In one month, Lainey Kline would be leaving Melbourne for a
brilliant new career in England. And try to forget the man she
cannot have: Damian Knight, her best friend Corinna's older
brother. Lainey has had it bad for Damian Knight for years, and
even though she sensed he was interested in her, he never made
a move in her direction. Lainey's other bestie, Imogen, tells
Lainey that she's sneaking in the Carina Ball, a masquerade
ball where only important people are invited; it so happens
that Damian has a ticket to the event. Lainey begs Imogen to
take her along; if it's the last thing she does before
leaving,
Lainey will at least have one night of passion with Damian, if
he doesn't recognize her.
At first glance, UNMASKED seemed like your typical Cinderella
trope, but I was curious about Harlequin's new Dare
line. I know that Stefanie London is a fine writer, so I took
the plunge, and I was most agreeably surprised. While UNMASKED
is decidedly a sexy read, I was impressed with character growth
displayed by Lainey and Damian, their backstories, and how
well-defined the characters were, even minor ones, this
skilfully done with, at times, barely a few choice sentences.
What made UNMASKED special to me is that Lainey remains in
control of her seduction schemed, while never coming off as
aggressive or brash. I thought it a most welcome change from
the ubiquitous alpha heroes, so "commanding" that it borders on
coercion. I also liked that Lainey wanted a relationship; she
didn't fall under the usual clichés of being done with men.
Stefanie London's writing is effortlessly elegant, the
dialogues flow easily, and I loved the camaraderie and friendly
banter between Imogen, Corinna, and Lainey. There were some
delightful witty moments; the flirting was playful and fun; and
the sexy times all smoldering sensuality and sultry passion.
UNMASKED is much more than the expected romps between the
sheets; it has the sort of characters and story that I would
gladly see more often featured in romance novels: equal
partners who admit their fallibility, and are willing to not
only take but also give. I am very much looking forward to
Stefanie London's further offerings in her Melbourne after
Dark series because I feel the author's unique touch has
broadened the scope of erotic romance that shows women in a
much more favorable, and realistic light.
But can a naughty fantasy have a happily-ever-after?
Lainey Kline has one goal before she leaves Melbourne forever:
transform herself into a sexy siren, sneak into the season’s
most glamorous masquerade ball and seduce Damian McKnight. Only
there’s a teeny little problem—one deliciously hot night isn’t
nearly enough. Now Lainey wants more. But while getting naked
is one thing, taking off their masks is quite another…
“Dare is Harlequin’s hottest line yet. Every book should come
with a free fan. I dare you to try them!” —Tiffany Reisz,
international bestselling author
Sexy. Passionate. Bold. Discover Harlequin DARE, a new line of
fun, edgy and sexually explicit romances for the fearless
female.
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