Impostors' Kiss

Symphony of Light #0.5

by Renea Mason

One night of sexual pleasure could teach a lesson in love.

Cyril is weary from weeks of traveling the Scottish moors, but his luck takes a turn when he rescues a battered and broken child. To express his gratitude, the boy’s father offers Cyril a night of carnal indulgence with his eldest daughter. Cyril graciously accepts, looking forward to a night of sexual release to ease the loneliness of his travels.

But what the supernatural sex god and deliverer of souls doesn’t expect is to be taught a lesson in love from the young and beautiful Celestine.

In a night of passion, two lost spirits find solace in an impostor’s kiss: one longing for a love that doesn’t yet exist, the other drowning in pain and guilt over love lost. Neither is what they seem…but what they learn will change them forever…

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Novella, Audiobook, Historical Romance

31 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2013

About the author

"Sexy, fun and so creative it makes my head spin! I'd read the damn phone book if Renea Mason wrote it."
-NYT and USA TODAY Bestselling author ROBYN PETERMAN

Multi-award-winning and bestselling author Renea Mason writes paranormal and contemporary erotic romance that challenges the definition of conventional love. As the author of the 2016 Audie award-winning Curing Doctor Vincent, Renea prides herself on bringing readers unique storylines and memorable characters in her tales of love, lust and mystery.

When she isn't putting her fingers on the keyboard crafting sensual stories filled with intelligent, larger-than-life lovers, she spends time in the Laurel Mountains of Western Pennsylvania with her beyond-supportive husband, two wonderful sons and two loving but needy cats.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Curing Doctor Vincent

WINNER - 2016 Audie Award (Audio Publisher's Association)

3rd Place - 2016 Romance Writers of America New England Chapter - Erotic Romance

1st Place - Ménage Romances Readers Favorite Award - Erotica 2016

1st Place - Book with Most Original Plot - Shameless Book Club Awards 2015

1st Place - Best Ménage and more... - The Romance Reviews Readers Choice Awards 2015

2nd Place - Best Contemporary Erotic Romance -The Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Award 2015

Symphony of Light and Winter

2nd Place - Best New Paranormal Series of 2013 - Paranormal Cravings' Battle of the Books 2013

3rd Place - Best New Paranormal Romance of 2013 - The Paranormal Romance Guild's Reviewers Choice Awards 2013

2nd Place - Erotica/Romantica - Write Touch Contest - Wisconsin Romance Writers - Romance Writers of America Chapter

Finalist - Paranormal - The Passionate Plume Contest - Passionate Ink - National Romance Writers of America Chapter

Finalist - Best First Book - National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award - First Coast Romance Writers- Romance Writers of America Chapter

Finalist - Paranormal Romance - Aspen Gold Contest -Heart of Denver Romance Writers of America - Romance Writers of America Chapter

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Reviews

[Aubrey Wynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the paranormal novel Symphony of Light and Winter and enjoyed it immensely. But when I saw Ms. Mason had written a short in my favorite genre-historical romance-I did the happy dance. She did not disappoint. This earlier version of Cyril is more touchable and compassionate but he still sizzles in a kilt. We are shown bits and pieces of the man he was before Linden and mourn for the loss.
Set in the Highlands, he and his traveling companion Rhys save and return a tavern owner's son. For his trouble, Cyril is offered the owner's daughter. He accepts. Without spoiling the ending, I can say they both find what they need during this intimate night together.
This short is a bittersweet yet steamy tale of love lost and hope. The author lures us in with the promise of paranormal but creates characters that are real and believable. Mason's style, like the hero, is dark and alluring. This can be read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend following it with the novel.

[Luzmaria Morneault-welton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story was packed with so much in such a short period of time. So well written and I enjoyed every part of it. You don't often find shot stories to have such great plots as this book and series does. Usually there's not enough time to fit it all in, in a short read but somehow Renea Mason made it work. A great enjoyable mini read and great start to an excellent series. I loved the characters and felt like I really got to know them. When the book was done I came away feeling like I had read a whole book not just a short story. I highly recommend this book as well as the next in the series.

