Masquerade Part 2: Masquerade

By Valerie Francis

Part 2: Isla and Colin, using their pseudonyms Grace and Marlowe, meet for their first date. Will they have second thoughts, or will it be full steam ahead?

 

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 rules:

1. they must never know the other's identity
2. they must only meet at the prearranged times and places
3. they must not fall in love

What could possibly go wrong?

"You'll be hooked from the opening scene." - Victoria Barbour, USA Today Bestselling Author

 

A Selection of 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 way: 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!!!!!!!!!"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fifth Hammer Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9780994014160

Book preview

Chapter 1

Colin greeted November 1st with renewed vigour. Once home, he'd gone for a long run in the solitude of an early Saturday morning. The autumn colours had seemed more vivid than the previous day, and there'd been more bounce to his step. Now, as he sat in his study under the guise of paying bills, he thought back to the night before and the incredible woman he'd met.

He'd wondered at first if it had all been a dream. For those few hours he'd escaped reality so completely that waking in a motel room and facing a subway ride before dawn had been a bit of a jolt. But as he turned the mask over in his hands, he knew that the ball had happened, and the stunning beauty he'd held in his arms did exist.

Grace had captured his imagination entirely. Her eyes had an undeniable twinkle. There was a promise of mischievousness in them that excited him. Her lips had been so full and red, it was all he could do to resist kissing them, and deep down, he regretted his restraint. But it had been the way she'd moved that had been his undoing. The curve of her hip gently swaying and brushing against him now and then. He remembered how she'd responded when he'd let his hand slide down her back. She hadn't stiffened as he'd expected, she'd relaxed. Grace had enjoyed his touch.

She'd wanted him.

He could feel himself hardening. Dear God, this was madness — glorious, intoxicating madness. Leaning back in his chair, he let the unfamiliar sensation wash over him. He was physically aroused, of course, but it was more than that. His skin tingled with energy and there was a silly cat-that-ate-the-canary grin on his face. He felt . . . alive.

Colin closed his eyes and basked in this carnal trance until the sound of Maureen's voice snapped him out of it. She was standing opposite him on the other side of the desk.

This came for you, she said, dropping a manila envelope on the desk. He recognized the stylized S from the invitation and laid it to one side as he willed her to leave.

What's in your lap? she asked. Without a word he handed her the mask. She turned it over, examining it. Fancy. Where'd you get it?

He felt a flush rising in his cheeks. Lying wasn't something he normally did — especially to his wife. In fact, he'd never done anything that needed lying about. Well, not really. In the city, he said after an uncomfortable pause.

I figured that. But what store?

I don't remember.

Well, what street was it on?

He rubbed a hand across his mouth. I, ah, I'm not sure.

You're not sure? She was looking at him closely now. Check your receipt then.

Colin sat forward in his chair. What does it matter, Maureen?

You never know, I might like to go there someday.

I threw the bill away.

I see. She twirled the satin ribbon around her finger and looked down at him with suspicion. Aren't you going to open that envelope? she said at last.

In a bit.

Why not now?

He shrugged. It's not important.

Important enough to be delivered by courier on a Saturday, she said, reaching for it.