I received this book for free through netgalley for an honest review. I honestly loved this book even more than I did the first in the series. I loved that they enjoyed messing with each other but there was clearly romantic feelings involved the entire time. Everyone could see it from the get go but it took them a lot longer to figure it out. The fact they both wanted to look out and protect the other was something I truly enjoyed. It didn't include the usual "issue" that kept them apart, but rather just doubled down on the fact they both really wanted to be together. I highly recommend this book and series and can't wait for the next one to come out!

Absolutely loved. I just love the Davis’ and Montgomery families. It was so nice to see them again.
Carys and Tristan were delightfully written and their chemistry is off the charts.
The story progressed well and I can honestly say, I don’t think I ever got bored.
Can’t rave about this book enough-
But I feel I must mention the ravens. I can’t remember their names, but tbh they stole the show.
10/10 would recommend

I received an arc for this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Kate Bateman fan, I was very excited about Tristan and Carys from the last book, and they did not disappoint. Taken advantage of by the man she thought she'd marry, Carys is holding herself together by presenting a carefree facade to the ton. She is quite fun to read. She and Tristan shock each other...with her unlikely, bold proposal and by his accepting. It starts as a bit of a slow burn , but picks up quickly. I definitely recommend this series.

Tropes: Ruined, Feuding Families, Secret Crush, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity/House Party, Lessons

Carys Davies wants to avoid marriage and will embrace any scandal to discourage suitors. Tristan Montgomery wants a respectable wife. They don't seem like a match, and the long-standing feud between their families doesn't help. But there is electricity between these two, and when they give in to it, well... sparks fly.

The secondary, treasonous plot line was less interesting than the romance, but this is stilla solid entry in this summer's reading!

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

Carys Davies is a free spirit, who does her best to scandalize the ton through her actions and style of dress. Her brothers are anxious for her to find a husband and settle down, but Carys is keeping a secret that could destroy her reputation and that of the family.

Tristan Montgomery, the nearest neighbor to Trellech, the Davies estate, has long been fascinated by Carys, though the long-standing feud between Davies and Montgomery has prevented him from saying anything. At the opera one night, he came across Carys crying in a back corridor, and learned that she was being blackmailed by a man who had forced himself on her two years earlier, and who threatened to tell everyone that she was damaged goods, knowing that would destroy her chances of making a good marriage.

Tristan’s outrage at Carys’ situation shows his basic decency, and Carys, though not happy to have her embarrassment known, is grateful for Tristan’s support. I liked Carys, with her courage and love for animals, and I appreciated Tristan being willing to put aside the differences between the families to protect Carys as best he could. This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Spoiler alert – this Regency romance has the expected HEA.

"Then marry me. Live with me. Let me be your favorite enemy."

What a cute quote from the 2nd book of the Ruthless Rivals series by Kate Bateman.

Davies and Montgomery had long been adversaries.And the generations of rivalries were passed on to Carys and Tristan. Carys, who avoided marriage due to a bad experience in the past, has had a long-standing crush on Montgomery.Tristan needed a respectable woman to wed, yet he couldn't resist taking a second look at smart and wild-spirited Carys.

I liked the push and pull between this lovely couple. And that part when Tristan revealed the reason for the color of his master's bedroom was so sweet!

I cannot wait for the third installment of the series!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC.

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!