Member Reviews
If you are a fan of modern, rather anachronistic historical fiction, then this is the book/series for you!
I wasn’t quite sure what I was expecting when I picked this up but I quite enjoyed it. This isn’t the style of HR that I usually go for and therefore I’m not we’ll versed but it was fun, entertained me, and I do love a witty, bad ass heroine! The hero was no slouch either lol!
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eARC, and thoughts an opinions are my own without influence.
Unity and Julian ♥️♥️♥️
This book was a cute lighthearted historical romance that I enjoyed! I’ve only read one book I this series (whoops!) so I need to catch up on the books in between. But I was definitely interested in learning more about Julian’s story and I was not disappointed. Loved the setting of the masquerade party and the fun element that brought.
Unity was such an amazing female lead to read about! Loved that we see some biracial rep in a historical romance. She’s also very independent and business savvy and I loved to see it. After getting screwed over by her cousin, after she had helped become successful in his business, Unity is determined to find another way to succeed on her own. And her target is none other than the Duke of Lambrey. Their interactions are amusing and the way they grow to become friends which turns into a romantic movie interest was sweet and well done. I don’t mind some angst in my books and can deal with the arrogant but secretly a softie trope, but I will say it was quite nice to see Julian be very refreshingly himself. He says what he means and is himself through the whole book.
All in all a cute romance with characters I found delightful!
All opinions stated here are my own. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
Slow burn but absolutely worth it! How she spun the masquerade was done in a new way from other masquerade type romance novels. I really enjoyed it and this was another slam dunk for Erica Ridley. Unity is an independent women who has helped "men" make money, and is tired of it. Why can't she start her own business but in order to do that she needs to see how a masquerade club is really ran. In comes Duke of Lambley who reluctantly allows her to tag along. It is hilarious and really a well thought out romance.
I really enjoyed this! Our heroine Unity was a joy to spend time with and her love interest Julian has a wonderful and entertaining character arch. I really enjoyed the characters, this book made me laugh out loud many times and the settings in the theatre and masquerade balls were thoroughly entertaining.
If you are looking for a fun character driven romance tale this is the book for you!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lord of the Masquerade is witty, humorous and romantic. Unity is an independent, strong woman for her time and Julian a gentleman with some control and OCD tendencies. I enjoyed their interactions and banter, particularly as she persuaded him to be more spontaneous.
Lord of the Masquerade is witty, humorous and romantic. Unity is an independent, strong woman for her time and Julian a gentleman with some control and OCD tendencies. I enjoyed their interactions and banter, particularly as she persuaded him to be more spontaneous.
Lord of the Masquerade by Erica Ridley, A nice read but just a touch of a slow read. Lots of seemingly unnecessary descriptive to make the point.
I love Erica Ridley books, and this was no different. The characters were unique in their own way and were the perfect match. A strong female and a rogue you love. I was drawn to both main characters and the storyline. Book provided by NetGalley.
I adored Unity's character. Her entrepreneurial spirit was such a delight to read about in the historical romances. She is such an inspiration and I loved her self-confidence. I especially loved reading about a heroine of color in a historical romance. We definitely need more of those in this genre. I also loved Julian's character with his attention to detail to not only his parties but also to the people around him. It is a sweet and adorable romance that I enjoyed a lot. This is book seven in the Rogues to Riches series and can be read as a standalone.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*
The seventh book in the Rogues to Riches series once I started reading Entrepreneur Miss Unity Thorne and Duke of Lambley’s story I was not putting it down until I was finished. The story is well written with a very good storyline. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A historical romance with enough of a unique take that makes it fresh and exciting. This book can be read as a standalone or part of the series.
Unity has made the fortune for two men in her life and now it's her turn. With the odds against her, she must prepare to lie and deceive to infiltrate the infamous Lord Lambley's Masquerades. Unity is a businesswoman at heart but will she allow her heart to mix business with pleasure?
Unity could be inspirational to a lot of women through her behaviour and attitude. She seeks sole independence and financial security in a time when all is against her. Unity faces many challenges against elements she can't control such as her race, social standing and gender. Yet her reaction to these trials is not bitterness but a steely determination to be more than society dictates. She exudes self confidence without coming across as arrogant and is thoroughly likeable.
The entire setting of the Duke's Masquerades is extravagant and decadent in their own right as much as a reflection of the Duke himself. What seems like random spontaneity is actually meticulously planned and delivered. The details considered and the explanation of the little things provides the Duke context to his rich back story.
The relationship starts in an enemies to lovers, opposites attract sort of way typical to historical romances between those of differing classes. To call the book steamy is an understatement but I enjoyed the level of smut. Anything sexual was perfectly pitched at a mixture of implied and literal.
The pacing of the plot is fantastic and makes an already short book go by in a flash. My only complaint regarding the pacing and length is I wish it were longer.
I would recommend this book to any one who is interested in the fun 'modern' take on the historical romance genre. It's an easy read that is highly enjoyable.
* Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Erica Ridley had fine a fantastic job of creating a wonderful bi-racial romance that all readers will love. Unity and Lambley our wonderful characters hey you can't wait to turn the page and see what happens next. Anyone reading this book will love it
Lord of the Masquerade (Rogues to Riches #7) by Erica Ridley is another winner in my book journey. I cannot count how many books I have by this author. Consistently great writing, engaging storyline, and strong-willed, witty characters. Unity and Julian are both determined to make something of their lives – just in different ways. I enjoyed the transformation of these characters as they fall in lust, then love. Knowing they can make it on their own but wanting to forge ahead together. Erica Ridley is always a must-read author.
***** I received an ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my honest review. *****
Every time I receive an advanced copy of Erica Ridley I read and review on other platforms when book releases. I always forget to review on here. This book was amazing!!
I found the book entertaining but can't say I warmed to the characters. He was OCD and self absorbed. She was single minded and why would these two find anything in common? I guess I felt entertained without really being pulled into the story. I normally like this author's books more than I did this one.
Lord of the Masquerade is a witty book that defies social classes and stereotypes.
Though it's book seven in the Rogues to Riches series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Good chemistry, witty banter between Unity and Julian, Duke of Lambley. I wish the ending was fleshed out a little more, but for novella length there was good world and character building. Unity was refreshing in her ambition and her heritage. I haven't read too many books in historical romance with the heroine being a woman of color. Julian was very clear cut, typical "I'll never love," but falls hard for the woman who completes him.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
I read this book on the back deck of a vacation rental with the ocean in the background and a glass of wine in my hand. I have to say, if you have the opportunity, that's a particularly lovely setting in which to read this story. :)
This book is awesome. Erica Ridley has knocked it out of the park with this one. I was so excited to read this one, and my expectations were absolutely met. I love an entrepreneur heroine! Unity knows what she wants, and she is going to get it. She is not afraid to ask for what she wants. I adore her!
Lambley is an interesting variety of romance hero. I won't give anything away. He needs to be experienced. He is not entirely as he seems. I very much enjoyed him.
I also just want to note how much I LOVE the cover of this one. It's gorgeous! I absolutely recommend this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This was a fun book, some sexual tension, lots of witty banter. I loved both Unity and Julian. It was refreshing to have a heroine who was biracial. Also refreshing to have both the heroine and hero be more progressive. I understand this might not have been historically accurate but it was wonderful to read. I highly identified with Julian, he seems to be dealing with Obsessive Compulsive disorder related to the trauma of losing his family when he was 8. There were so many times in the story where his inner dialogue matched my own thinking at one time or another. I normally enjoy books that are a little steamier than this one and I would have enjoyed more detailed, lengthier, explicit scenes but that is my only criticism of this book. I’ve never read Erica Ridley’s work before but I most definitely will again.
A really delightful romance which crosses not only class, but also racial differences. I enjoyed this couple’s interaction and dialogue, while knowing that the outcome would be inevitable. A different premise with a different sort of heroine made for an engaging story.
The writing style is good and easy to read through, however, the actual theme of the story is a bit lackluster for my taste. It appears to be too shallow for my liking, lessening my enjoyment while reading this book. The characters appear to be well-rounded at first, but I still find it a little disappointing to know that they could be more if the story did not focus only on masquerades.