Unmasking Maya

by Libby Mercer

Defamed, Disgraced and Displaced...

Fresh from a career-killing scandal, New York fashion girl, Maya Kirkwood, arrives in San Francisco to reinvent herself as a fine artist. She's offered the opportunity to create an installation at the Silicon Valley headquarters of a hot new tech company. Fabulous, right?

Not so much.

She can't stand Derek Whitley - wunderkind software genius and CEO of the company. Hot as he may be on the outside, inside the man is a cold, unemotional, robotic type. Way too left-brained for her right-brained self.

As Maya and Derek get to know each other, however, their facades begin to crack. She catches her first glimpse of the man behind the superhuman tech prodigy, and he starts to see her as the woman she used to be. But is this a good thing? Once that last secret is revealed, will it bring them closer together or will it tear them apart?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Humor, Fiction, Ebooks

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2012

About the author

Born and raised in the Heartland of America, Libby Mercer's adventurous spirit kicked in after graduating from high school and she's since lived in Boston, NYC and London. San Francisco is the city that she currently calls home. For several years, Libby worked in fashion -- first as a journalist and then as a shopkeeper, and for a while she dabbled in design. Fashioning a Romance was Libby's first published novel, followed by Unmasking Maya and The Karmic Connection. After taking a break from writing quirky romances to focus on various types of erotic stuff (under various pen names) Libby is back with another rom-com. How Meg West Was Won will be released on September 14, 2016.

Just something I want to point out about my list of favorite authors: apart from the first six, they are in totally random order. So many of these wonderful authors are also fabulous friends and I couldn't possibly arrange them by order of preference. The first six, however - being either deceased or women I've never met - I have no problem arranging this way. :-)

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya Kirkwood had the career of her dreams in New York's couture fashion world, only to have to suddenly vanish thanks to her duplicitous ex. It feels like her past happening all over again. But Maya's not one to give up in a ball of shame: instead, she moves to San Francisco, changes her name, and reinvents herself as a textile artist. At her first exhibition, her agent encourages her to meet a prospective new client, a successful tech nerd from Silicon Valley called Derek Whitley. Only, he's not the pasty, paunchy nerd she expected: he's young, tall, fit, lightly tanned and very handsome - and when she sounds him out about her artwork, Maya learns he doesn't like it.

But Derek still wants to commission her to produce an installation for the new wing of his company building, and whether he personally likes her work or not he sees as irrelevant. Derek is all work and no play, and he seems mostly irritated and annoyed by Maya, especially her persistence and argumentativeness. Over the two weeks she spends at his company, working on the commission, she doesn't learn that much more about the private, taciturn man. But when her father, whom she hasn't seen in years, suddenly turns up in her life again, it's Derek who is there to support her and help her rebuff the man's attentions. With Maya's secrets unravelling, a new kind of friendship begins between her and Derek. Only trouble is, she's not the only one with a past she's been keeping secret, and the truth about Derek could be an obstacle Maya can't overcome.

This was such a fun, delightful, intelligent read. It's a smooth blend of chick-lit and romance, being chick-lit in plot, tone, structure, all those key points, but with a romantic focus: getting the heroine and hero together, with some sex included for the full experience. It's a fairly short novel, one that skips along at a steady, merry pace, easy to read in one sitting. I want to use the word "breezy" but thanks to those awful, annoying Covergirl commercials, I now hate that word.

Maya was an engaging narrator and an interesting protagonist, who had some pretty shitty things happen to her but held it together and continued doggedly on. She's definitely tenacious, and I liked that she was a textile artist - both my mum and my sister are textile artists, with different styles of course, so Maya felt like someone I knew right off the bat. I also liked the way she handled the situation at the end: I respect and appreciate romance heroines who stay calm and don't devolve into melodrama, and who stand firm on an issue - and who are also flexible enough to change their minds or something later, at the right time.

Derek was a classic chick-lit hero, so aloof and stoic and reserved, so that the moments when he couldn't help himself and laughed or otherwise enjoyed himself, became that much more precious and meaningful. It was great to read about a couple who didn't dance around each other and pretend things. Maya came clean, and Derek did too. They were open about their feelings. It didn't solve all their problems, but it was just refreshingly mature and intelligent (the ridiculousness of the heroines' stubbornness and the heroes' refusal to admit his feelings in so many paranormal romance books is what made me take a prolonged break from reading the genre).

My one complaint, if you can call it that, was that I would have liked a slightly longer story. It was just a bit too fast, considering how much I was enjoying it and wanted to get to know the characters more (on the positive side, it's a well-plotted story that doesn't suffer from "filler syndrome" or an author who can't self-edit and loves the sound of their own voice. I appreciate that, I really do, especially after Thoughtless ). I was surprised the side-plot of Maya's father and what happened to her in New York didn't get revisited, yet also pleased that the story didn't follow any predictable formulas for following-through on them. I wanted to get to know the supporting cast more, and see more of Maya and Derek's lives play out. I say that because I enjoyed it, but also because it left me with the slight feeling of having eaten hollow carbs: too much sugar, not enough fibre? As much as I had fun reading it and loved the slightly fast pace, I can't help but have the niggling feeling that it was a bit too fast at times. I'm torn though, because I also love that it wasn't drawn out or padded unnecessarily.

Regardless, I recommend this as a light, breezy read about two people who have to overcome their pasts and live for the moment - and a future that's brighter with each other in it. If you're looking for a fun, mature romance that's not at all shallow or prone to clichés, definitely give Libby Mercer's Unmasking Maya a read.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.

[Susan Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

MORE CHICKLIT THAN ROMANCE AND THAT'S A GOOD THING! 4.5 STARS

Although this is a sweet romance, the whole feel was chicklit for me, which was great, as I don't read romance books. I loved the Silicon Valley side to it, which made me laugh, as I used to work for an IT company in Santa Ana, CA, even though I live in Scotland. The techno jargon had me realising Ms Mercer had either worked in IT (unlikely) or had thoroughly done her research (most likely!) Unmasking Maya cut through the stereotypes that everyone who works in IT is a geek and a nerd. I can confirm that Derek is no geek. Right from the start, he struck me as someone I would like to go out with, even though he was a workaholic (probably 'cos I am one myself!) The chemistry between the love interests was almost tangible from the get go. I particularly liked how I was reintroduced to San Francisco, my joint favourite city in the US, with NYC.
The gradual blossoming of the relationship was great to see unfold, although I found myself wanting to tell them to wake up and smell the coffee! Clearly they fancied each other. There was also quite a lot of comedy in the novel, even right from the beginning, when Maya's work is criticised and she introduces herself by another name, to avoid embarrassment, not realising it will have repercussions later. Like Maya, I, myself, many years ago, found myself falling for someone who hitherto had infuriated the hell out of me, so it was a wee bit like a trip down memory lane!
I also enjoyed the allusions to a dark secret in Maya's past and in fact there were two, which actually were interlinked and as a result had more impact. I kept wondering what it was, but the author kept this to herself until quite late on, finally revealing pieces to us, bit by bit.
Finally, I enjoyed the friendship between Maya and the techno geeks and the turning point at the company BBQ.