[Kishan Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Cyril has a softer side... I ready Symphony of Light and Winter a while ago and have been waiting for a sequel ever since. Cyril is a being created by a goddess to fulfill her sexual desires...need I say anymore? He meets a woman who is in need of something he too seeks, love. As much as I liked the Cyril of Symphony, I fell in love with the Cyril of Imposters' Kiss. Renea Mason has created another winner with this story. It is short, but it is powerful. Can't wait to see what trouble he gets into next

[Valerie Twombly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read Renea Mason's Symphony of Light and Winter, this is the perfect glimpse at our beloved Cyril. If you have not, then it is the prefect beginning of one of the best paranormal stories you will ever read. Grab a copy and get ready to submerse yourself in this wonderful world.

[Renegade ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sort of a prequel to Book 1 Symphony in Light and Winter. Wish it was a longer read, but will be diving into the next book now.

Really liked this one. I'm into fantasy/paranormal books so this one was right up my alley. Cyril, an immortal (though he does die and is repeatedly reincarnated, traveling on foot on the Scottish with his companion Rhys. Cyril is in search of his never before seen love of his life, whom he sees in his dreams. When he and his friend come upon an injured boy and return him to his family, a grateful father grants Cyril a night with his daughter Celestine. Both longing for loves they may never see, find comfort in each others arms. A lesson is love is exchanged.

This was a sweet short steamy read. I liked the characters very much. I look forward to reading more books by this wonderful author.

P.S. the cover of this book really makes you want to look between the pages and see what happens!

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imposters Kiss by Renea Mason is the perfect prequel to Symphony of Light and Winter. It is a short novella that introduces us to Cyril and gives us a glimpse into the development of the warm, compassionate, HOT man he is.
This book is a 5 star read and although I have already read Symphony of Light and Winter, I will do so again with Imposters Kiss in the back of my mind. I can't wait for the next book in this series. LOVE IT.

[Toiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 fanfreakingtastic stars! I really enjoyed this read. Cyril is so mmmmmmmm delicious! Very fast paced, sexy, romantic, and there was a story that had you begging for more!!! The good thing about this lovely short is that it's a Novella and it leads to a series. I highly recommend this book!


-Wicked Reads Review Team-

[Cait Jarrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about Cyril's life prior to him meeting Linden. A short story that adds flavor to the Symphony of Light series. I'm hooked.

[Felicity Kates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, poignant and very well written. This glimpse into the world Cyril lives in makes me want to read more. Can't wait to dive into Symphony of Light and Winter!

[Robin Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this Short Story by the author, Renea Mason, for an honest review and so I shall deliver.

The Review

First and foremost...this is a SHORT STORY! It is 31 pages long, but it packs a sexy punch in those 31 pages. This is 0.5 of the Symphony Of Light Series, a prequel to Symphony of Light and Winter(Read Review Here) (Buy From Amazon.com Here) with a little tease for book 2 in the series.

I loved this short story.  It gave us a glimpse into who Cyril is as a man.  His compassion, his sex appeal and his prowess.

He's searching for his "Light" while Celestine is searching for the love she feels she sacrificed when she asked Ian, her one true love, to go to war in her father's place.

Celestine knows exactly who she is pretending Cyril to be.  Cyril however can only invision a beautiful redhead he has never met, but who makes him feel complete.

I highly recommend this novella...but most of all I recommend Symphony of Light and Winter.  I'm honestly torn between recommending you read this to get a taste of Symphony of Light and Winter and telling you to read Symphony of Light and Winter first.  Impostors' Kiss just can't capture everything Cyril is in just a few pages. Nor can it really give you a true insight into the magic Renea Mason gives you with Symphony of Light and Winter.

So I guess my final thought would be this:  If you're strapped for cash and want a small nibble of Cyril and Renea Mason, then you can't go wrong with $0.99.  However if you have the extra money to spend on Symphony of Light and Winter, please, do yourself a favor and get it. I stand by my initial comment that Symphony of Light and Winter was like Christmas Day. Opening that wonderful story up, was something I'll always treasure.  Impostors' Kiss is like a sexy card that is just giving you a sneak peek. ♥

~Robin

[preppea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read IMPOSTORS’ KISS in numerical order—as a prequel to SYMPHONY OF LIGHT AND WINTER. The story is told in an interesting combination of genres: mixing historical fiction and paranormal as it is a glimpse into Cyril’s past. It does a great job of introducing this new paranormal concept and giving the reader insight into why Cyril is so frustrated and angry with his lack of memory in SYMPHONY OF LIGHT AND WINTER. While it serves a great purpose in providing information for the series, I fear it may turn off some readers who started this series thanks to the erotic and contemporary summary of the SYMPHONY OF LIGHT series. I would urge any reader who reads IMPOSTORS’ KISS and feels that way to continue with the series as I completely fell in love with it in the next book and was grateful that I had the background information I’d learned in this prequel.

Cyril is on a mission when he stops to save a boy’s life. The boy’s father offers Cyril one night with his daughter as a thank you. Cyril and the innkeeper’s daughter both love another, but they agree to mutually use each other as a substitute for their true love. The sex, told from Cyril’s point of view, was a bit vulgar and arrogant for my taste, since he’s basically describing how well-endowed and amazing he is. However, as a prequel it was actually very helpful in understanding how Cyril’s magic works and what defines him as a paranormal character.

On it’s own, I give IMPOSTORS’ KISS 3 stars; however if I were grading it on the value added to the series as a whole it would get much higher marks.

**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.

[Rara Loves to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Imposter’s Kiss by Renea Mason is a short and quick introduction to the Symphony of Light series. Despite being a very short read, Ms. Mason manages to both grab my attention with an original story that is well-written and intriguing.

We meet Cyril when he finds an injured child. After returning the child to his innkeeper father, Cyril is rewarded with a night with the innkeeper’s daughter. But instead of taking advantage, Cyril offers only kindness and thoughtfulness to Celestine. She returns the favor and this creates a hot, but touching love scene that you just don’t expect.

Imposter’s Kiss is a combination of historical and paranormal romance. Cyril is not exactly human and we learn who and what he is. We also learn about his desire for a mysterious woman which is obviously the lead into the first book in the series, Symphony of Light and Winter.

Though a prequel, Imposter’s Kiss was released after Symphony of Light and Winter. I did not read the first book but because Imposter’s Kiss is set as a prequel, it’s not necessary. That being said, I did find myself confused for the first couple of pages since I had no prior knowledge of what exactly Cyril was and I remained confused until Cyril and his friend came upon the injured child.

When the action switched to Cyrus and Celestine, I was finally pulled into the story. The sex surprised me with the depth of emotion. Ms. Mason demonstrated the healing power of love as Cyril helped Celestine accept the loss of her true love. Celestine showed Cyril how there is still kindness in the world. Ms. Mason was able to pack quite the life lesson in only 31 pages.

If Imposter’s Kiss is an indication of Ms. Mason’s writing skills, then I am intrigued to pick up and read Symphony of Light and Water. After all, I need to learn about that mysterious woman Cyril keeps dreaming about . . .

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyril is one hell of an alpha male in this story; heroic, sexy, but oh so sentimental—it just melts my heart. Cyril is a man of many talents—some supernatural—and was created in the eyes of his goddess for sexual perfection; and if I say so myself, I would have to say she did a job well done.
While on a long journey one day, Cyril and his men stumbled upon a child who needed rescue. On returning the boy to his father to their popular tavern, Cyril was offered a night of passion with his daughter in exchange for his heroic deed. However, no matter how much his body craves the attention from a beautiful woman, there’s just one issue that may hinder his ability to take on this delicious offer.
For the last three-hundred years—the last time he had been reincarnated-- Cyril has feared losing the image of a woman he believes is the love of his existence. Her face haunts his dreams, she’s in everything he sees, every woman he meets and he is positive they will once again be reunited. Until then, he cannot love anyone else, he won’t allow it.
When Cyril is finally introduced to the daughter, Celestine, he makes a decision that had my heart falling right into his lap. This is where I will leave you, the reader, to see what happens next—it is so much more heart-filling when reading. Will his weakness deepen their heartaches, or will their hearts come together to give each other strength in a time of mourning?

