British antiques expert and author Kate Bateman (A Daring Pursuit; A Reckless Match) returns readers to the feud between the Montgomery and Davies families in A Wicked Game, the third entertaining entry in the Ruthless Rivals series. Cartographer Harriet Montgomery and rich, titled sea captain Morgan Davies were childhood frenemies. Neither realized their mutual attraction as teenagers, and as adults, they continue their habit of verbal fencing and "gleeful mutual animosity." It isn't until Morgan returns from nearly two years at sea with the Royal Navy, however, that he's determined to claim Harriet as his wife: it seems absence does make the heart grow fonder. Nevertheless, given the longstanding feud between their families, Morgan knows he can't simply declare himself and ask for her hand in marriage. Harriet is a woman who deserves wooing, and he's committed to sweeping her off her feet: first with kisses and daring challenges--then with a seduction that fills them both with desire. While each struggles to come to terms with the sea change in their relationship, an enemy from Morgan's past is hunting them. Finding the villain and staying alive will take all of their resourcefulness.
Wonderfully romantic and deeply sensual, this excellent plot centers around the lengths to which two fiercely independent people will go in order to keep from risking rejection. The cheeky, witty banter between Harriet and Morgan is a delight and is sure to have readers smiling. Although this is the third novel in the series, it stands on its own--and readers will surely want to read the earlier entries. --Lois Dyer, author and reviewer