés surrounding the licentious villain. I’ll admit, it was a little surprising to come across these conventions in a romance published in 2016 – I associate these elements with an earlier generation of the genre.
Since this is the author’s first book, I’m hoping my issues were a one-time anomaly or the early stages of a learning curve. Although some of my least favorite tropes momentarily popped up (virgin-heroine-associates-with-sex-workers-but-isn’t-one-herself and a Not Like Other Girls one-liner), I enjoyed K.C. Bateman’s unfussy writing style enough to try again with another book by her. This one, sadly, feels over-hyped.
In post-revolutionary Paris, 19-year-old trapeze artist and knife-thrower Marianne works double-duty, as both a circus performer and henchwoman for a corrupt government official who dabbles in sex trafficking. One night, while sneaking into his office to plant evidence against him, she meets 35-year-old spymaster Nicholas. Rather than arrest her, he insists on recruiting her to his latest mission and proceeds to buy her cooperation through a virginity auction that the evil minister-pimp puts on. After paying for her exclusive attention and using her sister as collateral, they remove to the countryside to prepare for the prison break Nicholas has planned. While she practices the skills she’ll need for their mission, he learns about her history of sexual assault and they fight their growing lust for one another. Eventually, they realize they work well as a team and this virgin/rake pairing begin to fall in love.
Listen, I’m always up for a morally grey protagonist or romantic anti-hero, but usually, that works best when the author is aware that they’re writing that type of character. When it’s a conscious part of the text, the unsympathetic hero typically gets an arc, within the narrative, that indicates his development or growth (that’s what “groveling” scenes are for) or there’s some sort of complicating backstory that makes us, as readers, understand why he’s cruel, self-serving, or rude to the heroine. Here, that’s missing.
From the onset of his relationship with Marianne, Nicholas is dictatorial and manipulative. In the early scenes, when the villain and Nicholas are fighting over control of our heroine, it’s impossible to discern the moral difference between them, except that Nicholas is conventionally attractive and sexually desirable whereas the villain is repellently fat. In this way, To Steal a Heart reminded me of a dark romance, wherein the anti-hero only represents a marginally better alternative than whatever abusive situation the heroine had previously found herself in. Once Nicholas and Marianne are alone and preparing for the mission he feels entitled to demand of her, he becomes endlessly critical, domineering, and lascivious, even after hearing about her sexually traumatic past and individual phobias. When he isn’t negging her, he’s lewdly referencing her proximity to sex work or making sexist speeches comparing women to inanimate objects. And again, it seems as if the author is unaware of how unappealing his behavior is, since he’s never supplied with the complexity of an enlivening backstory or redemptive arc.
After all this skeevy behavior from the hero, it’s difficult to discern what this couple’s love is built on. Besides her unusual employment as a circus performer, Marianne exists in the story as a straightforwardly chaste, old-fashioned virginal heroine who rejects Nicholas’s lustful advances out of hand. He makes minimal sacrifices for her continued safety; she thinks longingly of returning to her sister. Although I’m guessing that their relationship was supposed to read as enemies-to-lovers, it comes off as the less persuasive belligerent sexual attraction, which is mostly communicated via an excess of snarky banter. Marianne is given a number of strikingly modern, sarcastic one-liners, but this battle-of-the-sexes angle doesn’t fill in the gaps of their connection or suggest a deeper, more emotional part of their love story. For me, it was all too thinly sketched.
And like a lot of stories I don’t get on with, To Steal a Heart felt way too similar to other romances I’ve read, without adding anything original or fresh of its own. Most egregiously, this book echoed a lot of Joanna Bourne’s “Spymasters” series, especially the first and third volumes: The Spymaster's Lady and The Forbidden Rose. The scene in which Marianne tightrope walks into Nicholas’s office reminded me of one of the opening scenes in Connie Brockway’s All Through the Night and the ending of this book mirrors the denouement of another British/French spy historical romance, Adele Ashworth’s Winter Garden. I enjoy when authors pay subtle homage to books they’ve admired in the genre, but overly familiar derivatives leave me irritated and wishing I were re-reading the original.
Although this didn’t click for me, I can understand why it worked for other readers. Bateman’s writing is accessible, the pace is zippy, and there is always a lot for the characters to do, plot-wise. If you’re someone who tried Joanna Bourne’s “Spymasters” series and found it too dense or if you’re used to the more recent historical romances or YA books that favor plot over character, perhaps you’ll like this more than I did. Having said that, there are a few retro elements that potential readers should be cognizant of, like the unacknowledged infantilization of the heroine within this age gap romance, the hero’s supreme competence and sexual self-assuredness (especially in comparison to the heroine’s relative ignorance and insecurity), and fatphobic clichés surrounding the licentious villain. I’ll admit, it was a little surprising to come across these conventions in a romance published in 2016 – I associate these elements with an earlier generation of the genre.
Since this is the author’s first book, I’m hoping my issues were a one-time anomaly or the early stages of a learning curve. Although some of my least favorite tropes momentarily popped up (virgin-heroine-associates-with-sex-workers-but-isn’t-one-herself and a Not Like Other Girls one-liner), I enjoyed K.C. Bateman’s unfussy writing style enough to try again with another book by her. This one, sadly, feels over-hyped.
May 13, 2021
Je suis tombée amoureuse de KC Bateman, après avoir aimé Les Célibataire de Bow Street, j'ai essayé Diablement vôtre et ça été le coup de foudre dés les premières pages, à 9% je savais que j'allais adoré. Alors je me suis dit qu'il fallait que je lise encore de ses autres écrits, je suis tellement difficile en Romance Historique... la dernière fois que j'ai succombé c'était avec Kerrigan Byrne et encore avant Monica McCarty.
Ce qui est incroyable, c'est qu'avec Diablement vôtre, le contexte historique n'était pas ma priorité... ce qui en RH est assez rare pour moi. Ici avec ce premier tome de Secret et Mystères, j'ai eu autant de plaisir à voir des références historiques qu'à lire leurs joutes verbales.
Il est comme un fauve qui tourne autour de sa proie, ce qu'il faut reconnaître à l'autrice c'est qu'elle créée des personnages masculins intenses, sombre et envoutant comme j'en trouve rarement. Un mélange parfait entre force et douceur, leur domination est physique certes mais leur but n'est pas d'annihiler l'héroïne mais souvent pour la faire aller encore plus loin. Ce sont leurs égales et ici, Marianne n'a rien à envier à Nicolas.
J'ai adoré cette lecture et je voudrais continuer encore avec la suite mais si je lis tout d'un coup... que me restera-t-il après ça ? Je trouve très peu d'écrits de cette trempe et je me demande encore pourquoi je n'ai pas lu ça avant et pourquoi n'en parle autant ! Lisez Kate Bateman.
Ce qui est incroyable, c'est qu'avec Diablement vôtre, le contexte historique n'était pas ma priorité... ce qui en RH est assez rare pour moi. Ici avec ce premier tome de Secret et Mystères, j'ai eu autant de plaisir à voir des références historiques qu'à lire leurs joutes verbales.
Il est comme un fauve qui tourne autour de sa proie, ce qu'il faut reconnaître à l'autrice c'est qu'elle créée des personnages masculins intenses, sombre et envoutant comme j'en trouve rarement. Un mélange parfait entre force et douceur, leur domination est physique certes mais leur but n'est pas d'annihiler l'héroïne mais souvent pour la faire aller encore plus loin. Ce sont leurs égales et ici, Marianne n'a rien à envier à Nicolas.
J'ai adoré cette lecture et je voudrais continuer encore avec la suite mais si je lis tout d'un coup... que me restera-t-il après ça ? Je trouve très peu d'écrits de cette trempe et je me demande encore pourquoi je n'ai pas lu ça avant et pourquoi n'en parle autant ! Lisez Kate Bateman.
June 12, 2021
4.5 stars-B+/A-
I enjoyed this slightly different setting for a Regency romance. The story isn't set in ballrooms, but instead takes place on Paris rooftops and derelict French manors. Set mostly in France just before Waterloo, the story deals with jaded double agent with a personal revenge fueling his actions. Vallette will use any way and anyone to settle his score. Marianne is the daughter of former French aristocracy now beholden to a lecherous cousin, Duval, and works in a circus as a tightrope artist and knife thrower. To protect her younger sister, she also does "second story" jobs for him. Vallette has need of her skills for a daring job, and buys, manipulates, and bullies her into cooperation.
Bateman does a good job setting up the story and characters while building the slow-burn attraction between the two. I enjoyed the heist elements of the story and the adventure as much as the romance.
I enjoyed this slightly different setting for a Regency romance. The story isn't set in ballrooms, but instead takes place on Paris rooftops and derelict French manors. Set mostly in France just before Waterloo, the story deals with jaded double agent with a personal revenge fueling his actions. Vallette will use any way and anyone to settle his score. Marianne is the daughter of former French aristocracy now beholden to a lecherous cousin, Duval, and works in a circus as a tightrope artist and knife thrower. To protect her younger sister, she also does "second story" jobs for him. Vallette has need of her skills for a daring job, and buys, manipulates, and bullies her into cooperation.
Bateman does a good job setting up the story and characters while building the slow-burn attraction between the two. I enjoyed the heist elements of the story and the adventure as much as the romance.
April 4, 2016
I was enthralled!
I wanted to get to know sophie at the beginning of the book, nnd see more dialogue between them as well. She’s the reason Marianne goes through so much! I wish the next story would be Sophie and Andrew’s, or that we’d at least have a novella. They sound like a sweet couple. Nicolas and Marianne were on fire together!
It's an unique story, fast paced and a page turner! I'm not usually a fan of thief heroes/heroines, but this one worked out splendidly. I just feel TO STEAL A HEART deserved a better book cover and blurb, to do justice to the author's writing. Loved this story was delivered and I was happy with how the plot was resolved. I look forward to reading more books by K.C. Bateman!
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to get to know sophie at the beginning of the book, nnd see more dialogue between them as well. She’s the reason Marianne goes through so much! I wish the next story would be Sophie and Andrew’s, or that we’d at least have a novella. They sound like a sweet couple. Nicolas and Marianne were on fire together!
It's an unique story, fast paced and a page turner! I'm not usually a fan of thief heroes/heroines, but this one worked out splendidly. I just feel TO STEAL A HEART deserved a better book cover and blurb, to do justice to the author's writing. Loved this story was delivered and I was happy with how the plot was resolved. I look forward to reading more books by K.C. Bateman!
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Currently reading
November 6, 2023TO STEAL A HEART is FREE on all platforms for readers in the USA, UK, AUS, Canada and India until March 4th. Grab your copy today!
"A thief. With a parasol. On a tightrope.
Even in his strange world, it was a first.
Nicolas Valette drew his evening cloak around him, crossed his arms, and smiled into the darkness. Mademoiselle Marianne Bonnard was proving to be everything he’d been promised, and more."
#YouJustStartedaBook .To Steal a Heart
"A thief. With a parasol. On a tightrope.
Even in his strange world, it was a first.
Nicolas Valette drew his evening cloak around him, crossed his arms, and smiled into the darkness. Mademoiselle Marianne Bonnard was proving to be everything he’d been promised, and more."
#YouJustStartedaBook .To Steal a Heart
April 8, 2021
Tons of fat-phobia, unlikable rapey hero, no heart flutters and a pretty kickass heroine who deserved better.
February 12, 2021
Smoke 🔥and Shadows
Vastly Superior ADULT Historical Napoleonic War Era Romance that takes place in France.
Paris 1815
I can't say enough about how good this absolutely amazing novel about Nicolas Valette🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪, a British/French spy master who seems to be a double agent, working both for the British and the French who want to oust Napoleon. He lives only for the revenge for the death of his brother in a French prison camp under the rule of Napoleon.
Suave, skilled, devastatingly handsome and ruthless, he has a singleminded goal of rescuing the French Prince,👑 thought killed as a child but actually being held in a prison for years!
