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
[NetGalley URL]

Carys and Tristan are childhood friends and current enemies, as their families have feuded for decades. Carys was “deflowered” by her longtime boyfriend and she is paying him hush money to protect her reputation. Tristan has come to a point in his life where he needs to find a wife, but he is not interested in any of the insipid women that are pushed toward him. There has always been an attraction between Carys and Tristan, but they have never acted on it. Fate keeps on bringing them together until during one weekend in the country they throw caution to the wind and give into their desires. I really enjoyed the sparing between Tristan and Carys and having two smart main characters with witty dialogue made the wait for them to be together worth it.

I am a big fan of Kate Bateman’s books. So much of a fan that I never turn down a review offer when the publisher sends me an email. I had been looking forward to reading A Daring Pursuit after finishing A Reckless Match. I couldn’t wait to see the fireworks between Tristan and Carys!! This book didn’t disappoint me.

A Daring Pursuit is the second book in the Ruthless Rivals series. While it is book 2 in the series, you can read this as a stand-alone.

A Daring Pursuit is Carys and Tristian’s romance. Carys doesn’t want to get married and does her best to deter suitors by acting and dressing scandalously. Even with that, she only has eyes for Tristian, her sister-in-law’s brother. Tristian has always been attracted to Carys, but their family’s rivalry and her behavior have kept him from acting on it. When Tristian finds Carys’s secret out, she challenges him with an indecent proposal: one week to awaken her sexually. They are both surprised when he says yes. But, as Carys’s secret becomes intertwined with another explosive one, Tristian is the only one she can turn to. Can years of mistrust be overcome? Can Carys trust Tristian with her heart, along with her life? Or will Carys’s secret be exposed?

I loved Carys. She was the exact opposite of what my vision of a Regency woman should be like. She wasn’t a blushing virgin who had no experience with sex. She also was highly educated and a knowledgeable woman who knew what she liked and disliked. So, her keeping such an explosive secret was definitely in character for her. Also in character was how direct she was with Tristian when she dared him to help her sexually.

I liked Tristian, but I thought he was a bit stuffy and very uptight. But, as the book went on and I got some insight into his backstory, I changed my mind. I loved that he saw a vibrant woman whenever he looked at Carys. I also loved that he built his house for her (even if he didn’t admit it at first). By the end of the book, I loved him.

The romance angle was cute. It was a combination of enemies to lovers/girl next door, and I loved it. I did wish that their romance was more fleshed out. But, in fairness, there was a lot of stuff going on in the book, and given Tristan and Carys’s history, I could see why the author didn’t do it.

I loved everything leading up to the sex scenes and the actual scene itself. I did think that Carys had a big pair of cajones for daring Tristan to help her. I was even more surprised that Tristan agreed. The author laid on the sexual tension thick, and honestly, I couldn’t get enough of it. When they finally did have sex, it was terrific.

The storyline with Tristian, Carys, and the indecent proposal was unique (see above). I loved seeing straight-laced Tristian fall for Carys and the other way around. I did think that a week wasn’t going to cut it, but the author made it work.

The storyline with Howe, Carys, Tristan, and the blackmail/treason was excellent. Howe left such a bad taste in my mouth. Every time he appeared, I wanted to throat punch him, and I did give Tristian props for not doing that. That man was slimy with a capital S. I loved how Tristian ferreted out the treason and saved Carys (and the bear…yes, a bear!!) in the end. Of course, Howe got what was coming to him. I cheered when his wife announced her news (and I giggled a little bit). Talk about karma!!

The end of A Daring Pursuit was excellent. I loved how the author brought everything together. I loved how she tied the storylines with Tristan and Carys’s romance. She also introduced the main characters for book 3 (which I can’t wait to read!!!).

I would recommend A Daring Pursuit to anyone over 21. There is somewhat graphic sex and mild violence.

Carys & Tristan are absolutely delicious, and I loved every second of their tempestuous relationship. It was obvious from the start that they were in love, but due to the feud between their families they both thought it was hopeless. Luckily, they are able to find their way past all of that to the lovely happily ever after.

I definitely recommend this book.

I received an e-copy of A Daring Pursuit (The Ruthless Rivals #2) from St Martin’s Press and Netgalley. Even though I have been gifted this book for review, all opinions are my own.

This is my review of A Daring Pursuit (The Ruthless Rivals #2) by Kate Bateman

I am enjoying this series. This one was so much fun and enjoyable to read. I love the aspect of enemies to lovers. Kate Bateman always writes fascinating and multi-dimensional characters that are enjoyable to read about. The writing style is engaging, and the plot is always well done.

Highly recommend it if you enjoy the troupe enemies to lovers and if you enjoy a good historical romance.

