Title: Masquerade
Author: Alison James
Published in November 2007 by Awe-Struck Ebooks
Genre: Historical
ISBN: 978-1-58749-629-5, ebook
During Victorian England, a lady has no say in the choice of marriageable suitors. Her parents, even close family friends, select the man she is to marry. Lady Lucinda Sinclaire devises a plan to thwart the nuptial arrangement between her and Lord Carlyon. Since they never met, and her Godmother has not seen her since childhood, Lady Lucinda intends to coerce the cooperation of a close friend. This friend understands her plight and will do anything to ensure her happiness. However, neither considers the friend falling in love herself.
Devoted friend, Cassiopeia Reade is stunned by Lucinda’s scheme to deceive her betroth. Her dear friend has done many strange things during their acquaintance, but this time, if caught, this surely has them headed to prison. The plan includes Lucinda taking over Cassie’s governess position while Cassie attracts Lord Carlyon’s interest. Once he proposes she reveals her true identity, which in turn forces him to beg off the marriage. Lucinda is free to enjoy a season in London and Cassie resumes her governess’ job. To Lucinda’s way of thinking only Cassie can pull this charade off, her being more independent and daring.
Upon their meeting at Lady Tyndale’s home (her benefactor), Cassie cannot help be suspicious of Roland, Lord Carlyon. His smooth manners and easy banter recants rumor; that he is a sophisticated rake with gentlemanly manners that help disguise his immoral shenanigans. One particular bit of London tittle-tattle has Roland squiring around his married childhood friend, Lady Atwater fueling gossip of a more intimate liaison between the two. Even with Lady Tyndale’s assurances they are merely good friends, cannot shake Cassie’s initial impression; there is more between the two then friendship. Still his genuine kindness and sincerity when only in her company overshadows many of her misgivings, softening her opinion that gives way to a more affectionate stance. A man who shares the profits of his lands with those who live and toil upon it must deserve a fondness from the woman he intends to marry… right?
Roland’s father lost their family wealth on the gaming tables. Implementing crop rotation on his lands takes time but the end result means prosperity, restoring the family’s fortune. His betrothed’s dowry can pave an easier transition. Yet, it’s not her money that distracts Roland. Her intelligent and strong personality may have surprised him; those traits without a doubt enhance her appeal.
A natural historical romance, Masquerade is a suitable title as it wittily tells about two women exchanging places to avoid marriage and there are plenty of amusing high jinks. With the rumors whirling about the two, Cassie suspicions that Roland and Lady Atwater are more then just friends as well. Having her maid dress as a socialite, Cassie dresses as her maid, intent on following the couple to the Hyde Park festivities. Amusing events begin once the two women arrive at the park where several ruffians’ injure their driver before turning on them. Cassie, without fear and a lot of aplomb, chases away the would be thieves; as if speaking to a group of mischievous children.
The smooth plot allows the compelling energetic characters to effortlessly drive the story. Roland seems aloof at first but as the tale unfolds his gallantry shines when rescuing a drowning street urchin from the river and then offers the orphan a place to stay to recuperate; even to live. During their Hyde Park charade, Cassie’s maid, Polly meets a man; who believes she is woman of propriety – not a servant. Later he sends word asking to call on “Miss Braun”, Polly’s false name. Normally her station forbids it, Cassie helps Polly dress like a woman of position so she can properly receive her suitor. Making is comical is Roland’s unexpected intrusion on the deception however, he played his part beautifully. All goes well until her cousin Georgie arrives in the middle of this ruse, adding to his already confused state of mind with Lucinda and Cassie doing a switcheroo. He has a tougher time keeping up the ruse, but bungles through it okay. In the end this deception, like the others that maintains the entertainment in this story, must come to a conclusion. Whether bittersweet or delightful, only the reader can reveal… and they have to get the book to do even that.
Published by Awe-Struck Ebooks, Masquerade is an engaging regency novel that romance lovers should not pass up; also it is a story that can be read over and over. Alison James is a pseudonym for joint authors Candace Craven and Penelope Thomas. Ms. Thomas has five historical published novels, whereas Masquerade is Ms. Craven’s first. Whether more books are under way by this duo… well only the authors and their publisher can foretell. This reader is hopeful they are hard at work on another great regency love story.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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