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Masquerade
The Layered Mask
Threatened by his father with disinheritance, Lord Edwin Nash arrives in London with a sole purpose: to find a wife. A more than eligible bachelor and titled to boot, the society matrons are determined to shackle him to one of the girls by the end of the season.
During a masquerade ball, Nash hides from the ladies vying for his attention. He is discovered by Lord Thomas Downe, the Duke of Lynwood. Nash is horrified when Downe calmly tells him that he knows the secret Nash has hidden for years and sees through the mask Edwin presents to the rest of the world.
And then he offers him an alternative.
This book was previously published by Dreamspinner Press
During a masquerade ball, Nash hides from the ladies vying for his attention. He is discovered by Lord Thomas Downe, the Duke of Lynwood. Nash is horrified when Downe calmly tells him that he knows the secret Nash has hidden for years and sees through the mask Edwin presents to the rest of the world.
And then he offers him an alternative.
This book was previously published by Dreamspinner Press
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2012
29 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Sue Brown
140 books841 followersHot guys, big hearts, Sue's world.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
Sue Brown is a Londoner with a dream to live on a small island. Coffee fuels her addiction to writing romance with hot guys loving each other, and her Adorkadog snores in harmony as she creates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 5, 2012
Lord Downe is not quite a confirmed bachelor. As heir to one of England’s oldest and richest titles, he knows that some day he will have to find a wife and “do his duty.” Edwin has never partaken of manlove, but he knows women do nothing to spark his carnal nature. He also knows that as his father’s only son, he must “do his duty.”
This is definitely historical romance done right. Sue Brown brings the madness of the ton to life brilliantly, as she has Downe courting Edwin. And whether he knew it or not…that is exactly what he was doing. Morning rides, secret conversations, and stolen kisses, all lead up to some hot bedroom action.
Due to their stations in life, neither man is free to follow his heart. But, neither are they willing to let each other go. I found it fascinating to learn how a man found ways to be together in a time when loving another man could get you killed.
This story is beautifully crafted. There were a few tense moments there at the end, where all hope seemed lost. But, the final solution was brilliant (if not a tad convenient.) Highly recommend.
This is definitely historical romance done right. Sue Brown brings the madness of the ton to life brilliantly, as she has Downe courting Edwin. And whether he knew it or not…that is exactly what he was doing. Morning rides, secret conversations, and stolen kisses, all lead up to some hot bedroom action.
Due to their stations in life, neither man is free to follow his heart. But, neither are they willing to let each other go. I found it fascinating to learn how a man found ways to be together in a time when loving another man could get you killed.
This story is beautifully crafted. There were a few tense moments there at the end, where all hope seemed lost. But, the final solution was brilliant (if not a tad convenient.) Highly recommend.
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July 29, 2020This enticing buffet of Recency tropes, each with an original garnish, offered an alternative to Heyer as two young men navigate the rocky waters of the marriage mart when neither are inclined to marry.
The characters are engaging, and the historical peculiarities of society are shown with enough detail to be satisfying but without one feeling one is having a history lecture. A highly enjoyable story from a favourite, and expert, romance author.
The characters are engaging, and the historical peculiarities of society are shown with enough detail to be satisfying but without one feeling one is having a history lecture. A highly enjoyable story from a favourite, and expert, romance author.
September 20, 2016
This book was right up my alley. Historical fiction + M/M Romance all in one? Sign me up!
The book starts with Edwin and the return of his old childhood friend (and former love interest). Through some series of events, Edwin finds himself unexpectedly traveling to London for the summer to find a wife. There, he meets Thomas Downe at a masquerade ball and confides in the man who seems to know too much already. His confidence in Downe gets him invited to an exclusive gentlemen's club and routine morning horseback rides with Downe himself.
These two were nothing short of perfect for each other and this book was extremely well written. From the language used in the dialogue, to the tone and choice of words in the actual book itself, and the minor details such as clothing and mannerisms, nothing was left out of this novel.
As a reader of historical romance, it's hard to find books that hit the mark because the smallest details need to be on point or it can pull the reader out of the world the author is trying to create. This one didn't miss a single beat.
And Nash and Downe oh my beautiful buttons, these two had out of this world chemistry and their love for each other was infectious. I fell in love with Downe from the moment he was introduced, and I felt for Nash and his situation. These two were both depicted as men who had lost and who deserved more than they were given and I was rooting for them from the first page to the very last.
If you're into historical romance in any way at all, this book needs to go on your to-read list!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
The book starts with Edwin and the return of his old childhood friend (and former love interest). Through some series of events, Edwin finds himself unexpectedly traveling to London for the summer to find a wife. There, he meets Thomas Downe at a masquerade ball and confides in the man who seems to know too much already. His confidence in Downe gets him invited to an exclusive gentlemen's club and routine morning horseback rides with Downe himself.
These two were nothing short of perfect for each other and this book was extremely well written. From the language used in the dialogue, to the tone and choice of words in the actual book itself, and the minor details such as clothing and mannerisms, nothing was left out of this novel.
As a reader of historical romance, it's hard to find books that hit the mark because the smallest details need to be on point or it can pull the reader out of the world the author is trying to create. This one didn't miss a single beat.
And Nash and Downe oh my beautiful buttons, these two had out of this world chemistry and their love for each other was infectious. I fell in love with Downe from the moment he was introduced, and I felt for Nash and his situation. These two were both depicted as men who had lost and who deserved more than they were given and I was rooting for them from the first page to the very last.
If you're into historical romance in any way at all, this book needs to go on your to-read list!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
February 4, 2012
I adored this story, I don't tend to read historical romances, in fact this is my first, but this story is lovely, just perfect, I couldn't put it down. Sue Brown's regency voice is perfect and without giving anything away the ending is superb, unexpected and perfect. I loved this book so much I would give anything for Sue to write a sequel. I just hope Sue writes more in this genre.
February 28, 2012
Just look at that cover! It’s absolutely beautiful. Sumptuous and completely in line with the book it’s mouthwateringly beautiful. It just proves that you don’t need headless torsos to illustrate gay romance. Well done, Silver Publishing. This book, incidentally, is part of 3 book anthology (all of which are available as standalones) and are linked. Two of which–this one, and The Slave’s Mask by Patricia Logan–are historicals. They seem to be using the same cover for all.
I haven’t read any of Ms Brown’s works before, simply because I spend so much time reading gay historicals and reading other stuff that I never get time to read any contemporaries at all, but what I’d heard had been good. And it’s pretty well deserved, I think. This is–forgive me if I’m wrong–her first foray into a gay historical and although it’s a simple plot and not a very long read it’s a very good effort. There’s a fair amount of careful research shown, which was appreciated. The patronesses are mentioned at Almack’s which is a rare enough occurence, and the waltz is shown as a seditiousness, whereas so many Regencies have this dance included as a matter of course.
As to the characters, though, I didn’t get swept away by either of them. Both of them seemed to be privileged and rather whiny young men–knowing their duty to their dynasties and being dragged towards it kicking and screaming. This leans more in the direction of Pride and Prejudice’s “I’d rather marry for love, thank you” which at the time was itself a rarer concept than marrying for the family’s benefit.
Thomas finds Edwin “perfect” and that “he had never met anyone like Edwin Nash” after two short conversations and a kiss–so there’s a good smattering of insta-love here. They didn’t set me on fire, but they were nice enough, I just found them rather dull together even though they seemed to turn each other on sufficiently. There’s a riding scene which seems to have absolutely no point at all, and in a short book, that’s not needed.
There’s also the ubiquitous upper-class male knocking-shop which is a trope I’m getting heartily sick of. This is not the author’s fault of course, and it’s nicely described but it has become a trope. However I suppose men have to bonk somewhere, but I wish someone would do it elsewhere. Anywhere. There are several clubs of this type in London, according the owner of the one that Edwin and Thomas visit–a certain Lord Leicester, who was once Thomas’s lover (giving as a soupcon of conflict in the form of jealousy from Edwin before it dissipates). I found it amusing that one of the Leicester’s men was called Lester. Perhaps the author didn’t know how Leicester was pronounced!
This is quite a nice book, don’t get me wrong. It’s well researched and the love story is sweet and I’m sure people will like it, it’s just that there are a lot of gay Regencies around now and they are all coming out a bit samey these days. It just didn’t say anything to me that was new or refreshing, and I was a little bored. I’d read another by Ms Brown though, were she to write one.
I haven’t read any of Ms Brown’s works before, simply because I spend so much time reading gay historicals and reading other stuff that I never get time to read any contemporaries at all, but what I’d heard had been good. And it’s pretty well deserved, I think. This is–forgive me if I’m wrong–her first foray into a gay historical and although it’s a simple plot and not a very long read it’s a very good effort. There’s a fair amount of careful research shown, which was appreciated. The patronesses are mentioned at Almack’s which is a rare enough occurence, and the waltz is shown as a seditiousness, whereas so many Regencies have this dance included as a matter of course.
As to the characters, though, I didn’t get swept away by either of them. Both of them seemed to be privileged and rather whiny young men–knowing their duty to their dynasties and being dragged towards it kicking and screaming. This leans more in the direction of Pride and Prejudice’s “I’d rather marry for love, thank you” which at the time was itself a rarer concept than marrying for the family’s benefit.
Thomas finds Edwin “perfect” and that “he had never met anyone like Edwin Nash” after two short conversations and a kiss–so there’s a good smattering of insta-love here. They didn’t set me on fire, but they were nice enough, I just found them rather dull together even though they seemed to turn each other on sufficiently. There’s a riding scene which seems to have absolutely no point at all, and in a short book, that’s not needed.
There’s also the ubiquitous upper-class male knocking-shop which is a trope I’m getting heartily sick of. This is not the author’s fault of course, and it’s nicely described but it has become a trope. However I suppose men have to bonk somewhere, but I wish someone would do it elsewhere. Anywhere. There are several clubs of this type in London, according the owner of the one that Edwin and Thomas visit–a certain Lord Leicester, who was once Thomas’s lover (giving as a soupcon of conflict in the form of jealousy from Edwin before it dissipates). I found it amusing that one of the Leicester’s men was called Lester. Perhaps the author didn’t know how Leicester was pronounced!
This is quite a nice book, don’t get me wrong. It’s well researched and the love story is sweet and I’m sure people will like it, it’s just that there are a lot of gay Regencies around now and they are all coming out a bit samey these days. It just didn’t say anything to me that was new or refreshing, and I was a little bored. I’d read another by Ms Brown though, were she to write one.
February 13, 2012
From the moment you pick up this book and start reading, you are transported back in time to ride beside Thomas and Edwin as they take their morning ride along Rotten Row. I am not a huge lover of regency because a lot of writers think they can just throw in a few "what ho's" and that's all the research that needs to be done. Sue Brown has taken it to the next level. It is obvious that she has done her research and the setting is impeccable.
Torn between doing his duty and his real desires, the last thing Edwin expected to find in London was Thomas Downe. He could only dream of being able to spend the rest of his life with the person he loves, rather than the person he is forced to marry to provide heirs for his father's estate.
Thomas is equally amazed to find out that Edwin is "the lamb" who is being set upon by the matrons as they parade their debutantes before him in the hope Edwin will choose one of them. But can love be triumphant in a society where duty is everything?
Sue Brown is a romance writer of the highest calibre. She sucks you in from the first word and doesn't let you go until you see those disappointing words... "the end". She has outdone herself yet again. I highly recommend this book.
Torn between doing his duty and his real desires, the last thing Edwin expected to find in London was Thomas Downe. He could only dream of being able to spend the rest of his life with the person he loves, rather than the person he is forced to marry to provide heirs for his father's estate.
Thomas is equally amazed to find out that Edwin is "the lamb" who is being set upon by the matrons as they parade their debutantes before him in the hope Edwin will choose one of them. But can love be triumphant in a society where duty is everything?
Sue Brown is a romance writer of the highest calibre. She sucks you in from the first word and doesn't let you go until you see those disappointing words... "the end". She has outdone herself yet again. I highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2021
Historical London. Lord Thomas Down meets Country Boy Edwin Nash. Nash has been sent to find a wife and return home. They meet, "court", as it were, and fall in love. It was a super sweet story and very much what I expect from Sue Brown. Good characters, good secondary characters and a HEA. I wish we would have gotten to see the reaction from Nash's family with the ending. That would have been epic.
