I received an advanced reader’s copy of Lord of the Masquerade by Erica Ridley.

Unity Thorne is a strong character who has faced challenges in her life. She has dreams she’s determined to fulfill and is willing to do what’s necessary to get there. Julian, the Duke of Lambley, likes being in control of his life. Unity seeks him out to learn all she could about his successful masquerades. I thought they had some great interactions that showed how much they liked and trusted each other. There were moments where they were vulnerable with one another and moments where they simply enjoyed each other’s company. This is a wonderful romance. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

The Duke of Lambley is infamous for his masquerade balls. Entrepreneur Unity Thorne seeks an invitation, planning to open her own masquerade-themed assembly rooms. He agrees to let her serve as his apprentice. Despite the attraction that develops between them, a duke can’t take a tradeswoman as his bride…can he?

This charming, funny, and original story is a joy to read. Unity constantly challenges Lambley’s traditional ideas of women and matrimony, forcing him to rethink his expectations. I look forward to resding the rest of this series!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I’m a huge fan of Erica Ridley and this book is one of her best!
Entrepreneur Miss Unity Thorne helped two different men amass their fortunes—only to end up on the street. She’s scraping by at the theatre, but this isn’t the show she plans to star in. The next fortune Unity builds will be hers alone. Her masquerade-themed assembly rooms will rival the ton, but to do so, she’ll have to apprentice the most dangerous rake of all.
The arrogant, sexy-and-he-knows-it Duke of Lambley’s weekly masquerade parties are decadent odes to excess: unlimited food, drink, dancing, romantic gardens, and private pleasure rooms upstairs. Everyone loves his balls, and he likes it that way. He’ll take a wife someday, but it certainly won’t be the pretty termagant who challenges him in the ballroom and the bedroom…
Ok, I have to confess that at the beginning of this book I had my doubts about Julian. I couldn’t be more wrong. He is an amazing, charming, beautiful and sexy creature that stole my heart and now I don´t know if I’m getting it back any time soon. I liked Unity but not that much. Together they were just perfect.
The dialogs are something out of this world: funny, witty, emotional, sexy. I so wanted to be in a masquerade! They seemed really enjoyable, like this story.
There’s a lot of kissing and that’s always a must! I highly recommend this story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When I started this book, I had no idea it was a follow-up to Lord of Pleasure, which I LOVED. And this sequel did not disappoint. Lord of the Masquerade focuses on Julian, the Duke of Lambley, and the weekly masquerades he throws. Miss Unity Thorne is an enterprising commoner with business ideas. Tired of giving them to all the men in her life for free, she sweet talks her way into Julian's weekly masquerades with the promise of finding the imperfections in his perfectly executed parties. What begins as a business arrangement quickly becomes a flirtation and transformation for both characters.

Julian’s iron control and walls start to come down the more he interacts with Unity. I loved that while she is a muse, she’s not a supporting character in his life. They sort of go through this together and he makes room for her to reign alongside him. I loved the theme of control in this book and how Unity slowly inspires Lambley to be more spontaneous. It made for some really sweet love scenes. This book is steamy but they don't consummate their relationship till the last two chapters. For those looking for that – it’s there.

I loved that while this book focused on race and class, it wasn't a deal-breaker for the couple or even a real hindrance to their being together. Honestly reading this felt more realistic than the whitewashing history and the patriarchy has done to 19th century England. Ridley's efforts for more diversity and inclusion have been ambitious and I love that she knows her limits. She doesn't proselytize but seamlessly weaves it around the central narrative. IMO, she pulls it off nicely. I am eager to hear what other reviewers think but personally, I hope to see more of this in future romance novels.

I loved this book so much that I went back and read a couple of the others in this series that I missed. Her writing and storytelling get better with each book. If you read one of her earlier novels and were disappointed, I recommend giving her a second chance. This series and the wild Wynchesters are excellent.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I was not too sure if I would really get into this book with the Duke leading such bacchanal masquerades, but I definitely got into this book as I loved Unity! She was so outgoing and sure of herself and knew where she stood the society of her day and was working hard to better her life.

Julian, Duke of Masquerade, was a bit hard to relate to as he was so controlled and unemotional most of the time but exposure to Unity really had him melting and realizing that he could have love in his life.

Love how she got her revenge in the end and her own masquerade ball!

I will also have to find the books with the other four men who had such unusual romances! They sound like good reads, also.

I have been waiting for the Duke of Lambley to get his own story for a while. What a great character he is. His scandalous masquerades are legendary. When he meets a strong woman named Unity he has met his match. I didn't care for Unity. I didn't feel any chemistry between them. I had hoped for someone with a character that was not so grating for him. He was challenged but not how I would have liked him to be. The story is solid with some great insights about him. I received this book from Net Galley for a honest review.

Unity is just trying to earn a lving. She has helped several men better their business only to be shunned when done. Julian is just trying to have a good time unitl he must marry. His masquerade balls are legendary. When Unity offers to help make them better, neither foresee falling for the other.
Opinion
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love Erica Ridley books. Her books offer so much fun and impropriety for the times that I can't help but be swept up into the stories. The subtle flick of the nose to "proper society" is what makes her books so awesome. This one follows suit of its predecessors and is completely amazing.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This book was so cute. I loved the relationship between Unity and Julian and how Unity made Julian go out of his comfort zone. The writing was also very good and I liked that there was not a big blowup because of secrets

I loved this story! Erica Ridley has done it again.

Exploring a more scandalous side to the beau monde in the form of the Duke of Lambley’s masquerade balls. A man who has the power and the money to live out with proper society and still have the respect of the ton he controls every aspect of his life down to the angles of the triangular sandwiches he serves at his ball.

Unity Thorne has been controlled all her life and longs to be self sufficient and have her own business. She enters the Duke’s life to try and learn about the balls to replicate them for others in society and build her business. The Duke finds his control bending however he tries to resist as Unity does not fit the image he has of the perfect Duchess. Unity fights her feelings also as she doesn’t want to be controlled by another man.

I loved Unity and how she went about infiltrating the masquerade and the Duke’s heart. She is her own person and is determined to be independent and have equality in a partnership. Julian - the Duke was perfectly imperfect and very endearing as a character.


#NetGalley #LordoftheMasquerade
Publish date 6 August

Thank you to NetGalley and Erica Ridley for a chance to read an early copy of this book!

This is another delightful Erica Ridley book that I just gobbled up. A sparkling, charming, just plain fun read.

Lord of the Masquerade by Erica Ridley
Rogues to Riches #7

Delightful romance with two people who should not have anything in common definitely finding common ground to build on. Loved this story!

What I liked:
* Miss Unity Thorne: bright, focused, business-minded, multi-talented, has a dream and a goal with a vision to follow. Her backstory is difficult and yet she has not only survived but thrived. She is willing to work hard to achieve her dreams but may find her dreams are not quite big enough.
* Julian Newcombe-Ives, Duke of Lambley and Lord of the Masquerade: controlled, detailed, upper class, overcame much, difficult childhood, giving, kind, lives by rules until his rules are shaken up but a woman that comes into his life…and it just might be for his betterment.
* The chemistry between Unity and Julian
* The idea of the masquerade
* Unity’s strength and indomitable will
* The development of the relationship between Unity and Julian
* Getting to see and remember the stories of other rogues in the series
* That both main characters were not defined by class expectations
* The growth of both characters
* Wondering if Samson might find his mate in a future story
* That a dastard was exposed and dealt with
* The HEA for the main couple

What I didn’t like:
* The pain and difficulties both main characters had to deal with in their pasts.
* Being reminded of class rules and expectations

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Lorde of the Masquerade is book 7 in Erica Ridley’s series , Rogues to Riches, which is filled with fun, heartwarming regency romps.

I loved this book so much , it was cute, funny and just an overall good time. I mean when does wound up control freak meets spontaneous love interest ever fail me ? Although I will say it was much less spicy than I anticipated but still spicy enough to satisfy the tension build up between the characters. So if you’re not into heavy spice and steam in your books, this is perfect for you.

This was a solid interracial regency romance that promised me a good time and gave me exactly that. Julien and Unity are both developed, strong characters and this makes their romance all the more engaging. Side note - their banter and chemistry is amazing, i was smiling and bookmarking so many scenes.

If you’ve never read a historical romance book i think that this would be a fantastic first dip into this world .

Thank you to Erica Ridley through Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.
#Netgalley #RoguesToRiches

Here is a link to a review on my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSMJSLxgYc8/?utm_medium=copy_link

I loved this book. The characters were great and had a lot of witty banter between them that keeps you entertained. I loved that Unity never gave up on starting her own business and getting to know Julian better after meeting him in previous books in the series.

I voluntarily received a eARC in exhange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and Erica Ridley!

Lord of the Masquerade by Erica Ridley is a quick and easy read with just a little bit of steam.

Going into this story I thought it would be steamier and more carnally driven. What I got instead was a really nice romance where the two leads have to get to know each other and learn to trust. As well as discussions on race and the position of not just a women but a women of colour in society. The hero has so much growth from beginning to end. At the beginning I really did not like him but as I reached the end I began to adore him.

Though there is only one sex scene there are so many good kissing scenes. And one that takes place in a carriage!

Big thanks to Web Motion for the advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

4.5 stars & rounded up to 5 because I enjoyed this so much.

For a novella that is less than 200 pages Erica Ridley did a lot, very qyickly without sacrificing any of the writing, romance, and character development. I was a bit apprehensive when I first picked this book up due to its length and placement within the Rogues to Riches series (#7). Not only did this feel like a full length novel with complete development, there was absolutely no hiccups in understanding who the characters were or what was happening in the book. There are definitely references and cameos from other series characters but they do not impact the readers enjoyment or understanding at all.

