A Daring Pursuit, the second book in Kate Bateman’s Ruthless Rivals series about members of two long feuding families, is a delightfully charming read! This installment follows the scandalous Carys Davies and the ever proper Tristan Montgomery, siblings of the main characters from the previous book and childhood adversaries. Carys and Tristan’s story is a fun romp full of strong chemistry, friendly antagonism, witty banter, a little mystery, indecent proposals, and a house party setting. I highly recommend it to fans of historical romance. Can’t wait to see more of both families in future books!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

For Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery, their family's have been at war for as long as they can remember. Since childhood, they've always annoyed each other, but each has a secret - they've secretly been in love with the other for just as long. But Carys is the wild child of the family, whereas Tristan is very proper and buttoned. Tristan is returning home to the house party his newly married sister, Maddie, is hosting, and the closeness to Carys is nearly too much, especially when she challenges him to show her why she should get married. After their agree that they will spend a week together, in secret, before going their separate ways, it's soon clear that forgetting about the affair is easier said than done.

Well, this book just blew me away. I adored the first one, and knew there was a story between Carys and Tristan, and couldn't be happier with this book. Because they were from rival families, it was always assumed that they hated each other, but while they enjoyed annoying the other person, both had always harboured strong feelings, which they had tried to keep hidden from everyone. Carys' kept up her reputation as the wild child partly for her own sake, but also to hide the secret she had, and the fact she was being blackmailed. Only Tristan was the one who could see she was hiding something, and during the party, he discovered the truth. As a war hero, and respected architect, Tristan was expected to marry well, but he couldn't find himself looking at anyone other than Carys, who wouldn't be right - or would she? Clearly, the idea of having a week long affair, exploring the positive of intimate relationships, and being vulnerable to one another was doomed to fail before it had even began, but it was perfect to read, and we learn so much about the couple that they've kept to themselves. The mystery was a great secondary plot line, and I don't know about you, but I'm desperate for book 3, A Wicked Game. Kate has written another fantastic book!

You can't go wrong with Kate Bateman, she writes stunning and utterly romantic love stories which atmospheric and wonderfully clever writing and this is no different, a real winner on every level!

This is a nice follow-up to the first book, but I believe it could be read as a standalone no problem.

There's not a whole lot to keep these characters from just courting and marrying in the first place, which isn't my ideal, but they don't spend half the book tooth and claw, or believing they despise the other or something, so it didn't feel like they were just constantly getting in their own way either. It just takes them a while to fully realize some things. So it might technically be an enemies to lovers trope, but they're more along the lines of 'special worthy adversaries' than real enemies, which I definitely preferred. There is also a misunderstanding at one point early on, but it's cleared up within a few chapters, so I didn't mind that either. (No Big Misunderstanding which can be aggravating). And there's kind of an "other woman" which I know some people are fussy about, but it's almost more 'in theory' than an actual love triangle or something, so even if you're one of those people, maybe give it a try anyway.

They spend almost the entire book on page together, which is nice. I liked that the heroine is an animal lover, and that the hero almost always treats her with respect. Events get a little 'over dramatic' and unlikely near the end, but the hero says some especially nice things after, so that kind of offset a good portion of that in my eyes.

I received an advance copy for reviewing purposes, and leave this (unfortunately quite late) review entirely voluntarily.

I really enjoy this author! Her stories always have great characters! Bonus this one is an enemies to lovers which is my favorite trope! Carys is our heroine who is hiding a secret. She refuses proposals and wants to avoid marriage. Carys also had a big heart abs rescues animals! Tristan is Carys family rival. He’s an ex soldier and an architect. He’s actually always wanted Carys…..so it’s a good thing Carys want sex lessions! Since Carys had a past bad situation, Tristan wants to show her that it can be pleasurable! I really loved this set up and how these two are perfect for each other!! This was such an entertaining read! All the chemistry, tension, secrets, and banter!! Can’t wait to ready what’s next from Kate!

I really loved reading this regency romance and will definitely keep my eye out for more from Jenna MacGregor! I had not read the first book in the ruthless rivals series but presume they can be read out of order as I was able to dive in quite easily to this one without any confusion about the plot or characters. This novel also had forbidden love and secret dating which are two tropes that I love and I'd highly recommend this one if you're looking for something spicy.

Enemies to lovers stories always hold the key to my heart. I adored reading this book and I look forward to seeing what other stories come next.

I love nothing more than a regency era, enemies to lovers story! This story was charming and humorous and I loved the mystery aspect behind the story as well. I loved the tension between Carys and Tristan and was just impatiently waiting for the final buildup. I look forward to reading the rest of the Ruthless Rivals series!

What a fun read! It was a quick witty and enjoyable book. I didn't want to put it down. She never disappoints

I loved this book!!! Kate Bateman writes a great story. I loved the characters and the plot and I would recommend this book to others!! It was a quick afternoon read that was fabulous.

This is one of my favorite series I am so happy that I was able to read this early, thank you to Net galley for this ARC. This story followed Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery. Ever since they were introduced in the previous book A Reckless Match I couldn't wait for their story and boy did Bateman deliver. This books trope was enemies to lovers and it was very well done. Carys has a very bold personality and she loves getting a rise out of Tristan any chance she gets. Tristan is the complete opposite in personality than Carys he's more staid and proper, but they really balance each other out. He was a perfect match for the heroine. I loved reading how they came together, they initially make a bargain to be friends with benefits and to their families surprise they end up falling in love. I don't want to spoil anything for other readers just know that I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book in this series.

This book is SO GOOD! Every time I picked up "A Daring Pursuit", I was whisked back in time, and went on such a journey with this enemies-to-lovers romance.

Firstly, THIS COVER IS SO AMAZING!

This is the second book in Kate Bateman's "Ruthless Rivals" series, and I hope there will be many more. Ms. Bateman's writing style is engaging, detailed, full of twists and turns, and she really knows how to hook the reader from the first page to the last.

I do not want to say too much about the plot due to spoilers, but, I will say, the chemistry between Carys and Tristan is so incredible palpable. Carys and Tristan truly begin to understand one another, and as they get to know one another better, you see their relationship start to deepen. Both are strong, kind, protective, and caring, and they are so perfect for each other.

If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen, and I look forward to reading what Ms. Bateman writes next.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery are members of feuding families that are in increased proximity, as her brother married his sister. Carys is vibrant and as spirited as her red hair is fiery, a darling of society who refuses to settle down and accept a marriage proposal. Tristan is dutiful and serious, and while he knows Carys is not the demure wife he needs to help establish himself as a premiere architect amongst the ton, he is drawn to her. Carys has a reason why she is avoiding marriage, but she can tell no one. She’s been in love with Tristan for years, but her pride will not allow her to let him know it. When Tristan offers to show her what she’s missing by avoiding marriage during for one week, she agrees, knowing this is the only chance she has to experience what Tristan has to offer her. Yet their time together reveals just how right they are for each other.


A Daring Pursuit is a fast-paced, enjoyable historical romance sure to appeal to fans of enemies to lovers romance. Readers who enjoy arguing between a hero and heroine who believe they hate each other when they’re actually flirting will get a kick out of this book. Tristan initially comes off as a stuffed shirt, behaving quite judgmentally towards Carys. However, it’s clear that he’s crazy about her and is fighting his feelings rather unsuccessfully. Carys is the one woman he can’t get out of his mind. Tristan is honorable and very kind and caring deep down under the remote, rigidly proper exterior. He’s the kind of hero who will do just about anything for the woman he loves. Readers soon come to realize why Carys has such unrequited feelings for him. Carys is likable from the beginning. Her sense of style, the way she carries herself, and her remarkable composure in the face of a terrible wrong done to her makes her an admirable heroine. She’s independent and follows her inner conscience very strongly. Her love for animals and innate kindness is a huge strong point of her characterization. They share a strong connection and vibrant sexual chemistry that drives the book to a satisfying conclusion. However, the suspense storyline is not that exciting, and seems like an afterthought. Regency historical romance fans will be entertained with A Daring Pursuit, as they experience’s Carys and Tristan journey to happy ever after.

This was a light and fun historical romance! It worked for me, because I don't like my HR to be particularly dark and gloomy. I enjoyed the Montague and Capulet vibes that the two families give, and the country house setting. And although I had not read the first book in the series, I was not lost or hindered in any way!

What a fun read!

Carys and Tristian stare in an enemies to lovers book. Their two families have been at odds for generations and while they tell themselves they hate each other, their siblings just got married and whenever they run into each other they can't help but engage with the other in banter, teasing, etc.

Carys is a wild darling of the ton, wearing outrageous outfits to catch everyone's attention and make Tristian roll his eyes. Tristian is an architect who prefers things to be orderly but my oh my does Lady Carys get under his skin!

There is a fun plot with appearances from other family members who have had / will have their own stories soon. The story that helps bring them together is a fun ride, too.

This is a hot story of two enemies to lovers. I enjoyed it so much I went back and ready the first book in the series, also a great read. I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Kate Bateman rarely misses for me, and this newest series of hers is proof of why. There's something so terrific about the mere premise of these books alone — two rival families have been feuding for years, so long that their descendants don't even really remember the original reason for it, but of course now, generations later, people on opposing sides of said families are going to give into certain tensions and fall in love. I made a joke about this on Twitter, but I really do love the names in this book — Tristan, especially, is one I don't think we get enough of in heroes apart from medieval, but Carys was also a great change-up from what heroines are typically named a lot of the time. And the tension between them! Delicious! Also the reveal that Tristan has been building his house with Carys in mind to live in it the ENTIRE TIME. I did enjoy the fact that this had more of an external obstacle for these two to overcome; in terms of the emotional dynamic, there might have been moments of uncertainty but never so much of a darker instance where they actually split up. In the end, it's practically a foregone conclusion that they're just going to get married, in spite of their fleeting doubts about the future, and I really appreciate romances that just decide not to lean on emotional angst where it really isn't necessary. Cannot WAIT for Morgan and Harriet in the sequel!

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

A Daring Pursuit is certainly one of the better new releases in the Historical Romance genre this year. It was fun and not boring as so many are wont to be these days. Though it could have been spicier, it is certainly spicier than its predecessor in the series (A Reckless Match), and the banter between Carys and Tristan was truly a delight. The mystery/adventure part of the book fell flat, it could have easily been taken out. At the very least that change wouldn't have made any difference, and, at most, the book could have concentrated even more in Carys' and Tristan's relationship and would have been even better for it.
I will add a little pet peeve of mine, which is the constant repeating of "women should support women" or variations throughout the book. That was, at best, boring, and, at worst, annoying. It's an empty and hollow phrase, mostly used to silence women who have legitimate concerns. I really wish it'd been left out.

4.0 stars.

Tropes | Enemies/Rivals to Lovers, Sex Lessons

The Davies and Montgomery families are at it again with the never-ending rival and pining for someone they shouldn't.

Carys Davies and Tristian Montgomery have annoyed each other since they were little. Carys keeps a secret that backs her life, like blackmail, and tries everything in her power that no one knows. Tristain needs a wife; the only person he keeps thinking about this is Carys.

They meet, and Carys wants sex lessons - that is it. Not an excuse to be with Tristian. Yep, I see no problem here. Just a week, and they will move on.

There is a Bear. Being chased by a bear happens in this, and it is not out of the left field. (Reviewer questions her sanity).

I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks.

This was a fun enemies-to-lovers addition to this series - and in fact so far the Ruthless Rivals series is all enemies-to-lovers themed, this being the second book, the third scheduled to be released later this year and appears to be the same. It's a bit like Romeo and Juliet, or the Hatfields and McCoys - two families that have feuded for decades but the current generation is over it - or more accurately finds themselves too attracted to each other to feud.
In this book our heroine, Carys, has a secret in her past that has made her determined not to marry. She's a big bold personality and she plays that up in an attempt to discourage suitors with her outrageous behavior. Tristan, our hero, is as straightlaced and proper as they come. So not only are their families at odds, they're polar opposites in temperament - and as such they're naturally attracted to each other, and in truth always have been. When circumstances reveal Carys' secret to Tristan, they make a pact to become lovers for a week so that she can see what she'll be missing by not marrying. There's blackmail and intrigue, and of course this being a romance we know where things will end up - it's just a matter of the journey they take to get there. And this was an enjoyable journey.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Carys Davies is being blackmailed by an ex-beau and the only man who can save her is her family's enemy Triston Montgomery. Cary's brother and Tristin's sister started to bring the families together by falling in love and marrying a year earlier. Carys secretly has had a crush on Tristan and the same with Tristan. I love this book so much that I need to read the first book in this series. I just reviewed A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman. #NetGalley
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