What do you think?
Rate this book
Dangerous Masquerade #3
Defiant Impostor
With a heavy heart, spirited but low-born Susanna Guthrie agrees to honor the deathbed request of the wealthy young woman who rescued her from a life of poverty. Masquerading as her benefactress, Susanna travels to the Virginia colonies to take the dying heiress' place as head of the sprawling tobacco plantation, Briarwood...and to "marry wisely."
Once, the exquisite impostor would have welcomed the attentions of handsome Adam Thornton. But now, consorting with a "hired hand" is unthinkable--though the raw, sensual power of the rugged plantation manager leaves Susanna breathless. Driven by a long-held desire for vengeance, Adam is ruthlessly determined to win both Briarwood and its beautiful new mistress--only to be undone by a soul inflamed with passion...and a heart ennobled by love.
Once, the exquisite impostor would have welcomed the attentions of handsome Adam Thornton. But now, consorting with a "hired hand" is unthinkable--though the raw, sensual power of the rugged plantation manager leaves Susanna breathless. Driven by a long-held desire for vengeance, Adam is ruthlessly determined to win both Briarwood and its beautiful new mistress--only to be undone by a soul inflamed with passion...and a heart ennobled by love.
375 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1992
124 people are currently reading
440 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 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 1, 2019
What a wretched life Susanna Guthrie had grown up in. She was abused by her father and made to beg for him, but one night all that changed. Oh yes, almost getting hit by a carraige, when she was twelve, changed the course of her life. She was rescued by a Lady Redmayne and became a lady's maid to her eleven year old great niece, Camilla who had come from Virginia to live with her great aunt.
Seven years later she and Camilla were sailing to America. She had gotten word her father had passed and she now had to take over the plantation and hopefully marry. But a horrible sickness spread through the ship and Camilla became very ill. She pleaded with Susanna that if she passed for her to take her place accepting her inheritance, Briarwood, which was a tobacco plantation.
Sadly the sickness did take her friend and now Susanna would take her place. Could she do it? Yes they did look surprisingly alike in so many ways and nobody there had seen her friend since she was young. But to pull off being a lady?
What she didn't know was that Adam Thornton who had been Briarwood's plantation manager, was determined to marry her.. he had even gotten her father's blessing that he would recommend him to his daughter. Adam was determined to become a plantation owner so he could get his revenge against a man who had caused so much grief and turmoil in his life.
Did all that get your attention? It should because this story did not stop holding my attention as I read more. Can you imaginee? Going to a strange place, acting like someone else and a man determined to wed you with no idea why?
As usual Miriam Minger has pulled me into a story that I really enjoyed! I felt like I was there and could feel the emotions of Susanna with this tale filled with greed, revenge, pretenses and of course surprising feelings that could not be ignored. Prepare to be enthralled as you read how this story turns out. You will love it!!
Seven years later she and Camilla were sailing to America. She had gotten word her father had passed and she now had to take over the plantation and hopefully marry. But a horrible sickness spread through the ship and Camilla became very ill. She pleaded with Susanna that if she passed for her to take her place accepting her inheritance, Briarwood, which was a tobacco plantation.
Sadly the sickness did take her friend and now Susanna would take her place. Could she do it? Yes they did look surprisingly alike in so many ways and nobody there had seen her friend since she was young. But to pull off being a lady?
What she didn't know was that Adam Thornton who had been Briarwood's plantation manager, was determined to marry her.. he had even gotten her father's blessing that he would recommend him to his daughter. Adam was determined to become a plantation owner so he could get his revenge against a man who had caused so much grief and turmoil in his life.
Did all that get your attention? It should because this story did not stop holding my attention as I read more. Can you imaginee? Going to a strange place, acting like someone else and a man determined to wed you with no idea why?
As usual Miriam Minger has pulled me into a story that I really enjoyed! I felt like I was there and could feel the emotions of Susanna with this tale filled with greed, revenge, pretenses and of course surprising feelings that could not be ignored. Prepare to be enthralled as you read how this story turns out. You will love it!!
November 13, 2015
Too much distrust, and vengeance between the lead pair.
She is an impostor, she must act like the lady of the manor, but she thinks like a lady too, not like a waiting maid at all.
