A Reckless Match

Written by Kate Bateman

Narrated by Beverley A. Crick

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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705039755

Kate Bateman

Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is a bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA® nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, the Bow Street Bachelors series (This Earl of Mine, To Catch an Earl, and The Princess and the Rogue), along with the novels in the Secrets & Spies series (To Steal a Heart, A Raven’s Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart). When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. Follow her on Twitter to learn more.

Reviews for A Reckless Match

[Emily Lassiter Branch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've been reading more historical romances than usual the past couple of years - they're the perfect escape reads for me. So when I had the opportunity to try a new-to-me HR author, I happily took the chance. I'm glad I did - this one was an enjoyable read. It's a bit of a Romeo & Juliet scenario - the Davies and Montgomery families have been feuding for generations, but among the latest generation, Madeline Montgomery and Gryff Davies have been secretly attracted to each other since childhood. When they're thrown together again as adults, sparks begin to fly. We know where they'll end up, but their journey to their happy ending is a fun ride complete with smugglers, secret treasure, a villainous suitor who all but twirls his mustache, and some spelunking. This was good stuff - and I look forward to the next book in the series. (And to catching up on some of Bateman's other books.)
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

[Charlotte · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars

This is probably one of the few historical romances I've read which has had a plot to it other than the romance.

There's a long-standing family feud between the Davies and Montgomery households which all started over a pig. As years go on one day out of the year the head of the family meets at a certain point between the family's land. Maddie's father wasn't able to make the meet this year and therefore Maddie has to endure the encounter with Gryff Davies. The new Earl of Powys. Since their last encounter before Gryff headed to war, Maddie's family has been struggling with financial difficulties and now Maddie has to keep her mind open to marrying a horrible man.

As their story goes on they end up trekking through secret tunnels with casualties along the way to try and reveal the smugglers in the town. Their close proximity and childhood hate for each other flourishes into something else and Gryff really showed off his cinnamon roll inside. He had such a soft inside for Maddie once you got past that gruff exterior. The little ending had me swooning.

[Roxana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the enemies to lovers storyline. The buildup of attraction between Maddie and Gryff and their endless banter was wonderful.

[scribblers-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An ancient feud was put to rest with a handshake. A handshake each year from a member of each family cemented the truce. But this year the Davies were late. Or so Madeline Montgomery hoped. With minutes to spare, it was not to be as her nemesis rode into sight. The new Earl of Powys.Tension simmers amongst their wants. Maddie could not trust although she desperately wished to know more about the mischievous boy who once taunted her that is now very much a man. Including herself on a mission meant for one, Gryff’s gentlemanly advances turn to more as they are outed with Maddie unchaperoned. But it can never be, for a Davies and Montgomery could never be civil to another. Or could they?Bateman tells a sweet tale of a family feud put to rest with the unlikely union many fathers would not approve. Yet Maddie and Gryff are about to embark upon a very un-regency match of old. The first book of The Ruthless Rivals set the stage. I want to read more from this talented author. I received this book as an advance review copy free from NetGalley . I have read and reviewed this book voluntarily.--Brenda, JustViews

[leisjenn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Reckless Match was a fun enemies to lovers regency romance. It's fast pace and enjoyable characters made it a fun read and had me always saying just one more chapter. I absolutely couldn't put it down.

[libstaff2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Surprisingly fresh and a little different, this novel is a pretty good start to a new historical romance series. Interesting characters, a fun adventure, and sweet romance. Look forward to the next one in the series. For historical romance fans.Net Galley Feedback

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. There was a lot I enjoyed about this book, and I look forward to the others in the series. I received an advance copy to review, but my opinions are entirely my own. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity regardless.

I'm a bit wary of enemies to lovers stories honestly, sometimes the characters spend nearly the entire book being absolutely horrible to each other, only to suddenly 'see them in a different light' near the end and claim to have actually been in love the whole time, or some such rubbish. I don't care for it. But, I can totally work with the Romeo and Juliet/rival clans vibe, so there's definitely some overlap between the two. This felt more like 'worthy opponents to lovers' or something, which was a lot more fun and less angsty in my opinion.

I liked that it was two feuding families on the Welsh/English border, and that there was lots of opportunity for them to be thrust together despite their personal 'opposition' to each other. A couple of the future couples were set up well in this book without hijacking the story. And the heroine wasn't helpless which I appreciate. There were also some definite cute parts, and I laughed out loud quite a bit, especially in the beginning.

The drawbacks were that the pacing lagged at times, and it seemed like, (though I did not count), the heroine had three chapters from her perspective for every one that was told from the hero's. (I personally typically enjoy the perspectives from the heroes more, so this might be less of a drawback for others. And I did particularly enjoy the hero's in this book. Still, it didn't seem well balanced to me). The characters were generally likable, but the heroine was a bit daft at times especially near the end. And also near the end, the hero would seem like he'd come to realise his true feelings and desires regarding the heroine and might begin to take steps toward that or something, but then the next moment he would think or say something that made me realize he hadn't actually fully grasped the situation yet after all. And it happened multiple times. I felt like I kept starting to give him credit for catching on ahead of the game, and then having to take it away again. None of the issues were enormous, and may even be smoothed out before the final draft. But they interrupted my otherwise enjoyable reading experience.

[cathygeha · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A Reckless Match by Kate BatemanRuthless Rivals #1Capulets and the Montagues, the Hatfields and the McCoys, and the Montgomerys and the Davies were all in feuds with one another so when Griff Davies returns from war and meets again with Maddie Montgomery…sparks fly, chemistry ignites and love just might be in the air.What I liked: * Maddie: strong, independent, interested in archaeology, nonconformist, curious, intrepid, modern thinking, loves her family. * Gryff: strong, wise, lethal, survivor, soldier, capable, caring, has a sense of humor, intrigued by Maddie, problem solver. * The legend of the feud* That the two families seem to have spent time together or at least time observing one another* The frenemy feel to the feud* The spelunking portions of the story* That the bad guys were dealt with handily* The teamwork between Gryff and Maddie* Wondering which of the frenemies will be paired up next as already Carys and Tristan and/or Morgan and Harriet have been indicated as potential soul mates…but then again…what about Rhys?* That I felt Maddie and Gryff were well suited to one anotherWhat I didn’t like: * The smugglers and what they were willing to do to achieve their aims* Exactly what I was meant not to like.Did I enjoy this book? YesWould I read more in this series? I think soThank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4 Stars

[eyes92c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reckless is the key!Welsh Clan Davies and the English family, the Montgomery’s had been feuding for centuries over…a stolen pig?…or maybe a stolen woman? No matter it’s so far back in time the root cause has been forgotten, although the dissension lives on. Oh, and then there’s the ‘no man’s’ strip of land either side of the river which is the boundary between the two factions, as decreed by King Henry VII. He was exasperated by the whole sorry mess being played out on the border country of Wales and England. Talk about the Capulets and Montagues! Or to Henry’s mind, the Medici’s and the Borgia’s.Each year on the spring equinox, a representative of the families must meet on the narrow bridge spanning the river and shake hands. Failure to appear means that strip of land is forfeited by the family who fails to turn up for the occasion.In this year of 1815 Madeline Montgomery is her family’s representative. The end of the time specified is approaching and no Davies has appeared. Just as she’s about to metaphorically dance a victory jig, the rogue and her childhood tormentor Gwf Davies rides over the hill.Gwf is back in Wales taking a rest from Prinny’s gaze. He’s just been involved in a duel. Prinny does not approve!Meanwhile Maddie is trying to bring the family fortunes around. And yes that much discussed strip of land is involved.There’s a cast of interesting characters including two wicked and eccentric aunts. Always dropping rather charged comments. I loved them!Off to stage left, or is it right? are a couple of interesting relationships that bear watching. The story has it all—feuding lead characters smouldering with desire, adventure, near death experiences, hidden treasure (sort of), miles of caves (I felt the walls closing in) and mystery.Quite a lot is happens, with some rather comic moments. Amusing remenicents bring a lighter note to the heaving, electric emotions that charge the atmosphere between our two lead characters. Their struggles to fight that attraction of course just increases tensions, and leads to some rather steamy interplay. However resolution of land use problems and Maddie’s financial situation is not clear and the road ahead is somewhat rocky.An easy, fun read!A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley

[whiskeyinthejar-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 starsI received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. According to the Montgomerys, the pig was stolen. According to the Davies clan, it got lost. For over 500yrs the Montgomerys and the Davies have had a contentious neighborly relationship. Whether it was a pig or woman who started it, Madeline Montgomery and Gryff Davies have kept the feud going. Teasing and pranks were pulled while kids and while Gryff was away fighting Napoleon for three years, both have actually missed each other. When Maddie learns that her father has lost the family fortune in a stock scam, she's hoping that the Davies siblings all stay in London and don't show up for the handshake Henry VII decreed to try and stop the feuding between the two families. On the Spring Equinox, a member from each family must meet on the strip of no-man's-land between the two estates and shake hands, if someone from a family's side doesn't show up, the other family gets the land. Maddie needs the money that could come from owning the land but with minutes to spare, the worst Davies shows up.“Well, well. Maddie Montgomery. Did you miss me, cariad?”With a light and sweet tone, A Reckless Match starts off the Ruthless Rivals series. I enjoyed the set-up of the English Montgomery's endlessly feuding with the Welsh Davies and loved how the author gave our couple's fathers an undercover friendship from it. From the start, it was obvious that Gryff liked Maddie, he's candid in his thoughts of how much he cares and missed her. Maddie was struck by lightening and he thinks about how when he heard this, how shaken he was. Their teasing and back and forth always had a lightness and little sizzle that made you want them to never leave each other's side because they were a fun couple to be with.He shouldn’t be goading her, of course. It could only lead to trouble. But 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 plot has the two discovering an underground cave on their no-man's-land and while exploring it, learning that smugglers are using it to hide their barrels. It's a lighter mystery that works to keep them together and pulls in some side characters, Gryff's brothers, Maddie's cousin, and an unwanted suitor of Maddie's. I usually like a little tease alluding to future couples but this had some overkill in that department. Gryff's brother Morgan and Maddie's cousin Harriet and Maddie's older brother Tristan and Gryff's younger sister Carys, are obviously future couples and they seem to have an extremely similar relationship and set-up as Maddie and Gryff. Did I enjoy Maddie and Gryff's relationship? Yes. Do I want to read the exact same dynamic three times in a row in the same series? Not really. The expression in his eyes was one of undisguised admiration and Maddie’s heart missed a beat. He’d called her remarkable.There wasn't a lot of exploring of our character's make-up, I know Maddie's mother died when she was ten and Gryff was off soldiering for three years, the focus is solidly on the here and now and the teasing with wanting more between the two. I greatly enjoyed the first 60% of this but started to get a little restless, especially when I hit 70%. Maddie and Gryff are trapped in a cave and even though we're in the back-half of the book, their relationship felt exactly the same. They still are doing the fun teasing and I still felt the sizzle but where was the relationship growth? The last 40% just didn't give me the development between the two that I was looking for, their relationship felt exactly the same as when I was reading in chapter one. Ten years of teasing and flirting— yes, that’s what it had been, she could admit it now— had always been coming to this. This bonfire.The all too easy match-ups have me a bit worried for the future couples' stories and Maddie and Gryff's relationship didn't really change from the start to the end enough for me. However, the majority of this story was plain fun with it's light tone and the little bit of sizzle to their teasing. There were also numerous interesting tidbits included about the times that were engaging and had me going off to read more about. If you're looking for light sweet teasing with a sizzle, this would be one to pick up.

[barbararogers-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Be still my heart! This book sucks you in from the first line and doesn’t let go. It has everything! There are dastardly smugglers, slimy suitors, pitch-black caves, explosions, snappy banter, equally strong lead characters, fantastic supporting characters who will hopefully have their own books, a family feud to rival the Hatfields and McCoys, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that is wonderful.The Davies and Montgomery families have been feuding for hundreds of years – and it all began with a pig – or a woman. Nobody is actually sure anymore; they just know they are enemies. These sworn enemies are neighbors even though the Davies’ estate is in Wales and the Montgomery’s estate is in England. Whatever the issue, they’ll choose opposite sides – even if it is in their best interest to be in agreement.The Davies children – Gryff, Rhys, Morgan, and Carys – and the Montgomery children – Tristan, Maddie, and cousin Harriet – all grew up playing tricks on each other and taunting each other. The author has included nods to a number of old movies like Bringing Up Baby, as well as the snappy banter from Moonlighting. You will be laughing out loud at the descriptions of some of the things they did to each other when they were children. You’ll also give out a big heartfelt sigh when you read the story of the shawl.Gryffud Llewellyn Davies returned from the Napoleonic wars as the new Earl of Powys because his father passed away while he was at war. He couldn’t even return for the funeral. He decided he’d spend time in London to relax and enjoy himself before returning to his country home – and that worked well until there was a duel and he decided it would be in his best interest to leave London. He really doesn’t want to be back at Trellech Court with its quiet boredom. The only thing he had to look forward to was annoying his neighbor. He wonders how much she’s changed in the three years he’s been gone. Of course, he firmly believed that “Spending time with her was the mental equivalent of beating himself over the head with a shovel.”Madeline (Maddie) Montgomery has certainly followed Gryff’s exploits in London and is fully expecting that he will not be at the required annual meeting between the families. Hundreds of years ago, a king had gotten so tired of the feud between the families that he’d made an edict that required them to meet and shake hands each year at noon on the summer equinox. If one family doesn’t have a representative, the other family wins total ownership of a parcel of shared land. Maddie just knows this will be the year they get that land – and they really need it. But … then she sees the horse and rider …I loved Maddie and Gryff together because they were absolutely perfect for each other. I loved seeing them come to realize that they really didn’t hate each other at all and never had. Their admiration for each other grew and grew as they worked to explore the caves, round up violent smugglers, thwart a slimy suitor – and save Maddie’s family from financial ruin. The book is non-stop excitement! I read it straight through because I just couldn’t put it down. It is a well-written set-up and introduction to what promises to be a wonderful new series.I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story was a nice start to a historical romance series. The Montgomery family and the Davies family have had neighboring estates for centuries. And through all that time they have been enemies and rivals in every possible arena. It got so bad that the king set up a buffer zone between the two estates and required one Montgomery and one Davies to meet on a bridge in the middle of that territory and shake hands once a year on the equinox.This year Maddie Montgomery is hoping that the Davies representative won't show up. Her father has made some bad financial decisions and the family really needs to own the buffer zone to make a financial recovery. If not, Maddie might be forced to marry the distasteful local magistrate. With just moments to spare, Gryff Davies shows up. He's been forced to leave his military career since his father's death and his inheritance of the land. And he's been building a reputation in London as quite a rake including dueling which is only marginally legal. Worst of all, Gryff has been Maddy's nemesis since they were children. Each has had a (mostly) secret crush on the other since they were children. Now events keep throwing them together. First, he rescues her from a fall into an unknown and unexplored cave. Then they discover smugglers and get trapped in the caves after the smugglers set off an explosion.This was a fun romance. I liked that Maddie was a bluestocking with an interest in archaeology. I liked that Gryff was honorable and heroic and his reputation as a rake undeserved. I liked the side characters and can see where the next romances are probably going. Fans of the genre will enjoy this engaging story.

[grandmacootie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh, Kate Bateman! Please keep writing these riveting Regency romances. Just seeing your name on the cover assures me that here is another story I’m going to love. And I haven’t been disappointed yet. HEA for our hero and heroine, and HEA for me.Are Maddie and Gryff hardheaded or what? They were raised being told their families always have, have now, and always will have a bitter feud between them. So they hate each other. But do they? Maddie has thoughts about Gryff she quickly pushes away, because surely she couldn’t be attracted to that rogue. Could she??? As for Gryff, he enjoyed teasing Maddie relentlessly when they were children, but they aren’t children now. Sure, thoughts of her got him through the war, but those were just thoughts. The flesh and blood woman is feisty, headstrong, stubborn . . . but gorgeous and smart, and, wait, this attraction can’t be real either, can it???A Reckless Match, the first in the Ruthless Rivals series, is typical Kate Bateman. A marvelous blend of heat and humor with a bit of mystery and danger thrown in the mix. Maddie and Gryff taking two steps toward each other and then a giant leap back in fear of commitment or fear of embarrassment is delightful to watch. The dialogue between them simply crackles as the sparks fly. They are the perfect match to outtalk and attempt to outwit each other. The matching word game when Maddie is trying to swindle Gryff out of his half of the dictionary is laugh out loud funny. Maddie’s asides to herself are droll and witty. Gryff’s battle with himself to resist Maddie is funny and sweet.Do yourself a favor. Start this new series right now. I guarantee you will love A Reckless Match. And then while you’re waiting for book two in the series go back and read everything else Kate Bateman has written. A Reckless Match is a thoroughly satisfying book that I recommend without hesitation. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy for my reading pleasure and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[cats57_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a sweet, sexy, typical enemy to lovers' romance. I loved the feuding idea; it is one of my favorite themes. Throwing in several life-threatening scenes was a good plot device.This light, fluffy, and sexy read was just what I needed during the heat of the summer. I have never read anything by this author, but since I do like historical romances, I will be picking up several more books by Ms. Bateman to add to my ever-increasing 'to-be-read' book pile.*ARC supplied by the publisher - St. Martins Press, the author, and NetGalley.