Very well written, with few errors, a real breath of fresh air.
My only complaint is I would have liked it to be longer, with some of the subplots being delved into more deeply. But it's aimed at the Romance market, which is generally shorter novels. It's just me - I like to get to know the characters as much as possible and I don't like to leave them!
What I would point out is that it's a short novel, around 50K words. I look forward to reading more by this author and have since bought her first novel, Fashioning A Romance.
I read this novel in 2 days, probably in 3-4 hours. It had me hooked.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authors Description:


Defamed, Disgraced and Displaced...
Fresh from a career-killing scandal, New York fashion girl, Maya Kirkwood, arrives in San Francisco to reinvent herself as a fine artist. She's offered the opportunity to create an installation at the Silicon Valley headquarters of a hot new tech company. Fabulous, right?
Not so much.
She can't stand Derek Whitley - wunderkind software genius and CEO of the company. Hot as he may be on the outside, inside the man is a cold, unemotional, robotic type. Way too left-brained for her right-brained self.
As Maya and Derek get to know each other, however, their facades begin to crack. She catches her first glimpse of the man behind the superhuman tech prodigy, and he starts to see her as the woman she used to be. But is this a good thing? Once that last secret is revealed, will it bring them closer together or will it tear them apart?


My Review:

Maya was an amazingly strong character. The face that she moved across the country to rebuild her life made her a hero to me. Many women in her position would have taken the defeat and let it run them down but not Maya. I loved that she became a successful artist on the opposite side of the country.

I was a little confused about bringing Maya’s dad into the story. The fact that is was what pulled Derek and Maya together was great, but I wish that part of the story would have been more developed. I want to know if they meet again, did she come to forgive him, is she still living with his shadow over her?

Derek was my favorite character. I love that he was standoffish and maybe a little rude at the first meeting of Maya. He was understanding when he found out that she was not Sarah, as first introduced, but Maya. And most importantly he supported and protected Maya when her dad showed up at the party where her big art project was being unveiled. When he didn’t let her just walk out of California into the Midwest, he won me over as one of the true good guys.

I enjoyed Masking Maya. I was honored that the author asked me to read her story. I will be telling all my friends and family to check out the story.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this story started. We are at an art show. The artist, who wants to remain unknown to those attending the show, runs across the gentleman from a Silicon Valley business who wants to hire her. Yep, you guessed it, they start off on the wrong foot. He can't stand the art work he is looking at but he doesn't know that he is voicing all this negativity to the actual artist of the pieces he says he doesn't like. And then she finds herself too far into the conversation to let him know who she really is.

So, Maya starts off their relationship, both their business one and their personal one, by keeping secrets. But wait, Derek has his own secrets. And the two of them are as different as night and day, she is very artsy and he is very techy. There is a lot of chemistry under the surface but can they overcome their differences and get past all of their secrets?

Okay, so you can probably guess how this story turns out but let me tell you, it was a whole lot of fun getting to that ending and seeing how they go about figuring it all out. Libby does an excellent job with her story telling and this was a fabulous, enjoyable read. Libby has her next novel coming out in 2013 and I am definitely going to be watching for it!

[Tifferz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unmasking Maya was such a fantastic read for me. It was a different read for me. I loved that Ms. Mercer created Maya and Derek and they both have issues and I would not have thought they would get together. But as they say opposites attract. I also love that I get inside the mind of an artist and see how a techy guy can be geeky but is not always a nerd. And hey some nerds ie Derek is a hottie! Maya and Derek do both have some past issues they need to deal with and I enjoyed seeing the layers of the past peeled away. One of my favorite scenes is when Maya is walking up a hill in S.F. in heels and Derek just picks her up and carries her up the hill. Another favorite is them rolling down the hill. I think it is great when people think out side the box and enjoy some of the simple things in life. I think Ms. Mercer adds that to her story and some of the unexpected. I know I will be looking to read more from Ms. Mercer as Unmasking Maya really stood out to me. It was fresh and original fun read. I would recommend this to anyone!

Just fyi~ Unmasking Maya contains two swear words and NO sex!

[Desere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Desere


This was a really fun,fresh and new look on romance for me. The unlikely pair ending up together in a very unexpected manner ,very FRESH !

I liked the author's sense of humour and very different outlook on writing as she used some very interesting dialogue that really made the book a very fun read.

I also loved how the author incorporated what I would think was her own emotions into the characters ,she almost made it seem as if she was writing about her own life.

The backdrop setting of San Francisco was perfect for the couple of Maya and Derek. I loved how the two "footsied" around each other and then some ,and in the end I was very glad to see it all end well.

The author is one of those that you know is a rising star in the book industry and I very much look forward to the next book.

Well done Libby

5/5 star review

[Tana]

review coming soon.

[Rowena Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Libby Mercer, for sending me a copy to review before the release date. I loved this book, it has everything. The secrets keep you guessing, and the build up as Maya and Derek get to know each other is fantastic. I was sad to finish it, but in a good way. You really get to know Maya the main character and some of the situations she’s in is quite funny. She can be quite feisty, speaking her mind which I love. I read it really quickly and was left wanting more. Unmasking Maya is a fascinating page turner where you’ll find yourself warming to the characters. It’s really well written with great attention to detail – I couldn’t put it down. Make sure you get yourself a copy – for me it’s a must read.

[Julie Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book review was originally posted on "Chick Lit Chit Chat - a gleeful gallop through the Chick Lit genre" found at julievalerie.com. Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Moment for Musing:
Reading is an intimate experience. For one, the decision to commit to a book when so much is competing for your attention is a decision only you can make for yourself. Case in point: Has anyone ever given you a book and insisted you read it, and yet, no matter your best intentions, you just don’t carve out the time? It’s not that you don’t believe the book giver when he or she tells you the book is perfect for you, you simply don’t find the time to read it, no matter your best intentions; for personal reasons, known or unknown to you. Two, selecting a particular book to read is an intimate decision. Something takes place at both the conscious and the subconscious level when you hold a book in your hands, evaluate it, and then decide whether to read it. Third, the time you spend immersed in the story, in it’s setting, and with the characters, is very private. By reading quietly to yourself, you are transported into the story at an intimate level, because the experiences you are having are happening privately to you. Case in point: Your husband or kids across the room don’t know where you are or what’s happening to you when you read a book. Only you know that.

All that said, I think one of the most delicious moments of reading intimacy comes when you see yourself in one of the characters. That’s what happened to me when I read Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer.

Book Review:
The main character, Maya Kirkwood, is an artist with a background in fashion. But she’s not a “shallow, label-centric” fashionista, rather, a down-to-earth spirit who loves and appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of fabrics. Without making this book review about me, I have a background in fashion and textiles and have travelled the world studying textile design. Because of this, I felt an intimate connection to Maya as I read, which really added to my enjoyment of this great book.

Maya is a quirky, independent entrepreneur making a name for herself in the art world of San Francisco. If you enjoy the heroines of chick lit who have glamorous jobs in either fashion or publishing, you’ll really like reading Libby Mercer’s book for the refreshing way she adapts this archetypical heroine into a character that is truly unique and approachable. Maya sleeps on a futon in a tiny apartment with no TV and no money, but she strong in spirit, overcomes adversity, moves to a new city and starts a business. She is easily inspired by her surroundings, often loosing herself in the beauty of light coming through an expansive window. And hey, she can fashion a skirt out of a blanket in seconds flat. What’s not to love about that?

Inciting Incident:
Two very different personality types, Derek Whitley, the “. . . obsessive compulsive freak . . .” and Maya Kirkwood, the “. . . artsy fartsy flake. . .” meet at an art exhibit featuring Maya’s work. As you’d expect, they don’t hit it off right away, as Derek doesn’t hide his very “neutral” feelings toward Maya’s work. When Maya is commissioned to create and install some of her work at his company in Silicon Valley, the two have the opportunity to get to know each other better, and explore the possibility of becoming more than just professional acquaintances.

Characters & setting:
There are wonderful characters, Lin, especially, at Derek’s work and the atmosphere at his company feels like one big family which adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. I found myself curious to learn more about two characters and their situations, Daisy and Sarah Connelly, but I don’t feel the writer should have spent any more time on these characters than she did in this particular book, rather, it would be great if she wrote their situations out in a prequel to this book, as that would certainly guarantee a book with an action-packed plot. The story is set in San Francisco and has a wonderful scene involving a carefree roll down a series of hills. The writer does a great job at capturing the sights and sounds of the city and I suspect this book will sell well in indie bookstores across California.

Central conflict:
Both Derek and Maya have a backstory that complicates their attempts at intimacy. Each must come to terms with their own personal history in order to move forward.

Overall impression:
This is a delightful journey and a fun read with characters that are real and very likeable. You’ll wish they were friends of yours; you’ll wish you could meet-up with them for a game of softball, a cold beer and some buffalo wings.

I will definitely read another book by Libby Mercer and this one, Unmasking Maya, was a refreshing 206 pages -the perfect length to tell their story – and a welcome word count for this chick lit reader setting out to read 52 chick lit books in 52 weeks.

Highly recommended. Tell your friends.

Complete Book Review can be found on my "Chick Lit Chit Chat" blog at julievalerie.com - where I am reading and reviewing 52 chick lit books in 52 weeks.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at Book Harbinger.

Textile artist Maya Kirkwood is going incognito. After leaving a successful life in New York City, she’s trying to reinvent herself while laying low. She’s overjoyed when up-and-coming Unisco CEO Derek Whitley shows up at her exhibition. Maya would like more than anything to move out of her grubby studio flat and graduate from her frozen burrito and ramen noodle diet. But when he openly mocks her work, how can she accept the UNISCO commission? Returning to her apartment makes the decision all too clear, and when she begins work on her installation at UNISCO headquarters, she catches glimpses of a different Derek, the toned, tanned good-looking man behind the nerdy, tech façade, a man she falls for. But while Maya is busy hiding career-threatening secrets of her own, will Derek’s cold pride, manic ambition, and closet skeletons kill any future for the two of them?

A few months ago, Libby Mercer contacted me to review her second book, UNMASKING MAYA, which she self-published. Although I consider all review requests sent my way, I can’t accept very many. Mercer and the setup for UNMASKING MAYA impressed me immediately and I knew I had to take a chance on this contemporary romance. That I wished I would’ve picked it up sooner makes this little book all the rarer. I want to apologize to Libby for not reading it sooner because it was a pleasure to read, and I hope my review will encourage other ereaders to head over to Amazon and download it immediately.

I should say that at under 150 pages, UNMASKING MAYA is closer to a novella, and the length constitutes my only complaint. Mercer writes the classic hate-to-love romance well, and I found the pairing of a young Mark Zuckerberg-type CEO and a textile/fashion artist, two people who by nature conflict, very engaging. Maya and Derek’s biting banter and loaded interactions were fun and entertaining to read. Maya also befriends Lin, one of the lone females at Unisco, and I laughed audibly at their exchange when Lin finds out Maya doesn’t own a computer:

“…I can’t send you the JPEGs myself because I don’t have a computer.”

Both Lin and Dina halted in their tracks and stared up at me with a mixture of horror and disbelief in their eyes.

“What do you mean, you don’t even have a compute?” Lin asked.

“How is that even possible in this day and age?” Dina wanted to know.

It was all I could do to keep from cracking up in giggles. I was so different from the two of them. Sure it would have been nice to have a computer, but it’s not as if I had to cope without indoor plumbing or something.

I assumed a grave expression and said, “I know. It’s not easy to get through the day with the cold sweats and everything. And the shakes I get at night are the worst.”

Maya’s quick wit is responsible for several other humorous moments in the book. Her many life dramas may be far-fetched at times for some readers, but her calm, level-headed way of dealing with them counteracted any complaints on my end. There is definitely enough material here for both Maya and Derek to be explored in more depth, including a side plot about Maya’s father reappearing in her life. I’m not finding fault with the length other than I liked Maya, Derek, and Lin so much I wanted more. UNMASKING MAYA is a comfort read: sweet, light, and easy to read. I would definitely recommend this to fans of novellas, chick lit or light contemporary romance. As for me I will be going straight to Mercer’s backlist.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewer: Maria
Source: Publicist
Maria's review was first posted on Romancing the Book's blog.

What do you get when a boho type artistic free spirited woman in San Francisco gets with a nerd from Silicon Valley? An inter-cultural love story, that’s what. When two very different people come together in our crazy modern scenario, there is bound to be conflict galore. That is the essence of UNMASKING MAYA, a fresh, contemporary romance from Libby Mercer, who earlier brought us the amazingly exquisite FASHIONING A ROMANCE.

Maya Kirkwood is a woman with a past. She’s hiding something. She’s an ex-New Yorker trying to make it as an artistic décor designer in San Francisco. And when she’s hired by the Bill Gates like prodigy Derek Whitley to do some décor improvement in his Merlo Place operations base, the sparks don’t exactly fly at first. It’s more a slow burn. But yes, the attraction flares in due course. We know that Maya is hiding something and as we go deeper into the story, we learn what it is, along with Derek himself. He’s checked up on Maya and he knows by her lack of internet presence that she’s definitely hiding something.

The surprising thing is, Derek’s hiding something too. A something that threatens to become a very big something indeed. Perhaps an obstacle in their budding romance. Will Maya and the Nerd get it together? Will Maya make peace with her shameful past? And will Derek make peace with his? And move on? Do this pair have a future? Even if they both come to terms with their backgrounds, which made them what they are today, even if they manage to get past all that, is there really a future in their future?

Can a boho artist woman (she doesn’t even own a computer) and a geeky, nerdy man really get it together? Even if he is a millionaire prodigy? Is it even possible? Well, this is what we read the book to discover. I’d like to think that they balance each other, each one cancelling out the other’s deficiencies. Or will they drive each other crazy and end up leaving each other in disgust? Really, you can’t know unless you go there, can you? The writer’s job is to take you there and see for yourself. Can she do it? And can he do it convincingly?

The atmosphere of San Francisco comes through strongly. The city is like another character in the novel. From Pacific Height to Merlo Place, to the eccentrics (like the businessman on the unicycle), I dare you not to find a little place in your heart for thi city by the time you’ve completed reading this.

Libby Mercer’s writing is sharp, perceptive and lucid. She writes in crisp, contemporary language. She literally holds your hand and takes you there. She’s very much a chronicler of the age, I’ve noticed her observations in FASHIONING A ROMANCE, her last book too. I like this juxtaposition of the nerdy with the trendy, of the boho with the techno. It’s definitely something to keep in mind and watch out for.

And again, Libby proves that it’s possible to make a story sizzle without getting into bed with the main characters. That’s a rare skill. So folks, what we have here a sweet romance that sizzles. Way to go, Libby!

Favorite Quote: “I just don’t see why this should classify as ‘art.’” He did the air quote thing with his fingers and it took every ounce of will power I had not to slam a stiletto into his kneecaps. He turned to me with a neutral expression, apparently unaware that he was offending me.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review and author interview posted on Kindles & Wine

This book was definitely a case of right style at the right time. I read this over the holidays and really needed a pick-me-up during a case of the post-Christmas blues. This book has everything I love about chick lit: it’s engaging, lighthearted, funny, believable, and filled with romantic tension.

Maya hasn’t lived in San Francisco for long, and she’s in the middle of redirecting her career after a huge scandal in NYC. Derek hires her for a massive art installation at his company’s office. On the surface, they couldn’t be more different…but they both carry secrets and heartache that only love can heal. Author Libby Mercer successfully drops hints, building up the suspense about their respective secrets, and then the reveals are done in ways that aren’t gimmicky at all. Note I’m keeping this spoiler-free! :)

As I read the book, I found myself identifying with both lead characters (What? Even the guy?? Yes!). Maya is super artistic and quite random and spontaneous in her thoughts, words, and actions. OK, I don’t have tons in common with Maya, but I definitely want to BE more like her in terms of her spontaneity! And I don’t own my own company, but I probably identified too much with the dorky side of Derek (except I would have given him an Android phone and not an iPhone – I actually yelled at Derek while reading this! LOL). He usually has work on the mind, checks his phone constantly, and has a tough exterior.

They seem like they’re total opposites, but the intellectual side of Derek understands a chaotic mind like Maya’s. He actually quotes Henry Adams to Maya: “Chaos often breeds life, when order breeds habit.” I had never heard that quote before, but I adore it. I want to hang it everywhere in my house and say to visitors, “My house isn’t messy, we’re breeding life here, people!” Except maybe they’d get the wrong idea about the use of the word “breeding.”

One of my favorite parts of the book is an is-it-or-isn’t-it-a-date episode that lasts for an entire day. I found the interaction between the two completely believable and utterly adorable. They did something that I haven’t done in years (get your mind out of the gutter puh-lease) and I totally want to now. And no, I’m not spoiling what it was. It delighted me SO much that you need to read the book to see if you will squeal with delight as well!

Bottom Line
Come on. I knew I was hooked when Derek called Maya an “artsy-fartsy flake”! How cute!

Rating: A-

Review copy courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review

[Rosario · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maya Lockwood had a high-flying fashion career in New York, until it was destroyed by a betrayal. It was bad enough that people told her "you'll never work in this town again" and really meant it, so she changed her name and moved to San Francisco. As the book starts, she's rebuilding a career and is incognito at the first exhibition of her textile art.

She's struggling with money, so the news that local software millionaire Derek Whitley is interested in commissioning a piece for his headquarters is very welcome. But then her agent points out the man, and the first surprise is that he looks nothing like the weedy nerd she was expecting. The second one is that, not knowing she's the artist, he tells her she doesn't like her art.

It turns out, however, that he still wants her to commissioning that work from her, and she installs herself at his headquarters to work. And before too long, as she spends some time in Derek's company, she realises he's not the cold robot she first thought he was.

There are some good things here. First of all, Mercer has a voice I enjoyed. It feels smooth and almost breezy, which works perfectly with the tone of the book. I also thought her characters (main and secondary) were interesting and appealing. The setting is great, as well. The book has a very nice and vivid sense of place. I felt like I was in San Francisco, and I enjoyed the vibe of Derek's tech company and his employees.

Unfortunately, the romance didn't work for me. I didn't really feel much chemistry between the two main characters, and their relationship felt very underdeveloped. I think the problem was that Mercer introduced too many elements and conflicts, which then didn't go anywhere.

Take the horrible experience Maya had had in New York, being framed for something she didn't do and losing her career. It was only used as the reason why she moved to San Francisco. There was some suggestion that it might have more of an effect, providing conflict between her and Derek, but nothing. On one hand, it's good that we didn't have the predictable misunderstanding, where Derek assumes she's planning to steal his company secrets, but it all just felt like a damp squib. Same with the sudden appearance of her father, with whom there's such a fraught history. It's one confrontation, just to give us a reason why Derek would whisk Maya off, and we never see him again. And how about Maya's worries that Derek is driven by ambition, when she's sworn not to go out with another ambitious man after the debacle in New York? That just disappears as well. It felt very unsatisfying.

I'd be interested in reading more from this author, as I liked her voice and the book's premise, but this one just needed a stricter editor, someone to insist on a clearer narrative thread.

MY GRADE: A C+.

NOTE: My copy was provided to me by the author for review.

[Laura Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being publicly disgraced and told, "You'll never work in this town, again," a fashion designer finds a new life and romance under a new identity in Libby Mercer's Unmasking Maya.

Maya Kirkland -- at least that's the name she is going by now -- lands a major career opportunity when she is commissioned to create art for one of the hottest start-ups in Silicon Valley. While trying to make a new name for herself as an artist, she also wants to stay under the radar as much as possible.

Technological wunderkind Derek Whitley sees right through her mask. After a Google search turns up no history for Maya, and based on his own hunch about his background, he is intrigued and on guard with the woman creating textile art in his building.

Thrown together constantly, sparks fly between Maya and Derek. But each of them is keeping a secret from the other. Will their eventual truth bombs be too much for their chemistry to build into anything more?

A short and fast moving love story, Unmasking Maya was a light and entertaining read. Mercer weaves together a story mixed with mystery and romance, and she pulls it off well. Instantly, the reader knows Maya has a secret, and though she hints at what that might be, we are kept in the dark for much of the story, just like Derek and everyone else. At the same time, we also know there is more to Derek than meets the eye.

And can we talk about Derek for a moment? He is totally adorkable, fulfilling his crushable geek role to perfection. From his nerdy shirts, which are supposed to be ironic, to the love affair he has with the latest iPhone model, he has hot young computer exec written all over him. Without being too much like him, Derek reminds me of Sam from Sophie Kinsella's I've Got Your Number. And I mean that as the greatest compliment, because I'm still swooning over that driven and brilliant career-man a year after reading the story.

For her part, Maya made an intriguing narrator. Though she was instantly likeable, and I found myself wanting to be her buddy and pulling for her, she became more interesting, because I knew she was hiding something. Unreliable narrators, when done well like in this instance, always keep me hooked. Though on the surface this was a story about love and redemption, this element also gave it the feel of a small mystery, which the reader has to resolve.

There were a couple of plot elements I would have liked to see developed a little more. Without spoiling the story, they relate to Derek and Maya's past. Each was super interesting, and I would have liked to see them delved into and resolved with a little more depth.

This was a fun, well-crafted read that had me laughing out loud and OMG-ing over and over during the hours I spent enjoying it

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. Originally published at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was a quick, lively and fun read that allowed me to get my chick lit fix in one sitting which was great. One of the great things about this book was that it was not too ambitious. What I mean is that sometimes chick lit novels make the mistake of happening over too long or too short of a time period, focusing on sub-plots and other characters that take away from the relationship building of the two main characters. This was certainly not the case in “Unmasking Maya.” The majority of the story took place within a 3 week period focused solely on Derek and Maya with occasional visits from some supporting characters, but nothing that took away from the real point of the story.

Much of the focus was on Maya and Derek, and their budding relationship. Maya immediately draws in the interest of the reader in the first few pages, as she is at her own art show and refuses to reveal herself even amongst the plethora of positive comments about her work. This immediately suggests she has something to hide. Especially when her agent encourages her to go speak to the very hot, yet very nerdy Derek who she needs to impress in order to get a big art instillation job from him and set up her place on the San Francisco art scene, and she calls herself “Sarah”.

The relationship starts off with bantering and insults, which is kind of my favourite type of chick lit novel because I know that the relationship will build more authentically into a friendship and perhaps a realization of love at some point. I enjoyed the fun and awkwardness that Maya and Derek experienced throughout the novel and the smaller moments that hinted at more. I feel like a lot of tension is missing in relationships in some chick lit novels – that too quickly the characters meet, think the other is hot and love each other – in Unmasking Maya, thankfully the tension and fun is there and figuring out if there are real feelings for each other is delightfully awkward and avoids the fall into bed cliché.

One of the only drawbacks about the novel as a whole is that I felt one particular plot point was left unfinished. I don’t want to post any spoilers because I really want to encourage other readers to pick this one up for a fun, quick, read, but it is a very obvious open end. I am not sure if this was done on purpose to leave something for a future book, if it was because it wasn’t essential to the relationship of Maya and Derek, or if there simply was not enough time in a book of only 50 000 words. I do wish there was a little more about the mystery of Maya revealed by tying up that loose end.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this novel and thank you very much to Libby Mercer who sent me this for free as an ARC. I look forward to reading her other books in the future!

[Cresta McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unmaksing Maya is a fun read about a creative artist inventing her life again. It grabs the reader through a sense of longing for a fresh start; who hasn't wanted to begin anew?

Maya Kirkwood is a talented artist fresh on the San Francisco scene. Previously, her art was worn by some of the biggest names on the red carpet when she worked in New York, but through a series of life-challenging events, she found herself not only moving from the pulse of New York to the waves of the San Francisco Bay, but also recreating wearable art into wall art. Playing with fabrics puts her on the front page of the art scene in San Francisco, and into the eyes of Derek Whitely, a computer "geek" looking to spruce up his steel and glass building with a touch of design.

Their first meeting is awkward at best, buy Maya's charms and Derek's emotional range of rock make for interesting banter between the two. Things are never really as they seem...

Unmasking Maya is more than a love story though, it's a story about overcoming the past with the future in mind. It fits comfortably into the "chic-lit" category, but with a greater depth than just a fun, flirty romance. The intriguing characters tinged with a past bring alluring realness to the plot.

Mercer's characters are believable. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoyed the book so much. There was nothing that caused my attention to be drawn away, nothing too far fetched in reactions from either of the main characters in the novel. Their conversations are comfortable, their emotions raw, and their reactions genuine. I don't enjoy books that feel contrived or forced, and Mercer did a wonderful job of avoiding both of these writing pitfalls.

The lifestyle was well drawn, too. I've read other novels that painted San Francisco in the same light, which tells me the right amount of research was done in order to give the book believability; the backdrop of the story is critical to its success.

Overall I'd rate this 4 out of 5 stars. There were a few typos here and there, but nothing that interferes with the readability.

