Series: Ruthless Rivals #1
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group on September 28, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 320
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
"Kate Bateman's writing sparkles." - USA Today bestselling author Laura Lee Guhrke
Meet the Davies and Montgomery families - two households locked in an ancient feud, destined to be on opposing sides forever. Until now...CAN LIFELONG HATE
Madeline Montgomery grew up despising––and secretly loving––the roguish Gryffud “Gryff” Davies. Their families have been bitter rivals for hundreds of years, but even if her feelings once crossed the line between love and hate, she’s certain Gryff never felt the same. Now, she’s too busy saving her family from ruin to think about Gryff and the other “devilish” Davies siblings. Since he’s off being scandalous in London, it’s not like she’ll ever see him again...
TURN TO TRUE LOVE
As the new Earl of Powys, Gryff Davies planned on spending his post-war life enjoying the pleasures of London. But when an illegal duel forces him to retreat to his family’s Welsh castle, he realizes the only exciting thing in the dull countryside will be seeing the fiery Maddie Montgomery. Thoughts of his nemesis sustained Gryff throughout the war; but the girl he loved to tease has grown into a gorgeous, headstrong woman – who loathes him just as much as she ever did. Will secret tunnels, dangerous smugglers, and meddling from their feuding families be enough to make Maddie and Gryff realize that their animosity is really attraction...and maybe even love?
A Reckless Match is the first in a new regency romance series by Kate Bateman about two feuding families, and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love.
Bateman had me hooked from the first page. I love a good enemies-to-lovers, and throwing in the childhood archenemy and a heroine with an atypical hobby for the time (archaeologist) and I’m not going anywhere. A little bit of mystery and intrigue rounds out this romance beautifully.
The line between hate and passion is razor thin between Maddie and Gryff and I was glued to the pages watching them navigate preconceptions with the person they were spending time with. Watching this relationship bloom was such a pleasure! Filled to the brim with clever banter, wit, and sexual tension that kept me fanning myself and desperately turning pages. There is an incredibly sensual “almost” scene that was absolutely brilliant and yet torturous with the teasing.
I thoroughly appreciated the low angst rivalry between Gryff and Maddie. Gryff’s POVs revealed longing and fascination had me sighing with content while Maddie’s struggle to decide whether she wanted to bang or strangle her beloved rival had me giggling. Gryff honestly reminded me a bit of Mr. B.
My only complaint is we glossed over the proposal quite a bit. I really wanted to see Father Montgomery’s reaction. This is a turning point in the legendary Davies – Montgomery rivalry after all, I really wanted to see his grumbling. Not to mention there were promises of passion in a well-lit room when they got back and I feel robbed. If you prefer low steam stories then this one only has one full scene, but the tension between the two make the story feel even steamier. Did I mention that almost scene?
I’m really excited for the rest of the series! There are so many possibilities, one of which we got a glimpse of at the end of this tale. I am so excited to read more Davies – Montgomery shenanigans.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Kate Bateman
Kate Bateman (also writing as K. C. Bateman) wrote her first historical romance in response to a $1 bet with her husband who rashly claimed she'd 'never finish the thing.' She gleefully proved him wrong. Her Regency and Renaissance-era romances all feature her trademark feisty, intelligent heroines, wickedly inappropriate banter, and heroes you want to both strangle and kiss.
When not traveling to exotic locations 'for research,' Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK, each of which has up to 2.5 million viewers. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England and writes despite three inexhaustible children and a number-loving husband who still owes her that dollar.
I really enjoyed this one too – such a good enemies-to-lovers romance!
I’m glad you enjoyed it too! It was so much fun