A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars
My Review on Goodreads
Carys Davies and Tristan Montgomery are members of feuding families that are in increased proximity, as her brother married his sister. Carys is vibrant and as spirited as her red hair is fiery, a darling of society who refuses to settle down and accept a marriage proposal. Tristan is dutiful and serious, and while he knows Carys is not the demure wife he needs to help establish himself as a premiere architect amongst the ton, he is drawn to her. Carys has a reason why she is avoiding marriage, but she can tell no one. She’s been in love with Tristan for years, but her pride will not allow her to let him know it. When Tristan offers to show her what she’s missing by avoiding marriage during for one week, she agrees, knowing this is the only chance she has to experience what Tristan has to offer her. Yet their time together reveals just how right they are for each other.
A Daring Pursuit is a fast-paced, enjoyable historical romance sure to appeal to fans of enemies to lovers romance. Readers who enjoy arguing between a hero and heroine who believe they hate each other when they’re actually flirting will get a kick out of this book. Tristan initially comes off as a stuffed shirt, behaving quite judgmentally towards Carys. However, it’s clear that he’s crazy about her and is fighting his feelings rather unsuccessfully. Carys is the one woman he can’t get out of his mind. Tristan is honorable and very kind and caring deep down under the remote, rigidly proper exterior. He’s the kind of hero who will do just about anything for the woman he loves. Readers soon come to realize why Carys has such unrequited feelings for him. Carys is likable from the beginning. Her sense of style, the way she carries herself, and her remarkable composure in the face of a terrible wrong done to her makes her an admirable heroine. She’s independent and follows her inner conscience very strongly. Her love for animals and innate kindness is a huge strong point of her characterization. They share a strong connection and vibrant sexual chemistry that drives the book to a satisfying conclusion. However, the suspense storyline is not that exciting, and seems like an afterthought. Regency historical romance fans will be entertained with A Daring Pursuit, as they experience’s Carys and Tristan journey to happy ever after.
Advance review copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley.
