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jillmlong's review
2.0
This book was a confusing mess. There are so many people entering the story that don't need to be there. I could hardly keep up with who was who. Also, I was bored with all of the chess playing. Why would any adult play a chess game for marriage? This story was to far fetched for me.
bookishmya's review
4.0
Randal and Diana are simply adorable! Having been left a riddle to solve by the late Earl of Chestwick, Diana has no choice but invade Chestwick Manor to find the answers. It is quickly apparent that the riddle is love, or more specifically leading to her becoming the Countess of Chestwick. His father knew that Diana was exactly what his son needed and left this world knowing that he had done all he could to lead them together. I loved the magnetic pull between these two, it is impossible not to see that they were made to for each other. The family bond of the Malbury’s was written so beautifully. Each sibling is devoted to each other’s happiness. The fun and loving nature of the family as a whole fills an emptiness within Randal and you can see how quickly he steps into his own brotherly role. His need to protect Diana’s sisters is charming. The story flows from start to finish with heart and family support. I found myself drawn to the story more with each passing page. I can not wait to see Minerva finally bring Drake up to scratch as I’m sure that will be an amazing tale.
shinysue's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This is a cute story. I like that it basically takes place in one house over the course of a few days, not quite a house party, even more intimate.
The writing was really clunky, I assume Smith is a new author. Some parts of the book, particularly in the latter half, are better written. It's like there's portions of the text that were "telling, not showing", they were rewritten to be actions, but it wasn't done correctly. The descriptions of events as they happen is a little off, like placing conclusion before how the character got to the conclusion, and the following explanation doesn't quite make sense. It makes the characters feel like checkboxes more than actual characters. This was less of a problem in the second half of the book, until the last few chapters where it happened again.
I think the author has some really neat ideas and I'll be reading more.
The writing was really clunky, I assume Smith is a new author. Some parts of the book, particularly in the latter half, are better written. It's like there's portions of the text that were "telling, not showing", they were rewritten to be actions, but it wasn't done correctly. The descriptions of events as they happen is a little off, like placing conclusion before how the character got to the conclusion, and the following explanation doesn't quite make sense. It makes the characters feel like checkboxes more than actual characters. This was less of a problem in the second half of the book, until the last few chapters where it happened again.
I think the author has some really neat ideas and I'll be reading more.
onebookmore's review
4.0
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.
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.
caiti_reads's review
3.0
The first in a series, this love story between Randal and Diana was lovely.
The pacing of 'The Earl Unmasked' was fantastic, it was quick and kept me engaged the entire read. Randal, Earl of Chestwick, and Lady Diana have an instant love, however, the burn is slow. The chemistry between Randal and Diana was palpable with quick glances and longing touches.
The supporting characters and their dynamic between everyone were phenomenal, the banter had me laughing throughout the entire book. Diana and her siblings have a knack for creating shenanigans at every corner, it was endearing seeing Randal be both riled up and flexible with every instance. I appreciated the subplots between the supporting characters and look forward to reading more of their stories.
Between the lovable characters, quick pacing, and smart writing I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and DragonBlade Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review, the privilege was mine.
The pacing of 'The Earl Unmasked' was fantastic, it was quick and kept me engaged the entire read. Randal, Earl of Chestwick, and Lady Diana have an instant love, however, the burn is slow. The chemistry between Randal and Diana was palpable with quick glances and longing touches.
The supporting characters and their dynamic between everyone were phenomenal, the banter had me laughing throughout the entire book. Diana and her siblings have a knack for creating shenanigans at every corner, it was endearing seeing Randal be both riled up and flexible with every instance. I appreciated the subplots between the supporting characters and look forward to reading more of their stories.
Between the lovable characters, quick pacing, and smart writing I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and DragonBlade Publishing for the ARC in return for an honest review, the privilege was mine.
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