Secrets & Spies

A feisty counterfeiter and a cocky British agent clash in this sultry Secrets and Spies novel by K. C. Bateman, whose witty, intelligent, and sexy historical romances have become her signature.As Sabine de la Tour tosses piles of forged banknotes onto a bonfire in a Paris park, she bids a reluctant farewell to her double life as a notorious criminal. Over the course of Napoleon's reign, her counterfeits destabilized the continent and turned scoundrels into rich men, but now she and her business partner must escape France-or face the guillotine. Her only hope of surviving in England is to strike a deal with the very spy she's spent her career outrunning. Now after meeting the arrogant operative in the flesh, Sabine longs to throw herself upon his mercy-and into his arms.Richard Hampden, Viscount Lovell, is prepared to take any risk to safeguard England from the horrors of the French Revolution. To lure the insurgents out from the shadows, he's even willing to make a pact with his archenemy: Philippe Lacorte, the greatest counterfeiter in Europe. But when a cheeky, gamine-faced beauty proves herself to be Lacorte, Richard is shocked-and more than a little aroused. Unlike the debutantes who so often hurl themselves at him, this cunning minx offers a unique and irresistible challenge. Richard will help her. But in return, he wants something that even Sabine cannot fake.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!" - Publisher's 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 HeartI 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

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