July 17, 2020
Duty To Love!
Man-about-town Lord Thomas meets younger, inexperienced Lord Edwin and falls in lust at first sight. On the surface, this is a historical tale of seduction, capture, and love. However, it also about the English aristocracy: the lack of freedom, of choice, and the hypocrisy. There are also the lengths the MCs go for lust/love but is it really worth it?
Okay, I’m too serious, this is just a sweet read!?!
Man-about-town Lord Thomas meets younger, inexperienced Lord Edwin and falls in lust at first sight. On the surface, this is a historical tale of seduction, capture, and love. However, it also about the English aristocracy: the lack of freedom, of choice, and the hypocrisy. There are also the lengths the MCs go for lust/love but is it really worth it?
Okay, I’m too serious, this is just a sweet read!?!
January 13, 2018
I'll echo another review that said they liked it but didn't love it. The story idea is good, and the ending was an interesting resolution; I had been wondering how it could possibly end happily. However, it felt like so much more of the story could have been fleshed out. I found myself wondering about details or how we got to a certain point that was simply presented without any real connection or supporting storyline. The characters appeared somewhat flat, like his father who was described as dour but his actions could be described more as cruel and uncaring. Nash's sister Serena appeared content or even happy in her match, and she occasionally showed a modicum of affection for her younger brother. So when she was so adamant that Nash do his duty and so supportive of their father's increasingly demanding edicts, almost gleefully so, it made me question her backstory, why she seemed to be happy with Nash's suffering. And young, naive Nash's responses to Downe's desires were almost too good to be true based solely on what was on the page. This might have been a 4 or 5 star story if it were longer enough to fill in some more of the details.
July 8, 2020
Layered Mask had me page turning all the way through!
This was a beautiful story which grips you from the start. I've always thought that the women were the ones who were sold off, but in this story it's just as bad for the men to not have a wife.
I haven't read a Regency Romance before, so knowing nothing of the time frame or how the world worked back then, Sue Brown shows the rules of the world without telling you everything you need to know right away.
Edwin and Thomas were a perfect couple and I loved how they met and ultimately fell for each other. The ladies in the book deserve a mention too, as the sisters who know and support their brothers really brought a sense of reality to the situation, while the romance and courting sat in the background.
The ending did come too soon for me, but I was left with a big smile on my face at the end of the book.
This was a beautiful story which grips you from the start. I've always thought that the women were the ones who were sold off, but in this story it's just as bad for the men to not have a wife.
I haven't read a Regency Romance before, so knowing nothing of the time frame or how the world worked back then, Sue Brown shows the rules of the world without telling you everything you need to know right away.
Edwin and Thomas were a perfect couple and I loved how they met and ultimately fell for each other. The ladies in the book deserve a mention too, as the sisters who know and support their brothers really brought a sense of reality to the situation, while the romance and courting sat in the background.
The ending did come too soon for me, but I was left with a big smile on my face at the end of the book.
February 17, 2026
pretty good. lots of historic vocabulary, which I appreciate.
the "lamb" thing was slightly weird and I didn't like it much
I like how the book places much emphasis on the societal expectation of getting married, but this clashed with Nash's refusal to do so. it felt like a weird mixture of two historical romance worlds (one that acknowledges the inevitability of marriage, and one that anachronistically lets its characters of the hook) and placed a character from the latter into the world of the former. very strange.
also I wish the misogyny was turned down a little. every single straight woman not immediately related to to the MCs is just a caricature. I do get that this is partially a skewed perspective of the (understandably) bitter and unenthusiastic MCs but come on, these things could be handled better.
3.5 stars, rounded up
the "lamb" thing was slightly weird and I didn't like it much
I like how the book places much emphasis on the societal expectation of getting married, but this clashed with Nash's refusal to do so. it felt like a weird mixture of two historical romance worlds (one that acknowledges the inevitability of marriage, and one that anachronistically lets its characters of the hook) and placed a character from the latter into the world of the former. very strange.
also I wish the misogyny was turned down a little. every single straight woman not immediately related to to the MCs is just a caricature. I do get that this is partially a skewed perspective of the (understandably) bitter and unenthusiastic MCs but come on, these things could be handled better.
3.5 stars, rounded up
July 31, 2017
3 stars!
I liked it but I didn't love it. I liked the characters well enough, from Thomas and Edwin to those in the gentlemen club. I didn't like the usual plot of marrying to have an heir but it was realistic in those settings and it was a satisfactory HEA.
However, I hated Edwin's sister. Their conversations did not paint her in a positive light (although I could see where she was coming from) and how she had essentially
Overall, an okay read.
I liked it but I didn't love it. I liked the characters well enough, from Thomas and Edwin to those in the gentlemen club. I didn't like the usual plot of marrying to have an heir but it was realistic in those settings and it was a satisfactory HEA.
However, I hated Edwin's sister. Their conversations did not paint her in a positive light (although I could see where she was coming from) and how she had essentially
Overall, an okay read.
July 31, 2020
Lord Edwin Nash prefers male partners. In 1811, that is not an option. Families generally passed on their wealth to the males who had wives and able to carry on the family name through heirs of heir own.
Of course this is not Edwin's desire. What do you do when the threat is disinheritance lingers?
Edwin meets Lord Thomas Downe at a masquerade ball. Thomas eludes to Edwin's dilemma and desires. He makes an offer Edwin really does not want to refuse. What happens when he enjoys his MM companionship too much to fathom the alternative?
Will Edwin go after what his heart wants, or what his family wants for him?
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Of course this is not Edwin's desire. What do you do when the threat is disinheritance lingers?
Edwin meets Lord Thomas Downe at a masquerade ball. Thomas eludes to Edwin's dilemma and desires. He makes an offer Edwin really does not want to refuse. What happens when he enjoys his MM companionship too much to fathom the alternative?
Will Edwin go after what his heart wants, or what his family wants for him?
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
July 31, 2020
I like regency romance about mm couples because they are a reminder of how close to history we are and though things are better there is still a way to go. Affluence is not a buffer against having to live your life a certain way and there were reasons for that. But this is such a well written story not only about the relationship between Edwin or Thomas but also a reminder about love not being just about love and how important it is that we continue to strive for the freedom for it to be. And it was a well told story to boot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2017
This book was so incredibly sweet. Not only was it pretty true-to-life, but it was just a sweet and heartwarming story. A really fantastic way to pass a few hours.
Overall, there's some things that happened that you could totally see coming, but that's ok. This was a lovely and enjoyable read. I can't find a flaw with it.
If you want a sweet historical story, this is definitely the perfect story for you. It's definitely one I've really enjoyed! I kept telling myself to put my iPad down and go to sleep, but I couldn't. I had to finish the book!
Overall, there's some things that happened that you could totally see coming, but that's ok. This was a lovely and enjoyable read. I can't find a flaw with it.
If you want a sweet historical story, this is definitely the perfect story for you. It's definitely one I've really enjoyed! I kept telling myself to put my iPad down and go to sleep, but I couldn't. I had to finish the book!
July 28, 2020
I love m/m romance and when they are set in times like the regency period in England then it adds another level to the story as gay men could end up in prison or worse. This was an interesting book to read and finished up with an interesting solution to the problems. My only criticism was that it ended up a bit abruptly and I would have liked to read more about how these various people lived with the solution that they came to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2020
In a time when being gay was dangerous, Downe and Edwin meet and the attraction is instant. Edwin’s father has sent him to London for the season and he is to return with a wife, then word is sent that he has one month to wed and return home. A solution to their situation suddenly arises which will allow them to be together as much as possible. The author described Edwin’s emotions as he experiences his first gay encounter with great detail. The story is well written and entertaining. It is a great read with a lot of emotion, and I would highly recommend it.
August 1, 2020
Started off well, I was enjoying it. But then when the main characters began to talk like millennial girls, I just didn’t believe in it anymore, took me right out of the story. Then I started to think about how lucky this young lad was. A few days in London and he’s met a rich handsome man, who is going to take him under his wing, make no demands of him, have great sex, fall for him pretty much immediately. None of these things have happened to me yet in London (probably TMI) and I’ve been here years. Now I’m just annoyed 😠
July 21, 2020
The Layered Mask should be labeled a classic. It was written with such eloquence and as the title suggests, so much depth. Sue Brown did her research and explored the reality of that time period. It's a shame how men and women who are gay and lesbian have to find secretive ways to be together because of societal unjust rules. It makes me feel how lucky we are today.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2020
This short erotically awakening read speaks to your heart and pulls on your emotions. You can't help but be touched by the social stigma and shame of having to hide who you are. I fell in love with the men of the Gentlemen's Club.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2020
A good historical book when being gay was was a bad thing with horrible consequences. A great story for the Thomas and Edwin as things kinda work out for them but you'll have read. Brilliantly written set back in time to included both POVs, hot scenes. I didn't like Edwin's sister and enforces her father views to be married.
Thomas 27 was lonely but didn't want to marry.
Edwin was 20 and sent to London to find a wife by his father.
Thomas 27 was lonely but didn't want to marry.
Edwin was 20 and sent to London to find a wife by his father.
March 12, 2021
As lovely as this story is there is a sadness through it, the men back then had to be so very careful, hide their love, marry a woman, as that is what the family expect of them, not many found their happy ever after. This is a sweet love story, it is sad at times but there is also hope for their future. A very enjoyable, gentle read.
July 31, 2017
I have read two MM books with this sort of setting and terms: T.A. Chase's Seduces and Angel's evolution. I read them almost two years ago but I still remember then thrilling and enticing. This one is just lukewarm and a little boring. Disappointed.
August 31, 2020
The story is cute. It rehashes themes seen elsewhere and goes through the usual tropes but there was kind of a freshness in Nash’s youth that made his naïveté about love and marriage welcome instead of annoying. The two sisters helped too. Overall quite nice.
June 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The only issue I have is that the ending seemed a bitch rushed, but overall it was a good read that I will probably pick up again.
March 22, 2019
3.5 stars
March 6, 2021
Didn't like it at all.
July 10, 2020
When Lord Edwin Nash, of ‘The Layered Mask' by Sue Brown, leaves for the bright lights of London, he is sad and resentful. Edwin is confused; he doesn't know what he wants from life, but he does realize whatever it is, is not going to be a woman. Edwin understands that one day, he will be called to 'do his duty' and provide an heir. He just doesn't expect for it to be now, at barely twenty years of age. Edwin has little choice though. He either has to do as his father says or be disinherited. It never occurs to him that he may have another option, at least not until he meets Lord Thomas Downe and his world tilts on its axis.
Lord Downe is curious about the handsome young man he finds hiding in his study. In fact, he's interested enough to take a chance and see what kind of response he will receive by coming on to him. Downe knows it could be dangerous, but there's something about the man that he simply can't resist. When Edwin explains who he is and why he's there, Downe is immediately sympathetic. Downe knows that one day, he too will have to marry and have a child in order to carry on his family's name, but is in no rush to do so. Downe also understands the kind of pressure Edwin is under, being constantly pursued by the mothers at the party, looking for husbands for their daughters, and feeling like merchandise and not a man, so he offers Edwin an escape, at least for a while. When Downe ascertains Edwin's penchant for men as well, he's even more interested and begins a slow but deliberate courtship for Edwin, patiently waiting until Edwin is ready to take the final step with him and consummate their relationship.
Edwin is young and naive and trying to do his part, regardless of how unhappy he is about the position in which his father has put him. He has never known anyone like Downe and is definitely attracted to him, if for nothing else than as a guide into the world of loving other men; but he doesn't want to be just another notch on his bedpost either. Edwin falls in love with Downe although he knows nothing can ever come of it. They spend extraordinarily happy times together, in between Edwin's other social engagements designed to provide an opportunity to pick a wife. All goes well until his father becomes impatient and forces the issue. Edwin is distraught, but determined not to go back without having made love with Downe, who hesitates, knowing the emotional turmoil it may cause, but ultimately gives in. Their lovemaking is passionate and sensual; both are swept away by the powerful encounter. Afterward, Edwin starts thinking about what they've done and how it made him feel; he is thrown into despair. Instead of lingering with Downe to enjoy the afterglow, Edwin suddenly decides to leave and can't be persuaded otherwise.