Unmasking Maya is not Libby Mercer's first novel. He debut novel, Fashioning a Romance, was released by Musa Publishing in 2012. She has another novel contracted with Musa due out in 2013. Unmasking Maya was a self-published adventure. If you'd like to learn more about Libby Mercer, you can visit her blog/website at http://libby-mercer.blogspot.com/

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unmasking Maya was a quirky and cute book. I read it pretty quickly- in under a day I think, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I wasn't blown away by the book, but it was a solid and entertaining read. I can't really say why I wasn't blown away by it, everything about Unmasking Maya was good. The characters were unique and interesting. The plot was cutsey and quirky and modern, and the romance was adorable. The writing was wonderful. I loved the writing style more than the actual plot of the book, which makes me excited to read more of Libby's books. Ok, I don't want to come across that I really disliked this book, because that is not the case at all! I really enjoyed the book and the writing.

Maya was so intriguing. Right away you know that she is hiding a secret and it seems to be a pretty big one. I was pretty interested in finding out her secret. I thought she was bright and sassy and lots of fun. She seemed the total opposite of Derek, who also seemed to be to be hiding a secret but it was more Maya's story than his so his secret came out much later in the story, though it was just as juicy. I don't really know if I would have been ok with his secret. Derek seemed to be much too perceptive for his own good. He just seemed to know everything. I liked him but I found him a little hard to believe sometimes. He grew on me though and in the end, I was rooting for him and Maya.

One thing that I completely loved about Unmasking Maya were the careers chosen for the two main characters. They were so fresh and modern. Maya was an artist that worked mainly in textiles. I would have loved to seen an example of her work so I could picture it better, but everything she made sounded so beautiful. And derek was a tech genius running his company in silicon valley. Again, a very modern job. I loved how unique these careers were.

Libby Mercer's writing in Unmasking Maya stole the show for me. It was the reason that I enjoyed the book as much as I did. I would love to read another book of hers to see more of her writing style. It was really easy to read and the flow and pacing was great. The characters didn't make me fall in love, but that happens sometimes. I can totally see other people completely loving Derek and Maya. I didn't dislike them by any means, they just didn't make me want to jump up and down and squeal. However, even with my lukewarn feelings towards the characters, Unmasking Maya is a fun and fresh story. One that I really enjoyed.

[I'd So Rather Be Reading {Nat} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unmasking Maya was such a great surprise! I went into this book not knowing if I would finish it because it is classified as a romance, and as you know, I'm not a huge fan of classic romance novels. But Unmasking Maya was much more than just a love story (not that there's anything wrong with books that are 'just' love stories). It was a book about a woman reinventing herself after career-ending scandal, the relationship between a father and daughter, and finding love.

Despite these potentially heavy topics, Unmasking Maya was a light-hearted, fun read. It actually reminded me a lot of Sophie Kinsella's writing. It was more womens' fiction than romance, at least to me. Maya had a successful career in fashion in New York City. However, she's involved in a huge scandal, and even though she was not at fault (her fiance was!) she is ruined in the fashion world. She moves to San Francisco and starts a new career as an artist. Maya showed a lot of grit and determination, which I really admired.

What was so unique about this book, and what made it really stand out for me, was the type of art that Maya creates. She makes wall hangings which incorporate all kinds of different fabrics, textiles, and accessories. This new kind of art incorporates her sense of fashion into artistic creations. I loved the descriptions of Maya's artwork, as well as the scenes when she's actually creating her art. I am not in the least bit a creative person, so I really enjoy reading about the creative process. Mercer did a great job with this part of the book.

The love story between Maya and Derek is a slow build (which I appreciate). At first they each shun the other, for their own reasons. But then, they slowly start to see more depth in each other, and a grudging friendship forms. It blossoms into something more in a really sweet and tender way. There were not too many bedroom scenes and the ones that were there were discreet. I loved the ending, especially the epilogue. Don't you just love it when authors include an epilogue?

Overall, I really enjoyed Unmasking Maya. I'd recommend this book to fans of romance, womens' fiction, and contemporary fiction. Unmasking Maya was a great read, and a nice change of pace for me. I'd definitely read Libby Mercer again!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maya has left behind her past in NYC and is trying to make it in the art world of San Francisco. Part of leaving behind the scandal that haunts her she changes her name and mediums from fashion to art working with textiles in the art world. Getting a commission for an installation at a tech company in the Silicone Valley area. Derek Whitley, the CEO of the company, doesn't seem to like her work. Yet, he commissions Maya to do the work, and she is determined to make something that he will like, even if she doesn't understand his unemotional, robotic, workaholic ways.

As Maya and Derek work together and are thrown together with events around the commission they start to learn more about each other and breakdown the walls that each of them have built. But, as secrets are reveled will it bring them together or will to many secrets tear them apart.

I hadn't read a book on my ipad/kindle recently. So, I am not sure if this is related to that vs being a physical book, but once I got started on this book I just couldn't put it down and wanted to keep reading. The book started with Maya having a secret that she kept even from the reader and it seems to take us the reader the whole time to kind of earn Maya's trust and find out all the secrets. Same with Derek, you feel like there is something more that Maya needs to find out and it takes us most of the plot to figure it out.

Something I did notice is that things in this book seemed to move really fast in terms of relationships/friendships. But, that worked here, I could appreciate how it moved at a pace that worked for the characters.

I was a little concerned about this book since the description made it seem like a cliche romance, but I didn't find it that way at all. The characters were developed well and believable, in I didn't feel they became cliches. That I personally really appreciated and made it easier for me to recommend this book to others. I would give this book 4 Stars and suggest it to anyone looking for a quick fun read. I was advised it is being released soon and you should got check it out.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review, but the summary and opinions are my own.

[Christi Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review:
This book is about a girl who's had to reinvent herself. She used to work for one of the premier fashion design houses in NYC, but after a duplicitous boyfriend betrayed her, she's had to leave that life. She's now in San Francisco where she's developed a whole new identity and career. She's making a name for herself now as a fiber fine artist.

One of the things that I really adored about this book was the descriptions of Maya's art and how she assembles it. You often see books about artists, but this is one of the first where I really could visualize the whole process in my head. I loved that and wish that I could really see the piece that she created for Derek's office building.

Derek is the hero in this book. He hires Maya to create a huge art piece for the new addition to their business although he doesn't even like her art (I NEVER understood that aspect of the story). He comes across the page as cold and unfeeling, but Maya develops an interest in him anyway. In the book, we never see him as anything else until the very last of the book, so I really had a hard time understanding Maya's attraction to him... except for the obvious that she thought he was hot. The times when they supposedly connected on other levels were just described in the book so I never really got attached to them as a couple. The book is written entirely from her POV and I think I could have been convinced if we'd seen some things from his POV.

There are several other aspects to the story though that really did work for me. I loved the developing friendship with Lin. I wish the author had brought her and her husband into the story more. Their long-standing friendship with Derek could have been used to show more sides to him than we got to see, plus I just really loved her character. I also really adored the San Francisco setting. I've never been there, but I could visualize the different neighborhoods and it was fun to visit through the book.

Overall, this wasn't necessarily the book for me, but I enjoyed the author's voice and would definitely read another of her books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Avid Reader Amy's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review as appeared on my blog Amy's Book World:

I enjoyed reading about Maya and Derek's journey to love. Maya finds herself in San Fransisco after a scandal back in New York forces her to leave the city. Derek commissions Maya to work on a art piece for his company, even though he is not a big fan of her art. The fact that they have to spend time together opposites end up attracting, free spirited Maya and serious Derek. In order for them to work they, have to work through their past.
The thing that I found different in this book than most others like is that the main characters are not rushed into romance. When most books jump to have the characters in bed and then a HEA. This one does not. The author takes her time to allow the characters to get to know one another. Matter of fact she never refers to love between Maya and Derek, it's just implied. Does that leave you hanging at the end? No. You still get you HEA but only the beginning stages of it.

I wasn't happy with everything in this book. Maya makes a big deal out if what happened in New York with her ex. This is why she is now in San Fransisco. The incident is mentioned but I would have thought a bigger show should have been made. I mean if he is why she up rooted her life and she stays hidden, why not have the ex to show up and give Maya a chance to redeem herself? Otherwise it just feels like unresolved issues.

My overall thoughts on this book are that Mecer did a good job in writing a story that will be entertaining for each reader. I like that she didn't make the characters into "traditional romance book couples" and fall in love by chapter 4. That would have just come off as rushed and fake. She writes a quirky romance that has you laughing out loud. I definitely enjoyed this book and recommend this one as a must read.

**Disclaimer: I received this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! This is the first story I’ve read by Libby Mercer, and it won’t be my last! Unmasking Maya has everything I love about a good romance! And I found that I really love Libby Mercer’s writing style.

Maya Kirkwood is an artist, who is trying hard to build a new career and to forget her past career as a fashion designer. With a new name, in a new city, living in a studio apartment, she designs amazing wall art out of fabrics. When she is commissioned to do some art work by Derek Whitley for his company, Unisco, she finds herself strongly attracted to Derek, but the last thing she needs is to get involved with another overly ambitious man who would do anything, or step on anyone, to get to the top.

I loved Derek Whitley! He reminded me of Mr. Darcy. He has that air of superiority, and he is intense and oh so incredibly handsome. Derek and Maya don’t get off to a good start when he insults her artwork before he knows she's the artist! Stunned by his comments, she can't understand why he would hire her. His friends tell Maya that Derek has not always been so up-tight and driven by his work, and Maya finds out she’s not the only one with a difficult past.

Derek is always cold and distant toward Maya, but when trouble shows up the night of the unveiling of new the wing at Unisco, Derek is right by her side like a knight in shining armor. As her past is unmasked in front of him, will he believe the worst of her the way everyone else does?

I loved that Unmasking Maya is written in the first person from Maya’s point-of-view. I felt like my best friend was telling me something that happened to her.

If you’re looking for a cute, fun, quirky romance, I would highly recommend Unmasking Maya.

I was provided a copy of Unmasking Maya for my honest review.

[Cindy Roesel · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her fashion career crashes and burns and her life basically goes AWOL, Maya Kirkwood is banished from her New York City upper east side apartment to San Francisco to start all over again. But before she can rebuild her existence, she has a dark secret to protect and lots of work to get done and God help anybody or anything that gets in her way!

In UNMASKING MAYA, Libby Mercer has created one feisty woman in Maya that sure has a lot of moxy. Right off the top, I love that she's always working a "game" and has a sort-of, kind-of backup plan in the works. But the question never seems to be will it work? She never seems to have thought it out fully, but she's going to rely on it anyway. It's the naivete of her character that's endearing. That's why we readers fall in love with her from the first page. She's sweet, quirky and doesn't have a mean streak in her.

Maya's totally an artistic right brain girl who comes up against this gorgeous Silicon Valley left brain genius who seems to have it in for her. She's hired to create an installation for his tech headquarters. He puts up the facade of one who doesn't fully appreciate fine art. On several occasions, he finds it acceptable to be condescending towards Maya's artistic creations and her feelings about art. In other words, he thinks it's okay to behave like a jerk. But as we read along, we find out Derek also has a secret that helps us understand what motivates him..

I enjoyed author, Libby's descriptions of the multi-media textured assemblage pieces that she had her character Maya create. I could see them being made in my mind's eye. I'd love to see some pieces posted on her blog, if in fact she's created any. I'm several credits short of my MFA and I appreciate what goes into fine art of all medium.

UNMASKING MAYA has a quick, snappy narrative which will keep you reading along.

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl meets boy. Boy deceives girl dramatically. Girl leaves shamed and downtrodden but not completely broken. Girl starts new life with a new name. Girl catches public's eye because she ROCKS, inadvertently leading to a situation that can (*ahem* WILL) blow her cover with consequences that may not all be for the better...and an ending that was definitely not anticipated.

Maya was a doll! Her ex? Not so much. I mean, he probably ranks lower than that gum
you scraped off your shoe yesterday. Does she let it keep her down indefinitely? Not exactly, though her shyness in letting her true talent be recognized is a stumbling block but an artist craves creation and she is no different. Her canvas has changed to actual canvas (among other things) but her drive and ambition remain untarnished. The works of art she creates with fabric and print sound amazing even in text...and though Derek fails to recognize said talent, we'll forgive him this one transgression. Why when it seems to be a focal point? Because I said so...no, really, because he has many other areas that are spot on, they just take some time to warm up to the light of day. Trust me, initially you'll think he's a pri....I mean, not-so-nice person that you'll either go "ugh!" and walk away from or smack upside the head. Give him time though. Ambition can be food to one soul and a drug to another....reactions vary and coming out from under the effects of it takes longer for some than others.

In the end, it was a fun reading tryst through the streets of San Fran with an unlikely duo exploring just how artistic talent and tech savvy can mesh together to create a masterpiece worth analyzing.


**review copy was received in exchange for my honest review - full post can be viewed on my site**

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Unmasking Maya in return for an honest review from the author Libby Mercer. Maya is running from a past trying to reinvent who she is after her ex ruined her reputation as a fashion designer. Now she’s using her talents to create art under a new name on the other coast in San Francisco. When she lands the chance to design an installation for a new tech company in Silicon Valley she jumps at the chance. The only problem with the job is Derek Whitley the CEO of the company he doesn't care for her work, and it drives her nut.

While working on the installation Maya makes friends with one of the few girls Lin who invites her to the company picnic. It’s at the picnic she starts to get to know more about Derek who he is outside the stuffy office guy who doesn't like her art. However like her he’s holding something back keeping a secret she’s dying to know. When they both are exposed with the truth will they be able to make it work or will it come crashing apart.

I was pleasantly surprised by Maya as a character. She’s had a rough life but even though it hasn't been easy she still continues to reinvent herself doing what she loves. Unmasking Maya is a fast paced romance that keeps you drawn in till the end. I picked it up this morning and didn't stop till I was at the last page. I like that both Maya and Derek have secrets it keeps them on the same playing field. The book is well written flowing smoothly from start to finish. I've always been a sucker for a sweet romance and Unmasking Maya is just that. I love the cover it’s simple but fit’s the story perfect. Since it’s a clean romance I could see teens as well as adults picking it up and enjoying it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love geeks! This is no shock to anyone who knows me. And I was thrilled that Libby Mercer asked me if I would be interested in reviewing her new book, Unmasking Maya, as the male lead was a hot geek!

This is high up there on my list of favorite reads of 2012. I loved the character of Maya. She is clearly lonely, even if she wants to deny it, as her past has burned her and she is unwilling to open herself up to the chance of love again. She is quirky and an artistic fashionista, which I adored. And Derek...cold, indifferent, infuriating, yet incredibly good looking. Yup, I was sold on him immediately. I love that their relationship was not an insta-romance. It took time, it took breaking down barriers, fighting, and ultimately realizing what they both wanted. It was a heart warming story that I couldn't put down.

I do wish that Maya had some retribution for the scandal in NYC, complete with payback against the dastardly ex, and that the sudden appearance of her father had been addressed more. Overall, the book was a flawless read for me. I also would have loved to see more of Lin and her husband, they were a good time.

Libby has a great voice and a knack for weaving a tale that you want to keep reading, you want more and dread the final pages coming up. This was my first book by Libby Mercer and I have to go back and read all her other works now. I dare anyone to read "Unmasking Maya" and not have a smile on their face at the end and clamoring for more of the writing of Libby Mercer.

[Sara Palacios · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer in exchange for an honest review.

Unmasking Maya by Libby Mercer follows New York fashion it-girl, Maya Kirkwood. Fresh from a career-killing scandal, Maya takes a hiatus and heads to San Francisco to refresh and reinvent herself. So, when she is offered the opportunity of a life time to create an installation at a new hot tech company, she jumps at the chance. Well, things don’t turn out so well. Derek Whitley, the CEO of the company, quickly becomes her nemesis. Sure, he is smoldering hot but inside, he is colder than ice. But, why does she still feel an odd sense of attraction to him? As the two of them spend more and more time together, it becomes obvious that there is something more then what meets the eye. Sparks fly and presumptions and old resentments come tumbling down, but after one last secret is revealed, will it bring them closer together? Or further apart?

Unmasking Maya is a fun, quick and witty ride and I loved every second of it. I think Libby does a fantastic job at constructing her characters and making them seem real. Right off the bat I was intrigued by Derek and I really like the fact that although he is physically appealing, there is definitely more than what meets the eye with him. And Maya, she is such a hoot and I definitely enjoyed her character as well. Overall, this book is real light and fun and definitely enjoyable. And if you like mystery and intrigue, you will definitely enjoy the secret aspect of this book.

[Jessica B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was selected by the author due to my love of fun, pick-me-up chick-lit. The beginning of the story was really cute and the way our H/h meet was funny and a great for the relationship between Derek and Maya to get off on the wrong foot. Maya is an artist with a love for fabrics and textiles. She makes beautiful things but Derek doesn't find the charm in her work. Instead he voices his opinions about her work to the artist herself without even knowing it.

Soon after their initial meeting Derek unknowingly hires Maya to complete a new art project at his company. He comes face to face with the woman he met at the art showing previously and things between them seem to burst forward from that point.

The romance was a slow burn and very sweet. However there was more depth to Derek and Maya than first met the eye. They both had somethign from their past that they were hiding. Something that changed the way they lived their lives.
I won;t go into any further because I wouldn't want to ruin this incredible story for anyone else.

If I had one complaint about this book --- it would be that it wasn't long enough. I would have loved to explore these characters even more!

4 stars for this one and I am looking forward to trying more from this author in the future!

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby Mercer is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and the weird thing is that I don't typically like "romance" as much as "chick lit" and her books are definitely romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's first novel, Fashioning a Romance but I enjoyed Unmasking Maya even more. The book was written from Maya's perspective and the tone was so conversational and breezy that I felt like I was in the passenger seat, along for the ride while she quickly fell into lust with Derrick's outer qualities (hot body, beautiful blue eyes) and slowly fell in love with his inner qualities (protective nature, sense of humor). The characters were so real and the chemistry was very believable, but not in an overly serious, "angsty" kind of way - in a fun, giddy kind of way. I definitely chuckled out loud on a few occasions. The humorous nature of the book and the first person perspective read like a chick-lit/light women's fiction novel so even though the main storyline was related to the romance, I didn't get bored as I sometimes do when reading romance. Although the story was pretty short, I did not feel short changed at all in terms of character/relationship development, background or conclusion. I'm really looking forward to Libby's third book, The Karmic Connection to be released later this month.

[RivkaBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC provided by author for review.
Review originally published on my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.com

Maya Kirkwood is the hot new artist whose work with textiles mimics high fashion on a canvas. But she's a mystery - an unknown - never available for the media, represented by an agent, and living in a tiny San Franciscan apartment. Until she lands a commission from a hotshot CEO of a software company in Silicon Valley. Working with left-brained Derek is a challenge for Maya on both personal and professional levels. Especially once secrets and shadows of the past start creeping into her carefully established present. But Derek has secrets of his own, and Maya is unknowingly causing him to face his demons.

I loved the chemistry between Maya and Derek. Maya's a fun, breezy character - and I like that her past is hinted at, and then naturally spins out. I was curious, but didn't feel like I was being led on or taunted. She's a character I can relate to, and her perspective on the 'nerds' working in Silicon Valley? Priceless. I was laughing out loud a few times. And the descriptions of Maya's art and supplies? Mmm, I had a few high fashion daydreams there ... Never a bad thing, you know. All in all, this is a fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed. A beautifully timed story of personal development, conquering the past, and falling in love with the present.