In order to do this, Valette🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪 needs the help of French thief, tightrope walker, 🔪knife thrower and acrobat, Marianne💃💋. He must train her as a spy and operative and convince her to participate in the rescue of the Prince.👑
This is a great book, I was totally immersed in the story, and especially in the character of Valette🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪, an arrogant aristocrat , too handsome and skilled in everything for his own good. He expects Marianne 💃💋to become as perfect at everything as he is. Marianne💃💋 does have an incentive, protecting her sister from their mad and immoral cousin, Duval,👺 a high up corrupt minister in Napoleon's corrupt government.
This is one of the five best historical romances💕 out of the five hundred or so I have read in the past year! I highly recommend this absolutely well written and wonderful novel.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Vastly Superior ADULT Historical Napoleonic War Era Romance that takes place in France.
Paris 1815
I can't say enough about how good this absolutely amazing novel about Nicolas Valette🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪, a British/French spy master who seems to be a double agent, working both for the British and the French who want to oust Napoleon. He lives only for the revenge for the death of his brother in a French prison camp under the rule of Napoleon.
Suave, skilled, devastatingly handsome and ruthless, he has a singleminded goal of rescuing the French Prince,👑 thought killed as a child but actually being held in a prison for years!
In order to do this, Valette🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪 needs the help of French thief, tightrope walker, 🔪knife thrower and acrobat, Marianne💃💋. He must train her as a spy and operative and convince her to participate in the rescue of the Prince.👑
This is a great book, I was totally immersed in the story, and especially in the character of Valette🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪, an arrogant aristocrat , too handsome and skilled in everything for his own good. He expects Marianne 💃💋to become as perfect at everything as he is. Marianne💃💋 does have an incentive, protecting her sister from their mad and immoral cousin, Duval,👺 a high up corrupt minister in Napoleon's corrupt government.
This is one of the five best historical romances💕 out of the five hundred or so I have read in the past year! I highly recommend this absolutely well written and wonderful novel.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 25, 2017
Pretty close to perfect! I will definitely read more of Ms. Bateman's work in the very near future.
March 25, 2025
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one was just ok. The characters got on my nerves a lot. I liked the plot and that time in France’s history is a great back drop for a story but I just don’t feel it was executed all that well. I’m still moving on to the next book. Maybe it will be a bit better. I didn’t hate this one. The listened to about half of it and the narrator was decent so there’s that.
This one was just ok. The characters got on my nerves a lot. I liked the plot and that time in France’s history is a great back drop for a story but I just don’t feel it was executed all that well. I’m still moving on to the next book. Maybe it will be a bit better. I didn’t hate this one. The listened to about half of it and the narrator was decent so there’s that.
September 13, 2017
This novel was dark. the heroine was abused, beaten and finally coarsed to risk her life to save a royal she didn't know. I didn't like how the hero initially treated her rough, demanding even knowing her history and her fears. Although she was brave, I felt the hero left her even more vulnerable. this is not love. Disappointed.
August 7, 2016
Great job!
Very much like the historical romances that I remember from my youth. Great plot, characters, and a HEA. What more do you need? I would definitely recommend.
Very much like the historical romances that I remember from my youth. Great plot, characters, and a HEA. What more do you need? I would definitely recommend.
June 5, 2025
ᯓ★: 2.5 (rounded up)
«When a woman gets angry, she eats chocolate or goes shopping.
You men have to invade another country. It’s ridiculous!»
Set in Napoleon’s France, after Marianne de Bonnard’s parents die in a fire she is forced to work as a thief under her uncle’s orders. During one of her missions, she meets high profile spy Nicolas Valette. Impressed by her skills, Nicolas seeks help from Marianne claiming that she’s the only one fit for the work. Marianne reluctantly agrees to work for him in exchange for the thing she’s always longed for: freedom for herself and her little sister.
I went into this book not knowing what it was about, other than the spy aspect, and it didn’t work for me. I don’t mind slow burns, but this one dragged on for waaaaay too long. More than half of the novel is about the mission, and to be honest I was confused a lot of times because I don’t know anything about French history and the author doesn’t bother to even give dates or context. I’m not dumb, I understood what was required of Marianne, but everytime they started talking about the state of the country I was bored, and they talked about that a lot. And I’m no expert, but I think the author’s French and Italian is questionable.
The characters were alright. Marianne is charismatic, although I wasn’t a fan of how often she thought about her insecurities I understand that it was an important part of her character for the story to work. Nicolas, on the other hand, is older, has more experience (both in the romance and spying aspect) and might come off as cocky at some points, but I liked him too.
Their romance is subtle most of the time. Apart from a few lines of flirting and glimpses of the characters’ thoughts, I didn’t see the chemistry. I wouldn’t call their romance enemies to lovers because I never got the impression that they were enemies. They just didn’t want to be around each other (and you could even argue that claim.)
[This paragraph contains mild spoilers, the following one doesn’t.] It isn’t until almost page 200 were the characters finally make love. The scene isn’t explicit, it’s the complete opposite, it’s actually very delicate and caring. But here comes my problem with it, it focuses more on Marianne losing her virginity than it did on her relationship with Nicolas. I get it. It was a big worry for Marianne, but a chance of seeing a development in the relationship was lost. And, of course, the following morning none of them admit their feelings for each other, yet are in love with each other. The miscommunication was lowkey annoying, but it didn’t last long. I feel like it was kind of rushed tho. The book had +300 pages and most of the relationship was developed in the last 100 pages.
For a debut novel the writing style is good. Short chapters that are easy to read. It’s probably just me, and that historical romance maybe isn’t my thing. The book isn’t bad and it has entertaining moments which is why I gave it 2.5 stars. Nevertheless, I probably won’t continue this series.
🏰🛏️⚔️💎🪙
«When a woman gets angry, she eats chocolate or goes shopping.
You men have to invade another country. It’s ridiculous!»
Set in Napoleon’s France, after Marianne de Bonnard’s parents die in a fire she is forced to work as a thief under her uncle’s orders. During one of her missions, she meets high profile spy Nicolas Valette. Impressed by her skills, Nicolas seeks help from Marianne claiming that she’s the only one fit for the work. Marianne reluctantly agrees to work for him in exchange for the thing she’s always longed for: freedom for herself and her little sister.
I went into this book not knowing what it was about, other than the spy aspect, and it didn’t work for me. I don’t mind slow burns, but this one dragged on for waaaaay too long. More than half of the novel is about the mission, and to be honest I was confused a lot of times because I don’t know anything about French history and the author doesn’t bother to even give dates or context. I’m not dumb, I understood what was required of Marianne, but everytime they started talking about the state of the country I was bored, and they talked about that a lot. And I’m no expert, but I think the author’s French and Italian is questionable.
The characters were alright. Marianne is charismatic, although I wasn’t a fan of how often she thought about her insecurities I understand that it was an important part of her character for the story to work. Nicolas, on the other hand, is older, has more experience (both in the romance and spying aspect) and might come off as cocky at some points, but I liked him too.
Their romance is subtle most of the time. Apart from a few lines of flirting and glimpses of the characters’ thoughts, I didn’t see the chemistry. I wouldn’t call their romance enemies to lovers because I never got the impression that they were enemies. They just didn’t want to be around each other (and you could even argue that claim.)
[This paragraph contains mild spoilers, the following one doesn’t.] It isn’t until almost page 200 were the characters finally make love. The scene isn’t explicit, it’s the complete opposite, it’s actually very delicate and caring. But here comes my problem with it, it focuses more on Marianne losing her virginity than it did on her relationship with Nicolas. I get it. It was a big worry for Marianne, but a chance of seeing a development in the relationship was lost. And, of course, the following morning none of them admit their feelings for each other, yet are in love with each other. The miscommunication was lowkey annoying, but it didn’t last long. I feel like it was kind of rushed tho. The book had +300 pages and most of the relationship was developed in the last 100 pages.
For a debut novel the writing style is good. Short chapters that are easy to read. It’s probably just me, and that historical romance maybe isn’t my thing. The book isn’t bad and it has entertaining moments which is why I gave it 2.5 stars. Nevertheless, I probably won’t continue this series.
🏰🛏️⚔️💎🪙
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews