What do you think?
Rate this book
Dangerous Masquerade #2
Stolen Splendor
Kassandra whirled to face the arrogant military man she'd hoped never to see again, remembering all too clearly his kisses that lingered like molten honey on her lips. To admit it was her innocence he'd stolen in a moment of blazing passion would ruin her father's diplomatic career and forever destroy her reputation.
Stefan nearly shouted in triumph. He'd searched throughout Vienna for the beguiling tavern wench who had aroused him past endurance, and here she stood like a shimmering goddess. He must have her, he would have her--if only to safeguard her honor by making her his wife.
Stefan nearly shouted in triumph. He'd searched throughout Vienna for the beguiling tavern wench who had aroused him past endurance, and here she stood like a shimmering goddess. He must have her, he would have her--if only to safeguard her honor by making her his wife.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
79 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Minger
66 books229 followersMiriam Minger is the bestselling author of sweet to sensual historical romances that sweep you from Viking times to Regency England to the American West. Miriam is also the author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, inspirational romance, and children's books. She is the winner of several Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards--including Best Medieval Historical Romance of the Year for The Pagan's Prize--and a two-time RITA Award Finalist for The Brigand Bride and Captive Rose.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 24, 2021
A story filled with many plot twists and intrigue. Kassandra is a feisty character. Her desire to explore on her own sees her getting into trouble. Stefan is a military officer who doesn’t believe in love. Everything changes when they meet. It is a wonderful story filled with action and witty conversations. These two characters show so much growth as they struggle to accept how much they love each other and then have to risk everything to finally be together.
December 31, 2023
3 stars
A fair read with a lot happening - mistaken identity, murder, jealousy, all at the same time at the Viennese court during a war with the Turks, I think the story was weakened by unnecessary detail in some parts of the story, which took away potential tension at key moments.
A fair read with a lot happening - mistaken identity, murder, jealousy, all at the same time at the Viennese court during a war with the Turks, I think the story was weakened by unnecessary detail in some parts of the story, which took away potential tension at key moments.
June 25, 2020
Making a RAPE into a romance?????!!!! WTF
Who in their right mind think this is entertaining. Maybe the author should do research on RAPE victims. Then she tries to convince the reader that the girl is independent & strong willed and Enjoyed being raped by a drunk soldier. Ms. Minger sure liked to make her "heroine" a victim. Later there are multiple attempts of rape, really once wasn't enough?This whole story is preposterous!!! The author needs to do research on the time period of she at least wants to development a character, not just dream up one. I would have given you a zero rating of I could! This entire story is offensive and should be pulled.
Who in their right mind think this is entertaining. Maybe the author should do research on RAPE victims. Then she tries to convince the reader that the girl is independent & strong willed and Enjoyed being raped by a drunk soldier. Ms. Minger sure liked to make her "heroine" a victim. Later there are multiple attempts of rape, really once wasn't enough?This whole story is preposterous!!! The author needs to do research on the time period of she at least wants to development a character, not just dream up one. I would have given you a zero rating of I could! This entire story is offensive and should be pulled.
September 22, 2020
Sorry to say but this book made me really really uncomfortable as the hero "raped" the heroine. After that I just can't seem to continue the book, I tried to but NO. The hero is really arrogant!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2019
Vienna, Austria Early 1700's Sometimes freedom has it's price and Kassandra Wyndham found that out the hard way. She was staying with her future stepmother Isabel, while her father, the ambassador to Austria was on a diplomatic mission. When she had her chance she escaped, dressed as a maid so she could freely explore the town. Everything was so much more relaxed between classes than in England and so different. But as fate often goes, she was caught up in a crowd and landed escaping into a tavern with her dress and clothes almost in tatters. Being mistaken for a tavern wench she was taken by a military man and used as any harlot would be. I just wanted to shake her and make her do whatever it took to get away from him but it was not to be.
Thus the story begins with Kassandra getting away thinking never to see him again. Imagine her surprise, no horror, when she finds out the man is Isabel's brother Stefan, returned from war!! She had not know that Stefan had been looking everywhere for her and then he sees she is really a lady and soon to be related by marraige!
As always Miriam Minger pulls the characters to life and the journey to their happiness seems a long way off but she keeps your attention turning the pages. Will they find happiness or will they just fight their emotions with each other due to how they started out? A different spin on a romance but in the end it worked and all could be forgiven!
Thus the story begins with Kassandra getting away thinking never to see him again. Imagine her surprise, no horror, when she finds out the man is Isabel's brother Stefan, returned from war!! She had not know that Stefan had been looking everywhere for her and then he sees she is really a lady and soon to be related by marraige!
As always Miriam Minger pulls the characters to life and the journey to their happiness seems a long way off but she keeps your attention turning the pages. Will they find happiness or will they just fight their emotions with each other due to how they started out? A different spin on a romance but in the end it worked and all could be forgiven!
October 16, 2012
While I don't agree with the beginning on the book, I had to remind myself of the time period. What I did like about the book was it was a different spin on historical romance. There was impropriety but it wasn't the main focus. The characters were well described and entertaining.
August 13, 2021
Read it but was constantly annoyed.
Disliked male protagonist from his first appearance. Too focused on physical attraction to heroine ; left no room for chivalry or charm. Entire push/pull of their romance was disgusting until end . He was such a boarish lecher throughout.
Disliked male protagonist from his first appearance. Too focused on physical attraction to heroine ; left no room for chivalry or charm. Entire push/pull of their romance was disgusting until end . He was such a boarish lecher throughout.
February 11, 2022
This is the second book in the “Dangerous Masquerade” series by Miriam Minger. I have to be honest in that I personally didn’t like this one as much as the first one, however, it is still an enjoyable read. It is about Kassandra Wyndham, who is a diplomat’s daughter in Vienna staying with her father’s betrothed, Countess Isabel von Furstenberg. Kassandra’s father is away on business. She doesn’t like the stuffiness of the court and elite. One day, she breaks free, dresses in homespun clothing and goes to the city unescorted. There, she feels free to be herself and not judged. Things go awry when an ox escapes into the street and she has to run. With no place to go she finds a door ajar and steps inside. Unbeknown to her, it is a tavern where she finds a man staring straight at her. She takes a minute to calm herself but before she knows it, the stranger thinking she is a beautiful prostitute, walks right up the her, grabs her and takes off up the stairs. Kassandra is caught off guard but when he kisses and caresses her, she is lost! She loses her virginity in the process so when she wakes up, she is determined to sneak out while the man is still sleeping. She escapes and believes she can keep this a secret to protect her and her father’s reputation as an ambassador. In the meantime, the officer wakes up alone. He is so enamored with her that he vows to find her! This officer happens to be Count Stefan von Furstenberg, the sister to Isabel! Let the games begin!
October 29, 2020
Miriam Minger is an excellent author whose stories I’ve enjoyed for their adventure, witty dialogue and passionate, emotional love. Her hero’s are swoon worthy men and of honor. Her heroine’s are strong, sometimes willful and intelligent.
Our heroine wanted to explore Vienna on her own however, dressed as a servant she was mistaken for a tavern wench and taken by a military man. Once home again, to her sheer horror she finds that he is her stepmother’s brother. She had not known that he had been looking everywhere for her and having found her to be a lady determined to marry her.
This couple go through a lot to find their happily ever after. There’s a lot of tension, angst and drama amid the twists and turns that move the story along in this action packed adventure full of intrigue and suspense. There’s romance, hope and redemption to be found between the pages and this heart stopping story.
I was somewhat disturbed when Stefan and Kassandra first met but Miriam pulled the story together so skillfully. I enjoyed the witty conversations and it was interesting to watch this couple learn to communicate their emotions and feelings, with one another and realize the love they have for one another.
I look forward to reading more of Miriam’s stories.
Thank you Miriam for such an intriguing and captivating story of love and redemption!
Our heroine wanted to explore Vienna on her own however, dressed as a servant she was mistaken for a tavern wench and taken by a military man. Once home again, to her sheer horror she finds that he is her stepmother’s brother. She had not known that he had been looking everywhere for her and having found her to be a lady determined to marry her.
This couple go through a lot to find their happily ever after. There’s a lot of tension, angst and drama amid the twists and turns that move the story along in this action packed adventure full of intrigue and suspense. There’s romance, hope and redemption to be found between the pages and this heart stopping story.
I was somewhat disturbed when Stefan and Kassandra first met but Miriam pulled the story together so skillfully. I enjoyed the witty conversations and it was interesting to watch this couple learn to communicate their emotions and feelings, with one another and realize the love they have for one another.
I look forward to reading more of Miriam’s stories.
Thank you Miriam for such an intriguing and captivating story of love and redemption!
July 4, 2025
This took a long time to finish. Just not very interested in picking it back up when I’d put it down.
Yes everyone is ridiculously gorgeous, as we are repeatedly told. Nearly every character is merely a caricature. Plot is pretty unbelievably full of coincidences. I especially couldn’t stand the heroine and the hero I liked only slightly better since he did eventually learn the “if you love it let it go” lesson, but instead of redeeming him, he just became ever so slightly less off putting.
