What do you think?
Rate this book
Georgians in Paris
The Vicomte's Masquerade: Georgians in Paris
♥★♥★♥★ He's the last man she’d ever marry. She’s the last woman he’ll ever love.
Sent to Paris with her elderly chaperone, Miss Melinda Finlay resists her arranged marriage to a haughty French vicomte. The headstrong beauty would rather drown in the channel than marry the odious man! Fate intervenes when a dashing English traveler crosses their path, offering assistance and a carriage ride to Paris. Little does Mellie know that this charming stranger carries his own burden of lost love and hidden truths.
As their enchanting adventure unfolds amidst the splendor of the Tuileries and Versailles, Mellie and Philippe discover a passionate connection that neither anticipated. Yet, as the shadow of Mellie's impending nuptials looms over them, she faces an impossible choice.
Will she have the audacity to defy the shackles of societal convention and follow her heart? ♥The Vicomte's Masquerade is a light-hearted, sweet & clean Georgian Romance ♥ Other books in the Georgians in Paris
* These books can be read out of order.
Sent to Paris with her elderly chaperone, Miss Melinda Finlay resists her arranged marriage to a haughty French vicomte. The headstrong beauty would rather drown in the channel than marry the odious man! Fate intervenes when a dashing English traveler crosses their path, offering assistance and a carriage ride to Paris. Little does Mellie know that this charming stranger carries his own burden of lost love and hidden truths.
As their enchanting adventure unfolds amidst the splendor of the Tuileries and Versailles, Mellie and Philippe discover a passionate connection that neither anticipated. Yet, as the shadow of Mellie's impending nuptials looms over them, she faces an impossible choice.
Will she have the audacity to defy the shackles of societal convention and follow her heart? ♥The Vicomte's Masquerade is a light-hearted, sweet & clean Georgian Romance ♥ Other books in the Georgians in Paris
* These books can be read out of order.
178 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2024
139 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 23, 2024
✨"𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒖, 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕. 𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔."✨
If you need a break from dark, devastating books, you've come to the right place!
Mellie's father personally arranged her marriage before he died to the horrid and vicious, Philippe Alexandre, Vicomte Fouquet de Lacasse but she’d rather drown in the channel than marry him, therefore running away from her groom seems the best option. But what ensues is a series of mayhem and adventure in the midst of an unexpected romance.
The Vicomte's Masquerade is a Georgian Romance set with the gorgeous backdrop setting of Paris. This book is set in the 18th century, which's new to me as I rarely read such eras, especially romance. There were many new terms to me but it was enchanting rather than confusing.
Mellie was adorably eccentric, mischievous and chaotic, while Philippe Alexandre was adorably shy, kind and cute, despite the rumors, and this contrast created the sweetest chemistry possible. With pov of both and their witty banter being icing on the cake.
Normally I hate misunderstandings especially in romance but somehow it was extremely hilarious out here. There were so many moments where I audibly laughed!
Sofi offered a vibrant and perfectly paced novel, with endearing characters and captivating storyline, that I ended up reading this book in one sitting. If you’re looking for a short, clean and cute romance, you must read this! A perfect breather!
My Rating: 5/5 ⭐
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
If you need a break from dark, devastating books, you've come to the right place!
Mellie's father personally arranged her marriage before he died to the horrid and vicious, Philippe Alexandre, Vicomte Fouquet de Lacasse but she’d rather drown in the channel than marry him, therefore running away from her groom seems the best option. But what ensues is a series of mayhem and adventure in the midst of an unexpected romance.
The Vicomte's Masquerade is a Georgian Romance set with the gorgeous backdrop setting of Paris. This book is set in the 18th century, which's new to me as I rarely read such eras, especially romance. There were many new terms to me but it was enchanting rather than confusing.
Mellie was adorably eccentric, mischievous and chaotic, while Philippe Alexandre was adorably shy, kind and cute, despite the rumors, and this contrast created the sweetest chemistry possible. With pov of both and their witty banter being icing on the cake.
Normally I hate misunderstandings especially in romance but somehow it was extremely hilarious out here. There were so many moments where I audibly laughed!
Sofi offered a vibrant and perfectly paced novel, with endearing characters and captivating storyline, that I ended up reading this book in one sitting. If you’re looking for a short, clean and cute romance, you must read this! A perfect breather!
My Rating: 5/5 ⭐
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
April 18, 2024
This novella is adorable! I loved it! This story has so many fun tropes, the story line is so fun and unique, and I was completely glued to the pages!
It also has fun moments, laugh out loud scenes, sweet and tender moments, wonderful characters, and a gorgeous setting!
I loved the spunky and hilarious Melinda, the sweet and shy Mr. Brown, and the mysterious Philippe. A highlight for me was visiting lovely places in France! I loved getting a glimpse into the Georgian era there.
So get ready to go on a roadtrip through France with amazing characters that you will fall for! This book will take you on a wonderful adventure!
Read for:
🤍France/Paris
🤍Arranged marriage with a twist
🤍Runaway bride
🤍Road trip
🤍Spunky heroine
🤍Sweet and shy hero
🤍Fun storyline
🤍Banter!!!
This is my first book by Sofi Laporte and it will not be my last. I loved her writing style. It’s beautiful and the story flowed so nicely! She created wonderful characters that I was rooting for! Truly an adorable and enjoyable novella that’ll have you smiling so much!!!!
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
It also has fun moments, laugh out loud scenes, sweet and tender moments, wonderful characters, and a gorgeous setting!
I loved the spunky and hilarious Melinda, the sweet and shy Mr. Brown, and the mysterious Philippe. A highlight for me was visiting lovely places in France! I loved getting a glimpse into the Georgian era there.
So get ready to go on a roadtrip through France with amazing characters that you will fall for! This book will take you on a wonderful adventure!
Read for:
🤍France/Paris
🤍Arranged marriage with a twist
🤍Runaway bride
🤍Road trip
🤍Spunky heroine
🤍Sweet and shy hero
🤍Fun storyline
🤍Banter!!!
This is my first book by Sofi Laporte and it will not be my last. I loved her writing style. It’s beautiful and the story flowed so nicely! She created wonderful characters that I was rooting for! Truly an adorable and enjoyable novella that’ll have you smiling so much!!!!
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
Another darling novella in this series! The outspoken and energetic Mellie is determined that she will never marry the Vicomte, a man rumored to mistreat all his servants and to get around with the ladies. Her father arranged it when she was but a child, and even though she swore she would marry him as her father’s dying wish, she vows she cannot. She will do whatever it takes to prevent it from happening.
Phillipe, the vicomte has traveled to pick up his Fiancée, and is shocked to overhear her declaring her hatred for him. He takes on a ruse of a traveler, and finds himself falling quite into an enchantment with her.
Will he be able to win her over? Is her opinions of him completely misguided? You will just have to read this charming book to find out. But only read if you enjoy quick reads that are full of wit, charm, and second chances. A definite must read!!
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Phillipe, the vicomte has traveled to pick up his Fiancée, and is shocked to overhear her declaring her hatred for him. He takes on a ruse of a traveler, and finds himself falling quite into an enchantment with her.
Will he be able to win her over? Is her opinions of him completely misguided? You will just have to read this charming book to find out. But only read if you enjoy quick reads that are full of wit, charm, and second chances. A definite must read!!
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
Sofi has long been a favourite author of mine. I have reread her Regency novels time and time again because of their entertaining but also enlightening content. So when the opportunity came to preread her latest book in order to share my honest opinions about it, I jumped at the chance!
The Vicomte’s Masquerade (which is part of the multi-authored Georgians in Paris collaboration) is a slight deviation from Sofi’s usual style in that it’s set in the 18th century and not in the Regency period, but once again this fabulous author showed her prowess at meticulous research. Thus, this lighthearted, ill-fated romance full of witty banter was not just a fun clean read but also a wonderful insight into the culture and fashion of 18th century France!
I loved absolutely everything about this book (as per usual when it comes to Sofi’s writing) but the things I adored the most were:
1. Mellie’s hilarious tendency to attempt to avoid her wedding at all costs, no matter what, for who would want to marry such a terribly wicked and odious rake of a man?
2. Poor Phillipe’s absolute confusion as to why Mellie is so determined to believe the worst of him, and his subsequent masquerade and bumbling wooing of his own fiancée
3. The descriptions of the delectable eats, stunning fashions and exquisite architecture of 18th century France, as well as the culture itself – not least the intricately described masquerade ball near the end of the book.
4. The characters!
4a. Mellie was charmingly obnoxious, especially when pretending to be a boy, and her interactions with Mr Brown were endearingly hilarious. I felt so sorry for poor Philippe when she kept describing the “odious vicomte” to him when she thought he was Mr Brown and his reactions upon hearing her ridiculously false assumptions about his character were sweet, charming and too funny for words! Oh how I adore that man! Marry ME Philippe!
4b. Philippe / Mr Brown / The Vicomte Fouquet de Lacasse was everything anyone could ask for in an MMC. Contrary to Mellie’s beliefs he was charming, sweet, kind, patient, a bit of a coward (in his own words) which only made him more attractive to me, and adorably confused by the contradiction that is Melinda Finlay! His gentle and unassuming character had me falling in love with him from the start and he alone would make this book worth reading a million times over!
4c. Not only Mellie and Phillippe but also the side characters in this story were an absolute hoot! - Marie Antoinette was portrayed as a stunning and mysterious beauty with a heart of gold. This was a different take on the queen than the usual portrayals of somebody heartless and a little bit dense, so I fully appreciated this new POV! Mellie’s mother had a hilarious habit of swooning at inconvenient moments; her exceptionally clever, extremely brusque and wonderfully direct aunt had me giggling uncontrollably. Violet was the best sister one could ask for – often assisting Mellie in her efforts to avoid her bridegroom at all costs - and the little boy that helped Mellie after she missed the coche was, in a word, completely adorable!
5. The smatterings of French throughout the book, many of which were combined with translations that added to the flow of the story rather than detracting from it.
6. The hilarious mistaken identities of both Phillippe and Mellie – ah what a charming lad Mellie made! And Philippe’s persona of Mr Brown had my heart melting quicker than the icing on a mille feuille on a sunny day!
7. The pineapple at the dinner table! Nowadays pineapples are just another fruit, but in those days they were more valuable than diamonds and Aunt Wilma’s declaration that the Vicomte was too wealthy for his own good had me in stitches! – “It appears the man does not know what to do with his wealth. When he does not eat items more precious than gold, like that pineapple, he grinds his pearls to dust and smears them on his face.” (Wouldn’t it be nice to be that rich? lol)
I could go on for days about how much I loved this utterly hilarious novella, so much so that I’m already rereading it a second time and can easily imagine reading it a billion times more before I die, but this review is already entirely too long! So in conclusion, suffice it to say that Sofi has produced another masterpiece of epic proportions and the sooner you can read it the better!
The Vicomte’s Masquerade (which is part of the multi-authored Georgians in Paris collaboration) is a slight deviation from Sofi’s usual style in that it’s set in the 18th century and not in the Regency period, but once again this fabulous author showed her prowess at meticulous research. Thus, this lighthearted, ill-fated romance full of witty banter was not just a fun clean read but also a wonderful insight into the culture and fashion of 18th century France!
I loved absolutely everything about this book (as per usual when it comes to Sofi’s writing) but the things I adored the most were:
1. Mellie’s hilarious tendency to attempt to avoid her wedding at all costs, no matter what, for who would want to marry such a terribly wicked and odious rake of a man?
2. Poor Phillipe’s absolute confusion as to why Mellie is so determined to believe the worst of him, and his subsequent masquerade and bumbling wooing of his own fiancée
3. The descriptions of the delectable eats, stunning fashions and exquisite architecture of 18th century France, as well as the culture itself – not least the intricately described masquerade ball near the end of the book.
4. The characters!
4a. Mellie was charmingly obnoxious, especially when pretending to be a boy, and her interactions with Mr Brown were endearingly hilarious. I felt so sorry for poor Philippe when she kept describing the “odious vicomte” to him when she thought he was Mr Brown and his reactions upon hearing her ridiculously false assumptions about his character were sweet, charming and too funny for words! Oh how I adore that man! Marry ME Philippe!
4b. Philippe / Mr Brown / The Vicomte Fouquet de Lacasse was everything anyone could ask for in an MMC. Contrary to Mellie’s beliefs he was charming, sweet, kind, patient, a bit of a coward (in his own words) which only made him more attractive to me, and adorably confused by the contradiction that is Melinda Finlay! His gentle and unassuming character had me falling in love with him from the start and he alone would make this book worth reading a million times over!
4c. Not only Mellie and Phillippe but also the side characters in this story were an absolute hoot! - Marie Antoinette was portrayed as a stunning and mysterious beauty with a heart of gold. This was a different take on the queen than the usual portrayals of somebody heartless and a little bit dense, so I fully appreciated this new POV! Mellie’s mother had a hilarious habit of swooning at inconvenient moments; her exceptionally clever, extremely brusque and wonderfully direct aunt had me giggling uncontrollably. Violet was the best sister one could ask for – often assisting Mellie in her efforts to avoid her bridegroom at all costs - and the little boy that helped Mellie after she missed the coche was, in a word, completely adorable!
5. The smatterings of French throughout the book, many of which were combined with translations that added to the flow of the story rather than detracting from it.
6. The hilarious mistaken identities of both Phillippe and Mellie – ah what a charming lad Mellie made! And Philippe’s persona of Mr Brown had my heart melting quicker than the icing on a mille feuille on a sunny day!
7. The pineapple at the dinner table! Nowadays pineapples are just another fruit, but in those days they were more valuable than diamonds and Aunt Wilma’s declaration that the Vicomte was too wealthy for his own good had me in stitches! – “It appears the man does not know what to do with his wealth. When he does not eat items more precious than gold, like that pineapple, he grinds his pearls to dust and smears them on his face.” (Wouldn’t it be nice to be that rich? lol)
I could go on for days about how much I loved this utterly hilarious novella, so much so that I’m already rereading it a second time and can easily imagine reading it a billion times more before I die, but this review is already entirely too long! So in conclusion, suffice it to say that Sofi has produced another masterpiece of epic proportions and the sooner you can read it the better!
Read
January 26, 2025🌟4/5
❤️🩹2/5
🥰4/5
🌶️0/5
🔎0/5
😰2/5
🎭😂3/5
🎭😭0/5
👻0/5
🔬0/5
🔫0/5
🏥0/5
✍🏼5/5
🥱0/5
🏃🏻♀️4/5
🌎5/5
💁🏻♀️5/5
🙅🏻♀️
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Courtesy of StoryGraph
Gaslighting
Deception
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
This was incredibly cute and very sweet. Our dear Mellie learned a lesson of judging someone before even knowing them, as well as believing gossip and hearsay about them.
Phillippe handles the situation in the most mature and clever way possible.
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
He's the last man she'd ever marry. She's the last woman he'll ever love.
Sent to Paris with her elderly chaperone, Miss Melinda Finlay resists her arranged marriage to a haughty French vicomte. The headstrong beauty would rather drown in the channel than marry the odious man! Fate intervenes when a dashing Scottish traveler crosses their path, offering assistance and a carriage ride to Paris. Little does Mellie know that this charming stranger carries his own burden of hidden truths.
As their enchanting adventure unfolds amidst the splendour of the Tuileries and Versailles, Mellie and Philippe discover a passionate connection that neither had anticipated. Yet, as the shadow of Mellie's impending nuptials looms over them, she faces an impossible choice.
Will she have the audacity to defy the shackles of societal convention and follow her heart?
Other books in the Georgians in Paris Series:
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
3.7⭐️
based on 5 reviews
MOODS
lighthearted: 100%
funny: 75%
relaxing: 25%
Pace
66%
66% of readers chose fast
33%
33% of readers chose medium
Fast
Medium
Plot or character driven?
33%
33% of readers chose Plot
33%
33% of readers chose A mix
33%
33% of readers chose Character
Plot
A mix
Character
Strong character development?
66%
66% of readers chose Yes
33%
33% of readers chose N/A
Yes
N/A
Loveable characters?
33%
33% of readers chose Yes
66%
66% of readers chose Complicated
Yes
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters?
33%
33% of readers chose No
66%
66% of readers chose N/A
No
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus?
100%
100% of readers chose Yes
Yes
RATING KEY:
🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared🫣/Anxious😱 - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy😂/Tragedy😭
-based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky😵💫/Creepy🧟♀️ -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!
🔬 Sci-Fi -based on the Science Fiction in the book as well as the Dystopian elements.
🔫 Action/Thriller -based on if I thought this was more of a spy action type of thriller.
🏥 Medical Content -based on the amount and the accuracy of any medical content or if the book is supposed to be a medical style thriller.
✍🏼 Writing Style -based on if I enjoyed the writing style or not and how the author portrayed the world, characters, concept, plot etc.
🥱 Boredom -based on if I was bored if it held my interest or if I’d rather be doing something else 😴.
🏃🏻♀️ Book Pacing -Based on how quickly I thought the book moved.
🌎 World Development -Based on how well I liked the world development of the story.
💁🏻♀️ Character Development -Based on how well the characters were fleshed out and if I hated or loved with a passion.
🙅🏻♀️ DNF -based on if the book is just stupid, boring, childish, overly ridiculous etc.
**rounded up or down based on how the book left me feeling and because Goodreads doesn’t offer half stars.
***Triggers are listed most to least severe.
❤️🩹2/5
🥰4/5
🌶️0/5
🔎0/5
😰2/5
🎭😂3/5
🎭😭0/5
👻0/5
🔬0/5
🔫0/5
🏥0/5
✍🏼5/5
🥱0/5
🏃🏻♀️4/5
🌎5/5
💁🏻♀️5/5
🙅🏻♀️
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Courtesy of StoryGraph
Gaslighting
Deception
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
This was incredibly cute and very sweet. Our dear Mellie learned a lesson of judging someone before even knowing them, as well as believing gossip and hearsay about them.
Phillippe handles the situation in the most mature and clever way possible.
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
He's the last man she'd ever marry. She's the last woman he'll ever love.
Sent to Paris with her elderly chaperone, Miss Melinda Finlay resists her arranged marriage to a haughty French vicomte. The headstrong beauty would rather drown in the channel than marry the odious man! Fate intervenes when a dashing Scottish traveler crosses their path, offering assistance and a carriage ride to Paris. Little does Mellie know that this charming stranger carries his own burden of hidden truths.
As their enchanting adventure unfolds amidst the splendour of the Tuileries and Versailles, Mellie and Philippe discover a passionate connection that neither had anticipated. Yet, as the shadow of Mellie's impending nuptials looms over them, she faces an impossible choice.
Will she have the audacity to defy the shackles of societal convention and follow her heart?
Other books in the Georgians in Paris Series:
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
3.7⭐️
based on 5 reviews
MOODS
lighthearted: 100%
funny: 75%
relaxing: 25%
Pace
66%
66% of readers chose fast
33%
33% of readers chose medium
Fast
Medium
Plot or character driven?
33%
33% of readers chose Plot
33%
33% of readers chose A mix
33%
33% of readers chose Character
Plot
A mix
Character
Strong character development?
66%
66% of readers chose Yes
33%
33% of readers chose N/A
Yes
N/A
Loveable characters?
33%
33% of readers chose Yes
66%
66% of readers chose Complicated
Yes
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters?
33%
33% of readers chose No
66%
66% of readers chose N/A
No
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus?
100%
100% of readers chose Yes
Yes
RATING KEY:
🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared🫣/Anxious😱 - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy😂/Tragedy😭
-based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
👻 Spooky😵💫/Creepy🧟♀️ -based on if this had any occult or paranormal themes and if those elements creeped me out or gave me anxiety!
🔬 Sci-Fi -based on the Science Fiction in the book as well as the Dystopian elements.
🔫 Action/Thriller -based on if I thought this was more of a spy action type of thriller.
🏥 Medical Content -based on the amount and the accuracy of any medical content or if the book is supposed to be a medical style thriller.
✍🏼 Writing Style -based on if I enjoyed the writing style or not and how the author portrayed the world, characters, concept, plot etc.
🥱 Boredom -based on if I was bored if it held my interest or if I’d rather be doing something else 😴.
🏃🏻♀️ Book Pacing -Based on how quickly I thought the book moved.
🌎 World Development -Based on how well I liked the world development of the story.
💁🏻♀️ Character Development -Based on how well the characters were fleshed out and if I hated or loved with a passion.
🙅🏻♀️ DNF -based on if the book is just stupid, boring, childish, overly ridiculous etc.
**rounded up or down based on how the book left me feeling and because Goodreads doesn’t offer half stars.
***Triggers are listed most to least severe.
April 18, 2024
Sofi LaPorte does it again - writes a story that is so engaging with humor and a case of mistaken identity. The story captured me from the very first sentences and didn't let me go until the last page was read. I love her style of writing. The time period and place of this story was interesting as so many regencies take place while France and Britain are at war. This story takes place as there is a period of peace between those countries. This book is actually part of a multi author series Georgians in Paris. This is the only story in this series that I have read and it is perfect as a stand alone story.
The story is that Miss Melinda Finlay has been betrothed from a young age to a French man, Philippe Alexandre, Vicomte Fouquet de Lacasse. She has heard terrible rumors about the man that she has never actually met and is doing everything she can to avoid the wedding. She even claimed to have a case of smallpox to postpone their nuptials. Her Aunt Wilma is traveling with her from Scotland to Paris and the whole trip has had problem after problem. When they arrive in Calais with missing luggage and no carriage to take them on to Paris, Melinda is actually happy. She wants to miss her upcoming wedding. Soon after her betrothed shows up dressed in very simple traveling clothes and he overhears her speaking horrible things about him. When they do not realize who he is, he introduces himself with a Scottish accent as Mr Robert Brown. He offers to drive them to Paris but Melinda won't accept the ride and tells him to go.
Philippe is a shy man who is nothing like his father or grandfather who had people in fear of them. He only met Melinda one time when she was younger and she didn't realize who he was. That one look had him fall in love with her and he has patiently waited through one postponement after another to finally get to marry her. When he overhears how she would rather marry anyone but him, he decides to introduce himself with the name of his mentor Robert Brown. He had been Scottish so Philippe could speak excellent English with a slight Scottish brogue. After her refusal to take the ride in his carriage, he leaves them to find their own way but catches up to her aunt later to find out that Melinda missed the carriage and was left behind. Philippe goes back to find her and discovers her dressed as a young man. Offering to help her get to Paris the two set off on an adventure that will have Philippe falling more in love and hoping that his bride will change her feelings towards him as she gets to know him. The only problem is how will she respond when she finds out that her betrothed, Vicomte is actually Mr Brown?
This is such a fun story and I loved watching the relationship grow between these two.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
The story is that Miss Melinda Finlay has been betrothed from a young age to a French man, Philippe Alexandre, Vicomte Fouquet de Lacasse. She has heard terrible rumors about the man that she has never actually met and is doing everything she can to avoid the wedding. She even claimed to have a case of smallpox to postpone their nuptials. Her Aunt Wilma is traveling with her from Scotland to Paris and the whole trip has had problem after problem. When they arrive in Calais with missing luggage and no carriage to take them on to Paris, Melinda is actually happy. She wants to miss her upcoming wedding. Soon after her betrothed shows up dressed in very simple traveling clothes and he overhears her speaking horrible things about him. When they do not realize who he is, he introduces himself with a Scottish accent as Mr Robert Brown. He offers to drive them to Paris but Melinda won't accept the ride and tells him to go.
Philippe is a shy man who is nothing like his father or grandfather who had people in fear of them. He only met Melinda one time when she was younger and she didn't realize who he was. That one look had him fall in love with her and he has patiently waited through one postponement after another to finally get to marry her. When he overhears how she would rather marry anyone but him, he decides to introduce himself with the name of his mentor Robert Brown. He had been Scottish so Philippe could speak excellent English with a slight Scottish brogue. After her refusal to take the ride in his carriage, he leaves them to find their own way but catches up to her aunt later to find out that Melinda missed the carriage and was left behind. Philippe goes back to find her and discovers her dressed as a young man. Offering to help her get to Paris the two set off on an adventure that will have Philippe falling more in love and hoping that his bride will change her feelings towards him as she gets to know him. The only problem is how will she respond when she finds out that her betrothed, Vicomte is actually Mr Brown?
This is such a fun story and I loved watching the relationship grow between these two.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
April 14, 2024
Reasons to read:
-Hidden Identities
- Arranged marriage trope
- forced proximity
- Shy/Unassuming Hero, Outspoken/Mischievous Heroine
- Humor and Historical notes
- Glamorous Georgian era Paris at its peak
My Thoughts:
A brash young Millie, determined to avoid her arranged marriage at all costs reluctantly enlists the help of an unassuming, but incredibly nice, Mr. Brown to do everything in her power to miss her wedding day. But when some (forced) quality time together becomes a necessity rather than a choice, both Millie and Mr. Brown discover more than they bargained for.
True to the writing style characteristic of Sofi La Porte, you can expect some hilarious dialogue and general mayhem to ensue in this heartfelt story. While this story is a novella, it felt like a full-length novel credited to great pacing, character development, depth, and a sweet, but hard-won, romance.
I loved Millie and Mr. Brown. Both had their reasons for keeping their secrets and the choices they made but the pacing was great and worked in favor of the plot and relationship. I enjoyed the fact that their reasons were slowly revealed as the story progressed. Millie was strong-willed and brash, totally unapologetic for her choices and owning her actions, she was in a sense, a foil to Mr. Brown/ Philipe who was, by nature, a “nice guy”, sweet and often overwhelmed in the presence of females. Their dynamic was so much fun to explore. It did take Millie some time to put the pieces together but, considering the circumstances, I found this to be believable and true to character.
Without giving too much away, I can only say, that I recommend this sweet novella for how entertaining the journey was. A quick, but memorable read! While this novella is a part of a series, each book can be read as a standalone and out of order.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 :
Clean Romance (kissing only)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
-Hidden Identities
- Arranged marriage trope
- forced proximity
- Shy/Unassuming Hero, Outspoken/Mischievous Heroine
- Humor and Historical notes
- Glamorous Georgian era Paris at its peak
My Thoughts:
A brash young Millie, determined to avoid her arranged marriage at all costs reluctantly enlists the help of an unassuming, but incredibly nice, Mr. Brown to do everything in her power to miss her wedding day. But when some (forced) quality time together becomes a necessity rather than a choice, both Millie and Mr. Brown discover more than they bargained for.
True to the writing style characteristic of Sofi La Porte, you can expect some hilarious dialogue and general mayhem to ensue in this heartfelt story. While this story is a novella, it felt like a full-length novel credited to great pacing, character development, depth, and a sweet, but hard-won, romance.
I loved Millie and Mr. Brown. Both had their reasons for keeping their secrets and the choices they made but the pacing was great and worked in favor of the plot and relationship. I enjoyed the fact that their reasons were slowly revealed as the story progressed. Millie was strong-willed and brash, totally unapologetic for her choices and owning her actions, she was in a sense, a foil to Mr. Brown/ Philipe who was, by nature, a “nice guy”, sweet and often overwhelmed in the presence of females. Their dynamic was so much fun to explore. It did take Millie some time to put the pieces together but, considering the circumstances, I found this to be believable and true to character.
Without giving too much away, I can only say, that I recommend this sweet novella for how entertaining the journey was. A quick, but memorable read! While this novella is a part of a series, each book can be read as a standalone and out of order.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 :
Clean Romance (kissing only)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
April 14, 2024
“Like so many things in life, it’s tart, and surprisingly sweet at the same time. “Neither this nor that, neither one nor the other. But a mix of both. That makes things so much more interesting.”
Fiesty yet charming Miss Melinda, “Mellie” da Findlay is supposed to be on her way to Paris, with her elderly aunt and chaperone for an arranged marriage to a haughty French vicomte. But Melinda would rather drown in the channel than marry the odious man!
Fate graciously intervenes when a dashing kindhearted English traveler crosses their path, offering assistance and a carriage ride to Paris. Little does Mellie know that this charming stranger carries his own burden of lost love and hidden truths.
As their enchanting adventure unfolds amidst Mellie’s antics and, the splendor of the Tuileries and Versailles, Mellie and Philippe discover an earnest connection that neither could have anticipated. Yet, as the shadow of Mellie’s impending nuptials looms over them, she faces a rather impossible and great choice, when it comes to having the audacity to defy the shackles of societal convention and follow her heart…
The Vicomte’s Masquerade, is a light-hearted, sweet & clean Georgian quick-read Romance. It is weaved with such delightful humor, charming characters, fun adventure, more than one disguise, conflict, some suspense, and is sprinkled throughout with such humor. I thoroughly enjoyed how this story played out, and how relationships blossomed despite crazy antics along the way. Thankfully, love is the answer! Thank you dear @sofilaporteauthor for sharing this delightful tale that is worth the read any day!!
“At this moment, she knew. This is what she had been wanting, this is what she’d been searching for. This closeness, this connection. Just this.”
#thevicomesmasquerade
#sofialaporte
#adelightfulstory
“I was determined to wait for you, no matter how long it took,” he reassured her, his voice filled with love. “And it was worth the wait. Every minute of it.”
April 17, 2024
Mellie has finally landed in France after multiple delays in her marriage to the Vicomte Fouquet de Lacasse. Their fathers arranged the marriage when they were younger, and now Mellie wonders whether she can follow through on a marriage she agreed to, but to a man she has never met and whose reputation proceeds him. When a Mr. Brown offers to take her on to Paris for her wedding, Mellie finds a final way to rebel and miss the event; all while falling in love with Mr. Brown. What will the evil Vicomte do when he finds out about her betrayal? I don't dare give it away because the story is just too delicious!
The Vicomte's Masquerade is:
🎭 Enemies-to-Lovers
🎭 Forced Proximity
🎭 Arranged Betrothal
🎭 Secret Identities
🎭 Set in France
What I loved: This story is clever. What happens when you feel like duty isn't worth the sacrifice? Women would have had so few rights, especially in a time when the marriage settlements had been created and signed by her father. This explores a bit of Mellie trying to honor her father's final wish and honor herself. Fortunately for the reader, you know rather quickly that things aren't always as they seem. It's a really fun and entertaining read.
I did feel that Mellie was very immature, and she had a few opportunities to act more maturely throughout the book that weren't taken. There were times I wanted to reach through the pages and strangle her for being so oblivious. But I also felt that way with Mr. Brown and the Vicomte at times. This story could have taken a different direction if a single conversation had occurred a little earlier, and by it happening later in the book, we get lots of immature Mellie time. This heroine was missing the wittiness I've come to love about Sofi's female characters, but this was a strong addition to the multi-author 'Georgians in Paris' series.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book.
The Vicomte's Masquerade is:
🎭 Enemies-to-Lovers
🎭 Forced Proximity
🎭 Arranged Betrothal
🎭 Secret Identities
🎭 Set in France
What I loved: This story is clever. What happens when you feel like duty isn't worth the sacrifice? Women would have had so few rights, especially in a time when the marriage settlements had been created and signed by her father. This explores a bit of Mellie trying to honor her father's final wish and honor herself. Fortunately for the reader, you know rather quickly that things aren't always as they seem. It's a really fun and entertaining read.
I did feel that Mellie was very immature, and she had a few opportunities to act more maturely throughout the book that weren't taken. There were times I wanted to reach through the pages and strangle her for being so oblivious. But I also felt that way with Mr. Brown and the Vicomte at times. This story could have taken a different direction if a single conversation had occurred a little earlier, and by it happening later in the book, we get lots of immature Mellie time. This heroine was missing the wittiness I've come to love about Sofi's female characters, but this was a strong addition to the multi-author 'Georgians in Paris' series.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book.
April 21, 2025
Sofi Laporte writes such cute stories with such adorable characters. I love everything she writes.
This story might be on the short side, but it packs in the cute romance!
Melinda is promised in marriage to the Vicomte. She wants no part of it and keeps finding ways to slow it down, hoping that the Vicomte will give up, I guess.
When she and her aunt arrive in France, they are met with Mr Brown, who offers them his chaisse so that they can get to Paris faster. That is the last thing Mellie wants. So she tells him to get lost, then she tells her aunt that he left them.
Oh, Mellie.
Mr Brown is obviously the Vicomte. So he waits in the next town thinking the ladies will hate riding in the stage coach. Well, they do, but Mellie helps a little boy at a rest stop, and the coach takes off without her. Then Mr Brown has to go find her to ensure her safety.
Knowing the time period, these two can not travel together, and in disguise, Mellie argues if she is his nephew or valet. Their time together makes them friends. Of course, Mellie still doesn't know the secret.
Also, Mellie thinks the Vicomte only wears white face makeup, so she would never guess. Then, when she sees the Vicomte, she never thinks that he is her Mr. Brown.
Of course, when she finds out the truth, she thinks that Mr Brown is a fabrication and not merely a part of Philippe, the man.
The masquerade is really wonderful, mostly because it is so innocent. Instead of wickedness, a friendly person tells her how much her bridegroom loves her. She requires the maquerade to talk to Mellie.
Mellie's aunt is really funny. She is so real and doesn't suffer fools. She isn't mean or strict, she just is there and is honest.
When Mellie is presented to the queen, it goes exactly like you think it will with a huge dollop of romance.
The only downside of this book is that it is not long enough. I want more Mellie and Philippe!
This story might be on the short side, but it packs in the cute romance!
Melinda is promised in marriage to the Vicomte. She wants no part of it and keeps finding ways to slow it down, hoping that the Vicomte will give up, I guess.
When she and her aunt arrive in France, they are met with Mr Brown, who offers them his chaisse so that they can get to Paris faster. That is the last thing Mellie wants. So she tells him to get lost, then she tells her aunt that he left them.
Oh, Mellie.
Mr Brown is obviously the Vicomte. So he waits in the next town thinking the ladies will hate riding in the stage coach. Well, they do, but Mellie helps a little boy at a rest stop, and the coach takes off without her. Then Mr Brown has to go find her to ensure her safety.
Knowing the time period, these two can not travel together, and in disguise, Mellie argues if she is his nephew or valet. Their time together makes them friends. Of course, Mellie still doesn't know the secret.
Also, Mellie thinks the Vicomte only wears white face makeup, so she would never guess. Then, when she sees the Vicomte, she never thinks that he is her Mr. Brown.
Of course, when she finds out the truth, she thinks that Mr Brown is a fabrication and not merely a part of Philippe, the man.
The masquerade is really wonderful, mostly because it is so innocent. Instead of wickedness, a friendly person tells her how much her bridegroom loves her. She requires the maquerade to talk to Mellie.
Mellie's aunt is really funny. She is so real and doesn't suffer fools. She isn't mean or strict, she just is there and is honest.
When Mellie is presented to the queen, it goes exactly like you think it will with a huge dollop of romance.
The only downside of this book is that it is not long enough. I want more Mellie and Philippe!
April 15, 2024
This sweet novella was just so much fun! What an romantic adventure!
Millie has no desire to marry her fiance Philppe...or even meet him after all the rumors she has heard. As she travels to Paris for their wedding, she does everything she can to delay the inevitable and lands herself in a bit of trouble. She enlists fellow traveler Mr. Brown to help her and together, they have a bit of an adventure and by the time they arrive in Paris, Millie is faced with a choice between duty and her heart.
What to love:
Georgian era
set in France
Novella
Dual POV
Hidden identity
Opposites attract
Shy hero
Arranged betrothal
Reluctant bride
The masquerade ball
That sweet first kiss!!
I loved the banter and dialogue between Millie and Mr. Brown and despite their opposite personalities, they were well suited for each other. Philippe definitely had his work cut out for him to earn Millie's trust but his attempts were oh so sweet.
Lots of memorable moments - I especially loved the masquerade ball and Millie's Elizabeth/Mr. Darcy moment at the castle. I also loved learning more about the culture in Georigan era Paris!
This is a novella but the romance was paced just right and there was plenty of time for me to fall for the characters and for them to fall for each other. Such a charming and delightful read for any lover of historical romance.
This book is the third in a series but can is a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Millie has no desire to marry her fiance Philppe...or even meet him after all the rumors she has heard. As she travels to Paris for their wedding, she does everything she can to delay the inevitable and lands herself in a bit of trouble. She enlists fellow traveler Mr. Brown to help her and together, they have a bit of an adventure and by the time they arrive in Paris, Millie is faced with a choice between duty and her heart.
What to love:
Georgian era
set in France
Novella
Dual POV
Hidden identity
Opposites attract
Shy hero
Arranged betrothal
Reluctant bride
The masquerade ball
That sweet first kiss!!
I loved the banter and dialogue between Millie and Mr. Brown and despite their opposite personalities, they were well suited for each other. Philippe definitely had his work cut out for him to earn Millie's trust but his attempts were oh so sweet.
Lots of memorable moments - I especially loved the masquerade ball and Millie's Elizabeth/Mr. Darcy moment at the castle. I also loved learning more about the culture in Georigan era Paris!
This is a novella but the romance was paced just right and there was plenty of time for me to fall for the characters and for them to fall for each other. Such a charming and delightful read for any lover of historical romance.
This book is the third in a series but can is a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
May 3, 2024
As delightful as a light and fluffy cream puff from Monsieur Stohrer’s bakery, this book in the Georgian’s in Paris series captured my heart, and I savored every morsel of it.
Sofi Laporte continues to be a favorite author and an automatic-buy from me. Sofi’s books are always full of humor and sweetness, and this book was no exception.
I enjoyed the escapades of Melinda “Mellie” Findlay, who is so desperate to escape her arranged marriage to the French vicomte, she concocts ways to delay her journey, in the hopes of “missing” her wedding. Along the way, she meets a kind stranger who offers to accompany her to Paris. Little does she know, he is actually her fiance, in disguise as a plain and ordinary Scotsman. Mellie herself goes into disguise as a boy in order to travel with him without fear for her reputation, and through these antics, Phillippe falls in love with his bride, and she with him. He cannot understand why she hates her intended, a man she believes she has never met, until he discovers that she labors under the apprehension that he is a cruel man and a rake, like his father.
Only by proving to Mellie that the kind and gentle man she fell in love with is the same man as the vicomte she has been avoiding can Phillippe hope to gain her trust and finally bring his runaway bride to the altar.
If you enjoy sweet Regency romances with false identities, humorous adventures, misunderstandings, arranged marriages that turn into love, and tender, kissing-only scenes, then this is exactly the kind of book for you.
Sofi Laporte continues to be a favorite author and an automatic-buy from me. Sofi’s books are always full of humor and sweetness, and this book was no exception.
I enjoyed the escapades of Melinda “Mellie” Findlay, who is so desperate to escape her arranged marriage to the French vicomte, she concocts ways to delay her journey, in the hopes of “missing” her wedding. Along the way, she meets a kind stranger who offers to accompany her to Paris. Little does she know, he is actually her fiance, in disguise as a plain and ordinary Scotsman. Mellie herself goes into disguise as a boy in order to travel with him without fear for her reputation, and through these antics, Phillippe falls in love with his bride, and she with him. He cannot understand why she hates her intended, a man she believes she has never met, until he discovers that she labors under the apprehension that he is a cruel man and a rake, like his father.
Only by proving to Mellie that the kind and gentle man she fell in love with is the same man as the vicomte she has been avoiding can Phillippe hope to gain her trust and finally bring his runaway bride to the altar.
If you enjoy sweet Regency romances with false identities, humorous adventures, misunderstandings, arranged marriages that turn into love, and tender, kissing-only scenes, then this is exactly the kind of book for you.
April 5, 2024
This historical romance was very sweet. At least some of it was sweet. Some of it was a brash young woman trying to avoid, at all costs, the arranged marriage she was facing. But Mr. Brown was very sweet. Mellie was quite hilarious in her attempts to at least postpone if not cancel her wedding. And as it turned out, Philippe, her intended turns out to be pretty sweet too. It just took Mellie a long time to figure it out. Philippe was more than patient even while he was angry, embarrassed and frustrated with her.
Mellie didn't follow the rules of society and I kinda enjoy that in a heroine. But a gotta say that had I been her mother I think I would have tied her to a bedpost to prevent yet another no show. So as a reader I could enjoy her antics but as a mom, it wouldn't have gone over so well.
I enjoyed this story. It was a light-hearted read and I love those best.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Mellie didn't follow the rules of society and I kinda enjoy that in a heroine. But a gotta say that had I been her mother I think I would have tied her to a bedpost to prevent yet another no show. So as a reader I could enjoy her antics but as a mom, it wouldn't have gone over so well.
I enjoyed this story. It was a light-hearted read and I love those best.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 13, 2024
Mellie's father arranged a match for her years earlier, and she agreed, without ever meeting the man. Now, having heard plenty of rumours about him - none good - she's regretting her agreement, even as she travels to Paris for the wedding. But the time for excuses has run out - well, almost. A missed coach and an unexpected rescuer make her late for the wedding - and make her wish still more fervently that she could escape it. Mr Brown brings out things in her she never knew were there. But there's still a bridegroom waiting and she can't run forever. And it turns out that even Mr Brown was hiding his own secrets... Will she find unexpected love in Paris, or merely a broken heart?
By turns touching and hilarious, this was a great read, and if I didn't quite read it in a single sitting, it wasn't for want of trying. They got themselves into quite a pickle, and neither exactly seemed to make a habit of going about anything the most sensible way - but it made for a great story. With plenty of humour and hilarious situations, but also character growth and tenderness between the characters, not to mention interesting side characters, this is a book I can imagine coming back to reread. I loved the story of Mellie with the kitten - it was a beautiful touch. And there really are some great moments when they're trying to work things out in Paris, but I don't want to give spoilers. All in all, a book well worth reading, and I appreciated that it was kept clean. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
By turns touching and hilarious, this was a great read, and if I didn't quite read it in a single sitting, it wasn't for want of trying. They got themselves into quite a pickle, and neither exactly seemed to make a habit of going about anything the most sensible way - but it made for a great story. With plenty of humour and hilarious situations, but also character growth and tenderness between the characters, not to mention interesting side characters, this is a book I can imagine coming back to reread. I loved the story of Mellie with the kitten - it was a beautiful touch. And there really are some great moments when they're trying to work things out in Paris, but I don't want to give spoilers. All in all, a book well worth reading, and I appreciated that it was kept clean. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
April 17, 2024
This was a delight with so much to love - France, enemies-to-lovers, travel romance, masquerade ball, pastries, sisterhood, secrets, kittens! It’s my third Sofi Laporte read this year and won’t be my last.
I adore her regency period rom coms and was delighted to find the Georgian French setting equally enchanting and fun. This had all the swoon, wit and coziness that I’ve come to expect. Mellie reminded me of Rosalind in Shakespeare’s play As You Like It with her spirited nature and disguise as a boy. I was quickly invested in her story.
This was so humorous! I chuckled at the subtle satire poking fun at the outrageous fashion and makeup of the era. Laporte also does a great job at keeping the feel of the book light hearted while managing to weave in commentary of social class, societal expectations and animal welfare. That adds the right layer of depth for me.
She writes stories that I can’t put down with romance that leaves me twitterpated and comforted.
Now I just need a sequel or spin off with her sister Violet’s love story please. Oh and more of the aunt’s hilarious comments! I loved her. 😆
Thank you to the author for my advanced digital copy.
I adore her regency period rom coms and was delighted to find the Georgian French setting equally enchanting and fun. This had all the swoon, wit and coziness that I’ve come to expect. Mellie reminded me of Rosalind in Shakespeare’s play As You Like It with her spirited nature and disguise as a boy. I was quickly invested in her story.
This was so humorous! I chuckled at the subtle satire poking fun at the outrageous fashion and makeup of the era. Laporte also does a great job at keeping the feel of the book light hearted while managing to weave in commentary of social class, societal expectations and animal welfare. That adds the right layer of depth for me.
She writes stories that I can’t put down with romance that leaves me twitterpated and comforted.
Now I just need a sequel or spin off with her sister Violet’s love story please. Oh and more of the aunt’s hilarious comments! I loved her. 😆
Thank you to the author for my advanced digital copy.
July 26, 2024
What a fun and funny little romp this was. A story after my own heart, given my love of all things 18th-century and French, and of arranged marriage and mistaken identities tropes in romance novels. The first part of the book, where Melinda winds up on the road with Mr. Brown, was for me the most enjoyable, almost reminding me of the classic romcom/road movie It Happened One Night, which happens to be one of my favorite films (especially the scene when they are forced to spend the night sleeping on hay--iykyk). There's a dollop of Pride and Prejudice too, with Melinda's premature judgment of the Vicomte, and even a delightful visit-to-Pemberley-esque scene. As the novella progressed, the misunderstandings between the couple and Melinda's behavior began to grate on my nerves a little, but happily all of this is resolved fairly quickly. The characters don't really behave in a period-accurate fashion, but that's somehow part of the charm.
July 26, 2024
🪞The Vicomte’s Masquerade🪞 by #SofiLaporte is a thrilling novel of enemies to lovers trying to find common ground.
I love me a good enemies to lovers novel. Of course, how can you not love the tension, the suspense, the forced communication, and then the realization that maybe your enemy really isn’t so bad. This book was quite a change for me because of the setting being in Paris, France. It was interesting to learn about the fashion of Paris, the societal rules, and even about those in politics and their roles. The witty banter between the characters was top tier, the situations that the characters found themselves in was hilarious, and despite the length of the novel I think the author touched on some pretty deep topics. Overall, a delightful story!
Repost of Review from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C90NysWs8...
I love me a good enemies to lovers novel. Of course, how can you not love the tension, the suspense, the forced communication, and then the realization that maybe your enemy really isn’t so bad. This book was quite a change for me because of the setting being in Paris, France. It was interesting to learn about the fashion of Paris, the societal rules, and even about those in politics and their roles. The witty banter between the characters was top tier, the situations that the characters found themselves in was hilarious, and despite the length of the novel I think the author touched on some pretty deep topics. Overall, a delightful story!
Repost of Review from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C90NysWs8...
September 19, 2024
Melinda Finlay, Philippe Alexandre aka Robert Brown
My first book by the author, but if the other books are this good it will not be my last. Usually when I see clean romance I move along. I've read "clean" romance before and loved it, but I'd prefer to start the book not knowing that it's clean because if it's good it won't matter at that point.
This was a great little historical romantic comedy. Mellie was so cute and funny trying to post pone and get out of her arranged marriage. The time she and Mr. Brown spent on the road had me laughing along the way.
Philippe feels bad for not telling Mellie who he is, but he also wants to understand why she is so opposed to their marriage. I like when he turns the tables on her. They make the perfect couple.
My first book by the author, but if the other books are this good it will not be my last. Usually when I see clean romance I move along. I've read "clean" romance before and loved it, but I'd prefer to start the book not knowing that it's clean because if it's good it won't matter at that point.
This was a great little historical romantic comedy. Mellie was so cute and funny trying to post pone and get out of her arranged marriage. The time she and Mr. Brown spent on the road had me laughing along the way.
Philippe feels bad for not telling Mellie who he is, but he also wants to understand why she is so opposed to their marriage. I like when he turns the tables on her. They make the perfect couple.
July 24, 2025
Sofi, I've quite recently stumbled upon your books as their audiobooks on Youtube and I can't help but announce that I'm in love! I thought I wouldn't like them as much as the they were clean romances, and I am coming from the other side of the globe. But alas! I've been proven quite wrong, and so far, I love this book of yours the best!
I am absolutely taken with the plot of the novella and couldn't have laughed more at the irony. The Vicomte (in all the roles he played) was a rather dashing character and I oh so loved when he teased her in all her ignorance! My emotional sensitivity was heightened the most it had ever been when the masquerade came to an end. I felt Melinda's heartbreak as even my own heart were hers in that moment.
Heart-wrenchingly written. Splendidly done!
I am absolutely taken with the plot of the novella and couldn't have laughed more at the irony. The Vicomte (in all the roles he played) was a rather dashing character and I oh so loved when he teased her in all her ignorance! My emotional sensitivity was heightened the most it had ever been when the masquerade came to an end. I felt Melinda's heartbreak as even my own heart were hers in that moment.
Heart-wrenchingly written. Splendidly done!
April 20, 2024
🤍 Thank you so much @sofilaporteauthor for the gifted copy of your new release!🤍
This series has been such a lovely treat to look forward to each month! The stories have captivated me, the romances are swoony, and this book was no different!
I loved this story’s theme of judgment. How people can jump to conclusions without ever having talked to the person they’re directing this hatred at.
I thought the characters journey was full of great messages, the story had me laughing and swooning, and I just enjoyed reading this one!
Read if you enjoy:
• forced engagement
• hidden identity
• meet (not so) cute
• novellas
• pastries!
★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: none
This series has been such a lovely treat to look forward to each month! The stories have captivated me, the romances are swoony, and this book was no different!
I loved this story’s theme of judgment. How people can jump to conclusions without ever having talked to the person they’re directing this hatred at.
I thought the characters journey was full of great messages, the story had me laughing and swooning, and I just enjoyed reading this one!
Read if you enjoy:
• forced engagement
• hidden identity
• meet (not so) cute
• novellas
• pastries!
★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: none
May 4, 2024
Amusing Adventures of a precious pair hiding their identities
Clever conversations enabled Melinda and Mr. Brown to be comfortable expressing their feelings. Details of the landscape and place on their journey were vivid. Even food and clothing were described. Enjoyable situations always seemed to result for difficult incidents. All these factors enriched an emotional plot on two levels. Traditions of England and France affected the characters choices. Expectations for marriage were honestly explained. A complicated climax led to a joyful celebration. Eager anticipation carried this reader through every turn of the pages. This is a thoroughly enchanting romance !
Clever conversations enabled Melinda and Mr. Brown to be comfortable expressing their feelings. Details of the landscape and place on their journey were vivid. Even food and clothing were described. Enjoyable situations always seemed to result for difficult incidents. All these factors enriched an emotional plot on two levels. Traditions of England and France affected the characters choices. Expectations for marriage were honestly explained. A complicated climax led to a joyful celebration. Eager anticipation carried this reader through every turn of the pages. This is a thoroughly enchanting romance !
August 22, 2024
⭐⭐⭐✨
This one was a hilarious romp with a delightful premise - a man escorting his reluctant fiance to their wedding without her knowing it's him. I absolutely adored the hero. Shy, tender, determined, kind, with a sense of humor and unswerving devotion. He was determined to win his lady! It would have been perfect - if the FMC hadn't been quite so immature. I understood and empathized with her qualms but they could have been solved with a conversation - instead of holding to blind prejudice and constantly running away, even after he revealed his true nature and heart! Overall enjoyable and I loved the resolution, I just could have done with a bit less drama.
This one was a hilarious romp with a delightful premise - a man escorting his reluctant fiance to their wedding without her knowing it's him. I absolutely adored the hero. Shy, tender, determined, kind, with a sense of humor and unswerving devotion. He was determined to win his lady! It would have been perfect - if the FMC hadn't been quite so immature. I understood and empathized with her qualms but they could have been solved with a conversation - instead of holding to blind prejudice and constantly running away, even after he revealed his true nature and heart! Overall enjoyable and I loved the resolution, I just could have done with a bit less drama.
April 7, 2024
This book is part of a series, yet each is a standalone.
I found myself laughing at the antics of the heroine and her less than happy journey to her prearranged marriage.
The hero was especially kind and patient with her.
Watching the two of them grow closer to each other was a pleasure as the author created realistic scenarios and adds dimension to her characters.
I highly recommend this book (as well as the others in the series)!
I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.
I found myself laughing at the antics of the heroine and her less than happy journey to her prearranged marriage.
The hero was especially kind and patient with her.
Watching the two of them grow closer to each other was a pleasure as the author created realistic scenarios and adds dimension to her characters.
I highly recommend this book (as well as the others in the series)!
I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.
April 17, 2024
This book was fantastic!
I loved everything about it. There were so many adorably funny moments.
I absolutely love both main characters. Their interactions were perfect- lots of witty banter.
Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up WAY too late to finish it- no regrets!
Everything I have read by this author has been amazing and this one was no exception.
This is the only book in the series I have read so far, but if they’re all this good then I can’t wait to read them.
I loved everything about it. There were so many adorably funny moments.
I absolutely love both main characters. Their interactions were perfect- lots of witty banter.
Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up WAY too late to finish it- no regrets!
Everything I have read by this author has been amazing and this one was no exception.
This is the only book in the series I have read so far, but if they’re all this good then I can’t wait to read them.
April 18, 2024
Sofi Laporte has become an auto buy author for me. I love her unique stories that are heartfelt and humorous at the same time. The Vicomte's Masquerade is part of a multi author collection of stories but is a stand alone book. Melinda and Philippe both engage a type of "masque" and pull off a masquerade that they have to figure out how to work around and get straight to the heart. This story is delightful and enchanting. There is a lot of french that I didn't know but was still able to get the gist of what was being inferred. I highly recommend this story.
February 26, 2025
This is a goofy, ridiculous, and fun novella. There is insta-love and mad antics, all mixed with the flamboyant and absurd French court. I really enjoyed the first half of the book (5 stars!), but the latter half went significantly downhill when Mr Brown became the Vicomte and Mellie tipped from humorous to infuriating (3 stars). We’ll average it out to 4 and call it a night.
Content:
There is no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is limited to a couple kisses (not descriptive). There is no real mention of faith or God.
Content:
There is no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is limited to a couple kisses (not descriptive). There is no real mention of faith or God.
April 18, 2024
I have been eager to read the Georgians in Paris multi author series since it was announced last year, as some of my favorite clean regency historical romance authors were participating. Plus, I’m a big fan of a multi author series, I love the different points of view throughout a similar thread. This is the second book I’ve read from the series and I’m not disappointed.
This is a fascinating time period in France, right after King Louis XVI ascended to the throne and in this book we get a glimpse of all the pomp and overwhelming customs that surrounded the French aristocracy during this time.
Pros - While this story is definitely a light hearted tale of miscommunication, what I found fascinating about this particular tale was the duality of the main characters ethics. They were kind to the lower classes yet still grossly indulged in the extravagant lifestyle of the time. The story took place about 15 years prior to the French Revolution, but you could really feel it looming in the background.
Cons - Not so much of a con but more of a personal reading preference. I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope in romance. Maybe it’s because I’m an older reader and don’t understand why two people wouldn’t just talk it out. HOWEVER, Sofi Laporte always does a great job with this theme and she is one of the few authors that I’ve come across that can handle the trope well and make the reader truly understand the situation behind why the miscommunication is actually happening.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fascinating time period in France, right after King Louis XVI ascended to the throne and in this book we get a glimpse of all the pomp and overwhelming customs that surrounded the French aristocracy during this time.
Pros - While this story is definitely a light hearted tale of miscommunication, what I found fascinating about this particular tale was the duality of the main characters ethics. They were kind to the lower classes yet still grossly indulged in the extravagant lifestyle of the time. The story took place about 15 years prior to the French Revolution, but you could really feel it looming in the background.
Cons - Not so much of a con but more of a personal reading preference. I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope in romance. Maybe it’s because I’m an older reader and don’t understand why two people wouldn’t just talk it out. HOWEVER, Sofi Laporte always does a great job with this theme and she is one of the few authors that I’ve come across that can handle the trope well and make the reader truly understand the situation behind why the miscommunication is actually happening.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2024
Love in Disguise
Sofi Laporte is a master at her craft! I adored this Parisian romcom with its witty banter in Georgian dress. In general, panniers give me a sense of panic, having had the opportunity to sew 13 pairs for a musical a few years back, but this story was worth the PTSD. The characters are rich in personality, the descriptions are rich in color and texture, and the oppulence of the rich is just the right amount of ridiculous! Please read!
Sofi Laporte is a master at her craft! I adored this Parisian romcom with its witty banter in Georgian dress. In general, panniers give me a sense of panic, having had the opportunity to sew 13 pairs for a musical a few years back, but this story was worth the PTSD. The characters are rich in personality, the descriptions are rich in color and texture, and the oppulence of the rich is just the right amount of ridiculous! Please read!
January 17, 2025
What a fun and lighthearted story with heart and substance. I always enjoy this author's stories. I like the characters she creates, the flow of the story and great dialogue. This one is no different. I liked how the story was resolved and the happy ending. At times I did find the heroine frustrating and wanted to give her a good shake! lol She was at times immature with facing her situation but I can understand too. I listened to this in audio form and the narrator did great.
March 16, 2025
This story had a more promising potential than what it ended up executing. The emotional bits didn't seem to quite fit the plot or follow realistically one from the other. And there was a good opportunity to develop a stronger relationship between the characters, which the author decided to ignore. But then, presumably, she expected her characters to die in the impending French Revolution, so she probably didn't want to get too attached to them....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews