Of the members of the Montgomery and Davies families, Harriet Montgomery and Morgan Davies were the two who were most likely to end up together, not that they ever realized that. It was obvious to Harriet's cousins and Morgan's siblings that Harriet and Morgan had been in love with each other for years, but neither of them realized how the other felt. Instead, they enjoyed annoying each other and engaging in an ongoing battle of one-upmanship. The night before Morgan is to leave to join the Royal Navy to fight in the Napoleonic war, they make a bet that if Morgan returns home unscathed, Harriet will grant him three kisses, which she portrays as being the worst forfeit she can think of (though secretly, she wants it to happen; as does Morgan).

Two years later, Morgan is home from war, and he has two agendas -- (1) revenge on the mapmaker (R. Crusoe) whose faulty map led Morgan's ship to run aground on Martinique, resulting in his imprisonment by the island's sadistic French governor; and (2) seducing Harriet and convincing her that they should be together. Little does he know that these agendas will become intertwined. Harriet and her father are both cartographers and her father had provided maps to the Admiralty for years. However, when his eyesight began failing, Harriet took over the task, using the pseudonym R. Crusoe to hide the fact that the maps were created by a woman (as some men would automatically assume the maps were inferior if they knew a woman drew them) and to prevent any disgruntled Frenchmen from tracking her down and seeking revenge, as Harriet had intentionally created maps with errors on them (extra or missing islands, land masses moved a few degrees in the wrong direction) that English spies had arranged for the French to receive. Unfortunately, Morgan got a hold of one of the falsified maps. Harriet's occupation as a cartographer is one of my favorite aspects of her character, as it is an occupation that was rather unconventional for women at that time.

Returning to the three kisses, Harriet had expected that Morgan would claim them as soon as possible, but instead Morgan has been intentionally avoiding Harriet, or when their paths cross, intentionally not bringing up the subject. When the subject is finally raised, Morgan notes that in their bet there was no stipulation about where those kisses would take place. Harriet immediately thinks he is talking about location (such as in a ballroom), but Morgan quickly clarifies that he means physically, as in where on her body. The first kiss will be on the mouth, but the other kisses will be administered elsewhere, with the third kiss rather intimate. Harriet will receive a very enjoyable education and will push things even farther than either one expected.

One of the most humorous parts of the story, and one which raises the possibility of another book in the series, is when Rhys Davies, at the wedding of Harriet and Morgan, is notably relieved that his siblings have married the available Montgomery women, meaning there is no chance of the same fate befalling him. However, the Aunts (Prudence and Constance), who love to meddle, inform Rhys that there is another branch of the Montgomery family, a wilder branch, who have been away from England for quite some time, but are likely going to be returning soon.

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

I was offered an ARC from Netgalley. I love Kate Bateman’s books so this was a no-brainer. This time, the story centers on Morgan Davies and Harriett Montgomery of the Davies-Montgomery Feud. Keeping in mind that Gryff and Maddie have already married, as well as Tristan and Carys—so they’ve pretty much put an end to the feud—Morgan and Harriett grew up taunting and daring one another and they supposedly can’t marry because of the family feud. Still, they have a history of not always being kind to one another and Harriett doesn’t trust Morgan. She can’t tell him how she feels for fear he will tease her mercilessly and not share her feelings. Meanwhile, Morgan doesn’t want to tell her how he feels because he’s afraid he’ll scare her away. He’s already decided he’s in love with her and he’s going to convince her to marry him.

A little background: Rhys is a Captain with the British Navy and Harriett is a mapmaker. They discuss the inscription, “Here there be dragons,” and in one of Morgan’s dares to Harriett he uses that term and asks her if she’s brave enough to sail for parts unknown.

