This book was a confusing mess. There are so many people entering the story that don't need to be there. I could hardly keep up with who was who. Also, I was bored with all of the chess playing. Why would any adult play a chess game for marriage? This story was to far fetched for me.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After promising the old Earl of Chestwick that she would return from her first season unmarried, ready to solve the riddle he left her, Lady Diana Malbury is ready to seek out the clues in his library. However, the late Earl's son, Randal, has newly inherited the title, and has no intention of letting a debutante invade his privacy. Diana does not give up easily, and though Randal does just about everything to turn her away, neither can deny the urge to be together.

I honestly could not remember anything about this book when I decided to check by kindle TBR, and saw that I had this trilogy to read. Thinking it was probably easiest to go in blind, I started An Earl Unmasked and was drawn to Diana's story instantly. The youngest daughter of an Earl, Diana is about to embark on her debut season, but would rather be with her family, and her neighbour the Earl of Chestwick, than in a London ballroom. Her elder sisters are yet to marry, and she promised the earl she would return to solve his riddle. The relationship between Diana and the old earl was lovely, and I know he fully intended for her and Randal to meet and fall in love. Randal returned from the battlefield on the death of his father, and his injuries mean he wants solitude and to not be disturbed, particularly not by a bluestocking such as Diana. He orders that anyone on his land is to be shot on sight, and the house to be shut up, but Diana is tenacious, and when she comes across him on the estate injured, she won't stop returning. I enjoyed the way Diana and Randal grew on each other, and how they started by respecting the other's mind, and then acting on their feelings. The added plot line of Minerva's plan to only marry whoever bests her at chess has definitely set the series up for a fun tale, and the extended Malbury clan are a family I hope we see more of in the sequels.

Not a bad story but not much to it either. This author is new for me and her writing was good, storyline was an interesting premise but the execution fell a bit flat.
Beauty and the Beast is the troupe here, and Randal certainly fills the beast role and wants to be left alone. Diana intrudes on him and its insta-love. The rest of the book really is trying to start several stories, presumably for the series, but it just doesn't work well, it left the reader with more questions and unanswered things that happened. Like the clues Diana's father left for her that really go nowhere. So this book is mainly, Diana and Randal's love affair which in itself is really cute and sweet. But there is nothing to conquer or overcome and the characters are kinda flat. Overall I was disappointed in how it turned out and it doesn't make me want to read more. Still, I gave it 3 stars for a short sweet love story but that's about it.
I received a complimentary copy and my review is voluntary.

Loved this first book in the new series, Ladies of Risk. Lady Diana is promised access to solve a puzzle by the old Earl. War hero and new Earl, Randal, wants nothing to do with anyone and just wants to get back to the war front. A sizzling kiss begins the connection for Diana and Percival after she is caught trespassing on the Earls property. Their chemistry is instantaneous and the book just gets better from there. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Thank you Rachel Ann Smith, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Riddles and Romance

He is a wounded hero, haunted by the past. Could Diana with her penchant for solving riddles get him out of his shell? She must have access to his library, and the late earl promised her such access. Would the new earl honor the promise? Circumstances might not give them a choice, but there might be more than circumstances at play. The earl finds himself losing his heart to Diana, and his scowls are slowly turning into smiles. Could this change be a permanent one? There might be more stories in the series about Diana’s sisters and their antics. I look forward to reading more.

I love this new series. Who cant resist word puzzles and an amazing library? The chemistry between Diana and Randall is electric from the first meeting. Diana is the perfect person to help bring Randall out of his self imposed isolation.

