With This Mask

by Vera Black

He was my academic rival. The only one who could keep up with me at Westcroft University. I hated that rich boy who had everything handed to him on a silver platter, whose father owned the whole town.

But when we’re partnered for a project that stands between us and graduation, we have no choice but to try and play nice. It’s all biting remarks and non-stop sarcasm, but we’re making it work.

Until I accidentally discover Alec Vanderholt’s secret. An anonymous account. Masked thirst traps. And several million followers.

I expected him to make threats, to do anything to make me keep my mouth shut about it. Instead, he makes a proposal. See, I’ve always been a little… controlled when it comes to every aspect of my life. And Alec, well, he wants to see me loosen up. And he’s very anxious to see if he can be the one to unwind me. It comes with an unexpected my own mask, and the thrill of my own anonymity.

But if I’m not careful, this wild arrangement just might turn into something… more.

With This Mask is a low-angst romance centered on exploration and self-discovery. Expect high levels of heat, but pant easy, this is not a dark romance.

Genres: College, Fiction, Romance, Enemies To Lovers

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! Alec and Salem were the perfect embodiment of the enemies-to-lovers trope. I enjoyed how they transformed their differences into a deeper connection, discovering they were truly perfect for one another. Their love helped them find their most authentic selves and happiness, despite the obstacles trying to pull them apart. The whole mask element in the story was so intriguing—I only wish we could see the actual videos!

[Bex Kimber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally drool worthy power couple ♥️

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

With This Mask is my first read by this author and takes place in the Elite Westcroft University world. Salem Winters is a scholarship student in a world of trust fund babies and it's not likely that she's going to forget the economical differences. Alec Vanderholt is one of those trust fund babies and is the golden boy of Westcroft University. Talk about complete opposites! But, stranger things have happened than those opposites attracting. This couple is perfect for each other! Salem is gritty and tough and absolutely gives as good as she gets especially when it comes to Alec. The chemistry between these characters is flaming HOT and the back and forth between them is nothing short of word porn. You can feel the intensity between them with every word. Definitely recommend this book and I look forward to more from this author!

[Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mainly because Alec's character managed to be so vulnerable and sweet. He was consistently open about his feelings for Salem and stood by her at every turn. He is an awesome book boyfriend. I wish we got a little more from Salem in the same ways. I also don't typically read single POV stories but a reviewer had made the comment that it was bearable bc Alec made his intentions/feelings so clear. I agree but I still would have preferred it. Salem was kind of dorky and over the top about school in a way that I found annoying tbh. The epilogue was okay. It was nice finally getting something from Alec's POV but it wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped. Overall, this was an okay book. i was going to give it 3.5 stars but decided Alec was worth bumping it to 4.

[Kira Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? I thought the writing was well done and the plot was good. There wasn’t too much drama but I kind of liked it that way. The enemies to lovers was done well. I would have liked it to be spread out more and for them to kind of fight things a little harder but all in all, it was great.

It is fast paced and things do move a little quickly but it doesn’t feel rushed.

Also, mask kinks for the win.

Highly recommend you preorder and give this book a try. It is a quick read but it’s one that will have you not wanting to put it down. Wish we could get more Alec and Salem. Loved them together!!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really struggled to get into this book and hear me out first. It's not because it was a bad book it's actually a really good book but I got this and started reading it on a week where I had surgery and was in pain and sick so I really struggled to get into the book only being able to read a few chapters at a time but it is a good book although the way it is written the ending of chapter 11 literally sounds like an ending talking about I can't wait to see what the future holds. Overall it was good book but was really hard for me to get into.

[Rebecca Cuevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Wow! What an amazing experience! This book was so good. At first I thought it would be like so many others, but it wasn't. I loved every second of this book. It truly was a unique story. I love the chemistry between the two main characters.

The enemies to lovers feel makes this book delicious and sexy. The s*x was fire 🔥 and so hot.

Vera is an amazing author and she deserves at least 8 stars on this book!

If you haven't read it please add it to your TBR as soon as it comes available!!!!

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

With This Mask by Vera Black
5 stars ⭐️
💯🌶️
Salem and Alex relationship evolved from enemies to lover but really like a high upper class light know it all and the scholar ship poor child that is making him run for his top of class achievements. As you read this story it’s nothing like you would believe that a child from money would be treated like. As these two are forced to be together, secrets and dark desires will bring out the best in both and set them free.
This author did a well written, very steamy, different plot then normal, very captivating story.

[Toni Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so cute and a good enemies to lovers story. My heart melted for Salem and Alec throughout the book. Alec has made his way up on my list on book boyfriends in no time. The emotions in this story and how much these characters overcame everything was perfect. Also, let’s not forget all the hot scenes you get as well as the characters in the masks 🥵🥵🥵10/10 read and I will be recommending this story every chance I get.

[Alexis Cherrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love a good enemies to lovers billionaire romance and Vera definitely delivered in that department. I just wanted a little bit more back and forth bantering between the characters before they finally got together. I was wanted a more in depth scene when he confronted his father baby I'm nosey I needed a full descriptive breakdown of Events.

But overall I loved it and I'd definitely recommend it

[Chasity7474📚❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. I chose the book because the cover and so glad I did.

Alec and Salem are paired together for a project. Prior to the project they were enemies. She judged him and he did nothing to change her opinion. Over the weeks as they work she discovers his secret. She promises to keep it and offers something personal about herself to even the playing field.

Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope. This book delivers!

[TheReaderVert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet normal college tale

Cute mask kink college New Adult romance. It hit all of the New Adult College buttons. The MMC comes from extreme wealth, and he's controlled by the dad. The FMC is from the wrong side of the tracks, but she's repressed. The MMC helps her unleash her sexual desires. Again, both characters were perfectly fine. The sex scenes were ok. Nothing great. The romance moved at a clip, and the dad conflict just mildly added to the story since it was predictable.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! WOW!!

First thing, the plot of the book is superb!! Vera Black notes that this story is “centered on exploration and self-discovery”. I was truly blown away at the way she crafted the character growth of Salem and Alec in only 210 pages. A great strong FMC who stands up to the MMC and forces him to change as much as she does. As far as the mask part of the story, you will have read the book for that. (But know, it is soo worth the read!!!)

[Jennifer Fagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I loved:
- the premise of the plot. Loved the idea of a masked video god finding his love.
- the banter during the hate stage
- Salem’s name. Come on, Salem Winters… how amazing!

What I disliked:
- the timing of everything. I don’t think the author knows how long a semester takes as this story takes place over maybe 2 months.
- the grammar errors. My lord.
- there were no consequences for the fight scene? The dad seems cruel enough to punish his son for that.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

H: Alec
h: Salem
HEA ✔️
Single 1st person POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 but I'm rounding up to 4 for the rating

I went into this blind, with zero expectations as it is my first time reading a book from this author, I read an ARC. From page 1, I was intrigued and wanted to get to know the female protagonist better. I was a little confused on the class schedule - it seemed like she had the same classes every day with bells to end the classes, like in high school, but they're in college.

I do like Salem, but in the beginning, she's a bit too tough and woe is me about her lower socioeconomic status. Yes, life is infinitely harder for those of us not lucky enough to be born into privilege, but being privileged doesn't automatically make someone immune to hardship. A little empathy goes a long way - on both sides.

I think the 3rd act breakup could've been avoided had she just told him why she felt it necessary to end their relationship. But they're 22, and brains aren't fully formed yet, so it's totally believable to break up that way.

I would've liked getting to have Alec's POV, too.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow

Sometimes you don’t realize that your biggest rival might just be your only supporter. I loved how it was enemy to lovers, he falls first. The feelings that become exposed and the way he opens her up. He brought this butterfly to life, gave her wings, and she brought his out of the darkness. Definitely recommend this 10/10!

[Crimson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will update with my full review once I gather my thoughts~

Absolutely loved this book and the enemies to lovers vibes! This was a nice change of pace with all the dark romance/horror I typically read. ♡

[Mia Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review
This was a fun arc to read I highly recommend others to read it and thank you for the opportunity read this book Vera black omg I freaking loved everything was perfect and it had my favorite trope enemies to lovers I love the banter between the characters.

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! It truly was a unique story.
Meet Salem Winters and Alec Vanderholt complete opposites! But as they say, opposites attract.The chemistry between these characters is flaming HOT!
Definitely recommend this book, and I look forward to more from this author.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what amazing read. This is a really interesting read that pulled me in from the very first page🥵. This story pulled me in and had me hooked. This is spicy fast paced enemies to lovers trope that I love and the plot is amazing.

[D.Mariie_Sinful.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Vera for letting me an ARC reader for this !

Awesome book! Enemies to lovers trope is like pulled right from the dictionary. nice and spicy and a quick read !!! Hands down a great book !!!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot

This is my first read from this author but man I absolutely loved the tension this enemies to lovers book bought. Salem and Alec had this hate to love vibe from the first encounter and it will just make you want more and more.

[Bridget Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

are we all reading the same book?
the dialogue is so cringe. it reads like a fanfiction written by a teenager.
and the FMC made me roll my eyes the moment she was introduced.
the "banter" ain't bantering
the "spice" ain't spicing
DNF

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC, and I was impressed. I loved the overall story and plot, but I don't think I've read anything like this before, so that made it even better.
I also love the author's writing; it flowed and was easy to understand, especially when dealing with the academic aspects of the story.

[Chelsea Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Enemies to lovers and the mask spicy. Shew. Chefs kiss!

[Kelli Bilderback]

I adore this book so so so much!

[shay demarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The way they clicked when they gave each other a shot, the way they discovered themselves and grew with those discoveries! 🥹 this was a fantastic read!❤️❤️

[Mom And · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh

Wasnt as good as they made it sound not bad but not good ........ ... . . . . .

[Claire Larrabee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Good quick read. Had a lot of fun reading it and I’m a sucker for a thirst trap masked man. Lol I’d say it’s about a 3-3.5 out of 5 on the spicy scale.

[Lori A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

First time reading this author, but def not the last!
I adored the main characters and the enemies to lovers' storyline without it being mean and nasty.