The Duke of Aces
Series: Ladies of Risk #2
Author: Rachel Ann Smith
Published May 26th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
Wagering on Love is Risky...

A lady’s fate should never be determined by the turn of a card.
Lady Isadora Malbury must remain unwed if she wishes to continue to be a member of the exclusive and secret Wicked Ladies Salon. Having survived two Seasons already without a single proposal, one more shouldn’t be a challenge, that is until she finds herself wagering with the pompous Duke of Aces for her hand.

Love is not in the cards for one of England’s top spies.
The Duke of Avondale has decided it’s time to wed. As an agent for the Foreign Office, he needs a woman who can keep a secret. Spying the reserved and aloof Lady Isadora at his summer house party, Avondale believes he’s identified the perfect candidate to become the next Duchess of Avondale. Except, the woman has no interest in marriage, but she does have a fondness for taking risks.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After seeing her younger sister marry, many would expect that Lady Isadora Malbury hopes for the same this season. However, Isadora wants to continue to be a part of the Wicked Ladies Society, a secret group, where membership is dependent on marital status. As the leader for this season, it's her duty to rent their headquarters, and when the secretive Duke of Avondale, the brother of the lady she is scouting to join, bids on the premises, it's war. Avondale has a secret, and not many people know he is an agent for the crown. He knows Isadora has secrets, but she seems to be the perfect woman to be his Duchess. But will he be able to convince her of that? 

I liked that the series has taken a turn with this book, and there's more of a mystery element to the plot. Avondale and his sister, Charlotte, are agents for the Foreign Office, and there's not many people they can trust other than each other. Charlotte wishes to join the Wicked Ladies Society and discover more about the ladies who are a part of the group. Isadora is sent to see whether Charlotte would be able to keep the truth from her brother, and in turn, she learns more about the Duke. Though they don't have many interactions at first, Avondale decides he wants her, and sets out to make her his duchess. I liked that she didn't back down easily, and forced him to realise that a marriage of convenience is not for him, and he wants love in his life. We learn more about Minerva's dream for the future too, and I can't wait to see her find her happiness with Drake!

Dates Read:
December 23-24, 2022

Rating
3 Stars