BLURB
From #1 bestselling author of historical romances, Kate Bateman, comes a new regency series about two feuding families, and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love, A RECKLESS MATCH (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, September 28, 2021, $8.99). Kate Bateman brings crackling banter, steamy romance, and a dash of adventure into the first book in the Ruthless Rivals series.
Madeline Montgomery grew up despising––and secretly loving––the roguish Gryffud “Gryff” Davies. Their families have been bitter rivals for hundreds of years, but even if her feelings once crossed the line between love and hate, she’s certain Gryff never felt the same. Now, she’s too busy saving her family from ruin to think about Gryff and the other “devilish” Davies siblings. Since he’s off being scandalous in London, it’s not like she’ll ever see him again...
As the new Earl of Powys, Gryff Davies planned on spending his post-war life enjoying the pleasures of London. But when an illegal duel forces him to retreat to his family’s Welsh castle, he realizes the only exciting thing in the dull countryside will be seeing the fiery Maddie Montgomery. Thoughts of his nemesis sustained Gryff throughout the war; but the girl he loved to tease has grown into a gorgeous, headstrong woman – who loathes him just as much as she ever did. Will secret tunnels, dangerous smugglers, and meddling from their feuding families be enough to make Maddie and Gryff realize that their animosity is really attraction...and maybe even love?
It all started as a dispute over a pig! Now centuries later, a bitter rivalry still exists between the Davies' and the Montgomerys'.
It's The Spring Equinox and Madeline "Maddie" Montgomery is patiently waiting for the new earl to meet up and exchange a promise that both families will remain civil towards each other for the coming year. As the time nears midday, Maddie hopes no one turns up because it would mean the Davies' would cede the common land they share… a place likely to be rich with coal and gold. However, just as she is certain, good fortune will save the day for her family, Gryff appears. Only, instead of shaking her hand to confirm another peaceful year, he steals a kiss from her…
Gryffud "Gryff" Davies, Earl of Powys is at Trellech Court, his ancestral home after fleeing London due to taking part in an illegal duel. As someone who has recently inherited the earldom, it's a chance for him to learn more about the responsibilities he's reluctantly shouldered with. On 21st March, as part of his duty, he has to meet with a Montgomery and shake their hand as a sign to continue their agreement; to remain tolerant towards each other. However, as he approaches the meeting place, he's surprised to see Maddie Montgomery, the girl he used to tease. Only, she's now a grown woman… a very beautiful one!
As I've come to expect, the author has written another fabulous novel, brimming with detail and romance. Both the protagonists are extraordinary characters in their own way, as we learn more about them. It's always satisfying when a heroine has substance, as Maddie's feisty character shines and proves she is so much more than just an earl's daughter. Equally, Gryff is a swoon-worthy hero and deserving of the woman he teased relentlessly as a child. The dialogue is fun and flirty and the historical references are insightful and combine into an all-round entertaining novel.
A Reckless Match is the first novel in Ms Bateman's new series; Ruthless Rivals and I can't wait to pick up and read more from one of my favourite historical novelists.
***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***
Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA® nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, and the novels in the Secrets & Spies series To Steal a Heart, A Raven’s Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart. When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. Follow her on Twitter to learn more.
