Her Majesty's Rebels

The first in Kate Bateman's sparkling new series about three women who run an investigative agency in Regency London. The wedding-night death of her much-older husband-and one tiny lie-left Tess Townsend the wealthy Dowager Duchess of Wansford. Now, as London's merriest widow, she's invited to society's highest events, and few people realize she's more than just a pretty face. As the founder of King co, she's secretly employing her two best friends, Daisy Hamilton and Ellie Law, at London's most discreet investigative agency. With no interest in losing her independence by marrying again, Tess longs to experience physical pleasure, but how can she take a lover without revealing the secret of her virginity and risking her position? The answer might just lie in the handsome new Duke of Wansford, and a scandalous proposition... Cynical shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, but he'll do his duty. He'll marry some suitable chit, set the duchy to rights, and return to his old life within the year. But when the Dowager Duchess of Wansford turns out to be a ravishing twenty-two-year-old siren-instead of the ancient crone he was expecting-Justin sees a way to spare himself the tiresome process of having to find a bride. The woman is clearly a fortune hunter, but the attraction that sparks between them is undeniable. A year-long marriage of convenience will suit them both. Tess's increasingly suspicious behavior proves she can't be trusted,

Two unlikely allies team up to solve a case in this novel filled with Kate Bateman's signature sparkling voice, exciting adventures, and steamy chemistry. As a founding member of King Co., London's most successful private investigation firm, studious Eleanor Law delights in secretly proving that women can solve crimes just as well as men. When a charming con man pretends to be her fictional boss, "Charles King," Ellie knows he's lying, but accepting the scoundrel's offer of help might just be the key to cracking her new case and recovering a priceless manuscript. "Henri Bonheur"-or "Harry" as he asks to be called--claims his criminal past is behind him, but a man who steals and seduces with such consummate ease can never be trusted. As the investigation draws them deeper into danger and desire, Ellie's infuriated to realize she's developed feelings for her law-breaking accomplice. How can she love the scoundrel when she doesn't even know his real name? And what will happen when Harry's past finally catches up with him?