Book Review: This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman

This Earl of Mine: A Bow Street Bachelors Novel

A gender flip in terms of fortune, “This Earl of Mine” resonates with 21st century women who are wealthy on their own right, from tech mavericks to cosmetics gurus.

Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed, the heroine of “This Earl of Mine,” might have inherited her wealth but she was able to grow it, thanks to her business savvy and thorough understanding of the shipping business.

Our hero, Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott, despite his pedigree is poor, thanks to his father who gambled away the family fortune. He works as a Bow Street runner (the precursor of the British police force) and sends all his earnings to his older brother, the current Earl of Morcott, so that the estate can continue to run.

Part romance, part police procedural and part mystery/thriller, “This Earl of Mine” is a refreshing read. Bold and audacious, which by the way is also how we can describe Georgina Caversteed, there are as many laugh out loud funny moments as there are sweet ones.

Georgina and Benedict are lovable characters, and author Kate Bateman gave them lively dialogues every time they are together.

The supporting characters – from Georgina’s family- Juliet, Simeone and Mrs. Caversteed to Seb and Alex who are Benedict’s friends – are also well developed. Their appearances are not just cameos; they are actually a big part of the story.

“This Earl of Mine” should be in your “To Be Read” list. If you can’t get to it because of the holidays, then make sure that it’s on top of your list when 2020 rolls around.

“This Earl of Mine” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance strong advised due to some sexual content and some violence.