A Reckless Match is book 1 in a brand new series from Kate Bateman (aka K.C. Bateman). And wow did I love this book so much!

Set in Wales, the Montgomery and the Davies family hate for one another goes back generations. Their rivalry and fighting was so bad that many years ago the King decreed that a representative from each family has to meet on the common ground between their 2 bordering properties on the spring equinox each year and shake hands to “keep the peace”. Gryff Davies has just become Earl and is returning home after being away at war. He can’t keep his mind off his neighbor Maddie Montgomery, who spends her time doing archaeology digs and has scars from surviving a lightning strike. They’re sent as the 2 representatives for their families and the story kicks off from there. When Gryff and Maddie discover contraband on their shared land, they realize it can benefit both their families. But next thing they know they get put in the middle of a dangerous plot and find themselves working together to even survive…

I loved everything about this read! The action and suspense in this really kept the story moving…guns fired, fighting, explosives, caves. Gryff and Maddie’s relationship, I was living for each moment with them and couldn’t get enough. The banter, flirting, verbal sparring, the angst…and when they get trapped in a cave system together, Maddie finds out just how much Gryff hates her. 😉 I loved all their reminiscing of moments from their pasts where they tormented and teased one another as children. And their synonym game in the library…🥵🔥! I loved all the side characters…Beddow, Nanny Maude, Gryff’s brothers Rhys & Morgan and sister Carys, Maddie’s bother Tristan and cousin Harriett. I am so excited for the setup for future books/couples and cannot wait to read more!

Thank you to the publisher (St. Martin’s Press, SMP Romance) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. A Reckless Match has a publish date of September 28, 2021.

I love this book! Regency period is one of my favorites and although I don't get tired of ballrooms, it was very refreshing for most of the book to take place on a neutral strip of land and in caves with lots of adventure and danger. What, you say! Just trust me - the characters are that great with a perfect blend of sniping, flirting, and caring. The Crown tired of the feuding families, English Montgomerys and Welsh Davies (Earl of Powys), so a strip of land between their properties was designated neutral. A member of each family had to show once a year on a certain date & time to shake hands, a sort of punishment. If one side didn't show, the other family was gifted that land. Madeline M. is so thankful the Davies are a no show when it's her turn to meet on the bridge, now she doesn't have to marry a nasty old man. She shudders just thinking about him. The gift of the land will save her family financially. She knew her nemesis of childhood, Gryff, the new earl, was too busy being a rake and dueling in London to show. Suddenly, she can hear horse hooves and there he is, gorgeous and annoying as usual. She wants to cry, but she will not ever show weakness in front of Gryff. This was a different take on showing an intelligent and active young woman without deeming her a hoyden nor a bluestocking. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of sniping back and forth, but that makes the sweet parts so much better. This is an enemies (who secretly crushed on each other) to lovers romance. The scarf incident is priceless. Definitely read this book!
Thanks for NetGalley for the gift of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

A Reckless Match (Ruthless Rivals, #1) by Kate Bateman
This is the first book in the new Ruthless Rivals series, and the feud between Davies and Montgomery families. Meet Madeline Montgomery(Maddie) and Gryffud “Gryff” Davies(the new Earl of Powys). This story has angst, hidden feelings, danger, laughter, tears, family problem, love/hate and plenty of steam to get us to a HEA. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building Entertaining Steamy Action-packed Wonderful characters Scary Funny Romantic Easy-to-read Unpredictable Happily Ever After Tear-jerker Page-turner Witty

If you’re a fan of historical romance with a heap of adventure, I highly recommend this book!

This book definitely has a Romeo and Juliet feel to it, with a little bit of enemies to lovers friction between the hero and heroine. I’m always a fan of smart self taught heroines in historical romance.

The adventure aspect will keep you on your toes, and with vivid descriptions, this book is an excellent beginning to a new series.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and following these two families as their find their HEAs!

4.5 stars

This story was a nice start to a historical romance series. The Montgomery family and the Davies family have had neighboring estates for centuries. And through all that time they have been enemies and rivals in every possible arena. It got so bad that the king set up a buffer zone between the two estates and required one Montgomery and one Davies to meet on a bridge in the middle of that territory and shake hands once a year on the equinox.

This year Maddie Montgomery is hoping that the Davies representative won't show up. Her father has made some bad financial decisions and the family really needs to own the buffer zone to make a financial recovery. If not, Maddie might be forced to marry the distasteful local magistrate.

With just moments to spare, Gryff Davies shows up. He's been forced to leave his military career since his father's death and his inheritance of the land. And he's been building a reputation in London as quite a rake including dueling which is only marginally legal. Worst of all, Gryff has been Maddy's nemesis since they were children.

Each has had a (mostly) secret crush on the other since they were children. Now events keep throwing them together. First, he rescues her from a fall into an unknown and unexplored cave. Then they discover smugglers and get trapped in the caves after the smugglers set off an explosion.

This was a fun romance. I liked that Maddie was a bluestocking with an interest in archaeology. I liked that Gryff was honorable and heroic and his reputation as a rake undeserved. I liked the side characters and can see where the next romances are probably going.

Fans of the genre will enjoy this engaging story.

I really enjoyed reading about Maddy and Gryff, even though the last part of the story has "lost its grace", if you can call it that, because I doubt that two people who are afraid of dying in a cavern have anything in mind other than looking for an exit or wasting the only candle "fooling around". but maybe it's me who doesn't understand the passion of the moment ;) Other than that, there are a couple of secondary character whose stories might interest me, so I'm sure I'll keep reading the sequels.

Mi sono proprio divertita a leggere di Maddy e Gryff, per quanto propio l'ultima parte ha "perso di grazia " se cosí si puó dire, perché dubito che due che temono di morire in una coperta abbiano in mente qualcosa di diverso dal cercare un'uscita o di sprecare l'unica candela "perdendo tempo" , ma magari sono io che non capisco la passione del momento ;) A parte questo, ci sono un paio di comprimari le cui storie potrebbero interessarmi, quindi sono sicura che continueró a leggere i sequel.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I received an advanced copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Generational family rivalry, enemies to lovers, hidden rendezvous and dangerous adventures, I just can not get enough of Maddie and Gryff.
The book is the first in what I anticipate to be a new riveting series of historical romance books by Kate Bateman.
The modern (well really historical) twist on Romeo and Juliet Bateman's writing is electrifying and she portrays her characters and their story expertly.

What a fun read! You've got star-crossed lovers defying a family feud, smuggling, bullets flying and plenty of intrigue in this story. Madeline Montgomery and Gryff Davies, Earl of Pawys face danger together. I really like these characters and their back and forth banter is very entertaining. This is an excellent beginning to Kate Bateman's new series, Ruthless Rivals.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Oh my goodness - you had me at "It started with a pig."

How can you not love a story that starts with such a unexpected and funny starting statement? That just tickled the heck out of me and perked my interest right away. I love any book that has a sense of humour to it and that was a promising start and the rest of the book lived up to it.

There is a ridiculous family feud lasting so many generations that it has become legendary. They don't even remember what started the feud... was it the pig? Was it a woman? Does it matter after so long? Apparently it does, as the hero and heroine of the story - Gryff Davies, current Earl of Powys, and Maddie Montgomery, the daughter of Baron Lucas grew up family rivals, apparently teasing and torturing each other - carrying on the fine family feuding tradition. But they both have feelings towards each other, despite the rivalry and family loyalties, and it was a lovely story about discovering their friendship and passion for each other. But it was more than just a one note romance. There was adventure, danger, conflict, some steamy kisses and satisfying love scenes as well, and all in all, a story that made me smile, laugh a bit, and just plain old enjoy myself. There is a lot to be said for that in this world we live in right now.

I loved the little details, such as the description of the ridiculous animal menagerie at Gryff's family home, that seems to be a bit of a family quirk; including Geoffrey, the hated peacock. I love building of the characters, including seemingly minor ones, like the Aunts, Prudence (who turned out to have not been so much) and Constance, and even how colourfully Carys is painted, even though she does not actually appear until the last few chapters. This all just compounded my enjoyment of this story. There was a lot of interesting quirks and depth added to really make the hero and heroine come alive for me, as well as their family and friends. She survived a lightening strike for goodness sakes! I am looking forward to seeing what happens with Harriet and Morgan, and Carys and Tristan. I would also love to see a bit of a happy ending for the Aunts, and even Baron Lucas - he seems rather lonely after losing his favourite nemesis. Perhaps he needs some Davies devil-spawn grand children to harumph after, but still bring a twinkle to his eye? Or is there a Montgomery auntie hidden away somewhere who will show up to tweak his nose?

Can you tell that I am looking forward to more in this series?

I did receive a free copy of this from Netgalley to preview.

If enemies-to-lovers and/or childhood friends is your thing, do yourself a favor and buy this book. The characters are well developed, with chemistry that crackles on the page. I wish there had been more development of Maddie’s archaeology interests, but otherwise, this book is superb! I will definitely be reading the next in the series.

ARC provided by NetGalley and St Martins Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

From the publisher: Can lifelong hate turn to true love? Meet the Davies and Montgomery families - two households locked in an ancient feud, destined to be on opposing sides forever. Until now....

A Reckless Match is the first in new historical romance series set during the Regency period, about feuding families and childhood enemies who grow up to be lovers. A good enemies to lovers story is often a lot of fun, and clearly the author thinks so.

Maddie and Gryff have known each other since childhood, so there is no “meet cute,” but there is a cute intro all the same. Every year on the spring equinox, a member of the Montgomery family and a member of the Davies family must meet on a bridge dividing their lands. Although only ten miles apart, one estate lies in England and one in Wales. The families have fought for so long that no one remembers what the fight was about. If a representative fails to show, ownership of their lands will transfer to the other family. In March of 1815, it is Maddie and Gryff who keep the appointment.

The meeting on the bridge leads to adventure in a shared underground network of caves, an adventure that includes smugglers and customs agents, found treasure and mortal peril. Maddie is a bluestocking being pressured to marry a much older man to get her family out of its secret debt; Gryff is back from the war with Napoleon and dealing with guilt and a little PTSD. They are both warm and likable, and they make an engaging couple.

There’s no doubt how their story will end, but it’s fun to see their relationship play out. There was a little too much premarital sex for my liking, but that seems to be the way of historical romance these days. (At least our hero and heroine are equals, and if she got pregnant he would be expected to marry her and all would be well.) They both suffer some (perhaps not too believable) doubts about the other’s feelings, but this element of the story is not prolonged. There are a lot of side characters waiting in the wings for their own books. (For my taste they were a little too featured before their proper turns; still, I’m sure I will read book two when it is published.

If you enjoy historical romance, especially stories featuring old friends and foes, you may enjoy A Reckless Match. I read an advance reader copy of A Reckless Match from Netgalley. It is scheduled to be published in late September and will be available at the Galesburg Public Library. The library also owns author Bateman’s first series, Bow Street Bachelors. The first book is This Earl of Mine.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a gifted copy.

This was a challenge to read with Bluefire instead of NetGalley Shelf. I figured out how to adjust the size so I could read the printed words.

This novel fits the criteria of a romance novel with shades of Romeo and Juliet - rival families' daughter and son fall in love with each other. This is set in 1815 England and Wales.

The main characters are likable. Madeline is spunky and courgeous. Gryff is a reformed rake. It was a joy to read this romantic story.

And to think it all started over a stolen pig . . . or was it a woman? No one seems to really know what started the feud between the Davies and Montgomery families, but one things for sure - it's gone on for decades and neither side is giving an inch. And now it's time for Madeline Montgomery and Gryff Davies to clash swords in a duel of wits. Thing is - it seems both harbor confusing feelings for the other. They're having to try harder and harder to keep the hate going when so much chemistry sizzles between them. When fate forces them into a situation of having to work closely together, sparks, words and emotions fly. May the best man . . . or woman be left standing.

I do love a good enemies to lovers story, and this one is outstanding! Secret tunnels, smugglers, meddling families - it's enough to make a preacher cuss. But it all serves to keep throwing our delicious hero and spunky heroine together in this low-angst, hilarious and yet heart touching romance. The support characters are great, and I look forward to seeing them star in their own books. I absolutely adored this story and characters. Highly recommended to fans of romance - especially Regency Romance.

Two feuding families come together when Gryff and Maddie strick up a deal. They have always had feelings for each other. Lots of thrilling adventure turns quickly into love for these two.

A Reckless Match, by Kate Bateman. How is it that I had so much fun reading this book?! I would like to thank the writer for supplying all the wonderfully entertainment between Maddie and Gryff in this story. These two really held their own throughout the book. The writer description from the characters, the land, the fashion and the characters facial expressions, gave me a good visual as I read the story.
The creativity of their characters, I think was perfect for this storyline. I enjoyed the comedic moments, as well as the harmless banter among Maddie, Gryff, and their families. The excitement and the thrill of the chase of the unknown was the best for me. I’m glad that the writer stayed close to keeping the dialogue and wording of the story simple for the readers. The pace of the book left me enjoying the end of the book.
The action I though was great! It provided some intense moments within the plot. I found that the book had some realism that played well with thoughts of the development of economic and agricultural among the land. The undeniable smoldering lust that Gryff and Maddie had for one another was a treat to read. I found this story a pleasure to read, with these two in the book. This book is a excellent page turner for a reader who simply wants to enjoy a good book that will bring a smile to your face.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

4.5 Stars - I enjoyed this new book from Bateman. So far, I haven't read one that I didn't enjoy. Her characters are well developed and I love the banter between the leads. Maddie and Gryff have wonderfully fun chemistry and there was a scene in this book which made it into my highlights! I am sure I will reread it in future when looking for that feeling again.

I also loved how near the end she hints towards relationships between supporting characters. I would totally read those stories!

* Received an ARC in exchange for an Honest review *

~ Paragraphs and Petticoats ~

Oh, Kate Bateman! Please keep writing these riveting Regency romances. Just seeing your name on the cover assures me that here is another story I’m going to love. And I haven’t been disappointed yet. HEA for our hero and heroine, and HEA for me.

Are Maddie and Gryff hardheaded or what? They were raised being told their families always have, have now, and always will have a bitter feud between them. So they hate each other. But do they? Maddie has thoughts about Gryff she quickly pushes away, because surely she couldn’t be attracted to that rogue. Could she??? As for Gryff, he enjoyed teasing Maddie relentlessly when they were children, but they aren’t children now. Sure, thoughts of her got him through the war, but those were just thoughts. The flesh and blood woman is feisty, headstrong, stubborn . . . but gorgeous and smart, and, wait, this attraction can’t be real either, can it???

A Reckless Match, the first in the Ruthless Rivals series, is typical Kate Bateman. A marvelous blend of heat and humor with a bit of mystery and danger thrown in the mix. Maddie and Gryff taking two steps toward each other and then a giant leap back in fear of commitment or fear of embarrassment is delightful to watch. The dialogue between them simply crackles as the sparks fly. They are the perfect match to outtalk and attempt to outwit each other. The matching word game when Maddie is trying to swindle Gryff out of his half of the dictionary is laugh out loud funny. Maddie’s asides to herself are droll and witty. Gryff’s battle with himself to resist Maddie is funny and sweet.

Do yourself a favor. Start this new series right now. I guarantee you will love A Reckless Match. And then while you’re waiting for book two in the series go back and read everything else Kate Bateman has written. A Reckless Match is a thoroughly satisfying book that I recommend without hesitation. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy for my reading pleasure and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Once a year a member from the Montgomery and the Davies families meet on a bridge to secure the land adjoining their holdings by the king’s decree. Neither are willing to give an inch, and the feud lives on through the generations.

Madeline Montgomery is programmed to hate the Davies, if only the new Earl, Gryff Davies, wasn’t so handsome and irresistible. Fated to marry a irascible old judge to save her family home, Maddie dreams of finding treasure on the land the Montgomery’s share with the Davies, so she can pay her father’s debt. When she and Gryff stumble on a hidden cove filled with a smuggler’s stash in contraband, they team up to find the culprits.

The action is quick-paced in this enemies-to-lovers romance, which made it hard to set the book aside. I liked Maddie’s feisty personality and her loyalty to family. It took longer for me to gain empathy for Gryff. He is a womanizer and can’t wait to get back to London to pursue carnal pleasures, even though he professes to care about Maddie.

The setting comes alive under the writer’s talented fingers and the characters are well-rounded with an interesting plot.

Fun start to a new series!

Kate Bateman is a superb historical romance author, and this story is an example of her genius. She packs these pages with non-stop romance between two people who were brought up to hate one another, reminiscent of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. But, there was also intrigue and suspense when they find a cache of brandy and other goods stored by smugglers in a sea cave. I'm not going to say anything more about the story, you'll have to read it for yourself. If you like historical romance, look no further. I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A centuries-long feud between two families is altered when childhood adversaries Maddie and Gryff get to know each other as adults and ultimately realize their love. Adventures abound and other possible matches are hinted at for future installments. Both heroine and hero are extremely appealing and I look forward to the continuation of this new series.