The duke and the duchess of Dunwoody, Robert and Maggie, are in attendance for the coronation of James II. Maggie is the illegitimate daughter of the new monarch, and after many difficult situations, the Dunwoodys have been somewhat accepted at court. In addition to the problems the duke and the duchess experience because they are Catholic, the couple and their baby face a terrifying threat: smallpox is rampant and Robert has fallen ill. Frantic at the prospect of losing her husband, then their beloved child, Maggie is ready to do anything...

THE DEVILS'S MASQUERADE is the third instalment in the astonishing Royal Pains series, and it picks up exactly where book 2 left off. Having read and loved the two previous books, I wondered if a new reader to the series would have problems following. I believe Ms. Mason provides enough background so that a reader will not be lost; however reading the two previous books would be helpful, specifically when it comes to Robert and Maggie's passionate relationship, Robert's sexual proclivities, and the various, and oftentimes complex, relationships of all sorts mentioned in THE DEVIL'S MASQUERADE.

Ms. Mason's painstaking research ensures the authenticity of everything historical, be it the characters, the settings, the clothes, and the political turmoil of the era; the author really puts the historical in historical erotica, and the erotica part is as well- researched and captivating as the political goings-on. And it is seriously erotic, make no bones about it, but never gratuitous, as it is intrinsic to Robert's character. THE DEVIL'S MASQUERADE is as much a historical fresco of the political events of the era, particularly as regards Scots and Catholics, as well as the story of a fierce love between two strong-willed people who defy conventions.

Nina Mason is a supremely talented writer: her prose is elegant, lush, and eloquent; the characters are exceptionally well-defined; and the sex scenes are intense, unbelievably sensual, and never gratuitous. And most of all, the compelling political story that is as much the basis of THE DEVIL'S MASQUERADE as is the complex relationship between Maggie and Robert, will keep you enthralled. THE DEVIL'S MASQUERADE is yet another exciting book in the sumptuous Royal Pains saga.