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Stella Riley
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Masque of Deceptions (Shadows Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 554 ratings
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honouree & 2024 Global Book Awards Gold Medallist for Historical Romance

Had it not been for the scent bottles, it is unlikely that Daniel Shelbourne, Viscount Reculver, and Anna Hawthorne of Hawthorne’s Porcelain would ever have met.
Daniel’s late father left him an impoverished estate – which he had expected – and unexplained debts, which he hadn’t. Anna inherited a thriving business, along with the knowledge and passion required to run it.
Daniel needs money quickly if his family is to avoid ruin.
Anna wants to create a tribute to her father’s vision and skill.
He is desperate; she, astute and determined.
So when Anna hears whispers that Lord Reculver is discreetly selling some of his possessions, she remembers the large collection of scent bottles purchased from Hawthorne’s over the years … all of them designed by her father.
They are exactly what she needs.
Moreover, selling them to her will give his lordship some of what he needs.
All she has to do, therefore, is make him a reasonable offer.
Simple. Or is it?
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  1. Book 2 of 2
    Shadows
  2. Print length
    342 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    August 31, 2024
  5. File size
    715 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D698LHL2
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 31, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 715 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 342 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 554 ratings

About the author

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Stella Riley

Stella Riley

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Winner of 4 gold medals (Readers' Favourite 2019, Book Excellence Awards 2020, Global Book Awards 2022, Book Excellence Awards 2023) and 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Visit Stella at https://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
554 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • noagnes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Georgian marriage of convenience turns into love and supportive partnership
    Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is another heartwarming Georgian romance from Stella Riley, in this case a marriage of convenience with strong allusions to Georgette Heyer's "A Civil Contract". The second book in this new series anout a group of friends (not including the numerous characters from the author's previous series), this novel explores the story of Daniel who inherits a title with heavy debts, and Anna, the "Hedgehog Heiress", who manages a porcelain manufactory, legacy of her beloved father. A cool, rational agreement between the two, seemingly gives both parties what they need but not the true love they both secretly yearn for. Hoewever, the two protagonists begin to build a strong partnership, trying to deal with the villains that threaten the respective security of each, and as they support each other, a love grows that surpasses their dreams.
    A cozy read, flawlessly describing details of the Georgian era, fascinating insights into the workings of a porcelain manufactory, with protagonists striving for good, supporting each other and their respective dependents, a lot of laughter, loyal friends, triumph over enemies - what's not to love about it?
    One person found this helpful
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  • Laura
    4.0 out of 5 stars Riley does it again
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024
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    I have never been disappointment in any book by this author. The character development and relationships in her books are unique in her writing. This story is about a marriage of convenience which has been a standard trope in historical romance, and handled here sublimely. Anna and Daniel become a wonderful couple you get to know .
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  • SusanCz
    5.0 out of 5 stars A bad guy each for the bride and groom
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024
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    I am still not sure what the title "Masque of Deceptions" meant or referred to in this story, but the cover alone without the title was enough to draw me in. Very nice looking young man took over all I saw of the cover and I was not even aware of the name of the story until after I started reading it, and I will admit to not even caring what the title was by that time. It was a terrific story and the leading man and woman had wonderful chemistry. I recommend reading this book as the second book in the series. It is a standalone, but you get parts of the back story you would otherwise not know that make it a better more well rounded story.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gail R
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from Stella Riley!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed Daniel and Anna’s story enormously. Stella has such a wonderful writing style, always with multilayered characters and never using the easy way to find solutions to whatever dilemmas the hero and heroine encounter. This book also brings back characters from book 1 of the series, something I really enjoy.
    If you haven’t discovered Stella Riley yet, and especially if you are a fan of historical romance, please don’t wait another moment. I discovered her through her Rockliffe series, one that remains a favorite of mine. She’s a master of plotting as well as characterization and is guaranteed to provide a fabulous reading experience!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Savina K. Lee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this story. Daniel and Anna were excellent characters, and the story, with two villains, made for suspenseful reading. Always enjoy books by Stella Riley and make sure that I purchase her new books.
    I
    2 people found this helpful
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  • OLT
    3.0 out of 5 stars Okay historical romance. Stella Riley can do better than this.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    (2.5 stars) This is fairly nondescript and generic historical romance fiction. MMC up to his eyeballs in debt incurred by his late father, with a mother to support and a sister who needs a come-out and dowry for success in society, and a super-rich heiress FMC, owner of a successful porcelain factory, who is plain, blunt-spoken, and not one for gracious small talk. Yeah, you have the whole story now, don't you?

    There is a slight twist on the premise, in that the heiress is the one who initiates talks about the marriage of convenience and the impoverished noble is very hesitant. But, ya know, his finances begin to look so dire that he finally accepts the deal. And, ya know, the longer he is around her, the more he realizes what a gem she is.

    There are a couple little mysteries to unravel, one involving the heiress's factory and one the noble's personal family life, but the way they are developed in the story was, shall we say, a bit boring. And the romance, ya know, was just so so predictable, especially given that both main characters are just as perfect as all Stella Riley's MCs seem to be nowadays.

    And, before I shut up, I have to mention one little thing that bothered me with regard to the heiress. Part of the reason she wants to marry this guy is that she wants more independence in her life to go about her work. Yet once she marries him, she spends almost all her time at his estate, redecorating the home, making friends with his mother and sister, visiting the tenants, etc. Twice she leaves to visit the factory, and that because of letters sent to her by the manager. I did not expect her to put her life second to his. Irked me no end.

    I continue to buy every new Stella Riley HR that comes out. Old habits, I guess. I still remember how much I enjoyed her earlier work.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • shirley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I was sorry to finish it. I hope there will be a sequel soon! One of my favorite themes is unrequited love.
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  • flogig
    2.0 out of 5 stars Mysteries, mysteries and love
    Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book starts out as one of Stella Riley's best but then turns into a bunch of mysteries that were too much: the debt by Lord R owing to one Grimshaw, the reason Haveril keeps pestering Miss A to sell him the manufactory she owns and the love story between Lord R the son and his new wife, Anna. Just too much.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • mary mary balma
    5.0 out of 5 stars VerY GOOD
    Reviewed in France on February 13, 2025
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  • Jill
    5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding historical romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have loved all Stella Riley’s novels and am constantly delighted with the new life she brings to traditional historical romance tropes and themes. In Masques of Deception, she has excelled herself. The book has all my favourite elements: fully realised characters, especially a strong and relatable heroine; a marriage of convenience; a gorgeous slow burning romance; a touch of jeopardy and a beautifully depicted historical backdrop.

    Anna Hawthorne is the wealthy owner of Hawthorne’s Porcelain which she inherited from her father, having learned from him all facets of the business. Keenly intelligent and sharply astute, Anna has plans to further develop the company. However, underneath the successful businesswoman’s masque lies a socially awkward and self- deprecating soul who is humiliatingly aware that she did not “take” during her one unsuccessful season and earned the soubriquet of the “hedgehog heiress.” Nevertheless, as the story continues, we realise that she is kind, generous and always keen to make things better for everyone in her orbit. She is also very, very brave. She is so relatable that I was rooting for her from page one until the end.

    This is a story about a marriage of convenience. This kind of marriage has happened throughout history for political or dynastic reasons or as a kind of barter between title or prestige and wealth. Here, Daniel has recently inherited his father’s title and estates along with a mountain of debt that he was not expecting. He is close to despair as he sees no way of repaying the debts nor of looking after his family and tenants. Yet, every one of his finer feelings revolts against a marriage of convenience. He does not want to be ‘bought and paid for” by someone he hardly knows – in a relationship that will last for life.

    What follows is the sweetest slow burning romance. From finding he respects the woman he has married; Daniel moves through liking to friendship with Anna. He finds her sound common sense; clear-sighted problem-solving and unfussy manner refreshing and helpful. He is soon relying on her for the support she is all too willing to give. In return, he helps Anna with her problems and a true partnership is born.

    Stella Riley’s stories always have a host of fully realised characters who add richness and purpose to the narrative. I particularly liked Rebecca and William and hope to see more of them in future. It was great to catch up with Daniel’s friends from The Shadow Earl and learn what has happened in their lives. There are also two vilely self-serving villains in two separate plot strands that serve to push Daniel and Anna to work even more closely together to overcome the evil they represent.

    One of the elements that raise Ms Riley’s work so far above the ordinary are the detailed historical backdrops that are the settings for her stories. Here, the porcelain manufactories of the mid eighteenth century herald the industrial revolution. I loved learning about the different processes involved and adored the inventiveness of the scent bottles story. The juxtaposition of a successfully growing manufacturing business with the difficulties suffered by the landed gentry as they try to make their land productive is telling and adds immeasurable richness and depth to the story.

    To conclude, I loved this excellent novel and know I will reread it often - whenever I need a dose of uplifting and heartwarming romance. I thoroughly recommend it.
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  • Katie McLean
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing!
    Reviewed in Australia on October 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Such a well written love story, full of mystery, twists and turns plus unexpected developments!
    (not wishing to add any spoilers)
    A very satisfying read that I’ve come to expect from Stella Riley.
    I’m looking forward to the next in this engrossing series.
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  • By MR
    4.0 out of 5 stars Easy read by MR
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A good story not read this
    Author before but I enjoyed it ...probably not one I would read again but worth reading
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  • Sandra Meggison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth waiting for.
    Reviewed in France on September 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Unrequited love, sacrifice, villainy, arson, family values and friendship. Some humourous cute pets and a happy ending. A very enjoyable read.
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