A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman
Series: Ruthless Rivals #1
Published by St. Martin's Publishing Group on September 28, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 320
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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"Kate Bateman's writing sparkles." - USA Today bestselling author Laura Lee Guhrke

Meet the Davies and Montgomery families - two households locked in an ancient feud, destined to be on opposing sides forever. Until now...

CAN LIFELONG HATE

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...

TURN TO TRUE LOVE

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?

A Reckless Match is the first in a new regency romance series by Kate Bateman about two feuding families, and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love.

Kate Bateman’s A Reckless Match is a fun and engaging start to the Ruthless Rivals series. The family feud backdrop gives the romance an added layer of tension, while Maddie and Gryff’s constant sparring provides equal parts humor and heat. I particularly enjoyed how Bateman balanced the lighter romantic banter with moments of genuine emotional depth, making their journey feel both entertaining and heartfelt. The treasure hunt subplot added a fresh twist, keeping the pacing lively without overshadowing the central romance. While not without a few predictable beats, the charm and energy of the writing made this a delightful read. For anyone who enjoys witty dialogue, feuding families, and enemies-to-lovers sparks, this book is well worth adding to your Regency romance shelf.