If there’s one thing impossible for a Davies to resist, it’s a challenge from a Montgomery. . .
A teasing bet.
Shipwrecked and imprisoned thanks to an incorrect map, Captain Morgan Davies has returned to London to exact sweet revenge on the cartographer responsible for his suffering. He’s also vowed to claim the winner’s prize—three kisses—in the bet he made with his long-time nemesis, the prickly, smart-mouthed Harriet Montgomery. His incarceration has clarified his feelings for her, but convincing the infuriating woman he wants to marry her is going to be his greatest challenge yet. When Harriet’s revealed to be the very mapmaker he seeks, Morgan decides to combine revenge and seduction into one delightful package. . .
A dangerous enemy.
Harriet’s always wanted witty scoundrel Morgan, and now he’s back; as handsome and as taunting as ever. She has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s failing eyesight and a rival mapmaker copying her work to play wicked games with a dastardly Davies—however tempting he might be. But when a threat from Morgan’s past puts them both in danger, Harry discovers that she and Morgan might not be enemies at all . . .
Release Date: Dec 27, 2022
Series: The Ruthless Rivals
Book: 3
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: Macmillan
Imprint: St. Martin’s Press
Price: $8.99
Tropes: Feuding Families, Childhood Friends, Frenemies-to-Lovers, Working Heroine, Soldiers/Sailors/War, Revenge, Spy/Govt Work
Captain Morgan Davies returns to London after a shipwreck with revenge and kisses on his mind! He and his long-time “nemesis,” Harriet Montgomery, made a bet, and he’s ready to cash in. But convincing the infuriating woman he wants to marry her is going to be his greatest challenge yet!
This is the third book in The Ruthless Rivals series, which focuses on family members from the feuding Davies and Montgomery families. Harriet’s cousin Maddie and Morgan’s eldest brother Griff is the couple from book one, and they play a role in this story.
Kate Bateman – and this series – keeps delivering! The story starts quickly and pulls the reader right into Morgan and Harriet’s “I dare you” friendship. The chemistry sizzles as Harriet had bet Morgan three kisses that he wouldn’t return home safely…unfortunately (or fortunately, wink) for her, she didn’t specify what kind of kisses or where on her body he could place them. Their playful banter was a lot of fun, and I liked that Morgan is the one leading with his heart first.
There was also an excellent secondary story taking place, and it weaved in beautifully. Harriet has been helping her father’s map-making business by secretly helping the British Navy with fake maps to use against enemies. A threat from Morgan’s past catches up to them and a French ex-soldier comes looking for one of the falsified maps, putting them both in danger.
I was completely engaged in this story and the end, in particular, pushed all the right romance buttons. I hope this isn’t the end of the Montgomery-Davies feud because I’d love to see Rhys find a match, too!
~ Leslie
Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Google Play