Reviews
The. Architectural. Foreplay. That's all, folks.
*changing to 5 stars bc i still think about them lol I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Very pleased to say that I enjoyed this book SO much!! In this latest installment in the Ruthless Rivals series, Kate Bateman gives the reader a biting and witty enemies to lovers romance that was thoroughly entertaining until the very end. Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery are from rival families and have always been each other's greatest weakness. When Carys jokingly asks Tristan to show her what she would be missing if she chooses to remain single, he surprisingly takes her up on the offer. The two begin a lesson in seduction, but neither of them were prepared to fall even further for the one person they should steer clear of. Carys and Tristan were a great heroine and hero. I enjoyed them both as individual characters and loved them even more when they were together. Carys was a fiery and outspoken heroine which is my favourite kind. Even better is the cheeky hero that not only finds the heroine’s confidence attractive, but genuinely admires her for it and not in spite of it. That’s something I always appreciate in historical romances given the societal norms of the time. I’ll admit I just LOVE a man that is obsessed with the heroine and Tristan definitely was! The banter. The BANTER! The chemistry and flirtatious banter between these two seemed so natural and playful and I absolutely adored it. Every time they interacted, I could really feel their deep feelings and angsty pining. I loved them together and I really appreciated the development and pacing of their romance overall. The friendly banter was so good, but even hotter was the deep sensuality of their intimate scenes which always left me REELING. Seriously, the chemistry was SO well done here. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series now because this one was truly a delight!!
I've only read one other book by Bateman, but I can tell she's going to be an all-time favorite. Her writing is so witty and entertaining. She has a way of creating characters that feel believable and real. I love how feisty and independent her female characters are, while her male characters toe that line of being so charming you don't know whether to kiss or strangle them. Carys and Tristan fit that description to a T. I loved how Carys was willing to do whatever to save her family's name even if that meant sacrificing her happiness. Her banter with Tristan was everything, and you could tell that they both loved the other right off the bat but were too stubborn to admit it. I do think the end wrapped up a little too quickly for me, but other than that, I thought the chemistry was great, the writing was great, and it was a fun time.
Historical enemies to lovers with A+ banter and a family feud make this opposites attract romance perfect! Tristan and Carrys are each other’s perfect match, even if they don’t see it at first! Tristan is back from the Napoleonic wars and is ready to settle down, build a home, and find a respectable bride. Carrys is used to hiding her anxiety and uncertainty behind outlandish clothes and a devil may care attitude. These two bring out the worst in each other. Or is it the best? When Tristan finds out she’s being blackmailed, he’s enraged. The two enter a frenemies with benefits bargain and our story takes off. The mutual pining in this one was so delicious. These two have loved each other for years but we’re too afraid to do anything about it. Tristan is so reclusive. It was lovely to see him come out of his shell when Carrys was around. And Carrys!! I loved her. She was strong with a heart of gold. They really brought out the best in each other. It was great to see the Aunts again. They’re so freaking funny. And the secondary characters, especially Tristan’s brothers, are wonderful and I can’t wait to read their stories! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
