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Ruthless Rivals book cover 1
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Ruthless Rivals
Series · 6 books · 2021-2024

Books in series

A Reckless Match book cover
#1

A Reckless Match

2021

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 Daring Pursuit book cover
#2

A Daring Pursuit

2022

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?
A Wicked Game book cover
#3

A Wicked Game

2022

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 . . .
Desert Island Duke book cover
#3.5

Desert Island Duke

2023

Surviving on a tropical island will be hard. Living with him will be impossible. . . Shipwrecked on a tropical isle, Caroline 'Caro' Montgomery is furious to discover that her sole fellow castaway is her brother’s infuriating best friend, Maximillian Cavendish, the fourteenth duke of Hayworth. Max might be the most handsome man she’s ever met, but he’s teased her ever since they were children. So when Max claims to have lost his memory, Caro seizes the opportunity for revenge—and informs him he’s a lowly stable hand. As they work together to survive, attraction flares hot between them. But should Caro reveal her deception? And what will happen if Max finally remembers he’s a duke?
The Phantom of Drury Lane book cover
#3.6

The Phantom of Drury Lane

2023

Intrepid Lucy Montgomery has survived a shipwreck off Madagascar and the sweltering jungles of Brazil, but now she’s finally back in London she has something worse to deal with – her long-time nemesis Will Arden, Viscount Wade. Their one, impulsive kiss five years ago led to her humiliating rejection, so the fact that she’s never been able to forget the handsome scoundrel is vexing indeed. When Arden challenges her to uncover the identity of the mysterious Phantom of Drury Lane, Lucy can’t say no—but her snooping might just push them both past the point of no return . .
A Scandal in July book cover
#3.7

A Scandal in July

2024

A summer to remember. . . Charming bachelor Rhys Davies has absolutely no intention of falling for anyone with the surname Montgomery. The rivalry between their two families is legendary, after all, and despite all three of his siblings succumbing to the fatal attractions of the enemy, Rhys is convinced he’s immune. Until one night, when he meets Lenore Montgomery—and promptly loses his wits. A week he’ll never forget. . . Lenore Montgomery has wrestled a giant water snake in Brazil, chased a panther with a shoe, and survived an unfortunate shipwreck off the coast of Madagascar, but none of those things has been as difficult as seducing Rhys Davies. The stubborn man’s been ignoring her all season, so when she hears they’ll both be attending a week-long family party at his country estate, she enlists the help of her meddling relatives to prove there’s nothing as irresistible as forbidden fruit. . . especially when it might lead to true love.

Author

Kate Bateman
Kate Bateman
Author · 14 books
Also writes as K.C. Bateman
548 Market St PMB 65688, San Francisco California 94104-5401 USA
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