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Ladies of Risk #2
The Duke of Aces
Wagering on Love is Risky...
A lady’s fate should never be determined by the turn of a card.
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue to be a member of the exclusive and secret Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two Seasons already without a single proposal, one more shouldn’t be a challenge, that is until she finds herself wagering with the pompous Duke of Aces for her hand.
Love is not in the cards for one of England’s top spies.
The Duke of Avondale has decided it’s time to wed. As an agent for the Foreign Office, he needs a woman who can keep a secret. Spying the reserved and aloof Lady Isadora at his summer house party, Avondale believes he’s identified the perfect candidate to become the next Duchess of Avondale. Except, the woman has no interest in marriage, but she does have a fondness for taking risks.
A lady’s fate should never be determined by the turn of a card.
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue to be a member of the exclusive and secret Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two Seasons already without a single proposal, one more shouldn’t be a challenge, that is until she finds herself wagering with the pompous Duke of Aces for her hand.
Love is not in the cards for one of England’s top spies.
The Duke of Avondale has decided it’s time to wed. As an agent for the Foreign Office, he needs a woman who can keep a secret. Spying the reserved and aloof Lady Isadora at his summer house party, Avondale believes he’s identified the perfect candidate to become the next Duchess of Avondale. Except, the woman has no interest in marriage, but she does have a fondness for taking risks.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2022
130 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ann Smith
53 books170 followersRachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romances with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention.
When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.
She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.
Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com
When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.
She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.
Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 4, 2022
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
The Duke of Aces by Rachel Ann Smith is the second book of the Ladies of Risk. Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unmarried if she is to continue to be a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon. She has survived two Seasons without a proposal, and she sees no problem surviving another, until she begins a wager with the Duke of Avondale, also known as the Duke of Aces. The Duke has decided it is time for him to marry. He is an agent of the Foreign Office, so he needs to make sure the woman he chooses to be his wife can keep this secret. He is drawn to Lady Isadora. He wants to make her his wife, and he knows the best way to make it happen is to wager with her.
This was a quick read. I enjoyed the secretiveness of the Wicked Ladies Salon, and I thought the couple were a nice match.
The Duke of Aces by Rachel Ann Smith is the second book of the Ladies of Risk. Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unmarried if she is to continue to be a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon. She has survived two Seasons without a proposal, and she sees no problem surviving another, until she begins a wager with the Duke of Avondale, also known as the Duke of Aces. The Duke has decided it is time for him to marry. He is an agent of the Foreign Office, so he needs to make sure the woman he chooses to be his wife can keep this secret. He is drawn to Lady Isadora. He wants to make her his wife, and he knows the best way to make it happen is to wager with her.
This was a quick read. I enjoyed the secretiveness of the Wicked Ladies Salon, and I thought the couple were a nice match.
dnf
August 3, 2022Hanging my boots on this one. I cannot do it. DNF at 40%
I had recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It wasn't a bad story per se, but so many things went wrong with this one.
1. The protagonists had no chemistry. Either they themselves are so very confused or they managed to confuse the heck out of me. They felt so many things, in varying degrees without any preclude that made my head spin. Who are they as people? What are their aspirations? What do they wish to accomplish by the end of the book? I was never given a clue.
2. Subtext Subtext Subtext
I'm guessing reading the first book in the series will give me more context into what in the blue heavens is happening. And diving into this book without subtext is akin to torture. There are just too many characters, who are not introduced with a freshness for the debut reader, but rather with a baggage that gets lost in translation. I couldn't keep track of them and frankly I couldn't bring myself to care. The only character I found remotely interesting was Minerva but she too was so complex and shown so little that I lost my interest.
3. An unholy espionage mess
So the hero is a spy, the hero's 18-year old sister is a spy, the heroine is astute and can be a spy, the heroine's sister is as good as a spy. What in the blazes is going on? And what or on whom are they all spying over? If this does make sense in the end, the 40% of the story didn't captivate enough to stay till the end to find out.
4. If they say 'wicked ladies' once more I will commit arson
I get that the options for career, nay living was limited to women in the past, but this is a naive interpretation of what ladies were/could be upto. If you are something, you won't say(yell) it 50 times in 50 pages. SHOW DON'T TELL. not even once could I say oh yes they were wicked by their actions. Again, subtext. I felt like so much was taken for granted because this is the second book in a series. But even in a series that borrows storylines the readers deserves the courtesy of a summary. This was brutal.
5. I just didn't care for anything or anyone in this story. 40% in and I couldn't care less if either of these characters suffered a brutal death. I just don't care. And that's a sad state to leave your reader in.
Once again I want to say that this wasn't a particularly bad book, but the combination of all the things it contained went horribly wrong.
I had recieved an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It wasn't a bad story per se, but so many things went wrong with this one.
1. The protagonists had no chemistry. Either they themselves are so very confused or they managed to confuse the heck out of me. They felt so many things, in varying degrees without any preclude that made my head spin. Who are they as people? What are their aspirations? What do they wish to accomplish by the end of the book? I was never given a clue.
2. Subtext Subtext Subtext
I'm guessing reading the first book in the series will give me more context into what in the blue heavens is happening. And diving into this book without subtext is akin to torture. There are just too many characters, who are not introduced with a freshness for the debut reader, but rather with a baggage that gets lost in translation. I couldn't keep track of them and frankly I couldn't bring myself to care. The only character I found remotely interesting was Minerva but she too was so complex and shown so little that I lost my interest.
3. An unholy espionage mess
So the hero is a spy, the hero's 18-year old sister is a spy, the heroine is astute and can be a spy, the heroine's sister is as good as a spy. What in the blazes is going on? And what or on whom are they all spying over? If this does make sense in the end, the 40% of the story didn't captivate enough to stay till the end to find out.
4. If they say 'wicked ladies' once more I will commit arson
I get that the options for career, nay living was limited to women in the past, but this is a naive interpretation of what ladies were/could be upto. If you are something, you won't say(yell) it 50 times in 50 pages. SHOW DON'T TELL. not even once could I say oh yes they were wicked by their actions. Again, subtext. I felt like so much was taken for granted because this is the second book in a series. But even in a series that borrows storylines the readers deserves the courtesy of a summary. This was brutal.
5. I just didn't care for anything or anyone in this story. 40% in and I couldn't care less if either of these characters suffered a brutal death. I just don't care. And that's a sad state to leave your reader in.
Once again I want to say that this wasn't a particularly bad book, but the combination of all the things it contained went horribly wrong.
June 22, 2022
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.
I read this after reading Much Ado About Dukes by Eva Devon and it was interesting some of the similarities between the stories. Both had strong, intelligent women who valued their independence and supporting other women, and both had male characters who valued and supported strong independent, intelligent women.
Isadora Malbury is selected to lead the secret ladies group, the Wicked Ladies Salon, for the season, and to be a member, one has to stay unmarried. She has successfully kept her unmarried status for 2 seasons, and is determined to stay that way. She has told her older sister, Minerva, that she is determined to marry only after Minerva has married, and Minerva is the Malbury who has issued the challenge that she would only marry someone who can beat her at chess - and no one has been able to so far.
Tom, the Duke of Avondale, has determined that he would wed this Season, and after observing Isadora from afar, has determined she would make a good duchess. He and his sister are spies for the Foreign Office, and he determined Isadora is intelligent and independent enough that he would be able to continue his efforts with the FO, and she would be able to keep his secrets and manage the duties of a duchess well. It would be a good marriage of convenience.
However, he has to overcome her desire to stay unwed. Luckily they both like a challenge and he depends on his luck and skill at gambling to win, and offers her a series of wagers. They both want to rent the same property for their various activities, and he uses that as incentive for their gambles. If he wins, he can court her... if she wins, she gets the lease on the property.
The closer they get, more more they learn about each other, and Beatrice realizes there is more to Avondale than she thought, and they become closer. Avondale finds that she is perfect not just in her intelligence and independence, but he is growing fond of her, and trusts her, and her sense of adventure makes her a more than perfect match for him.
I enjoyed the development of Isadora and Avondale's relationship with each other. Their banter and challenges to each other was fun, and I liked how they grew to appreciate each other. I quite liked his history and his family's history with the FO, and how he was recruited to work for them, as was his sister. I almost wish there was more about that, though that may have bogged the story down. I was befuddled and intrigued by Minerva's storyline too, and how/why the odious Mansville is obsessed with her, and what is with Drake and Minerva, and the mystery about Drake and his actions and background and why he doesn't move forward with Minerva. Also, why is Minerva not part of the Wicked Ladies? She knows about it, is a single lady, etc. I hope these are clarified in a future story.
4 stars out of 5.
I read this after reading Much Ado About Dukes by Eva Devon and it was interesting some of the similarities between the stories. Both had strong, intelligent women who valued their independence and supporting other women, and both had male characters who valued and supported strong independent, intelligent women.
Isadora Malbury is selected to lead the secret ladies group, the Wicked Ladies Salon, for the season, and to be a member, one has to stay unmarried. She has successfully kept her unmarried status for 2 seasons, and is determined to stay that way. She has told her older sister, Minerva, that she is determined to marry only after Minerva has married, and Minerva is the Malbury who has issued the challenge that she would only marry someone who can beat her at chess - and no one has been able to so far.
Tom, the Duke of Avondale, has determined that he would wed this Season, and after observing Isadora from afar, has determined she would make a good duchess. He and his sister are spies for the Foreign Office, and he determined Isadora is intelligent and independent enough that he would be able to continue his efforts with the FO, and she would be able to keep his secrets and manage the duties of a duchess well. It would be a good marriage of convenience.
However, he has to overcome her desire to stay unwed. Luckily they both like a challenge and he depends on his luck and skill at gambling to win, and offers her a series of wagers. They both want to rent the same property for their various activities, and he uses that as incentive for their gambles. If he wins, he can court her... if she wins, she gets the lease on the property.
The closer they get, more more they learn about each other, and Beatrice realizes there is more to Avondale than she thought, and they become closer. Avondale finds that she is perfect not just in her intelligence and independence, but he is growing fond of her, and trusts her, and her sense of adventure makes her a more than perfect match for him.
I enjoyed the development of Isadora and Avondale's relationship with each other. Their banter and challenges to each other was fun, and I liked how they grew to appreciate each other. I quite liked his history and his family's history with the FO, and how he was recruited to work for them, as was his sister. I almost wish there was more about that, though that may have bogged the story down. I was befuddled and intrigued by Minerva's storyline too, and how/why the odious Mansville is obsessed with her, and what is with Drake and Minerva, and the mystery about Drake and his actions and background and why he doesn't move forward with Minerva. Also, why is Minerva not part of the Wicked Ladies? She knows about it, is a single lady, etc. I hope these are clarified in a future story.
4 stars out of 5.
May 26, 2022
Thomas Grandstone, Duke of Avondale, is known as the Duke of Aces when playing cards. It is not luck to win when he plays, but the mind of a spy for the Home Office. Napoleon may be on St. Helena, but rumors are that those loyal may try to help him escape. After a house party at his estate in Scotland, Avondale's observance of Lady Isadora Malbury conviences him she will make an excellent Duchess. Can she be trusted if he reveals his work with the Home Office. Would she go with him on an assignment? In the mean time, Isadora is now the leader of the Wicked Ladies Salon. Wembly Hall is available to lease for their activities, unfortunately Avondale wants to bid for the lease, too. Wagers commence between the two for the lease and Tom's chance to court Isadora. Isadora agrees to the wagers, but her sister Minerva has to marry first. All they need is a plan. A frustrated Duke on a mission and a lady with a mind of her own.
Heat level 4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heat level 4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
September 4, 2022
Be prepared for a bit of delightful wickedness when beginning “The Duke of Aces”.
Read full review in the 2022 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 29, 2022
Although a sweet romance did emerge, I found this novel rather confusing. I read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, but this one is rather mysterious and I would have said that a number of events were covered in the first book, but this was not the case. Rather it would seem that one has to read the third book if you want all the answers. There seemed to be more chemistry between Isadora's sister and her brother's best friend than there was between Isadora and the Duke of Avondale. Tom is so used to playing spy games that when it comes to the lady he wants to court, he cannot help himself but make wager after wager to entice her. All in all, I was rather disappointed in this novel and really hope that Minerva's story will bring some enlightenment. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 26, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After seeing her younger sister marry, many would expect that Lady Isadora Malbury hopes for the same this season. However, Isadora wants to continue to be a part of the Wicked Ladies Society, a secret group, where membership is dependent on marital status. As the leader for this season, it's her duty to rent their headquarters, and when the secretive Duke of Avondale, the brother of the lady she is scouting to join, bids on the premises, it's war. Avondale has a secret, and not many people know he is an agent for the crown. He knows Isadora has secrets, but she seems to be the perfect woman to be his Duchess. But will he be able to convince her of that?
I liked that the series has taken a turn with this book, and there's more of a mystery element to the plot. Avondale and his sister, Charlotte, are agents for the Foreign Office, and there's not many people they can trust other than each other. Charlotte wishes to join the Wicked Ladies Society and discover more about the ladies who are a part of the group. Isadora is sent to see whether Charlotte would be able to keep the truth from her brother, and in turn, she learns more about the Duke. Though they don't have many interactions at first, Avondale decides he wants her, and sets out to make her his duchess. I liked that she didn't back down easily, and forced him to realise that a marriage of convenience is not for him, and he wants love in his life. We learn more about Minerva's dream for the future too, and I can't wait to see her find her happiness with Drake!
After seeing her younger sister marry, many would expect that Lady Isadora Malbury hopes for the same this season. However, Isadora wants to continue to be a part of the Wicked Ladies Society, a secret group, where membership is dependent on marital status. As the leader for this season, it's her duty to rent their headquarters, and when the secretive Duke of Avondale, the brother of the lady she is scouting to join, bids on the premises, it's war. Avondale has a secret, and not many people know he is an agent for the crown. He knows Isadora has secrets, but she seems to be the perfect woman to be his Duchess. But will he be able to convince her of that?
I liked that the series has taken a turn with this book, and there's more of a mystery element to the plot. Avondale and his sister, Charlotte, are agents for the Foreign Office, and there's not many people they can trust other than each other. Charlotte wishes to join the Wicked Ladies Society and discover more about the ladies who are a part of the group. Isadora is sent to see whether Charlotte would be able to keep the truth from her brother, and in turn, she learns more about the Duke. Though they don't have many interactions at first, Avondale decides he wants her, and sets out to make her his duchess. I liked that she didn't back down easily, and forced him to realise that a marriage of convenience is not for him, and he wants love in his life. We learn more about Minerva's dream for the future too, and I can't wait to see her find her happiness with Drake!
July 25, 2022
Worth it
Tom is a Duke, a spy, a brother and a favored agent of the Crown.
He has methodically picked his Duchess and chosen Isadora who has just been put in charge of the secret society and needs to renew the lease.
Isadora Aka Izzy has a problem with being touched and no one says why? She adores her older sister and doesn’t want to marry before her! But Minerva not only has other plans! They have a younger sister that is already wed.
Isadora gives Tom challenges at every turn and he knows she’s his match. He does not expect to fall for her although his parents had a love match but Izzy did Not!
Tom has been placed on a Mission that may cause him to rethink his loyalty to Izzy and if he loves her or the Foreign office more?
Will Izzy give up her precious agency for Tom and also wait for her sister to wed?
So many decisions. I love this! Can’t wait for the next book!
Tom is a Duke, a spy, a brother and a favored agent of the Crown.
He has methodically picked his Duchess and chosen Isadora who has just been put in charge of the secret society and needs to renew the lease.
Isadora Aka Izzy has a problem with being touched and no one says why? She adores her older sister and doesn’t want to marry before her! But Minerva not only has other plans! They have a younger sister that is already wed.
Isadora gives Tom challenges at every turn and he knows she’s his match. He does not expect to fall for her although his parents had a love match but Izzy did Not!
Tom has been placed on a Mission that may cause him to rethink his loyalty to Izzy and if he loves her or the Foreign office more?
Will Izzy give up her precious agency for Tom and also wait for her sister to wed?
So many decisions. I love this! Can’t wait for the next book!
May 24, 2022
4.25 Stars
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue to be a member of the exclusive and secret Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two Seasons already without a single proposal, one more shouldn’t be a challenge, that is until she finds herself wagering with the pompous Duke of Aces for her hand. Thomas Grandstone, The Duke of Avondale has decided it’s time to wed. As an agent for the Foreign Office, he needs a woman who can keep a secret. Spying the reserved and aloof Lady Isadora at his summer house party, Avondale believes he’s identified the perfect candidate to become the next Duchess of Avondale. Except, the woman has no interest in marriage, but she does have a fondness for taking risks.
This is the second book in the series & another delightful read. Isadora is feisty, intelligent & determined that her elder sister Minerva will wed first. I loved Tom a swoon worthy hero who isn’t used to losing. I loved how his ideas about marriage changed as he got to know Isadora. The pace is good & the characters have depth, I particularly liked Charlotte & hope she has her story & of course the enigmatic Minerva – I can't wait for her story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue to be a member of the exclusive and secret Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two Seasons already without a single proposal, one more shouldn’t be a challenge, that is until she finds herself wagering with the pompous Duke of Aces for her hand. Thomas Grandstone, The Duke of Avondale has decided it’s time to wed. As an agent for the Foreign Office, he needs a woman who can keep a secret. Spying the reserved and aloof Lady Isadora at his summer house party, Avondale believes he’s identified the perfect candidate to become the next Duchess of Avondale. Except, the woman has no interest in marriage, but she does have a fondness for taking risks.
This is the second book in the series & another delightful read. Isadora is feisty, intelligent & determined that her elder sister Minerva will wed first. I loved Tom a swoon worthy hero who isn’t used to losing. I loved how his ideas about marriage changed as he got to know Isadora. The pace is good & the characters have depth, I particularly liked Charlotte & hope she has her story & of course the enigmatic Minerva – I can't wait for her story.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 26, 2024
5 STARS, COURT & WED BY WAGERS, LUCK OR LOVE
Rachel Ann Smith earned 5 STARS for Book 2 in this interesting & fast paced different from the normal Historical Romance's about Ton activities in the Series: Ladies of Risk plus provides a good BLURB. Characters from Book 1 show up and are definitely expected in the next books of the series and the books seem to mesh seamlessly between them storyline wise.
Tom, the Duke of Avalon had been a august personage since he was a young boy & both of his parents died because of a ship going down. He has grown up to be considered to be lucky with the nickname: The Duke of Aces. A man who decided he wasn't good to try to find or marry for love because his parents had been deeply in love & thought it was bad luck for them.
Isadora being the middle daughter of 5 children had decided not to marry for love because of the disastrous marriage of her parents, but had been having a change of mind due to the very happy marriage & love of her sister Diana & the Earl of Chestwick.
Following & feeling the emotions of the Duke & Isadora along with her sister with Drake's strange love mix up keeps the pages turning. I fell more in love with these characters & this Series & can't wait to get on to the next. I hope Isadora's brothers will have a book & I can't leave out her new sister-in-law.
This is an endearing love story that comes down to a couple feeling like they have come home when they are together. A beautiful sentiment!
RECOMMENDED
Rachel Ann Smith earned 5 STARS for Book 2 in this interesting & fast paced different from the normal Historical Romance's about Ton activities in the Series: Ladies of Risk plus provides a good BLURB. Characters from Book 1 show up and are definitely expected in the next books of the series and the books seem to mesh seamlessly between them storyline wise.
Tom, the Duke of Avalon had been a august personage since he was a young boy & both of his parents died because of a ship going down. He has grown up to be considered to be lucky with the nickname: The Duke of Aces. A man who decided he wasn't good to try to find or marry for love because his parents had been deeply in love & thought it was bad luck for them.
Isadora being the middle daughter of 5 children had decided not to marry for love because of the disastrous marriage of her parents, but had been having a change of mind due to the very happy marriage & love of her sister Diana & the Earl of Chestwick.
Following & feeling the emotions of the Duke & Isadora along with her sister with Drake's strange love mix up keeps the pages turning. I fell more in love with these characters & this Series & can't wait to get on to the next. I hope Isadora's brothers will have a book & I can't leave out her new sister-in-law.
