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Holiday for Romance #2
Unmasking Love
Getting a life do-over in the small theater town of Ashland, Oregon, has suited lawyer Julie Payne to a T. After ten years in the Portland prosecutor’s office, she’s enjoying her new, easy lifestyle, and she’s not looking for any complications.
Trace Watkins comes to town seeking the same refuge from life as a big city banker. A new job might make Ashland his permanent address, and he likes what he sees of the place, especially when he meets Julie one hot Halloween night.
The sparks fly instantly between the costumed couple, and Julie and Trace waste no time connecting beneath the sheets while literally hiding behind their masks.
But when the holiday hook-up ends, their real identities present a serious snag: Trace manages the bank Julie happens to be suing. The only way they can turn this trick into a treat is if both of them are willing to face their pasts and finally bury the skeletons in their closets.
Trace Watkins comes to town seeking the same refuge from life as a big city banker. A new job might make Ashland his permanent address, and he likes what he sees of the place, especially when he meets Julie one hot Halloween night.
The sparks fly instantly between the costumed couple, and Julie and Trace waste no time connecting beneath the sheets while literally hiding behind their masks.
But when the holiday hook-up ends, their real identities present a serious snag: Trace manages the bank Julie happens to be suing. The only way they can turn this trick into a treat is if both of them are willing to face their pasts and finally bury the skeletons in their closets.
174 pages, ebook
First published September 29, 2014
2 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Peggy Bird
40 books105 followersBorn in Philly, raised in the suburbs, I moved to the Northwest as an adult and, other than a year in England and a couple years in Montana, have happily lived here ever since.
My work life has been more complicated. I was a nurse, political staffer, lobbyist, association executive and community affairs consultant before I followed my passions to writing and art glass. Not as much money but a whole lot more fun.
In 2012 my life changed dramatically when several of the books I'd started out writing as mysteries were contracted for publication by Crimson Romance. Since June of that year I've had six books in the Second Chances series released as ebooks and trade paperbacks and a second series, A Holiday for Romance, begun.
Some of the characters in my books share my love of glass art--there's a gallery owner and a kiln-formed glass artist, a glass jewelry artist who has better luck making perfect beads than I do and, in the first Holiday for Romance book, a glass blower. It's an enjoyable way to share my love for glass art through my other love, writing.
All of the books take place primarily in the Pacific Northwest where I live but sometimes Philly, where I grew up. slips in. It's easy writing romances in such a beautiful setting!
I love to hear from readers so feel free to contact me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggybirdauthor
or Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggybirdwrites
My work life has been more complicated. I was a nurse, political staffer, lobbyist, association executive and community affairs consultant before I followed my passions to writing and art glass. Not as much money but a whole lot more fun.
In 2012 my life changed dramatically when several of the books I'd started out writing as mysteries were contracted for publication by Crimson Romance. Since June of that year I've had six books in the Second Chances series released as ebooks and trade paperbacks and a second series, A Holiday for Romance, begun.
Some of the characters in my books share my love of glass art--there's a gallery owner and a kiln-formed glass artist, a glass jewelry artist who has better luck making perfect beads than I do and, in the first Holiday for Romance book, a glass blower. It's an enjoyable way to share my love for glass art through my other love, writing.
All of the books take place primarily in the Pacific Northwest where I live but sometimes Philly, where I grew up. slips in. It's easy writing romances in such a beautiful setting!
I love to hear from readers so feel free to contact me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggybirdauthor
or Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggybirdwrites
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 31, 2014
Just when I think Peggy Bird can't write any hotter sex scenes, she surprises me. This book basically starts at a Halloween party, and includes masked men, mystery, a little domination that's not at all kinky, and the most exciting sex I've read in a long time. What happens from there is a pure delight.
Peggy is one of my favorite authors. Her heroes are all men I wish I'd met twenty years ago, her heroines are the kind of women I'd like to think I would have been in their situations.
I could not stop reading this book, and had to get to the end to see if Juliet would indeed recognize her Romeo. You won't be disappointed.
Peggy is one of my favorite authors. Her heroes are all men I wish I'd met twenty years ago, her heroines are the kind of women I'd like to think I would have been in their situations.
I could not stop reading this book, and had to get to the end to see if Juliet would indeed recognize her Romeo. You won't be disappointed.
September 9, 2014
Neither Julie nor Trace is truly who they appear to be, and the best part about Unmasking Love is following their journey as they reveal their true selves. Julie leaves Portland in the wake of professional failure and humiliation and ends up in Ashland, OR when her Lexus dies. She's headed back to California, sort of, because she has family there and no one will know about the drama in Portland, but when she hears about a possible job in Ashland, she's quick to jump on the opportunity.
Fast-forward a year, and Trace turns up in Ashland, investigating a job opportunity of his own. He tags along with friends to a Halloween party, dressed in Elizabethan tights and tunic, and ends up playing Romeo to a gorgeous Juliet. They spend one amazing (incredibly hot, oh-so-naughty) night together. There's only one problem: when he wakes up in the morning, Juliet's gone, leaving only a (Cinderella-esque) mask as a clue.
Juliet's gone because Julie ran home, removed her dark wig and dainty nightgown, and got down to the business of cleaning up from her Halloween party. Later, Julie and Trace meet in real life, under most inauspicious circumstances. He's determined to find his Juliet, who is absolutely nothing like the blond Ice Queen Julie who shows up in his office, while she's determined not to repeat her Portland disaster by giving her heart to the wrong guy.
What follows is a brilliantly choreographed dance, as the two of them discover each other. The dialogue is witty and sharp, and the naughty bits are quite enjoyable. (I especially liked the orgasm prayer, but I'll let you discover that one on your own.) There's a real-life maturity to the relationship that evolves between these two characters, and I found the more I read, the more it engaged me.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
Fast-forward a year, and Trace turns up in Ashland, investigating a job opportunity of his own. He tags along with friends to a Halloween party, dressed in Elizabethan tights and tunic, and ends up playing Romeo to a gorgeous Juliet. They spend one amazing (incredibly hot, oh-so-naughty) night together. There's only one problem: when he wakes up in the morning, Juliet's gone, leaving only a (Cinderella-esque) mask as a clue.
Juliet's gone because Julie ran home, removed her dark wig and dainty nightgown, and got down to the business of cleaning up from her Halloween party. Later, Julie and Trace meet in real life, under most inauspicious circumstances. He's determined to find his Juliet, who is absolutely nothing like the blond Ice Queen Julie who shows up in his office, while she's determined not to repeat her Portland disaster by giving her heart to the wrong guy.
What follows is a brilliantly choreographed dance, as the two of them discover each other. The dialogue is witty and sharp, and the naughty bits are quite enjoyable. (I especially liked the orgasm prayer, but I'll let you discover that one on your own.) There's a real-life maturity to the relationship that evolves between these two characters, and I found the more I read, the more it engaged me.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
October 23, 2014
Julie ‘Greer’ Payne feels she has no choice but to leave her dream position in the Portland prosecutor’s office after falling victim to the manipulations of a man who she believed cared for her. On the way home to California, car trouble sidelines her in Ashland, Oregon. In just the few days she spends in this wholesome and inviting town, Julie decides it’s as good a place as any to start over – new job, new name (she drops Greer for her true name, Juliet/Julie), and very quickly makes new friends. Life is good and when Halloween comes, she decides to throw a party to get to know the rest of the town.
Trace Watkins comes to Ashland with the idea of a new job, and a quieter life from that in Portland. It happens to be Halloween and his old college buds talk him into dressing as a Shakespearean character and going with them to a Halloween party. Only planning to stay a short time, he has no interest in such things until he sees his Juliet across the room. Mesmerized and intrigued, he must find out who she is and meet her. When she disappears and the crowd moves outside to watch a parade, he finds her again. What happens next is only the beginning of a wonderful romance, a town mystery, and a steamy love match as sweet as any amount of Halloween treats, or is it all just a trick of the heart?
UNMASKING LOVE by Peggy Bird is a fun, sweet, romantic, and definitely deliciously sexy story centered around one of the most fun holidays, and when Margo Keyes and her hubby, Tony Alessandro show up, everything comes to head. I can't help but thank the writing gods for Peggy's decision to put Trace and Tony in the same pages. (I have a huge crush on Tony.) I only wished he’d hung around a little longer, although having sexy Trace around made up for it. The banter between Trace and Julie is fun, intimate, teasing, and very sexy.
I enjoy the way Peggy has branched this series out of her original Second Chance series so we are treated to visits with those wonderful characters as well as making new acquaintances. Great characters I don’t mind visiting with any time. Tony can come to my house whenever he wants and stay as long as he wishes.
I highly recommend treating yourself to the wonderful and sweet holiday romance, UNMASKING LOVE by Peggy Bird. You might even think yourself tricked a bit when you find out there’s a bit of evil lurking among the pages. I have to admit I was only half tricked, but it was definitely part of the fun.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
Trace Watkins comes to Ashland with the idea of a new job, and a quieter life from that in Portland. It happens to be Halloween and his old college buds talk him into dressing as a Shakespearean character and going with them to a Halloween party. Only planning to stay a short time, he has no interest in such things until he sees his Juliet across the room. Mesmerized and intrigued, he must find out who she is and meet her. When she disappears and the crowd moves outside to watch a parade, he finds her again. What happens next is only the beginning of a wonderful romance, a town mystery, and a steamy love match as sweet as any amount of Halloween treats, or is it all just a trick of the heart?
UNMASKING LOVE by Peggy Bird is a fun, sweet, romantic, and definitely deliciously sexy story centered around one of the most fun holidays, and when Margo Keyes and her hubby, Tony Alessandro show up, everything comes to head. I can't help but thank the writing gods for Peggy's decision to put Trace and Tony in the same pages. (I have a huge crush on Tony.) I only wished he’d hung around a little longer, although having sexy Trace around made up for it. The banter between Trace and Julie is fun, intimate, teasing, and very sexy.
I enjoy the way Peggy has branched this series out of her original Second Chance series so we are treated to visits with those wonderful characters as well as making new acquaintances. Great characters I don’t mind visiting with any time. Tony can come to my house whenever he wants and stay as long as he wishes.
I highly recommend treating yourself to the wonderful and sweet holiday romance, UNMASKING LOVE by Peggy Bird. You might even think yourself tricked a bit when you find out there’s a bit of evil lurking among the pages. I have to admit I was only half tricked, but it was definitely part of the fun.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
October 19, 2014
Spicy and modernized, this story that relies on the mystique and romance of Romeo and Juliet, without the bad ending, Peggy Bird brings heat and heart to Halloween.
As Greer, the former Deputy, her life was a mess: falling in love with the wrong man who used her feelings for him to gain information to help his criminal activity left her embarrassed and jobless, a personal and professional implosion. Tossing everything she knew in Portland, she has moved to a small town to start again, remembering better times, she reclaims her childhood name of Julie and starts a simpler, scaled down life. Still stinging from the events in Portland, she is cautiously engaging with people in this small town until a masquerade party sets a whole new trajectory into her life.
Trace arrives in Ashland to repair and restore confidence in the town’s bank. His own reputation and diligence to regain the trust of the community are keystone elements in the bank’s (and by extension, his) success. But who can resist a masquerade ball that has the whole town excited?
When a dark-haired Juliet meets the Romeo of her dreams in Elizabethan costume, the masks provide an air of security and act to release inhibitions. Starting with the masquerade scene and all of the sexy and sensual moments, Juliet and her new Romeo are enchanted, and forget their own rules for behavior for just one night.
From here, Bird leads us on a clever dance, Trace cannot forget his Juliet, but has only his memories and a mask that she left behind. And while there is something familiar about the reserved blonde woman Julie, he can’t quite put the pieces together.
Clever dialogue, a determined hero and a very solid and mature development of the relationship between the two plays like a tango, as they gain knowledge of one another and slowly the pieces fall into place. Plenty of heat and some very clever sexy moments show their increasing connection, as Julie learns to trust in Trace and herself, and discover just how far from wrong he is.
