Masquerade Part 7: Masquerade, #7

By Valerie Francis

Part 7: A getaway gone wrong, a squeaky bed, and a full moon is all it takes for Grace and Marlowe to break the last of Seduction's rules. Things are about to get sticky.

 

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: Dec 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9780995340312

Book preview

Chapter 1

It had been a weird day. First Henry, then Grace. As he made his way home from the rendezvous, Colin tried to puzzle it all out. There was no logical reason for Henry's behaviour, unless he was trying to cover his ass. He'd been right about one thing; the pressure of the business did get to some people. Poor Randy was proof of that, and now it seemed Henry might be as well. But the reason was unimportant. What mattered was that Colin's reputation was on the line, as well as his job. Even worse, some of his colleagues might also lose their jobs because of the advance.

Henry was both clever and manipulative. They'd never exactly been friends, but they'd enjoyed a certain degree of professional trust and respect. Or rather, they had before the meeting. All bets were off now.

Then there was Grace. He'd certainly seen a different side of her. Everyone was allowed to have an off day, and who knows what she'd been pulled out of to attend the rendezvous. Something important was going on with her; that much was certain. On top of it, she was spooked by having broken a rule. But she'd apologized and in this whole awful, wretched day of his, that one act touched him. Holding her in his arms had been balm for his soul.

More and more, Grace was the bright spot in his life.

As he turned into his driveway, Colin sighed. He'd made it through the day and now just wanted to sit quietly in his office and write. The best thing he could do was produce a dynamite biography and then market the hell out of it. A shiver went up his spine. Somehow he had to make sure that Henry didn't pull the marketing budget. If he did, it was game over. Miguel's reputation alone might generate enough sales to break even, but they'd never attract readers outside his fan base.

He let the kitchen door bang shut behind him. His mind was busy flipping through the names of people he knew in the marketing division — someone who owed him a favour, or might side with him over their boss. It was a short list.

Maureen was at the table pouring over blueprints. Come see what we're doing with the great room, she said.

He'd rather chew glass. Not right now, he said and walked past her to his office.

Maureen followed him. You need to start taking an interest in this.

I'm interested in how much it costs.

She rolled her eyes. We're putting a fireplace in the centre of the room. Do you want propane or wood?

Which one is cheaper?

"You're a broken fucking record, you know