Let me just say the FMC, Carys, is my hero! She has a "no holds barred, take no prisoners," attitude to the world that I gravitate to. This is a good frenemies to lovers story.
Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery were enemies from birth, their families locked in an ancient feud. Carys is a fiery redhead with a firm middle finger up to the proper society that surrounds them and is committed to her vibrant personality, no matter what it says about her. She has no desire to marry, not that anyone would want her with the terrible secret she's being blackmailed for. While she has no time for the rigidity of proper English society, she'll do whatever it takes to protect her family, including keeping her secret under wraps.

Tristan is a terribly proper, reserved architect with no time or inclination for flights of fancy and no one strokes his ire more than Carys. Her scandalous nature drives him insane and he makes sure she's aware of his disapproval at every opportunity. Unbeknownst to each other, Tristan and Carys have always harbored a secret crush on the other but due to their warring families, some lines just were never crossed...until they had to be.

Carys and Tristan's story is filled with humor, drama, steamy sexual tension and suspense. I read it in one sitting and really enjoyed the banter between Carys and Tristan.

This is a standalone novel, with no cliff-hanger, and no other book needs to be read prior to this one. Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Bateman, and St. Martin for the ARC.

I loved reading this next installment in the Ruthless Rivals series. The Davies and Montgomerys are so entertaining. I like how the dynamic of enemies-turned-lovers is handled in this series. This one in particular has a very Beatrice-and-Benedick vibe. Carys was a very intriguing heroine - I think I enjoyed her story more than Madeline's. Overall, a very fun blend of mischief, rivalry, intrigue, steaminess, and love.

Summary
Carys Davies has been keeping a secret for 2 years. The only person who knows is a man she had once thought she was in love with, who is now blackmailing her in exchange for his silence. Determined to keep her secret hidden, she vows to never marry and begins dressing scandalously hoping that if people are busy talking about what she’s wearing, they won’t question her about marriage. And her plan works, on everyone except her long-time adversary, Tristan Montgomery. Tristan and Carys have been upholding a centuries long feud between their families for their entire lives, and while both are quick to verbally and intellectually spare, they've also been hiding their desire for one another. He’s the only one who can see through her facade, and after discovering her averse attitude towards marriage he attempts to change her mind by telling her of the pleasures she'll miss. Carys uses this as an opportunity to proposition him, asking Tristan to tutor her so that she can see what she’s missing out and whether a life of celibacy will be worth it. For one week, away from London’s prying eyes, they engage in an affair. But old feelings come into play when they realize how their agreement to keep their emotions at bay is quite impossible.

Thoughts
This is my first Kate Bateman novel, and I'm pleasantly surprised. Based on the blurb I had predicted what Carys's secret would be, and I was a bit concerned about how other characters would react to it, expecting that we would see a lot of misogyny and pearl clutching. I really enjoyed how Batemen dealt with the secret though, and how Carys was the only one holding herself back, although she isn't wallowing in self-pity. In particular, I loved how, although disappointed, her brothers tell her that she has a choice and that they won't force her to marry or do anything she doesn't want for the sake of reputation. I really like Carys's brother, while protective, they aren't overly so; they don't police her clothing, pressure her to wed, tell her to be more ladylike or attempt to fit her into the mold of the ideal woman that society expects her to be. There's also a lot more action and running around in the woods for reasons that you’ll have to suspend your disbelief for, but I found it to be really exciting and a great change of pace from all the parties and balls.

Carys is easily one of my favourite heroine's. She is incredibly intelligent, as shown through her conversations with Tristan - where she show's off her knowledge of the arts, literature, history, philosophy, etc. - and her pursuit of a formal education, which was uncommon for girls at the time. She's adventurous, bold, daring, fashionable, as well as an animal lover and advocate. Most of all she has a kind heart; she protects others at whatever cost to her, and is unrelenting in her support for other women. A woman after my own heart.

Tristan is her perfect counterpart. He’s cool, aloof, just as intelligent, and is making his own way in the world as an architect, rather than relying on his inheritance and eventual title. I love how much he admires Carys, not for her beauty and sexuality, but for her intelligence, humour, and dauntlessness. Despite being her “enemy” he greatly respects her, viewing her as a worthy adversary, and is fiercely protective of her even before they’re on friendlier terms. Tristan is looking for a wife this season, one who’s connections will further his career, but he cannot resist Carys’s offer as she is the only woman who’s ever caught his eye. He agrees to tutor her hoping that he can get her out of his system and move on, but it’s a tale as old as time and we all know how it ends.

My two critiques are that 1) I didn’t love the way it was wrapped up, I wish it had been longer. Specifically, I would have liked to see other character’s reactions to Tristan and Carys getting engaged. I was also really looking forward to their wedding night, hearing them talk more about their feelings and how it’s finally settling in that they’re going to be together forever. And 2) I felt like the spicy scenes were a bit lacklustre and I wish they were more detailed, in terms of emotions and sensations.

Overall though, this book was well written, had good pacing as well as good character and plot progression. I’m excited to read more from this author.

Rating: 4.25/5
Spice: 2/5

Characteristics
- Duel pov
- Historical romance
- Regency era
- Rival families
- Enemies to lovers
- Enemies/friends with benefits
- Mutual pining
- Forbidden romance

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A Daring Pursuit will be available for purchase May 24, 2022.

This a a delightful story of a heroine who makes a mistake as a young woman and a hero who redeems her. I love the enemies to lovers theme and the banter is delicious! The author does a fantastic job of wrapping you in to the story and the emotions run wild! Not to mention the ravens, rhinos and bears that make this a wonderful romp! Thoroughly enjoyed it !

One of the best books i have read in forever. So much feeling and passion, I wasn't ready for it to end.. highly recommended

Much like the ton, I was highly entertained by Carys and her "scandalous" exploits while reading this book. It was overall a very enjoyable, lighthearted read.

This book was fun! I always enjoy a Kate Bateman read, and this one is no different. There is lots of mutual attraction between these two, but they come from families that have been eternal rivals. Both are well-developed characters, that are likable and have lots of chemistry. Overall, an enjoyable read, especially if you are an animal lover like Lady Carys Davies.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a decent historical romance. I really enjoyed how brazen the heroine is and how well matched she is with the hero. The love scenes were super hot just wished the angst lasted a bit more than it did. Overall, an entertaining novel.

Immediate Reaction: This book is literally my catnip. It checks off every box. Rivals to lovers: check. Longing: check. Fun family dynamic: check check check.

The spoiler-free summary: Carys Davies is doing everything in her power to avoid marriage. Especially if it means getting under the skin of Wickedly proper architect Tristan. When she mockingly challenges him to show her what she’s missing by not getting married, Tristan shocks them both by accepting her indecent proposal.

All the things I loved:

The heroine. Usually, I hate FMC and I do not know why. I feel like a lot of the time authors do an excellent job at shaping MMC that readers want to be with but something about female leads makes me get so frustrated. Carys however, is awesome. Beautiful but self-aware, relatable, outrageous, witty. All of it, I want to be her.
The tension: you can feel it and it makes you want more.
The plot: I literally sped read this in one sitting, I loved it.
I think it's just the right amount of steam. Plus it has a fantastic plot.

The things I didn't love:
The emphasis is on her choice of wardrobe and how wild it is. Tristen told Carys that she didn't need all the adornment and crazy dresses that he preferred her with a simple look. Listen EVEN if she does confirm that she does it with a purpose, what if that was just her style. It screams “Oh I don't like women who wear makeup”. Let women like things. If she likes her crazy dresses, let her wear them. GOSH.
The pick me vibes: I don't love it when they tear down women in books even if she is supposed to be awful. At least it was only in her head and she didn't say it out loud.

Final Thoughts: Buy it, listen to it, or borrow it from your library!

I received "A Daring Pursuit" from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is the second book in the Ruthless Rivals series. Kate Bateman is a wonderful author, and she never fails to amaze me with her beautiful stories. A 6 out of 5 stars for this beautiful journey of love.
Lady Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery are each other's favorite enemy. Yet, they have a natural attraction of the highest form. They each wish to lead their separate lives but the magnetic force that draws them to each other guides them to one week of learning to love and be loved.  This story is seduction at its best.

Another great one from Kate Bateman. Two well drawn characters and great banter and interaction. Their differences were as appealing as their attraction. The one strange note was that when Tristan finds out that Carys has been involved with Howe, his attitude towards her takes on a bit of a lascivious tint to it that’s strange and off putting. He sees some to instantly see her as a tart and it rang false and a little gross. Otherwise this was fun.

Lovely book!! I adored all that characters and the development was great throughout. Kept me wanting more. I would definitely recommend!

A Daring Pursuit is a fabulous historical romance by Kate Bateman. Ms. Bateman has once again provided readers with a book that is well-written that will suck them into the story. I confess, dinner was just a tad charred while I was reading this book. The cast of characters in this book is spectacular. Carys is being blackmailed and has no hope of ever marrying. Tristan has tormented Carys as far back as either of their memories go, but he won't stand for anyone else tormenting her. Carys and Tristan's story is loaded with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. I loved this story from cover to cover and I'm already impatient for the next book from Kate Bateman. A Daring Pursuit is book 2 of the Ruthless Rivals Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"All right, Montgomery. If you're such an expert, why you don't provide with me 'all the relevant information'?" With that statement, Carys Davies has just sealed the fate of both her and Tristan Montgomery. If you have read the first book in the series ("A Reckless Match"), you know that the Davies and Montgomery clans have been feuding for centuries. The recent marriage of Gryff Davies and Maddie Montgomery has resulted in only a temporary detente. Tristan Montgomery is everything a proper gentleman should be, while Carys is wild and bold (or at least that is the image she projects), with passion that flames brighter than her fiery red hair. Carys enjoys trying to get a rise out of Tristan, while Tristan generally treats her with disdain. However, Carys has hopes (that she believes are unrealistic) of a different type of relationship with Tristan, while Tristan has long been enamored with Carys, though he does not realize it. A series of mishaps results in Tristan discovering a secret that Carys is desperate to keep, as it concerns her virtue, and while Tristan wants to avenge her honor, he agrees not to take any action against the offending party. However, the scandalous incident left Carys with a very unsatisfying impression of a particular intimate activity, which she has foresworn since then, and Tristan can rectify that, or at least encourage Carys to rectify that before deciding she would be happy with a celibate marriage or spinsterhood. Yet, they will quickly discover that a week of "education" will never be enough.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Engaging, fast paced read! Imaginative writing with the setting of a country party liasion. The hero teaches the heroine everything she needs to know about pleasure. Fun, sweet and romantic with plenty of chemistry between a seemingly upright hero and a wild heroine.

Friends are easy to come by, but a good enemy's almost impossible to find.

Oh how I adore these two feuding families. Montgomeries and Davies have been hating each other for centuries, but that is all about to change...

Tristan and Carys couldn't be more different. He is quite and reserved, she is as wild and independent as can be. He loves to stay hidden, she deliberately sets tongues wagging with outrages clothes and daring speeches. For years they have bickered and teased, but when Tristan discovers she is being blackmailed by a man she thought she'd loved, he is outraged. They soon enter a bargain: enemies with benefits. Give in to the fire they have both been pretending doesn't spark every time they meet. After all. What can go wrong? Surely their enmity will keep their hearts safe. It can't be more than physical. Can it?

I really liked these two together. They both have loved the other for years but were too afraid. Or stubborn. Or both. I loved seeing Tristan come ever so reluctantly out of his shell. And Carys is just my kind of heroine: strong, independent, with heart of gold.
The aunts, as always, provide delightful comic relief, and Cary's brothers are still adorable. They are such lovely and FUN families to read about!

This is another delightful enemies-to-lovers story. The only thing I didn't like was Tristan's behavior in the beginning. It is explained, but. For me it crossed the line into hurtful there for a minute. But seriously, only a minute. I also could have lived without the drama towards the end, but it fit, and at least they tackled it together, leaving no doubt about how perfectly matched these two are and how they will still bicker and balance each other out in years to come.

If you love a good enemies-to-lovers story with strong heroines and teasing heroes who cherish their partners' strength, I cannot recommend this series highly enough!

Carys Davis will not marry due to an indiscretion in her past. Tristan Montgomery is a rival to her family but Carys was always attracted to him.

This is a well-written romance. The chemistry, banter between this pair is most enjoyable.

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Another great romance from Kate Bateman!

I absolutely adored the first book in this series and fell in love with this one. My favorite part about this is definitely the dynamic between Tristan and Carys. I love how they were complete opposites, yet were able to compliment and balance each other out. I love their banter and their chemistry. Honestly, that is something I love with KB, she knows how to write fun banter between her couples! I also love how smitten Tristan and Carys were with each other and I do appreciate how there wasn't too much push and pull that can sometimes happen with the enemies to lovers trope. It had just enough to add angst but there was no fighting/denying when they were in love with each other. I loved it so much!!! Also, the Gryff cameo at the end? Beautiful, wonderful, amazing, show-stopping! I am so excited for more books in this series.

However, there were a couple of things in this book that bothered me and prevent me from giving it a full 5 stars. At the beginning of this book, the pacing was all over the place and it was a little jarring. I felt like things were moving super fast then super slow and it made it difficult to get into the book. The other thing was the plot. KB is known for having a solid strong plot and sold strong romance in her books and she's one of the only authors I know who are able to balance that however in this one the plot was essentially not there until the very very end and I didn't like it that much. I couldn't help but think that something was missing which is really weird. I will say these two things are very unlike KB and I think that's why I was also taken a little back.

Overall? I love this book and these characters and I am so excited to read more (fingers crossed for Harriet and Morgan next)

First time reading this author.. and I already headed over to grab another book. This story was just outstanding! It's the second book in the series. No problem picking up the thread... 2 dueling families and enemies-to-friends trope. I am just in love with these 2 as they overcome history both family and personal to find their HEA. Don't miss Carys and Tristan's story!

Another enticing story told by a very talented author. A fiery redheaded Davies female crosses paths with a sedate Montgomery male while trying to pay a blackmailer his demanded payment. As it turns out both have had a long held and unspoken crush for each other owing to longtime family issues. It turns into a pursuit but who is pursuing who and will the loser concede graciously?

I enjoyed this book and do recommend it if you enjoy historical romance novels. I have rated it 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.