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Behind the Mask
He knows what she is. She can't deny her urges any more than she can deny him...
There's no walking away from the thrill of the kill. No turning your back on who you are at your core. At least, that's what Besnick says. Zayah thinks that's bullshit. It's exactly what she's determined to do. No matter what she's done with him, she's intent on starting a new life and proving she's better than her past, better than what he insists she is. Yet small-town living and "normal" life is harder than Zayah ever imagined. The monotony... The boredom... The people... The urges that won't go away... Zayah needs a distraction...or two. Her friend Nova offers her an outlet for some of her desires. A mystery man from the internet does for others... But nothing can quell the most base of her needs. No one knows who she really is at her core. And she has no idea what's hiding behind the mask....
There's no walking away from the thrill of the kill. No turning your back on who you are at your core. At least, that's what Besnick says. Zayah thinks that's bullshit. It's exactly what she's determined to do. No matter what she's done with him, she's intent on starting a new life and proving she's better than her past, better than what he insists she is. Yet small-town living and "normal" life is harder than Zayah ever imagined. The monotony... The boredom... The people... The urges that won't go away... Zayah needs a distraction...or two. Her friend Nova offers her an outlet for some of her desires. A mystery man from the internet does for others... But nothing can quell the most base of her needs. No one knows who she really is at her core. And she has no idea what's hiding behind the mask....
- GenresDark RomanceDark
330 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2022
1 person is currently reading
832 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Banks
41 books380 followers"It's like a verbal seduction."
Weaving tales that will seduce your mind and have you hanging off the edge of your seat.
I dabble in all writing genres but I'm a sucker for romantic suspense.
I'm a yogi, music snob, and love living life on my own terms.
www.facebook.com/nicolebanks13
instagram: @_nicolebanks_
Weaving tales that will seduce your mind and have you hanging off the edge of your seat.
I dabble in all writing genres but I'm a sucker for romantic suspense.
I'm a yogi, music snob, and love living life on my own terms.
www.facebook.com/nicolebanks13
instagram: @_nicolebanks_
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 19, 2023
Get u a man who still wants you after you falsely accuse him of domestic violence and send him to prison girlies, never accept anything less
No but seriously, this was like Mean girls on crack. If you're going in for a bonnie&clyde kinda thing, know that it's not. It's more of a triangle drama thingy with a couple of murders and lots of internal monologues. And, imo, not enough interactions between the main characters.
2.5 stars rounded up saved by the ending 🤌
No but seriously, this was like Mean girls on crack. If you're going in for a bonnie&clyde kinda thing, know that it's not. It's more of a triangle drama thingy with a couple of murders and lots of internal monologues. And, imo, not enough interactions between the main characters.
2.5 stars rounded up saved by the ending 🤌
August 10, 2022
I’m so glad I got this arc.
Whew this book was so dark and Zayah’s and B’s relationship was not one I was expecting.
Zayah wanting to be normal.
B wanting his little lion.
I loved absolutely every minute of it especially the twists and turns.
I was not expecting that ending.
I absolutely recommend this book.
Whew this book was so dark and Zayah’s and B’s relationship was not one I was expecting.
Zayah wanting to be normal.
B wanting his little lion.
I loved absolutely every minute of it especially the twists and turns.
I was not expecting that ending.
I absolutely recommend this book.
September 1, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! Nicole Banks is one of my new favorite authors!!! This book was so dark, but oh so good. Zayah does her best to start over in a new town, when she meets B online. B tries to get her to stray from her goals and she fights to stay on her new path. And oh what a dark, twisted, raw, intense journey it is! I loved everything about this book!!!!
August 12, 2022
OH MY DARK AND DELICIOUS HELL! Behind the Mask totally made my dark & twisty soul sing, and I still haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished it last week. I have to say not knowing much of anything about the story that I was about to experience has made it even better so I do recommend you go in blind (that means stop reading this review LOL), but before you do, please check out the triggers because they are absolutely there. Zayah is something else, and she's battling many things while trying to become better than her past but there's someone out there who loves the girl she's trying to escape. This story has so many twists coming in hot that I didn't know my head from a hole in the ground to be honest, but that's when I'm at my very happiest despite the fact that it was brutal doing everything I could to stop myself from checking out the end LOL! This story was quite the thrill ride so I didn't move a muscle until I had devoured every last page, so yeah, that's enough from me as now it's your turn! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 21, 2022
Different than Nicoles usual books, but great just the same. Kept me on the edge of my seat!
August 7, 2022
Behind The Mask, part of the Illusive Lovers series by Nicole Banks was a deliciously dark journey that will leaving you hanging on till the very end!
Zayah is an absolutely phenomenal character that will grab you right from the beginning with her determination and fierceness. Living a life in the dark side, she wants nothing more than to escape and start a new life. A new normal life. A better life. Yet someone from her past is unwilling to let her go. Because he likes her just the way she is…
I absolutely loved how Banks masterfully took us on a trust filled journey into the dark underworld, and that ending?!?! Perfection!!! A definite must read! This book was utterly captivating and did not disappoint! Just be sure to check the trigger warnings first before joining Zayah and B in their twisted little demented playground….
“Lions aren’t meant to be locked away, Zayah. They’re meant to roam free” .
Zayah is an absolutely phenomenal character that will grab you right from the beginning with her determination and fierceness. Living a life in the dark side, she wants nothing more than to escape and start a new life. A new normal life. A better life. Yet someone from her past is unwilling to let her go. Because he likes her just the way she is…
I absolutely loved how Banks masterfully took us on a trust filled journey into the dark underworld, and that ending?!?! Perfection!!! A definite must read! This book was utterly captivating and did not disappoint! Just be sure to check the trigger warnings first before joining Zayah and B in their twisted little demented playground….
“Lions aren’t meant to be locked away, Zayah. They’re meant to roam free” .
August 13, 2022
An Absolutely Intense Ride From Beginning To End!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
This is the second book I’ve read by Nicole Banks and each book she writes just gets better. If you love dark, twisted, addictive books then this is a must read.
This is Zayah’s story and her escape from a past that’s full of darkness. But moving to a small-town to start over isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. She quickly gets bored of everyday normal life. Her friend offers to help and she meets a mysterious man online but honestly she can no longer escape who she truly is. Besnick the man from her past refuses to let her go, he thinks she’s perfect the was she is.
This book is intense full of twists and turns, and the characters are awesome. Be aware of TW because this is definitely not a morally gray book it’s dark, depraved and seriously raw. The ending was freaking phenomenal and without any cliffhanger. Highly recommend this book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
This is the second book I’ve read by Nicole Banks and each book she writes just gets better. If you love dark, twisted, addictive books then this is a must read.
This is Zayah’s story and her escape from a past that’s full of darkness. But moving to a small-town to start over isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. She quickly gets bored of everyday normal life. Her friend offers to help and she meets a mysterious man online but honestly she can no longer escape who she truly is. Besnick the man from her past refuses to let her go, he thinks she’s perfect the was she is.
This book is intense full of twists and turns, and the characters are awesome. Be aware of TW because this is definitely not a morally gray book it’s dark, depraved and seriously raw. The ending was freaking phenomenal and without any cliffhanger. Highly recommend this book!!
August 3, 2022
This book did things to me and left me speechless!!! Talk about taking a wild ride, Behind The Mask, is not your typical thriller, it’s dark, edgy and captivating.
The way things unfolds was such a creative mind blowing experience , with the plot twist, the characters and the ending Nicole Banks didn’t just think outside the box, she rattled some cages too.
I’m just gonna say get ready, cause this was something unexpected, I was not I repeat I was not ready for this experience and this ending was off the hook!!
The way things unfolds was such a creative mind blowing experience , with the plot twist, the characters and the ending Nicole Banks didn’t just think outside the box, she rattled some cages too.
I’m just gonna say get ready, cause this was something unexpected, I was not I repeat I was not ready for this experience and this ending was off the hook!!
August 7, 2022
Zayah is determined to prove to start a new life to prove to herself that she is better than her past, no matter what B says. Zayah is finding small town living tougher than she thought it would be, and when she is offered an outlet by a friend, she meets a mysterious man on the internet. This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty, twisted, and intense, with trust, and intrigue.
Be aware of the trigger warning!
I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Be aware of the trigger warning!
I received a free copy of this book via Enticing Journey Book Promotions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2022
Nicole Banks knocked it out of the park again! Why did I love both the MC so much even though I knew neither had redeemable factors about them. Sarah tried hard to get out from under B and start her live over but the childhood they both had truly melted them into the people they grew up to be. There was no escaping who you are.
As always with Nicole’s books, I thought I knew where the story was heading and what the outcome would be…I’m always wrong. She has a way of keeping her readers in the edge of their seats!
As always with Nicole’s books, I thought I knew where the story was heading and what the outcome would be…I’m always wrong. She has a way of keeping her readers in the edge of their seats!
July 23, 2022
This is definitely the darkest book that I have read from Nicole and I loved it! It is such a page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat. I had several theories in my head as to how the story was going to go and none of them were right 😂. I had a 😱 moment at the ending!
Zayah and B's relationship is definitely unconventional and may be uncomfortable for some so please read the trigger warnings before reading.
Zayah is putting on a mask for everyone as she wants to lead a normal life. Several people come into her life to help distract her from a path that she doesn't want to take. Zayah's journey is a rocky one that will keep you turning the pages and guessing all the way to the end!
Zayah and B's relationship is definitely unconventional and may be uncomfortable for some so please read the trigger warnings before reading.
Zayah is putting on a mask for everyone as she wants to lead a normal life. Several people come into her life to help distract her from a path that she doesn't want to take. Zayah's journey is a rocky one that will keep you turning the pages and guessing all the way to the end!
August 31, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was completely hooked from the beginning. A true page turner to see what’s going to happen next. But please check the trigger warnings! This book is dark, twisted, gritty and raw but it’s so good. Be as prepared as you can be with this book, it will take you in such a wild ride.
Zayah is determined to escape her past, a dark and sinister one. So with the help of her friend Nova, Zayah moves to a small town to start over. However, the slower pace of life proves difficult to her. And when she meets a guy online, he tries to uncover her past and bring her back to it. B will never let his little lion tray too far.
There are twists and turns at every aspect of this book. The suspense and mystery mixed with this dark and twisted book will leave you shocked, especially the ending! Can’t wait to read book two!
Zayah is determined to escape her past, a dark and sinister one. So with the help of her friend Nova, Zayah moves to a small town to start over. However, the slower pace of life proves difficult to her. And when she meets a guy online, he tries to uncover her past and bring her back to it. B will never let his little lion tray too far.
There are twists and turns at every aspect of this book. The suspense and mystery mixed with this dark and twisted book will leave you shocked, especially the ending! Can’t wait to read book two!
September 22, 2022
Holy smokes Nicole Banks does it again. This book was dark and juicy. Zayah wanted a normal life but B has other ideas. He wanted his lion.
With the twist and turns she takes on this journey. She’s so her at captivating you and keeping you hooked in till the end. I was like omg a few times mind blown and shocked.
If you’ve never read a Nicole book then I highly recommend this book 🔥🔥🔥
Just check the triggers first before you read.
With the twist and turns she takes on this journey. She’s so her at captivating you and keeping you hooked in till the end. I was like omg a few times mind blown and shocked.
If you’ve never read a Nicole book then I highly recommend this book 🔥🔥🔥
Just check the triggers first before you read.
August 28, 2022
Wow! This book was everything I didn’t know I needed in my life!!! ZAYAH AND B both struggle with childhood tramas that shaped them into the people they are today. The difference B is a wolf who delights and embraces the chaos. Zayah does her best to suppress her deadly urges but will she succeed? Read this deliciously twisted fairytale to find out!!
August 10, 2022
There is no morally grey to this book. There is no redeeming qualities. And I loved it! If you have any tiggers don’t read it. But if serial killers and stalkers are your thing you’ve come to the right place 🖤💋
September 1, 2022
Just what my dark soul needed. Plot twists always kept me guessing & on my toes. She wants to move on and leave the past right when it belongs in the past. He doesn't want that he wants to bring out the chaos.
August 27, 2022
A Twisted Game of push and pull, denial and desire that leaves the reader questioning everything
Zayah wanted to leave the past behind her -
She firmly believed she could change who she was
Quelch that need
Discard those desires
B knew his lioness would return she just needed a little enticing
This is nothing like I thought and so much more than I believed
I was wrong so many times and when I was right I was still wrong
Solid psychological thriller that keeps the reader invested and wanting more
Zayah wanted to leave the past behind her -
She firmly believed she could change who she was
Quelch that need
Discard those desires
B knew his lioness would return she just needed a little enticing
This is nothing like I thought and so much more than I believed
I was wrong so many times and when I was right I was still wrong
Solid psychological thriller that keeps the reader invested and wanting more
July 16, 2023
Behind the Mask is third installment in the Illusive Lover Series. A dark, twisted, sadistic, and thrilling story. A beautifully written story with complex characters that captures your attention from the start and keeps you on the edge of your seat with it's nail biting suspense, mystery, and mind-blowing twists and turns that will leave you guessing right up until brain twisting end. Please check the trigger warnings before reading this book. This is Zayah an Besnick story. An addicting unputdownable, page turner. Zayah as lived a life surrounded by darkness killing is like a second skin.
She has walked away from her past of murder and depravity and as moved to small town with the help of a friend. She's focus on starting over and has been trying to live like a normal human being. But she never knew that she would encounter so much obstacles like the monotony, the boredom, and the people. The urges to kill definitely has not gone away. She needed a distraction to take her mind off her past. Her friend Nova offered an outlet for some of her desires. She meets a mystery man on the internet. But she's doesn't know who's behind the mask. There's someone from her past who doesn't want her to change and love the broken Zayah just as she is. Besnick won't let go of her. He knows what she is, she can't deny the urges no more than she can deny him. There's no walking away from thrill of killing. You can't turn your back on who you are at you core. These two were deranged and twisted people that just had to be free, they're used to chaos, violence, darkness and madness and there's no stopping crazy.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
She has walked away from her past of murder and depravity and as moved to small town with the help of a friend. She's focus on starting over and has been trying to live like a normal human being. But she never knew that she would encounter so much obstacles like the monotony, the boredom, and the people. The urges to kill definitely has not gone away. She needed a distraction to take her mind off her past. Her friend Nova offered an outlet for some of her desires. She meets a mystery man on the internet. But she's doesn't know who's behind the mask. There's someone from her past who doesn't want her to change and love the broken Zayah just as she is. Besnick won't let go of her. He knows what she is, she can't deny the urges no more than she can deny him. There's no walking away from thrill of killing. You can't turn your back on who you are at you core. These two were deranged and twisted people that just had to be free, they're used to chaos, violence, darkness and madness and there's no stopping crazy.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2023
This is the 3rd book in The Illusive Lovers series featuring the dark and edgy page-turner with twists and turns everywhere you don't know what's going to happen next. Zayah with help from her friend Nova moves to a small town in order to escape from her dark past and to start fresh. However the slow pace of small town life is challenging for her and someone in her life wants her just the way she is he's not willing to let her go. When she meets someone online he tries to find out about her past. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this dark and edgy page-turner to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2023
let's start with the fact that I love the disclaimer at the beginning.
now on to the story.
I love this book. The look into 2 different sides of twisted minds. one who is accepting of the deadly repercussions of a dark and tragic upbringing and the other who wants to find normalcy.
I love all the characters, and to avoid spoilers, I will simply say the spending was one I didn't expect, but I see it could not have been handled any other way.
angelina again gave a stellar performance in conveying the characters and emotions and turmoil. loved it
now on to the story.
I love this book. The look into 2 different sides of twisted minds. one who is accepting of the deadly repercussions of a dark and tragic upbringing and the other who wants to find normalcy.
I love all the characters, and to avoid spoilers, I will simply say the spending was one I didn't expect, but I see it could not have been handled any other way.
angelina again gave a stellar performance in conveying the characters and emotions and turmoil. loved it
June 1, 2023
This is a well written dark thriller with strong characters and an intriguing storyline. The author does a great job building the story and kept me glued to the pages with all the happenings in this twisted story. She moves the story fluidly with her vividly painted scenes and delivers a fantastic read. Highly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
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June 26, 2022We have a cover for Behind the Mask!
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February 5, 2023
Dark, devious and so, so delicious! This was an amazing story. I can't describe how happy it made my dark-loving heart. The narrator, Angelina Rocca, brought this gem to life, delivering the story with a combination of suspense, angst and seduction worthy of the written words. Well done, Nicole Banks. This will definitely be a story I listen to more than once.
July 17, 2023
This is Dark and twisted. Mystery, suspense and more. Zayah loves the kill. B loves his dolls as he calls them. He wants Zayah with him. Can Zayah stay away and try to be good, or will B drager her down more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2023
Behind the Mask
Interesting story once I was able to get into it. It took way too long to read this book. I just couldn’t find the interest in seeing what happened. It was just okay for me.
Interesting story once I was able to get into it. It took way too long to read this book. I just couldn’t find the interest in seeing what happened. It was just okay for me.
June 7, 2023
Dark, twisted and raw Zayah and B have an intense journey. This was a page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. It is a truly captivating read with compelling characters.
January 22, 2023
Wow
This book was sadist and I loved it. Love/hate/obsession a thin line bw all of those. I wonder what else Little Lion has up her sleeves.
This book was sadist and I loved it. Love/hate/obsession a thin line bw all of those. I wonder what else Little Lion has up her sleeves.
March 12, 2024
kinda confused on what the plot of this was supposed to be? just murder?
September 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Spoilers ahead
While I suspected the little twist at the end, I had hoped Zayah would take Nova under her wing. I also felt there was some holding back on the development of both Zayah and B, which I understood because of the content surrounding the characters. Their histories were dark, and while we got more of a glimpse into Zayah, B and Declan’s connection could have been fleshed out a little more.
Overall, Behind the Mask was a great read. It kept me thinking about which way it would go.
While I suspected the little twist at the end, I had hoped Zayah would take Nova under her wing. I also felt there was some holding back on the development of both Zayah and B, which I understood because of the content surrounding the characters. Their histories were dark, and while we got more of a glimpse into Zayah, B and Declan’s connection could have been fleshed out a little more.
Overall, Behind the Mask was a great read. It kept me thinking about which way it would go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews