Two families, mortal enemies, polar opposites, she’s wild, scandalous, and free, he’s cold, rigid, and straight laced, they both love to egg each other on for years... but maybe this time it’ll be different. Carys Davies doesn’t want to get married, she’s done everything she can to turn away suitors, she loves her freedom, her ability to be her own person. She is known for her outrageous outfits and brazen ways, a carefully crafted illusion she has made to deter suitors except one person has never bought her act, the only person she finds herself wishing would look at her, Tristan Montgomery, one of her family’s greatest rivals. Tristan is looking to marry for duty, to find a nice quiet wife to live a quiet life, he’s returned home from war and is just looking for some stability... except he can’t take his eyes off the fiery red head who he just can’t help but tease. Carys is everything Tristan isn’t looking for in a wife, but everything she does draws him in. Carys is being blackmailed by a former lover and when Tristan discovers that Carys is disillusioned about love, they get into an argument and when Carys challenges him to show her what pleasures love has in a week... he agrees (to both of their surprise). Now they have a week filled with clandestine meetings, touches, kisses, and the slow caving into the passion that has always been there but now they must ask themselves if after a week this is something real, something more, and if they are what the other has always wanted. Will they give into the passion that was always there or will their week of romance end in heartbreak? This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone ( though characters from the previous book do make appearances in this one). This was a super sweet and romantic read about two enemies to lovers, with lots of snark and romance. I’ve loved the first book and I was so excited to see this couple in this book, they did not disappoint!

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Paperbacks for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Kate Bateman’s second addition to her ‘Ruthless Rivals’ series was a delight! The Montgomerys and Davies feuding is a sure to bring readers tons of laughs, while the enemies to lovers fighting brings all the heat to the sheets. It a textbook meeting of opposites attract Carys and Tristan are a couple that readers are going to love.

Full disclosure, while NetGalley provided me an ARC of this book to read and review. All of my opinions and thoughts are my own and unbiased.

A very fun, fairly quick read. The characters are enjoyable, if a little silly at times. But isn’t that kind of the fun of these kinds of books? If j wanted introspection, I wouldn’t pick a book with a shirtless man on the cover. My first time reading this author, and I can definitely say I’ll read more of her books.

I received an ARC of this book and was really excited to read! The Ruthless Rivals is one of my new favorite series, and I love the first book and Gryff and Maddie's story! Kate Bateman's second in this series, A Daring Pursuit is an absolute delight. I really enjoy an enemies to lovers story. This is Tristan and Carys' story, and the continuation of the Montgomery/Davis rivalry. This book takes place a month after Gryff and Maddie, and the families now have a couple of alliances but there is still the underlying, traditional rivalry. Tristan and Carys both have a mutual attraction to each other, but hide it from everyone else and both think nothing can come of it. Carys has always secretly liked Tristan and has an outward persona of being delighted to shock society, but is inwardly very vulnerable and is secretly being blackmailed by someone. Tristan is more reserved and formal and while has always been attracted to Carys, thinks he needs to marry someone more conforming to society. I honestly was not really fond of Tristan's personality in this book, but it was nice to see Carys' effect on him as the two went through their agreement. The beginning of the book was a little stretched out for me and the most interesting parts are once everyone gets to the house party, but it is worth it. The two Montgomery aunts are especially a delight! This book could be read as a standalone, but I really recommend the series. I'm I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book in the series!

*Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*

The first book in this series, A Reckless Match, was one of my favorite reads of 2021, so I was thrilled to see A Daring Pursuit available for review.

A Daring Pursuit follows the story of Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery, who have grown up on the opposites sides of the Davies-Montgomery feud. Seemingly-bold and carefree Carys and starchy Tristan have always held a particular enmity for each other, but, following their siblings’ marriage (Maddie and Gryff in Book 1 of this series, A Reckless Match), Carys and Tristan find themselves in each other’s paths more than ever before. Unbeknownst to society, Carys’s bold nature guards a secret that she worries will ruin herself and her family. Tristan quickly determines her secret, and, rather than ruining her, he becomes an unexpected ally against her antagonist. The two continue to grow closer together, and, at their siblings’ house party, they agree to embark upon a week’s-long affair to show Carys what she would be missing by never marrying. The house party is quickly further complicated by unexpected guests, a treasonous plot, and escaped wild animals. In the midst of this tumult, will Carys and Tristan find a way to admit their feelings to each other?

A Daring Pursuit was every bit as wonderful as the first book in this series! Carys and Tristan were fully-realized, rounded characters whose chemistry and banter crackled on the page. The pacing of this book was excellent— in a lesser book, I could see Carys’s secret being dragged out for the entire book, only for Tristan to become enlightened and decry his earlier judgment at the very end. I loved that Tristan determined her secret fairy early-on, did not judge her for her experiences, and sought to help Carys fight her enemies. As the two fall in lust (and love) at the house party, side characters’ motivations are skillfully woven together to make an incredibly compelling story that kept me up far past my usual bedtime. A Daring Pursuit was the perfect blend of wonderful writing, romance, and intrigue. I know it will make its way on my list of my favorite HRs of 2022, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

This book was a wonderful read and will make an excellent addition to our library’s digital collection.

3.5

It was lovely to revisit the Davies and Montgomery families :')

In A Reckless Match, I was intrigued by Carys and Tristan and just knew that their story was coming. This story played out in a similar way as the first one; there's the character interactions and then the mystery/sub plot. I'll admit that I didn't care too much about the sub plot in this, but it all wrapped up nicely towards the end.

My favourite part in this story was the scene towards the end with Gryff, Carys and Tristan. That was the content I live for lol!

Someone please start a petition to get more scenes with the crazy Aunts!

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Friends, I am SO excited to be sharing my eARC review of Kate Bateman’s Ruthless Rivals continuation in: A Daring Pursuit.

Kate was a late 2021 new (to me) author find and I was introduced to these long time feuding families through A Reckless Match. This book picks up shortly after book 1, with very proper and extremely restrained (and recently back from fighting Napoleon) architect Tristan Montgomery. Who seems to be having a lot of conflicted feelings over beautiful and infuriating spectacle maker Carys Davies. Much like in book 1, I think what works here is the long standing antagonistic since childhood relationships these two have shared
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Carys, is a real gem of a love interest. She’s flawed, and complex without having a deeply traumatic backstory. She’s absolutely been wronged and is doing her part in ensuring the rest of her family would not be exposed to the scandal she had been coerced into. Tristan, easily misunderstanding the situation Carys has found herself in, suggests she needs to fully experience the many pleasures of love-making before deciding to finally pick a husband.

That’s right y’all: historical romance sex tutor.

I think what works well is that they are not truly enemies (in the sense many enemies to lovers are written), but rather two people actually quite enamoured with each other, and having known each other since childhood, are easily and readily equipped with what buttons to push. These two are so stupid in love with each other, but can’t seem to put their fingers on what emotions the other is bringing out in them.

I enjoyed the banter and connection that grew between Tristan and Carys, including how lovely it was to see Carys let her love of animal husbandry out. I also loved that this was mostly low-angst and did not have a third act breakup!

Fans of the first book will enjoy seeing Gryff, Maddie, Rhys, Morgan, and my two spinster queens: Constance and Prudence (who steal the show a little bit). Y’all I loved it. It was easy to dive into, offers a great amount of fun, heat, plot and always a little bit of danger.

Kate’s writing is so joyful and fun to read and would be perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Christy Carlisle. Be sure to pick up A Daring Pursuit wherever you get your books, May 24th 2022

Kate Bateman's upcoming release, A DARING PURSUIT, was an enthralling read! Once I began to read it, I could not put it down! Carys and Tristan's salacious agreement was interesting and well-paced! However, the conflict in the last third of the novel confused me a bit as there was not a clear setup. The blackmail plotline was more than enough. While I understand Bateman following the action laid out in the previous novel, A RECKLESS MATCH, the inclusion of a treason plot line read like a last-minute addition rather than a plot-relevant event.

Other than that, I enjoyed reading this novel!

This was a great addition to the Ruthless Rivals series by Kate Bateman! I loved the witty interactions of this couple and there were some on edge but funny episodes throughout the story. They definitely had some interesting adventures! I am looking forward to the rest of the series!

Kate Bateman's books are so well-crafted that I feel guilty devouring them in big gulps. Like, when someone spends days making you an amazing French silk pie, is it rude to eat it in six big bites? If you really love it, does that make bolting it down as fast as you can okay?

I admit I was primed for Carys & Tristan's story from the end of A Reckless Match, where their banter stole the heat from Gryff & Maggie's HEA. The ages-old enmity between the Davies and the Montgomeries is great fuel for the way Carys and Tristan butt heads at the beginning of this book. Her headstrong, show-off ways scandalize him, even though her confident beauty secretly turns him on. And Carys loves trying to burrow beneath Tristan's unshakeable calm, give that she's been smitten with him since girlhood.

You know right away that the two want each other, so what can sustain the book when they're already tossing steamy banter and smoldering looks at the opening costume ball, where he's wearing a sexy toga & she's in a handkerchief dress? Oh, adventure awaits! The obstacle here is not the age-old family feud (which provides more amusement than trauma) but the villainous ex-lover blackmailing Carys to keep her ruination secret. He was a lousy lover anyway, and as soon as Tristan learns of her deplorable experience, he vows to remedy it and be the one to teach Carys what *real* pleasure look like.

Carys's response? Yes, please! The sexual tension is perfect and the titillation supreme as they find ways to be together, and her "tutoring" sessions of course lead to deeper feelings. But with that afore-mentioned feud, the ex-lover still being villainous, treason afoot, and an escaped bear (oh, yes! There's a bear chase!) there's much else to keep these two occupied in between the love scenes that will fog your glasses.

With perfect pacing and expertly handled tension, amusing banter, lively writing, and characters you can't not fall in love with, A Daring Pursuit is a full-sized serving of [your favorite dessert here]. Is it wrong that I can't wait for Morgan and Harriett to get together already?

A Daring Pursuit is a fine historical romance with a touch of intrigue and activism. The banter and chemistry between Carys and Tristan is playful and pleasurable. The dual povs are seemless and leds itself well to moving the story forward. The character development is even, although Carys has the higher word count, hence there is more to critique. Her public persona and great emphasis on a projected cavalier attitude is grating, but her underlying insecurity is relatable. Her animal activism is a big part of her character and though admirable it seems out of place given the time. The background info and accompanied villian was promising, but the arc is over before it starts as is the connecting mystery. The mystery angle has a lot of plot holes, but the romance is good as is the series.

Tristan Montgomery is the heir to a barony. He has always disapproved of Cary Davies’ deportment. The fiery woman likes nothing more than to ruffle his feathers. She is everything Tristan does not want or require in a wife. By accident, he learns about Carys’ secret. Tristan wants nothing more than to help Carys overcome her cynical outlook on intimacy. He readily agrees to her proposal. Soon the two find themselves entangled in a treasonous plot. Can Tristan help Carys escape her blackmailer? Will he realize what she truly means to him?
Lady Carys Davies is the only sister to the new Earl of Powys. She likes to flout society’s rules by wearing scandalizing outfits and behaving boldly. Carys has a secret that could damage her reputation among the ton. It is the main reason she plans to avoid marriage. However, there is only one person who sees through Carys’ carefree and brash veneer: her personal nemesis, Tristan Montgomery. When he calls Carys out on her bluff, she proposes a shocking proposal. Can Carys melt Tristan’s icy aloofness? Will they be able to bridge their families’ age-old enmity to be together?
Tristan is a man of calm reserve and cool restraint. I love that the author paired him up with Carys. She is Tristan’s ideal counterpart. Her chaotic and vibrant nature balances his stoical personality. I like how Tristan wants to help Carys conquer her skepticism on men and relationships. He may have ulterior motives, yet he wants to prove there is more to intimacy than what she experienced. What I adore the most about Tristan is his outrage on Carys’ behalf. They may be adversaries; however, he hates that a man took advantage of her and scarred her from relationships.
I have always adored Carys’ fiery and vivacious spirit. She is a woman who is not afraid to straddle the fine line between what is proper and what is scandalous. Carys does not care what society thinks about her or her unique tastes. I admire Carys’ dedication to her family. She may defy propriety, but she knows when to step back before blackening her family’s reputation. Also, Carys does not want to endanger her brothers by telling them about her blackmailer. What I like the most about Carys is her feelings about animals. She is a self-proclaimed champion for abused or neglected animals.
A DARING PURSUIT is book two in Kate Bateman’s historical romance series, RUTHLESS RIVALS. The story can stand alone; however, I recommend reading the first book, A RECKLESS MATCH, to understand the longstanding family feud between the Davies and the Mongomerys. Prudence and Constance, Tristan’s spinster aunts, really make the story entertaining. Their candor and antics made me laugh. I cannot wait to read their hijinks in the next installment.
A DARING PURSUIT is a winsome enemies-to-lovers tale. I hope that Harriet and Morgan’s book is next. I have been sensing something brewing between the two since book one!

What a lovely story! The story lines was very enjoyable and well laid out. Characters were fun and likable (mostly) and found myself unable to lay the book down for very long. Great story!

"If she wasn't careful, she'd be desperate for him, begging for more. It might already be too late."

What You'll Find:
✔️Historical Romance
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Opposites
✔️Sizzling Steam
✔️Dual POV

Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery have always been enemies. The feud starting before they were even born between the Davies and Montgomery families. While Tristan is looking to soon wed, Carys is doing almost every scandalous thing she can to keep suitors away in hopes her secret will never be revealed. But when these two find themselves agreeing to a week of secret clandestine meetings, everything changes.

Carys and Tristan are quite the opposites. Carys is a firecracker. And Tristan, quite the strong a silent type. But they have this fiery connection that brings out banter first, and then whole other sides to each of them when they are together. I adored them both. I loved that he cared for her vulnerabilities, while she brought out the playfulness in him (behind closed doors. Or open fields-iykyk). There is nothing I love more than when a heroine is considered 'too much' for most, and the hero loves and accepts her just the way she is.

Though he puts his foot down at the peacock. You have to read it to know, but there's a great incorporation of animals in this one that kept things interesting and also shows a softer side to Carys. The side characters, as well as little bits of action really complete this story. I was smiling in the end. A truly charming, low angst/drama, entertaining, quick read. Check this one out on release day!

This is book two in the Ruthless Rivals series, and although best read in order, it could be read as a standalone.

*I received an ARC from SMP Romance and St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.

Such a cute romance! I must admit I was a little bored in the beginning, but I ended up really enjoying this one.

Historical enemies to lovers with A+ banter and a family feud make this opposites attract romance perfect!
Tristan and Carrys are each other’s perfect match, even if they don’t see it at first!
Tristan is back from the Napoleonic wars and is ready to settle down, build a home, and find a respectable bride. Carrys is used to hiding her anxiety and uncertainty behind outlandish clothes and a devil may care attitude. These two bring out the worst in each other. Or is it the best?
When Tristan finds out she’s being blackmailed, he’s enraged. The two enter a frenemies with benefits bargain and our story takes off.

The mutual pining in this one was so delicious. These two have loved each other for years but we’re too afraid to do anything about it. Tristan is so reclusive. It was lovely to see him come out of his shell when Carrys was around. And Carrys!! I loved her. She was strong with a heart of gold. They really brought out the best in each other.

It was great to see the Aunts again. They’re so freaking funny. And the secondary characters, especially Tristan’s brothers, are wonderful and I can’t wait to read their stories!

This was my first book by this author. I immediately put the first book on hold from library after I finished. I didn't realize this was book two but you don't have to read in order.

Historical romance isn't normally my cup of tea anymore. A Daring Pursuit was kind of like a hidden retelling of Ten things I hate about you.

Carys was like Kat and I loved her character.

I also loved Tristan and their banter they had together. I loved the ballroom quotes right before they had a chase towards end of book. I don't want to spoil that specifically.
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This whole book was just endearing to me and I loved every bit of it. And I couldn't stop gushing about it already.

I also read this almost in a whole day. It wasn't one sitting, but it was within one 24 hour window if you count starting time.

I might have to check this genre out again because I definitely am here for this book. Love, love, loved it!

Wish there were more words to describe how awesome it is.

Thank you so much Netgalley and publishers for allowing me chance to read and review.

Book review will probably be up on blog over next week or so.

Five stars easily.

I usually like Kate Bateman’s books and this enemies to lovers historical romance is another fun one!

We have Carys Davies, who’s known to be kind of scandalous and eccentric, but mostly that seems to be to keep potential suitors away, because she’s secretly in love with Tristan Montgomery. Problem number one is that the two families have been feuding for centuries. But when Carys is blackmailed by a former suitor, Tristan sees them, jealousy comes out in full force, which leads to burgeoning trust and eventual love, with plenty of spice in the meantime.

Enemies to lovers isn’t always my favorite, because I’ve seen it done badly, but that isn’t the case here. Kate Bateman takes us on a tale with fantastic characters and it’s nice to see the villain of the story get what’s coming to him so nicely. It’s laugh out loud funny sometimes (the aunts!) and while this could be read as a stand-alone, you get so much more of the family history and siblings by reading book one. I’m looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book from the author, and although it is second in the series it can be read as a standalone.
Overall it was an enjoyable regency read. The banter was so fun and what I expect (and love) from a enemies-to-lovers story. Though the main characters are never truly enemies to each other, their families are the enemies, so you can feel the passion they have for each other from the beginning of the book. The plot didn’t grab my attention as much as the characters.
It was a quick, fairly entertaining read for me but I don’t think I would read more from this author.

Steamy and edgy, A DARING PURSUIT is an extremely entertaining read. Ms. Bateman delivers another winning story in the Ruthless Rivals series. This tale stars Carys Davies who is a stunning lass with an impetuous, forthright personality. She loves to wear scandalous clothes and acts bodacious to hinder prospective suitors, since she is being extorted by a man she once loved. Only one man captures her heart now and it's Tristan Montgomery, her clan's rival.

Tristan Montgomery, a powerful, magnetic man, needs to find a reputable lady to wed. Only, Tristan is drawn to the outspoken redhead, Carys. Her unpredictable personality turns him on like nobody's business. When Tristan finds out a rake is fleecing her, he is furious. They might have quarreled over the years, but Carys surprises Tristan by asking him to show her about courting since she's taken a stance on single-hood. Tristan unexpectedly agrees to her plan. Only time spent together turns their already hot attraction even hotter. Their enemies-to-lovers with benefits turns difficult. Pretending they aren't a couple is harder each time they get together. Can they safeguard their hearts against the ever-increasing love they have for one another?

A DARING PURSUIT is about a secret passion smoldering between two opposing lovers from rival clans. Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery are secretly seeing each other and find themselves embroiled in a blackmail plot. Will they trust one other with their secrets, hearts and their lives? Ms. Bateman pens another suspenseful romantic story filled with twists and turns, and many spicy situations. I thought I had the plot figured out and then it went in another direction! What a fun, tense, lovely plot! There are many people from book one and some new ones as well. The squabbling stars are clearly made for each other and make a perfect couple. I always enjoy Ms. Bateman's stories and this one is a stunner! A DARING PURSUIT is audacious and flirtatious!