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Love and Masks
From the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, The Arrangement, comes an intimate novel about falling in love with the right person at the wrong time.
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she's used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles' most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic.
Their connection is immediate, electric—the kind that feels impossible to ignore, even as the world outside begins to fall apart. As a pandemic shutters the city and forces everyone behind closed doors, Liv and Damon find themselves confronting not only their growing feelings, but the secrets and scars they each try to hide.
Told with aching tenderness and sharp humor, Love and Masks is a story of two souls colliding at the exact moment they both need it most. It's about finding unexpected hope in a time of fear, about the courage it takes to let someone see the real you—and the transformative power of love, even when the world is standing still.
For anyone who has ever believed that the right person can find you when you least expect it—Love and Masks is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection is still possible, and that love can be the most beautiful kind of risk.
For fans of Colleen Hoover (Reminders of Him, November 9), Taylor Jenkins Reid (One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life), Before Sunrise, and The Idea of You.
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she's used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles' most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic.
Their connection is immediate, electric—the kind that feels impossible to ignore, even as the world outside begins to fall apart. As a pandemic shutters the city and forces everyone behind closed doors, Liv and Damon find themselves confronting not only their growing feelings, but the secrets and scars they each try to hide.
Told with aching tenderness and sharp humor, Love and Masks is a story of two souls colliding at the exact moment they both need it most. It's about finding unexpected hope in a time of fear, about the courage it takes to let someone see the real you—and the transformative power of love, even when the world is standing still.
For anyone who has ever believed that the right person can find you when you least expect it—Love and Masks is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection is still possible, and that love can be the most beautiful kind of risk.
For fans of Colleen Hoover (Reminders of Him, November 9), Taylor Jenkins Reid (One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life), Before Sunrise, and The Idea of You.
- GenresRomance
304 pages, Hardcover
Published July 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 1, 2025
This was an intense, love story. Taking place during the beginning of the pandemic, when the world was shutting down. Liv and Damon meet at an exclusive nightclub. They are both guarded and used to going about life by themselves. But their attraction and connection is immediate.They just happened to meet at just the perfect time, and they help each other make it through the difficult days during COVID. This is basically a story of this couple growing and healing, and falling in love. It's a simple story full of hope, and emotions. I thought it was well written and I enjoyed it.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2026
In Los Angeles, Liv Mathers meets the guarded but magnetic Damon Lautner during a chance encounter at an exclusive nightclub. As a pandemic shuts down the city, their instant connection deepens while they’re forced to confront their hidden wounds and fears. In the middle of uncertainty and isolation, they discover that vulnerability, hope, and love can still grow even when the world feels like it’s standing still. I’m always fascinated by stories set during COVID. Even though we all lived through it, hearing how different people experienced that time is really interesting to me. I especially enjoyed watching both characters grow and work through some very difficult things while falling in love. The dialogue between the characters wasn't completely believable to me and at times felt stilted/awkward.
July 28, 2025
Talk about an intense ride!
This story was so relatable. We all remember those first days of the pandemic: the fear, the uncertainty, and the loneliness. I honestly can’t imagine going through that time completely alone.
Love and Masks brings together two people when they need it most. It’s a love story like no other; a story about second chances, emotional scars, and the healing power of love.
A beautiful reminder that even in the darkest moments, love can still find its way in.
This story was so relatable. We all remember those first days of the pandemic: the fear, the uncertainty, and the loneliness. I honestly can’t imagine going through that time completely alone.
Love and Masks brings together two people when they need it most. It’s a love story like no other; a story about second chances, emotional scars, and the healing power of love.
A beautiful reminder that even in the darkest moments, love can still find its way in.
September 1, 2025
LOVE AND MASKS was a romance with a totally new spin. The setting takes place during the pandemic! The story was great and I could absolutely appreciate these imperfect characters. An easy read with plenty of emotions on display, I would recommend this book!
