A Gentleman Never Tells by Jodi Ellen Malpas

NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!

In this sexy and scandalous historical romance the New York Times bestselling author of This Man delivers the story of a successful businessman as he’s pulled away from his work and under the spell of the alluring Taya Winter.

Frank Melrose is on the cusp of taking his father's printing business global—the last thing he needs is the distraction of any woman, let alone the dazzling Taya Winters.

He's under pressure from the newspaper to unmask the mysterious highwayman causing havoc in Belmore Square, but his infuriating clashes with Taya keep slowing him down.

What's more, he's sure that the highwayman is right under their noses—and that exposing their identity will end not only his story, but ruin his family, too...

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Belmore Square series!
For book one, One Night with the Duke, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N (PB)  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US) Narrated by Daniel de Bourg
Paperback (US)
Forever (Hachette)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars

I wanted to love Frank and Taya but there was something about them as a couple that just wasn't right for me. I loved the storyline and the intrigue of the highwaymen and in the end, it was a good story.

I found that I was more interested in the mystery of finding out who the highwaymen were than in the romances of Frank. I was laughing at the antics and saddened by some of the things they had to go through. But you have to remember this is a historical romance and some things didn't happen back then.

In the end, I found that I enjoyed Frank and Taya's journey, and their story is one I will enjoy again.

 

 

JODI ELLEN MALPAS was born and raised in England, where she lives with her husband, boys, and Theo the Doberman. She is a self-professed daydreamer, and has a terrible weak spot for alpha males. Writing powerful love stories with addictive characters has become her passion—a passion she now shares with her devoted readers. She’s a proud #1 New York Times bestselling author, a Sunday Times bestseller, and her work is published in over twenty-five languages across the world.

Connect with Jodi Ellen Malpas!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Love, lace and everything ish.

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of A Gentleman Never Tells (Belmore Square #2) by Jodi Ellen Malpas to read and review.

The Reluctant Countess by Eloisa James

New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Would-Be Wallflowers series with an enemies-to-lovers romance between a proper earl and an entirely improper lady—whom he can’t stop thinking about.

Giles Renwick, Earl of Lilford, has never made a fool of himself over a woman—until he meets Lady Yasmin Régnier. Yasmin is ineligible for his attentions in every way: not as a wife, certainly not as a mistress (she is a lady!), nor even as a friend, since they vehemently dislike each other. Her gowns are too low, and her skirts are dampened to cling to admittedly lovely thighs. She loves to gossip—and giggle.

She isn’t dignified, or polite, or even truly British, given that her father’s French ancestry clearly predominated. Not to mention the fact that her mother had been one of Napoleon’s mistresses, a fact she makes no effort to hide.

So what—in heaven’s name—possesses him to propose?

And what will he do if she says yes?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Would-Be Wallflowers series!
For book one, How to Be a Wallflower, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Avon (HarperCollins)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
The Reluctant Countess is the second installment in the Would-Be Wallflowers series. There is little to no confusion if reading out of series order or as a standalone. It's been a year since I read the first in the series, How to Be a Wallflower. Now I want to go back, reread that novel, then reread this one again.

I haven't read much historical romance lately, the suppression of the era sometimes makes it difficult for me to read, due to a few factors of today's political climate. I had put off reading this novel for some time. As soon as I opened it, I was hooked. Eloisa James' stories always draw me back to this genre, making me want to read and read every historical romance book I can get my hands on. I appreciate how Eloisa James bridges the gap between the historical accuracy of the era, where women were seen to have no power, with today's modern take on feminism, giving the heroines as much power and independence as the era allows.

Lady Yasmin forever has a cloud of scandal surrounding her. Not only is she not entirely British – she's French. Giles takes issue with this, especially how Lady Yasmin's mother is Napoleon's mistress. Yasmin has fled France with a trail of scandal in her wake. She's learned from her mistakes, earned patience and understanding from the weight of rumors that aren't even true, so she never passes judgment on others' mistakes. She is strong, independent, and compassionate after the life she has led.

Giles doesn't want to like Lady Yasmin, but he just cannot seem to help himself, which makes him cranky. Then again, with the monster of a sister he has, it's no wonder he's so high-strung.

Giles knows what he wants, even if he doesn't like it. Yasmin knows her worth, and she's going to make Giles work for it. Work for it, Giles does.

Now if only Giles' sister would just... go away. The villainess of the tale was frustrating to read but a good source of frustration. Sure, it wasn't entirely logical, something that made me white-knuckle my Paperwhite, but it sure did have the pages flying by.

Read in one sitting, now I'm hooked. Off to reread both books in the series, while trying to convince myself I don't need to, yet again, reread Eloisa James's entire backlist.

 

 

ELOISA JAMES is a New York Times best-selling author and professor of English literature who lives with her family in New York, but can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. She is the mother of two and, in a particularly delicious irony for a romance writer, is married to a genuine Italian knight.

Connect with Eloisa James

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Eloisa James' Lindow Castle

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of The Reluctant Countess (Would-Be Wallflowers #2) by Eloisa James to read and review.

Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean follows her highly acclaimed Bombshell with Heartbreaker, featuring a fierce, fearless heroine on a mission to steal a duke’s secrets… and his heart.

A Tempting Thief

Raised among London’s most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower—so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she’s the Matchbreaker… using her superior skills as a thief to help unwilling brides avoid the altar, all while hiding her own scandalous past.

A Powerful Duke

Henry Carrington, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection and has no time for the scandals that arise every time Adelaide ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable—and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.

A Perfect Match

When the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to stop a wedding, the duke has no choice but to follow her across Britain on a trip filled with bad weather, bad luck, and a surprising lack of beds. Adelaide soon realizes that this perfect duke kisses like a proper scoundrel, and is turning out to be a thief in his own right… one who won’t stop until he’s stolen her well-guarded heart.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Hell's Belles series!
For book one, Bombshell, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Avon (HCP)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆☆
Heartbreaker is the second installment in the Hell's Belles series by Sarah MacLean. While it can easily be read as a standalone with little to no confusion, I highly recommend reading Bombshell first, as the storylines are interconnected.

Read in a single sitting, I couldn't put the book down. I always look forward to devouring Sarah MacLean's novels, because of how happy they never fail to make me feel. Warm, entertained, and amused.

The ballroom wallflower or the infamous matchmaker, which is the real Adelaide Frampton? Beneath the façade of a meek and awkward, Plain Jane, Adelaide hides her calculating intelligence. Aiding her fellow young maidens when it comes to the perils of the marriage mart, stopping the marriages before they make it to the altar.

Henry, the Duke of Clayborn, is a stringent rule-keeper, walking the fine line of the Ton, never making waves. His impeccable reputation is more important than the salacious gossip of the matchmaker, as she yet again thwarts one of his peers.

A forced proximity plot device is utilized, much to the entertainment of this reader, and the frustration for poor Henry. On a cross-country journey, filled with highwaymen, inns, secrets and lies, hunting down a couple eloping. Adventurous action, heart-pulsing tension, and budding romance, what a journey it was!

I was absolutely entertained by Adelaide's duplicity, especially with the juxtaposition of Henry's personality. I was amused with the turn of every page. The witty banter, the push-pull tension as Henry fights the draw he feels for Adelaide.

Highly recommended to fans of Sarah MacLean. However, I do warn that the author's more modern take on the era may not be the cup of tea for those looking for an old-school historical romance novel.

 

 

SARAH MACLEAN grew up in Rhode Island, obsessed with historical romance and bemoaning the fact that she was born far too late for her own season. Her love of all things historical helped to earn her degrees from Smith College and Harvard University before she finally set pen to paper and wrote her first book.

Sarah now lives in New York City with her husband, baby daughter, their dog, and a ridiculously large collection of romance novels. She loves to hear from readers.

Connect with Sarah MacLean

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles #2) by Sarah MacLean to read and review.

One Night with the Duke by Jodi Ellen Malpas Release Blitz

Million‑copy bestselling author Jodi Ellen Malpas is back with a scorching Regency series, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

It's 1814 and nineteen‑year‑old Eliza Melrose is about to be launched into London's high society—much to her dismay. The last thing she wants is a husband.

Eliza's “misplaced” thirst for adventure, knowledge and the creative word is a bone of contention for her father, who battles endlessly to keep her curiosity and ambitions in check, for women are not meant to ask questions or give opinions in matters of business.

But then she meets the youngest son of the late Duke of Chester, a disgraced nobleman who is shrouded in mystery and proving quite impossible to resist...

Sexy, scandalous and utterly unputdownable, this is the Regency novel you've been waiting for!

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)
Forever

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
I do not read a lot of historical romances, it is not my favorite genre; but when one of your favorite authors writes a historical romance, you have to give it a try, and so I did.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this story, living life through 19-year-old Eliza as if I was by her side. She was a strong, young woman, trying to be independent. But in 1814 it was unheard of for a young woman to do anything but get married, have children, and run her household. Eliza didn't want any of that and to be set up to marry a man she didn't love was something she detested.

Meeting the Duke of Chester has set her mind whirling and her body on fire. Eliza doesn't know what to do with either, all she knows is she wants to see him again and again. But does she believe the rumors about him and his family?

As I said, I really enjoyed this one and I hope you give it a chance too. It is a good story with a suspenseful aspect that will keep you hanging because you will want to know what happens in the end.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
One Night with the Duke is the first in a new series by Jodi Ellen Malpas, Belmore Square. As a fan of historical romance, I was eager to read this author's take on the genre.

Eliza Melrose is a strong, independent nineteen-year-old young woman, born in an era when women were seen more as dependents/property of the men around them (fathers and husbands). It's frowned upon for Eliza to speak her own mind, setting boundaries and knowing her own worth seen as stubbornness. Writing news articles on the sly, Eliza wishes to pave her own path. A husband is the last thing she wants, until the new Duke of Chester steps into her path.

The Duke of Chester throws Eliza for a loop, the intense chemistry she feels for the brooding man simmering to a boil. Johnny Winters brings the swoon-factor, which is one of the most important factors in the historical romance genre. Johnny is brooding, demanding, and stern, yet melts for Eliza by the end of the novel, doing away with his rakish ways. Everything a reader is looking for when it comes to historical romance.

Society, drama, twists, romance, and angst, there is a healthy dose of feel-good humor to balance out all the feels. I highly recommend One Night with the Duke to fans of Jodi Ellen Malpas, but do caution old-school historical romance readers, as this is more of a contemporary take on the genre, the voice of the characters more modern than befitting the era of the novel.

 

 

 

JODI ELLEN MALPAS was born and raised in England, where she lives with her husband, boys, and Theo the Doberman. She is a self-professed daydreamer, and has a terrible weak spot for alpha males. Writing powerful love stories with addictive characters has become her passion—a passion she now shares with her devoted readers. She’s a proud #1 New York Times bestselling author, a Sunday Times bestseller, and her work is published in over twenty-five languages across the world.

Connect with Jodi Ellen Malpas

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Love, lace and everything ish.

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of One Night with the Duke (Belmore Square #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas to read and review.

Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor

Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London in Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor.

Constance Lysander needs a husband. Or, so society says. She’s about to give birth to her late husband’s child—a man who left her with zero money, and two other wives she didn’t know about. Thankfully, she has her Aunt by her side, and the two other wives have become close friends. But still—with a baby on the way, her shipping business to run, and an enemy skulking about, she has no time to find the perfect match.

Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Returned war hero and Constance’s childhood best friend, his reentry into society has been harsh. Maligned for an injury he received in the line of duty, Jonathan prefers to stay out of sight. It’s the only way to keep his heart from completely crumbling. But when a missive from Constance requests his presence—to their marriage ceremony—Jonathan is on board. His feelings for Constance run deep, and he’ll do anything to make her happy, though it means risking his already bruised heart.

With Constance, Jonathan, and the new baby all together, it’s clear the wounds—both on the surface and in their relationship—run deep. But when the nights come, their wounds begin to heal, and both come to realize that their marriage of convenience is so much more than just a bargain.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Widow Rules series!
For book one, A Duke in Time, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
St. Martin’s (Macmillan)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
Rules for Engaging the Earl is the second installment in The Widow Rules series. The novel can easily be read as a standalone within the series with little to no confusion. However, the "widows" themselves are connected by a singular husband, where it would benefit the reader to start with A Duke in Time, as Constance was introduced in the first novel.

Pregnant and struggling to come to terms with the fact that her husband was a bigamist, while surrounded by his "wives." The man left her and their unborn child with no money, now she has no husband, extra wives to consider, and pregnancy makes it difficult to run her shipping business.

Jonathan, a former childhood friend, reenters Constance's life. The returning war hero was wounded – physically, mentally, and emotionally – which has him draw away from society.

This pair of old friends needs one another, deciding a marriage of convenience would benefit them both. The author continuously puts our hero and heroine in situations meant to draw them closer together, to rely on one another, and to truly get to know each other soul deep.

Unique and lifelike characters this reader rooted for from page one, Constance and Jonathan balanced one another perfectly in this second-chance, friends-to-lovers, beauty and the beast novel.

I highly recommend to fans of the author, historical romance, and this series. The only complaint I can make is a pacing issue, simply because the story dragged at parts, not progressing fast enough to completely hold my interests.

With that said, I'm beyond eager to get my hands on the next installment.

 

 

JANNA MACGREGOR was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She is the author of the Cavensham Heiresses series, which begins with The Bad Luck Bride.

Janna credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.

Connect with Janna MacGregor

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Janna MacGregor's Ladies and Lords of Langham Hall

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Rules for Engaging the Earl (The Widow Rules #2) by Janna MacGregor to read and review.

The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian

Cat Sebastian returns to Georgian London with a stunning tale of a reluctant criminal and the thief who cannot help but love her.

Marian Hayes, the Duchess of Clare, just shot her husband. Of course, the evil, murderous man deserved what was coming to him, but now she must flee to the countryside. Unfortunately, the only person she can ask for help is the charismatic criminal who is blackmailing her—and who she may have left tied up a few hours before…

A highwayman, con artist, and all-around cheerful villain, Rob Brooks is no stranger to the wrong side of the law or the right side of anybody’s bed. He never meant to fall for the woman whose secrets he promised to keep for the low price of five hundred pounds, but how could he resist someone who led him on a merry chase all over London, left him tied up in a seedy inn, and then arrived covered in her husband’s blood and in desperate need of his help?

As they flee across the country—stopping to pick pockets, drink to excess, and rescue invalid cats—they discover more true joy and peace than either has felt in ages. But when the truth of Rob’s past catches up to him, they must decide if they are willing to reshape their lives in order to forge a future together.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Queer Principles of Kit Webb series!
For book one, The Queer Principles of Kit Webb, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Avon (HarperCollins)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes is the second installment in The Queer Principles of Kit Webb series. This can most certainly be read as a standalone.

Notice: For readers expecting an historical M/M romance that are upset about a M/F paring, this novel features a straight-passing queer couple who are both bisexual.

Freshly widowed (by her own hand), the Duchess of Clare, is being blackmailed by a con artist. With every breath Mariam takes, the reader is waiting for the other shoe to drop (the guillotine blade to drop). She is the most inept of criminals, but so is her blackmailer, Rob.

The blackmail letters begin to feel more like intimate love letters shared between admirers. Forced proximity, where Rob and Marian journey together, with the popular trope of only one bed available, sparks fly with experimentive sexual practices for this genre between a male-female coupling. Crimes are continuously committed, their ineptitude hazardously charming and entertaining.

A warm and humorous, feel-good historical romance between two delightful characters. Cat Sebastian is a go-to for queer historical romance, no matter the gender of the coupling.

 

 

CAT SEBASTIAN lives in a swampy part of the South with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. Before her kids were born, she practiced law and taught high school and college writing. When she isn't reading or writing, she's doing crossword puzzles, bird watching, and wondering where she put her coffee cup.

Connect with Cat Sebastian

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: League of Extraordinary Historical Romance Authors

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes (The Queer Principles of Kit Webb #2) by Cat Sebastian to read and review.

How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James

From New York Times bestseller Eloisa James, a new Regency-set novel in which a heiress with the goal of being a wallflower engages a rugged American in a scorchingly sensual, witty wager that tests whether clothing does indeed make the man—or the wallflower! A perfect companion story to Eloisa's My American Duchess.

Miss Cleopatra Lewis is about to be launched in society by her aristocratic grandfather. But since she has no intention of marrying, she visits a costume emporium specifically to order unflattering dresses guaranteed to put off any prospective suitors.

Powerful and charismatic Jacob Astor Addison is in London, acquiring businesses to add to his theatrical holdings in America—as well as buying an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. He’s furious when a she-devil masquerading as an English lady steals Quimby’s Costume Emporium from under his nose.

Jake strikes a devil’s bargain, offering to design her “wallflower wardrobe” and giving Cleo the chance to design his. Cleo can’t resist the fun of clothing the rough-hewn American in feathers and flowers. And somehow in the middle of their lively competition, Jake becomes her closest friend.

It isn’t until Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes she’s stolen his fiercely guarded heart. But unlike the noblemen at her feet, he doesn’t belong in her refined and cultured world.

Caught between the demands of honor and desire, Jake would give up everything to be with the woman he loves—if she’ll have him!

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Avon (HarperCollins)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars

How to Be a Wallflower is the first installment in the Would-Be Wallflowers series. Our hero is tied to the My American Duchess standalone.

As a feminist, I've always struggled with my desire to read historical romances. While it was more befitting of the era to be dependent, I always felt it wasn't in everyone's nature, no matter what society dictated. I appreciated the viewpoint of independent women during an era of dependency. Eloisa James always manages to bridge the gap between historical believability while resonating with today's modern woman.

A business woman, our independent Miss Cleo truly shined, walking a fine line by fulfilling her family's wish to enter society, while doing so in a way to make sure she wasn't the belle of the ball.

Our American Hero, Jake is in England to purchase an emporium, the very same emporium our business woman Cleo has purchased. Cue a slight bit of angst, where Jake battles Cleo, only to realize he wishes to have the woman instead. Cue massive pining with a side of insta-love on our hero's part, but Cleo is anything but an easy catch.

As someone who is not a fan of insta-anything, Jake's immediate fixation on Cleo was balanced nicely by Cleo herself. She was of a more logical nature, taking her time to allow the connection to grow, where finding one attractive did not mean future matrimonial bliss. A plot device that I generally do not enjoy was balanced, allowing Jake's personality to shine through.

With a great deal of banter, witty humor that never falls over the edge into slapstick territory, Eloisa James always entertains me. The characters were original and endearing. I was personally able to empathize with Cleo, while enjoying Jake's character.

The romance wasn't flowery and over-the-top, allowing the plot to be the focus. The romantic tension built to that of a smexy nature, detailed scenes that did fade-to-black during certain scenarios. The perfect mix of romance and lust, while staying focused on the plot itself – a little bit of this and that to appeal to the masses.

Highly recommend to fans of the author and historical romances. Every time I read a novel by Eloisa James, it never fails to make me wish to start at the beginning of her backlist and make my way through rereading them all over again.

 

 

ELOISA JAMES is a New York Times best-selling author and professor of English literature who lives with her family in New York, but can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. She is the mother of two and, in a particularly delicious irony for a romance writer, is married to a genuine Italian knight.

Connect with Eloisa James

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Eloisa James' Lindow Castle

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of How to Be a Wallflower (Would-Be Wallflowers #1) by Eloisa James to read and review.

A Reckless Match by Kate Bateman

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 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
A Reckless Match is the first installment in the Ruthless Rivals series.

At the start, I was hooked on the long-standing, bad blood history between the neighboring families. Intrigued, I had to learn more. The Montgomerys versus the Davies. The English versus the Welsh, even their lands bordering one another had to rub each other raw. A never-ending feud fueling each generation to loathe one another over the centuries, even if the true reason behind the feud was lost in translation as time crept forward.

Bringing unexpected levity, Madeline Montgomery and Gryff Davies hold to tradition, pranking and teasing, and just generally annoying one another to the point of frustration. This is most certainly a situation where Gryff pulls Madeline's pigtails because he secretly likes her. Nothing like irritating your crush to garner attention.

If the pattern holds true, then the Montomerys and the Davies throughout the generations probably enjoyed each other’s company, enough to focus on it so heavily, similarly to how our hero and heroine's fathers had a secret friendship over the course of their lives.

Sweet, taunting, and surprisingly entertaining, Madeline and Gryff poke one another in various ways over the course of the novel, drawing in angst and drama and lighthearted romance, all surrounding a not-too complicated mystery.

The future pairings of the series draw a bit too much attention for my taste, feeling as if the focus was diverted from the main couple of this novel. While this laid the groundwork for future installments, establishing a connection for future antagonizing couplings, this overshadowed the current romance happening on the pages. If the reader becomes more intrigued with what could happen in the future, taking the experience from our narrators, the story we're reading in the now loses its luster.

A quick afternoon read, the pages flying by in a few short hours. I was entertained, left looking forward to the next installment. I recommend to historical romance fans of the author.

 

 

KATE BATEMAN, (also writing as K.C. Bateman), is the #1 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.

Connect with Kate

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kate Bateman's Badasses in Bodices

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of A Reckless Match (Ruthless Rivals #1) by Kate Bateman to read and review.