This story brought home the tedious and desperate situation of men who love men during the Regency period. The descriptions of Edwin's frustration with the endless parties and social events, designed specifically for obtaining a mate, were painfully real. I could almost feel Edwin's distress as he considers himself little more than an animal for sale. His feelings for Downe are fraught with desire and disappointment, as Edwin realizes he can never have the life he wants, but instead, must endure a life he'd rather not live at all; devoid of the love he so desires. There seems to be no solution for him and Downe, but where there's love, there's always hope. If you like historical romance during the Regency period, beautiful costumes, lavish parties, politics, angst, and happy endings, then you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Sue, for the trip back to a time when men were less fortunate than they are today.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Lord Downe is curious about the handsome young man he finds hiding in his study. In fact, he's interested enough to take a chance and see what kind of response he will receive by coming on to him. Downe knows it could be dangerous, but there's something about the man that he simply can't resist. When Edwin explains who he is and why he's there, Downe is immediately sympathetic. Downe knows that one day, he too will have to marry and have a child in order to carry on his family's name, but is in no rush to do so. Downe also understands the kind of pressure Edwin is under, being constantly pursued by the mothers at the party, looking for husbands for their daughters, and feeling like merchandise and not a man, so he offers Edwin an escape, at least for a while. When Downe ascertains Edwin's penchant for men as well, he's even more interested and begins a slow but deliberate courtship for Edwin, patiently waiting until Edwin is ready to take the final step with him and consummate their relationship.
Edwin is young and naive and trying to do his part, regardless of how unhappy he is about the position in which his father has put him. He has never known anyone like Downe and is definitely attracted to him, if for nothing else than as a guide into the world of loving other men; but he doesn't want to be just another notch on his bedpost either. Edwin falls in love with Downe although he knows nothing can ever come of it. They spend extraordinarily happy times together, in between Edwin's other social engagements designed to provide an opportunity to pick a wife. All goes well until his father becomes impatient and forces the issue. Edwin is distraught, but determined not to go back without having made love with Downe, who hesitates, knowing the emotional turmoil it may cause, but ultimately gives in. Their lovemaking is passionate and sensual; both are swept away by the powerful encounter. Afterward, Edwin starts thinking about what they've done and how it made him feel; he is thrown into despair. Instead of lingering with Downe to enjoy the afterglow, Edwin suddenly decides to leave and can't be persuaded otherwise.
This story brought home the tedious and desperate situation of men who love men during the Regency period. The descriptions of Edwin's frustration with the endless parties and social events, designed specifically for obtaining a mate, were painfully real. I could almost feel Edwin's distress as he considers himself little more than an animal for sale. His feelings for Downe are fraught with desire and disappointment, as Edwin realizes he can never have the life he wants, but instead, must endure a life he'd rather not live at all; devoid of the love he so desires. There seems to be no solution for him and Downe, but where there's love, there's always hope. If you like historical romance during the Regency period, beautiful costumes, lavish parties, politics, angst, and happy endings, then you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Sue, for the trip back to a time when men were less fortunate than they are today.
NOTE: The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
July 27, 2015
A Layered Mask is pretty much an old-fashioned and traditional historical romance. In Edwin Nash we meet the inexperienced, wide-eyed innocent, forced to face a world and forces he’s ill equipped to handle when his father decides he needs to find himself a wife. Enter Thomas Downe, a somewhat older and far more experienced and world wise man who takes the younger Nash under his wing. There are the careful and secret flirtations, early morning horse riding dates and a slow, patient, and breathtakingly beautiful seduction. A traditional romance except for the fact that our star-crossed lovers are both male.
To say I lost myself in this story would be an understatement. I fell for both men as soon as they entered the story, enjoyed every moment of their courtship and despaired with them when it all appeared to come to an early and devastating end. The slow seduction of Edwin took my breath away; it was both incredibly hot and touchingly sweet.
While, at first glance, it may seem as if the fact that this is a historical romance centred around two men sets it apart from other historical romances, on further inspection that appears to be less true. Of course it was against the law and very dangerous for men to seen to be involved with other men and a loving relationship between them would have been inconceivable in those (and far more recent) times. But it was not just gay men who were denied the opportunity to find love. As becomes very clear in this book, all people were expected to marry for reasons other than love. Money, land, politics, heirs were deciding factors when it came to choosing your life partner and that was as true for those who fell for people of their own gender as it was for heterosexuals. I really appreciate that Sue Brown showed the marriage conundrum in all its glory. While the solution to the problems may well seem a bit convenient to some, I have no complaints. Any resolution in which love triumphs over prejudice and custom – in all its disguises – is one I’ll enjoy and treasure.
Once again Sue Brown drew me into her world, made me connect with her characters, and left me admiring her beautiful and smooth writing. The language and descriptions in this book felt entirely appropriate to the period in which the story was set. This was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
To say I lost myself in this story would be an understatement. I fell for both men as soon as they entered the story, enjoyed every moment of their courtship and despaired with them when it all appeared to come to an early and devastating end. The slow seduction of Edwin took my breath away; it was both incredibly hot and touchingly sweet.
While, at first glance, it may seem as if the fact that this is a historical romance centred around two men sets it apart from other historical romances, on further inspection that appears to be less true. Of course it was against the law and very dangerous for men to seen to be involved with other men and a loving relationship between them would have been inconceivable in those (and far more recent) times. But it was not just gay men who were denied the opportunity to find love. As becomes very clear in this book, all people were expected to marry for reasons other than love. Money, land, politics, heirs were deciding factors when it came to choosing your life partner and that was as true for those who fell for people of their own gender as it was for heterosexuals. I really appreciate that Sue Brown showed the marriage conundrum in all its glory. While the solution to the problems may well seem a bit convenient to some, I have no complaints. Any resolution in which love triumphs over prejudice and custom – in all its disguises – is one I’ll enjoy and treasure.
Once again Sue Brown drew me into her world, made me connect with her characters, and left me admiring her beautiful and smooth writing. The language and descriptions in this book felt entirely appropriate to the period in which the story was set. This was a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
February 7, 2012
3.5 stars
Young Edwin Nash's only role is to marry and to produce an heir, even if his interest is nowhere near ladies. He is forced to find a wife or would be disinherited. Then he's caught the eyes of Lord Thomas Downe, and for the first time, Edwin Nash finds a possible love in his life. Except what to do with his father's request?
Historical/regency romance is never been a favorite of mine; somehow I struggle with the language often used and I always prefer some sort of 'modernity' in the stories I read. However, since I like few stories from Sue Brown, I decide to give this a go.
I find the story to be quite sweet and accomplished take on an m/m regency flair. Ms. Brown portrays the life of that era, with the secrecy, the possible social (and legal) "punishment" for people who like same sex, as well as the compromises must be made for them to keep their life quite nicely. There's enough amount of angst -- as Edwin contemplates the life with a wife while his heart belongs to a man -- without being too sappy, considering that it IS the fact of that era.
The ending might be a tad too easy (like a gift wrapped in a red bow) to tackle all the issues, but it's a happy ending, so I don't have much to complain.
PS: Just a trivia, this Thomas Downe is also mentioned in Lisa Worrall's Behind the Mask; whose manor is used for the masquerade ball.
Young Edwin Nash's only role is to marry and to produce an heir, even if his interest is nowhere near ladies. He is forced to find a wife or would be disinherited. Then he's caught the eyes of Lord Thomas Downe, and for the first time, Edwin Nash finds a possible love in his life. Except what to do with his father's request?
Historical/regency romance is never been a favorite of mine; somehow I struggle with the language often used and I always prefer some sort of 'modernity' in the stories I read. However, since I like few stories from Sue Brown, I decide to give this a go.
I find the story to be quite sweet and accomplished take on an m/m regency flair. Ms. Brown portrays the life of that era, with the secrecy, the possible social (and legal) "punishment" for people who like same sex, as well as the compromises must be made for them to keep their life quite nicely. There's enough amount of angst -- as Edwin contemplates the life with a wife while his heart belongs to a man -- without being too sappy, considering that it IS the fact of that era.
The ending might be a tad too easy (like a gift wrapped in a red bow) to tackle all the issues, but it's a happy ending, so I don't have much to complain.
PS: Just a trivia, this Thomas Downe is also mentioned in Lisa Worrall's Behind the Mask; whose manor is used for the masquerade ball.
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