Quite an interesting and unique premise! I loved the setting and the characters, but some events and developments felt too rushed for my taste!

This fantasy romance 'Masked Possession" by Alana Delacroix was somewhat of an adventure for me, but blended well with romance between the two main characters. It has a great plot and believable characters that keeps the interest going. I recommend reading Masked Possession.

Masked Possession by Alana Delacroix
Level of Romance: High

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Step into a whole new fantasy-paranormal world with debut author Alana Delacroix’s Masked Possession. Caro Yeats helps to keep law and order in a land that could easily fall into anarchy without it. Well, order anyway. As a PR specialist for an agency that helps keep humans unaware of the fantastic beings who share the world with them, Caro is an agent of peace and quiet. Her job is about to get a whole lot more chaotic though since her newest client, Eric Kelton, is Heirarch (king) of the Masquerada. As a half-blood Arcana she knows he will look down on her and her choice to never use her powers. As a king, she’s pretty confident any problem he brings to her won’t be a small one.

As a Masquerada, Eric’s power lies in creating new personas at will. Tibor, an overweight basement dweller who incessantly wears stained cargo shorts. Alberta, an older lady with a love of pastel twinsets and pearls. Alexander, a businessman with movie-star good looks. Eric puts effort into each manifestation, building new and if not exciting, definitely enlightening lives for them. Each gave him a new perspective from which to view the world. The fact that he could control so many manifested his power to his people and discouraged rebellion through a display of strength. Yet he now faces convergence – a disorder that occurs when you try to become too many people at once. His other selves need to make a quick but unremarkable exit from the human world—and he needs the help of sexy Caro to make it happen. But will he be able to concentrate on what he needs to do when she’s such a distraction:

The kiss was deep and full of a need that matched hers. His lips were soft and she sighed as his hands roamed over her body, scorching her. Caro slid her hands up, lightly running the palms against the sculpted muscles of his chest.

This well written romantic romp in a unique fantasy world is sure to be a delight to paranormal and fantasy fans alike. It’s the start of a whole new series, which means we will have many more wonderful stories to look forward to!

I first saw this book at Caffeinated Book Reviews. I really liked the sound of it. It was different from what I’ve read in the past. It was a completely new type of supernatural creature (at least to me), which are hard to come by anymore. It was still available for request on NetGalley, so I requested it and was excited that I was approved.

This story is about Masquerada. They are a type of supernatural species that can take on not just different faces, but entire personas. So they in essence become different people. Depending on how powerful a Masquerada is, will determine how many different “people” they can be in their lives. Some can only be a single person (not counting their actual self). Others can have several. Some can be either or both sexes, others can only be the original sex of their original self.

Eric, the hero of this story, is the leader of Masquerada. He has several personas. And this causes him some problems. He has stretched himself to the limit and now he is endanger of converging. Convergence is something that every Masquerada is terrified of. A Masquerada going through convergence can end up with too many sets of arms or heads or whatever as their bodies have difficulties with all their personas.

Caro is the heroine of the story. She works for a PR firm for supernaturals. She is half Masquerada, but doesn’t share that information but with a select few. She’s never really be a part of that community. She actually has a few problems with the different personas after being raised by a mother who “changed masques the same way other women changed clothes”. She is called in to help solve Eric’s problem.

I found this book to very refreshing. Yes, there are still vampires, shifters and fey, like you see in most supernatural stories, but the addition of the Masquerada was really interesting. I liked the characters in this story. I also liked that there was more than just Eric and his convergence issue. There is also a villain who was very well written. I loved the suspense in this story too.

I’m really happy that Kimberly put this book on my radar. It is a story that I think any UF or PNR fan would enjoy. I’m going to be keeping my eye out for the second book in this series. I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.

Wow – this book was something completely unique! After reading boatloads of paranormal romance, it takes a lot to make a book something truly special and unique. This world certainly does that and more.

Caro is a woman who is hiding from her past. She used to be a tenacious reporter, outing the big bads of the world until she got caught (and stabbed). Oh, and to make matters worse, she’s also a paranormal who has some serious issues about using her abilities. Sure, she’s working in a paranormal publicist office in her “new life,” but that keeps her busy and lets her continue to hide out. Her entire world changes when a Masquerada walks into her office, looking to kill off his masks.

Masquerada were definitely a bit of a change from your typical paranormals. They can change their body and face to take on a “mask.” Depending on the level of skill, the person can take on one or many of varying difficulty or changes from their original form. Eric, the leader of this race of paranormals has recently discovered he’s having trouble taking on a mask, as is common for people who maintain too many for too long a time.

When taking on the task of removing his masks from the world, he immediately finds himself distractedly smitten with Caro. He knows that he shouldn’t fall for someone who is not a Masquerada, but he can’t help himself. Luckily for them both, they are perfectly suited. She helps him look outside his world and he helps her embrace his (and hers). There’s a little bit of something for everyone in this book – mystery, action, romance, smutty goodness. It was certainly an excellent introduction to this world and I found myself captivated by the newness of it all.

This had some really interesting characters and premise. I liked the backstory and the world building. I did find the characters less than believable but they did fit the story. Nice introduction to a new paranormal world.

Caro works for a PR firm for the Toronto supernaturals. Caro is a supernatural but she keeps it hidden. Caro is to advise Eric Kelton who is the leader of the Masquerades which is a supernatural species. That can alter their appearance and persona. Caro’s supernatural better half is a masquerada. Eric is very attracted to Caro but doesn’t really trust her. Eric’s rule is in jeopardy and the treat is coming from within the species. Caro was a half blood she was half masquerada. But Caro had never explored her abilities. Eric is suffering with a condition due to the fact he had taken too many masks. Caro and Eric were instantly attracted to each other. There was very little tension considering someone is trying to become the new leader. I did love the idea of a P R company for supernaturals. But I have to admit I didn’t finish this it just didn’t pull me into the story or really connect with the characters

A Man Who Can Wear Any Face

Caro Yeats doesn’t run from much. As a former investigative reporter now working PR for Toronto’s supernaturals, what she hasn’t seen mostly isn’t worth seeing. But the assignment to “rebrand” Eric Kelton’s out-of-control alter egos has her on edge from the start. Kelton is the heirarch of the Masquerada, beings able to change their face—their entire persona—on a whim. Eric’s charisma muddles her instincts. How can she trust a man who can become anybody?

A Woman Without A Past

Eric has never met anyone like Caro, with her lightning wit and uncanny insight. But desirable as she is, he’d be a fool to let her near. Struggling to hide the sudden loss of his powers, Eric can’t risk becoming entangled with a woman who scorns her supernatural side and claims not to play politics. The enemies on her trail are strong, clever, and vicious. And when they force Eric and Caro together, the fallout could shatter far more than two hearts . . .

Review:

In a genre full of the same types of supernatural creatures, comes a new original story.

I loved the whole idea of the Masquerada's, I thought it was very unique and interesting. The Author did a good job creating and explaining this new race and how they interact with other supernatural races. Caro and Eric were super likable and had great chemistry from the beginning. There was also a great deal of action and suspense centering around Caro's and Eric's nemesis/villain. The best part of the book for me was watching Caro deal with Masquerada's and her becoming one and how that affected her.

Great start to this new series, I cannot wait to see where the new stories lead.

4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Masked Possession is an original and unique premise!  The world is slowly introduced and before you know it, you are immersed.

Caro is working for a PR firm which works with supernaturals.  All the personnel is arcana themselves so they are sympathetic to their issues.  Caro is assigned to work with Eric, a Masquerada. The Masquerada are able to take on different appearances and personalities called masks.  Caro is half Masquerada but does not embrace her abilities having never been able to trust them. She keeps it under wraps.

Eric and Caro have an immediate connection.  She doesn't feel she can trust him, and he doesn't understand his instant feelings for her. Slowly they build trust with one another.

Eric is the ruling heirarch of America and his throne is under attack. His enemies are all over.  As he tries to figure out how to deal with that, his immediate issue is his masks. He took too many masks on and now they threaten to consume him. Caro was brought in to help him.

I really liked how this story flowed.  The Masquerada is a new element to PNR I have not read before.  I was intrigued. I also liked seeing the different arcana working together-Vamps, Fey, Werewolves, etc. That kept the story flowing for me. There was drama and battles and some romance to boot! I would've liked a bit more in the romance department, but I liked it just the same!

Masked Possession is the first book of the Masked Arcana series and I am hooked!  Masquerada are an interesting species and I look forward to reading more about them!

reviewed by Deb

Received from Netgalley in exchange of honest review.

4 stars!

This was a pretty solid debut book but in the last couple chapters ,it become predictable city. It started off so strongly but frizzled out towards at the end.

The world building is this book is probably the best I have seen in the long time. Ms. Delcroix did an amazing job explaining how the world that she created in this book works. It's that type of world building that before you get the  fully question on what this certain thing is that is dropped into the narrative it's already answered in the next sentence. I know the idea of having the supernatural world hiding in the real world has been used to death but this Urban fantasy breathed new life in it. A plus for it being mostly set in Canada and not in the states!! YAY! I love the whole premise of the Masquerada because it takes shape shifting to a whole new level. 

 Caro Yeats was everything that I love in badass heroines cause she was smart, sassy, brave, resourceful , good at both jobs being a past reporter and PR person and called her love interest out on his possessive bullshit. Her disdain and distrust for the Masquerada even tho she is one was very understandable thanks to her mom.  All of her actions regardless if they were stupid or not were very  understandable due to the situations she was put in.   I can really appreciate how her character struggled with PTSD symptoms due to a traumatic event that happen to her years back. I have to also appreciate the fact that she's a PoC Whoop!

Eric Kelton was a pretty good hero/love interest that I was interested in but I kind got tired of him being possessive with Caro towards the end. I appreciated the fact that he cared about her but calling her " his woman" fifty million times towards the end gets old. I also felt like him getting out the situation  he was in with his Masquerada skills getting messed up almost felt like a deus ex machina moment. Also for him to be the king of the supernatural world of North America, he really didn't do that much to me. ( I think he's a PoC cause they described him having tan skin but I"m not for sure) 

Side characters- I loved Estelle ( Caro's friend) and Stephan ( Eric's right hand/best friend) cause they were honestly the best two side characters in the book. They were honestly the only two that had the most personally and background besides the main two. I have a mighty need to have a prequel dealing with Stephan cause finding out that he was a slave taken from his home in West Africa before he met Eric sent my interest level of him through the freaking roof.  ( Yes this book has some diversity can you tell lol) 

The smut, chemistry, and sexual tension between Caro and Eric was pretty damn good even tho I wish they had more romantic tension between them. That was seriously lacking and it borderline felt like instsalove since the whole book took between in a matter of 2-3 weeks. It honestly need more of them getting know each other and not trying to get into each other pants. In all honestly tho, the book did get better once they did jump into each other pants and got they tension out the way to focus on more pressing issues. 

I really didn't like the villain that much and he felt like a villain cut out that try to be menacing but fell flat. I supposed to feel like he was a real threat to Eric but I never felt that way. He was more of a threat to Caro than to Eric since he was the reason why she had PTSD. 

Frieda A femme fatale cut out that her actions and were loyalties actually were  was so damn obvious before Caro and Eric figured it out. She almost had substance with her being Knowable about Eric condition but that went out the window with her constantly trying to get in his pants by using different Masquerada's. 

Some of the plot twists I kind of figured out like half way through the book so they didn't surprised me. 

There were two other side characters but their asses annoyed me to the fullest.

It was way more to be desired at the end since it felt very anticlimactic and predictable .
 
Caro being related to a high-ranking Masquerada felt predictable. . 

All in All It was solid book for a debut author that I will read again but it started to feel predictable and rushed towards the end. 

Do I recommend it?

Yes If you want something fresh in the Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy genre.

...So, what did I like about it?
Alana Delacroix is a new-to-me author who managed to create a new unique world that captured my imagination. I found her writing style very easy to read and enjoyed the way she grew her plot; I loved the idea of a PR company for supernaturals and I found the Masquerada and their place in the supernatural world an interesting idea and a refreshing change from the usual vampires/fae/shifters.

I loved that Ms Delacroix wrote her characters with the complexities that we’d see in the people around us; our main characters, Caro and Eric, had a good balance of strengths and insecurities to make them feel real. I also loved the fact that the secondary characters were developed and had strong, memorable personalities; they weren’t just filling the page.

I can happily confirm that there is no cliffhanger at the end of this book *phew* and it seems there are plenty of stories within this new paranormal world; the series continues with, Masked Desire, the first chapter of which is at the end of this book.

Masked Possession managed to surprise me a couple of times, had me reaching for the tissues *sniff*, recoiling in horror, giggling out loud and I can’t tell you how many times the temperature seemed to mount while reading certain scenes too! *blush* Throughout this book, I found myself desperate to find out what would happen next, staying up late to finish just one more chapter, in other words I was gripped!

...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
It’s only a small niggle but I have to admit that some of the character traits exhibited in this book had me growling at the page at times. I’m not a big fan of the prolonged “I hate you Lassie. Leave me alone.” sorta thing; however I understand that sometimes these phases are what the story needs for character growth and development.

...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I loved this book! Great world building, multi dimensional strong characters and a gripping background story! It’s a tale of prejudices, secret histories & hidden enemies, fighting your inner demons as well as battling real life foe but running through all of that – it’s a passionate rollercoaster of a love story. I have already added book 2, Masked Desire, to my Amazon wish list.

Due to the sexual content, I’d recommend this book to adults only – it’s definitely steamy – who are fans of relationship and romance stories that feature some darker themes.

3 “Masks & Paranormal” Stars

ARC via NetGalley.

Thank you, Kensington!

While this book wasn't all that I was expecting it to be, I'm happy to see it out there because it means another paranormal romance title is out, and I'm getting excited about this genre making a much needed comeback. It's slow, but it seems to be happening. Yay!

Masked Possession's strongest part, in my opinion, is the world the author created. I was super interested in the idea of a PR agency for supernatural beings. The author did a good job immersing the reader into that world without dumping all the info at once. The story introduced elements as it went, slowly easing the reader into Caro Yates' life.

Caro was an interesting character. She was a halfblood--her mother was a Masquareda, a.k.a., a supernatural being that can change its appearance and personality. But Caro had no experience exploring her abilities. She'd chosen to keep that part of herself hidden, despite working closely with other supernatural beings.

As a PR for supernaturals, Caro was assigned a job to help Eric, the leader of the Masquareda who was suffering with a condition due to the fact that he had taken too many masks--almost like taking too many personalities.

The moment they meet, Caro and Eric are drawn to each other, and that's when I started to have a little bit of problem with the story. The insta-love vibe I was getting hurt the connection I was still trying to establish with the characters. There was little to no tension or angst or slow burn, and the more I read, the more I'm learning slow burn is really my thing. Sure I'll go for some insta-lust or love every now and then, but it needs to have enough tension or angst to grab my attention. The romance in Masked Possession didn't.

With my lack of connection with the romance, I had to focus on the worldbuilding. Fortunately for Masked Possession, that was unique and interesting enough. I liked seeing different supernatural beings interacting. The author brought a few old ones, like the famous vampires, and new ones (at least for me), like Eric and Caro's species.

For me, Masked Possession lacked in the romance department, but impressed when it came to its unique premise in a genre I hope will return to the shelves soon enough.

DNF @ 50%. I really wanted to like this book. I tried numerous times, but I couldn't get through it. Caro was so rediculous. She was so prejudiced, and ignorant, and stupid I had to stop reading. I was rooting for,the bad guy cause she was TSTL. Ugh

Wonderful adventure! Magic, mystery, and mayhem! Can't wait to read more from this author!

Looking for a completely new idea in paranormal then look no further! This is truly such a unique concept that if honest it took me a while to really get sucked into it. Imagine a world where those who are Arcane ( supernaturals) exist but hide who they are from humans or as the Arcane call them 'statics'. Why 'Statics'? Well that's because at the top of the Arcane tree we have the Masquerada with the ability to transform their appearance and even for the select few change into more than one form. This means the Masquerada are incredibly arrogant, self obsessed and look down on Weres, the Mer, Vampires , Fey and of course humans .
So you can well imagine that when the Heirarch of the Masquerada reaches out to a PR agency for help whilst unraveling and been taken over by his numerous alter egos it's not something done lightly. Trusting a woman half human and half something else doesn't come easy but Eric connects with Caro in the most unusual way! Yet this couple have something in common that neither realise and it's a connection that's deadly.
As mentioned I didn't exactly become as involved as I'd wanted in this idea but after about twenty five percent in I started to enjoy the story and these characters more. Admittedly it's a crazy concept and perhaps the pace slower than I like so yes I wanted more action to be sprinkled throughout. Instead we get a lot of time getting to know the couple who are clearly madly attracted to each other but Caro doesn't exactly come clean with Eric. To be fair though Eric is constantly warned off Caro by trusted advisors but he is one very stubborn individual!
So as Eric struggles to keep his crown the author starts dropping hints about possible enemies and yes unfortunately it was embarrassing at times the way Caro just ignored her instincts. I'm not overly fond of pantomime, obvious villains but have to admit the ending was such a crazy idea that it wasn't something I could have ever predicted . A fabulous, imaginative world that is full of potential but this reader would have preferred a little more action along the way.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Review goes live on Butterfly-o-Meter Books on Aug 11 2017 at 00.00 am gmt+2 and will show up on Goodreads sometime later.

In a Flutter: Fresh and touching
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: Awesome Toronto setting with the PR firm and the world of the arcane (ie paranormal) world of vampires, pilfering fey bosses, clients like ghouls and ofc masquerada. While shape-shifting into other people isn’t a new notion in itself, the world of the masquerada is an original and thereby lovely (to me) concept.
Characters: Caro is smart, capable, funny, and easy to like. Her insecurities and partial self-hate as masquarada coupled with her tough past make her easy to empathize with. I loved her snappy humor and how despite feeling vulnerable after the attack she soldiers on to the best of her abilities, so her resilience has her pushing herself to build a new life.
Eric was kind of alpha though of the more subtle variety, hot, and more nuanced than I might have expected him to be – so all in all, a delectable juicy bit. He was charismatic, fun, super passionate, but also insecure due to the convergence issue so he came across as a bit vulnerable too.
They brought out the best and worst in each other and were super hot together.
Plot: The slow burn romance was tense and delicious. The Iversone tangent was suspenseful and exciting. I liked the alert pace of events and the hierarch power struggle intrigue.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his/her POV.
Curb Appeal: Cool cover, hooking blurb – impulsive buy material for my original PNR moods.

I recommend Masked Possession to fans of intense yet sweet romance, plus original and exciting shifter stories with power struggles.

Meet a quite different type of shifter - Masquerada - those who change their appearance and demeanor and rank high in the paranormal universe. Caro a half Masquerada works for a paranormal agency and soon finds herself working with the hierarch Eric who may have overdone his shifting a wee too much. Of course there are secrets, dangers, suspense, and a lot of sparks flying between the two as fate brings them together. A good read and recommended.

The concept was intriguing but I guess I felt like I didn't get enough understanding about the world-built and especially about masquerada itself. So they are powerful shapeshifters that take human forms. But then so what? What makes them more powerful than other supernatural beings?

Masked Possession had strong world building and a highly original premise.

Caro is a young woman working PR for the Tornonto supernaturals. She is ½ supernatural herself but has kept her nature hidden. She is sent to advise Eric Kelton, the leader of the Masquerada. The Masquerada is a species with the ability to alter their appearance and persona... and it just so happens that Caro supernatural other ½ happens to that special brand of supernatural.

Eric is immediately taken by Caro but he doesn’t quite trust her. Eric's rule is in jeopardy. Its threat comes from within.

The story is slow going with a building trust between Eric and Caro. They have enemies trying to take over from within.

I liked the overall concept but found it a bit repetitive. Masquerada is a really strong name for a new species that is introduced in Masked Possession but having it used 260 times is just one example of things that stalled the story telling.

In the end, Masked of Possession was unique, new and interesting.

I received this ARC copy of Masked Possession from Kensington Books - Lyrical Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. Masked Possession is set for publication August 8, 2017.

My Rating: 3 stars
Written by: Alana Delacroix
Paperback: 258 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: August 8, 2017
ISBN-10: 1516103645
ISBN-13: 978-1516103645
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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