I loved the relationship between Diana and her siblings and I look forward to seeing what's in store for this entertaining family.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An Earl Unmasked is an adequate romance. It has a tormented hero, a determined heroine, and a promising premise. Sadly, it falls short on many facets that would have made this an outstanding first instalment to a fabulous series.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy this book. This is the first book I have read by this author and i look forward to the next book in the series.
Diana has been visiting her elderly neighbor who gives her riddles to solve. He offers her 1 more riddle if she doesn't not wed during her first season.
With the passing of his father, Randal has returned for the war to take up his new title. When Diana invades his lands, he is flabbergasted.
And so her entire family swarms his home.
Almost the entire book takes place over 3 days so there is definitely instalove which i usually hate but I didn't mind it so much in this book.
Randal and Diana were a cute couple even if there wasn't much conflict.
To be honest I think I was much more interested in Diana's older sister Minerva who has vowed to marry the man who beats her in chess even though she loves her childhood friend Drake.

I Loved It! The first in Ladies of Risk series does not disappoint. From the first page to the last An Earl Unmasked will keep your attention from the moment you begin the journey with Diana and Randal until the very end. It unfolds beautifully as it weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, a puzzle to solve, and the Malbury siblings who invade his home. Rachel Ann Smith has written a story that's filled with characters that weave a story that will hold you spellbound as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you in, enjoyable situations, the book flowed well from one thing to another without being forced, and a very enjoyable plot.

The first book of the series ‘Ladies of Risk’.
Lady Diana Malbury is known for her charm and intelligence, why else would she rather solve another one of the late Earl of Chestwick’s word puzzles than entertain potential suitors for the Season?
Randal Wilson, the new Earl of Chestwick, has returned from the war a decorated hero but also wounded and angry. His estate is off-limits to everyone. Why would the Beast of Chestwick allow the mindless fools of society to infiltrate his private world when he has greater things to worry about, like getting back to the war front.
Suddenly Diana and Randal are forced to rethink their solitary ambitions...love is a riddle that only two hearts can solve together.
It's a quick and fun read. If you like light, sweet and entertaining historical romance, this is definitely for you.
There is not too much happening, no twist, but I enjoy the relaxing reading experience. Both of the main characters are lovely, I am looking forward the next one.

An Earl Unmasked is a cute story with no real conflicts in spite of what the description and early chapters suggest. The basic premise is the Beauty and the Beast trope, and Diana somewhat fits the bill: She's sweet and lovely, loves to read, and has a propensity for visiting a house she isn't invited to. Randal, however, makes a terrible Beast. True, he has scars, but it's also true that his scars are rarely mentioned and hardly grotesque. True, he posts "no trespassing" signs, yet he never once attempts to toss someone off his property, even the ones that deserve it. From the beginning, he's clearly presented as a softie with an immediate and honorable interest in Diana. An interest that Diana returns.

So pretty much from the first, the two are adorable together, and, essentially, they are willing victims of instalove. Randal has no family to encourage or discourage a match; Diana's brothers and sisters--a brilliant and somewhat chaotic menagerie--pretty much consider a match a done deal. A fair amount of the story is dedicated to setting up their novels.

A few plot points are presented that never pan out. Diana ostensibly comes to Randal's estate to solve a puzzle that Randal's father left for her. The two pursue and solve a handful of clues, but there is never a grand discovery. Also, when Diana first comes across Randal supine and seemingly unconscious, he awakens and states that someone attacked him. He also admits that he still suffers from dizzy spells from his war injury. However, that's the last we hear about either issue.

To be fair, I enjoyed this story and rooted for their HEA. But it wasn't a story that pulled me in and kept me reading into the night.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

This is my first time reading anything written by Rachel Ann Smith. I totally enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I loved the characters. It seemed Lady Diana was more interested in returning home to solve a puzzle than finding a husband during the season. Randal appeared tough, but was really a softie inside.
The Malbury siblings were very entertaining. It will be interesting to see if Lord Drake and Lord Cunningham are also included in the future stories.

Ms. Smith is one of my favorite authors and I was excited to start this new series of hers. This is the first installment of her new Ladies of Risk series and it is off to a splendid start! Lady Diana has no interest in suitors or society. Being a true bluestocking, her idea of a good time is solving one of the late Earl of Chestwick's word puzzles. Before his passing, the Earl's last challenge to her was that if she did not marry this Season she could come to the estate and solve the latest puzzle by way of his most impressive library. However when Randall, the new Earl, returns from the war, he doesn't allow anyone to intrude on his property. A decorated war hero, he is wounded and angry and wants nothing more than to be left alone. But Diana is not discouraged and before the grumpy Earl realizes what has happened, he is hosting a house party. Sparks undoubtedly fly between these two and it is not until Diana and her family leave, that he realizes how much he wants and needs her. This was a very entertaining and enjoyable story that captured my interest right from the start and kept it all the way through. A well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Looking forward to the next installment!

Thank you Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

What an enjoyable book to read. Diana is fascinated with puzzles and Randal, the Earl of Chestwick’s extensive library holds the clues to her latest puzzle. Randal the new Earl is recuperating/hiding at his country home when Diana finds him lying on the ground, when she was sneaking onto his property.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was lighthearted and funny. There was some tension during the chess match. All in all it was delightful easy reading. There were some questions I had that weren’t explained but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received this book from the Author via NetGalley. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I really enjoyed Randal and Diana's story! I loved watching Diana worm her way into Randal's heart and break him out of his self imposed exile.

Very enjoyable read. This is my first from this author and I am excited to read more. A great sunshine and grump story. I love puzzles as much as the next. Diana must solve a puzzle left for her. Randal wilson the grumpy new Earl after his father dies must take over everything even if he didn't want to. The last puzzle was not to be opened unless she was unmarried and not betrothed during the season. After Diana finally gains access to the library to help her with her puzzle she falls and hurts herself. She begins to fall for Randal does he feel the same as she does? Very fast paced and steamy book. Highly recommend. For sure a 4.25 star in my eyes. I look forward to continuing this series. Thank you Net Galley for the e-copy of this book. All of this review is my own.

Puzzles and interference.

I found i quite liked that DIana, a lady, is inquisitive, analytical and more interested in puzzles than ballrooms.
Which makes her the perfect foil for Randal, the Beast of Chestwick. He's angry, literally wounded and a bit befuddled by Diana.

Recommend.
4.5 stars

Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for an e-arc of An Earl Unmasked.

Well this was fun! I love a good historical romance and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Diana and Randal’s relationship.

Diana Malbury is a woman who loves literature and riddles, so when the aging Earl of Chestwick gives her one last riddle she is determined to solve it. When she goes back to the library there she finds Randal, the new Earl who is back from the war.

Of course, sparks fly and with all historical romances we have the “does he actually like me…. does she actually like a beast like me?” You know the quintessential historical romance tropes. Usually I can guess what is going to happen, and while I did know to a certain degree I liked how the story unfolded and still enjoyed it immensely.

If you enjoy historical romance, some witty and brilliant women (one is a supreme chess player!), want a guaranteed HEA with sex then this is for you!

References to him being a beast and her loving a good library also distinctly gave me a touch of Beauty and the Beast vibes, which I liked as it was not a retelling but simply had some influences. I also loved the Malbury sisters and can’t wait to see the rest of their stories are as I’m sure that is what this series is going to continue with the others.

An entertaining story that took off right from the start. Diana had been solving puzzles her neighbor had constructed, for a while. His last challenge is that if she does not marry for the season, she can come and get her last puzzle.

Being her first season, she was more interested in solving the puzzle than anything else. But she finds her neighbor has passed away and his heir Randal has come home from war to take up his duties as the new Earl.

As these two come together, sparks fly and challenges begin. But he has been wounded by the war and she is a free spirit is seems. Can these two find romance?

A quick easy ready that starts the first in this new series!

Enjoyable romance. Diana loves a puzzle and the Earl's library. If she remains unmarried at the end of her first season, she can access the library to solve a new puzzle. When she returns, she finds the Earl dead, and the heir recovering from war injuries. Randal wants to be left alone but is intrigued by the girl who worms her way into his library and his heart.

ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.