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.

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.

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.

King Takes Queen
🖋️Rachel Ann Smith
Publication date: December 13, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5



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.
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Such an interesting reading!! Quick, cute and exciting. I liked Minerva with her strong personality. She wants to be independent and marriage without love is not in her plans. I adored Anthony because of his protectiveness and possessiveness over her. Their chemistry was unbelievable. " Fight for what you want", they say and that is what Lord Drake is doing.

" Love is unpredictable, unlike a game of chess. I think I ' ll stick to playing chess and leave falling in love to others."

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for leaving my honest review.

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.

A vivid imagination by the author created an intriguing story that was simply fascinating. I fell for these characters who had such interesting backstories. I found the story engaging with green scenes and good dialogue.