Book Review #bookreview #katebateman #adaringpursuit #stmartins #netgalley
I am loving this series by Kate Bateman! What a fantastic second novel in the Ruthless Rival's series about two families who have held a grudge for years and now slowly this new generation is learning to compromise and love the other. Bateman's writing is so easily engaging, drawing the reader into the story with compelling characters and charming situations. Her writing feels conversational and the banter between the hero and heroine sparks with wit and delight. The chemistry bubbles throughout and watching these two find their happily ever after is so rewarding and heartwarming.
Carys has spent the last two years avoiding happily wedded bliss by showcasing her brazen ways and scandalous wardrobe in order to turn away suitors. After an initial failed engagement she has instead enjoyed the pleasures of society without the burden of finding a husband, plus the only person she is truly attracted to is Tristan Montgomery, from her family's swore enemies. Tristan is an architect who values propriety and knows he needs the perfect society wife to help him as his career advances. But he can't help to be drawn to Carys and her bold ways.
This is a quick witted, enemies-to-lovers romance that sparks with sensuality. Carys and Tristan are the absolute perfect balance to each other and their journey to discovering that sizzles with chemistry as they both dance around each other and their true feelings. I love that this novel both Carys and Tristan open themselves up to the other rather quickly. They both know that they should be enemies but throughout their interactions it is very obviously they are intrigued by the other and that their attraction is the true driving force to their constantly being in each other's paths. A great majority of this novel takes place during a country house party in which Tristan and Carys engage in an arrangement in which Tristan will show Carys the delights of the marriage bed. I really enjoy that any true animosity between these two does not exist, and that they both naturally trust the other which becomes very apparent throughout their interactions with each other. Bateman does a lovely job showing the romance between these two and the care and understanding in their physical relationship really makes for a beautiful love story.
I so highly recommend this romance and Kate Bateman's novels. This low angst story of two people realizing that they love each other was so beautifully crafted that you are sure to enjoy yourself and be eager for the next installment in this delightful series!
Thank you to St. Martin's and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.