Another win by. Kate Bateman!
I loved this book!
The chemistry between the hero and heroine was palpable and the spice did not disappoint. Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

Book 2 in Kate Bateman's Ruthless Rivals series is a fun romp of a Regency that returns to the Davies-Montgomery family feud that was introduced in Book 1.

Carys Davies has decided to remove herself from the marriage mart by being the most outrageous she can be, and dressing as scandalously as she can get away with. What no one knows is the pain behind her actions. Ruined by a scoundrel who promised marriage then turned around and married someone else within weeks, she's now being blackmailed by the cad. Since no one will want to marry her, she decides to fend men off by becoming an undesirable match. Unfortunately, her incredible beauty, and gorgeous figure work against her. Keeping her secret from her three older brothers is a trial, but no one is more surprised than she when the man who learns it, not only steps up to protect her, but offers to show her what she will miss out on if she follows the course she's set for her life. Can she protect her heart when it has always wanted her enemy?

Tristan Montgomery wants a quiet wife with an impeccable reputation. Why then can't he stop thinking about Carys? While the woman he's chosen to court meets all of his criteria, she also bores him to tears. Everything about Carys seems wrong, but his body wants her like no other. When he walks in on a conversation he's not meant to hear, he rescues her from the man attempting to collect blackmail money from her. Hearing her story infuriates him. How can she possibly believe, with her passionate nature, that she would be content in a celibate marriage? Offering to show her that there's more pleasure than she experienced at the hands of the scoundrel, he believes he can spend one week tutoring her and go on to his chosen wife. Proving himself wrong never felt so good!

Intrigues abound in A Daring Pursuit, and the affair that Carys and Tristan embark on heats up the pages. Readers should prepare to laugh often, and to enjoy the byplay, even among the side characters. I look forward to whichever of Carys' brothers is next (or Tristan's family. I really don't care which.) I definitely recommend to readers who love a steamy historical. There's plenty of steam, lots of intrigue, and some quite funny situations.

Roots and wings. Such a beautiful paradox -Chapter 29

-Opposites attract
-Enemies to lovers
-Lessons in seduction
-Mutual pining

We have two characters, Carys and Tristan, from rivals houses bordering each other in the Welsh countryside much like the first book in the series. Carys is a really interesting heroine who doesn’t really want to scandalous the Ton, but annoying and intriguing Tristan in the process is just an added bonus. It can’t help that she will never be able to marry him, even if she wanted to (hint, hint: she really, really wants to) because of her regretful rendezvous with her now blackmailer. Tristan is definitely interested though and sees below her facade that she gives off to the world. He learns her devastating secret that she’s been hiding these past few seasons and gives her an offer she couldn’t possibly refuse.

Their sexual chemistry and tension was 🔥, off the charts. I could’ve done with more sex scenes if I’m honest, but overall I’m pleased with what was there.

Brownie points goes to the author for writing an animal-loving heroine who rescues a music playing bear named Buttercup of all things, along with a tag team of two ravens who have very handy skills in the event of an emergency.

Also, I really don’t say this that often, but I wish it was slightly longer especially at the end. There was so much happening in those last couple of chapters, that if there was a slight extension at the end, it would have improved my enjoyment a tiny bit.

I would strongly suggest people read the first books in the series if you want the full context for this one, but your mileage may vary, depending on what tropes you’re into. Kate Bateman is quickly becoming an auto-read for me with each new release, and this entry in her “Ruthless Rivals” series shows exactly why that is.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for this eARC (electronic readers’ advanced copy) in exchange for an honest review

This was such an entertaining and sexy childhood frenemies to lovers romance. A Daring Pursuit is book 2 in the series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Things to look forward to:
- In addition to the tropes above, the book also features: this is just a hook-up, lessons in seduction, family rivals, idiots to lovers, opposites attract
- Carys was such a fantastic heroine. She was fierce, intelligent, compassionate, and steadfast in her beliefs. I loved the chemistry between her and Tristan. There was an entire forest of pining between them, but these two were both so stubborn and slow to recognize their feelings. The build up was fantastic and I loved seeing these two go toe to toe.
- Spicy, spicy love lessons. I loved how patient and understanding Tristan was with Carys as she learned and explored. I appreciated how open and honest they were with each other, especially about birth control.
- Wonderful (and often hilarious) sibling interactions. Gryff was especially funny and sweet when everything was revealed at the end. I love both the Davies and Montgomery siblings!

The pacing of the book was good, but I did feel that the action at the end was a bit rushed and the plot line featuring Howe was too drawn out. I was very happy to see him get what was coming to him though. I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook of A Daring Pursuit. I enjoyed the narration by Beverley A. Crick and thought that she did a great job with the different accents and characters. She's a new to me narrator and I look forward to listening to more of her performances.

Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 4 stars

CW: blackmail, discussion and mentions of animals in captivity/animal cruelty, mentions of war and weapons, guns, fighting, violent encounter with a bear

*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*

I loved every second of this steamy historical fiction novel. Carys and Tristan are amazing and their plot line is so good! I can't wait to read the next one!

I read Reckless Match, the first in this series and loved it. I was looking forward to reading the second in the series and it did not disappoint! Kate Bateman books are now in my automatic purchase list. Her romance tropes especially silly this one is filled with lovely tension, witty banter that keeps me reading. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers tropes and A Daring Pursuit is exceptional.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers historical romance. It was great!

Kate Bateman consistently provides wonderful characters and snappy wit. This one was no exception. Excellent read!

Scandalous secrets, rampaging bears, and the ever-growing passion between Tristan and Carys all make this a book I couldn’t put down.

Carys Davies revels in her ability to shock society with her outrageous dresses and audacious behaviour. It is all, of course, meant to confound her blackmailer and to protect her heart. If it also happens to tease the one man she has always wanted, Tristan Montgomery, then that is just a bonus.

Tristan has spent an enormous amount of energy trying to ignore Carys. There is the on-going feud between their families and the fact that he needs a respectable bride. But pretty soon Tristan finds himself embroiled in Carys’s secret, saving bears, and giving her lessons in desire.

One aspect I always enjoy the most about Kate Bateman’s books is the humorous banter between the characters. And it definitely continues in A Daring Pursuit. Tristan and Carys share barbs as easily as heated glances. And as usual, there is plenty of crazy action to keep things interesting. Carys and Tristan both just tackled everything head on. Sort of a “do it now and deal with the consequences later”. They were a lot of fun.

I can definitely recommend this if you like historical romance with some suspense and lots of heat. It stands well on its own, but I think it’s worthwhile to read the first book in the series, A Reckless Match, first.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After reading A Reckless Match, I couldn’t wait to read Carys and Tristan’s story. I received an ARC from Netgalley and absolutely loved this book, #2 in the Ruthless Rivals series. Carys is a force of nature, a fiery redhead with a flamboyant and impetuous nature. Tristan is pretty much the opposite of that. Plus the Davies and Montgomerys are sworn enemies, never mind that Tristan’s sister and Carys’ brother recently married.

Carys is so much fun, but I think one of the things I liked most was her outrageous sartorial choices. Her outfit in the opening scene is memorable for the details described. “Her own outfit was still the most remarkable. The sheer white fabric left one shoulder bare and draped, Grecian-style, diagonally across her body before flowing in liquid pleats to the floor. The wide silver belt encircling her waist matched the quiver of arrows on her back, and the crescent moon that nestled in her hair surrounded by a galaxy of bobbing silvery stars. It was the transparency of the material that had everyone whispering behind their fans…” In short, “Her dress was as sheer as a whisper, as if Botticelli’s Venus had stepped out of her giant shell and donned a chemise made of spiderwebs.”

Carys had a bad experience and decided she does not wish to marry. Rather than remaining a burden on her brother, she is considering marriage to a man who poses no risk to her, but I don't want to spoil why. Still, she wonders whether there’s any reason to want what marriage has to offer. “...logically she understood that making love couldn’t be unpleasant for everyone. Having listened to her brothers’ ribald comments on the subject, she was quite sure men enjoyed it. Then again, men seemed to enjoy plenty of unpleasant things, like chasing foxes and bludgeoning fish on the head, and getting so drunk they vomited in flowerpots, so their opinion hardly seemed reliable.”

Carys is inordinately pleased whenever she can make Tristan lose control, because he is so tightly wound. She loves to taunt him, but he also enjoy teasing her. After a shared kiss “...she was pleased to notice that while his cravat was still impeccable, she’d managed to disrupt the perfection of his hair. A tiny tuft was sticking out in the wrong direction, just behind his ear. It seemed like a small but important victory.”

Because they have so convinced everyone that they are enemies, no one thinks anything of them spending time alone. They’re neighbors and have known each other all of their lives. Tristan asks Carys to walk with him and she asks, “Won’t it cause speculation, if we disappear off into the woods together.” He responds, “Not the kind you mean. They’ll think one of us is luring the other into the forest for a spot of murder. Lots of places to hide a body around here.”

Naturally, they fall in love, but each is determined to hide their feelings. Carys is quicker to realize she loves Tristan and decides she must hide it at all costs. Tristan takes longer to realize it, fighting it every step of the way, until he finally acknowledges that it has always been Carys who he has imagined as his wife. Then, he can’t keep it to himself.

The plot is fun, the characters are interesting, and the banter is amusing. All in all, it’s a great book and I recommend it. I think Morgan and Harriett are next, and I’m looking forward to it.