This is an endearing love story that comes down to a couple feeling like they have come home when they are together. A beautiful sentiment!
RECOMMENDED
May 26, 2022
A Spy and A Secret Lady’s Society
Tom the Duke of Avondale had decided that Lady Isadora Malbury would make him a perfect Duchess. He thought a marriage of convenience would suit his lifestyle as a agent of the Foreign Office perfectly, but he hadn’t counted on Isadora having her own ideas and of course to be able to stay a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon you had to be single, this she would only give up for love!
Tom nicknamed the Duke of Aces was always up for a wager and due to his lucky streak, normally won. When the both of them locked heads to lease the same building, they decided on a wager and whoever won the overall wager, the other person would back down from bidding for the building. Of course each little section of the wager had an advantage. Tom wanted Isadora for his wife so one of his wins would be to allow him to court her. He wanted her with a passion and unexpectedly found himself falling madly in love with her. Isadora feeling the same way, had a lot of decisions to make, after the steamy moments they had shared, would she accept a marriage based on what he wanted or would she hold out for love.
I loved all the characters within the story and their developing personalities and can’t wait to read more stories in this series. The storyline kept me engrossed all the way through to the end with romance, steamy moments, passion and a HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own
Tom the Duke of Avondale had decided that Lady Isadora Malbury would make him a perfect Duchess. He thought a marriage of convenience would suit his lifestyle as a agent of the Foreign Office perfectly, but he hadn’t counted on Isadora having her own ideas and of course to be able to stay a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon you had to be single, this she would only give up for love!
Tom nicknamed the Duke of Aces was always up for a wager and due to his lucky streak, normally won. When the both of them locked heads to lease the same building, they decided on a wager and whoever won the overall wager, the other person would back down from bidding for the building. Of course each little section of the wager had an advantage. Tom wanted Isadora for his wife so one of his wins would be to allow him to court her. He wanted her with a passion and unexpectedly found himself falling madly in love with her. Isadora feeling the same way, had a lot of decisions to make, after the steamy moments they had shared, would she accept a marriage based on what he wanted or would she hold out for love.
I loved all the characters within the story and their developing personalities and can’t wait to read more stories in this series. The storyline kept me engrossed all the way through to the end with romance, steamy moments, passion and a HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 29, 2022
The Duke of Aces by Rachel Ann Smith is the second book of the Ladies of Risk. I enjoyed this story more than book one, but just barely. In book one, “An Earl Unmasked” I became very frustrated with the lack of plot and character development - sadly I must report this book is written the same way. I characterize these stories as fluff romance—nothing too deep or emotional throughout the story. I think the books could have been much better if the author had just dug a little deeper. This is my second book I have read by Rachel Ann Smith so I am not sure if all of her books are so emotionless but this series definitely fits that description. Inevitably I found myself completely indifferent to the characters - whether they live or die, are happy or miserable, fall in love or not - I couldn’t make myself care.
The overall premise of the story is Lady Isadora Malbury is part of the Wicked Ladies Salon, if she wants to remain that way she must remain unmarried. The Duke of Avondale, also known as the Duke of Aces, decides he needs to marry. He is a secret agent and his bride must be trustworthy. So, because he is drawn to Lady Isadora he decides she will be his wife. Then comes her period of indecision…they wager…they marry. The end.
Nothing fancy or extra.
Another beautiful book cover 😉
📚I received a review copy from Dragonblade Publishing - all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for the opportunity to read. 🦄
The overall premise of the story is Lady Isadora Malbury is part of the Wicked Ladies Salon, if she wants to remain that way she must remain unmarried. The Duke of Avondale, also known as the Duke of Aces, decides he needs to marry. He is a secret agent and his bride must be trustworthy. So, because he is drawn to Lady Isadora he decides she will be his wife. Then comes her period of indecision…they wager…they marry. The end.
Nothing fancy or extra.
Another beautiful book cover 😉
📚I received a review copy from Dragonblade Publishing - all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for the opportunity to read. 🦄
May 27, 2022
3.5 STARS
This is my second story by this author. The first one I read was in a bundle called STAR OF LIGHT and her contribution was A YULETIDE WEDDING and I rated it 4.5 stars. The Duke of Aces is book 2 of the series and I didn't read book 1. Maybe if I read book 1, I would've discovered some missing information. I felt I came in the middle of some scenes and didn't have enough back story. I'm not doing spoilers but this happened more than once.
The name of the club the h is involved in is WICKED LADIES SALON. From this story, not much info given what made them Wicked.
The H has set is mind on the h being his wife with barely conversing with 10 words. I do believe in love at first sight but for a Duke, this seemed really fast.
There were many parts of the story I did enjoy and some of the secondary characters too. I would recommend this story, but be aware you maybe scratching your head at times wondering how we got from point A to Z at lightning speed. But, part of the journey was enjoyable.
There are two foreplay scenes heat level 5 out of 5 outside of marriage. Lovemaking within marriage - heat level 3 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger but some info on secondary character's not resolved, HEA, little romance and steam. I can't improve on the blurb just giving you some tidbits to decide if you want to read this story. (ljb)
This is my second story by this author. The first one I read was in a bundle called STAR OF LIGHT and her contribution was A YULETIDE WEDDING and I rated it 4.5 stars. The Duke of Aces is book 2 of the series and I didn't read book 1. Maybe if I read book 1, I would've discovered some missing information. I felt I came in the middle of some scenes and didn't have enough back story. I'm not doing spoilers but this happened more than once.
The name of the club the h is involved in is WICKED LADIES SALON. From this story, not much info given what made them Wicked.
The H has set is mind on the h being his wife with barely conversing with 10 words. I do believe in love at first sight but for a Duke, this seemed really fast.
There were many parts of the story I did enjoy and some of the secondary characters too. I would recommend this story, but be aware you maybe scratching your head at times wondering how we got from point A to Z at lightning speed. But, part of the journey was enjoyable.
There are two foreplay scenes heat level 5 out of 5 outside of marriage. Lovemaking within marriage - heat level 3 out of 5.
No cheating, no cliffhanger but some info on secondary character's not resolved, HEA, little romance and steam. I can't improve on the blurb just giving you some tidbits to decide if you want to read this story. (ljb)
May 23, 2022
The Duke of Avondale needs a wife and has identified the ideal candidate. Unfortunately for him, Lady Isadora has her own plans and they definitely don’t include marriage. However when the two of them meet, they find they have a shared liking for wagers and a similar tendency to win - who will come out on top in this case…?
This felt like a much more rounded and better plotted book than the first in the series. Both main characters are layered and sympathetic, not to mention slightly blindsided by the way they develop feelings for each other. Their sisters are also both fascinating: it does rather feel like the whole series has been leading up to Minerva’s story and I’m intrigued to see where that goes, but Charlotte will also hopefully get her turn. A delightful read with a few steamy moments - but like its predecessor in the series, the book could really do with a good proof reader. Typos happen, but a character shouldn’t go from Bane to Bain and back again within a couple of paragraphs!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This felt like a much more rounded and better plotted book than the first in the series. Both main characters are layered and sympathetic, not to mention slightly blindsided by the way they develop feelings for each other. Their sisters are also both fascinating: it does rather feel like the whole series has been leading up to Minerva’s story and I’m intrigued to see where that goes, but Charlotte will also hopefully get her turn. A delightful read with a few steamy moments - but like its predecessor in the series, the book could really do with a good proof reader. Typos happen, but a character shouldn’t go from Bane to Bain and back again within a couple of paragraphs!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2022
Lady Isadora Malbury is really going to enjoy her season this year. She is taking over as the leader of the Wicked Ladies . They are a secret group of unmarried ladies who want to enjoy some excitement without risk to their or their family's reputation. She is checking to find out if a prospective new member can be trusted to keep the secrets.
Our heroine is very intelligent. She and her sisters are very close but each often hide things to protect each other.
Thomas Grandstone, Duke of Avondale is an agent for the Crown, but has decided that it's time for him to choose a wife. Once he found the perfect woman, he was surprised to learn she has no interest in marriage at all.
Our hero will have to use every weapon in his sneaky spy way to win his heart's desire.
A fascinating historical romance full of intrigue and fun. Our clever and mischievous characters keep us involved with the story from start until the finish and beyond. Although you could read this book on it's own, I think the series is best read in order. I will definitely be reading the next one.
I loved it.
Our heroine is very intelligent. She and her sisters are very close but each often hide things to protect each other.
Thomas Grandstone, Duke of Avondale is an agent for the Crown, but has decided that it's time for him to choose a wife. Once he found the perfect woman, he was surprised to learn she has no interest in marriage at all.
Our hero will have to use every weapon in his sneaky spy way to win his heart's desire.
A fascinating historical romance full of intrigue and fun. Our clever and mischievous characters keep us involved with the story from start until the finish and beyond. Although you could read this book on it's own, I think the series is best read in order. I will definitely be reading the next one.
I loved it.
May 31, 2022
Lady Isadora Malbury has a wonderful group of ladies who are amazing. BUT she must stay single to continue with this group
The Duke of Avondale has his eye only on one young lady to marry. However he always wins.
Enjoying this series! Fun and entertaining. Will she bend? Will he stay true? They will. need to search for whats important and what they can't live without. The sisters in this series are just as important as the main characters. The story ends in a cliff hanger but not for the main characters. I dont believe you need to read the first to understand the second. However this book doesn't really go into why there is a wicked ladies society as this first book did.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book
The Duke of Avondale has his eye only on one young lady to marry. However he always wins.
Enjoying this series! Fun and entertaining. Will she bend? Will he stay true? They will. need to search for whats important and what they can't live without. The sisters in this series are just as important as the main characters. The story ends in a cliff hanger but not for the main characters. I dont believe you need to read the first to understand the second. However this book doesn't really go into why there is a wicked ladies society as this first book did.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book
May 31, 2022
An absolute delight! The Malbury sisters are such wonderful characters, full of independence, loyalty and love. I was enthralled from the start and could not put it down, literally read through in one sitting. I love the rapport between Tom & Isadora, she keeps him on his toes every step of the way. His relationship with his sister Charlotte is just as endearing. Being a spy for the Crown, protectiveness is engrained deep. As much as I loved the growing relationship between Tom & Isadora, the underlying story of Minerva has me anxiously awaiting the next book. We have watched Minerva’s marriage challenge unfold through two stories now and I simply must know if the ensuing challenge finally brings Drake up to scratch. The ending of this story was both a delight and a frustration, as I did not want it to end.
June 7, 2022
The second book of Ladies of Risk series, this one captured my attention and held it all the way just as the first one. Thomas is a duke, and a spy for the Home Office. He has decided it's time for him to marry and when he meets Isadora, he decides she would make the perfect duchess. Isadora is a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon and the requirement to belong is that she be single. The only way she would give up the Wicked Ladies is if she married for love. When her and the Duke enter into a wager, both get more than they bargained for and both are at risk of losing their hearts.
This was another delightful read and a great addition to the series. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was another delightful read and a great addition to the series. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 8, 2022
Quite enjoyed this book. It's part of a series but stands alone. I found the whole Wicked Ladies Salon a little far fetched but it was a fun read. I liked Isadora though and I like plot mechanisms that brings together groups of friends like this Salon does. Avondale is involved with the foreign office, great at cards and sets his sights on Isadora quite early on. This does avoid any sort of tortured "oh but I never want to get married" from Tom. A bit more from Isadora as being married for some arbitrary reason means she cant head up the Wicked Ladies Salon. This is the sort of shenanigans you get in a lot of these books and frankly feels like someone trying to insert "conflict" in to a book with a crowbar. So that was irritating. Otherwise quite a fun story.
Isadora's sister is interesting too and I'm hoping there's a book about her coming up.
Isadora's sister is interesting too and I'm hoping there's a book about her coming up.
October 12, 2025
Lady Isidore Malbury
Duke of Avondale - Tom
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue as a member of the exclusive Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two seasons already it shouldn’t be a challenge until she finds herself wagering with the Duke of Avondale, aka the Duke of Aces. The Duke has decided it’s time for him to wed and he needs a woman who can keep a secret. At his summer house party he believes Isadora would be the perfect candidate. Isadora wants a marriage of love, not like her parent’s marriage. The Duke doesn’t believe love is for him, but can Isadora change his mind. This is a very good, fast reading book. I liked Isadora and the Duke, both are happy with wagers and challenges. Isadora is very smart and can solve problems/mysteries. I would definitely read more books by this author and this series.
Duke of Avondale - Tom
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue as a member of the exclusive Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two seasons already it shouldn’t be a challenge until she finds herself wagering with the Duke of Avondale, aka the Duke of Aces. The Duke has decided it’s time for him to wed and he needs a woman who can keep a secret. At his summer house party he believes Isadora would be the perfect candidate. Isadora wants a marriage of love, not like her parent’s marriage. The Duke doesn’t believe love is for him, but can Isadora change his mind. This is a very good, fast reading book. I liked Isadora and the Duke, both are happy with wagers and challenges. Isadora is very smart and can solve problems/mysteries. I would definitely read more books by this author and this series.
May 25, 2022
Is gambling for your future worth the consequences? Find out in a wonderful, witty, exciting historical romance. The Duke of Avondale and the only woman to catch his eye, Lady Isodora are a perfect match. Their banter, chemistry and adoration of each other made the story unputdownable. The mix of intrigue made it even better.
What I loved:
Their chemistry
Adoration for their family
Side characters
Intrigue
What I didn't love as much:
The bet does not follow through to the end
too much focus on side characters at times (even though I loved them)
Spend most of their time bantering instead of getting to know each other
It was a great story that I would definitely recommend and I look forward to learning more about Minerva and Drake in the next book.
What I loved:
Their chemistry
Adoration for their family
Side characters
Intrigue
What I didn't love as much:
The bet does not follow through to the end
too much focus on side characters at times (even though I loved them)
Spend most of their time bantering instead of getting to know each other
It was a great story that I would definitely recommend and I look forward to learning more about Minerva and Drake in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2025
Happy pride - for Isadora seems to be grey-asexual coded. No idea if this was meant on purpose, so I shan't be shelving it as such.
More interesting than the previous book - there's a lot of bluffing between Tom and Isadora, which suits their shared interest of gambling games and games of chance. Or at least less irritating, as there's still a little toing and froing whether Tom is proposing a marriage of convenience or a marriage of love (or one in between), but I enjoy that kind of 'character does the thing they said they wouldn't because they don't realise they're in love' trope.
Also, turns out I quite like the whole spy element. Makes things more fun, even if I wish the politics were less vague.
More interesting than the previous book - there's a lot of bluffing between Tom and Isadora, which suits their shared interest of gambling games and games of chance. Or at least less irritating, as there's still a little toing and froing whether Tom is proposing a marriage of convenience or a marriage of love (or one in between), but I enjoy that kind of 'character does the thing they said they wouldn't because they don't realise they're in love' trope.
Also, turns out I quite like the whole spy element. Makes things more fun, even if I wish the politics were less vague.
May 26, 2022
Lady Isadora Malbury has a problem. She is determined not to wed until her older sister is married. Isadora has already lasted two years of the ton without a single proposal. Hopefully, she will be able to make it another year. However, she has been chosen to lead the secret Wicked Ladies Salon and things are going well until she makes a wager with the haughty Duke of Aces for her hand. Little does she realize that the duke works for the Foreign Office and needs a wife he can trust to help him with his assignments. What an interesting concept this is for her life as she does enjoy mysteries. This is an enjoyable adventure full of wonderful characters and excitement.
May 29, 2022
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While I enjoyed this book it wasn't as good as the first in the series.
Isadora has been put in charge of the Wicked Women group and has to secure their meeting hall.
Tom has decided that he is going to marry Isadora.
The wager between the two quickly fizzles and their isn't any real tension in the book. I found Isadora kinda dull. Nothing about her stands out so I'm not sure what caused the instalove in Tom. I liked Tom a little more than Isadora.
However once again I am most interested in the secondary characters. This time Minerva and Charlottle both.
While I enjoyed this book it wasn't as good as the first in the series.
Isadora has been put in charge of the Wicked Women group and has to secure their meeting hall.
Tom has decided that he is going to marry Isadora.
The wager between the two quickly fizzles and their isn't any real tension in the book. I found Isadora kinda dull. Nothing about her stands out so I'm not sure what caused the instalove in Tom. I liked Tom a little more than Isadora.
However once again I am most interested in the secondary characters. This time Minerva and Charlottle both.
June 2, 2022
3 stars
Didn't really work for me. First the hero didn't want to marry then he did. The heroine was part of the wicked ladies who didn't really seem to do much. There was the use of the word intel, which my kindle dictionary tells me is a 1980 abbreviation.and the more common stoop which I don't think we have here in England. I thought it was going to be interesting when the authorities were going to send the hero to france (though why they'd send a duke and not a less prestigious target baffled me) but this didn't happen and they just got married.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Didn't really work for me. First the hero didn't want to marry then he did. The heroine was part of the wicked ladies who didn't really seem to do much. There was the use of the word intel, which my kindle dictionary tells me is a 1980 abbreviation.and the more common stoop which I don't think we have here in England. I thought it was going to be interesting when the authorities were going to send the hero to france (though why they'd send a duke and not a less prestigious target baffled me) but this didn't happen and they just got married.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2022
It's a gamble.
He's the Duke of Aces, with Lady Luck on his shoulder. He's gonna need it when he takes on Lady Isadora, maybe the next Ice Queen of the Wicked Ladies Salon. They are both members of clandestine organizations. Thomas, the Duke of Avondale has decided Lady Isadora is the one to wed,. it will be convenient for him as a spy. Isadora thinks he's a peacock and wants nothing to do with him,. She enjoys her puzzles and being part of the Wicked Ladies Salon. But maybe love is a gamble they will both roll the dice on?
Recommend.
4.5
He's the Duke of Aces, with Lady Luck on his shoulder. He's gonna need it when he takes on Lady Isadora, maybe the next Ice Queen of the Wicked Ladies Salon. They are both members of clandestine organizations. Thomas, the Duke of Avondale has decided Lady Isadora is the one to wed,. it will be convenient for him as a spy. Isadora thinks he's a peacock and wants nothing to do with him,. She enjoys her puzzles and being part of the Wicked Ladies Salon. But maybe love is a gamble they will both roll the dice on?
Recommend.
4.5
May 25, 2022
When a lady has avoided marriage meets a handsome man who is read to find a bride, what are the chances they end up together?
Lady Isadora has enjoyed being a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon and is glad she has lasted the season without a proposal. She loves a gamble!
The Duke of Avondale is ready to wed and have someone who he can confide in.. His job as an agent for the Foreign office demands it.
When these two meet up and she finds herself in a wager with the Duke! What could possibly happen?
Lady Isadora has enjoyed being a member of the Wicked Ladies Salon and is glad she has lasted the season without a proposal. She loves a gamble!
The Duke of Avondale is ready to wed and have someone who he can confide in.. His job as an agent for the Foreign office demands it.
When these two meet up and she finds herself in a wager with the Duke! What could possibly happen?
May 28, 2022
I expected to like this book as I have read the authors books before however I found myself somewhat indifferent. The character's didn't seem to develop enough for me to like them and the whole spy thing seemed to take over. Also there was no mention of anyone in the book being Scottish yet the author insisted on using Aye and nay for all the character's which drove me to distraction as a UK reader and ruined the story was tempted to give a 2 but upped it to 3 as it wasn't a badly written book in itself. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2022
Isadora Malbury is going to lead the Wicked Ladies Salon which is secret that too many people seem to know about. She has to stay single and that will be easy as she plans not to marry before her sister, Minerva But the Duke of Avondale has decided to wed and she is his choice. How can he convince her that is the question. The more he thinks about it he is falling in love and she is in love with him. How does she make the promise she has made to herself. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read the story.
May 26, 2022
Isadora was quite a complex character, with a group of strangers she was quite shy and liked to keep in the background but when Thomas, Duke of Avondale was near her she had quite a different feeling. Isadora is also adventurous and belongs to a special secret ladies club. Tom had decided it was time for him to choose a bride and was thinking of a marriage of convenience but he just couldn’t get Isadora out of his mind. This story moves along at a good pace and was an entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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