A Reckless Match is a great book! It has romance, danger, mystery, humor. The story focuses on the fued between the Davies and the Montgomeries. Maddie Mongomery has always been teased and tormented by Griffud Davies. But that was before Griffud went off to war leaving Maddie at home where she was struck by lightening. Now Griffud is back and Maddie can't help but find him handsome, even though he is the enemy. Together Maddie and Griff find danger, romance and near death situations. This is definitely a book that you will not be able to put down. Kate Bateman leaves you with a hint of the other books in the series. I can't wait!

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

The Montgomerys and the Davies have been feuding for centuries. Each year they meet on a strip of land belonging to both families and shake hands. If someone does not show up, the land defaults to the person that does come. This year Madeline is representing the family since her father is not well. It is almost noon, and she hopes the Davies will not send a representative. Much to her dismay, Gryffud, the eldest son home from fighting Napoleon, makes it in time. Gryffud has been her nemesis since early days when he would torment her. He arrives as handsome as ever and to his surprise, she is a real beauty. Maddie needs money badly and does not want to be married off to a terrible old man. Gryffud and Maddie decide to check out some tunnels and caves. Maddie hopes to find enough money to save her father’s land without selling herself. This book is fun as Gryffud and Maddie get to know each other both finding the other very attractive. Their exploration results in much flirting, embarrassing predicaments, and lots of adventure. I really enjoyed this book.

I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book that I read from Kate Bateman and I immediately fell in love with her writing style and the characters.

This is the first book in a series where people in 2 feuding families end up getting their HEA. The Montgomerys and Davies rivalry goes back hundreds but at the point where this book takes place the feud is more like rivaling high schools.

I immediately fell for Gryff. He was an amazing hero and it was easy to see why Madeline found him irresistible. Madeline was also an amazing heroine who was determined to protect and help her family anyway that she could while still fighting her years long attraction and crush on Gryff.

We are given enough history between the characters in a way that did not make the book feel bogged down with flashbacks but made you enjoy watching them go from children who teased and tormented each other to adults who deeply cared for and loved each other. The storyline was intriguing and has me eager to read more to find out how it would play out even if it was a little predictable at times but I do feel that both the conclusion of the central plot point and their romance could have been a little better/stronger.

Kate Bateman included information and interactions with other characters that have me very eager to read their book to see how their love stories play out as well.

Two rival families, a shared property, smugglers, hidden caves/tunnels, and a burning heat between two people who are sworn enemies. Sounds like the making of a disaster or a happily ever after.

This was entertaining. It had some adventure/action, a great sexy scene, and some good banter. Likable characters and a great setup for more books to come.

A Reckless Match is the first installment in a new Regency series and whoa doggies what a start. Great characters and superb story building make for one of the most Regencies of the year thus far. Rival families, the Davies and the Montgomeries, must meet every year on the same day at noon or the absentee party forfeits the right to the shared land that runs between their properties. This year the duty falls to Madeline Montgomery and when her hopes rise that the Davies are not showing in rides Gryff to once again dash her dreams. Her tormentor since a young age, Gryff is Maddie's greatest rival and her biggest crush. Gryff finds Maddie even more enticing than when they were younger. In the name of rivalry, the two team up to find trouble and an undeniable attraction that threatens to consume them both. Feuds and danger are not enough to keep a match made in hate from finding their HEA. In a fun and action packed story, Maddie and Gryff quickly wormed their way into this reader's heart for a book that will be added to my re-read shelf and itching for the next book in the series! My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

4.5☆
Cute

What I liked:
The characters
The writing style
Rivals to lovers
Part of a series: Ruthless Rivals
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I loved every second of this book! I couldn't put it down and I cant wait to read the next ones. Maddie and Gryff were fantastic characters and the plot was intriguing. The romance!!!

Please tell me this is the 1st book in a series???!!! I am having trouble accepting that this book is over and there is no follow up with the other characters. Wow--what a great enemies turn lovers story! They are Madeline and Gruffud, the next generation of feuding families, ready to carry on the tradition. Well,.. except for the glaring fact of the steamy attraction that simmered as kids has now come to the surface. She is in a tight spot--Dad is encouraging her to marry some slimy neighbor who's offered money for her hand. Her family is almost bankrupt--she wants to help but not at that price. He is a returning war hero now taking the reins of his estate. A crime, a treasure hunt, a dry well, attempted murder all feature in the plot of the amazing story. The secondary characters are so colorful and that's why... I am asking (read demanding) a second book! We must hear the rest!!! This book made my day and I could not put it down. I will be reading more from this author!

This is book 1 in a new series by Kate Bateman. This one kind of reminds me of Romeo and Juliet. There are two families that have been feuding for hundreds of years. Each year the two families most send a representative or they forfeit their claim to an area of land that they have been fighting over. This year the Gryff and Maddie meet after several years apart. The sparks fly and I enjoyed how the story grew. I cannot wait for more in this series.

Gryffud “Gryff” Davies, the Earl of Powys, retreats to his ancestral home to escape the Prince of Wales’ ire. He arrives at the yearly pledge site only to find his childhood nemesis awaiting him. Maddie promises to liven up Gryff’s exile. They agree to a tentative ceasefire when they discover smuggled goods on their jointly owned property. Their search for the smugglers puts their lives into jeopardy. Will Gryff and Maddie catch the smugglers? Can they finally resolve their families’ centuries old rivalry?
Madeline “Maddie” Montgomery is the only daughter of Baron Lucas. Her family is on the brink of bankruptcy. Maddie pins all her hopes on winning the yearly pledge against the Davies. However, Gryff’s arrival dashes her dreams. The two agree to work together to bring the smugglers to justice. Can Maddie and Gryff set aside their differences? Can love bloom from hatred? Or will their famlilies’ rivalry keep them apart forever?
I absolute love Gryff’s name! It is no secret that I adore unique names, especially when they are Gaelic. I could not help but fall in love with Gryff. I like his naughtiness. His pranks against Maddie were never mean-spirited or unfriendly. Their rivalry almost felt more competitive than hostile. What I love the most about Gryff is how he listened to Maddie. He never once ignored or disregarded her thoughts like most men in their social class would. Gryff recognized and admired her intellect and spunk.
I could not help but like Madeline. She is a well-educated bluestocking. I like that Maddie prefers her archeology interests over lavish gowns and fancy balls. She enjoyed her coming out; however, she quickly found the social whirl a bore. What I admire the most about Maddie is her determination to find a better solution to her family’s financial troubles than marrying. She refuses to settle for a loveless match, especially with a man who will disapprove of her scholarly interests. Instead, Maddie wants what her parents had.
A RECKLESS MATCH is book one in Kate Bateman’s historical romance series, RUTHLESS RIVALS. Kate Bateman is a new-to-me-author. The story’s premise captured my interest. Boy, oh boy, it did not disappoint! I found myself devouring each page just to see what happened next. I will be checking out this author’s other works in the future.
A RECKLESS MATCH is an entertaining tale of rivals setting aside their differences only to discover love. I cannot decide whose story I want next: Tristan and Carys’ or Morgan and Harriet’s. The wait is going to kill me!

Ariel | swirlofspice rated a book liked it
When a Duke Loves a Governess by Olivia DrakeWhen a Duke Loves a Governess (Unlikely Duchesses, #3)
by Olivia Drake (Goodreads Author)
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My rating:
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars[ 3 of 5 stars ]4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to try out a new HR author, and was pleasantly surprised that there were no glaringly problematic aspects in the romance (so hard to find nowadays!).

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Ariel | swirlofspice rated a book really liked it
A Reckless Match by Kate BatemanA Reckless Match (Ruthless Rivals, #1)
by Kate Bateman
Read
My rating:
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars[ 4 of 5 stars ]5 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC via Netgalley!

It’s no secret that I love a good HR, and Bateman quickly became one of my go-to authors after the Bow Street Bachelors trilogy.

This book was fun and just what I needed - Madeline and Griff have a witty banter, a nice enemies-to-lovers romance (without ever being abusive or problematic!!), and a cute romance with some fun escapades.

I didn’t love this as much as the previous series, likely because of when I read this, and I felt as if the characters’ relationship needed a bit more development, but nothing so much so to make the book unenjoyable (though I thought Madeline’s dad was a dick).

I liked the set up for the next books - I already know I’ll be picking them up.

This one hovered around 3-3.5 stars for me.

Thank you to St Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC to read and review.

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman. This is my first Kate Bateman novel. An enemies to lovers romance set in the Regency that did not take place in London until the end. Addie and Gryff are childhood enemies whose families have had centuries of animosity and must share a piece of land by edict of the king. Gryff is portrayed as a rake who has come home to escape the wrath of Prinny. Maddie perseveres at home trying to solvent by going on archeological digs.

They meet as dictated as representatives of the families to shake hands for their truce and the action starts from there.

This book reminded me so much of Poldark. There is the sea, caves, mines and smugglers. Lots of action and danger. The romance was a lot of teasing and suggestive comments from Gryff until their situation becomes very precarious. The big love scene just made me roll my eyes though. So. Not. Realistic. However, I will leave everyone to decide for themselves if they agree with me or not.

Decent romance with lots of action.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Madeline and the earl of powys families have been enemies for years. She was happy to learn that the current earl was living in London until he returned home. She has never liked the earl and has no interest in getting to know him. This book was well written.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I enjoyed this book very much. All in all, this was a lovely story but that's not to say there aren't some elements of the story that could have been better. It was little slow to get started but it kept me engaged and wanting to read it until the very end. This book had all the makings of a perfect book but it got lost somewhere in there for some reason. I don't know what special spark was missing, but this story was good but not amazing. Still worth reading though, it was far from bad. Even though some things were a little predictable, I completely fell in love with the hero, Gryff & heroine, Maddie (I might have loved the hero more than the heroine). They were very likeable even if in some moments Maddie really annoyed me. I found Gryff more interesting than Maddie. He was quite delicious- smart, honorable, determined, just the right amount of possessive, and so thoughtful. I loved these two characters, as individuals and as a couple. The chemistry and repartee between them was excellent.
I learned I can count on Ms. Bateman to deliver a good, sweet historical romance. This one was also very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to what she writes next.

I enjoyed Maddie and Gryff's story even though I could see the end, I enjoyed the ride getting there. The story of warring Welsh and English families was familiar, but fun. There was a great blend of humor, romance and mystery, with a great set-up for resolution of more family relationships. I skip over the graphic sex, it is just too much for me and detracts from the great story. Other than that I can recommend 'A Reckless Match'.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this! As soon as I saw this described as enemies-to-lovers, I knew I wanted it. From the first page, it didn't disappoint, and I'm ready to binge the rest of the series once they're released.

My favorite thing about this was definitely the concept. I loved the idea of the two families feuding over the same purse of land, and it was done so well. It providing a legitimate reason for the hate between our characters, and kept things interesting. It also provided the perfect amount of tension, which I loved.

I've seen several other reviewers complain about Gryff, and while I understand this, he didn't bother me too much. There were a few times in which his thought processes startled me, but because I binged this in a day, I didn't have time to be bothered.

I loved his relationship with Maddie, and although I'm usually not a fan of the "I've loved you since we were kids" trope, I feel like this pulled it off well. I was expected more spice from this, and although I'm slightly disappointed by the lack of it, I still enjoyed this

If you're in the mood for an enemies-to-lovers historical romance, this is the perfect read for you!

Thanks to Kate Bateman and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 It Is The Conflict That Delights Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I discovered Kate Bateman in 2019 and fell hard for her writing. She took me on a journey I was happy to go on. When I saw this was coming, I jumped on it.

Maddie Montgomery's family and Gryffud “Gryff” Davies', Earl of Powys family have been enemies since the beginning of time...No seriously, since the beginning of when families held land and fought over it. The rumor was the fight that has been going on for centuries was over a pig. One family thought the other stole it and refused to accept another as even trade. The other rumor was more intense, meaning it was a fight over a woman. There was no actually knowing but the dye was cast. Montgomery hated the Davis and visa versa.

It got so bad, it took a royal decree that a strip of land between the two manors was to be shared. Every solstice it was deemed that a representative of each family met in a certain spot, shake hands, and agree to the truce. If one of the families does not show, then the strip of shared land will revert to the family that was there.

This year having the Davis family Not show was the real hope of Maddie Montgomery. Maddie's father was a victim of stock fraud and now he is in trouble with all the creditors and worrying he will not be able to save the family home and reputation. Unfortunately, there is a disgusting older man who wants to marry Maddie and has named a price he will pay for her. Although it is tempting for the father to say yes, he loves his independent daughter and will not force her.

Which leaves Maddie at the bridge waiting and hoping her nemesis, Gryff does not show up. If he doesn't then all of their prayers will be answered. The land probably has coal mines for the taking and other riches to save them.

Gryff and Maddie have been at each other since childhood. Gryff then saw how lovely Maddie was starting to grow. He loved teasing her and although he has the reputation of a rogue since returning from the war, he has always loved sparing with Maddie. He has been in London so she has reason to think he may not show, but show he does.

Damn, the blasted man showed up and has the nerve to be as handsome and broad as she remembered. They both say a few words and then it is time for the shaking of hands, however, something causes Gryff to kiss Maddie instead. Well, that was not expected and both are a little stunned by it. She does not slap him as she should have and he would like more from her.

This is the beginning of these two crossing paths and then becoming friends first and then more. There is suspense, action, the need to protect each other, and a very happy ending. Also, each family has siblings and those siblings have hidden feelings for the other. I think this series is off to a solid start.

I received "A RecklessMatch" from Netgalley and voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Kate Bateman is a wonderful author, and she never fails to amaze me with her beautiful stories. A 6 out of 5 stars for this beautiful journey of love. Madeline Montgomery  and Gryfudd Davies, the new Earl of Powys, have challenged and teased each other since childhood. Their families have been opposed to each other for hundreds of years. A wonderful adventure leads Maddie and Gryff to explore the depths of their hatred/attraction for each other. The storyline had me hooked and captivated from the start. Fabulous!

This was a cute enemies-to-lovers story. It took a while for the book to really get going, but I still enjoyed it. This book pretty clearly sets up others in the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to these other characters.

Having read previous books by Kate Bateman I was thoroughly looking forward to this book and it didn’t disappoint, the characters are brilliant you can tell right away they were made for each other and all the way through I was laughing at their antics. I couldn’t put it down read it in one sitting.I really recommend this book it’s funny and brilliantly written and I can’t wait for the following books in this series.