I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review .
I have loved every Kate Bateman book I've read so far and this made no exception. It is a delightful, low-angst, no silly overcomplicated plot on the side frenemies-to-lovers. Basically they are both in love with the other and aware of it but unwilling to confess. The chemistry is great, appearances by other characters of the series are delightful and the smexy scenes are pretty hot. I strongly recommend it as a comfort read.

So, I haven't read the other books in the series but after this book, I'm hooked! The banter was everything, and it was highly entertaining. I was so sad when the book ended, and I had no more Harriett and Morgan. I'm excited to see what's in store for the other books though, and I will definitely read the previous books.

A 3 kiss bargain or a bet between two childhood frenemies was exactly what I needed to read. This romance had pining by the male hero, sexual tension, a bit of mystery, and romance. This was such a delicious romance that I couldn't get enough of it. The banter between the two wasn't forced and came quite naturally. The development of the romance between these two childhood rivals was written with the right amount of angst that it felt like the reader was in the presence of Harriet and Morgan. I thought the mystery involving the gold and maps was intriguing and added dimension to the story. From the heroine's back story and career-a young woman cartographer in the 1800s working with the armed forces to working for her father. Harriet was doing all the work to establish herself as a capable map maker.
I really enjoyed listening to this narrator. She brought the story alive to me. I felt like I was in the room with the characters. The scene that really grabbed me was the first kiss between Harriet and Morgan. I loved how Harriet's first kiss with Morgan made her think of the world and maps.
I wished I had read the other books in this series, but it was only a matter of time before I read them.

This is book 3 in the Reckless Rivals series. Tbe book can be read as a standalone, but I think you will enjoy it even more if you read the previous books. The Davies and the Montgomerys have a long standing rivalry, which Harriet and Morgan certainly abide by in public. They cannot betray their respective families. But in private, they secretly have feelings for each other. Morgan had gone off to the Carribean to fight for his country, and before he left Harriet made a wager with him that he wouldn't come back. And if he did, she would give him three kisses. Well, he came back all right, and he is here to collect. Morgan is ready to settle down, and now all he needs to do is convince Harriet they belo g together.
This was a lovely addition to the series. The story was well-written and entertaining and had me invested from start to finish. The characters well-developed and interesting and had amazing chemistry, and I enjoyed all the witty and fun banter between them. Looking forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

A fun and diverting historical. The banter was great and I loved the frenemies to lovers setup. I hadn't read the previous two books in the series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything jumping into this one.

Harriet and Morgan's relationship was so fun to read. Morgan was like a love sick puppy after he realizes he's in love with Harriet. I will say the "feud" between the two families is pretty non-existent by this point (being the third book in the series), so it wasn't as angsty compared to book 1. Still a great addition to the series.

4.5 stars

"This is a wicked game."
"A very wicked game. But there's no one I'd rather be playing it with than you."

You have to admire a man on a mission, and Morgan is certainly that. He has decided to make his life long nemisis his wife, after finally realizing he's been in love with her his whole life. And my goodness does the man know how to seduce a woman like no other. He had me swooning way too often, with his cheeky smiles, teasing words and heartwarming compliments. I think I might have fallen a little in love myself! That grand gesture? I would've fallen to one knee instantly.

What made this book so great for me, was the endless teasing between Morgan and Harriet, constantly trying to one-up each other and using those tactics to get what they ultimately both desired and pined after for so long: each other. It was delectable to read.

The book kept me captivated and made me want to continue reading while I was in the worst of slumps, not at all motivated to read. I kept picking it up because I wanted to continue. If that isn't the biggest compliment a book can receive, I'd be at a loss to what it would be.

I also loved the fact that Harriet being a cartologist and Morgan being a captain for the admiralty were being woven into the story through the metaphors. It really made the story richer, in my opinion, because both would be looking at the world through that lense. It's only fair they would be looking at love through it as well.

The only thing I didn't like was Harriet gaslighting Morgan about his own feelings. I understand she was in shock and didn't believe him, but I would've preferred her to just say she didn't believe him than trying to tell him he didn't know what he was feeling.

Other than that, I loved everything about this book. I will be following the series, and will be reading more from this author for sure! Can't wait for our arrogant Rhys to be brought to his knees. It's always the sceptical ones that fall the hardest!

A Wicked Game is the third book in Kate Bateman’s Ruthless Rivals series. I am a huge fan and have listened to all three via audiobooks.

✨ the series ✨

In book 1, A Reckless Match, we are introduced to feuding families - the Davies and the Montgomery families. Each book follows a different Davies and Montgomery, and we are shown their childhood rivalries and adult enemies-to-lovers style attraction. Each has the tiniest bit of adventure - smugglers and scandal and attempted murder - alongside a lot of romance.

✨ A Wicked Game ✨
Captain Morgan Davies spent the end of the war with Napolean in a prisoner of war camp due to a shipwreck by using a faulty map. On his return to London, he quickly discovers that the map was made by none other than his childhood rival, Harriet Montgomery. The woman he bet 3 kisses that he would return from the war. But Captain Davies is not the only one looking for the mysterious mapmaker.

I loved that Harriet worked for her father’s mapmaking business, y’all know I love a historical heroine who gets to have desires outside of being a wife and mother (although those things are important desires!). Morgan and Harriet were at their best when they were bantering - I felt the second quarter of the book dragged a bit with Harriet being too flustered by the three kiss situation to do or think anything particularly interesting. But the last half was so much fun and I binged it in one sitting.

Y’all also might know that I am reading almost all of my books via audiobook - the narrator is fantastic and I highly recommend this one as either a read or a listen!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the review copy! All thoughts are my own.

Once again, I am in love with these two warring families. This time we have the wonderful Harriet Montgomery and the dashing Morgan Davies. I don't think anything can top the first of the series for me, and this didn't have enough tension for my personal taste, but the writing is wonderful.

I'm glad the revenge but was essentially dropped at roughly 10%, and Morgan focuses in showing Harriet that they should be together.

There's a little mystery adventure side plot which I could take or leave. So four stars from me. But I will always read Kate Bateman. She is my top historical author right now.

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

Another hit from Kate Bateman in the latest installment of The Ruthless Rivals series! I was such a big fan of the previous two books in this series and this one did not disappoint. A Wicked Game centers on Harriet Montgomery and Morgan Davies, longtime rivals. Before Morgan sets off to sea, Harriet makes a bet that if he returns safely, she will grant him 3 kisses. Little does she know, after years on the water, Morgan has realized what he wants most is her and those 3 kisses he can't stop thinking about. Filled with witty banter, steamy seduction, and a mapmaking mystery, A Wicked Game delivers exactly what you want from a historical romance.

This book was such a good time and I really enjoyed my time with it. Although it doesn't top A Daring Pursuit for me, this was still so much fun to read. The best thing about a Bateman novel is the BANTER. She truly has a gift for creating clever and entertaining dialogue that makes me so invested in the characters and their dynamic. The conversations between Harriet and Morgan were so funny and had me kicking my feet. I also thought that the growing seduction throughout this novel was super well done and created that sense of yearning that I love most. The whole time you're wondering just how and where those 3 kisses will be which was an element I really enjoyed. I think the only thing that prevented me from giving this a full 5 stars was the characters themselves. I just happen to love Tristan and Carys a lot more, but still really enjoyed this couple as well.

If you enjoy banter and swoon-worthy seduction, please pick up this entire series. I wish this series could go on forever!!!!

This a fun and lightly steamy historical romance. I love the backdrop of a feuding family coming together. There’s a ton of fun banter, with a couple that feels perfect together. I thought the pacing was decent and there’s a bit of intrigue. I love a highly capable heroine, so I adored Harriet. This series is just tons of fun.

I've loved this series from the beginning and this is my favorite of the group.

I love love loved Harriet and Morgan. They both good, loyal and loving people who absolutely thrive while antagonizing the other. These two and their history, their button pushing, their flirting disguised as barbs was some of the best. Of course, it was fun to see the other family members too.

Plot wise, it was great. Harriet and Morgan are together nearly the entire book (which I loved) and when they're not, they were thinking about each other. The so-called tension was there, but it occurred outside of the relationship and wasn't just Morgan saving Harriet (because she definitely knows how to save herself.) The grand gesture (not due to a breakup) was amazing and the epilogue was damn near perfection.

Overall, this series has been so much fun and I could have easily read a million more pages.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing a digital copy free of charge**

All I wanted was a delicious, steamy, historical romance. And I got this book at the perfect time.
There has been one line that has stuck with me for a variety of reasons since I read this.

"He filled her. Not just from a crude, physical standpoint, but emotionally too."

If you like angst, this series is FOR YOUUUU!

Absolutely love this author and this book!! It was so wonderful! I loved the banter between Harriet and Morgan! These two have had a family rival for their entire lives, but that doesn’t stop either from thinking about the other! When Morgan tells Harriet he’s living on the high seas, Harriet issues a bet that if he returns, she will give him 3 kisses. Morgan isn’t about to lose that bet! Well Davies(Morgan) returns ready for revenge on his mapmaker since his crew were held captive for 6 months! He’s also ready to claim those kisses Harriet bet him, though Davies decided Harriet will be his forever! He thought about her everyday he was at gone! Harriet is our secret mapmaker! These two have amazing chemistry and steamy kisses(& more)! I really loved this one! The characters are wonderful too! I can’t wait for what’s next from Kate!

I was so excited when I found out that I received an ARC I love Kate Bateman's books I feel like anything she writes is golden. A Wicked Game did not disappoint, Harriet and Morgan's book was STEAMY! Their chemistry was insane and just pulled you in and made you want to keep reading. When I picked this up I could not put it down, I ended up finishing the whole book in one sitting.
Basically the story starts on the night Morgan is setting sail and Harriet bets that if Morgan came back from war she would give Morgan three kisses. Well three years end up passing from the time of the wager and that's where the story picks back up. Morgan is back in England and ready to collect his kisses.
The story is just too good not to pick up I highly recommend it. What I am excited for is the Montgomery cousin's that were hinted at for the next books in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Written in the dual POVs of Morgan Davies and Harriet Montgomery, Kate Bateman explores their long-lasting rivalry in A Wicked Game, Ruthless Rivals #3. Bateman’s description is vivid and detailed, bringing the characters and the story to life and keeping you turning the pages/listening. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I got so caught up in Morgan and Harriet’s extraordinary love story that I forgot all about the suspense plot, which is suitably resolved with danger and action. Morgan and Harriet’s fiery, sweet, sexy, funny, and steamy interactions are so fun to read. The two share a lifetime of stubborn competition covering affection, attraction, and love that deepens over time. I love their verbal sparring and competitive relationship. A simple “I dare you” or “I bet…” is all it takes to get the other to do whatever they want. I love how Bateman develops their relationship over time, interspersing flashbacks of their past with the present.

Captain Morgan Davies returns to London prepared to take revenge on the cartographer whose incorrect map led to him being shipwrecked, imprisoned, and tortured. Being imprisoned gave him clarity about his feelings for his lifelong nemesis Harriet Montgomery, from whom he’s returned to claim three kisses—his prize from their last bet. Morgan has his work cut out for him, convincing Harriet he wants to spend forever with her after a lifetime of bickering, rivalry, and one-upmanship. And imagine his surprise to discover that the mapmaker responsible for his imprisonment is none other than Harriet. Morgan uses it to his advantage to seek his sweet revenge and seduce Harriet into marriage.

Despite his taunts and challenges all these years, Harriet has always desired Morgan. Unfortunately, caring for her father with his failing eyesight and dealing with a competitor mapmaker who is copying her work doesn’t leave Harriet time for playing their games right now—as much as she enjoys them. So, she must resist his temptation. A threat from Morgan’s past puts Harriet and Morgan in danger and draws them closer together. Between that and the intimacies they share when Morgan claims his three kisses from their bet, Harriet realizes that the intense emotions tying them together may not have anything to do with them being enemies after all.

Morgan and Harriet are likable, complex, fallible, and wonderfully developed. Harriet is prickly, intelligent, studious, strong-willed, and smart-mouthed. Morgan is a witty, handsome scoundrel with a profoundly loyal heart. Though they are always at odds, both have a warped sense of humor and a shared love for adventure and the absurd. Outwardly, Harriet gives the appearance that she disapproves of him. But he makes her feel alive, so she fights their attraction out of self-preservation. The truth is that she likes him a little too much. Morgan knows it won’t be easy to win her heart, but he knows she’s worth it. I genuinely liked both Morgan and Harriet. Bateman’s steamy and sexy love scenes and interactions draw Harriet and Morgan together, developing, evolving, and revealing their characters. Harriet and Morgan make a perfect couple. They keep each other on their toes, challenging one another and giving them encouragement and strength in times of need.

It’s fantastic that Harriet engages in an unexpected profession and that Bateman weaves Harriet’s cartography skills throughout the story. I love Bateman’s creative scenes that highlight Harriet’s mapmaking skills that complement Morgan and Harriet’s longstanding rivalry and chemistry that plays into their games and competitions.

Characters from the previous books in the series appear, giving readers a chance to catch up with their lives, and they offer Morgan and Harriet much-needed advice and support in their pursuit of love. Hands down, this book is my favorite of the series. I ended up loving it and the characters far more than I expected to. The pacing is perfect, and despite some moments of angst and suspense, the novel’s tone is primarily lighthearted. A Wicked Game is a captivating, funny, sexy, sweet, steamy, and romantic historical regency read with a touch of suspense.

Advanced review copy provided by St. Martin's Paperbacks via Netgalley for review.

This historical romance was exactly what I needed nowadays. Kate Bateman rarely fails to enthral with her story telling and she did her magic once again with Harriet and Morgan's love journey.

Very shallow, quick read, consumed like a candy bar (somewhat enjoyable in the moment, becomes one-note/cloying, and instantly forgotten as soon as it's done). Starting from page one, it's clear that there isn't going to be a single conflict in the entire book. It's mostly just a question of how quickly the H/h will get together and that's about it. I love that Harriet is a mapmaker - that was very cool and different - but it mainly just felt like a plot point toward the one "conflict" in the story. The villain and that whole storyline was laughable. What the? 98% of the book is them thinking about/acting on their relationship with its faux obstacles, and the last 2% felt like it was thrown in at the end when someone read this and said, hey, shouldn't there be a plot or a villain or a twist or something? Even that final out-of-left-field scene with the villainous Frenchmen (name already forgotten) was undeveloped. Where did he appear from? How did he guess the truth? Wha?? I know it's silly to complain about anachronisms (I am usually more than willing to suspend disbelief!) but Harriet's level of freedom and independence, plus her casual acceptance of the turn their relationship takes and lack of consequences, felt contrived and unrealistic. I could almost accept the villainous Frenchman plot as being a more believable storyline, heh. It looks like I'm the outlier among reviewers and I'm glad so many others enjoyed this book, but it was not for me.

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

there's nothing like a good historical romance to get you out of a reading slump.

if you love historical romances, check this book out! the characters are fun to read about, as is their history. it was really entertaining, though i wish there was more to the plot

I really enjoyed Harriet and Morgan’s romance, but it’s also not a new favorite Kate Bateman book for me unfortunately.

As usual, I love Bateman’s ability to write fantastic banter. I also really enjoyed the “wicked game” going on between Harriet and Morgan throughout. I think this felt a little lackluster bc the two MCs were already in love with each other at the beginning of the book. We didn’t get to see them fall for each other.

I’m really looking forward to Bateman’s next series after reading that Epilogue! I can’t wait to see what she does with the “crazy” side of the Davies family.

**thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**