Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman Narrator: Beverly Crick
Series: Ruthless Rivals #3
Published by Recorded Books on December 27, 2022
Genres: Historical Romance
Length: 8 hours, 32 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: NetGalley
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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
A Wicked Game is the third book of the Ruthless Rivals series, Harriet and Captain Morgan Davies’ families have been at it for generations since some stole a pig or possibly a woman, it has been so long it is hard to say. The new generation usually just taunts one another and the children who once shared a border at their country homes playing games in the wood are now playing games of an adult nature with each other.
Captain Morgan Davies was in the war with Napoleon for two years and before he left Harriet promised him three kisses on his return. He has three kisses to convince her that the teasing and banter between them would catch fire in the bedroom. Three kisses to make her fall enough in love with him so Harriet will want to be his wife.
Harriet had no idea when she made the bet that in true Davies fashion he would twist it. Three kisses she assumed would be chaste enough are nothing of the sort. Morgan is going to open her eyes and senses to the wonders of lust to be sure. But does he just want her body or the heart that has become attached to him as well?
This is a fun book with a little side drama pertaining to an altered map and some buried treasure along with a few spoonfuls of danger. Harriet and Morgan are likeable enough, if each isn’t so daft they didn’t notice the other was utterly in love with them the entire time. But I do like the family dynamics and since I had read the first book of the series I enjoyed seeing the couple from that a few times as well. A Wicked Game is a fun addition to the story even if it didn’t seem as dramatic as the others. The couples are cute and the family history is a fun touch.
Narration:
Beverley A Crick does well with all the characters and getting across the story. I liked her overall performance as she resumes her role as the narrator for the entire series thus far. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Kate Bateman
Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of Regency, Victorian, and Renaissance historical romance. Her Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, is a Romance Writer’s of America 2019 RITA® Finalist and her Regency-set A Counterfeit Heart (Secrtes & Spies series) won the 2018 Book Buyer’s Best contest for Best Historical Romance.
Kate wrote her first historical romance in response to a $1 bet with her husband who rashly claimed she’d ‘never finish the thing.’ She gleefully proved him wrong. Her books feature her favorite intelligent heroines, (badasses in bodices!) wickedly inappropriate banter, and heroes you want to both strangle and kiss.
When not traveling to exotic locations ‘for research’, Kate leads a not-so-secret double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK, each of which has up to 2.5 million viewers. Before writing romance, Kate was director and valuer at her own UK Auction House, Batemans in Stamford, Lincolnshire. She currently splits her time between Illinois and her native England and writes despite three inexhaustible children and that husband . . .who still owes her that dollar.
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I did read a book by this author but I should try more. Happy New Year!
I actually forgot I read the first book of this series when it came out. I like Kate Bateman she is a solid HR read usually.
I enjoyed it too.
It was a fun little adventure in kissing. I did like the race 😛 and what she choose for her prize.
I have read books by Kate Bateman before, and she’s a talented writer. Nice review, Robin!
I’ve liked the few other books I’ve read by her. Solid author.
That cover is lovely!
Yes. “Shhh” don’t tell but that is initially why I requested it. I loved the cover.
I could see myself enjoying this one!
Me too. Good blend of things I think you normally like Carol
I’m just starting to read a bit more historical romance. It’s funny because when I was around 12 or 13 those were some of my first romances, Amanda Quick being the one I remember most. Great review!