A Lady Unrivaled (Ladies of the Manor Book #3)

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White is the third book in Ladies of the Manor series. Lady Ella Myerston wants to help her family with the matter of Fire Eyes. Lady Ella needs to find more information on the red diamonds and gets herself an invite to the Cotswold’s. Her friend has an extensive library and Lady Ella is sure she will find the information she is seeking. Her brother has always protected Ella, but now Ella wishes to help him (since his wife is expecting). Ella runs into Lord James Azerly, the Earl of Cayton. He is staying nearby with his daughter, Addie at Anlic Manor. James’ reputation proceeds him, but he has changed since the birth of daughter (and death of his wife). Unfortunately, Lady Catherine “Kitty” Pratt, her brother, Rushworth, and Kitty’s maid Kira arrive. Rushworth wants Fire Eyes and is willing to do anything to get them. Lord Pratt, Kitty’s husband, had promised them a buyer and had even taken an advance payment for the diamonds. Rushworth is pressuring James into helping him by using Lady Ella. Unknowingly (at first), Lady Ella has the red diamonds and wears them in front of Rushworth. Mayhem is sure to ensue at they try to keep the red diamonds out of Rushworth’s hands. I decided to describe the mystery and intrigue portion of the novel instead of the romance (which was very expected). I found A Lady Unrivaled to have a slower pace than the first two novels in the series. A Lady Unrivaled can be confusing if you have not read the first two books (The Lost Heiress and The Reluctant Duchess). The book does contain the requisite, predictable romance. Actually, more of the novel is devoted to the developing romance between Ella and James than to Fire Eyes. The writing is good, but I found the ending to be anticlimactic. I give A Lady Unrivaled 3.5 out of 5 stars (It was okay). I just did not think A Lady Unrivaled was as enjoyable (interesting, entertaining) as the first two books in the series. I did find the tale of Fire Eyes to be fascinating. I received a complimentary copy of A Lady Unrivaled in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This is book three in the Ladies of the Manor series. It is a stand alone book, however I would recommend reading book one, The Lost Heiress, and book two, The Reluctant Duchess first to fully understand all that is going on. Plus they are great reads as well. Roseanne White does a great job developing her characters, giving them their own unique personalities and problems. There is mystery, romance, suspense, family, trusting God and so much more. Lady Ella Myerston is a determined, happy, optimistic, opinionated person, whom tends to get lost often. She is only trying to protect her family, not planning on possibly finding love in the process. Will she be able to protect her family and all they hold dear without getting hurt? Lord Cayton is a more complex man. Will he ever be able to forgive himself and possibly find love in the process or will his past be his undoing? I loved the dialogue between Ella and Cayton, their clashing personalities and so much more. There are times you will laugh, cry and maybe want to shake some of the characters throughout this novel. I was given a copy of this novel from net galley for my honest opinion.

I loved this book even more than the first two. I wasn't sure if I would since the main character Cayton was not very nice or well liked in the previous books. This is my favorite type of book, when the author brings previous characters back, making them part of the new romance novel. I so enjoy the way Roseanna writes. She has it all, they are funny, with some mystery, adventure and sweet, clean love story. She even throws in one or two bad guys. They type you love to hate. Roseanna M. White is one of my most favorite authors. She has not written anything that I have not liked. I can't wait to read her next book.