Many thanks to David Winkler for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to David Winkler for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
March 5, 2026
For fans of: forced proximity, opposites attract, second chances, miscommunication, and a lot of emotional growth.
This was an intense love story set during the early days of the COVID shutdowns. Liv and Damon meet at an exclusive nightclub right before the world basically closes. They’re both pretty guarded and used to doing life on their own, but the connection between them is instant.
They end up leaning on each other while everything around them feels uncertain. And as if the pandemic wasn’t enough, there’s another huge challenge: Liv’s stage four breast cancer relapse with metastasis. From that moment on, the story really becomes about how strong their bond is and what love looks like when time might not be on your side.
At its core, this is a story about two people growing, healing, and slowly falling in love. It’s a simple story but very emotional and hopeful. I usually struggle with open endings, but I actually thought this one was handled really well.
This was an intense love story set during the early days of the COVID shutdowns. Liv and Damon meet at an exclusive nightclub right before the world basically closes. They’re both pretty guarded and used to doing life on their own, but the connection between them is instant.
They end up leaning on each other while everything around them feels uncertain. And as if the pandemic wasn’t enough, there’s another huge challenge: Liv’s stage four breast cancer relapse with metastasis. From that moment on, the story really becomes about how strong their bond is and what love looks like when time might not be on your side.
At its core, this is a story about two people growing, healing, and slowly falling in love. It’s a simple story but very emotional and hopeful. I usually struggle with open endings, but I actually thought this one was handled really well.
January 29, 2026
📚Love and Masks
✍🏻David Winkler
Blurb:
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she’s used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles’ most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic.
Their connection is immediate, electric—the kind that feels impossible to ignore, even as the world outside begins to fall apart. As a pandemic shutters the city and forces everyone behind closed doors, Liv and Damon find themselves confronting not only their growing feelings, but the secrets and scars they each try to hide.
Told with aching tenderness and sharp humor, Love and Masks is a story of two souls colliding at the exact moment they both need it most. It’s about finding unexpected hope in a time of fear, about the courage it takes to let someone see the real you—and the transformative power of love, even when the world is standing still.
For anyone who has ever believed that the right person can find you when you least expect it—Love and Masks is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection is still possible, and that love can be the most beautiful kind of risk.
My Thoughts:
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she’s used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles’ most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic. That is what happens to Damon and Liv, who move in together during the COVID pandemic that took over the world in 2020. Liv and Damon were very interesting characters with a lot of issues between the two of them. Now add a pandemic to the mix, and you can see how things can go south quickly. The relationship aspects between them felt very raw and real. While it’s been 5 years since Covid, Love and Masks is about taking risks for love and finding it when you least expect it. It’s about hope and healing, too. It was lovely to spend time with these characters in their world and observe them hashing it all out and growing.
Thanks NetGalley, Rare Bird Books and Author David Winkler for the complimentary copy of "Love and Masks" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RareBirdBooks
#DavidWinkler
#LoveandMasks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻David Winkler
Blurb:
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she’s used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles’ most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic.
Their connection is immediate, electric—the kind that feels impossible to ignore, even as the world outside begins to fall apart. As a pandemic shutters the city and forces everyone behind closed doors, Liv and Damon find themselves confronting not only their growing feelings, but the secrets and scars they each try to hide.
Told with aching tenderness and sharp humor, Love and Masks is a story of two souls colliding at the exact moment they both need it most. It’s about finding unexpected hope in a time of fear, about the courage it takes to let someone see the real you—and the transformative power of love, even when the world is standing still.
For anyone who has ever believed that the right person can find you when you least expect it—Love and Masks is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, connection is still possible, and that love can be the most beautiful kind of risk.
My Thoughts:
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she’s used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles’ most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic. That is what happens to Damon and Liv, who move in together during the COVID pandemic that took over the world in 2020. Liv and Damon were very interesting characters with a lot of issues between the two of them. Now add a pandemic to the mix, and you can see how things can go south quickly. The relationship aspects between them felt very raw and real. While it’s been 5 years since Covid, Love and Masks is about taking risks for love and finding it when you least expect it. It’s about hope and healing, too. It was lovely to spend time with these characters in their world and observe them hashing it all out and growing.
Thanks NetGalley, Rare Bird Books and Author David Winkler for the complimentary copy of "Love and Masks" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RareBirdBooks
#DavidWinkler
#LoveandMasks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 26, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
😷 enjoy reading books about the pandemic
❤️ would do anything for love
💕 are a fan of the second chance trope
🏙️ live in LA
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she’s used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles’ most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic.
Their connection is immediate, electric—the kind that feels impossible to ignore, even as the world outside begins to fall apart. As a pandemic shutters the city and forces everyone behind closed doors, Liv and Damon find themselves confronting not only their growing feelings, but the secrets and scars they each try to hide.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
I really enjoyed David’s memoir about a relationship he had, so I knew I would enjoy this fictional story as well! Liv and Damon were very interesting characters with a lot of issues between the two of them. Now add a pandemic to the mix, and you can see how things can go south quickly. The relationship aspects between them felt very raw and real. While it’s been 5 years since Covid, it still feels like just yesterday, so it wasn’t too hard to imagine myself in their place. I love how the author took a moment in history, something so dark and dreary, and showed how love can bloom even when it feels like the end of the world.
😷 enjoy reading books about the pandemic
❤️ would do anything for love
💕 are a fan of the second chance trope
🏙️ live in LA
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
In a city built on illusions, Liv Mathers has always craved something real. A survivor in more ways than one, she’s used to dancing through life alone—until a fateful night at Los Angeles’ most exclusive nightclub puts her in the path of Damon Lautner, a man as guarded as he is magnetic.
Their connection is immediate, electric—the kind that feels impossible to ignore, even as the world outside begins to fall apart. As a pandemic shutters the city and forces everyone behind closed doors, Liv and Damon find themselves confronting not only their growing feelings, but the secrets and scars they each try to hide.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
I really enjoyed David’s memoir about a relationship he had, so I knew I would enjoy this fictional story as well! Liv and Damon were very interesting characters with a lot of issues between the two of them. Now add a pandemic to the mix, and you can see how things can go south quickly. The relationship aspects between them felt very raw and real. While it’s been 5 years since Covid, it still feels like just yesterday, so it wasn’t too hard to imagine myself in their place. I love how the author took a moment in history, something so dark and dreary, and showed how love can bloom even when it feels like the end of the world.
August 24, 2025
I enjoyed the flawed main characters of Liv and Damon in this romance set in LA during the pandemic.
I feel like enough time has passed so that I appreciate reading about that feeling of living through the pandemic.
I’ve only read like 2 Colleen Hoover romances, but this book felt like a more matured version of that type of romance read.
Damon and Liv are both in their thirties. There is this extremely strong pull that Liv and Damon have to each other. The solitude of Damon’s mansion gives them that time to quickly develop deep feelings for each other. There is also Liv’s past battle with cancer that continues to be part of her psyche.
As any good book set in LA with people that have money, there is the talk of drugs and addictions. Also, the real life events of the aftermath of the George Floyd tragedy are recognized in this book.
I feel like enough time has passed so that I appreciate reading about that feeling of living through the pandemic.
I’ve only read like 2 Colleen Hoover romances, but this book felt like a more matured version of that type of romance read.
Damon and Liv are both in their thirties. There is this extremely strong pull that Liv and Damon have to each other. The solitude of Damon’s mansion gives them that time to quickly develop deep feelings for each other. There is also Liv’s past battle with cancer that continues to be part of her psyche.
As any good book set in LA with people that have money, there is the talk of drugs and addictions. Also, the real life events of the aftermath of the George Floyd tragedy are recognized in this book.
August 27, 2025
Love and Masks is a relatable, swoony read! Damon, a LA nightclub owner, and Liv, an influencer, meet right before the world shuts down for Covid—talk about timing. Both are used to going through life alone, but forced proximity gives them the chance to actually connect. What starts as attraction grows into something deeper, with secrets revealed, hearts healed, and love blossoming in the middle of chaos.
It’s not a super heavy read, but it’s packed with hope, emotion, and a few heartbreaking moments. Honestly, I would’ve loved an epilogue to tie up the loose ends, but overall this is a heartwarming and sexy journey that proves love really can show up when you least expect it—even in a pandemic.
It’s not a super heavy read, but it’s packed with hope, emotion, and a few heartbreaking moments. Honestly, I would’ve loved an epilogue to tie up the loose ends, but overall this is a heartwarming and sexy journey that proves love really can show up when you least expect it—even in a pandemic.
February 25, 2026
Love and Masks is an emotional and deeply human story that blends romance with very real world struggles. Liv’s journey through breast cancer, set against the backdrop of the pandemic, made this a raw and reflective read.
I was genuinely invested in Liv and Damon’s relationship. Their connection and the “love perseveres” thread kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what would happen next.
This is undeniably a heavier read, tackling illness, uncertainty, and social themes, which may be triggering for some readers. The ending is left open to interpretation. While I understand the artistic choice, I personally tend to prefer a more definitive resolution.
Overall, this was a thought-provoking and compelling story that stayed with me after finishing.
I was genuinely invested in Liv and Damon’s relationship. Their connection and the “love perseveres” thread kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what would happen next.
This is undeniably a heavier read, tackling illness, uncertainty, and social themes, which may be triggering for some readers. The ending is left open to interpretation. While I understand the artistic choice, I personally tend to prefer a more definitive resolution.
Overall, this was a thought-provoking and compelling story that stayed with me after finishing.
August 30, 2025
I wasn't sure I was ready for a love story set during the pandemic, but as I read I realized how interesting it was to start a relationship in such a challenging time in history. Navigating all the ins and outs of falling in love while also trying to stay alive after finally being cancer free is a lot, but Liv and Damon find their way. I've read this author's previous book and I really enjoy his writing style and word choice. Captivating and immersive this romance will steal your heart as well as remind you that love and life are precious.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
Love and Masks immediately drew me in, there’s something that just pulls me in when you read a story about people who believe their broken but aren’t willing to give up. We meet Liv and Damon who seem to enters each others lives at the perfect moment. This book takes place when the pandemic is shutting the world down. The two characters have growing feelings but the scars and secrets they hide prevent them from taking their guards down. But soon they realize that there is something powerful and raw about showing someone the real you and taking the risk of falling in love.
September 4, 2025
I've always believed that love will find you when you least expect it. This is about two people coming together at the beginning of the pandemic. Liv and Damon meet at a nightclub, their connection and attraction is more than just a little spark but Damon is guarded, and Liv is dealing with things. I really enjoyed this. It felt real and full of all the emotions when you let go and really let someone in. I enjoyed the last book by this author as well. The writing is lyrical and witty and pulls you right in.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte Hudson Valley NY
September 5, 2025
This cover is so dreamy. I love the colors and the skyline. Liv and Damon meet at a club on the eve of the pandemic. This leaves them forced to confront their secrets, as well as their scars.
Love and Masks is about taking risks for love and finding it when you least expect it. It’s about hope and healing, too. It was lovely to spend time with these characters in their world and observe them hashing it all out and growing.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Love and Masks is about taking risks for love and finding it when you least expect it. It’s about hope and healing, too. It was lovely to spend time with these characters in their world and observe them hashing it all out and growing.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 13, 2025
I almost always read the synopsis first but since I had read and enjoyed David’s memoir, I decided to just jump into this one. It was such a beautiful love story. I have to admit it broke my heart a bit along the journey and I got frustrated with both Liz and Damon occasionally. But ultimately their story gave me all the feels. I don’t usually enjoy books that reference the pandemic but this was an exception. I was completely consumed cover to cover.
August 20, 2025
What happens when two guarded souls meet at exactly the right moment? Love and Masks takes us back to the early days of the pandemic, when Liv and Damon find each other in the middle of uncertainty. What starts as chance sparks into a story of healing, second chances, and the courage to love again. 💕
This one had me hooked with its hope, raw emotion, and the reminder that even in hard times, love can grow.
This one had me hooked with its hope, raw emotion, and the reminder that even in hard times, love can grow.
November 30, 2025
Love and Masks …. Not knowing that this story was set during the COVID Pandemic adds extra meaning to masks but the true masks the characters are hiding behind feelings and learning to open up to each other during this strange time from our recent past. What a great plot for those of those that lived during those most scary times. I want thank the Publisher, author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this eARC for my opinion on this book.
August 25, 2025
The book is about unexpected love and relationship growth. Although there are two main characters, I would add that there are two additional ones: the environment during the time of Covid, and the future. This male author seamlessly pulls off writing female dialogues and perspectives. If you are looking for a love story with strong dialogue and characters, this one is for you.
May 7, 2026
I skimmed the last 75 pages. The first 75 were really great and I was into it, but by page 150 I was wondering if I should invest more time on it, and by page 200 or so, I just decided to skim the rest. I am not even sure what exactly happens in the end. And I am ok with that.
I suppose if you like unscripted TV series you might like this book.
I suppose if you like unscripted TV series you might like this book.
March 7, 2026
Kind of annoying relationship, and unrealistic. But something about it kept me reading…
March 9, 2026
thank you to the publisher for a free copy:)
Now what can I say about Love and Masks? I flew through this one and finished it in like 2 days - a good sign so far. Admittedly, I didn't really know where to put this book; romance or fiction or whatever. Now seeing that it is seen as a romance, my rating might be a little more harsh but nevertheless, take it as a recommendation for either enjoyment or learning.
First up, I enjoyed most of my time reading this, even though I guessed most of what's going to happen. Our main characters meet at a night club and from then on everything about their relationship unravels very VERY fast. I have found myself questioning a lot of decisions they both make but at the end of the day, humans are just as unpredictable and make questionable decisions in real life.
About the characters: I can only remember the MMC's name because he is the only properly fleshed out character and I'm a very character-focused reader. So maybe this one's on me lol
Next up, this book features the pandemic and cancer and both are heavily used as plot points. Again, I'm not super into heavily plot-driven books but this was well executed, I'd say.
In general, I enjoyed the book for the most part but you definitely notice that it's written by a man. Not that this is necessarily bad, it just becomes incredibly obvious by the way the characters, especially the female characters, are written.
Now what can I say about Love and Masks? I flew through this one and finished it in like 2 days - a good sign so far. Admittedly, I didn't really know where to put this book; romance or fiction or whatever. Now seeing that it is seen as a romance, my rating might be a little more harsh but nevertheless, take it as a recommendation for either enjoyment or learning.
First up, I enjoyed most of my time reading this, even though I guessed most of what's going to happen. Our main characters meet at a night club and from then on everything about their relationship unravels very VERY fast. I have found myself questioning a lot of decisions they both make but at the end of the day, humans are just as unpredictable and make questionable decisions in real life.
About the characters: I can only remember the MMC's name because he is the only properly fleshed out character and I'm a very character-focused reader. So maybe this one's on me lol
Next up, this book features the pandemic and cancer and both are heavily used as plot points. Again, I'm not super into heavily plot-driven books but this was well executed, I'd say.
In general, I enjoyed the book for the most part but you definitely notice that it's written by a man. Not that this is necessarily bad, it just becomes incredibly obvious by the way the characters, especially the female characters, are written.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews