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Ladies of Risk #3
King Takes Queen
An innocent contest becomes the ultimate challenge.
Lady Minerva Malbury has never lost a game of chess, and if she wants to avoid marriage, it’s a streak she’ll have to keep alive. Everyone knows the marriage mart is a game, but no one expects this one: the first gentleman to defeat Lady Minerva in a game of chess wins her hand.
His best friend’s sister was all, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, could think about most days. Since her Season debut, four years ago, he’s had to endure countless games of chess that threated his fortitude to remain in the wings.
With a threat of banishment, from the Head of the Foreign Office, challenging Minerva to a game of chess was his only option if he wished to remain on English soil.
But if he wins, he’ll be denying Minerva the family she’s always wanted, and if he looses he’ll never have the only woman he’s ever loved.
Find out if Anthony will succeed in winning his best friend’s sister’s hand or if Minerva be left to spend the rest of her days in spinster seating... in Rachel Ann Smith's King Takes Queen.
Lady Minerva Malbury has never lost a game of chess, and if she wants to avoid marriage, it’s a streak she’ll have to keep alive. Everyone knows the marriage mart is a game, but no one expects this one: the first gentleman to defeat Lady Minerva in a game of chess wins her hand.
His best friend’s sister was all, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, could think about most days. Since her Season debut, four years ago, he’s had to endure countless games of chess that threated his fortitude to remain in the wings.
With a threat of banishment, from the Head of the Foreign Office, challenging Minerva to a game of chess was his only option if he wished to remain on English soil.
But if he wins, he’ll be denying Minerva the family she’s always wanted, and if he looses he’ll never have the only woman he’s ever loved.
Find out if Anthony will succeed in winning his best friend’s sister’s hand or if Minerva be left to spend the rest of her days in spinster seating... in Rachel Ann Smith's King Takes Queen.
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
63 people are currently reading
39 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 13, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Enjoyable and entertaining read.
Very good read, this book had my interest from the beginning, the plot was very good and I thought quite different.
Enjoyed the characters too.
Thankyou to Netgally and Dragonblade for the Arc .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
December 26, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After proclaiming to all and sundry that she would only marry the man who can defeat her in a game of chess, Lady Minerva Malbury has been plotting. There's only one man she's ever wanted to marry, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, her brother's best friend, but he's been vocal about not wanting to marry her. However, Anthony has a secret. He's been in love with Minerva for as long as he can remember, but he knows she wants a large family, and all the woman who've married into his family have died in childbirth - he won't do that to her. When Anthony is threatened with banishment unless he joins the Foreign Office, or plays against Minerva, he relents, but he can never force her to do something she doesn't want.
I had such high hopes for this book, and for the most part, it was worth it. Minerva and Anthony have had such fantastic chemistry in the previous books, and I needed to know just why they were punishing themselves by staying away from each other. Minerva's wish for freedom was a great sub plot, and I loved that she was able to explore that wish before realising that losing Anthony, losing her family, was too much to give up on. All of the missing links and loose ends that might have been left behind in the previous books were more than dealt with here. The ending of the book was perfect, and the Malbury family are so tight knit, that I couldn't have expected anything different! Rachel may have been a new author for me, but I'll be on the look out for more in future.
After proclaiming to all and sundry that she would only marry the man who can defeat her in a game of chess, Lady Minerva Malbury has been plotting. There's only one man she's ever wanted to marry, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, her brother's best friend, but he's been vocal about not wanting to marry her. However, Anthony has a secret. He's been in love with Minerva for as long as he can remember, but he knows she wants a large family, and all the woman who've married into his family have died in childbirth - he won't do that to her. When Anthony is threatened with banishment unless he joins the Foreign Office, or plays against Minerva, he relents, but he can never force her to do something she doesn't want.
I had such high hopes for this book, and for the most part, it was worth it. Minerva and Anthony have had such fantastic chemistry in the previous books, and I needed to know just why they were punishing themselves by staying away from each other. Minerva's wish for freedom was a great sub plot, and I loved that she was able to explore that wish before realising that losing Anthony, losing her family, was too much to give up on. All of the missing links and loose ends that might have been left behind in the previous books were more than dealt with here. The ending of the book was perfect, and the Malbury family are so tight knit, that I couldn't have expected anything different! Rachel may have been a new author for me, but I'll be on the look out for more in future.
December 16, 2022
A challenge to the gentlemen of society started out as a game to Lady Minerva, but it later became an obsession as she comes to realize that it's not marriage she is avoiding, but the loss of her freedom once she is married. At times I despaired of the main characters as they seemed to vacillate over what they wanted to achieve. As it turned out, their family and friends despaired over them too. Winning at chess becomes the driving force in Lord Drake's life when he realizes that he may lose Minerva altogether and he finds help from unexpected quarters. Fortunately, the novel does come to a good conclusion, with a few surprises along the way. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 7, 2023
This historical love story is short but sweet, with an engaging plotline and two characters that readers crave to see together in the end.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 13, 2022
4.5 Stars
Lady Minerva Malbury has never lost a game of chess, and if she wants to avoid marriage, it’s a streak she’ll have to keep alive. Everyone knows the marriage mart is a game, but no one expects this one: the first gentleman to defeat Lady Minerva in a game of chess wins her hand. His best friend’s sister was all, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, could think about most days. Since her Season debut, four years ago, he’s had to endure countless games of chess that threatened his fortitude to remain in the wings but he knows with his family history he shouldn’t marry.
The third book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on its own to fully appreciate it I'd recommend reading the series in order. Minerva has looked after her sisters but now they are happily married so she wants time for herself, she has a secret & wants to pursue this. I loved both Anthony & Minerva who had loved each other for years, both are intelligent & then things come to a head, can a game of chess bring them their hearts desire? A well written engrossing read with strong characters, a well paced story & a lovely romance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lady Minerva Malbury has never lost a game of chess, and if she wants to avoid marriage, it’s a streak she’ll have to keep alive. Everyone knows the marriage mart is a game, but no one expects this one: the first gentleman to defeat Lady Minerva in a game of chess wins her hand. His best friend’s sister was all, Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake, could think about most days. Since her Season debut, four years ago, he’s had to endure countless games of chess that threatened his fortitude to remain in the wings but he knows with his family history he shouldn’t marry.
The third book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on its own to fully appreciate it I'd recommend reading the series in order. Minerva has looked after her sisters but now they are happily married so she wants time for herself, she has a secret & wants to pursue this. I loved both Anthony & Minerva who had loved each other for years, both are intelligent & then things come to a head, can a game of chess bring them their hearts desire? A well written engrossing read with strong characters, a well paced story & a lovely romance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 15, 2022
Minerva Aka Madame Rose loves Anthony and he her for literally years!
Anthony devised the chest game idea to lure or actually keep suitors away! Known could or has beat her in a chess match to date!
A lot of these misunderstanding should have taken a few minutes instead they took chapters!
Two stubborn people who are a lot alike and yet very different!
Anthony afraid he would kill his wife in childbirth was not substantiated by Minerva family’s history!
Yes he has a sparse male history and sparse family period but for this period Minerva family was considered prolific to say the least!
Minerva at some point realized her dream of independence was just that! She literally lasts 24 hours and realizes she loves her family and her life and she will be talked about no matter which path she chooses!
I wanted to smack Anthony who didn’t want to unleash the real him? What Sir! You asked her to marry you 🙄 would not the real you come out at some point 😩!
Do they live HEA but this even takes a while!
Anthony devised the chest game idea to lure or actually keep suitors away! Known could or has beat her in a chess match to date!
A lot of these misunderstanding should have taken a few minutes instead they took chapters!
Two stubborn people who are a lot alike and yet very different!
Anthony afraid he would kill his wife in childbirth was not substantiated by Minerva family’s history!
Yes he has a sparse male history and sparse family period but for this period Minerva family was considered prolific to say the least!
Minerva at some point realized her dream of independence was just that! She literally lasts 24 hours and realizes she loves her family and her life and she will be talked about no matter which path she chooses!
I wanted to smack Anthony who didn’t want to unleash the real him? What Sir! You asked her to marry you 🙄 would not the real you come out at some point 😩!
Do they live HEA but this even takes a while!
May 9, 2023
I have to say that the plot to this romance novel was well crafted. Minerva and Anthony love and romance worked well with the story. The characters dialogue had logic and understanding to their goals in the book. The romance between the two was beautifully written. It executed the happy ending that I was looking for. Anthony is my favorite character. His undying love and the will to not Minerva go could be felt through the words of the story. I think the story is very entertaining. It’s engaging and I thought a fun read. I loved the writing and the book was awesome. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2022
Friends to lovers
A chess match will determine if Anthony MacMillian, Earl of Drake, will end up working for the Home Office, or marrying Matilda Malbury. An expert at chess, she has never lost a game, or so she thinks. If she wins she will have her independence. If she loses, she will become some-one's wife. As her brother's best friend, Anthony must convince her that she's the only woman he loves. Can she trust him to give her some independence? Some heat with kisses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
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A chess match will determine if Anthony MacMillian, Earl of Drake, will end up working for the Home Office, or marrying Matilda Malbury. An expert at chess, she has never lost a game, or so she thinks. If she wins she will have her independence. If she loses, she will become some-one's wife. As her brother's best friend, Anthony must convince her that she's the only woman he loves. Can she trust him to give her some independence? Some heat with kisses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
.
December 13, 2022
I did find this book to be an entertaining read on the whole, however, I found the characters of Minerva and Anthony, to be indecisive. This especially concerns Minerva, she didn’t seem to know what she wanted, either her freedom or to marry. She was an intelligent lady, as Anthony was a clever man but Anthony had a misguided reason for not marrying. Minerva took her time to realise what she really wanted. There is also a good number of chess games in the story. Minerva’s family also have their input on proceedings. However, it does have a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 5, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is finally the story of Anthony and Minerva; their love story has been simmering in the background of the previous two stories in the series and driving my curiosity about the two of them from the beginning, considering Minerva's chess challenge for anyone wanting to marry her.
Anthony, the Earl of Drake, and Minerva have known each other since childhood, and it was obvious to everyone, but the two of them, that they love each other. This is established from the get go of this story, if no one else could figure it out in the previous two books. However, rather than declaring it and being childhood sweethearts who grow to love each other, they have avoided declaring their feelings for each other for various reasons. Anthony thinks he is being noble and sacrificing because he thinks he would not be able to have a family with Minerva because of his own family history. Minerva thinks that her feelings are not reciprocated by the object of her affection and her chess challenge was a way to keep suitors away, while hoping Anthony would challenge her. But as the years go by he does not, and she thinks he does not want to.
Through some rather convoluted finagling and interference by the government factions who want to manipulate Anthony and Minerva to work for them, they end up agreeing to the chess challenge with each other. Anthony, when threatened with actually losing Minerva, decides that he is going be public with his feelings and to grab a chance at what he truly wants, which is Minerva as his wife.
I think I liked this because it was a culmination of the love story that has been brewing for a while, and I enjoyed them finally facing their mutual love since childhood, and reaching their HEA. I have a soft spot for childhood loves. But on saying that, there are aspects of the story that I found lacking, such as the lack of good explanation for how and why the Foreign Office interfered as they did in the relationship of the two, and why they were trying to manipulate Anthony and Minerva the way they were - how was that going to recruit them to work for the FO??? It did the job of introducing and intriguing character that I would like to know more about (is the series going to continue?). But there was no truly satisfactory reason as to why the FO was so interested in the two of them.
3.75 stars out of 5
December 17, 2022
King Takes Queen by Rachel Ann Smith is part of the Ladies of Risk series. Anthony MacMillan, Earl of Drake had loved a woman for years. She was the sister of his best friend, and simply put, she was too good for him. She was sought after but refused to marry a man who could not best her in a game of chess. He had watched for years, heart in his throat, as she played game after game, always winning. One day she would lose and he would have to watch her marry another. Now his boss, the Head of the Foreign Office has issued an ultimatum: challenge her to a match or be off to India for God-knew-how-long. He didn’t know what to do. Why did the Head care? Miss Minerva Malbury had loved Drake for years but never let anyone know. He had let her win a chess game years earlier and it still rankled. He was supposed to be no more than her brother’s friend, and yet, he held her heart.
Both stubborn and uncommunicative, it was fun to watch the chess game and the game between the two of them. He knew he could beat her, if he would. Then, something changed. It was a good plot and storyline. Despite the fact that in a romance the outcome is foretold, often on the first page, it was fun to read. It was curious how the Head meddled, but what of it? Kent, his friend, and Minerva’s brother had recently married and was very happy. Perhaps it would be for the best. She led him a merry chase, entertaining. Well done.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of King Takes Queen by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts are opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #RachelAnnSmith #KingTakesQueen
Both stubborn and uncommunicative, it was fun to watch the chess game and the game between the two of them. He knew he could beat her, if he would. Then, something changed. It was a good plot and storyline. Despite the fact that in a romance the outcome is foretold, often on the first page, it was fun to read. It was curious how the Head meddled, but what of it? Kent, his friend, and Minerva’s brother had recently married and was very happy. Perhaps it would be for the best. She led him a merry chase, entertaining. Well done.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of King Takes Queen by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts are opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #RachelAnnSmith #KingTakesQueen
February 19, 2024
A chess match worth waiting for! Here we finally get the love story of Lady Minerva Malbury and Anthony, Lord Drake. While this could be read as a standalone, I think reading the previous stories and knowing more of the characters' back stories, Minerva's in particular, will greatly enhance the reader's enjoyment of this story.
Minerva has been in love with Anthony for years. He has felt the same, but they have never shared their feelings with the other - the timing has never been quite right. Minerva has spent the past several years avoiding marriage by beating her would-be suitors at chess, and she now has even more reason to avoid marriage - a year of freedom as her alter ego. But Anthony is being forced to play her, with forced being a rather subjective term. And while he purposefully lost once before (again, timing), here he plans to play to win.
This was an enjoyable tale, where we also caught up with main characters from prior books. I like Minerva, though thought she gave up on life as her other self pretty quickly. Anthony is also likable, though his reasons for marrying seem a bit immature and not thought out. Some of the angst in the story feels a little contrived, but I was happy to keep reading. A solid 4 stars.
Thank you to Dragonblade and NetGalley for an ARC of this title. The opinions herein are my own.
Minerva has been in love with Anthony for years. He has felt the same, but they have never shared their feelings with the other - the timing has never been quite right. Minerva has spent the past several years avoiding marriage by beating her would-be suitors at chess, and she now has even more reason to avoid marriage - a year of freedom as her alter ego. But Anthony is being forced to play her, with forced being a rather subjective term. And while he purposefully lost once before (again, timing), here he plans to play to win.
This was an enjoyable tale, where we also caught up with main characters from prior books. I like Minerva, though thought she gave up on life as her other self pretty quickly. Anthony is also likable, though his reasons for marrying seem a bit immature and not thought out. Some of the angst in the story feels a little contrived, but I was happy to keep reading. A solid 4 stars.
Thank you to Dragonblade and NetGalley for an ARC of this title. The opinions herein are my own.
October 12, 2025
Lady Minerva Malbury
Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake
Lady Minerva is the oldest daughter and has been taking care of her siblings for years. She has been planning for the last three years that once her sisters were married she would have an adventure and possibly become a spinster, despite being in love with Lord Drake since her brother first brought him home. Lady Minerva has never lost a game of chess and if she wants to stay unmarried she will have to avoid it now. Anthony has done nothing but think about Lady Minerva, his best friend’s sister, for years. He has endured chess match after chess match for the last three seasons, now as he’s being threatened with banishment, he challenges Minerva. He’s afraid if he wins he’ll be denying Minerva the family she has always wanted, but Minerva is also the only woman he has ever loved. This is a very good, fast reading finish to the series. Minerva has to find out if her grand adventure is all she has hoped for and Lord Drake has to come to terms with his past. This book can be read as a standalone but the series is worth reading to see how the characters developed to the place they are in this book. I would definitely read more books by this author.
Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake
Lady Minerva is the oldest daughter and has been taking care of her siblings for years. She has been planning for the last three years that once her sisters were married she would have an adventure and possibly become a spinster, despite being in love with Lord Drake since her brother first brought him home. Lady Minerva has never lost a game of chess and if she wants to stay unmarried she will have to avoid it now. Anthony has done nothing but think about Lady Minerva, his best friend’s sister, for years. He has endured chess match after chess match for the last three seasons, now as he’s being threatened with banishment, he challenges Minerva. He’s afraid if he wins he’ll be denying Minerva the family she has always wanted, but Minerva is also the only woman he has ever loved. This is a very good, fast reading finish to the series. Minerva has to find out if her grand adventure is all she has hoped for and Lord Drake has to come to terms with his past. This book can be read as a standalone but the series is worth reading to see how the characters developed to the place they are in this book. I would definitely read more books by this author.
December 12, 2022
Minerva & Drake are the love story I longed for, Minerva has always been the boldest Malbury, taking chances and risking it all. But having loved Drake since she was 14, and never having her feelings returned left her insecure and indecisive. Not emotions were are used to seeing in her character, It made the story that much more emotional as she learned more about herself during that wait than anything else. Drake has loved Minerva just as long, but hid behind his own fears. Finally the chess match we have awaited for 3 books! Minerva challenge that she would wed whoever bested her in a gam of chess was a bold move. For 3 seasons she played game after game, never doubting her success. But this game held all the stakes, if she won she’d gain the freedom she longed for but if she lost she would wed the only man she ever loved. But could he also be her freedom? This story was a skillfully played game, drawing out the longing and angst of indecision to a beautiful conclusion. Just the right amount of doubt and the emotion was perfection. The perfect conclusion to the Ladies Of Risk series and the HEA’s deserving of the Malbury sisters.
