Friday, March 14, 2014

Review: "Masquerade" by Nyrae Dawn


A biker. A tattoo artist. A love to last a lifetime. Maddox Cross has always had to be tough. When his father went to jail for murder, the teenager took care of his sister and mother. Now on his own and working security at a night club, Maddox wants to become a tattoo artist-a dream that comes closer to reality when he falls for the hottest, most tatted woman he's ever seen. She's wild and beautiful, and Maddox will do anything to be with her. Bee Malone came to town to open up her new tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Since being kidnapped as a young girl, Bee has had trouble getting close to anyone. But when she meets Maddox, she sees that under his hard biker's body is the sensitive soul of an artist. What starts out as a sizzling one-night stand soon becomes so much more. Bee wants Maddox to join her tattoo business, but letting him into her life means revealing all her most intimate secrets. And as the past begins to intertwine with her present, Bee fears their love may not be as permanent as their ink . . .

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.

I can't help but compare "Masquerade" to "Facade", the only other Nyrae Dawn book I've read and second in this series, and I'm sorry to say that "Masquerade" fell short by just a wee bit.  I can't put my finger on exactly why this happened, but it could have something to do with the fact that "Facade" was such an emotional journey, it would be hard to follow that up with anything! The bar was set extremely high!

In "Masquerade", we've got Maddox and Bee.  Both seem to be going through something of an identity crisis, and both definitely have attachment issues.  Once you get their background stories, it's easy to see why they each have their individual troubles.  Are they likable?  Despite their rough edges, I'd have to say yes.  I love how Bee is so forward about sex and what she does and doesn't want.  It's pretty cool.  And Maddox is the same way, only for a guy, sad to say it's more the norm.  I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop, especially since neither of them wanted one in the first place. 

There are a couple moments of crises, not exactly surprising or twisty, but heart-warming just the same.  In short, I found "Masquerade" a quick, enjoyable read and I"m looking forward to reading more from Nyrae Dawn.

My rating:



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