Book Review: An Earl Unmasked by Rachel Ann Smith

About the Book:

Title: An Earl Unmasked

Author: Rachel Ann Smith

Series: Ladies of Risk #1

Page Length: 190

Publication Date: Jan. 20, 2022

Publisher: Dragonblade Pub.

Synopsis: 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?

The old earl presents her with the highest-stake challenge yet…

If she remains unwed for the Season, she can return to his estate next summer and solve the latest puzzle by way of his extensive library, her favorite place in England…

But 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.

But Diana doesn’t give up easily, and when she meets the earl after trespassing on his land—the two share a brief but soul-awakening kiss.

Suddenly Diana and Randal are forced to rethink their solitary ambitions…love is a riddle that only two hearts can solve together.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon |

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My Review:

Randal Wilson, known as the Beast of Chestwick, was a legend on the battlefield. Now a decorated war hero, he is wounded and angry and struggling to adjust to life as an Earl. His estate is off-limits to everyone, and he wants solitude. That is until he meets Lady Diana Malbury.

Diana is the youngest of six siblings and known for her charm, intellect, and love of puzzles. Diana adored the previous Earl and loved spending time in his massive library solving the puzzles and challenges he created for her. Before his death, he challenged her to a puzzle that she could begin if she remained unmarried for the season. Upon the season’s conclusion, Diana returns unmarried, but instead of the elderly Earl, Diana finds Randal, and when she injures herself, she is forced to stay at the Earl’s home until she is healed. Can these opposites solve the old Earl’s puzzle? And how will they deal with their growing feelings for each other?

Diana and Randal are great protagonists, and they have a wonderful opposites-attract romance. Both characters have interesting stories, and the way they grow closer and fall in love is positively swoon-worthy. From the moment they meet, you can feel the connection between them. The kisses, the stolen looks, the conversations, it’s all fantastic, and the sexual tension is on point.

Diana is intelligent and charming, and she has an infectious optimism and zest for life. Independent and strong, Diana has no desire to marry and lose her freedom. Randal has no desire to marry and bind himself to another either, though for very different reasons. He lives in seclusion and doesn’t have family and friends to support him. It’s interesting to see both characters slowly change their views about love, commitment, and more.

Not only is Randal’s peace and solitude completely destroyed by Diana, but her family and friends also invade his estate. I love these characters! They are fun and witty. and they have the best banter when they are all together. You can totally tell they are a tight-knit group. Diana has such strong and loyal people around her, which contrasts with Randal’s rather solitary existence. The group is chaotic and boisterous, and each character is dynamic and interesting. And I really want to learn more about Minerva and Drake! There is so much chemistry between them, and you can cut their sexual tension and animosity with a knife. I have a feeling their enemies-to-lovers romance is going to be amazing!

I would definitely recommend An Earl Unmasked to readers that enjoy fun and romantic historical romances with entertaining characters and a swoon-worthy love story.

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