This was an enjoyable book that had an element that is not found in many historical romances...a ghost. This is not a ghost story, but there is a quite nice ghost that pops up occasionally. I enjoyed Ria, she had a great moral compass and I was interested in her story. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more from her.

I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
A fluffy and steamy read, perfect for lovers of historical romance. I found things too fast paced to be authentic and therefore didn't really get on board with the romance.
An ok read.

Ria and her elderly relatives are in danger of being evicted from their own home if her husband's nephew can prove her marriage of convenience was never consummated (and thus is not legally binding). Ria needs to get rid of her pesky virginity, and fast. Aided by the ghost of her late husband, she sets out to seduce her childhood crush at a masquerade ball.
And that's just the first chapter.
Not only is the nephew tenacious and possibly murderous in his efforts to gain 'his' inheritance, her estate manager is rebelling, and her crush wants to start an affair - even while searching for his mysterious seductress.
This wasn't a bad book but I found it a little hard to follow, especially at the start. There were a lot of characters that popped in and out and some inconsistencies that left me a little unsatisfied.
I did like the Aunts and Cousins with their blatant matchmaking. I was also very struck by some of the lovely introspection once everything was out in open. Overall it was a bit of a mixed bag.

This is the first book I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. This was a very well written book with relatable characters. I will definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Peta Lee Rose, Ruby Quill and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

An enjoyable book to read. There was an exciting story line and interesting characters. The book kept me intrigued wanting to know what happens. I will definitely recommend this book.

This is such a special love story with Ria’s former husband, his aunts and his cousins all taking part in guiding Ria’s love life. They are a bit meddling and thoroughly delightful!

Ria just wants to do what is best for everyone, wanting only a tiny sliver of happiness for herself in the form of a sensuous night with the man she has loved forever, or at least since she was a child. Trouble is – Luc does not recognize her from their childhood nor from their one night together at a masquerade ball. Yes, you know already this is going to come back to haunt Ria. She is so loving and giving, that there is not a lot left for herself.

Luc is battling the demons of his parent’s horrible marriage, not wanting to place himself in a similar situation. Taking what he wants when he sees it and that is Ria. Even Luc is not immune to love until he believes she is a liar and a jaded woman, just like his mother. It takes a good friend to help him see what was staring him in the face all along.

I loved this book, the paranormal aspect, the meddling aunts, the HEA and the neighbors who like to ask for horses in payment. Yes, there is a villain who is just plain devious, but it would not be a great romance without one.

4.5 stars
I did enjoy this book very much. Honoria( Ria) had to be a strong character as she had people who depended on her for their well-being. Ria had to ensure that her late husband’s nephew, Geoffrey, couldn’t contest the will. Ria did have a guiding hand in Monty. In carrying out Monty’s wishes Ria meets Luc, Lord Arden at a masquerade ball. They had met when much younger but Luc was unaware of her identity. Luc had a troubled childhood and wants nothing to do with marriage, he does have quite a reputation as a rake. Luc is attracted to Ria and wants to discover all about her. This story moves along at a good pace, there are a few moments of danger as well as passion. I loved the paranormal elements that provided humour to the story and I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Luc and Ria have an interesting story. I enjoyed getting to know them both. The cast of secondary characters is fabulous! The plot is great...evil relative, fun old ladies, a ghost! Enjoy!

I think its wonderful when I get to write a review about a lovely book. Although, I get much more descriptive when I write a negative review with more spoilers, but that is because I want to include enough proof that it is a bad book and don't read.
But this book was lovely from start to finish. One of my favorite things was that they were childhood friends and very close in age. That way, they should have a lot of kids and a long time of happiness. The heroine is upset with the hero. She is eleven years old and he is about a year older. Him and their other friend won't spend time with her because they are too busy trying to impress girls their own age. She is upset and her father's friend is there for her. She swears she will marry the hero. Move forward 10 years. She is looking for him at a decadent, orgy-like masquerade. She is there to entice him. She is able to do so, but he doesn't know who she is. She leaves with his domino and he leaves with her garter. A few months goes by and her nephew-by-marriage is trying to overturn her husband's will. So he brings a magistrate with a doctor and an order for her to be examined. The nephew is trying to prove the marriage fake and unconsummated. But, she is a real wife. He storms off. She meets the hero at church when he has come to visit their mutual friend. He doesn't recognize her; not as his childhood friend, nor as his masquerade partner. And he has been looking for her and is taking a rest from the search.
Oh, this story was so full of respect and compromise and just a good all around solid story. The hero is a jerk sometimes, but then he is a man and an aristocrat. But other that that there are definitely strong and likeable characters and descriptions of the setting. The author is able to weave the story around you and you are immersed in the telling of the tale. 5 stars all day long. I recommend reading this book soon.

This book had a good premise and was competently written. In order to create a mysterious atmosphere, I felt like the author was withholding information—like character backgrounds and motivations—which just ended up confusing me. As a result, I had a hard time connecting with the characters emotionally. So no matter how interesting the plot was, I didn't really care what happened to them. This book seems to be targeted toward readers who enjoy plot driven books rather than character driven ones.

Honoria Ruby Birdwell, also known as Honey or Ria, has not had it easy as of late. Her parents died so for her protection she married her father’s best friend, Monty St. James. Within a year, Monty was also gone. To secure her inheritance from Monty for herself and Monty’s four female relatives, Ria makes a life changing decision. That is where her childhood friend, Luc, comes into the picture.

When Luc and Ria meet in front of her husband’s grave, he doesn’t recognize her as sweet little Honey who won his affection as a child. Luc is drawn to her all the same. Ria is terrified when Luc keeps popping up in her little town for reasons that might spoil the secrets of the story. One thing I can tell you is that Ria’s life is in danger. Monty’s nephew wants the St. James estate and will murder to get it.

While Honoria might have many names throughout the book, she always kept the same personality. She loves her new family so much she will do anything to protect them. It took me a little while to warm up to Luc. His past broke pieces of his heart and he assumed wrong about several things over the years. He was the typical rake at the beginning, but as he interacted with Ria, I began to see the man he was meant to be.

This is my first read from Peta Lee Rose and I adored her storytelling. She gave each of her characters rich backstories and unique quirks. While this one is heavy on romance, we also get a dash of suspense and a spoonful of the paranormal. I love this combination. I hope this series continues soon so I can dive back into the world Luc and Ria live in.

I received Dangerous Masquerade for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you Net Galley and publisher for an opportunity to read the ARC. I really enjoyed this book! It achieved the ends of a good romance - true love triumphs - taking new and different paths to arrive there. The writing was nicely descriptive, often bringing a smile: Here's an example early on while our heroine listened to a Sunday sermon on the dangers of lust with attention, but not necessarily full acceptance: "it meant that she was scandalous, shameless, wanton and wicked. And relieved she had reached the end of the alphabet. ... She was surely damned. But was she sorry?"
The plot began with the heroine seeking out an encounter at a bacchanal on " .. strict instructions as to what to do." And rollicked on from there, with an evil - or helpful? - cousin Geoffrey and an unexpected and delightful friend in Monty.
I usually like more detail about the era and physical setting the characters occupy. But in Dangerous Masquerade, I found the author's talent for using small details, including dialogue and true to life internal musings showing the mental and emotional states of her characters, to be captivating and quite engaging.

Recently widowed Ria St. James inherited a fortune when her husband Monty died, and Ria knows that her husband’s nephew will do anything to inherit what he perceives is rightfully his. What he doesn’t know is that Ria will do what she must to ensure that never happens.

Ria meets an old friend at a masquerade ball and seduces him, ensuring that she will inherit. She doesn’t plan on bumping into Luc again, and she certainly doesn’t expect him to continue to pursue her. What will Luc do when he discovers that Ria is the same woman who seduced him at the ball? Will her secret identity ruin a possible future for the pair? Not if Monty can help it.

The romance between Ria and Luc is my favorite part of the story. Ria’s been in love with Luc since childhood, and when they reconnect as adults, sparks fly. Luc, however, doesn’t recognize his childhood acquaintance, nor does he realize that hse is the woman he rendezvoused with at a masquerade ball. Ria must decide if she can trust Luc enough to reveal the truth behind who she is and how they are connected.

Ria is strong, intelligent, and kind, and I love her independent spirit. Ria knows loss, as she lost her parents and her husband. Her past experiences and wounds make her a determined and thoughtful woman who thinks of others before herself. She sees the best in others, even in her husband’s nephew, who is murderous, greedy, and vile. This puts her in dangerous situations, much to Luc’s dismay.

What I like about Luc is that, even though he presents himself as a rake, his vulnerable side is evident from early in the story. He fears love and equates it with heartbreak, especially after witnessing his parents’ toxic relationship. He purposely keeps others at a distance so as not to be hurt again, and his feelings for Ria scare him because he knows that he could easily fall in love with her. Luc shows great growth throughout the story as he slowly learns to let people in, and his astuteness and protectiveness save Ria on more than one occasion.

I also loved the other characters in the story, especially Ria’s aunts. Older and wiser, they see the blossoming feelings between Ria and Luc and become conspirators in uniting the couple. They care deeply for the kind and compassionate Ria, and the feelings are mutual. Ria is determined to protect them from their ruthless and greedy nephew and provide them with the life they deserve.

The paranormal element is a unique and interesting addition to the story. Monty’s ghost counsels Ria and works with the aunts to solidify Ria’s future. He is a wonderful character, and I have a feeling the devious spirit has plans for other couples in future books, and I can’t wait to see what happens!

Readers who enjoy historical romance with danger and intrigue, a bit of the paranormal, and a lot of chemistry will love Dangerous Masquerade. Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Ria is a widow desperate to escape her husband’s heir’s clutches. She finds an old friend to seduce her at a masquerade. She doesn’t know what to do when Luc continues to pursue her. Good read by a new-to-me-author! I received an ARC from NetGalley and Ruby Quill for my honest review.