A Noble Masquerade
A Noble Masquerade
Kristi Ann Hunter
Bethany House Publishers
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marcus, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.
When Marcus accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marcus is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
When Marcus accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marcus is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.
A Noble Masquerade was rather fluffy and adorable and amusing
and a perfect way to spend a lazy day. There were times I felt the writing was
just a little scattered, but overall it had more than enough charm to make up
for it. Who doesn’t like heroes in disguise and quirky heroines and
overprotective brother characters and spies?
I’m glad this is the first book in a series, because I want to meet up
with these characters again.
My sister once mentioned to me that Christian romance books are usually
the cleanest things you’ll ever read until the very last chapter, and I agree.
Once the characters admit to their feelings, I feel like authors then try to
slam as many kisses as possible into the last three chapters. A Noble Masquerade was no exception to
this, which means that while I greatly enjoyed 85% of the book, I was a little
annoyed with that aspect by the end.
Still, A Noble Masquerade was
an altogether enjoyable debut by Kristi Ann Hunter, and I look forward to
reading more of her work. Especially if they include more espionage (and quite
honestly, her acknowledgements section was actually really fun to read, too.
Now I feel like searching on youtube for videos of exploding tomatoes)
Rating: 8
I received this book for free from the publishers in exchange for my honest
review.
I'm glad you've given this book a high rating. Hoping I can obtain a copy soon. :-D
ReplyDeleteI look foorward to reading your reviews. It's always nice to know ahead of time whether or not a book is worth the read. Following!
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