Because so much of their dialogue is spent with them goading one another and pretending to hate their nemesis, it’s really funny—as when Harriet doesn’t want to talk to Morgan about her problems, and instead, works to get rid of him. He’s onto her game and knows she wants him to leave, so he says, “The only thing I had penciled in my social calendar for today was ‘annoy Harriett,’ so you may as well tell me…” And although this wasn’t an example of their banter, it’s a great demonstration of Morgan’s personality. When Morgan casually mentions to his brothers that he’s already proposed to someone, they ask him who. “Morgan deliberately waited until Rhys had taken a mouthful of his drink. ‘Harriett.’ Brandy sprayed in a satisfying arc from Rhys’s lips.” This actually made me laugh out loud.

The themes of mapmaking, sailing the ocean, having adventures, and taking chances is a common theme throughout the book. That’s probably why I loved Harriett’s reaction to her first kiss from Morgan. “She took a deep breath, drew herself up, and tried to pretend that the map of her world hadn’t just been redrawn. Expanded. With a whole new continent of sensation.”

TL; DR. I loved it and recommend it.

I enjoyed this story very much.
Contains spoilers.
This book was a very good stoey. I liked how it drew me in after the strange start.
The hero and heroine are childhood frenemies who had always either been attracted to each or fought with each other. They grew up on neighboring estates and their families held a long time feud. This is a series and the feud ended in the first book, since it had been over 300 years and no one remembered the true cause. But even though the feud is over, the feelings left can still cause some dissent.
The hero is about to go to war and the heroine makes him another of the many wagers they have had. This one is she will give him 3 kisses if he comes back alive. They are close in age and I liked that. The hero does come back and decides this is it, he will marry her by the end of the Season.
But what I didnt like is that the heroine was contracted to make false maps for the Admirlty and they were planted on French ships. When the hero won the battle with a French ship, before he scuttled it, he took the maps off their ship because they looked more recent and accurate than his maps. Using those maps, his ship ran aground on a reef and his ship and crew were captured by the French. For six months he suffered bad food, torture, beatings and solitary confinement. He returns with vengeance and PTSD on his brain. He finds out that the heroine drew those maps. But the part I didn't like was the smug reaction of the heroine. She was waiting for him to credit her acumen and she did not seem concerned at all about how much he had suffered. I felt offended for him. Here he gives up his mental and physical health for his country, and by the way, tee-hee, you used maps that were drawn by a woman. The thing that doesn't jive, is that IF this has been a war practice for so long that they would plant bad maps in the enemy's ships, why didn't the "savvy captain" know about it? But I am more concerned with the mental health of being a prisoner of war and in a dungeon for six months. For all practicality, most people would suffer. And there is no description of him suffering from any thing, just a quick blurb in the beginning. So did he have PTSD or not?
So while I enjoyed this book and I feel it is a stand alone story, I will be deducting a star for the inconsistencies. This is the type of thing that should have been brought to the attention by a proofer or Beta reader. Any obvious deviations from a smooth read should have been taken care of. I recommend reading because, overall, it is an excellent book, but I only give it 4 stars.

What a marvelous romance, full of deep emotions, lifelong histories, and two good, honorable, brave people who are more than a match for each other.

It was so obvious how much each loved each other that it was a bit frustrating they weren't able to tell each other for so long. I mostly get it but it made me antsy. Still, compared to how excellently this story was written, it didn't bother me much overall.

Both Morgan Davies and Harriet Montgomery are wonderful main characters. So evenly matched and thriving on each other's dares and bets. So sincerely and passionately *involved* with each other, in every facet of the term. Even when they hated each other, you could tell they adored each other underneath it all.

I was smiling the entire way through. It's just the type of romance I've been craving for ages: sincere, honest, and mercifully lacking in those tired tropes the market has been so enamored with the past decade (rakish dukes mostly; yawn).

So well written. I already know this will be one to reread every so often. I had an absolutely delightful time.

Given for free through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up because the writing really is good

I am not usually a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, yet I enjoyed all the books in the series. This one started out as my favorite. I was certain I would rate it 5 stars - witty and entertaining! I was so invested in the characters that when one of my pet peeve buttons was pushed, I had to stop reading to cool down. At that moment, I wanted to give an unfair rating of only 1 star.

Harriet Montgomery had been in love with Morgan Davies since she was 14 or 15. He was in love with her for just as long. She saved her first kiss for him. He had sex with many women and practised plenty of oral sex for fun. The inequality bothers me. She couldn't even have an innocent kiss?! He never restrained himself from seducing countless women or paying for whores when he was 'in love' with someone else beforehand? I am in the minority obviously. I do not understand why most readers want a hero who everyone else has already had. I'm fine with that as long as he wasn't supposedly in love with the heroine the entire time. I want a hero who has sex with the woman he loves instead of substitutes.

Oh I do love a good historical romance! This is about Morgan Davies, who was friends with Harriet as a child (the teasing, I dare you to kind if friend) and who, before going at sea, makes her commit to giving him three kisses if he makes it back.

He does, and what comes next is in turns super sexy (this is a spicy book, at some point Morgan gives Harriet a book full of very suggestive art and the descriptions made me blush!) lovely (I really enjoyed their banter) and surprisingly riveting (Harriet is a cartographer, which is wonderful in itself, and the details about mapmaking and copyright laws were super interesting to read about).

The only thing stopping me from giving it five stars is that I do like more historical details in my historical fiction but this was very enjoyable.

My endless thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The story is interesting to read. Not as good as book 1 in the series but it’s better than book 2. It’s a good weekend read.

This is the 3rd installment of Kate Bateman's "Ruthless Rivals" series, and it's oh so good. I love her books for the ever-changing story lines, humor, suttle hints to past/future books, and lots of romance. This book continues the Davies/Montgomery feud, complete with the unusual declaration of love from the H early and first. It's a fast read that will leave you ready for Rhys Davies story.

Delicious. Scrumptious. Delightful. Three kisses rendered me completely enamored with this book. Morgan and Harriet’s romance was everything I had hoped for and more! I couldn’t put it down! Thank you, Kate Bateman!!

After escaping incarceration, Captain Morgan Davies returns to England with two goals in mind: discovering the identity of the mapmaker whose faulty chart resulted in his capture; and, collecting three kisses from his lifelong adversary and obsession, Harriet Montgomery. The undeniable, palpable tension between Morgan and Harriet tickled my curiosity since the first book, A Reckless Match. Beneath the spirited rivalry, lies unspoken admiration, respect, and undying love.

While this book can be read as a standalone, I hope you will do yourself a favor and read the whole Ruthless Rivals series, which follows the centuries-long feud between the Davies and Montgomery families. Brimming with adventure, humor, steam, and romance, this enemies to lover series will make you smile. It’s immensely satisfying to see antipathy morph into adoration and affection.

Listen, Morgan has entered my list of favorite romance heroes. From his wicked seduction to the grand romantic gesture at the end, and everything in between, Morgan swept me off my feet (yes, yes, he swept Harriet off her feet, too).

“You’re etched into me like one of your maps. Engraved upon my heart. You’re a fire in my brain that I never want to put out.” Yes, Captain Morgan, sir! Whatever you say, Captain Morgan, bae!

Harriet was lovely, too! A skilled cartographer who longs for adventure and loves to goad and challenge Morgan. I enjoyed their lively and flirtatious banter. I relished their battle of wit and words. They are also formidable when they work together. Additionally, I learned about early map laws and cataract treatment. One of my favorite parts was Morgan gently convincing Harriet’s dad to see an eye surgeon for his cataract. Harriet’s relationship with her dad was so cute. Oh, this book was so, so good!

I can’t wait to see what Kate Bateman has in store for Rhys! I highly recommend this book and series!

A big thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an e-ARC of this delightful book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5/5

I loved this book. I loved getting to know previously background characters better. I really liked both A Reckless Match and A Daring Pursuit and was really excited to learn more about Harry and Morgan. I really enjoyed the chemistry. I also enjoyed having the dual pov, it helped me to understand more about the characters and their individual motives. I am a sucker for a good enemy-to-lovers with pining and A Wicked Game definitely meet and exceeded my expectations. I loved reading about the a map maker and a navy captain plot. I have never read another book like it. My one hang up is that I would have liked to have learned more about the map plot and enemies of this book. I felt like it was introduced in the beginning, then faded away in the middle, and picked up as a quick conclusion. Over all A Wicked Games was amazing and I am excited to see what’s in store for Davis and Montgomery families next.

A Wicked Game is a fun historical romance by Kate Bateman. Ms. Bateman has penned a book that is not only well-written but also loaded with lovable characters. The Davies/Montgomery feud has been going on for generations, and Harriet and Morgan enjoy their clashes a little too much. Their story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action, dares and suspense. I loved every page of this book and can't wait for my next story by Kate Bateman. A Wicked Game is book 3 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.

Kate Bateman is a definite favorite in the historical romance genre and I once again loved this third installment in this series! I always love it when the hero falls in love first... or at a minimum reveals it first! These two were so much fun to read about and I can't wait for more from Bateman!

Harriet and Morgan knew each other since they were children. Morgan decides to act on his attraction/love for Harriet. Unknown to him she feels the same about him.

This is a fun, emotional read. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Harriet and Morgan and their deep feelings for each other. Great chemistry. We’ll done.

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

Kate Bateman continues to write stories that just pulls her readers deeper and deeper into the storyline. I was very fortunate to receive an ARC of A Wicked Game from St. Martin's Publishing Group via Netgalley.
Harriet Montgomery is helping her almost blind father draw maps as he used to when his sight was better. She is also a nemesis of
Captain Morgan Davies, someone who has plagued her since childhood but also someone she loves to torment right back. Their daring each other throughout their lives has made them intricate to each other. Before Morgan's leaving for war, she dares him to come back alive and if he does that she will grant him three kisses. Little does she know that her dare does bring him back to her life and what and who she has always desired, may just be what Morgan wants too. I absolutely adored this story. The playfulness and the banter between the two main characters is spectacular. I felt their hihhs and lows as they tried to convey their emotions. Another super hit story!

4/5 stars! - I really enjoyed this! I loved Morgan so much, what a precious bean of a human, and I loved the wit and intelligence Harriet showed (except heart matters because girl needs work there). Seeing these two get their happy ending made me smile really big and getting to the end was a fun journey.

Review currently available on goodreads and a full length review to come on my blog after I sleep.

This series does not disappoint. I love a hero who knows what he wants from the beginning and isn’t afraid to go after it. The chemistry between these two is explosive and I know this will be a book I purchase and read again and again.

I requested to read and review this book for free from St. Martin Publishing Company. Author Kate Bateman has wrote another great book! This book has everything you want in a book mystery, romance, humor and some drama! Rivals between families are an interesting thing and can last for many years! Harriet is a women who wants a life of adventure and her freedom. Morgan is a man that had a terrible wrong done against him. Can the wrong be fixed and forgiveness excepted? This book can be read anywhere and at anytime!

Fantastic and fun enemies-to-lovers tale! Very witty banter, and the chemistry between the two main characters is palpable. I really like this series, I skipped the second one, but it can be read as a stand-alone. The world set up between the feuding families is well done. This is a fun story, a very engaging read. I immediately reserved the second book so I can catch up!

I did receive an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

Kate Bateman’s books are just everything I love about historical romance all wrapped up in a pretty package that makes me smile and swoon, and “A Wicked Game” continues the tradition.

This is the story of Morgan Davies and Harriet Montgomery, who grew up with generations of family rivalry driving their every interaction. They were not truly enemies but rather friendly adversaries, always with a tease, a dare, an insult… it was simply how they related, and though there was an underlying attraction from the time they were teenagers, neither would dare admit to themselves or one another that their feelings ran much deeper.

