Love's Masquerade

by Jerry Cole

Dancing the line between having a career and having the love of his life…Noah hadn't expected the masquerade party to provide anything except temporary entertainment and perhaps an idea for his next costume. He idly wandered about, feeling out of place and wishing he could just leave. But when a man wearing a mask interrupts his walk to the door, he's caught up in a sweet fantasy, one that leads to laughter, drinks and a passionate collision of their lips. He's quickly losing himself to the fantasy, getting lost in the man until the man removes his mask—and reveals he's Noah's boss!The fantasy doesn't end at the party. When Noah reveals his identity to Victor, he is surprised to find Victor is receptive. Their loving encounters continue, heating up between them as it trickles into their work. As much as Victor being the “prince” entices Noah, he finds himself torn between gaining serious traction as a budding designer and keeping the unexpected love he has found.An unexpected visitor causes the line between boss and employee to become darkened and blurred, casting them both into a whirlwind of emotions that could very well destroy them. They are faced with a choice—do they keep the fantasy alive or do they step into the real world and face the consequences?Please Note: This book contains adult language and steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approximately 36,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger." Themes include: Fashion, Designer, Wealthy, Masquerade, Animals, Friends to lovers, Workplace.

Genres: M M Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2019

About the author

Jerry Cole is a gay author who lives in California & enjoys writing love stories. Jerry has been writing fiction since he was a child. As a young adult, he worked as a freelance writer in the evenings & on weekends. Jerry started writing gay romance stories several years ago, but initially just for his own entertainment & occasionally sharing stories with his friends. In the summer of 2015 he published his first gay romance short story on Amazon. Overwhelmed by the positive response he decided to quit his “day job” & took up writing gay romance full time. When he’s not writing steamy M/M romance he enjoys globetrotting, watching movies with family and friends, working out, & being dragged down the road by his two Great Danes.

Reviews

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this kinda reminded me of cinderella... but cinderfella haha.. it was interesting. writing was good as always and i liked it

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I just can’t seem to get a look at anything with this mask.’

Jerry Cole is a successful California author who has been writing since his youth, both as a freelance writer and now as a highly respected and popular gay romance author. He has published in excess of 65 books to date – each being popular with a very large audience.

One of the many reasons Cole’s books are so well received is his courage in taking on problematic relationships and sharing enough insight into his character development to allow the story to be both sensitive and erotically charged. Now Jerry adds a new dimension to his repertoire – Parody! This excellent story is another version of the Cinderella fairy tale, this time the two main characters are men and the ‘glass slipper’ aspect becomes a costume jacket and mask. Alright, so the parallels may be pushing it, but the concept remains! A masked ball, complete with costumes and masks, brings together an employee (Noah) and the employer (Victor), incognito, and the falling of the masks opens the road to a thorny but ultimately satisfying and unexpected romance, with complications.

The manner in which the story unravels marries art and passion and identity and makes for an illuminating premise – and of course the erotica is very present. This is a fine new novel by a man who grows with each story he explores. Recommended.

[Karic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s Masquerade begins with Victor and Noah, whose anonymous meeting at a ball starts a fairy tale they never really believed in. Their feelings and emotions are beautiful and romantic until Noah finds out the man underneath the masquerade mask is his boss. While Victor doesn’t care that Noah is his assistant, Noah is cautious to begin a relationship with Victor for obvious reasons. We also find out that fairy tales may not always have a happy ending while we take a look at Victor and Noah try to fight for a piece of love that was doomed from the start. They also must learn that one should never mix business with pleasure. But with a bit of patience, communication, and common sense we see these two lovers find the courage to speak, listen, and be honest with their feelings and each other. They learn that while it is nice to find a fairy tale, you should always add a dash of reality before falling into the fantasy. This was a nice, short story that I will recommend for everyone who wants a piece of a fairy tale fantasy. I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. It's sweet cinderfella story. Noah and Victors story was another great book. The fairy tale setting in a modern day theme was truly great. Instead of evil step siblings you have a jealous ex.
Noah goes to a masquerade mask ball, meeting a supposed Prince charming. from dancing and drinks with the guy, Only when lust leads him to make out with the guy in a semi deserted hallway his Prince pulls his mask off to reveal who he is. Victor Garcia his boss!
Victor was going to find the man who had run from him the night of his ball, assigning Noah the task of find everyone name that attended, Victor was going to find the man behind the beautiful coat his has in his possession. Once Victor finds out just who his mysterious man is can they still work together or will work and home life interfere with their passion? When Brian  returned again raging about Victor's new love interest, handling well was a understatement when Noah ask about it. Can Victor and Noah make amends before it's to late?

[Alejandro Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally loved this story, a romantic M/M take on a classical fairy tale where two people from very different backgrounds come together in extraordinary circumstances. A story about Noah and Victor, assistant and boss who become involved romantically in the most fantastic of ways: masked lovers, a dance and a glass slipper-like situation in the form of a forgotten hand made coat.

Victor's problems with an ex and his need for control become an issue for both Noah and him, making them think of the things they're willing to sacrifice in order to be happy with their significant other.

A lovely story, a simple but nice resolution of conflict that leads to a Happily Ever After. A great job by Jerry Cole.

I was given an ARC for this book in order to leave an honest review of this novel.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has written us a whimsical and angsty story about Noah, a personal assistant to Victor, a fashion designer and Magazine publisher. Meeting at a ball that Victor has given, he and Noah fall into a fantasy of the Renaissance period. Things go well for them until an old flame shows up and upheaval comes into their lives. How to make their love work is a question that Victor takes to his loving dad and hopefully with following his advice, he and Noah may make it together. A loving story that is entertaining to read. I would recommend this book to read. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful romantic story about Noah and Victor. Hiding behind masks at a masquerade ball, neither know who they are, but attraction hits them both and things hot up.

I love the way this story unfolds, inviting me to follow their budding love. Not all goes smoothly and trouble could loom on the horizon. Jerry Cole knows how to draw you into the complicated lives of the main characters.

I highly recommend this book, a lovely story.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.

[Monika]

Wowww. I absolutely love the concept of the book. Take an old fairy tale and place it in modern times.
Noah and Victor meet at a masquerade ball and both of them are drawn to each other and sparks fly. This is the start of a very intense romance until the arrival of the "wicket stepmother" in the guise of Victors ex. This brings a lot of problems for both of them. Can they make it? Read the book and find out. It is well worth it.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Noah and Victor. This is a greatvread and has a nice spin on a fairytale. It is filled with drama and lots of emotional ups and downs. The chemistry between them is off the charts. It makes for a fast and easy read.

I received this book as an Arc and I am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Cheryl Beckles-forde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable

This story is very descriptive and well written. I enjoyed going to that masquerade ball 😊, felt like I was actually there. It explores the boss/employee relationship and highlights the excitement and challenges in one sweet little nugget. Good job Jerry Cole. I highly recommend this book

[Coral Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah and Victor work together, but Noah's talent are hidden from him. Their relationship will cause problems, with Victor being his boss. I am glad Noah stood up to Victor. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.