What do you think?
Rate this book
The Promise of a Kiss
Egypt, 1815.
A reluctant hero.
When cash-strapped adventurer Harry Tremayne accepts five thousand pounds to locate Lady Hester Morden in Egypt, he knows he’s in for a rough ride. The headstrong mapmaker has been a source of irritation—and forbidden attraction—for years.
A damsel in distress?
Lady Hester doesn’t need rescuing. She’s far too busy enjoying her freedom to return to the stuffy confines of London. Besides, handsome scoundrel Harry Tremayne is the last man she wants to see; she’s still plagued by the memory of their one, unforgettable kiss.
A deadly curse.
When Hester discovers a necklace in the sand—one which may or may not be cursed by an ancient Egyptian goddess—the two are thrust into an adventure that takes them from the desert’s seductive heat to the perils of Napoleonic France. Can they ignore their inconvenient attraction long enough to save the world? The answer may just lie in the promise of a single kiss.
A reluctant hero.
When cash-strapped adventurer Harry Tremayne accepts five thousand pounds to locate Lady Hester Morden in Egypt, he knows he’s in for a rough ride. The headstrong mapmaker has been a source of irritation—and forbidden attraction—for years.
A damsel in distress?
Lady Hester doesn’t need rescuing. She’s far too busy enjoying her freedom to return to the stuffy confines of London. Besides, handsome scoundrel Harry Tremayne is the last man she wants to see; she’s still plagued by the memory of their one, unforgettable kiss.
A deadly curse.
When Hester discovers a necklace in the sand—one which may or may not be cursed by an ancient Egyptian goddess—the two are thrust into an adventure that takes them from the desert’s seductive heat to the perils of Napoleonic France. Can they ignore their inconvenient attraction long enough to save the world? The answer may just lie in the promise of a single kiss.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2019
About the author
K.C. Bateman
12 books818 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 107 reviews
April 11, 2022
Ahhh this was such a good hate to love romance that takes place in Egypt! The heroine is a mapmaker and working alone in Egypt. The hero is offered 5,000 pounds to bring her back, so he heads to Egypt to find her. The two don't have the best past and love to bicker and banter. When the hero tracks down the heroine, they get into a bit of trouble when she finds an artifact that is cursed and some pretty powerful people want. While this is a shorter book, I loved every single second of it. There was so much action and adventure while having a fun enemies to lovers romance. They had to deal with bad guys, getting trapped, traveling across countries...everything I want in an adventurous historical romance. If you're a fan of the movie The Mummy, you have to check this one out!
January 20, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially for its setting, which was Egypt rather than London. Made a nice change!
This author has been problematic for me in the past. Her To Steal a Heart bothered me, because the hero never made it past arsehole for me. But her subsequent books have been more enjoyable, and I will say this: the author writes really well. I still think her heroes have a tendency to be very opportunistic, manipulative and cruel, but that element was missing here (well, the cruel part, anyway!) so I could relax and appreciate the lovely language and well-researched plot.
I hope this is a sign that her heroes will be more caring in the future, and her heroines less accepting of the shite these boys often deal out.
This author has been problematic for me in the past. Her To Steal a Heart bothered me, because the hero never made it past arsehole for me. But her subsequent books have been more enjoyable, and I will say this: the author writes really well. I still think her heroes have a tendency to be very opportunistic, manipulative and cruel, but that element was missing here (well, the cruel part, anyway!) so I could relax and appreciate the lovely language and well-researched plot.
I hope this is a sign that her heroes will be more caring in the future, and her heroines less accepting of the shite these boys often deal out.
April 13, 2022
A historical romance novella set in Egypt and such a fun time! Scorpions, snakes, a curse, treasure hunters, a sea voyage, and all the action and adventure packed into this short read!
Lady Hester Morden accompanied her eccentric uncle, an eminent scholar and cartographer, on an extended tour of Egypt. Hester is a mapmaker herself and while her main goal is to complete a definitive map of Upper Egypt, she is also interested in all forms of ancient archaeology. Harry Tremayne, second son of the Earl of Ashton, has always had a thing for Hester. Their families have been friends for years and two years ago Harry even found himself proposing to Hester after they shared a kiss…which she quickly turned down. Now back from the war and a cash-strapped adventurer, Harry first turns down his great aunt Agatha’s request for him to go and find Hester in Egypt and bring her home to England safely. But he eventually, reluctantly, agrees…once she dangles five thousand pounds for the completed mission.
“We’ll drive each other mad.”
“I’m sure of it.”
“I’ll want to strangle you on a daily basis.”
“I’ll want to kiss you even more often.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s a promise. I’ll even kiss you when it’s not raining. How’s that?”
This was a short read (about 120 pages) but the story felt so complete and just such an adventurous time. I felt like we really get to know both Hester and Harry’s characters and what has lead them to where they are. I loved the history they have between them and all the moments they drive one another bonkers but also can’t help feeling pulled to each other too. Once Hester finds the scorpion-jeweled necklace, their real adventure together begins. This was light on steam, they only kiss, but the story is such a fun time I hardly noticed it wasn’t steamier. K.C. Bateman (who also writes as Kate Bateman) has just such fun historical romance romps set outside of England and this was another winner.
Lady Hester Morden accompanied her eccentric uncle, an eminent scholar and cartographer, on an extended tour of Egypt. Hester is a mapmaker herself and while her main goal is to complete a definitive map of Upper Egypt, she is also interested in all forms of ancient archaeology. Harry Tremayne, second son of the Earl of Ashton, has always had a thing for Hester. Their families have been friends for years and two years ago Harry even found himself proposing to Hester after they shared a kiss…which she quickly turned down. Now back from the war and a cash-strapped adventurer, Harry first turns down his great aunt Agatha’s request for him to go and find Hester in Egypt and bring her home to England safely. But he eventually, reluctantly, agrees…once she dangles five thousand pounds for the completed mission.
“We’ll drive each other mad.”
“I’m sure of it.”
“I’ll want to strangle you on a daily basis.”
“I’ll want to kiss you even more often.”
“Is that a threat?”
“It’s a promise. I’ll even kiss you when it’s not raining. How’s that?”
This was a short read (about 120 pages) but the story felt so complete and just such an adventurous time. I felt like we really get to know both Hester and Harry’s characters and what has lead them to where they are. I loved the history they have between them and all the moments they drive one another bonkers but also can’t help feeling pulled to each other too. Once Hester finds the scorpion-jeweled necklace, their real adventure together begins. This was light on steam, they only kiss, but the story is such a fun time I hardly noticed it wasn’t steamier. K.C. Bateman (who also writes as Kate Bateman) has just such fun historical romance romps set outside of England and this was another winner.
December 31, 2023
In Kate Bateman we trust.
This one's for the Indiana Jones girlies, but make it romance. Had me giggling and kicking my feet, these two were so cute and idiots in love yearning for each other, which is like my favourite thing ever. Very rarely do I feel satisfied with a novella length book, but this one perfectly covered the plot & romance, and I didn't feel it was missing anything. Not that I would've said no to a full length novel, because more Harry and Hester is always a good thing, but this definitely worked well as a novella. It very much has the vibes of the Ruthless Rivals series (and actually some small connections to it!), so definitely recommend if you're a fan of those.
Honestly, I'm just kind of convinced Kate Bateman can do no wrong for me, her writing just makes my brain go brrrrrr.
This one's for the Indiana Jones girlies, but make it romance. Had me giggling and kicking my feet, these two were so cute and idiots in love yearning for each other, which is like my favourite thing ever. Very rarely do I feel satisfied with a novella length book, but this one perfectly covered the plot & romance, and I didn't feel it was missing anything. Not that I would've said no to a full length novel, because more Harry and Hester is always a good thing, but this definitely worked well as a novella. It very much has the vibes of the Ruthless Rivals series (and actually some small connections to it!), so definitely recommend if you're a fan of those.
Honestly, I'm just kind of convinced Kate Bateman can do no wrong for me, her writing just makes my brain go brrrrrr.
April 30, 2022
Cute! Very charming, adventurous, Indiana Jones cute!
August 21, 2020
Wonderful novella with romance and adventure. You get a prim, though not at all proper, heroine and a rouge, adventurer hero. Throw in a cursed necklace, wild ride through Egypt and a chase across the sea and you have a fantastic way to pass an afternoon.
