One trope taking the romance world by storm is enemies to lovers, and Bateman’s A RECKLESS MATCH is a perfect entry into the growing list of recommendations. While it is a prominent feature of the series, the rivalry between the families does not loom over the couple’s heads. They are both fiercely independent and developed individuals along with members of their families. The balance between familial loyalty and romantic freedom is perfect!

I've never read Kate Bateman but am a big fan of historical romance. Reckless Match was entertaining and a good pick for anyone who need a bit of suspense in their romance novels. There is a bit of an enemies to lovers feel although it's pretty clear our main characters don't hate each other. In fact, they end up having to work together through smuggling drama and danger!

There's some heat but also lots of story and the plot is weaved together well. I like a spunky heroine and Bateman delivers that in spades. You'll also be pleased to watch our tough hero turn to mush as he falls in love.

Definitely recommended!

Madeline and Gryff have been poking at each other since they were out of the nursery. This is a great enemies to lovers story with a fun smuggling plot, discovering a cave with gold in it, and a rags to riches all thrown in.

The story is well written and the character development moves at a good pace, not too slow and not leaving you asking what in the world, how did they get there? Ms. Bateman does a wonderful job again in this story making you root for both the hero and heroine, even when they are as divided as these two families are (who doesn't love a good rivalry?).

My reason for taking a star off the review is the steam between the two leads. The main scene is in a cave when they think they're going to die. It's a fun read, but I was left wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own

I don't think I will be requesting any more Kate Bateman books as I struggled to finish this one - with a rote plotline and characters that I struggled with.

A Reckless Match is the volatile relationship between two people whose families have hated each other for years. I loved the chemistry between Maddie and Gryff, and how the mystery throughout this book evolved their relationship. That ONE scene in the cave, *chef’s kiss*

It has secret tunnels, smugglers, and family antics from both families. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series!

I'm not a big fan of Historical Romance but I loved this one. If you enjoyed Bridgerton, or if you've tried Kerrigan Byrne novels, then you'll love this one. Intense, passionate, with sweet and fun moments, this romance novel has everything you need to keep you engaged and entertained, even if this match seems... you know, reckless.

this checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read. Historical fiction oh yeah. Love me some of this.

Loved the enemies to lovers storyline. The buildup of attraction between Maddie and Gryff and their endless banter was wonderful

An ancient feud was put to rest with a handshake. A handshake each year from a member of each family cemented the truce. But this year the Davies were late. Or so Madeline Montgomery hoped. With minutes to spare, it was not to be as her nemesis rode into sight. The new Earl of Powys.

Tension simmers amongst their wants. Maddie could not trust although she desperately wished to know more about the mischievous boy who once taunted her that is now very much a man. Including herself on a mission meant for one, Gryff’s gentlemanly advances turn to more as they are outed with Maddie unchaperoned. But it can never be, for a Davies and Montgomery could never be civil to another. Or could they?

Bateman tells a sweet tale of a family feud put to rest with the unlikely union many fathers would not approve. Yet Maddie and Gryff are about to embark upon a very un-regency match of old. The first book of The Ruthless Rivals set the stage. I want to read more from this talented author.

I received this book as an advance review copy free from NetGalley . I have read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
--Brenda, JustViews

This is the first book of Kate Bateman’s new Reckless Rivals series and the first book of hers that I’ve read. The storyline is a bit ridiculous, but I liked the characters and the banter between the H/h. I would have liked a little more humor/laugh out loud moments, but it is well-written and there are some delightful secondary characters. The set up for the pairings in future books was a little heavy-handed. But, if you are looking for a romance that does not have babies as the epilogue, look no further.

Kate Bateman begins another historical fiction/romance series with the Montogomery and Davies families. Sworn family enemies with a grudge dating back hundreds of years is threated as the new Earl of Powys, Gryff Davies, and independent young Madeline Montgomery clash wits and rekindle sparks that have been between them since childhood. Madeline's efforts to find means to help her family restore their wealth adds encounters between the two of them that leave them both questioning their desires. The two of them find themselves in precarious situations as they try to thwart smugglers and traverse underground dangerous caverns....leading to a romance that shocks the families. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #ARecklessMatch #NetGalley.

Stunning, brilliant romance! Hate to love is a favorite subgenre of mine and this superb! I want to read more from this author.

This was an enjoyable book. I found the beginning to be slow. The plot really picks up past the 50% point. Then it becomes quite fast paced and exciting. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Es como una Rom com pero romance histórico, tiene ese tono moderno de los romances ""históricos"" de ahora, o sea que es para leerlo con buena predisposición y esperando pasar un buen rato. Pero llegué hasta el 45% y no me terminé de enganchar con la trama... así que ahí me quedé, cambió bastante mi criterio en estos últimos meses y ya no es el tipo de libro que estoy buscando aunque lo recomiendo para desconectar un poco, es una lectura light.

This had been on my TBR shelf, and I finally read it once I got the ARC for the second - I LOVED IT. i think I read this book at the perfect time. Funny, intelligent, and with characters I adored. Kate Bateman just became one of my must read authors.

I really enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers historical romance set in the Welch countryside from the always great Kate Bateman.

I have a weakness for long-standing sexual tension romances, and these two were fire with their lust-disguised-as-animosity. I was into these two and their mild "forbidden love" romance.

Kate Bateman manages to give her romances just the right touches of humor and adventure in her romances. This isn't a historical romance with lots of balls and dresses and courtships, folks. This one was a lot of action and the two MCs spending one-on-one time together. I liked that Maddie had strong hobbies and interests on her own and that the male MC wanted to explore those with her.

This Ruthless Rivals series is set up for a few more delicious enemies-to-lovers romances in the same two warring family trees, and I am HERE for it. More of this excellent writing and dynamic HCs, please.

*Copy given in exchange for an honest review*

Just give me all the Kate Bateman’s. This woman can do no wrong in my eyes. I discovered her here on NetGalley and now have read just about everything she has written. Needless to say, I loved it.

A five hundred year old feud separates two families ........... a feud that that no one can remember the cause of .
Now every year on the Spring Equinox representatives of the Davies and Montgomery families are to meet on a bridge and shake hands and go there own way until the following year .
But this year of 1815 the old Earl of Powys is dead and his representative is his newly returned son and heir Gryff
Standing on the bridge he realises that the other representative is his old nemesis Maddie Montgomery and instead on going on his way he follows Maddie from the bridge .
Maddie's life is not her own for her father is trying to marry her off to an 'old goat' to try and recoup his bad investments .......... she needs to save her family without sacrificing herself
Gryff's reappearance sets Maddie's heart racing and he cannot help noticing that she no longer resembles the young girl he used to tease and torment mercilessly .
When the two discover that smuggling is taking place on the 'no mans land' that they share at the King's command , their efforts to discover just who is behind the smuggling takes them on a dangerous adventure .

This historical romance is an enjoyable read with twists and turns aplenty and a couple seeking an HEA

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

Kate Bateman is a favorite author. I really loved the dueling family, the rivals that end up working together to capture the pirates. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

The Davies - Montgomery feud has been going on for so long that it’s a tradition. Meet Gryff Davies and Madeline Montgomery, follow them in this easy to read and fast paced new adventure by Kate Bateman.