A RECKLESS MATCH by Kate Bateman - A Reader's Opinion
A Reader's Opinion
Delicious and delightful, A Reckless Match is a historical romance worthy of the name.
Ruthless rivals indeed! The Davies and Montgomerys have existed side-by-side, feuding, pranking, and cavorting for far too long, but if Gryff and Madeline have anything to say about it, the feud is about to get more interesting. I found everything about this book delightful, as it took me back to many of my favorite classic historical romances. It normally takes me a bit of time to get through a digital book (paperback love here), but I could not stop swiping the pages.
It’s a toss-up at times who I liked better, but Gryff ended up at the top because, darn it, he’s irresistibly charming (the shawl scene is most excellent). His banter with Madeline is so much fun because they each give as good as they get. Of course, we know they are going to have a happy ending, but the tension and chemistry leading up to that ending are perfectly paced. The author dangles just enough here and there to keep the reader wanting more.
In terms of sexual content, the passion feels natural, rather than added by rote, which is refreshing. I appreciate the author’s balance between giving the reader enough to want to pull out the fans without overdoing it. There's plenty going on in the story to keep the reader engaged on every level.
It has been too long since I’ve come across an author who delivers a classic-style romance like this (right up there with my favorite Malory novels by Johanna Lindsey), and I am thrilled to have this introduction to Bateman’s writing. I will be reading every book in this series because I absolutely must know what is going to happen with the Davies and Montgomerys next!
A Reckless Match is a fun and scintillating ride that is sure to delight fans of historical romance. I dare you not to fall in love.
A Reckless Match
Ruthless Rivals, Book 1
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.
BOOK INFO
Genre: Historical Regency Romance
Release: Sept 28, 2021
Pages: 336pp
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Format Read: E-Book
Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Reviewed by: MK
Content Rating: 5 Hearts - Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice-cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. (Reviewer's Note: There is only one graphic scene, but there is more than one passionate embrace. Falls somewhere between 4 and 5 Hearts).
NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more.