Her dismissive attitude towards Adam's overtures initially, I dint find Susanna's character true to her origins. She seemed to ease too easily into her role.
And I can handle leads hating each other, but when they think so low of somebody , is it even possible to feel lust towards the same person ? I wonder ...
The sex and the emotions are too devoid of each other in the tale. The historical setting is decently done. Adam seemed a decent hero too. Overall, ok read. Nothing exhilarating.
She is an impostor, she must act like the lady of the manor, but she thinks like a lady too, not like a waiting maid at all.
Her dismissive attitude towards Adam's overtures initially, I dint find Susanna's character true to her origins. She seemed to ease too easily into her role.
And I can handle leads hating each other, but when they think so low of somebody , is it even possible to feel lust towards the same person ? I wonder ...
The sex and the emotions are too devoid of each other in the tale. The historical setting is decently done. Adam seemed a decent hero too. Overall, ok read. Nothing exhilarating.
February 11, 2022
I admit the author really wrung the story out! This story has it all…. a lot of angst, deception, betrayal, hate, heartache, and love.
Susanna Guthrie is a poor abused girl who is rescued by a wealthy benefactor when she is twelve years old. She becomes the waiting maid for her grandniece Camille Cary and they become the best of friends despite their stations in life. Fast forward seven years and upon learning of her father’s death in colonial Virginia, Camille and Susanna are headed there. A deadly fever breaks out on ship and before Camille dies, she makes Susanna promise to take her place and gain her inheritance. Susanna reluctantly agrees. Susanna lands in Virginia and anxiously assumes the role. She meets Adam Thornton the caretaker and tobacco crop master of Camille’s father’s plantation, Briarwood. He has plans to marry Camille (aka Susanna) to gain Briarwood so he can get revenge on a (Dominic Spencer) who indentured him for several years. Now begins their dance together!
Susanna Guthrie is a poor abused girl who is rescued by a wealthy benefactor when she is twelve years old. She becomes the waiting maid for her grandniece Camille Cary and they become the best of friends despite their stations in life. Fast forward seven years and upon learning of her father’s death in colonial Virginia, Camille and Susanna are headed there. A deadly fever breaks out on ship and before Camille dies, she makes Susanna promise to take her place and gain her inheritance. Susanna reluctantly agrees. Susanna lands in Virginia and anxiously assumes the role. She meets Adam Thornton the caretaker and tobacco crop master of Camille’s father’s plantation, Briarwood. He has plans to marry Camille (aka Susanna) to gain Briarwood so he can get revenge on a (Dominic Spencer) who indentured him for several years. Now begins their dance together!
October 31, 2018
Susanna Jane Guthrie, friend and maid to Camille Gray agrees to her death bed wish on the crossing to Virginia when Camille dies in the crossing. She becomes the new mistress of Briarwood Plantation, meets the handsome Adam Thornton, the master planter for the plantation. She starts the difficult deception of being Camille, looking for an appropriate bridegroom and hold off the courting of Adam.
As The Impostor Bride she faces danger, deception and learns of the cruelty of another planter and how ruthless he has been in advancing his position in the community. The story is full of deception, twists of plot and a wonderful ending.
As The Impostor Bride she faces danger, deception and learns of the cruelty of another planter and how ruthless he has been in advancing his position in the community. The story is full of deception, twists of plot and a wonderful ending.
January 10, 2020
Mistaken Identity or Imposter?
The Imposter Bride was incredible! Full of danger, adventure and passion. This was a loyalty driven book. The character Susanna Guthrie was the best friend of Camille Cary which was an heiress. Camille died with the wish for Susanna to take her place. The game begins. This charade enacts so much deception, lies, passion, fools befuddled and sadness that by the end you will have fallen off your seat. The plantation manager Adam Thornton will throw you for a loop. He's tied in with Susanna. Be ready to fall.
Any adult liking historical passionate romances should read. Definitely.
The Imposter Bride was incredible! Full of danger, adventure and passion. This was a loyalty driven book. The character Susanna Guthrie was the best friend of Camille Cary which was an heiress. Camille died with the wish for Susanna to take her place. The game begins. This charade enacts so much deception, lies, passion, fools befuddled and sadness that by the end you will have fallen off your seat. The plantation manager Adam Thornton will throw you for a loop. He's tied in with Susanna. Be ready to fall.
