Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: The Masquerade - Second in the DeWarenne Dynasty Series
Author: Brenda Joyce
Publisher: Mira
ISBN: 0-77832-2092
Release Date: September 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Regency
Year/Setting: Early 19th Century Ireland
Overall rating: 4.25
Sexual content rating: Sensual
Brenda's Website:
www.brendajoyce.com
As a child, shy, bookish Elizabeth Anne Fitzgerald loses her heart to the dashing young lord, Tyrell de Warenne. Although she is well aware that he is the heir to an earldom and utterly unattainable, Lizzie secretly worships him for years. And one fateful evening — the night of her first masquerade ball — she is stunned when he suggests that they rendezvous at midnight. But then fortune takes a maddening turn and Lizzie is thwarted from ever meeting Tyrell. Lizzie is certain such an opportunity will never arise again, but that night is only the beginning...
Tyrell de Warenne is shocked when, two years later, Lizzie arrives on his doorstep with a child that she claims is his. He remembers her well — and knows that it is impossible that he is the boy's father. What is this game she is playing...and why? Is Elizabeth Anne Fitzgerald a woman of vast experience, or the gentle innocent he had believed her to be? Tyrell quickly decides he will play her game and he claims the child as his own — determined to uncover Lizzie's lies. But neither scandal, deception nor pride can thwart a love too grand and passionate to ever be denied...
This is the first Brenda Joyce book that I’ve read and I’m already looking for more. She writes such strong characters who stand up for themselves. How can anyone not fall in love with Lizzie? She’s so innocent, yet has the backbone and tenacity of a pit bull. I also thought her love of cooking was so sweet. In some ways, she reminded me of an 1800’s Martha Stewart in her desire to make divine confections.
Tyrell is just as strong, opinionated and as bull-headed as Lizzie. Can he learn to see through her deceptions to find the truth of her love? He was a real enigma to me through the first portion of the book. Ms. Joyce does a wonderful job of brining in all the local gossip and misinformation of the townsfolk. With all this gossip and hearsay, I had formed one opinion of Tyrell. However, as we (and Lizzie) get to know him better, she peels off layer after layer until we see his true colors and the man he really is.
I must tell you, Tyrell truly shocked me when he claimed Lizzie’s child as his. He knew full well that this wasn’t possible. I don’t want to give away too much of the storyline, but when the two of them begin to unravel their past, I think you’ll fall in love with him, too. There are interesting curves in the road from the beginning to the end of the book. Have a great read while enjoying the ride.
Robyn
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