On the eve of Morgan’s departure to sail off to fight Bonaparte, Harriet challenges him with the promise of three kisses if he returns safely. During the two years they are apart, they long for one another and Morgan, especially, realizes how much she means to him. Six weeks in a prison on the island of Martinique and Morgan knows without out doubt that Harriet is the only woman for him, and when he returns to England, he’s cashing in on those kisses and dreams of much more. And oh my, those kisses! He declared to Harriet that he would decide when, and where, each kiss would happen. And the “where” he explains, is not at a ball or in a garden, but where on her body. Such delicious anticipation…

Morgan is a dream; handsome, cocky, irreverent, and utterly irresistible. The perfect mix of virile, grown man and mischievous little boy. The fact that he had it so bad for Harriet only made him more attractive to me.

He’s ready to move on from the childhood rivalry that colors their relationship and take things to the next level but Harriet is slower to let go of their old way of relating. She’s afraid. Afraid of her feelings, afraid to trust that Morgan isn’t just playing a game with her.

He still teases and needles her, but now there’s a decidedly sexual undertone and I loved seeing him fluster and unsettle her. I laughed out loud at her utter mortification when he handed her a small book of erotic engravings on the sly in her father’s presence. If anyone knew how to get under her skin, it was Morgan.

Their chemistry and physical connection were palpable from their very first scene together, and Morgan expertly uses this to subtly, and not so subtly, force her to look at their relationship in a different way. When they finally become lovers you can just feel the pent up desire, the fire, the years of longing and it’s just so hot.

Morgan recognizes how perfect they are for one another and is playing for keeps but Harriet still can’t imagine a future with him, and therein lies the small amount of angst in the story. He declares his love, but she turns down his proposal of marriage because she just doesn’t believe he truly loves her. She fears it’s all just another Davies-Montgomery game. At first.

There’s a scene where she meets one of his crew at a ball, and the crewman was in awe to finally meet Captain Davies’ Harriet. It seems that Morgan regaled his ship’s crew with tales of her sharp tongue, fierce beauty and strength of spirit and she became something of a legend among the men on the ship. The realization that Morgan kept her with him in spirit every day during his two years at sea was a turning point for Harriet. Still, though, she doubts, and gives him one week to prove his love. Morgan is definitely up for the challenge, and he pulls out all the stops in an incredibly romantic gesture that not only proves his love, but proves without doubt that they were made for one another. This was such a beautiful, low angst portrayal of true love, the kind of love that comes from a lifetime of knowing someone, but still allows for discovery and adventure.

I loved that family played an important part in the story. Harriet’s sweet relationship with her father, and Morgan’s brothers Gryff and Rhys added a beautiful richness to the story. Oh, those Davies men! There was a scene where the three of them piled out of a carriage that had me swooning. It was so refreshing to witness family relationships built on love and kindness… no dysfunction, no evil, scheming relatives. Just love and laughter and support. I’m really looking forward to Rhys’s story!

This enemies-to-lovers is the third book in this series and features Gryf's brother, Morgan, and Maddie's cousin Harriet. You could definitely read this stand-alone as events from prior novels are explained enough that you can follow along.

Morgan Davies, back from the Napoleonic wars and being held captive by the French for 6 weeks, decides that life is short and he wants to spend it with his secret love and mortal enemy Harriet Montgomery. But he will need to warm her up to it and change their relationship from rivals to romance. He starts by collecting the three kisses Harriet would forfeit after she dared him to survive the war.

The rivalry between Harriet and Morgan was really cute, I loved how they both are secretly in love, have no idea the other person also has feelings, but don't think there's a future because of their family feud.

The banter and attraction were super entertaining. I also loved that the french plot didn't take up too much of the narrative. It was sort of there and came up a couple of times to move their relationship along. The synopsis makes it sound like it's going to be a major theme but it wasn't and the couple's attraction and rivalry were really the main themes.

I love this series and it's been a really fun read overall.