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Masquerade
Masquerade - The Complete Series: A Steamy Romance
All 12 books in one boxed set!What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t get caught?Unwind with this steamy love story. Told as a 12-part serial, each book is about the length of a glass of wine or a soak in the tub.Isla Foster and Colin Jackman are strangers. Desperate to escape the daily grind of life, they each accept an anonymous invitation to a masquerade ball — one of the most prestigious events in New York City. There they are given lavish costumes, false identities and an opportunity to take part in a seductive game.If they accept, using the aliases Grace and Marlowe, they’ll meet each month for a year in a series of secret rendezvous, consequence free. No one will ever know where they go or what they do, as long as they follow three simple must never know the other’s identitythey must only meet at the prearranged times and placesthey must not fall in loveWhat could possibly go wrong?“You’ll be hooked from the opening scene.” - Victoria Barbour, USA Today Bestselling AuthorA Selection of Amazon Reviews“Masquerade reads like a piece of chocolate after dinner. It goes down smoothly and leaves you craving more.”“Amazing fantasy getaway. Perfect rainy day read!”“Ms. Francis is a skillful storyteller. She quickly captured the attention of this fussy reader and held my interest through to the end.”“Hard to put down.”"Absolutely phenomenal. Each part is better written than the last.”"I enjoyed this book as another fun diversion from my busy life.""It has excellent characterization and I was pulled into the story, intrigued to know what would happen next.""Absolutely love this format of delivery for a book. Oh Masquerade you have my attention now! I voluntarily reviewed this book.""I really like this book. The characters were believable, the story had some mystery and I liked where the series was going to go with the Masquerade themes. I especially liked how this story was 'as long as a glass of wine'. I didn't test that but it was as long as a short stint on the beach. Now I want to see what happens in the next few stories!""This first instalment hooked me in every interesting opening, great detail, fully-fleshed major characters, each with a problematical life situation and minus my pet peeve -- poor editing. This instalment is expertly written AND edited, so there are no grammatical errors or typos to weaken/distract from the story. Kudos to Ms. Francis. I look forward to reading more!""What a fun escape these first two books are! I just finished part 2 and am left hanging in suspense and anxiously awaiting part 3 to be delivered. This is a unique way to read for me and I love it. Come on part 3!!!!!!!!!"
- GenresRomance
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2021
14 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 1, 2022
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this from VRO.
It took me a little bit to get into; the pace of the book moves slowly, mainly because Valerie Francis gives you a lot of background information.
I like the concept of this book but I think I got too caught up on it being 12 parts. I think there was some that could have been edited out or simplified to put this in a single story, rather than 12 pieces. I love how it's broken down by month, and how you can see the development of a relationship. I think Valerie Francis does a great job of hinting at the complications of relationships. She does a great job of providing more depth to the characters and explains other things that are happening in the characters lives. This accomplishes two things: one it helps the reader see that the romantic relationship is not central to character development, but two, it also helps us understand why the relationship is able to grow.
I think I wanted more of an understanding of the Seduction company. What is happening there? How did they explicitly play into the consequences both Colin and Isla faced in this book? Did they intervene with any of the other things happening in Colin and Isla's personal lives, outside of their relationship with each other? The problem is we see too much of the things happening outside of Colin and Isla's relationship (so, again, we understand why they are drawn to each other) but not enough of what is happening inside their relationship and how Seduction fits in to the fallout they both face.
BUT...if you are looking for a relatively quick and entertaining read, this book does the job. 3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this from VRO.
It took me a little bit to get into; the pace of the book moves slowly, mainly because Valerie Francis gives you a lot of background information.
I like the concept of this book but I think I got too caught up on it being 12 parts. I think there was some that could have been edited out or simplified to put this in a single story, rather than 12 pieces. I love how it's broken down by month, and how you can see the development of a relationship. I think Valerie Francis does a great job of hinting at the complications of relationships. She does a great job of providing more depth to the characters and explains other things that are happening in the characters lives. This accomplishes two things: one it helps the reader see that the romantic relationship is not central to character development, but two, it also helps us understand why the relationship is able to grow.
I think I wanted more of an understanding of the Seduction company. What is happening there? How did they explicitly play into the consequences both Colin and Isla faced in this book? Did they intervene with any of the other things happening in Colin and Isla's personal lives, outside of their relationship with each other? The problem is we see too much of the things happening outside of Colin and Isla's relationship (so, again, we understand why they are drawn to each other) but not enough of what is happening inside their relationship and how Seduction fits in to the fallout they both face.
BUT...if you are looking for a relatively quick and entertaining read, this book does the job. 3.5 stars
July 24, 2022
Loved this book! When I requested this book through Voracious Readers, I had expected a fairly standard romance, but wow, was I wrong. And happily so.
Colin and Isla are both somewhat satisfied with their lives. While Isla works up the corporate ladder at her firm, Colin does his best to find the next bestseller while also trying to keep his family a family. They both wish for something more, but they didn’t expect that to come in the form of an invitation to a masquerade ball. An offer is extended, accepted, and then everything changes.
I loved that there was so much more to this novel than just Isla and Colin. Yes, their relationship was at the center, but it was clear the author took the time to create solid, well fleshed-out backgrounds for all the characters and not just the mains. Reactions and conversations felt natural and I quite appreciated how things unfolded throughout the book as more information was being uncovered. I was very much immersed right from the beginning, the story of Isla’s struggle in her company and Colin’s frustrations at home having already captured my attention. Wonderfully written, Masquerade is less about the sex and more about the complexities of relationships, love and lust. A sexy, but not smutty romance, this is highly recommended!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Valerie Francis for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Colin and Isla are both somewhat satisfied with their lives. While Isla works up the corporate ladder at her firm, Colin does his best to find the next bestseller while also trying to keep his family a family. They both wish for something more, but they didn’t expect that to come in the form of an invitation to a masquerade ball. An offer is extended, accepted, and then everything changes.
I loved that there was so much more to this novel than just Isla and Colin. Yes, their relationship was at the center, but it was clear the author took the time to create solid, well fleshed-out backgrounds for all the characters and not just the mains. Reactions and conversations felt natural and I quite appreciated how things unfolded throughout the book as more information was being uncovered. I was very much immersed right from the beginning, the story of Isla’s struggle in her company and Colin’s frustrations at home having already captured my attention. Wonderfully written, Masquerade is less about the sex and more about the complexities of relationships, love and lust. A sexy, but not smutty romance, this is highly recommended!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Valerie Francis for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 21, 2022
I was provided a copy of this book via Voracious reader in exchange for and honest review. I quite enjoyed the story it had depths and the characters were well rounded and complex personalities. While this story is a romance at heart it isn't your typical story of boy meets girl they fall I love and everything everything is sunshine and rainbows easy, but rather portrays a more realistic messy and complex story. The other thing to mention is that while the description may make this sound like an easy sex filled quickie. It is not. This is a narrative and while you are aware.of the chemistry and yes intercourse taking place it is not explicit. I enjoyed the read but like other reviews felt the ending was wrapped up rather quickly for a story that is supposedly deeper than the usual love always has a HEA it did end on what sounds like the very beginning of something rather than providing a satisfying conclusion. My one big complaint is that there isn't an explanation as to why a company\organisation would go to the trouble of arranging this "game" between our protagonists and spend ridiculous amount of $ on two random people for no apparent reason. This was not realistic and annoyed me all the way through.
November 6, 2022
I received this book as a gift from the author by Voracious Readers Only list.
I loved the names Masquerade, a somewhat mysterious and exciting event to look forward to. I was definitely hooked by the first few chapters, and the chapters of Colin and Ilsa were very typical people in the process of achieving their life goals. It is only as they are given the opportunity to engage in the “game “ events that they find what has been missing in their lives.
I enjoyed the fact that the Ilsa is portrayed as achieving much success in an architectural firm, which is still today still a much male dominated career. She is bold and self confident. Colin on the other hand is a family man with children who thinks he has found his niche in a publish house/ bookstore. Both feel like they settled for less than their dream. Although life alter events occur, I think the intermezzo, allows them to realize the opportunity to make a fresh start. I was very satisfied with the ending, which for me is always difficult to face as a reader,
I loved the names Masquerade, a somewhat mysterious and exciting event to look forward to. I was definitely hooked by the first few chapters, and the chapters of Colin and Ilsa were very typical people in the process of achieving their life goals. It is only as they are given the opportunity to engage in the “game “ events that they find what has been missing in their lives.
I enjoyed the fact that the Ilsa is portrayed as achieving much success in an architectural firm, which is still today still a much male dominated career. She is bold and self confident. Colin on the other hand is a family man with children who thinks he has found his niche in a publish house/ bookstore. Both feel like they settled for less than their dream. Although life alter events occur, I think the intermezzo, allows them to realize the opportunity to make a fresh start. I was very satisfied with the ending, which for me is always difficult to face as a reader,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
The story of Isla (Grace) and Colin (Marlowe) tell a tale of two individual lives that become entwined and the fallout of breaking rules. I enjoyed the meetups (although I don't condone cheating) between them and how they were a sounding board and a sense of comfort for each other during strenuous times. It was easy to see how they were falling for each other and difficult to understand at times if the story would provide a HEA. The ending (although rushed) was a pleasant surprise and demonstrated that one should never give up on their dreams and lives don't allows fall into place like we expect, but sometimes, the best things in life are unexpected just like a Masquerade. It was well written and flowed easily from the viewpoints of both characters. For those with limited time, the short books are quickly read, however, I would get the complete series as they are not standalones. I received a free copy from the author through VRO for an honest review.
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July 27, 2022What a great bargain and hours of steamy reads. All twelve books in the Masquerade series are included in this box set. Isla and Colin will hook you from the first book when they meet at the Masquerade Ball in NYC. They each received an anonymous invitation and were given anonymous names, rules and a year long playboy to follow. What happens when they break the rules? You need to read all the books in order as they build on each other and can not work as standalone. This was an amazing story that was well written and told from a dual point of view. Get a comfortable spot because once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. I received a free arc via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 21, 2022
Most Enjoyable
The characters of Isla and Colin were well developed and grew as the story progressed. Maintaining two identifies in the beginning was a delightful fantasy that we can all wish for. As the fantasies began to merge with reality and the existing problems took over, as they were destined to do, both characters had to finally grow and change into stronger more reality based people.
If I had a complaint it is that the ending seemed more rushed than necessary. What began with a detailed and well defined story ended in a quickly narrated conclusion. I wanted more.
The characters of Isla and Colin were well developed and grew as the story progressed. Maintaining two identifies in the beginning was a delightful fantasy that we can all wish for. As the fantasies began to merge with reality and the existing problems took over, as they were destined to do, both characters had to finally grow and change into stronger more reality based people.
If I had a complaint it is that the ending seemed more rushed than necessary. What began with a detailed and well defined story ended in a quickly narrated conclusion. I wanted more.
November 5, 2022
3.5*. Finished this in one day, I overall liked it a lot. Kept me interested, I particularly liked how their histories and the main mystery slowly unraveled, with the reveals spread out. I thought more background could have been given on why the company has the game/masquerade in the first place. Understanding why that was a thing and their purpose in doing it would have increased my rating. Instead, it’s an unresolved point. Otherwise though, very good story and easy to get invested in the characters, and I’ll definitely read more from this author in the future.
I received a copy from VRO for my honest review.
I received a copy from VRO for my honest review.
November 20, 2022
*** 4.5 ⭐️ ***
What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t get caught?
Just by the cover picture and the title of this series, I figured it was going to be a steamy romance compilation. Boy, was I mistaken!! I mean, yes, the sex was there, but I never even thought there would be undertones of political corruption and drug cartels too!
Colin and Isla have each suffered in some aspect of their lives, whether it be personally or professionally. They are thrown together by the machinations of a company I’m not too sure isn’t implicated in the scandal that soon develops, but that is never elaborated on. Suffice it to say, the couple are tied together in ways they never could have comprehended and need to find a way out of the mess that has been created by outside forces at play.
According to the author, this 12-part story was “designed for busy women on the go… That could easily be read on a cell phone while they waited in a dentists’ office or stood on the sidelines of soccer fields. Each part is about the length of a glass of wine or a commute home. Guilt-free moments of escape for readers in their other chaotic days.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t get caught?
Just by the cover picture and the title of this series, I figured it was going to be a steamy romance compilation. Boy, was I mistaken!! I mean, yes, the sex was there, but I never even thought there would be undertones of political corruption and drug cartels too!
Colin and Isla have each suffered in some aspect of their lives, whether it be personally or professionally. They are thrown together by the machinations of a company I’m not too sure isn’t implicated in the scandal that soon develops, but that is never elaborated on. Suffice it to say, the couple are tied together in ways they never could have comprehended and need to find a way out of the mess that has been created by outside forces at play.
According to the author, this 12-part story was “designed for busy women on the go… That could easily be read on a cell phone while they waited in a dentists’ office or stood on the sidelines of soccer fields. Each part is about the length of a glass of wine or a commute home. Guilt-free moments of escape for readers in their other chaotic days.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
July 25, 2022
I was provided with a copy of this book via Voracious Readers in exchange for a review.
To begin with I wasn’t too sure about the book, but the more I read the more I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! The concept of signing a contract for a years commitment without falling in love by the end was a really interesting & intriguing one. One that in my many years as a reader of romance I have never read about before. I really enjoyed how this book was written & the characters were well developed. I would love to read more by this author.
To begin with I wasn’t too sure about the book, but the more I read the more I wanted to find out what was going to happen next! The concept of signing a contract for a years commitment without falling in love by the end was a really interesting & intriguing one. One that in my many years as a reader of romance I have never read about before. I really enjoyed how this book was written & the characters were well developed. I would love to read more by this author.
August 3, 2022
This book drew me in within the first chapter (which reminded me of the opening of the film "American Beauty," by the way), and I was completely committed after that. I couldn't stop reading it. The plot twists had me surprised and entertained throughout the story. I liked both Colin's and Isla's characters, which added to the inability to stop reading. Seriously, I haven't read such a captivating story in a long time, and I truly enjoyed it. 9/10, would totally recommend.
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers. My review is voluntary.
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers. My review is voluntary.
August 19, 2022
I enjoyed this series. The characters were well written, the plot wasn't predictable, and I was invested in the outcome. My only criticisms are that I would have liked more information on Seduction and how/why it operated the way it did. And more importantly a bit more on how the two main characters end up in the future. I felt like I was left hanging and wondering. If6 have preferred even just one more chapter documenting thier next interaction.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only un exchange for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only un exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2021
What an interesting concept. Would you have an affair, whether emotional or physical, with someone you don't know for a year if it was guaranteed that no one would find out?
This is Colin and Isla's story. It takes place over the year and gives you both points of view, as well as, a look at their lives outside of the contract.
It is engaging. It shows all the problems you encounter in life and how they effect everything you do.
A definite page turner.
This is Colin and Isla's story. It takes place over the year and gives you both points of view, as well as, a look at their lives outside of the contract.
It is engaging. It shows all the problems you encounter in life and how they effect everything you do.
A definite page turner.
July 28, 2022
While this was largely well written, overall I didn’t find it very compelling. The most engaging part of the collection was the work lives of Colin and Isla and the drama that went with them. I found their relationship stilted, awkward and almost removed from the rest of the plot, to the point their relationship felt like PWP. Overall felt like it lacked the actual romance I had expected from a romance novel. Not terrible but not something I would read again
August 1, 2022
I was intrigued initially by the concept of the book but had well and truely lost interest by part 7. Isla’s worth life had me interested as well but as much Colin was meant to sound like a great guy, he was still a cheater. This made it hard to invest in his character and the plot wasn’t enough to keep me enthralled. I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2022
I was asked to read this book to give an honest review, and I must say this was a very well written book. But for me I could have done without the affair part of it. Leave that out and started with the masquerade ball, meeting each other dancing having a good time and would have still been a great book. I still gave this review a 5 star because over all it kept me wanting to turn the page to see what was going to happen next.
October 7, 2022
I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Reader Only and enjoyed reading it. The story is about two people who are given the chance to have an affair and not get caught if they follow the rules. The main characters are very likeable and well written. This book is broken up into shorter sections so it’s easy to read a section at a time whenever you have time. I really liked the format and found it easy and quick to read.
November 23, 2021
This was a compelling and suspenseful read. The fantastical elements of the illicit and secret affair are compounded by the complex personal and professional lives of the two main characters.
Francis does a brilliant job of stirring up passion, angst, and nail-biting tension in this episodic adventure that spans the course of a year.
Francis does a brilliant job of stirring up passion, angst, and nail-biting tension in this episodic adventure that spans the course of a year.
September 12, 2021
Good book, lots of twists and turns
I really liked the book I wish the ending had been different! I liked both Isla and Colin and hoped for an ending that was differentl and equal to their story.
I really liked the book I wish the ending had been different! I liked both Isla and Colin and hoped for an ending that was differentl and equal to their story.
October 28, 2021
Pure Enchantment
Valerie is a Story Grid colleague. I have read few romance novels that I actually enjoyed, but this one was so compelling that I finished it in 48 hours. It would be a great movie.
Valerie is a Story Grid colleague. I have read few romance novels that I actually enjoyed, but this one was so compelling that I finished it in 48 hours. It would be a great movie.
December 30, 2021
Wow! Romance, intrigue, mystery, and so many emotions. Loved this series. I was swept away in the fantasy of it all. I was also swept up in the mystery of trying to piece things together. It ended so well.
July 25, 2022
This was a good book. It had a lot more to it than I was expecting so that was a pleasant surprise. Kept me guessing what would happen.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
August 4, 2022
Wow! What a novel! This wasn't at all what I expected, but I definitely can say I was so drawn into the storyline with its twists and turns. I had such a difficult time putting this one down to focus on daily work and was a bit disappointed when I had reached the last page.
April 3, 2021
I love the depth to the characters in this series. Absolutely phenomenal story!
I received a copy of the book from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of the book from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 9, 2021
I was very intrigued by the description of the series. It did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this series. Thank you for a fantastic read!
November 10, 2021
Very intriguing
Definitely more of a mystery than a steamy romance! But a very good book that I had trouble putting down.
Definitely more of a mystery than a steamy romance! But a very good book that I had trouble putting down.
January 28, 2022
Ssmmmmmmm
Didn't like the ending. Hmmmm hmmmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm hmmmm hmmmm mmm mmm mmm hmmmm
Hmmmm hmmmm hmmmm
Didn't like the ending. Hmmmm hmmmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm hmmmm hmmmm mmm mmm mmm hmmmm
Hmmmm hmmmm hmmmm
March 31, 2022
slow moving.
The story took forever to progress. Poorly built characters. Predictable storyline. Okay read but wouldn’t recommend it to very many.
The story took forever to progress. Poorly built characters. Predictable storyline. Okay read but wouldn’t recommend it to very many.
January 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I received it for free through Voracious Readers and it sat there for a bit but once I started to read it I was completely sucked in.
July 29, 2022
Great read. Each book is a short, quick read. Perfect for busy days! Would of like a little more at the end though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews