A Daring Pursuit
The Ruthless Rivals
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4.6 • 40 Ratings
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
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 A Daring Pursuit.
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Bateman's transfixing second Ruthless Rivals Regency romance (after A Reckless Match) embraces the adage about keeping one's enemies closer than one's friends as members of rival families engage in a heated affair. Lady Carys Davies is constantly pushing the edge of propriety with her scandalous fashion sense. But her neighbor, Tristan Montgomery, whose family and the Davies are in a centuries-long feud, believes that Carys has finally gone too far when he becomes convinced that she's having an affair with the married Christopher Howe, who was courting and jilted Carys before his wedding. The real reason for Christopher and Carys's secret meetings, however, is that he's blackmailing her with the threat of disclosing that he took her virginity. When Tristan learns the truth, he's incensed on Carys's behalf—even more so when she admits she was underwhelmed by their lone sexual encounter. Unable to deny the sizzling attraction between them, Tristan offers to show Carys what she was missing—but what was supposed to be a purely physical arrangement becomes much more intense as feelings grow. The ambitious, intelligent leads are admirable and easy to root for, and their erotic spark is undeniable. The fast-paced romance and undercurrent of suspense keeps the pages flying.
Customer Reviews
All time favorite
LOVE LOVE LOVE these characters
Enemies to Lovers
Very well written story, never a dull moment. Carys takes risky options to protect her secret and deflect from the attention of the gentry, smart lady. Tristan is drawn to her regardless. Their personalities and crossing paths situations are very engaging encounters creating friction and build up. She's strong, love her spirit but she's in over her head holding onto her secret. Tristan is the perfect knight and their chemistry is off the charts. They make a perfect team and thoroughly enjoyed their love story to the fullest which is one of the best I've read so far this year. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and leave a review.
Davies and Montgomery, Again
Opposites is a perfect way to describe Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery. It fits. Their families have been feuding for as long as anyone can remember. Carys is a bit wild and likes to shock society (a little bit). No one realizes the behavior is a response to a hurt in the past, and she is being blackmailed. Tristan is a straitlaced, upright architect. They would never admit it; they bicker and fuss, but there is an attraction between them. They agree to, and think, a week-long affair will get them out of each other’s system. Yeah, maybe that will work. This is an enjoyable romance with humor, secrets, blackmail, treason. It doesn’t sound like much fun, but it is, and there is a happy ending. The characters are great. The villains deserve to be hated. Tristan, Carys, their friends and family are all likeable, some huggable. A great addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.