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable paranormal novella! (eBook)
I enjoyed reading this paranormal novella. The plot is very good. The story captured my interest right away and stayed with me until the end. The sex is HOT!!! I loved the way this author transferred just sex between strangers into a real love. You have to read the story to understand what I mean by that. Cyril sounds delicious!!! Kudos to the author, Renea Mason for a job well done! I look forward to reading the next book.

Very Sexy! (audio book) added 12/15/15
Wow, for a little book, it sure packs a punch! I loved this short story prequel! The writing is awesome and the narration is to die for! This is a steamy paranormal read. I mean STEAMY, yet very classy.

The author, Renea Mason is a excellent writer. I have loved every book written by her so far. The dual narration Ms.Mason has chosen to use for all of her books so far is freaking awesome and that's an understatement! The dual narrators, Noah Michael Levine and Erin deWard are fabulous. Together they really raise the bar in the audio book world of narrations! I get the feeling Noah could make any woman drop to her knees...

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shows the kind and caring side of Cyril. You see that he is searching for his one while Celestine is wanting to forget hers. It also is one hot read let me tell you. The colliding of these two for one night is hubba hubba hot. One of the things that will be seen is that Cyril has dreamed of the woman he desires as his soulmate in detail. Why is this important? Because of the next book. the drawings in particular will be understood and explained by this.

Celestine lost her love in the war and his soul has yet to be released. That isn’t her worst fear though. Hers is being sold to men by her dad. But Cyril doesn’t act like the others. He treats her with kindness and shows her what love is to be and feel like.

Such a wonderful story showing the kindness of Cyril and how much his capacity to love is. Also shows what he desires in his love and soulmate.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impostors' Kiss was a nice prequel to the Symphony of Light series. It was a quick read (approx 30 minutes) and was very well written. Because of its length it is simply a moment in Cyril's current life and, as such, it serves as more of an introduction to Cyril rather than his story. As first impressions go, I'm unsure of how I felt about Cyril. I was impressed by his actions regarding Celestine before, during, and after their sexual interlude. Despite this, I felt there were more questions raised about Cyril than impressions made. I understand that the goal of such a prequel is to raise questions that are designed to entice the reader to buy the next book in the series, but Impostors' Kiss did not do that for me. However, the inclusion of the blurb for the next book combined with the info gleaned in Impostors' Kiss did and I will be adding Symphony of Light and Winter to my TBR list.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

A short novella that introduces you to Cyril and his friend Rhys. Cyril is a man "blessed" by a Goddess to be reincarnated for enterity. He loses part of himself with each death, remembers some of his past lives, but is doomed to repeat what he can't remember.

As he performs the duties assigned to him by the Goddess, he is constantly searching for his love, his Light. He has searched through each of lives, thousands of years, with no luck.

This novella allows you to look a brief snippet of Cyril's life and the struggles he faces while trying to retain some semblance of humanity.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyril has lived many lives and he always forgets more than he remembers. He is traveling the Scottish moors when he see's a small boy laying in the ditch. He has been beaten and left for dead. When they return the boy to his family he gets one night with the inn keepers daughter. Celestine can't forget her love and she believes her dad shouldn't use her the way he does. She only has the love of her man to keep her sane.

I can't imagine knowing that I would keep dying and coming back and not able to remember everything that I need to. This was a great look into the book so that we can see a little of Cyril. He isn't a bad guy and he never forces a woman to do anything. If I had to pick a man, Cyril would be the one that I would want. I love Scottish highlanders and there is just something about them that turns me on. I don't know what Cyril is and I hope we find out in the next book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of a "young" Cyril. This story just goes to show you're never too old to learn-- to learn of love and hope.

"Never underestimate love. It never dies; it simply waits."

And the ones we learn from can be surprising as Cyril finds out. A Innkeepers daughter, given to Cyril as payment for a good deed. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just tell to be prepared for hot steamy scenes!

The only negative is that it's too damn short! It stands alone from SYMPHONY OF LIGHT AND WINTER, but it's an excellent introduction to Rhys, Stanton, Cyril and his Light.

[Beckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyril and Rhys are weeks into traveling after receiving an urgent message from Stanton when they stumble across a young boy.
They discover that he is the inn keepers son and take him home.

The reward for such deed:

"Young Lady, your father offered you as payment. You are a token of his gratitude to me for my saving your brother's life. What do you say to that?"
"What do you wish"
"A kiss. That's what I desire."

I can go on with this one.. I found the book to be a great quick read. I had received the book for an honest review, thank you.

[Tamera McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this short novel a great part of the Symphony of Light and Winter series

I read Symphony of Light and Winter and just loved it. Now we have Impostors Kiss and we see a glimpse of Cyril before Symphony, and the life he lived and died in. We find that he has a kind, genital side when his path come across another who like him is looking for their love and in part acceptance. I find myself loving Cyril even more than I did before. I adore how Renea Mason has made a world where we as readers just dive into and want more. Looking forward to what comes next!

[Julie Ayling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy for my honest review
This was a short but very sexy read. Cyril I just returned and injured boy and for the gratitude of the innkeeper he gives him his daughter in exchange for one night she reminds him of the one that he wants but sees the pain in her that he does not take her for the night and walks away. When she comes to him the love you feel that night is the love for the one she's lost in the love for the one he wants this was a short but a turn up the heat read wow oh wow

[Cyndi Marie ☆★Audiobook Addict★☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review 🎧

What a great novella! I actually listened to this after I listened to books 1 & 2 and it was great! I loved getting a little extra of this series. This short book was full of excitement and hot sex! I can't get over how well this author can write a one night sex scene and make you fall in love with the characters too! This series is awesome and this little extra was perfect!!

Noah & Erin are amazing as always! I love the style of narration used in this authors Audiobooks!

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected offer of a night with the innkeepers daughter turns into a lesson in love Cyril will never forget.

This short story is the perfect introduction to Renea Mason's Symphony of Light series. You can read this on it's own or as a companion to Symphony of Light and Winter, the first in the series. It is steamy and thoughtful all in a quick and fun read. I dare you to read this one and not pick up Symphony of Light and Winter. I know I'm looking forward to book two and beyond.

[J.S. Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impostors Kiss – Renea Mason 4 Stars
     This novella gives you a good taste of things to come and an idea of the writer' s style. While I was confused as to the timeline of the story due to small details like the clothing choice for the male characters and locals in the town, it still left me curious and wanting more. Great job by this first time author and I look forward to getting to know her work more.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this short story. It explained Cyril's paintings in Symphony of Light and Winter. Cyril is a wet dream waiting to happen so dang hot. He finds out that love is possible for him whether he wants to believe it or not. Love his compassion for the souls he sends to where they belong. Definitely read this and Symphony of Light and Winter you will fall in love with the characters.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was sweet and steamy. A lot of times when I read erotic and romantic parts of books they don't go together in my mind. But this short story gave me a feeling of romance with the emotional understanding between the couple when none is there. It has that emotional intimacy with the hotness going for it.

[Kristen Nelson-Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Loved the intro....desperate for more....Character's are uniquely created...
This sheds light in many dark places in Symphony...and ties the ending up with sheer understanding of book one. I only wish that this was longer and that the author shared a little more. So wonderfully written and a very enjoyable read.

[Amanda Miller /A Bookaholic's Fix: Feeding the Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gives so much insight to Cyril's character and proves that he can overcome the limitations set on him by his creator. It is told from his point of view and shows just what kind of being he is. I absolutely loved it and after reading book 2, I understand just how important it is to know the story of Cyril and the innkeeper's daughter.