Publication Day Review: A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman

 

A DARING PURSUIT by KATE BATEMAN

 (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, May 24, 2022, $8.99).

 The Davies and Montgomery families have been locked in an ancient feud. But it’s a thin line between love and hate, in Kate Bateman’s newest entry in the Ruthless Rivals series, 

TWO ENEMIES

Carys Davies is doing everything in her power to avoid marriage. Staying single is the only way to hide the secret that could ruin her—and her family—if it was revealed. For the past two seasons she’s scandalized the ton with her outrageous outfits and brazen ways in a futile bid to deter potential suitors. Outwardly confident and carefree, inside she’s disillusioned with both men and love. There’s only one person who’s never bought her act—the only man who makes her heart race: Tristan Montgomery, one of her family’s greatest rivals.

ONE SCANDALOUS BARGAIN

Wickedly proper architect Tristan needs a respectable woman to wed, but he’s never stopped wanting bold, red-headed Carys. When she mockingly challenges him to show her what she’s missing by not getting married, Tristan shocks them both by accepting her indecent proposal: one week of clandestine meetings, after which they’ll go their separate ways. But kissing each other is almost as much fun as arguing, and their affair burns hotter than either of them expects. When they find themselves embroiled in a treasonous plot, can they trust each other with their hearts, their secrets…and their lives?

Since the wedding between Rhys Davies and Maddie Montgomery (A Reckless Match, Ruthless Rivals #1), the Davies and Montgomery families have temporarily halted their hostilities between each other. With the season in full swing, the well-breed in society are flitting between parties and social gatherings in London. With a reputation for the outrageous, Carys Davies is again the talk of the ton, with her daring gowns and antics, as she continues to decline every marriage proposal as they happen. Back from fighting in the Napoleonic wars, neighbour, Tristan Montgomery needs a wife… neither sees each other as a compatible match….And besides, their families wouldn’t approve?

Carys Davies has no intention of getting married. A past indiscretion has come back to haunt her, and therefore, to avoid a scandal, she is resigned to living her life as a spinster. Only, her secret is revealed… to her enemy, Tristan Montgomery. However, when the gentleman understands her dilemma, he agrees to help…in a mutually agreeable way!

Tristan Montgomery relishes the challenge of playing cards with those he knows are poor at the game. It's an opportunity and a distraction and he's feeling lucky. The result … he wins a carriage! When he goes to collect his prize, he’s stunned when Carys Davies is sitting inside. He instantly presumes, she’s waiting for her lover… a married man. Curiosity piques his interest as he seeks to find out the truth… with life-changing consequences.

The interaction between Carys and Tristan is adorable and surprisingly honest. I admire how the pair conduct their communications; both are open and forthright, which is intoxicating. The highlight of the narrative is how these “enemies” turn a convenient arrangement into something greater than either of them could predict. Even though they come from rival families, it’s clear they have been aware of each other since childhood. Memories of childish antics quickly evaporate as Tristan offers to help Carys out of her predicament. It’s naughty, but oh so good, as combustible chemistry triggers more than lust between two people who are as different as chalk and cheese.

The author brings us back to familiar territory; the Welsh backdrop where the thaw between the two families began. It’s a chance for readers to catch up with familiar characters and become acquainted with those who are far friendlier than their ancestors, who tore these close neighbours apart. As with the first instalment in this series, this too can be enjoyed as a stand-alone… it comes highly recommended by myself.

Overall, this isn’t my favourite novel by Ms Bateman. While the push and pull of the relationship dynamics between Carys and Tristan are exceptional, the sub-plot where the villain gets his comeuppance didn’t hit the spot for me. This, however, is still a top rate novel... just a tad shy away from a full 5 stars.

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin’s Paperbacks via NetGalley***

AMAZON US               AMAZON UK

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, the Bow Street Bachelors series (This Earl of Mine, To Catch an Earl, and The Princess and the Rogue), along with 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.

@SMPRomance

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Publication Day Spotlight: A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

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?

REVIEW

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***

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US               Amazon UK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

Publication Day Book Review: The Princess and the Rogue by Kate Bateman

From the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, Kate Bateman, comes the third book and final book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, THE PRINCESS AND THE ROGUE (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, December 29, 2020, $7.99). A princess in disguise is forced to live with a rogue in order to protect her from danger in this fun, sexy regency romance.

Bow Street agent Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray, doesn’t believe in love—until a passionate kiss with a beautiful stranger in a brothel forces him to reconsider. When the mysterious woman is linked to an intrigue involving a missing Russian princess, however, Seb realizes her air of innocence was too good to be true.

Princess Anastasia Denisova has been hiding in London as plain ‘Anna Brown’. With a dangerous traitor hot on her trail, her best option is to accept Wolff’s offer of protection—and accommodation—at his gambling hell. But living in such close quarters, and aiding Wolff in his Bow Street cases, fans the flames of their mutual attraction. If Anya’s true identity is revealed, does their romance stand a chance? Could a princess ever marry a rogue?

AMAZON US          AMAZON UK

Ah, finally, it's Sebastien Wolff, Earl of Mowbray's time to follow, albeit reluctantly in his friends' footsteps; to find a wife. Eagerly anticipated doesn't convey my excitement to read more about the Bow Street Bachelors. 

Sebastien has lost his motivation. His friends have moved out of The Tricorn to live with their new wives and he's all alone… lonely. To occupy his time, he focuses on his work as one of the Bow Street agents. On this occasion, it leads him to a collision course with a missing Russian princess.  

Anastasia "Anya" Denisova is living as plain Anna Brown in London after escaping from Paris. That's until she crosses paths with Sebastien Wolff in a brothel!  

For those familiar with the author's novels, you'll know how she crafts fascinating backgrounds around her characters intertwined with intriguing plot-lines, laced with historical details. With a London backdrop, they are fast-paced, page-turners. The Princess and the Rogue are no exception. There's the romance between the protagonists but also a strong thread of camaraderie as we keep abreast of how the other previous bachelors are getting along as married men. There's much humour as well as sizzling chemistry between Sebastien and Anya as they move towards a happy ending. 

Overall, a fabulous finale to an equally wonderful series. I've loved following the Bow Street Bachelors find their true loves and their intriguing investigations to find them. Ms Bateman is now one of my favourite author's for historical romances and this series comes highly recommended.  

***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.

Release Day Review: To Catch An Earl by Kate Bateman

From the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, Kate Bateman, comes the second book in the Bow Street Bachelors series, TO CATCH AN EARL (St. Martin’s Paperbacks, June 30, 2020, $7.99). A case of secret identities finds reunited lovers on opposite sides of the law in this fun, flirty Regency romance.

Alex Harland, Earl of Melton and dedicated rake, never pictured himself as an agent of inquiry. But the thrill of investigation is a challenge he now embraces. When he’s asked to pursue the Nightjar, a notorious thief who is reclaiming France’s crown jewels, the case throws him into the path of the beautiful and equally elusive Emmy Danvers, reminding him of the only puzzle he’s never solved: the identity of the mysterious woman who once stole a kiss from him—and left him wanting so much more…

The daughter of a thief, Emmy learned long ago how to keep her secrets safeguarded—and, as the notorious Nightjar, her love for Alex Harland is one of them. With the determined earl hot on her trail—and making her hot under the collar—Emmy has no choice but to keep her distance. But when a moment’s danger threatens Emmy’s life as well as her name, will Alex finally discover that he’s followed every clue…to true love?

After reading This Earl is Mine, I've been eagerly awaiting this second novel in the Bow Street Bachelors series. I adored Georgiana and Benedict's story, a difficult act to follow, but I admit, to enjoying this one a little bit more!

Emmy Danvers is a thief, a detail only known to her family. Unknown to the outside world, she is the Nightjar, a wanted criminal and someone the Bow Street Runners are trying to capture. So far, she has evaded capture, but with Earl Melton, Alex Harland on the case it's a bitter-sweet fact because the tall, handsome gentleman is the one who stole her heart four years ago.

Alex Harland never forgot the kiss he shared with a woman at a masquerade ball four years ago. She's invaded many of his dreams over time and a constant source of irritation to the fact he didn't know who she was. As he begins to investigate the case of a missing diamond, the work of the notorious Nightjar, he gets a whiff of a perfume triggering memories of his mysterious love. Is she, the criminal he must hunt and capture?

Like the previous Bow Street Bachelor book, the narrative is a well thought out, brimming with fascinating facts and details along with an agreeable band of secondary characters. It's refreshing to meet engaging protagonists, from equally intriguing backgrounds, come together in uncommon circumstances. The banter between Emmy and Alex is humorous and electrically charged with smouldering lust as the pair circle each other, knowing one is the hunter, the other the prey.

The outcome is a happy one as Alex finally meets his match, a strong-willed and intelligent woman. We learn Benedict is blissfully happy with his adored, independent wife. Sebastian Wolff remains the only bachelor of The Tricorn Club to meet his match… I can't wait to discover who that'll be!

***arc generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley***

Amazon US           Amazon UK

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.

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New Release Spotlight, and Review: This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman

This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman

Introducing the Bow Street Bachelors—men who work undercover for London’s first official police force—and the women they serve to protect. . .and wed?

Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is done with men who covet her purse more than her person. Even worse than the ton’s lecherous fortune hunters, however, is the cruel cousin determined to force Georgie into marriage. If only she could find a way to be . . . widowed? Georgie hatches a madcap scheme to wed a condemned criminal before he’s set to be executed. All she has to do is find an eligible bachelor in prison to marry her, and she’ll be free. What could possibly go wrong?

Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street. Georgie doesn’t realize who he is when she marries him—and she most certainly never expects to bump into her very-much-alive, and very handsome, husband of convenience at a society gathering weeks later. Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together…until actual death do they part?

 https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250305961

This is my first Kate Bateman novel and it's fabulous.

Georgiana Caversteed needs a husband to prevent her greedy cousin from snatching her inheritance away from her. Therefore, she hatches a plan which involves marrying a convict destined for the gallows at Newgate prison. However, the man she never expected to see again after her marriage isn't executed… he's very much alive, as is the memory of the kiss they shared to seal their devious contract.

I love the refreshing originality of the plot, it's unlike anything I've read previously. I devoured it in one sitting because I couldn't tear myself away. Georgiana is a strong and determined heroine, even though her idea to foil her cousin wasn't her finest hour. Benedict Wylde is a fine specimen of a hero and proves to be an honourable gentleman. His background suggests he'll try to outwit his newly acquired wife, but instead, he supports and respects her in her capacity as a business owner. Together, they make an exciting and intriguing couple.

In some way, what's possible for a woman to achieve nowadays compared to the nineteenth century differs greatly and I wonder if Georgiana achievements could be possible. Yet, I respect the author's vision for her leading lady because it created such an exhilarating story.

I'm patiently waiting for the next instalment of this wonderful new series but meanwhile, I'll pick up some of the author's other works.

***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.