The book started out a bit slow if that makes any sense but Ridley's writing kept me going until there was a seamless change in 0ace that really captured me. I was unable to put this book down all day and I found myself highlighting and bookmarking specific lines and scenes because of how much they made me laugh or how awesome I think Ridley handled the scene. Best parts about this book: the humor and one liners, Unity's self-autonomy and unwillingness to bend to or FOR anything, and Julian's willingness to compromise and change to better fit what UNITY wanted and needed rather than himself.

I would 100% recommend this to fans of modern historical Romances, readers looking to explore the historical romance genre, and fans of Courtney Milan and Eva Leigh. I specify these two authors because of their strong female leads, amazing writing, and heart warmingly good romances.

First, I adore historical romances. I rarely know if the exact details are accurate and can appreciate authors taking liberties as it suits the story and time period. It is refreshing to read romances-particularly period pieces-that broach differences and divides, eschewing societal norms, and creating happy endings when typically people that are marginalized aren’t granted in stories. Ridley wrote a delicious romance and paid attention to the how/why of Unity and Julian’s actions. It was delightful that there was resolution without a drastic conflict between the two MCs, though it seemed loose ends were tied rather quickly-I would have liked to have seen the ending drawn out some more. Then again, I enjoy Ridley’s writing so much that I will probably always wish for more chapters.

I received an ARC courtesy of NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

This is a fun, quick read. I really enjoyed both Julian and Unity's characters. It was a unique premise for the story, too. My only complaint was that it was over too soon.

Erica Ridley’s Lord of the Masquerade is the seventh book in the Rogues to Riches Series. Unity Thorne is an incandescent entrepreneur. Using her business acumen and attention to detail, she has helped two different men secure their fortunes. The only problem with her helping them become wealthy is that she is not a part of the equation. Determined to move away from the scraps life has given her, she seeks out the dashing Julian, Duke of Lambley. Julian conducts a weekly Masquerade that is the party everyone wants to attend. Julian runs his masquerade like a well-oiled machine with every item and every activity well thought out and controlled. Unity wants to learn from Julian in order to run a similar endeavor. But what will happen when free spirited Unity and extremely rigid Julian attempt to work together? Will Unity tighten up or will Julian bend? Erica Ridley has given us a funny story with spirit and heart; both characters have layers and complexities. Julian has fashioned his life in response to a childhood tragedy while Unity as a child was ill treated by the people who should have taken care of her. I love how these two disparate people come together as if they have the missing pieces the other needs. Lovely!

I would like to thank NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this novel. This is my honest opinion.

At Last, the book any who have read this series have been waiting for. The Duke of Lambley, Julian story. Julian learned at the age of eight not to let anyone close or love anyone because they would be taken away. He is just about the wealthiest person in London other than the King. He does not play by society rules but by his own. He holds the most sought out invitations to his Masquerade parties. At his parties all must wear a mask and none should ask for names. All are Lord and Lady X. Anything goes as long as the couple agree. They are decadent, and over the top in food and drink and debauchery. As long as the party goers don't break any of his set-in stone rules. Now that he is turning thirty-five this will be the last season for his parties. He plans to orchestrate getting a wife just like he does everything else in his life. With a prefect wife who will give him perfect children without him involving any emotion at all just other business deal !!
Till one very smart Entrepreneur, Miss Unity Thorne finds a way into his Masquerades. She has helped two very different man make their fortunes now it is her turn. She doesn't want to work for others and never having a say herself. But to reach her dream of opening her own place she needs to see how one is handled. The Duke of Lambley has the best Masquerade parties around so she is going to see how he does it !! Let the games began. Oh, what fun it is to see how these two battle it out.
Both are set in their ways but from very different lives and experience. The instant attraction between is wonderful cause neither know what to do about it.
Trust me you got to get this book !! It may just be the best book of 2021 and I read a lot....
There is so much going on between these two and lots of behind the scenes too.
The characters are wonderful and if you have read some of the other books, we get to meet some of the couples again, which was great too.
I received and ARC from NetGalley an wish to thank them. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! ❤️

It has been a while since I have read a historical romance so I wasn’t sure how I would get into this book but it sounded really interesting. This is my first Erica Ridley book and I truly loved it.

My favourite part of the book was Unity, she was such a headstrong and fierce woman that I truly fell for. The story was truly about a woman fighting for her independence in a world which doesn’t want to give it. This book was set in 1819 and Unity is a half black woman. There were multiple discussions and mentions of race, slavery and racism in the book by both main characters so if those are triggering please proceed with caution.

Julian was easy to fall in love with as well, he is so tied to his control and making sure that everything is perfect, including the wife and children he has chosen to finally have. In comes Unity who is so full of ideas and isn’t afraid to question everything.

Overall I found this book to be a really enjoyable short read but yet somehow the plot and building of the relationship made sense. The whole theme of the book was acceptance, as Julian’s balls provided a safe place for queer individuals to be anonymous and safe as well the overall theme of being sex work positive in the book.