A Reckless Match

From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.

A Reckless Match is a magnificent historical romance by Kate Bateman. Ms. Bateman once again lured me in and held me captive with her story-telling abilities and style. The characters in this book are perfect and make it a fun read. Madeline was desperately trying to find a way to bolster the family finances. Gryff is returned from war and living it up in London, just in time to spoil Madeline from winning the strip of land between their holdings. Gryff and Madeline's story was loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. I loved this book from the first page to the last and can't wait to read my next book by Kate Bateman. A Reckless Match is book 1 of the Ruthless Rivals Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

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

This was SUCH a delight of a book! I had been feeling in a romance funk lately, and nothing was calling out to me. But this lovely gem has me back on that train full steam ahead. I loved every moment of this novel, and I can't want to read more.

Kate Bateman is a new author for me, but I've already downloaded her other series after devouring this one. A Reckless Match tells the story of the rival families of the Montgomery's and the Davies's, and the young men and women that exist in them. Maddie Montgomery is trying her best to get her family out of debt through any means other that marrying an odious old man, and Gryff Davis, new Earl of Powys after his late father, is trying to become a proper Earl and care for the land and home he inherited. Together they go on an adventure, and fall in love along the way.

A Reckless Match had everything I love:
- Childhood enemies to adult lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Adventure
- Melting kisses and steamy scenes which make my heart pitter patter
- Even a borrowed coat (a la "your crush's hoodie which smells amazing")

I want more! I want more of these amazing families. I can't tell if I want the story of the Montgomery cousin and the younger Davies, or the Davies wild sister and the uptight Montgomery brother more. Which, I should bring up, were not forced upon us as filler to get us into the series. It was just a few scenes to let us know what is coming up and I need it now. Immediately. Please Kate, I beg you.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is my first time reading a historical romance by Kate Bateman, but I'll without a doubt be reading more.

The Davies and Montgomery's families have been enemies for as long as anyone can remember. Gryff tortured Maddie as a child and now that they are all grown up he still finds her just as fun to tease but in a more scandalous way. They happen to stumble onto a smugglers' hideout on their families shared land and it leads to an unexpected truce. As the situation increases in danger, so does the sexual chemistry between them. When true feelings take root, will there be a way to keep what they built in secret.

This was such a quick read for me. I was invested in our two leading characters and the adventure they find themselves on, which was a bit more than I expected, but it worked. Maddie is an independent woman for her time. She's passionate about archeology and jumps at the chance to explore hidden caves, even if it's with her enemy. She was excitable when it came to her passions and just a well-balanced character, there wasn't any point where I wasn't enjoying her point of view. Gryff is a cheeky bastard with his sly innuendos and little smirks. Of course, I fell for him instantly lol The two of them were just great together , I couldn't get enough of their bickering, and you could feel their connection coming of the page. Their relationship does not lack in the steam department, and I loved every moment of it.

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman is a historical romance filled with sexual tension, passionate encounters, smugglers, danger, and family rivalries. The first in a series that I plan to continue !

The family feud that had been going on for so long has become a sort of game to the families of who can out do who. Maddie's personality and love of archeology was a favorite of mine. Gryff was a perfect match for her. The mystery was fun but not extremely deep. You could figure out what was going on easily. Story was steady paced and had action. Also got some sneak peeks of the next couple to fall.

Madeline Montgomery grew up despising and secretly loving the roguish Gryffud “Gryff” Davies. Their families have been bitter rivals for hundreds of years, but even if her feelings once crossed the line between love and hate, she’s certain Gryff never felt the same. Now, she’s too busy saving her family from ruin to think about Gryff and the other “devilish” Davies siblings. Since he’s off being scandalous in London, it’s not like she’ll ever see him again.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Kate Bateman is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

Madeline Montgomery and Gryffud "Gryff" Davies have had a tumultuous relationship since birth. How could they not when the Montgomery and Davies families have been bitter rivals for decades? However, as the spring equinox draws near and the deadline for renewing the royal decree binding both families to peace if not friendship approaches, Madeline cannot help, but be torn as she awaits the Davies family representative. While part of her longs for no one to show so the Montgomery family can claim the coved strip of land delineated between the two estates and establishing peace and save her father from financial ruin, another longs to see Gryff, who has been absent for three years fighting in the Napoleonic war and then enjoying the privileges and pleasures of a new Earl in London. Arriving at the last second and sealing the truce with a handshake AND a kiss, Gryff knocks Madeline off center as easily as he did as a young boy stealing her shawl. Gryff is only planning to stay at his home estate long enough to let the scandal from an illegal duel in London die down. But kissing Madeline Montgomery may have derailed those plans because the young girl her use to tease has grown into a beautiful woman whose buttons he can't wait to push. As the two get thrown together to explore secret tunnels and dangerous smugglers will the hate between them shift to love?

A quite fun historical romance read for fans of the enemies to lovers trope. I really like Madeline as a protagonist with a full fledge personality. It is fun to see her try and use her interest and expertise to solve her family's financial problem. The point of view shifts between Madeline and Gryff and is really well done, giving readers a fuller picture of each characters motivations (although I wouldn't have minded getting into Gryff's head just a little more). The teasing between the two is fun and filled with romantic tension, while also helping deepen their relationship and understanding of one another. Both of them are afforded the opportunity to call one another out on some bullshit and it feels as though their relationship truly grows over their course of the novel.

I loved this historical romance and truly dreaded the underground cave and tunnel scenes. The author simply wrote them too well for my claustrophobic self to enjoy those bits. I can’t wait to read further installments in this series.

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

I absolutely adore Kate Bateman's books and ugh this one was absolutely a home run.

It all started with a family feud between the Montgomery's and the Davie's and Enemies to Lovers is like catnip for me. I devoured this book in one sitting and absolutely loved the banter, the romance, the ADVENTURE! It was all just exactly what I want in my historical romance.

I can't wait for the next book in the series or to be honest really... anything by Kate Batman immediately goes on my TBR!

Thank you for the opportunity to read early!

All of the ingredients for a delightful adventure

Friends to lovers, society’s rules and a longstanding fued between two families. Author Kate Bateman has all the ingredients for a pleasant escape of a book. But what seems predictable from the description of A RECKLESS MATCH and its early scenes quickly takes an unexpected turn with an interesting plot twist, which leads to a brilliant journey for our couple to find their HEA.

Madeline Montgomery and Gryff Davies grew up together as neighboring families in the same social circles. As children of two families who have feuded for centuries, however, their childhoods were spent teasing and tormenting each other rather than drawing closer. Now adults, circumstances conspire to show them that the teasing and tormenting of childhood has evolved into attraction and passion.

Bateman is coming to be a favorite author for me because her writing hits the perfect note between being succinct and so wordy that I’m lost. For me, this means Bateman is writing with just enough detail and description to capture my interest without so much description that I lose the action. A RECKLESS MATCH caught me from the beginning and had me dashing along on adventures with Madeline and Gryff.

Kate Bateman saved me from a reading slump with A Reckless Match. She has yet to disappoint me with her stories, and the start to Ruthless Rivals promises another great round of books.

Gryff and Maddie were such a fun couple. The snark, the banter, the "hate." I was there for it. I loved the glances back into their past with their childhood feuding, and the adventure that brought them together in the present was interesting as well.

The slow-burn was perfection, and there was a particularly delicious scene between Gryff and Maddie.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters, Gryff's siblings and Maddie's brother and cousin. I eagerly await the next installment of this series.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

Animosity to Love! Need I say more? Our childhood shapes our views is so many ways including establishing animosity towards others. But some can see beyond others's views. Maddie and Gryff are such insightful characters. And Maddie is intelligent! This is not a ballroom setting, which I love, but an intellectual setting. The many possible twists and turns! I enjoyed them all and can't wait for Kate Bateman's next book in this series! Ms. Bateman's books have become an "instant buy" for me! I highly recommend this very entertaining, "couldn't put down" book!

A RECKLESS MATCH is a romantic trope full of secrets, suspense, and squabbling galore. A battle between two neighboring estates that spans decades, the Davies and Montgomery families, yields two individuals, Madeline Montgomery and Gryffud Davies. They grew up quarreling with each other, but unbeknownst to their traitorous hearts, they secretly are attracted to one another. Madeline is currently saddled with rescuing her family from financial disaster. She is currently waiting at the designated spot for a Davies to show up at the appointed time, to seal the deal between their neighboring lands, only to see Gryff, her irritating nemesis, who she thought was off in London being his rakish self. What the heck?

Gryffud Davies, a devastating, handsome man, is enjoying life in London after spending most of his adult life fighting in the Napoleonic war. However, he retreats to his family's estate, after fighting in a prohibited battle over love. He hopes to see Maddie again, the girl he loved to annoy while growing up. Time spent in the country will be tolerable if he can clash again with the fiery beauty. Gryff's heart gives a leap of joy upon seeing the gorgeous Maddie all grown up into a lovely lady. They still have hostility towards each other but something, a kernel of hope and quite possibly attraction blossoms in their hearts. As they stumble upon a secret vein of gold hidden in a cavern below their estates, along with illegal contraband, will time spent together spelunking, renew their flaming attraction to one another long enough to see that they are meant to be?

Sizzling suspense and a ravishing romance dazzles the senses in Ms. Bateman's new novel, A RECKLESS MATCH, in the new series Ruthless Rivals. An intriguing premise, a clash between clans, and non-stop action and adventure with dramatic romance nestled in-between, delivers delightful, dazzling dialogue in this astounding adventure. Madeline and Gryffud are arch rivals from way back, but current circumstances throw them together, but cupid's arrow finds them blasting them with unbridled passion. This is a perfect historical romance in its finest form. The author is a favorite of mine and now I can't wait for the next installment! A RECKLESS MATCH is sexy, sassy and distinctly divine. Explosive!

This is my first Kate Bateman book and the first installment of what looks to be a promising enemies-to-lovers series, "Ruthless RIvals." I loved Bateman's writing, her character development, dialogue, plot, and this whole storyline. I was caught up in it and didn't want to let go.

Maddie and Gryffund have grown up on two sides of feuding families. While Gryff's family has prospered, Maddie's now faces financial ruin. Maddie is running out of options and considering selling herself in marriage when Gryff returns from war and London to keep up his end of a legally-mandated show of peace with Maddie's family.

What happens next is an engrossing adventure that takes them exploring through caves, fighting smugglers and falling in love - duh. The journey is definitely worth taking and I'm looking forward to reading more of Bateman's books.

The great news is - Gryff has two hunky brothers AND a headstrong sister waiting in the wings to fall in love next!

Wow! This book is incredible! It is witty, adventurous, romantic, entertaining, gripping, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "A Reckless Match”, I was whisked back in time, and went on quite the adventure with this story!

This is the first book I have read by Kate Bateman, and it certainly will not be my last. Her writing style is exceptional! It is visceral, vivid, and each element of her story jumps right off of the page. Every moment of her story, from the plot, to the characters, etc. comes to life right before the reader's eyes, and I was hooked from the very first page to the last. I also so love the setting in Wales as well!

Maddie and Gryff's respective families have been feuding with one another for centuries. Once a year, someone from each family must meet someone from the other family on a bridge to shake their hand. Maddie and Gryff see one another on the bridge, and feelings (of different kinds) from the past begin to come to the surface. When the two soon realize that there are some mysterious happenings going on around them, they soon begin to work together to figure out what is going on. Will these two who supposedly despise one another be able to stand one another? Is there possibly a smaller line for them between love and hate? Have they possibly had feelings for one another for a very long time? With teasing, a wishing well, a cave. smugglers, and so much more, this book is full of so, so much. You simply must read it!

Possible Spoilers!
What a great enemies-to-lovers story! Maddie and Gryff truly bring out the best in one another, and they balance each other out quite well. When they begin to work and spend more time together, they soon begin to realize where their true feelings actually lie, and their banter is so much fun to read. They grow together, are truly such a great couple, and I hope we see them again in future books too!

If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend this book! It had me turning the pages to see what would happen next, and kept me up until the early hours of the morning turning page after page, chapter after chapter. I am so looking forward to more books in this incredible series, and to reading what Ms. Bateman writes next!

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

Another winning novel from Kate Bateman. I received this ARC from Netgalley—lucky me!

This book has one of the best opening lines from a book. "It started with a pig." The narrator then goes on to explain the origins of the feud between the Montgomerys and the Davies.

Reminiscent of the Capulets and the Montagues, Maddie Montgomery and Gryff Davies fall in love, although each tries to deny it as long as possible. Meanwhile, there is some marvelous banter between them. Of course, each believes the other hates them so when they find themselves alone together and Maddie admits she believed he hated her all the times he teased her, he tells her, like most boys, he teased her because he liked her. As things purges between them, I loved this:
"So that's how much you hate me," she breathed.
Her voice was a mixture of wonder and wicked laughter, and he let out a surprised snort. The cheeky minx.
"Hate me some more."

I also loved this description of Carys, Gryff's sister at the end of the book. "It was an astonishing sight. Blue ribbons had been threaded through her natural red hair to resemble waves, and a miniature ship, complete with paper sails, perched atop them at a jaunty angle as though being pitched and tossed in a storm. Pearl-ended pins were scattered throughout, like tiny specs of seafoam."

This book earns stars from me. I cannot wait to read more in the series.

In this ruthless rivals-turned-lovers historical romance, Madeline Montgomery grew up hating Gryffud Davies. Their families had been enemies for centuries, but a yearly pledge to shake hands on neutral ground to keep their respective lands from the other brings them together again after a few years of separation. Maddie and Gryff realize that their neutral land is being used by smugglers, and they decide to take matters into their own hands to stop them. As Maddie and Gryff spend more time together, theyrealize that maybe they don't hate each other so much after all.

This is the first Kate Bateman book I have ever read, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I binged most of this book in one sitting and just could not get enough of Maddie and Gryff. They had such a good enemies-to-lovers relationship; I didn't want it to end! Gryff's teasing of Maddie had me giggling throughout the entire book, which I thought was just so entertaining and added to their relationship. I have absolutely no complaints about A Reckless Match, except that I would have loved to see a few more chapters from Gryff's perspective (but that's just because I low-key fell in love with him myself). This may have been my first read by Kate Bateman, but it most certainly will not be my last!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman!

Kate Bateman is officially one of my new favorite historical romance author; I went into this book with high expectations and she didn't let me down!

I absolutely love and adore this book. Kate Bateman is wonderful at writing. Her prose is beautiful, how she writes her characters is phenomenal, and she always includes a wonderful mix of plot and character-driven stories.

Something I really love about this book (and honestly is the main reason if I do love a book) is both Maddie and Gryff. Maddie is the type of heroine that I love. She is strong, she is intelligent, she is a mix of being carefree but also grounded and realistic and honestly she is just a wonderful heroine. Gryff is also amazing in his ruggish charm. But, I really love Gryff and Maddie together and feel like they compliment each other so well. I love reading about their tension, I loved their banter, and found them overall to be so cute together. I also appreciate how nothing was dragged out between them and feel like the pacing in this book was fantastic.

Overall, I love love love this book and love Kate Bateman. If you love historical romance or want to get into it, Kate Bateman is a must-read!

4.5 stars rounded up for the bickering and teasing (and the scarf-stealing incident where Griff stole Maddie's scarf as a kid and hung it from the roof of his castle, hoping she'd storm the castle and take it back, not knowing, of course, why he has always loved torturing the thorn in his side).

Kate Bateman has lately become an auto-buy (or rather, auto-request) author for me, and this book proved once more why I've come to love her writing: loveably flawed characters who communicate and grow together, amazing supporting characters who have me anxiously awaiting their own books, fun banter, low-angst, and just an all-around great time!

I loved this book from the very set-up: two households, divided for centuries, always squabbling over this and that (legend has it, it all started with the theft of a pig). Maddie and Griff were so adorable in their bickering and teasing, unable to understand just why the other one is the only person they love to tease and torture... Their journey from childhood nemesis to lovers was just one fun, action-packed ride (there are smugglers to catch, caves to be explored, maybe even a dragon to avoid...), and I can't wait to see the next couple get their turn!

My only (small) complaints are a tendency on Griff's side to assume the worse, and the pacing towards the end once they both realize they *gasp* love each other.

But other than that, I really loved getting to know these two families, and I can't wait for the next books (I can't decide whose story I want first, her cousin and his brother who try so hard not to admit they have always liked each other, or her brother and his sister who think one is a stick-in-the-mud and the other a fake airhead). They all promise to be so much fun, and I already love all of the characters!

Perfectly delightful. A Reckless Match was great fun to read. Strong compelling characters, a fast-paced plot a d lots of steam make for a great read. Even better, the stage is set for a series. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for a review.

This was my first Kate Bateman book and the first in her new Ruthless Rivals series and it was a delight and a half. The book had me laughing from page one and gave me all the feels. It follow Maddie and Gryff, neighbors whose families have been in a centuries long feud, who have to come to terms with the fact that they love each other rather than hate each other. I am a huge sucker for enemies to lovers romances and this one is an absolute wonderful example of the sub-genre.

I loved all of Maddie and Gryff’s interactions. Being in both their heads was so entertaining because their words… at least in the beginning were always continuing the feud but their thoughts immediately afterwards betrayed their attraction and affection for the other. Both were wonderful and strong main characters. They were their own people and there was so much more to both their personalities and backgrounds than just their families’ feud.

Part of the fun of this book was the setting. Rather than take place in London, the book takes place mostly on the pair’s estates in Wales. I don’t remember the last time I read a book that takes place in Wales. Beyond that, a surprising amount of this book takes place in a cave system in the no man’s land between the two estates. In addition to the setting the book introduced a fun cast of side characters, a few of which I assume will be the main characters in the upcoming books in the series.

I can’t wait to see where this series goes. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars (enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon, Samantha Holt, Stacy Reid)

The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.

I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock…she eventually came into her own.

writing style is easy to follow, laugh out loud humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable; Modern vocabulary.

Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top; again nicely intertwined in the story. 1.5/5 hotness and steam, romance 3.5/5.

I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).

You are introduced to the upcoming series book characters…seems promising.

would recommend this book and series.

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman was a lovely, easy romance between two neighbors meant to be together. I love a book with a family backstory. These two rival families along the welsh border have a longstanding rivalry but ultimately want the best for their families. It was easy to root for the main couple to get together. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and will definitely read all of the next books in the series!
Thanks #netgalley

One of my favourite tropes! Childhood enemies (secretly crushing on each other) to lovers (finally!) Think a very easygoing Romeo & Juliet style romance :) Kate Bateman is such a good writer and her experience & knowledge within antiquities always shines through (which I love as I always pickup little tidbits of facts).

Maddie & Gryff are from longtime warring families sharing land borders and therefore are childhood neighbours. They have a simmering crush for one another but never act upon it till they finally meet to shake hands to honour a family pact. This leads onto a passionate kiss, smugglers and many an adventure.

A fast paced & passionate romp with no over the top drama. Great if you are looking for an easy and quick read. Kate Bateman keeps on delivering and I can't wait for the rest of the series to unfold :)

*Thank-you Kate Bateman, Netgalley & St Martin's Press for the ARC.

Perfect amount of heat, intrigue, adventure and romance. Kate knows how to write a captivating story.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy for my honest review.

Loved this book!!! The second regency romance I’ve read and I’m hooked.

Due to a long standing feud, a member from each of the families must meet to shake on a deal to maintain peace. After their shake, they share a quick kiss. Unexpected but liked, feelings begin to grow, feelings that they each have had since childhood. As circumstances keep throwing them together, will they continue the feud or put the past behind their families and finally have lasting peace? A fun romance to read!

This is a wonderful book loosely based on Romeo and Juliet. The the Davies and Montgomery are a family that hates each other. Few hundred years of hate develop over a pig. Now It's become more of a childish pranks. against other family. I'm looking forward to read more in this series. If you like enemies to lover story read this book.

What an adventure Ms. Bateman can write. There were no glittering ballrooms with sultry fan waving, no but there were a lot of sultry looks and suggestions. This is the first in a new series and there is nothing that will disappoint. The adventure, humour, and excitement had me turning the page. So many escapades that had me wondering what is going to happen next. I found it hard to put down and do the housework. I also loved how the characters were being set up for the rest of the series. The characters as usual were wonderfully written with unique characters. There was a long sex scene that this reviewer skipped but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book and now wait with batted breath for the next one. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

A Romeo and Juliette-esque retelling set in 1800’s wales. This enemies to lovers romantic comedy has a little bit of everything.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an early review copy

Two warring families, the Montgomerys and the Davies have been forced into a truce by the crown, the terms being that once a year they have to send a member of each family to shake hands at noon on neutral ground or relinquish all their lands to the opposing family. Madeline Montgomery goes for her family, and this year Gryff Davies comes for his. They’ve been enemies since childhood… or have they?

A surprising discovery binds them together for the adventure of a lifetime and passions start to flare between them. This book was so fun, I was obsessed from the start and finished it all in one sitting. It was funny, sweet, and steamy! The characters hatred turned attraction was so well written and even the side characters were great fun, I’m assuming they’re all getting their own books and I can’t wait to get my hands on them.

I really have no critiques of this book. It was exactly what I love about historical romance all in one, and I really liked that the author jumped right in to the characters lusting after one another, sometimes it’s drawn out and I like a bit of spice in my romance (haha). Seriously though, if you like historical romance, this one is great. Check it out :)

Thank you net galley for sending this arc for an honest review!

DO YOU LIKE ENEMIES TO LOVERS??? Because this my friends was the epitome of a historical enemies to lovers. I literally COULD NOT get my eyes off this book. I’m so in love to the point I’m gonna buy a physical copy. I’ve slowly been reading historical romance and it’s become one of my fave things ever. This book sets aside the idea of family’s whom are enemies who both happen to have spawns who are supposed to “hate” each other but keep seeking out this passionate desire between the two. Highly recommend this book to all because I just wanna wear a ball gown and run to some earl now lol

I LOVED IT!! This is one Fantastic story I was not expecting at all! I love when a book grabs you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in A Reckless Match. Kate Bateman weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, smugglers, family fued and danger. It's an unforgettable steamy romance that brims with tension-building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, great and witty dialogue and with one fantastic plot and and leavese you eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

Kate Bateman's book about enemies turned lovers is quite fun. Maddie and Gryff's families have feuded for generations and every year a representative they meet on the equinox to share a handshake and prevent the loss of disputed land. As Maddie and Gryff explore tunnels near their homes, they find smuggled goods and get involved in a plan to stop the smugglers. This plotline is pretty significant to the novel but it's a nice deviation from what can be found in books of this genre. This also brings Maddie and Gryff closer, friendlier, and more trusting of each other. As the story progresses, you meet Gryff's brothers Rhys and Morgan and his sister Carys, and Maddie's brother Tristan and cousin Harriet. It's a great set up for future books in the series and I'm excited to see what comes next.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

This is the first novel in the Ruthless Rivals series and it was wonderful! It was witty and action packed with many entertaining characters. I loved the interactions between Maddie and Gryff as well as their relationships with their families. Kate Bateman included some locations I haven't read about before and that was refreshing and absorbing. I am looking forward to reading what happens with everyone in the rest of the series.

Another winner from Kate Bateman! This book is delicious fun.
The Welsh Davies and the English Montgomeries have a feud that inspired Shakespeare. Long ago an exasperated king established a strip of boundary land with the demand that a member of each family meet each year at the spring equinox and shake hands in order to keep their shared claim. It didn't dull their love of antagonizing one another, but it did prevent full-out war.
In the spring of 1815, Maddie Montgomery waits on the bridge hoping that a Davies won't show and the boundary will become Montgomery land. They need an infusion of cash to make up for a bad investment that bankrupted the family, and she'd rather not marry the creepy local magistrate, Sir Mostyn Drake, as a remedy. But when handsome Gryffud Davies, home from the wars against Napoleon to take up the title, rides to meet her with the roguish charm that captured her long ago, Maddie can't resent that he renews the pact--and steals a kiss that makes her toes curl.
But then, quite by accident, the two discover a series of tunnels and proof that a smuggler's ring is using their shared land to move goods. They must put their feud on the back burner if they want to bring the thieves to justice, but that requires working together in close quarters--very close quarters, when they get trapped in the tunnels together and fear for their lives.
Bateman keeps things moving with lively action, but the banter and sizzle between Gryff and Maddie is always at the forefront. These two are simply adorable together. Gryff, for all his devilish charm, is a gentleman at the core, and though he's been toughened by his years of war, he's always had a soft spot for Maddie. And Maddie is a complete delight: loyal, level-headed, and warm-hearted, she prefers archaeological digs to ballroom flirtations and is more than a match for Gryff in wit, intelligence, and mutual attraction.
The change of heart from enemies to lovers is paced just right, the banter is amusing without being precious or self-indulgent, and the shivery moments are pulse-pounding without feeling overdone. One can only hope the rest of the series will be this good.

Maddie Montgomery and Gryff Davies families have been at war with each other as far back as their families can ever remember. However, each year, by the King's order to keep their lands, they must meet up and shake hands. This year, however, that all goes awry. When Gryff thunders in to shake hands with the once tomboy Maddie, he is pleasantly shocked and surprised that he sees a beautiful woman in front of him and can't get her out of his mind. Maddie however, has more pressing business, with trying to come up with the funds to save their land after her father made some bad investments. After recruiting Gryff to help her with a project on their shared land that could potentially save her family and their lands, Gryff and Maddie find that they may be the ones to finally end the war between their families.

This was my first book by the author, Kate Bateman, but I absolutely had so much fun reading it. I loved the main characters and their chemistry together. I enjoyed the unique storyline and this was the first Historical Romance novel that I've read in a long time that has made me want to stay up late finishing it because I was having so much fun seeing how it all played out. I can't wait to read more in the series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.