Masque of Deceptions

By: Stella Riley

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

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?

©2024 Stella Riley (P)2024 Stella Riley

Excellent Character Development

Stella Riley's writing has improved dramatically over the years, and this is probably my favorite story she's written. There's tons of good character development, no cliche internal or external conflicts, and the pacing is excellent. I look forward to more stories in this series.

Excellent listen

I loved the first book in this series and I loved this book. The characters and the narrator make or break an audio book (IMHO). Stella Riley is gifted in developing characters that are real, likeable and strong. And in this book, she excelled. Alex Wyndham is the perfect narrator for Stella Riley's books. He interprets her characters and presents them in a delightful and meaningful way. His inflection in the dialogue is spot on and his presentation of humor is icing on the cake. This book will certainly be a repeat listen for me and I highly recommend to others.

The kind of romance I love

I saw in another review “sex is mostly behind closed doors”. This applies to this book. I enjoyed the story immensely.

Binge Listen!

Thank you, Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham, for a perfectly written and compellingly narrated Georgian romance. I started listening last night and reluctantly stopped several hours after my bedtime. Finished by listening all day today. The lead characters, Daniel and Anna, are irresistible in their separate challenges and how they surprise each other by coming together to overcome them. it is so invigorating to be treated to intelligent characters navigating difficult yet romantic circumstances- we root for them to find each other. The period details and the depiction of the world of England at the vigorous dawn of its epoch-making fine pottery industry are equally fascinating.

Wonderful

Stella Riley's second book in the Shadows series is, as usual, wonderful. Love, suspense, a touch of danger, and characters you care about. Alex Wyndham's performance is not to be missed. The audiobook was released Tuesday and I've already listened twice. Well done!

Wonderful story. Unique characters.

I really enjoyed the heroine’s story. She was raised to run a business by her father. Unheard of in those days. Great love story!

Wonderful story and narrator

Excellent story with superb narrator. The two main characters slowly get to know and appreciate each other, which makes their eventual love very believable. This novel of an arranged marriage begins with a subtle tribute to Georgette Heyer's A Civil Contract, but this is a much happier story. The intelligent heroine is unusual because she is considered plain, and because she is devoted to successfully running the art pottery inherited from her father.

Another satisfying story from SR!

Another very satisfying book from Stella Riley. The sweet love story of a VERY unlikely pair woven with a bit of intrigue. This was an excellent road trip binge listen! Perfect narration. This was Shadows #2 and I am always delighted when Stella brings in former characters and allows us an updated glimpse into their lives. Stella paints in lovely detail, an accurate historical & cultural picture of her characters and setting. I learn about English history & culture without even realizing it!

Well Written!!!

I read the book first and enjoyed it enough to turn around a buy the audiobook to let Alex Wyndham bring Rilley's characters to life.
I have listened over and again and it is in my favs list to fall asleep to (not because it is so boring it puts me to sleep but because it is a great listen).

2nd Book of New Stella Riley series

Listened to this new story in Series non-stop. I’ve been waiting for newest book of Ms Riley - any book of hers and especially if narrated by Alex Wyndham. Love Daniel’s story and really appreciate his lady, Anna. Love strong, unique heroines.