January 17, 2023
I have really been enjoying the Ladies of Risk series so far, and this latest addition also did not disappoint. All ladies of the ton play their own sort of game while competing in the marriage mart, and Lady Minerva's game of choice is chess. She has never lost a game, and she needs to maintain her streak if she wants to avoid marriage. The first gentleman who succeeds in defeating her will win her hand in marriage. Anthony has always loved Minerva. He wants to marry her, but he knows she wants a large family and all the women in his family have had the misfortune of dying in childbirth. He could never bring that fate upon her. Minerva has also been harboring a secret love for Anthony as well. When Anthony realizes he may lose Minerva forever, he becomes determined to win.
This was the third installment of the series and was a completely captivating and entertaining novel. A well-written story with strong characters that kept my interest till the end. Anthony and Minerva were wonderful characters and I enjoyed seeing them together. Looking forward to the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was the third installment of the series and was a completely captivating and entertaining novel. A well-written story with strong characters that kept my interest till the end. Anthony and Minerva were wonderful characters and I enjoyed seeing them together. Looking forward to the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 10, 2022
Who Will Win The Challenge?
They both loved each other but years ago Lady Minerva Malbury had issued a challenge, anyone who could beat her at chess she would marry! She had waited for years for Anthony MacMillan, Lord Drake to issue the challenge. She had beat him once years ago and knew he loved her!
Anthony had loved her for years but would never issue her the challenge although years ago he let her beat him at Chess and had never told her.
Anthony’s time was up, Minerva had got sick of waiting and decided she would live the life she wanted, meanwhile Anthony had finally given in to his feelings and wanted to challenge her.
Enjoy this wonderful story, will Minerva let him win or is it too late for Anthony to win the woman he loves.
Romantic with a great storyline and great characters, well worth a read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
They both loved each other but years ago Lady Minerva Malbury had issued a challenge, anyone who could beat her at chess she would marry! She had waited for years for Anthony MacMillan, Lord Drake to issue the challenge. She had beat him once years ago and knew he loved her!
Anthony had loved her for years but would never issue her the challenge although years ago he let her beat him at Chess and had never told her.
Anthony’s time was up, Minerva had got sick of waiting and decided she would live the life she wanted, meanwhile Anthony had finally given in to his feelings and wanted to challenge her.
Enjoy this wonderful story, will Minerva let him win or is it too late for Anthony to win the woman he loves.
Romantic with a great storyline and great characters, well worth a read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2025
Not quite as cohesive a narrative as the previous book, though more so than the first, and with far too much waffling about what one MC thinks the other MC wants. Not so much miscommunication, but assumption and presumption, topped off with communicating via chess games, which isn’t exactly the most unambiguous form of communication.
I also found the way Minerva decided she didn't actually want to live for a season as rather infantilizing and minimising of her very real desire for freedom not offered to noble women of the era, even as it shows how much privilege she has. I was also disappointed that the whole home office wanting both Minerva and Anthony wasn't particularly resolved - even if both of them are implied to be home bodies, more comfortable in Britain with family than they are abroad.
Though brief, I did enjoy we got to see a happy ending for everyone.
I also found the way Minerva decided she didn't actually want to live for a season as rather infantilizing and minimising of her very real desire for freedom not offered to noble women of the era, even as it shows how much privilege she has. I was also disappointed that the whole home office wanting both Minerva and Anthony wasn't particularly resolved - even if both of them are implied to be home bodies, more comfortable in Britain with family than they are abroad.
Though brief, I did enjoy we got to see a happy ending for everyone.
December 12, 2022
An amusing tale unfolds in this romantic work of historical fiction. There's strong woman power at the fore giving would-be suitors the run around, driving Anthony, especially, to distraction and conniption fits. The game of chess features prominently adding to the artful dodging of cat and mouse fun and games; the hopeful prize and lure of matrimony goes to the male winner, in this time of lords and ladies. One caution for some readers could be some seamy scenes along the way. No doubt its more fun to read the previous books in this Ladies of Risk series but this can stand alone, quite well on its own.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
December 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimetnary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
December 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimetnary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.
December 7, 2022
Lady Minerva Malbury has been more of a mother than a sister to her siblings. Now her sisters are settled she can take some time for herself. She has used her gift to keep suitors from pressuring her to marry. She also has a secret that not even her family know.
Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake has been in love with his best friend's sister for years, but because of his family's history can't marry her.
This is a historical romance with an unusual storyline. The characters are highly intelligent people under pressure from outside sources.
This is part of a series where each book can be read on it's but the series is better read in order. They are all fun.
Anthony MacMillian, Lord Drake has been in love with his best friend's sister for years, but because of his family's history can't marry her.
This is a historical romance with an unusual storyline. The characters are highly intelligent people under pressure from outside sources.
This is part of a series where each book can be read on it's but the series is better read in order. They are all fun.
September 3, 2024
Me ha gustado bastante, aunque se me ha hecho un poco repetitivo el argumento de Minerva para no casarse para que después todo se haya resuelto en un visto y no visto. En la parte de Anthony me ha pasado lo mismo. Lleva años sin querer casarse y de repente quiere. Es demasiado precipitado y sin explicación. Sin embargo, me ha gustado mucho la historia, la he disfrutado y me he quedado con ganas de más.
Ella es una mujer intrépida, inteligente y un poco obsesiva. Él deja de ser un cobarde para luchar por su amor. Es bonito cómo acaban juntos.
Quedan cabos sueltos que me encantaría descubrir. El final me ha sabido a poco.
Ella es una mujer intrépida, inteligente y un poco obsesiva. Él deja de ser un cobarde para luchar por su amor. Es bonito cómo acaban juntos.
Quedan cabos sueltos que me encantaría descubrir. El final me ha sabido a poco.
December 13, 2022
An unusual story line with chess playing a large part in deciding who to wed. It was well written but not great for me although i seem to be in the minority it just seemed to be angst for the sake of it. If Minerva had loved Anthony since she was 14 she wouldn't suddenly decided to say know when he wakes up and decides he wants to marry her. Maybe I missed something not having read the earlier books then maybe I would have been more invested in the character's. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2023
Minerva is a wily woman who is sure she’ll never be beaten in chess. Anthony refuses to challenge her because he doesn’t want to deprive her of children and a home. They are strong characters except for when their heart’s desires are concerned, then they are weak and it weakens the story. Chess of course, is predominant in the plot and the story would be more meaningful if I had a better grip on the game. There is intrigue involved which livens up the story. A fun tale!
August 25, 2023
This is a fun, entertaining read. Minerva and Anthony are intriguing, entertaining, relatable characters. After reading about these two in the other books in the series, it was fun to get to read how their romance was going to happen. I love that we got to see so much of the couples from the first two books. I found this book very fitting for the characters and the series as a whole. I loved the epilogue, and the wrap-up we got there.
June 16, 2023
Our girl is an undefeated chess player at day and opera singer at night. Two things that do not really go together that it made the whole story too fanciful to be taken seriously.
But I give the three stars for the ending cause the chess match was interesting at least. I wish I could say the same about the opera plot cause that was not necessary.
But I give the three stars for the ending cause the chess match was interesting at least. I wish I could say the same about the opera plot cause that was not necessary.
December 22, 2022
Amazing
What a great way to end a series. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this series.
Although I was hoping to see more of a reunion with the 3 sisters and their husbands in the epilogue however that doesn't take away from what an amazing series this has been.
What a great way to end a series. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this series.
Although I was hoping to see more of a reunion with the 3 sisters and their husbands in the epilogue however that doesn't take away from what an amazing series this has been.
February 8, 2023
Great Read!
A lovely story of a meeting of strong minds while overcoming ill conceived prejudices. And all of this unfolded around the game of chess.
A lovely story of a meeting of strong minds while overcoming ill conceived prejudices. And all of this unfolded around the game of chess.
March 5, 2025
⛔️(in notes)
January 2, 2023
I really enjoyed Minerva and Anthony's story. Their story has been a long time coming having been touched on throughout the series. Smith did NOT disappoint. What fun is was to read their HEA!
January 20, 2024
Excellent read about a smart and independent woman with many talents and the man who loves her but is scared to lose her to childbirth. The main characters are admirable and likeable, and so are the friends and family. OpAnd of course, chess plays an important role throughout the story line. Can’t wait to read the next in series! It will be another
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and leaving my review voluntarily.
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