Author: Kate Bateman
Series: The Ruthless Rivals (Book 2)
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (May 24, 2022)
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?
My Thoughts: The second book in the Ruthless Rivals romances stars Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery. They have secretly been fascinated with each other since they were children, but the Davies-Montgomery feud has kept them apart.
Carys is built herself quite a reputation in London for her outrageous outfits and bold nature. After a distressing encounter with a man she thought would be marrying her, Carys needs to hide that she is no longer a virgin. That and blackmail from the blackguard who seduced her, has kept her from any thought of marriage. Besides she knows that sex just isn't that great.
Tristan Montgomery is back from the war with Napoleon and trying to build his career as an architect. He's looking for the perfect woman to be his wife. She should be someone who will support his career. He's found a candidate even though she doesn't interest him nearly as much as Carys.
When he comes upon Carys after a brief encounter with her blackmailer, he discovers that he has major protective instincts where she is concerned. He also proposes that he would be an excellent teacher for the amatory arts. After all, she doesn't know what she would be missing if she remained unwed or married one of her suitors who preferred men.
As they two explore each other, each becomes more in love than they were before, but neither is thinking of marriage, until one encounter goes too far, and her blackmailer threatens to destroy her reputation. It helps their cause that the blackmailer is being blackmailed into funneling money to Napoleon which would do a lot more than ruin his reputation if it came out.
This was an entertaining and romantic story. I enjoyed both main characters.
Favorite Quote:
Favorite Quote:
Wasn't that the true measure of love? entrusting something with its freedom, and having it return to you through choice? Keeping it with kindness, not restraint?I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.
I like the sound of this read. Ideal for some escapist enjoyment.
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