Any adult liking historical passionate romances should read. Definitely.
January 25, 2023
The Imposter 👰 (Dangerous Masquerade Book 3)
I loved these two characters immensely. Adam Thornton was a true gentleman and Susanna Gunthrie was indeed a lady. That rascal Dominic Spencer got karma coming from all directions. Hulled off to the magistrate in Williamsburg, VA to face charges for murder and cruelty to his staff/field workers. What an ending.
I would recommend the writer Miriam Minger, if you enjoy 📚 historical fiction.
1/25/2023.
I loved these two characters immensely. Adam Thornton was a true gentleman and Susanna Gunthrie was indeed a lady. That rascal Dominic Spencer got karma coming from all directions. Hulled off to the magistrate in Williamsburg, VA to face charges for murder and cruelty to his staff/field workers. What an ending.
I would recommend the writer Miriam Minger, if you enjoy 📚 historical fiction.
1/25/2023.
June 28, 2023
I liked first 2 in series, this one was tough read
The 2 characters just kept adding mistrust instead of actually listening to what the other said. I skipped the middle because it was just too much. Even when they laid everything out, the other would continually accuse or lie...omit things. I know it's a story about masquerade or imposter, but it took too long for them to finally listen
The 2 characters just kept adding mistrust instead of actually listening to what the other said. I skipped the middle because it was just too much. Even when they laid everything out, the other would continually accuse or lie...omit things. I know it's a story about masquerade or imposter, but it took too long for them to finally listen
June 2, 2022
Never a dull moment
I've now read, no I've devoured nine books in the last month of Miriam Minger's. There's nothing usual about her books. When I think we're about to take a right turn, she goes up. This story had many unique twists and plot changes. It was a wonderful ride. Looking forward to my tenth book.
I've now read, no I've devoured nine books in the last month of Miriam Minger's. There's nothing usual about her books. When I think we're about to take a right turn, she goes up. This story had many unique twists and plot changes. It was a wonderful ride. Looking forward to my tenth book.
October 23, 2021
What a story, Susanna and Adam seemed constantly at logger heads, they trusted and distrusted each other so much my head was spinning at times. Both experienced such horrid childhood traumas but one had plans for revenge.
May 9, 2019
I couldn't put this down, has suspense, action I'm not one for romance but I did enjoy this.
November 30, 2015
I started this a while back while in a doctor's office. Finally had the opportunity to finish it while riding in a car The day before Thanksgiving.
The heroine was actually the companion/lady's maid of an aristocrat. The aristocrat died on a voyage due to illness but before she did, she convinced the h to take her place as her father was dead and the only one who could prove she wasn't the girl was an aunt who likely wouldn't come across the ocean. Got that?
The h, having grown up in the household, was well aware of social standings in Merry Olde England so the thoughts of the overseer or whatever the H was making advances on what he assumed was his boss's daughter didn't set well with her.
:sigh... I could almost like the h, but I had a tough time with the H. Not only did he seem to just ignore all possibility that the h might find him reaching above himself, but he was pushy. And, when he found out her real identity, he was exceedingly obnoxious.
He took advantage of every facet of the situation. Considering the h's early objections, I'm bemused that she didn't become violent towards him.
At least it was short.
The heroine was actually the companion/lady's maid of an aristocrat. The aristocrat died on a voyage due to illness but before she did, she convinced the h to take her place as her father was dead and the only one who could prove she wasn't the girl was an aunt who likely wouldn't come across the ocean. Got that?
The h, having grown up in the household, was well aware of social standings in Merry Olde England so the thoughts of the overseer or whatever the H was making advances on what he assumed was his boss's daughter didn't set well with her.
:sigh... I could almost like the h, but I had a tough time with the H. Not only did he seem to just ignore all possibility that the h might find him reaching above himself, but he was pushy. And, when he found out her real identity, he was exceedingly obnoxious.
He took advantage of every facet of the situation. Considering the h's early objections, I'm bemused that she didn't become violent towards him.
At least it was short.
July 25, 2012
I was actually thinking about the story during my days and the fact that I actually wanted to know what would happen next is enough for me to say that I liked this book. Another thing I liked was that every single character played an important part in the story. Never thought they were going to be intertwined in the story the way the ended up.
There was a lot of lust between those two. I didn't like the cruel and violent part between them. I like my love stories cruelty free. I would've given it 4 stars if it wasn't for that.
Anyway, nice free read, if you're into your southern belles' love stories.
There was a lot of lust between those two. I didn't like the cruel and violent part between them. I like my love stories cruelty free. I would've given it 4 stars if it wasn't for that.
Anyway, nice free read, if you're into your southern belles' love stories.
April 30, 2014
I was very bored with this book. I hated all the accusations that Adam kept flinging at Camille/Susanna, though I could readily understand why he did so. At some point though, if you love someone, then you have to trust them and it took Adam too long in my eyes to do so. Susanna's willingness to roll over and accept the situation as it stood with not so much as an apology for not trusting her didn't sit well with me either, as it seemed out of character for her. Wouldn't recommend to others!
January 27, 2013
Jan.21 >>>Up to chapter 3. Feels like I've read it before if not something verry similar...we'll see!
Did feel like I had read before but not quite. Very annoying if you ask me!
Did like it though. Easy to read almost not typos and captivating.
The story did keep me interested. But some things didn't need to be recall which happens to many times.
I was really rooting for Adam and was hoping Spencer did get his due...which he did at the end. The greatAunt was very suprising.
Did feel like I had read before but not quite. Very annoying if you ask me!
Did like it though. Easy to read almost not typos and captivating.
The story did keep me interested. But some things didn't need to be recall which happens to many times.
I was really rooting for Adam and was hoping Spencer did get his due...which he did at the end. The greatAunt was very suprising.
Read
February 15, 2016Historical
339p Once, the exquisite impostor would have welcomed the attentions of handsome Adam Thornton. But now, consorting with a 1Chired hand 1D is unthinkable 14though the raw, sensual power of the rugged plantation manager leaves Susanna breathless. Driven by a long-held desire for vengeance, Adam is ruthlessly determined to win both Briarwood and its beautiful new mistress 14only to be undone by a soul inflamed with passion 26and a heart ennobled by love.
339p Once, the exquisite impostor would have welcomed the attentions of handsome Adam Thornton. But now, consorting with a 1Chired hand 1D is unthinkable 14though the raw, sensual power of the rugged plantation manager leaves Susanna breathless. Driven by a long-held desire for vengeance, Adam is ruthlessly determined to win both Briarwood and its beautiful new mistress 14only to be undone by a soul inflamed with passion 26and a heart ennobled by love.
February 26, 2016
One of the most dullest of Minger's book! an absolute disappointment. I clearly had no love for the heroine, who annoyed me with her stupidity mostly. The hero wasn't loveable as well...he just seemed cold and I think he was more in lust than love with Susanna. Overall ta disappointment!! How could this have happened?!!
December 4, 2012
I was glad this ended the way it did because it was sure stressful getting there. Love and trust are key issues in here that drive the main characters together and apart frequently. At a given point you just wanted to shake them!
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Want to read
June 21, 2012Free on Amazon 06/21/2012.
June 23, 2012
It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but it had some cute moments.
August 1, 2012
Read as an e-book, free Kindle download. Wasn't quite sure how it was all going to work out ...
February 23, 2013
This was a great book to read and sit down curl up on the couch in your pajamas and just enjoy
Currently reading
November 7, 2012good although took a while to really get into the story....over half way through and hope to finish this week.
September 11, 2012
A rollercoaster of an emotional ride that somehow lets you believe that stories of rags-to-riches, spills from balconies, swordfights, and happily ever after should happen more often.
November 17, 2012
Wasn't too crazy about this book. Makes for a nice light read. :)
November 30, 2012
Just amazing! A classical era retold in an incredibly way, full of heart and character. It has those moments that make you feel all fuzzy inside. Brilliant!
March 11, 2015
This story started wonderfully, you understood what she did and why she did it, but the ending, really? So abrupt and so cheesy. It almost made the story not worth it.
April 8, 2015
Very frustrating characters.
Want to read
October 24, 2012Freebie today. 1992 Avon.
November 17, 2012
A most enjoyable book for all who enjoy their romance with intrigue and a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews