A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman is an absolutely wonderful read. The Story captivated me from the first page and I really enjoyed it.

A must read for all readers.

A really interesting historical romance. It’s always fun when there are mysteries and if there’s a spy involved of course the romance will not run smoothly. It’s an entertaining book.

A daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman (2022/08/06)
Rating 4/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher (St. Martin's Press) for providing me with an eGalley to review. A Daring Pursuit is book 2 in the series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. However for maximum enjoyment read the series in order. Check this one out if you like . . .


☆ Enemies-with Benefits
☆ Banter
☆ Historical Romance


A Daring Pursuit, the second installment in Kate Bateman's captivating series, delivers an exhilarating blend of romance, intrigue, and historical drama. Set against the backdrop of a longstanding feud between the Davies and Montgomery families, this novel offers a refreshing take on enemies-turned-lovers trope, infused with wit, charm, and undeniable chemistry.


This story is about Carys Davies, who really doesn't want to get married because she's keeping a secret that could ruin her family. She acts all flashy and wild to scare off guys, but deep down, she's kind of given up on love. Then there's Tristan Montgomery, her family's enemy, who sees right through her act. The premise of a scandalous bargain between Carys and Tristan adds a delightful twist to the narrative, as they embark on a week-long affair filled with clandestine meetings and heated exchanges.


I really enjoyed this book, it was a great addition to the series. Bateman skillfully navigates the complexities of their relationship, infusing each interaction with palpable tension and sizzling chemistry. There was this tension between them, like they can't stand each other but also can't stay away. It makes the story super interesting and keeps you hooked!


Carys's strength and intelligence made her an inspiring heroine, but what truly sets her apart is her unwavering compassion and commitment to her beliefs. Her character is not only relatable but also empowering. The palpable chemistry between Carys and Tristan is the beating heart of the narrative, drawing readers into their tumultuous relationship with every page turn. Their slow-burning romance, fraught with stubbornness and hesitance, adds layers of depth and complexity to their dynamic.


In addition to the passionate romance, the love scenes between Carys and Tristan are handled with sensitivity and realism, showcasing not only their physical attraction but also the emotional connection between them.


The interactions between siblings, both within the Davies and Montgomery families, add a delightful layer of warmth and humor to the narrative


Overall, A Daring Pursuit is a captivating romance filled with rich character dynamics, heartfelt moments, and laugh-out-loud humor. Kate Bateman has crafted a story that will linger in readers' hearts long after the final page, making it a must-read for fans of historical romance. Once again, thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eGalley to review.

TW: This book contains themes of blackmail, discussions of animals in captivity and animal cruelty and war. Please be mindful of these sensitive topics while reading.

This is the second in a series that I haven't started so I'm going to rate this 3 stars and move on.

The book in my opinion is average and unfortunately some scenes or plot points fell flat.

I had read the first installment in the series and was looking forward to reading the next one as I wanted to see how the author will show us how deep the family feud was between the Davies and the Mongomery’s.

But I was sorely disappointed because in A Daring Pursuit there was no telling nor showing what else made this feud so intense.

It truly felt like the author didn’t care about this premise anymore as it had been explained away in the first book and now the trope is just a pretense.

So, if you skipped the first book and dove right into the second one you might not understand nor grasp fully why the ancient family feud still persists.

Aside from this, another let down for me regarding A Daring Pursuit is the inconsistent pacing.

Towards the end we suddenly get a random plot point of our two main characters chasing down a bear and then being chased by a bear only to uncover a devious plot.

This plot point seemed very haphazardly put together to increase the time our main characters spent together as well as to inject drama and action into the plot.

Not all was bad with A Daring Pursuit, I still enjoyed some aspects of the plot.

An aspect I enjoyed and appreciated was the complex emotions Carys felt about being a non-virgin in a society that viewed non-virgin women as immoral or whatnot as well as her complexity with her sexuality and her self-confidence,

It was refreshing because a woman isn’t going to change immediately. Carys isn’t going to turn into a sex kitten overnight just because she lost her virginity

There will be days where she will be insecure as the society she lives in highly values virginity in women although I can never understand why a woman's virginity is so prized yet men are allowed to just sleep with whomever they want.

The math ain’t mathing here because who are these men sleeping with then if at the time homosexuality was frowned upon and women were supposed to be chaste and virginal.

So far these are the only things that I recall in regards to A Daring Pursuit from Kate Bateman.

The male lead is your typical Duke of North stereotype (if you read a lot of isekai manhwa you will understand my reference).

Will I recommend this book? I would say yes, it’s still an enjoyable read, just don’t have high expectations.

A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman is a thrilling historical romance novel that follows the story of Lady Arabella Lucia Fairborne, a brave and daring young woman who is determined to find her missing brother.

Kate Bateman does an excellent job of creating a vivid and captivating world, transporting readers back to Regency-era London. The characters are also well-developed, with Lady Arabella being a particularly strong and independent protagonist who is not afraid to take risks.

The plot is well-structured, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The romance between Lady Arabella and her love interest, Mr. Turner, is also well-written, with just the right amount of tension and passion.

Overall, A Daring Pursuit is an excellent read that is sure to appeal to fans of historical romance and adventure. The book is well-written, with a fast-paced plot and strong characters that readers will root for. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and romantic read.

Hello,

Apologies for the late notice, but I have decided not to review this title.

While I am certain it's obvious by now, I wanted to also clear this off NetGalley, so it's not showing as open for either of us.

I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023 and beyond.

Laura

I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely LOVED this book! Kate Bateman knows how to deliver a true enemies to lovers romance. This had just the right blend of everything- opposites attract, scandalous behavior, protective brothers, pining...all the perfect ingredients. THis was truly one of the best books I've read!

I love this book and am reading the others in the series now as well. I also want to look at her other books.

This one was fun and entertaining. Who doesn’t like arch enemies come to realize they don’t hate each other but love each other? Throw in a bear named Buttercup, two ravens up to no good, a thwarted plot to aid Bonaparte, and a nasty little worm of man who enjoys blackmailing women and you have the recipe for a devilishly good story. I look forward to more in this series.

Kate Bateman’s new series hits it out of the park! An absolutely fantastic read— be sure to check it out if you are an historical romance fan!

I really enjoyed Carys thumbing her nose at society with her outfits. Tristan brought out the best in her as she did him. Story was steady paced.

This is the second book in the series, and it continues the intersection of the Davies and Montgomery families.

Lady Carys Davies loves to scandalize the ton with her wardrobe. She uses her fashion for two purposes: first, to taunt Tristan Montgomery and second, to hide a long kept secret. Carys's firey personality cost her dearly during her debut, and now she is being blackmailed to keep her family's reputation clean.

Tristan Montgomery has returned from fighting Napoleon and his Grand Tour to learn more about architecture. Tristan is calm, cool, and collected....unless Carys is around. Then he seems to lose himself and his well-honed control.

I greatly appreciated the banter between our hero and heroine. It is fast and whip smart. The characters have been drawn together for many reasons over the years, but with Tristan learning about Carys's blackmail, an interesting (and scandalous) proposal is offered. Will Tristan share what he knows about pleasure with Carys?

The steam is high in this book. I especially loved the intentionality of Tristan with Carys. It is exquisite and makes their ultimate coming together well worth the wait.

Did I mention there is also a bear on the loose? I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two work together for a common goal and, in turn, understand the importance of balance in all things (especially their relationship).

Enjoy their story! It is a pleasant read, especially once Tristan decides to just go for it!

Looking forward to the third book!

A delightfully entertaining enemies-to-lovers Regency romance between the feuding Davies and Montgomery families so well-crafted I felt like I had traveled back in time and was totally involved in all that was happening from start to finish. I loved the undeniable attraction and off the charts chemistry between Tristan Montgomery and Lady Carys Davies. If you enjoy beautifully written historical romance don't miss A Daring Pursuit by gifted author Kate Bateman. I received an advance reader copy of this book and enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy.

enemies to lovers; I adored Tristan and his restraint but when it broke 👀🔥😍; Carys is fierce; a wicked bargain is involved! Second in a series about 2 families who rivalry goes back hundred if years....but can't that finally all come to an end???

This one burned hot! Carys is so so amazing and Tristan is the best when he actually lets loose. Adore this series! Keep them coming!

I really enjoyed this, not as much as the previous one but it was really a good story. The author knows how to tell a story and keep you interested throughout the whole book. The reason I liked the first one better has nothing to do with author or the writing I just liked the characters in that one more. I would def recommend giving this book a read if you live historical romance.

I think this has been one of my favorite stories out of this whole series. Carys interesting are the true model love opposites attract. Carys is made out to be this brazen , untamable young lady, when truly she is like most young ladies. I did not like how the men around her treated her. ICant wait to read more in this series.

I love Kate Bateman's writing she does a great job of keeping me very interested in her books and connected to the romances. While I liked book one in this series better this one was a great installment of the series and I am excited for the next book to come out.

LOVED this book!!!! What a great historical romance! The writing was amazing! Had me laughing so many times! Carys was one of my fav heroines! Tristan had me swooning! Their playful banter was so fun! The plot was perfectly put together! My first book by this author but not my last!!!!

Thxxx to the publisher for a copy of the ebook for an honest review!!

FAV QUOTES:

“Wasn’t that the true measure of love? Entrusting something with it’s freedom, and having it return to you through choice? Keeping it with kindness, not restraint?” Carys

“The way she looked at the world was so different from the way he looked at it that talking to her was like putting on a pair of someone else’s glasses; he saw things through in an entirely new way…”. Tristan

My very first book by Kate Bateman and I ADORED it. I’m so sorry I missed out the previous one of the series, but I want to read it now and every other book she published! This feud between the two families of the Davies and Montgomery is so intriguing and it leads to such tension among the characters that it literally ignites the pages and underlines the interactions between them. And the chemistry between the main characters was so high!!! Tristan is exactly my kind of hero, apparently cold and poised, but easily shaken by the love of a passionate woman, and Carys is exactly that, bold and beautiful and passionate, even too much for her own good. I love the “lessons in lovemaking” theme and this one was gorgeously developed. Beautiful descriptions of the Welsh landscape cap a definitely five-star book.
I want to add a praise for the audiobook narrator, who’s very, very skilled. And she even sings well!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.