Harry Tremayne is the rogue second son who chose a military career and came home a hero, a penniless hero. He needs to find a way to lay hands on some money and in a hurry. When Aunt Abigail offers him a small fortune to retrieve Lady Hester Morden from Egypt, he is soon on his way.
Before Harry left for the war he kicked up a bit of scandal with Hester. He offered marriage, of course, but Hester turned him down. She really loved Harry and didn't want him, if he really didn't want her. So, she is off to Egypt with her mapmaker uncle and her own grand adventure.
One thing is for sure, Lady Hester did not want rescuing, especially by Harry. After the death of her uncle she is determined to finish his work and she has no desire to return to London and the strict social dictates there. As Harry and Hester prepare to leave she discovers a rare, ancient necklace in the sand and starts a chain of events that lead them across Egypt all the way to France and to true love.
Harry Tremayne is the rogue second son who chose a military career and came home a hero, a penniless hero. He needs to find a way to lay hands on some money and in a hurry. When Aunt Abigail offers him a small fortune to retrieve Lady Hester Morden from Egypt, he is soon on his way.
Before Harry left for the war he kicked up a bit of scandal with Hester. He offered marriage, of course, but Hester turned him down. She really loved Harry and didn't want him, if he really didn't want her. So, she is off to Egypt with her mapmaker uncle and her own grand adventure.
One thing is for sure, Lady Hester did not want rescuing, especially by Harry. After the death of her uncle she is determined to finish his work and she has no desire to return to London and the strict social dictates there. As Harry and Hester prepare to leave she discovers a rare, ancient necklace in the sand and starts a chain of events that lead them across Egypt all the way to France and to true love.
October 11, 2019
The Promise Of A Kiss
Regency Novella Series Book 1
K. C. Bateman
https://www.facebook.com/kcbatemanaut...
Release date 10/02/2019
Blurb
Egypt, 1815.
A reluctant hero.
When cash-strapped adventurer Harry Tremayne accepts five thousand pounds to locate Lady Hester Morden in Egypt, he knows he’s in for a rough ride. The headstrong mapmaker has been a source of irritation—and forbidden attraction—for years.
A damsel in distress?
Lady Hester doesn’t need rescuing. She’s far too busy enjoying her freedom to return to the stuffy confines of London. Besides, handsome scoundrel Harry Tremayne is the last man she wants to see; she’s still plagued by the memory of their one, unforgettable kiss.
A deadly curse.
When Hester discovers a necklace in the sand—one which may or may not be cursed by an ancient Egyptian goddess—the two are thrust into an adventure that takes them from the desert’s seductive heat to the perils of Napoleonic France. Can they ignore their inconvenient attraction long enough to save the world? The answer may just lie in the promise of a single kiss . . .
My review
Can they find in themselves to reveal their true feelings when for years they turned around each other never allowing their own sentiments to be known...
This first read by Mrs Kate Bateman is a revelation, I just loved it. And I do know the novella’s format is not an easy one to show someone’s full extend of talent.
Even with my eyes asking for rest, I needed to finish it, I absolutely wanted to know how Hester and Harry would find their way together.
For a short read, it was full of actions and what I love most, witty banters.
Harry and Hester have a love-hate relationship, they are engaged in a battle of wits and quips. When in fact both are in love but too proud or obviously too scared to be rejected.
From the first pages, I was engrossed in their adventures, Harry is a confident male, but also able to let a woman take the lead if it necessary. He is full of ressources, always prepared and rather honest about his goals.
Hester is a pragmatic and independent woman, she flouts conventions, and refuses to let men dictate her every moves. But she accepts too when she needs someone else help. Her stubbornness does not drive her to foolishness.
Both are engaging characters, with a soft side well hidden under their sharp repartees, up to them to determine if holding their feelings secret will keep them warm at night.
So if you look for a fast paced read with two clever and intriguing characters bickering to no end with aplenty of actions, this is yours.
5 stars
I was granted by the author a free copy of this book, then purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Regency Novella Series Book 1
K. C. Bateman
https://www.facebook.com/kcbatemanaut...
Release date 10/02/2019
Blurb
Egypt, 1815.
A reluctant hero.
When cash-strapped adventurer Harry Tremayne accepts five thousand pounds to locate Lady Hester Morden in Egypt, he knows he’s in for a rough ride. The headstrong mapmaker has been a source of irritation—and forbidden attraction—for years.
A damsel in distress?
Lady Hester doesn’t need rescuing. She’s far too busy enjoying her freedom to return to the stuffy confines of London. Besides, handsome scoundrel Harry Tremayne is the last man she wants to see; she’s still plagued by the memory of their one, unforgettable kiss.
A deadly curse.
When Hester discovers a necklace in the sand—one which may or may not be cursed by an ancient Egyptian goddess—the two are thrust into an adventure that takes them from the desert’s seductive heat to the perils of Napoleonic France. Can they ignore their inconvenient attraction long enough to save the world? The answer may just lie in the promise of a single kiss . . .
My review
Can they find in themselves to reveal their true feelings when for years they turned around each other never allowing their own sentiments to be known...
This first read by Mrs Kate Bateman is a revelation, I just loved it. And I do know the novella’s format is not an easy one to show someone’s full extend of talent.
Even with my eyes asking for rest, I needed to finish it, I absolutely wanted to know how Hester and Harry would find their way together.
For a short read, it was full of actions and what I love most, witty banters.
Harry and Hester have a love-hate relationship, they are engaged in a battle of wits and quips. When in fact both are in love but too proud or obviously too scared to be rejected.
From the first pages, I was engrossed in their adventures, Harry is a confident male, but also able to let a woman take the lead if it necessary. He is full of ressources, always prepared and rather honest about his goals.
Hester is a pragmatic and independent woman, she flouts conventions, and refuses to let men dictate her every moves. But she accepts too when she needs someone else help. Her stubbornness does not drive her to foolishness.
Both are engaging characters, with a soft side well hidden under their sharp repartees, up to them to determine if holding their feelings secret will keep them warm at night.
So if you look for a fast paced read with two clever and intriguing characters bickering to no end with aplenty of actions, this is yours.
5 stars
I was granted by the author a free copy of this book, then purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 4, 2020
When indebted second son of an earl Harry Tremayne's eccentric aunt offers him five thousand pounds to locate a member of the extended family in Egypt and bring her home to London, he can't refuse. Even if the lady in question turned down his marriage proposal two years ago and he still can't get the irritating woman out of his head even now.
Lady Hester Morden is enjoying Egypt and finishing her late uncle's work making a map of the upper part of the country. She'll return to England in her own good time and she certainly doesn't need Harry Tremayne, whose kiss still plagues her, to help her in any way.
When Hester uncovers a potentially cursed and very powerful necklace, which is subsequently stolen, she and Harry are drawn on an adventure across the desert and over the Mediterranean to France, where a newly escaped Napoleon is marching to Paris. Through all this traveling it may be impossible for these two to continue ignoring the attraction between them.
This was a quick, fun read. Hester and Harry were at each others' throats much of the time with each believing the other did not reciprocate their attraction, which was a bit annoying, but thankfully all the adventuring was a good distraction. I was frustrated that it took them so long to be honest with each other, but I'm impressed and amazed that this felt like a slow burn even though it is a novella. The ending was very satisfying after all that waiting and adventuring and I really enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Hester Morden is enjoying Egypt and finishing her late uncle's work making a map of the upper part of the country. She'll return to England in her own good time and she certainly doesn't need Harry Tremayne, whose kiss still plagues her, to help her in any way.
When Hester uncovers a potentially cursed and very powerful necklace, which is subsequently stolen, she and Harry are drawn on an adventure across the desert and over the Mediterranean to France, where a newly escaped Napoleon is marching to Paris. Through all this traveling it may be impossible for these two to continue ignoring the attraction between them.
This was a quick, fun read. Hester and Harry were at each others' throats much of the time with each believing the other did not reciprocate their attraction, which was a bit annoying, but thankfully all the adventuring was a good distraction. I was frustrated that it took them so long to be honest with each other, but I'm impressed and amazed that this felt like a slow burn even though it is a novella. The ending was very satisfying after all that waiting and adventuring and I really enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 1, 2022
This was such a delightful novella!
I will definitely be reading more of this author in the future! this was so much like the mummy it has an adventure in Egypt with forced proximity a cursed necklace and even a love potion.It was just so much fun that you end up not even minding that there isn't any sex in it.
It was the tension for me! ugh so much longing and tension as they trapeze the desert oh my oh my.
I loved Harry and Hester and I wish we could get a full book on their story I wanna know what they're doing now and I definitely want to read a steamy scene with them
I will definitely be reading more of this author in the future! this was so much like the mummy it has an adventure in Egypt with forced proximity a cursed necklace and even a love potion.It was just so much fun that you end up not even minding that there isn't any sex in it.
It was the tension for me! ugh so much longing and tension as they trapeze the desert oh my oh my.
I loved Harry and Hester and I wish we could get a full book on their story I wanna know what they're doing now and I definitely want to read a steamy scene with them
April 2, 2020
A quick, fun, and wonderfully witty romp through Eqypt with a headstrong mapmaker, the insufferable soilder tasked with bringing her back to London, and the cursed amulet of a scorned goddess. It sat on my tbr pile for far too long. I enjoyed every second ot this romantic adventure.
December 20, 2020
Love love loved this! So fun, so steamy, so well written. I’m only mad that this wasn’t a full length novel! One of my favorite reads of the year!
April 30, 2022
Trigger warnings: death of a family member, scorpion sting, mentions of war, gun violence
Well this was delightful. It's pretty clear that the 1999 classic, The Mummy, my favourite movie of all time ever, is an inspiration for this and I am 100% here for it. The characters were great. The story was fun. The romance was...a little later in the story than I would have liked, but still cute. My one complaint here is that it's a novella and I wanted a full length novel. But honestly, I will take what I can get.
Well this was delightful. It's pretty clear that the 1999 classic, The Mummy, my favourite movie of all time ever, is an inspiration for this and I am 100% here for it. The characters were great. The story was fun. The romance was...a little later in the story than I would have liked, but still cute. My one complaint here is that it's a novella and I wanted a full length novel. But honestly, I will take what I can get.
April 5, 2023
If you are a fan of The Mummy and Bridgerton, then this might just be the thing for you! A fast-paced short read that's set in Egypt for the most part.
I've had this sat in my Kindle library for a while now, so I don't remember exactly how or why I purchased it. It was sold to me on the treasure hunting and Egypt vibes mostly - and it delivered on both. There isn't really any deep plot going on, what you see is what you get with the action and adventure elements.
The romance however, very much my cup of tea. Enemies to lovers, near the end stage if the former. We get both perspectives, which was nice. Typical horny stuff, but nothing too frisky. They mostly just yearn for each other.
Will have to add a note here though, as I'm always hesitant reviewing anything that pulls from real life history. It's not my area of expertise, so please take my rating with that knowledge in mind. The historical aspects I did encounter felt fitting and easy enough to understand to me.
I've had this sat in my Kindle library for a while now, so I don't remember exactly how or why I purchased it. It was sold to me on the treasure hunting and Egypt vibes mostly - and it delivered on both. There isn't really any deep plot going on, what you see is what you get with the action and adventure elements.
The romance however, very much my cup of tea. Enemies to lovers, near the end stage if the former. We get both perspectives, which was nice. Typical horny stuff, but nothing too frisky. They mostly just yearn for each other.
Will have to add a note here though, as I'm always hesitant reviewing anything that pulls from real life history. It's not my area of expertise, so please take my rating with that knowledge in mind. The historical aspects I did encounter felt fitting and easy enough to understand to me.
August 26, 2024
4 stars
Kate Bateman writes enemies-to-lovers incredibly well. There’s always charm, lively dialogue, and oodles of chemistry (because the characters don’t actually hate each other, they just love getting under the other person’s skin).
The plot of this one did go a tad bonkers (FMC is a mapmaker, and the story starts with the MMC on an errand to collect her from Africa), but it was still very entertaining.
Not as steamy than I usually expect from Kate Bateman though — maybe K.C. Bateman is her less steamy pseudonym?
Kate Bateman writes enemies-to-lovers incredibly well. There’s always charm, lively dialogue, and oodles of chemistry (because the characters don’t actually hate each other, they just love getting under the other person’s skin).
The plot of this one did go a tad bonkers (FMC is a mapmaker, and the story starts with the MMC on an errand to collect her from Africa), but it was still very entertaining.
Not as steamy than I usually expect from Kate Bateman though — maybe K.C. Bateman is her less steamy pseudonym?
July 28, 2024
I enjoyed the Egyptian setting and the story was fun, but like most historical romance novellas this was just too short for me to feel very invested in the relationship between the hero and heroine. Still, I like K.C. (Kate) Bateman's writing and it kept me company during a night of annoying insomnia.
July 22, 2021
This was so cute and fun!
November 6, 2020
Harry is tasked by his Aunt to locate Hester and bring her back home. Hester and Harry have known each other for years and while they may bicker like cats and dogs, underlying their sarcastic barbs and quips is an undeniably, sizzling chemistry I immediately fell in love with.
I thought this story was a wildly entertaining read! Hester and Harry’s banter had a lot to do with my enjoyment, as did the colorful cast of characters. An Egyptian curse, a mad dash through the desert, trying to save the empire from Napoleon’s clutches...I could keep a running list of the adventures these two had, but give the story a whirl and see for yourself what all the fun is about!
I thought this story was a wildly entertaining read! Hester and Harry’s banter had a lot to do with my enjoyment, as did the colorful cast of characters. An Egyptian curse, a mad dash through the desert, trying to save the empire from Napoleon’s clutches...I could keep a running list of the adventures these two had, but give the story a whirl and see for yourself what all the fun is about!
October 24, 2019
A lovely well written tale of Harry sent to Egypt to find Hester who along with her uncle is charting the country. The pair clash at every meeting & have done for years but are attracted to each other which they hide with their verbal sparring. This short story packs a punch great characters, adventure, drama, humour all set to a backdrop of Egypt, France & England at the time of Napoleon’s escape from Elba. I couldn’t put it down & read it in a sitting.
I originaly read this is the Kiss of a Red Scorpion anthology
I originaly read this is the Kiss of a Red Scorpion anthology
February 1, 2021
It was fun reading this plot. Harry (bribed by his Aunt) is to go to Egypt to find and retrieve Lady Hester who is an archaeologist of sorts. This was an adventure type read I haven't read the likes before.
This is my first read by K.C. Bateman and wow, this definitely has some Indiana Jones vibes. K.C. writes this novella as if you're actually in Egypt 1816. The writing is that good! I've heard of her before and am curious to check out more of her work.
This is my first read by K.C. Bateman and wow, this definitely has some Indiana Jones vibes. K.C. writes this novella as if you're actually in Egypt 1816. The writing is that good! I've heard of her before and am curious to check out more of her work.
July 5, 2020
A delightful and charming story with just the right touch of adventure. It follows Harry and Hester as they tease and snipe at each other. Both will not admit their true feelings. The story takes you from Egypt to France and eventually to London. Great characters and story.
October 3, 2021
Cute read.
April 19, 2022
3 1/2 ⭐
I normally shy away from novellas that aren't a part of a larger series, but this book was a fun read.
Harry is a typical gorgeous, charming rake. He also a war hero and a guy who's been pining for years after a woman he finds equal parts exasperating and irresistable. Unfortunately for him, even in the unlikely event that she felt the same, he's sure she wouldn't take him seriously if he said anything.
Hester is always getting herself into trouble. She is independant and stubborn, but more in a "treat me as an equal or get out of my way" sense than an "I'd rather put myself in danger than accept help" way. Which is refreshing. She also has feelings for Harry, but assumes he just flirts with her out of habit (which is fair).
The story hits the ground running and the action never stops. It doesn't take long at all to get a sense of both MCs and how they feel about each other. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the action-adventury plot. Part of me wishes it had been a full-length novel (such is the case with any good novella, I suppose!), but at the same time... these two only really needed a gentle nudge.
There WAS something that kind of bugged me about theMacGuffin necklace though. Napoleon thinks it's powerful enough to help him win the war, and he's desperate to have it. But by all accounts, it's cursed and "great evil comes to those who possess it." Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't Napoleon having a cursed object and great evil come to him be a GOOD thing? (Though maybe they're assuming he could break the curse, which would obviously be Bad News Bears.) Oh well. :P
I normally shy away from novellas that aren't a part of a larger series, but this book was a fun read.
Harry is a typical gorgeous, charming rake. He also a war hero and a guy who's been pining for years after a woman he finds equal parts exasperating and irresistable. Unfortunately for him, even in the unlikely event that she felt the same, he's sure she wouldn't take him seriously if he said anything.
Hester is always getting herself into trouble. She is independant and stubborn, but more in a "treat me as an equal or get out of my way" sense than an "I'd rather put myself in danger than accept help" way. Which is refreshing. She also has feelings for Harry, but assumes he just flirts with her out of habit (which is fair).
The story hits the ground running and the action never stops. It doesn't take long at all to get a sense of both MCs and how they feel about each other. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the action-adventury plot. Part of me wishes it had been a full-length novel (such is the case with any good novella, I suppose!), but at the same time... these two only really needed a gentle nudge.
There WAS something that kind of bugged me about the
April 15, 2022
Promise Of a Kiss was a very well written novella. It was short but packed a lot of information and a cohesive story-line onto the pages. The characters have a grand adventure in both Egypt and France while the sexual tension crackles and they finally have to admit their love for one another. A plot point I took issue with is why a curse would bring bad luck to Hester and triumph to Napoleon, but it was still a good romp and enjoyable read.
September 18, 2020
lovely story, wonderful writing but so disappointing that it all ends with (only!!!) a kiss. Yes, I know it's in the title but I've read other works of this author and she does bedroom scenes rather well. Just not here. All that longing, all that sexual tension and no wedding night? I might take up writing fanfiction just to get those two to...
April 23, 2022
Very cute story. The 2 main characters were absolutely charming.
But why does an author bother to write a historical and totally disregard the sensibilities of the time period? Why set it in the Regency? The characters would have been better placed in the victorian era, when cartography and a fascination w everything Egypt was quite the rage? Oh well she needed to tie it in w a Napoleon/ curse sub-plot.
And why does the Hero call the heroine Lady Morden (her family name)? She is supposed to be single….she should be called Lady Hester, or Miss Morden?🤷🏻♀️
It sounds like Im ranting and though these details bothered me, this really was a very sweet and charming story. The characters are fun. They have known each other for years and sort of have a quarrelsome, bickering relationship, that disguises a secret attraction for each other.
The woman is a cartographer, which i liked. I like it when the heroine has an unusual occupation (once again probably not historically accurate) but i ran w it 😁. The Hero is sent to find her and along the way they go on this wild goose chase over a valuable necklace which has a curse.
So its a fun lighthearted, fast read. Just right for a lazy afternoon 🥰
This is my first book by this author, and I definitely want to check out her other books 😁❤️
But why does an author bother to write a historical and totally disregard the sensibilities of the time period? Why set it in the Regency? The characters would have been better placed in the victorian era, when cartography and a fascination w everything Egypt was quite the rage? Oh well she needed to tie it in w a Napoleon/ curse sub-plot.
And why does the Hero call the heroine Lady Morden (her family name)? She is supposed to be single….she should be called Lady Hester, or Miss Morden?🤷🏻♀️
It sounds like Im ranting and though these details bothered me, this really was a very sweet and charming story. The characters are fun. They have known each other for years and sort of have a quarrelsome, bickering relationship, that disguises a secret attraction for each other.
The woman is a cartographer, which i liked. I like it when the heroine has an unusual occupation (once again probably not historically accurate) but i ran w it 😁. The Hero is sent to find her and along the way they go on this wild goose chase over a valuable necklace which has a curse.
So its a fun lighthearted, fast read. Just right for a lazy afternoon 🥰
This is my first book by this author, and I definitely want to check out her other books 😁❤️
January 6, 2022
This was such a fun, adventure-filled historical romance! If you like The Mummy, you neeeeed to pick up this novella.
My only qualm was that it was very chaste…..could’ve used some steam other than the desert heat.
My only qualm was that it was very chaste…..could’ve used some steam other than the desert heat.
September 1, 2024
This was a cute, sweet read from Kate Bateman. It was a novella, so for me a few key things were missing. I think had the story been longer and the author time to flesh out the characters and their romance more it would have been a better story for me.
September 6, 2024
Kissing only, childhood rivals to lovers, decent banter, Egyptian cursed necklace, Napoleon, novella.
Read
April 13, 2022Did I read this mainly because I watched The Mummy?
Yes, yes I did 🙃
Yes, yes I did 🙃
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews