REVIEW: A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman is the first book in the new Ruthless Rivals series, and it was a
great way for the series to start off. Kate Bateman has always been one of my favorite authors and this book reminded me why. She has a way of creating stories with light intrigue and heroines brave enough to solve them. The book was well written and one of those books you don’t want to put down. I enjoyed the intrigue, the banter between the two feuding families, and the interesting side characters we were introduced to.

The feud between the Montgomery and Davies families had been going on for years. Eventually, a strip of land between them was designated as belonging to both families if every year a representative from each family met on the bridge dividing the families and shook hands for goodwill between the families. Over the years the feud had moved to baiting each other and childish pranks. This year Maddie Montgomery was representing her family and was hoping Gryff, the new Earl of Powys would forget the agreement.

“…teasing her was a pleasure he’d missed out on for three long, miserable years. The memory of her face was something he’d fallen back on when times were particularly hard. Wounded, exhausted after battle, he’d often reminded himself to stay alive, if only to spite her. To tease her just one more time.

The only good thing about Gryff Davis being banned from London and having to return to Trellech Court was he would get to see his archenemy, Maddie. He loved her hot temper and indignation; even though their families were enemies he had always admired her quick wit. When they find a series of caves that smugglers are using, they must work together to identify the smugglers. After a cave-in, they are forced to unite to find their way out of the caves.

I enjoyed this light, fun romance and loved seeing Gryff and Maddie slowly realize their true feelings for each other. Their generation had turned the feud around and instead of hating each other, they enjoyed having fun at each other’s expense. I loved seeing Gryff and Maddie’s slow-burn romance and they were perfect for each other. The witty banter and light intrigue made this a wonderful and easy book to read. The book sets the scene for the next books in the series, and I look forward to reading them.

Book Info:

Publication: September 28, 2021 | St. Martin’s Press | Ruthless Rivals #1

The first in a new regency romance series about two feuding families and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love.

Maddie Montgomery’s family is in debt, and her hope rests on the rival Davies clan missing their yearly “pledge of goodwill,” ceding the land that separates their estates. With Maddie’s teenage nemesis, Gryffud “Gryff” Davies, Earl of Powys, away, hope is in reach.

But then, Gryff shows up and is stunned that the tomboy he once teased is now a woman. When Gryff and Maddie discover contraband on their land, they realize it can benefit both families. But they’ve also uncovered a dangerous plot, and they need to work together to get out alive. Soon, their hatred for each other starts to feel more like attraction.

Kate Bateman brings crackling banter, steamy romance, and a dash of adventure into the first book in the Ruthless Rivals series.