I received an eBook copy of the title from Tasty Book Tours for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
As Greer, the former Deputy, her life was a mess: falling in love with the wrong man who used her feelings for him to gain information to help his criminal activity left her embarrassed and jobless, a personal and professional implosion. Tossing everything she knew in Portland, she has moved to a small town to start again, remembering better times, she reclaims her childhood name of Julie and starts a simpler, scaled down life. Still stinging from the events in Portland, she is cautiously engaging with people in this small town until a masquerade party sets a whole new trajectory into her life.
Trace arrives in Ashland to repair and restore confidence in the town’s bank. His own reputation and diligence to regain the trust of the community are keystone elements in the bank’s (and by extension, his) success. But who can resist a masquerade ball that has the whole town excited?
When a dark-haired Juliet meets the Romeo of her dreams in Elizabethan costume, the masks provide an air of security and act to release inhibitions. Starting with the masquerade scene and all of the sexy and sensual moments, Juliet and her new Romeo are enchanted, and forget their own rules for behavior for just one night.
From here, Bird leads us on a clever dance, Trace cannot forget his Juliet, but has only his memories and a mask that she left behind. And while there is something familiar about the reserved blonde woman Julie, he can’t quite put the pieces together.
Clever dialogue, a determined hero and a very solid and mature development of the relationship between the two plays like a tango, as they gain knowledge of one another and slowly the pieces fall into place. Plenty of heat and some very clever sexy moments show their increasing connection, as Julie learns to trust in Trace and herself, and discover just how far from wrong he is.
I received an eBook copy of the title from Tasty Book Tours for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 18, 2014
Julie and Trace left their lives in Portland for different reasons. A lapse in judgement left Julie feeling like the odd-man out at the prosecutor's office despite her ten years of service there. Being cleared of all charges didn't ease the discomfort her coworkers felt around her, so she did what she felt was best at the time: she left. Heading south to California to start a new life was the perfect plan, until her transmission conked out and left her stranded in Ashland, OR. Small town life had its appeal and it wasn't long before California was a memory and Ashland was her home.
Trace came to Ashland for two reasons: he was tired of Portland, and he'd gotten a new job as bank manager in Ashland. Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones were benefits of moving to the small town. What he hadn't counted on was finding a woman his body craved, his heart needed, and his soul wanted. It didn't matter that he met her at a Halloween party or that she wore a mask so he couldn't see her features. He knew her scent, her voice, and the little tattoo on her shoulder he'd spent time kissing. Imagine his surprise when he discovered his mystery woman was the same woman suing his bank for a security breach.
Trace and Julie's story was made a hundred times more interesting when they discovered they knew each other because of their Halloween night hookup. As they spend time together, as they revealed themselves to each other, it became more and more apparent their hookup was meant to be so much more. The way their lust and like grew into love was beautifully written. The obstacles they faced had me crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. The sweetness of Trace and Julie's time together blended wonderfully into the sensual moments they shared at night.
The story isn't long, but it wasn't rushed. Ms. Bird took her time pacing Trace and Julie's relationship, letting them sort through their pasts and presents and futures so the end was believable. Beautifully written and wonderfully engaging, I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author.
Trace came to Ashland for two reasons: he was tired of Portland, and he'd gotten a new job as bank manager in Ashland. Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones were benefits of moving to the small town. What he hadn't counted on was finding a woman his body craved, his heart needed, and his soul wanted. It didn't matter that he met her at a Halloween party or that she wore a mask so he couldn't see her features. He knew her scent, her voice, and the little tattoo on her shoulder he'd spent time kissing. Imagine his surprise when he discovered his mystery woman was the same woman suing his bank for a security breach.
Trace and Julie's story was made a hundred times more interesting when they discovered they knew each other because of their Halloween night hookup. As they spend time together, as they revealed themselves to each other, it became more and more apparent their hookup was meant to be so much more. The way their lust and like grew into love was beautifully written. The obstacles they faced had me crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. The sweetness of Trace and Julie's time together blended wonderfully into the sensual moments they shared at night.
The story isn't long, but it wasn't rushed. Ms. Bird took her time pacing Trace and Julie's relationship, letting them sort through their pasts and presents and futures so the end was believable. Beautifully written and wonderfully engaging, I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author.
October 16, 2014
I picked this book purely on its cover, having no pre-conceived ideas about what to expect, as I barely skimmed the synopsis. So, I'm delighted that this is a complete departure from what I normally read and a welcome “feel good” change of pace.
Julie (Juliet/Greer) didn't intent to end up in Ashland, but fate stepped into her life in the form of transmission failure on her car. Stranded, she is forced to stay in this small town; tantalisingly close to the California state line. The state where she planned on making her new home. After overhearing a conversation in restaurant about a possible job, Julie abandons her plans and decides makes this friendly, theatrical town her new home.
When Trace ends up in Ashland, the last thing on his mind is finding a woman. Hell, he didn't even want to gatecrash the Halloween party everyone was talking about. After a fair bit of cajoling from his old fraternity brothers , wearing a “Romeo” costume; leaving nothing to the imagination, he ends up at the celebration. A meeting of eyes across a crowded room, leads him to his “Juliet.” A night of passion follows, but their masked faces which concealed their identities means neither knows who the other one is. Was this just a fantasy?
Intrigue follows as Trace takes up his new position as manager at Northwest Savings and Loan, where he meets “ice queen,” a woman who looks familiar. Have they met before?
I love the author's witty writing style which is present right from the opening lines of this book. Ms Bird, successfully builds deliciously, believable sexual tension between Julie and Trace; you can almost hear the cracks of electricity! Additionally, she paints a wonderful landscape with words to describe the setting for this light-hearted and sexy romance.
This was a fun and quick read, but one that also left a smile on my face.
*** arc received in exchange for an honest review.***
Julie (Juliet/Greer) didn't intent to end up in Ashland, but fate stepped into her life in the form of transmission failure on her car. Stranded, she is forced to stay in this small town; tantalisingly close to the California state line. The state where she planned on making her new home. After overhearing a conversation in restaurant about a possible job, Julie abandons her plans and decides makes this friendly, theatrical town her new home.
When Trace ends up in Ashland, the last thing on his mind is finding a woman. Hell, he didn't even want to gatecrash the Halloween party everyone was talking about. After a fair bit of cajoling from his old fraternity brothers , wearing a “Romeo” costume; leaving nothing to the imagination, he ends up at the celebration. A meeting of eyes across a crowded room, leads him to his “Juliet.” A night of passion follows, but their masked faces which concealed their identities means neither knows who the other one is. Was this just a fantasy?
Intrigue follows as Trace takes up his new position as manager at Northwest Savings and Loan, where he meets “ice queen,” a woman who looks familiar. Have they met before?
I love the author's witty writing style which is present right from the opening lines of this book. Ms Bird, successfully builds deliciously, believable sexual tension between Julie and Trace; you can almost hear the cracks of electricity! Additionally, she paints a wonderful landscape with words to describe the setting for this light-hearted and sexy romance.
This was a fun and quick read, but one that also left a smile on my face.
*** arc received in exchange for an honest review.***
September 29, 2014
How many times can you make the same mistake twice? Multnomah Deputy D.A.Greer Payne, working out of the busy Portland office, throws away her successful career when the man she loves proves to be a criminal using her to gather inside information he can use to his advantage.
Cleared of complicity but devastated, Greer reclaims her childhood name—Julie—and starts over in Ashland, Oregon. Julie manages a cautious, scaled down life until the night she and a costumed Romeo in too-tight tights allow the false security of masks to set them free. Julie spends a night of unbridled lust and unimaginable pleasure with a faceless man she never expects to see again.
New bank president Trace Watkins came to Ashland to take over a community bank in trouble—clients have been defrauded, and lack of trust in the institution is damaging its reputation. Maintaining his own reputation, trustworthiness, and decorum is imperative—but how can Trace go on as if nothing happened after the sexiest, most unforgettable night of his life?
Peggy Bird’s spicy romance, Unmasking Love, is explicitly sexy. Juliet ‘Julie’ aka Greer is a heroine whose different personas parallel her struggles to deal with her expectations of herself, as well as the standards set for her by others. Trace’s quest to find his disappearing Juliet endears him to readers—no one wants Trace to lose, even as the world starts caving in on him.
Allusions to the more famous tale of Romeo and Juliet call attention to the setting, a community immersed in theater and the arts—but unlike Shakespeare, Ms.Bird gets the ending right. Unmasking Love is a short, sizzling read with engaging characters and a ‘glass slipper’ bit of intrigue.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest opinion, put forth in this review.
Cleared of complicity but devastated, Greer reclaims her childhood name—Julie—and starts over in Ashland, Oregon. Julie manages a cautious, scaled down life until the night she and a costumed Romeo in too-tight tights allow the false security of masks to set them free. Julie spends a night of unbridled lust and unimaginable pleasure with a faceless man she never expects to see again.
New bank president Trace Watkins came to Ashland to take over a community bank in trouble—clients have been defrauded, and lack of trust in the institution is damaging its reputation. Maintaining his own reputation, trustworthiness, and decorum is imperative—but how can Trace go on as if nothing happened after the sexiest, most unforgettable night of his life?
Peggy Bird’s spicy romance, Unmasking Love, is explicitly sexy. Juliet ‘Julie’ aka Greer is a heroine whose different personas parallel her struggles to deal with her expectations of herself, as well as the standards set for her by others. Trace’s quest to find his disappearing Juliet endears him to readers—no one wants Trace to lose, even as the world starts caving in on him.
Allusions to the more famous tale of Romeo and Juliet call attention to the setting, a community immersed in theater and the arts—but unlike Shakespeare, Ms.Bird gets the ending right. Unmasking Love is a short, sizzling read with engaging characters and a ‘glass slipper’ bit of intrigue.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest opinion, put forth in this review.
September 30, 2014
Unmasking Love is a spicy small town contemporary. Juliet has been knocked around by life, the final straw landing her in Ashland, OR. But this strong heroine finds the silver lining, and a new start, in this close-knit theater/college community. Normally I am not a fan of the couple jumping into bed when they've first met. But the author approached their situation from a unique angle, and really gave her characters depth and layers, making sure the reader would end up rooting for that happily-ever-after. I fell in love with the hero, Trace, the perfect balance of charm, sweetness and a deliciously demanding side that was so fun to watch him discover. This is the perfect book vacation. Get swept away by the ambiance of a small town and the passion of a couple learning to trust in each other and in a future together.
November 2, 2014
What happened in Halloween…
3.5 stars
Hotness factor: trick or treat?
If you a few of my reviews around this time of the year you know that I like me some holiday romance novels and TV movies. Unmasking Love really felt like one of those movies of the week. Julie and Trace were the three s: sweet, steamy and sexy. After one explosive one night together, Romeo was left looking for his Juliet… yeah you heard me.
I enjoyed the search and I was happy it didn’t last too long But I also felt like the rest of the story wasn’t needed. But all and all, it was a fun happy ever after story.
3.5 stars
Hotness factor: trick or treat?
If you a few of my reviews around this time of the year you know that I like me some holiday romance novels and TV movies. Unmasking Love really felt like one of those movies of the week. Julie and Trace were the three s: sweet, steamy and sexy. After one explosive one night together, Romeo was left looking for his Juliet… yeah you heard me.
I enjoyed the search and I was happy it didn’t last too long But I also felt like the rest of the story wasn’t needed. But all and all, it was a fun happy ever after story.
December 30, 2015
Consent is perhaps one of the most important elements of a romance/erotica novel for me. As soon as that is compromised, I am done. When the hero, not having any idea who the heroine was, wrapped his arms around her from behind and held her in place and she melted into him, I was apparently suppose to do the same and just go with it. Nope. Never.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews