When a bookish codebreaker and a dashing spy are reunited in this steamy historical romance from the author of To Steal a Heart, 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)

"A riveting new voice for Regency readers! Kate Bateman is now on my auto-buy list." -- Janna MacGregor, author of The Good, the Bad, and the Duke