I’ve still read worse though, despite making rape the whole meet/cute 🤢. Seriously wondering what the writer, editor, and author were thinking, but then I remembered this was written in 1989 and that whole “force a woman to admit she actually wants it” was totally a mainstream thing at the time (reminded of Blade Runner…). Seems like the author did somewhat research her setting, even if she still called what Turkish men wore back in the day a “pelisse”.
Yes everyone is ridiculously gorgeous, as we are repeatedly told. Nearly every character is merely a caricature. Plot is pretty unbelievably full of coincidences. I especially couldn’t stand the heroine and the hero I liked only slightly better since he did eventually learn the “if you love it let it go” lesson, but instead of redeeming him, he just became ever so slightly less off putting.
I’ve still read worse though, despite making rape the whole meet/cute 🤢. Seriously wondering what the writer, editor, and author were thinking, but then I remembered this was written in 1989 and that whole “force a woman to admit she actually wants it” was totally a mainstream thing at the time (reminded of Blade Runner…). Seems like the author did somewhat research her setting, even if she still called what Turkish men wore back in the day a “pelisse”.
December 30, 2019
Hope
The Temptress Bride is full of never-ending hippie and adventure with twists,turns and evil plots. This book was full of sorrow in some places but love in others. Stefan and Kassandra are the main characters and they go through a torrential amount of pain and suffering with love and passion. When they first meet it is by chance and an odd situation that you have to read to see. It's full of weird eventful things at once. In the town and beyond. Things just continue from there. Kassandra is full of perseverance here. Everything she id's faced with, she puts her heart into it no matter what. So does Stefan. They are a match but maybe not meant for one another. Like I said there are twist and turns in the book. Get a good night light because you're going to need it.
Recommended for anyone over 18 who loves 18th Century Romance.
The Temptress Bride is full of never-ending hippie and adventure with twists,turns and evil plots. This book was full of sorrow in some places but love in others. Stefan and Kassandra are the main characters and they go through a torrential amount of pain and suffering with love and passion. When they first meet it is by chance and an odd situation that you have to read to see. It's full of weird eventful things at once. In the town and beyond. Things just continue from there. Kassandra is full of perseverance here. Everything she id's faced with, she puts her heart into it no matter what. So does Stefan. They are a match but maybe not meant for one another. Like I said there are twist and turns in the book. Get a good night light because you're going to need it.
Recommended for anyone over 18 who loves 18th Century Romance.
August 11, 2020
Will induce emotion in the reader.
It has been some time since I have read a book with the 1700s as its setting so this was a nice change. Now, this is a long book so make sure you give yourself time to read because it was a very good piece. Kassandra and Stefan were interesting characters. I am not saying I like how they first met but I do understand where the author was going. I like the twist and turns in this one. I cannot say this was my favorite book but it is well-written will induce emotion in the reader and is that not what an author wants. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
It has been some time since I have read a book with the 1700s as its setting so this was a nice change. Now, this is a long book so make sure you give yourself time to read because it was a very good piece. Kassandra and Stefan were interesting characters. I am not saying I like how they first met but I do understand where the author was going. I like the twist and turns in this one. I cannot say this was my favorite book but it is well-written will induce emotion in the reader and is that not what an author wants. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 8, 2025
Not bad. The h got on my nerves a bit. She deliberately negatively misread the H. It seemed like connived angst through misunderstanding in order to draw the story out, which I find irritating. But, she does redeem herself in a swift turnover part of the book. Y'know, one minute angry and incensed through misperceived wrongdoing and literally 2 seconds later, Eureka! Everything falls into place without need for explanation or verification. I didn't mind. I was just glad the angsty bit was over.
In the end, it's a fairly decent romance. No great shakes, though.
In the end, it's a fairly decent romance. No great shakes, though.
January 19, 2023
The Scandalous Bride (Dangerous Masquerade Book 2)
This was my least favorite book in the Dangerous Masquerade series. Kassandra was too weak a character for me. I tolerated her because of Stefan, an officer in the Vienna Corps. I also liked the story setting in Vienna, Austria. It's a beautiful place that brings back great memories.
1/19/2023.
This was my least favorite book in the Dangerous Masquerade series. Kassandra was too weak a character for me. I tolerated her because of Stefan, an officer in the Vienna Corps. I also liked the story setting in Vienna, Austria. It's a beautiful place that brings back great memories.
1/19/2023.
October 25, 2023
Very forced seduction on the h , it was okay
November 2, 2024
Dnf at 8% because why is this rape romanticized
August 30, 2020
The Temptress Bride weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, mystery, and treachery as a web of deceit and deception is spun that will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Stefan and Kassandra until the very end! Miriam Minger has written a heart stopping story that is filled with tension-building twist, a story filled with characters that come off the pages and pulls you into their tale, that is smoothly written, with a superb plott, and great dialogue with setting descriptions and action sequences are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly. Just like that "POW" Kassandra finds herself in one big mess! And Stefan the nameless rogue is behind all her troubles. Their story unfolds beautifully with drama, searing passion, jealousy, kidnapping, angst, trials and tribulations, turmoil and the suspense builds and tensions escalate with twist and turns abound that will keep you guessing until the end in this outstanding story!
October 30, 2020
Superb that is the first thought as I finished reading The Temptress Bride by Miriam Minger ....Full of passion , adventure , action , romance ..a brilliant penmanship ..I have always loved Miriam's writing & her presentation of a story from the Regency era ..
Set in the Victorian Era early 1700's the story starts in Vienna ( Austria ).. The heroin Kassandra Wyndham is the daughter of the ambassador to Austria who is on a diplomatic mission ..she is bored & craves for freedom ,adventure & fun which was denied to women in the Regency times. When she gets a chance she escapes, dressed as a maid so she could freely explore the town... it is the story of Stefan a military man who is the brother to Kassandra's( future stepmother Isabel) who mistakes her for a tavern wench & rapes her...
The actual story begins from here... Though the start disturbed me , it was horrifying ,uncomfortable & I couldn't relate to it but Miriam's books are always so full of intrigue ,wit, humor and interesting so went on ahead to read ... The plot around the story is fast paced ,concept is very interesting & presentation of the story & characters is brilliant ... this story shows us the shortfall of man , daring ,strength of women ..very bold piece of writing by Miriam ...
There is drama, suspense, heart stopping emotions, feelings , romance . both the characters have been portrayed with there weaknesses & strengths very beautifully by Miriam ... I read the book in one sitting as the story was gripping , was spell bound as the story progressed ...the twists & turns , problems ,deceit. tensions faced by Kassandra - Stefan & how they overcome these hurdles, trials to
live a happily ever after & conquer , acknowledge there love is quite heart touching ...
Miriam's books are inspiring with a good plot...my only request is don't be discouraged or disgusted by the beginning of the book ..please read to the end ..a story par excellence ..I have always enjoyed her way of presenting a story ...she has a unique abilty to weave a good tale .
Set in the Victorian Era early 1700's the story starts in Vienna ( Austria ).. The heroin Kassandra Wyndham is the daughter of the ambassador to Austria who is on a diplomatic mission ..she is bored & craves for freedom ,adventure & fun which was denied to women in the Regency times. When she gets a chance she escapes, dressed as a maid so she could freely explore the town... it is the story of Stefan a military man who is the brother to Kassandra's( future stepmother Isabel) who mistakes her for a tavern wench & rapes her...
The actual story begins from here... Though the start disturbed me , it was horrifying ,uncomfortable & I couldn't relate to it but Miriam's books are always so full of intrigue ,wit, humor and interesting so went on ahead to read ... The plot around the story is fast paced ,concept is very interesting & presentation of the story & characters is brilliant ... this story shows us the shortfall of man , daring ,strength of women ..very bold piece of writing by Miriam ...
There is drama, suspense, heart stopping emotions, feelings , romance . both the characters have been portrayed with there weaknesses & strengths very beautifully by Miriam ... I read the book in one sitting as the story was gripping , was spell bound as the story progressed ...the twists & turns , problems ,deceit. tensions faced by Kassandra - Stefan & how they overcome these hurdles, trials to
live a happily ever after & conquer , acknowledge there love is quite heart touching ...
Miriam's books are inspiring with a good plot...my only request is don't be discouraged or disgusted by the beginning of the book ..please read to the end ..a story par excellence ..I have always enjoyed her way of presenting a story ...she has a unique abilty to weave a good tale .
May 24, 2021
An Incredible Updated Makeover Turned This Book Into A Whole New And Fabulous Journey:
Hate and Desire Make Strange Bed Fellows:
First published under the title: The Temptress Bride which I had given that story a 4 star rating.
This updated version is so much improved that I was totally engrossed and wish I could give it 10 stars.
Stefan a strong hero with flaws and Kassandra also strong with lots of fortitude.
This journey of their passionate romance has changed dramatically and takes us on a roller coaster ride of excitement and turmoil.
Extremely intense from the beginning to the end.
The characters are so intriguing and each are over come with their feeling for each other but, each in their different ways.
Lots of anger from a scandalous mistake, a heated and passionate story that had my heart gripping and pounding more than once.
Many times I laughed, many times I had an OH No! moment.
Exciting, disastrous, very sexy and the most evil deceitful villain you can imagine.
Finding their love for each other was a difficult journey and it kept me glued to each page.
The story had us traveling from Vienna down the Danube river and then on to Belgrade to the harems of the Turks.
This is an epic extremely well written captivating story that I haven't enough words to describe just how good it is.
Regency Adult Story:
Heat Level: 3+ out of 5
Cover: Beautiful
Plot: Excellent:
If by chance you have read The Temptress Bride this Scandalous Bride turns into a very different journey to reach their HEA..
Hate and Desire Make Strange Bed Fellows:
First published under the title: The Temptress Bride which I had given that story a 4 star rating.
This updated version is so much improved that I was totally engrossed and wish I could give it 10 stars.
Stefan a strong hero with flaws and Kassandra also strong with lots of fortitude.
This journey of their passionate romance has changed dramatically and takes us on a roller coaster ride of excitement and turmoil.
Extremely intense from the beginning to the end.
The characters are so intriguing and each are over come with their feeling for each other but, each in their different ways.
Lots of anger from a scandalous mistake, a heated and passionate story that had my heart gripping and pounding more than once.
Many times I laughed, many times I had an OH No! moment.
Exciting, disastrous, very sexy and the most evil deceitful villain you can imagine.
Finding their love for each other was a difficult journey and it kept me glued to each page.
The story had us traveling from Vienna down the Danube river and then on to Belgrade to the harems of the Turks.
This is an epic extremely well written captivating story that I haven't enough words to describe just how good it is.
Regency Adult Story:
Heat Level: 3+ out of 5
Cover: Beautiful
Plot: Excellent:
If by chance you have read The Temptress Bride this Scandalous Bride turns into a very different journey to reach their HEA..
October 8, 2012
The beginning of this book plagued me through the rest of the novel. I've read novels where the hero rapes then heroine and spends the rest of the book making it up to her. I'm not one of those people who hate when authors write that, although falling in love with your rapist is unhealthy in real life.
That being said, I hated how Minger underplayed Stefan's rape of Kassandra that occured within the first few chapters. She was obviously saying no, and refusing him. The fact that she decided halfway through that she kind of likes his touch does not justify his actions.
He should have been overcome with guilt with his actions, especially once he found out Kassandra was the daughter of the man his sister was going to marry. But he wasn't. Instead, he was quite obsessed with her which is resembling the behavior of a casual, sick rapist.
But the author obviously didn't intend to write him as a bad man...so I was confused. It was also puzzling why Kassandra wasn't more upset with having her virginity taken from her.
After getting past the beginning of the book, I was somewhat able to put this all behind me and enjoy the rest of the book. I especially enjoyed the ending, including the part with the harem. I thought it was a nice twist. The couple's love was adorable and very heart warming.
So yes, I liked MOST of the novel. The beginning, though, brought it's rating down a lot.
That being said, I hated how Minger underplayed Stefan's rape of Kassandra that occured within the first few chapters. She was obviously saying no, and refusing him. The fact that she decided halfway through that she kind of likes his touch does not justify his actions.
He should have been overcome with guilt with his actions, especially once he found out Kassandra was the daughter of the man his sister was going to marry. But he wasn't. Instead, he was quite obsessed with her which is resembling the behavior of a casual, sick rapist.
But the author obviously didn't intend to write him as a bad man...so I was confused. It was also puzzling why Kassandra wasn't more upset with having her virginity taken from her.
After getting past the beginning of the book, I was somewhat able to put this all behind me and enjoy the rest of the book. I especially enjoyed the ending, including the part with the harem. I thought it was a nice twist. The couple's love was adorable and very heart warming.
So yes, I liked MOST of the novel. The beginning, though, brought it's rating down a lot.
October 12, 2015
I have just finished this book, a bit lengthier than my last few reads, but it was well written, and I enjoyed it. I could have cheerfully throttled the hero on several occasions, pompous as he was at times, but he did redeem himself well before the book ended! This story takes place mostly in Austria in the 1700s, and the historical references and description were well done, at least I felt that way. I would probably read this one again, although not for a while, but would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical romance with a bit of military action thrown in for suspense.....it's definitely worth the read!
May 24, 2021
A story filled with many plot twists and intrigue. Kassandra is a feisty character. Her desire to explore on her own sees her getting into trouble. Stefan is a military officer who doesn’t believe in love. Everything changes when they meet. It is a wonderful story filled with action and witty conversations. These two characters show so much growth as they struggle to accept how much they love each other and then have to risk everything to finally be together.
March 31, 2013
I enjoyed this. Stefan was quite the arrogant ## but he reedeemed himself when he withdrew his proposal.
Worth a read
Worth a read
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews