I received "Lord of The Masquerade" from Netgalley and the amazing Erica Ridley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Erica Ridley is a unique author whose ability to tell stories is mesmerizing.
Miss UnityThorne and the Duke of Lambley, Julian Newcombe-Ives, are two very different people from two very different worlds. Unity has always wanted to do something and become someone for herself. The Duke has always lived a very rigid stern particular life, where everything is exactly to his liking. This is a beautiful love story,  not just of two classes,  but of two different races as well. A very well written romantic story.

I loved this romance! Unity is an ambitious driven person. She is determined to have something of her own. She already knows she can make a business profitable.

The duke hosts the most talked about parties where anything goes. As outlandish as his parties are the Duke has all the control.

Unity and the Duke start an arrangement to enhance the parties.

The chemistry and the banter between these two were amazing! I loved them both together and individually

Such a great feel the good historical romance

Yay, another Rogues to Riches from my favorite historical romances writer, Erica Ridley!
After all the Grenville's stories (Camellia in Lord of Pleasure, Dahlia in Lord of Night and Heath in Lord of secrets) it is good to see that also Julian Lambley is getting a happily ever after. Heath, Julian and Maxwell (yes, from Lord of Vice) are friends. But unfortunately for Julian, both of his friends are happily in love. Whereas, Julian doesn't do love. Because love is messy and makes you lose control. And that is unacceptable for Julian. His masquerades are therefore mitticulizely planned, until the smallest details. So, they are the perfect parties for his guests. Until he is challenged by a certain miss Unity Thorne, who tells him she can upgrade his parties.
Totally convinced of his perfectionism, Julian agrees to grant unity access to his parties, to make proposals for his masquerades. He arrogantly believes she will fail.

Unity has already boasted several businesses, but ended up empty handed every time. Society doesn't seem to think that a woman is capable of running a business. But she is determined to make her way. She has decided to learn from one of the most famous entre­preneurs: the Duke of Lamb leg. To gain access to his lavish parties, she needs to come up with a bold plan. But while working for the Duke, she learns to admire the arrogant perfectionist. And the Duke learns from unity that it is okay to have some fun every now and then.

Cute, funny and with a lot of returning friends from the rest of the series. Including Anthony Fairfax from Lord of Chance. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

I adore the current trend in historical romance to have diversity. The love story between Julian and Unity is so very sweet. Julian is a duke who throws elaborate masquerade balls every Saturday. He has very strict standards and rules. Unity is determined to control her own future and misrepresents who she is in order to work with Julian on his masquerade. I really loved watching them fall in love.

Lord of the Masquerade, by Erica Ridley. Once I read one story that I believe has left me in aww, comes another one on its heels. This ever so eloquently written, wonderfully exquisite, sensual romantic love story. I must sing the high praises for Unity and Julians characters. Never have I read two people who fit so well together.
I took pleasure and their conversations, how the two worked so well discussing business, and their personal lives. I loved how the two shared conversations that often times had the two teasing each other, just to get a rise out the other one. I definitely loved it Julian when Julian looks at Unity and he really didn’t see the color of hear skin. He was in unequivocally head over hills mad for her. Unity came on scene and changed the everything around on the ton with her head hailed high, while very much being a proud woman.
I loved her independence. I liked that her character is a strong heroine who relies on no one except for herself. It was sweet how Unity thought that Julian was just a friend. Oh, Unity. This succulent relationship was the rocket to the stars in this book.
The writer has won me over with how she told the story with details and descriptions of every little thing in the story. I appreciate this so much, because I was able to find myself envisioning all the entertaining thrills that Julian and Unity shared together. The book is light and cheery. It’s very romantic. The characters are all charming.
I also would like to give a huge thank you to the writer for providing the readers with an interracial couple. You don’t even know how much I respect that. I give this book two snaps and a, “Julian forget about the diameter of the square cut sandwiches. Now get on your knees before me naked”. Until next my fellow readers… read on!

‘Lord of the Masquerade’ was a fun nice read, and I read literally in one evening. Both Unity and Julian were likeable characters. Erica Ridley definitely knows how to read an enjoyable Regency romance, and I especially enjoyed this one, with masquerades theme and a great atmosphere as a result. I haven’t read other books in this series so far, but they can easily be enjoyed as standalones, so it wasn’t an issue. But I will definitely check other books in the series.

This was such a fantastic read!

Unity’s character was so refreshing and I loved her wit and confidence. She’s definitely not going to settle for less than she deserves. The Duke of Lambley is definitely a rogue in the beginning but I quickly fell for him.

It’s a fast paced, short read but definitely a rich and fun story.

Another great book by Erica Ridley! I really enjoyed this story between our heroine Unity and our hero Julian. I love the description of Julian as a cream puff- a hard exterior that is very calculating, aloof, but a very gentle and soft sweet core. Unity is working on becoming an independent woman, where she won’t need to rely on any man for financial security. She is a makeup artist in the theatres by day and working on creating her own masquerade by night. The book was a bit slow to start for a novella and there are some details that could have used more time. Actually this story would have been a fantastic full scale, long novel as there I do think there was a lot more to unpack, especially with the class differences and race differences. That’s all to say I love Erica Ridley’s writing and can’t wait for more!

4.5 stars - I love Mrs. Ridley’s writing! The Lord of the Masquerade was another delightful and steamy read from this talented author. Most surprising was that she gave a black woman the leading role as her heroine. Mrs. Ridley writes the heroine well, and as a black woman who loves historical romance, I hope to see a more black woman taking center stage in romances of this sort.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lord of the Masquerade is a decidedly wicked yet affable installment in the Rogues to Riches series. The story of Miss Unity Thorne and the Duke of Lambley is a fun and quick read, well worth your time if you enjoy the historical romance genre. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series!
#RoguesToRiches

A slow burn romance that is moderately paced with a BW/WM characters. It is refreshing to read about a mixed-race story. The name Unity really fit the female character. It seemed she had a talent of unifying things going the wrong way and turn them around the right way. She also had a knack of being able to see ways to improve things. Julian was the host that topped all of England with his masquerade parties. He turned his back to polite society and did as he pleased. That is until Unity showed up. A very sweet sexy romance. A good read.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Steamy

I really liked this one! I love how it defied some of the stereotypes we typically see in historical fiction, and how strong our characters were.

My favorite thing about this was definitely our main character, Unity. She was the perfect female lead. She wasn't a pushover, wasn't catty, and wasn't illogical. I loved how devoted she was to achieving her goals, and how she would do anything to get there. And, I loved how she didn't need Julian, but because she loved him, she let him into her life.

I also really enjoyed the setting of this one. I'm definitely a reader who enjoys masquerade balls, and this was no exception. The descriptions were so magical, and I was so drawn to the characters and reasons behind them.

Originally, I had chosen this one because of the cover, but now I'm happy it did. With both a beautiful cover and a great romance, I'd definitely recommend it!

<i>Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!</i>

An enjoyable read from Erica Ridley, as usual. This book had an especially uptight hero and an extremely confident heroine who were perfect for each other. Easy to read and fun.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC for my honest opinion.

This is yet another lovely romance by Erica Ridley this time in the Rogues to Riches series. The story follows the Duke of Lambley as he orchestrates and presides over his masquerade parties. They are well planned and cater to every persons needs specifically while keeping everyone anonymous except to him. One might even say that he is controlling and this is exactly what our heroine Miss Unity Thorne thinks. 

Unity hears about these much sought after parties and decides to find a way to observe them in the hopes of one day hosting her own. An entrepreneur in her own right, she helped her cousin with his business before she was cast away. Left with nothing, she tries to find her way, full of confidence. This is what drew me to the character. 

This is a simple one time read that follows the two characters as they meet, fight their attraction and eventually fall in love. They are so wrong for another which just makes it right in the end! I have enjoyed reading Erica Ridley's books in the past and once again am happy to recommend this pleasant and at times scandalous (for the time it is set in) read!

Heart-warming, entertaining and romantic, this novel kept me up all night. Duke of Lambley has taken OCD to a totally different level, one where being in control is the beginning and the end of his existence. It takes the determined and resourceful Miss Unity Thorne to upend his carefully controlled existence as she questions everything he does. Despite being arrogant and unquestionably sure of himself, Julian is nevertheless intrigued by the woman who has an uncanny ability to befriend everyone around her and creep unbidden into his heart. My interest was piqued when Julian, the Duke of Lambley, rescued Anthony Fairfax from certain failure and helped him turn his life around, making me realize that despite his strong denials, Julian does have a strongly beating heart and his concern and compassion towards those in need is not in question. Unity, on the other hand, easily finds acceptance amongst her friends, but an even stronger urge is to shake off the controls of society and to find an endeavor where she can succeed and become her own mistress. For too long others have governed her life's choices and she is determined to forge her own path. It may have seemed that Julian's rules would have put the kybosh on any chance of a relationship between them, but ultimately they prove that they are soul mates and compatible in every way. This romance is well-written, witty, and engrossing, and although part of a series, it is a standalone and comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Erica Ridley’s “Lord of the Masquerade’ is a witty and fast paced interracial romance. When Unity Thorne helps her cousin and friend amass a fortune from their clubs, she is intrigued by the Duke of Lambley’s weekly masquerade parties. She decides that she might just use his ideas to create her own masquerade-themed assembly room to rival his, but not before she ‘picks’ his brain for ideas. Julian is determined that his parties will never be rivalled but when he meets Unity, his idea of a wife soon begin to change.
The illusion of grandeur created by Erica Ridley is difficult to rival. I found myself immersed in a decadent lifestyle, and imagined the lights, food, and drink. What a life! Yet, this was all brought to life through both Julian and Unity and their perceptions from different viewpoints. A very clever way to convey this. Whilst I thought that the romance between the couple might be impossible, the reference to Princess Charlotte made it seem possible. This was a romance that was filled with witty dialogue and a passionate romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

London, 1819
He maintained control. Control over the masquerade balls he gave every week, control over his dukedom, control over his life. "There was nothing Julian could not control."

Famous last words? Well, yes, because he was about to meet the one person he might not be able to control! Unity just wanted to find her fortune. She had helped others, but it seemed not herself. So she decided to create her own balls and to do that she needed to meet Julian!

A fun, fast paced romance that has humor, witty banter and an attraction that cannot be denied!

A great read. I loved the book. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait for another book. Love this author.

I have always loved historical romance novels, ever since I was a tween! It’s just pure escapist fun! I haven’t read one in a while so I was very pleased to be approved to read this book!

Erica Ridley is a new author to me, which means that I was starting in the middle of a series that already has six prior books! There was nothing to fear however, this novel can be read as a standalone.

This story was a lovely romp, well befitting the tag line : Cinderella stories aren’t just for princesses!

Miss Unity Thorne, has helped two men amass great fortunes— only to be cast aside, but lesson learnt! She’s scraping by at the theater, as a costume designer, and spinning thoughts of owning her own business, using her blood and sweat for her own gain, for once!

She aims to start masquerade themed balls that will set the town ablaze, but first, she most undertake a convert mission to see what the current reigning Masquerade Ball of the season is all about!

Whispers of a handsome, wealthy but cool Duke of Lambley abound, as well as the potentially scandalous accommodations at the ball, keep both members of the ton and distinguished common folk returning to the invitation-only decadent excess week after week!

Painted by malicious gossip as The Lord of The Masquerade, contrary to all appearances, The Duke was marked and traumatized by the loss of his family- save one - in a horrific accident during his childhood as well as the mismanagement of his estate by his naive, drunken uncle. He lives his life in a fixed, rigid way, and by a brutal schedule in which he even pencils in time for ‘fun’.

Which is why when Unity swept into his life, on a weekday afternoon, at his scheduled tea time, full bodice nearly bared in a scarlet opera gown, and tumbled it upside down, I was smiling all the way!

She peels always all of his grumpy, harsh outer layers built up to keep people further than arm’s length and reveals a truly soft, sweet, playful interior!

Together they’re just perfect!

I definitely recommend this story, as a lovely, quick afternoon read! Especially if you enjoy teasing, gentle bickering and lots of kissing!

(Now I want to attend a Masquerade Ball! )


I received this manga from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

3.5 magical little stars

This was such a fun, fast paced historical romance. Julian has suffered tragedy in his past and as a result controls every aspect of his life. Unity is determined to amass her own fortune after helping two men to make theirs and having nothing to show for it. The two had great banter and watching Julian slowly unbend and enjoy the unexpectedness of life was lovely.

I was a little worried going into this as I read the previous book in this series two years ago but this reads totally fine as a standalone!

I thought for sure when I started this it was going to be a solid 4 star read, potentially even 5, as it was so fun and easy. However the last 40% of the book just carried on in the same vein as the start and nothing truly exciting or interesting happened. The romance also felt quite rushed at this point, a few things were glossed over and it felt like Julian and Unity were in love because they were supposed to be. Really I think this book's main flaw is its short length, there just wasn't enough time for true development.

*I recieved an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review