What do you think?
Rate this book
Swept Away #2.5
Masquerade
We first met Bianca and Jakob in Illusion, stranded on a desert island and thrown into one another’s arms. But each of them has dark secrets yet to be uncovered…
In this new e-novella tied to the Swept Away series, New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper reveals even more surprises about the dangerous Bradley family…
Jakob knows Bianca’s appearance at the Bradley, Inc. stockholders meeting was no accident. He knows her family ruined his mother’s life. And he knows that he can’t keep his hands off her. But it’s what he doesn’t know that might put both of them in deadly danger.
In this new e-novella tied to the Swept Away series, New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper reveals even more surprises about the dangerous Bradley family…
Jakob knows Bianca’s appearance at the Bradley, Inc. stockholders meeting was no accident. He knows her family ruined his mother’s life. And he knows that he can’t keep his hands off her. But it’s what he doesn’t know that might put both of them in deadly danger.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2015
23 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 20, 2015
Another Layer Peeled Back
Little by little, this confusing, and yet captivating, story is coming together. This short novella, told from Jakob's POV, focuses on the months leading up to the kidnapping. It quickly becomes apparent that Jakob knows far more about Bianca and frankly, most everything, than what he's said.
I'm still in shock, honestly! I really liked Jakob, despite his many omissions and half-truths. I never thought that he was this duplicitous. He was so much more involved in the foul-play that has haunted Bianca than I had ever imagined.
At the same time, being privy to Jakob's innermost thoughts, leaves me more confident than ever that he does have real feelings for Bianca. It is clear that he is attracted to her from the start. Often times, he has to refocus himself when his admiration of her takes his mind off task.
This novella also provides a glimpse into his childhood. Seeing his mother's heartbreak and anger through the eyes of a young Jakob was enlightening. It is easy to see how his mother influenced him from a young age, grooming him to avenge her in many ways.
I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that Roma, Bianca's back-stabbing BFF will get what's coming to her also. I'm a little nervous about what she might have in store for Jakob and Bianca, but I'm hoping that they'll come out on top. It is clear that she's up to no good. Jakob's ominous statement about being unaware of just how big of a mistake he'd made by being with her has me worried.
I still have many unanswered questions and will be starting the next book right away. Hopefully, all my questions will be answered. I can't wait to see how everything works out.
Little by little, this confusing, and yet captivating, story is coming together. This short novella, told from Jakob's POV, focuses on the months leading up to the kidnapping. It quickly becomes apparent that Jakob knows far more about Bianca and frankly, most everything, than what he's said.
I'm still in shock, honestly! I really liked Jakob, despite his many omissions and half-truths. I never thought that he was this duplicitous. He was so much more involved in the foul-play that has haunted Bianca than I had ever imagined.
At the same time, being privy to Jakob's innermost thoughts, leaves me more confident than ever that he does have real feelings for Bianca. It is clear that he is attracted to her from the start. Often times, he has to refocus himself when his admiration of her takes his mind off task.
This novella also provides a glimpse into his childhood. Seeing his mother's heartbreak and anger through the eyes of a young Jakob was enlightening. It is easy to see how his mother influenced him from a young age, grooming him to avenge her in many ways.
I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that Roma, Bianca's back-stabbing BFF will get what's coming to her also. I'm a little nervous about what she might have in store for Jakob and Bianca, but I'm hoping that they'll come out on top. It is clear that she's up to no good. Jakob's ominous statement about being unaware of just how big of a mistake he'd made by being with her has me worried.
I still have many unanswered questions and will be starting the next book right away. Hopefully, all my questions will be answered. I can't wait to see how everything works out.
May 27, 2015
I'm so torn on how to rate this one. On one hand, I'm even more intrigued to see where this story is going to go. At this point, I don't know if I'll be happy with any resolution because I dislike most of the characters so much. In this novella, we get Jakob's point of view up to the time of the abduction. Jakob is like the king of manwhores and I wasn't crazy about reading all the details of his sordid sexcapades. That being said, I can't wait to read the final book in this series to see how all the pieces fit together.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
June 10, 2015
I'm as intrigued as ever in this story!!
Before tackling this one, I'd read Charade, Illusion, and Disillusioned--all though NetGalley. I still anxiously await the series' conclusion, Resolution.
Masquerade is markedly different because it is narrated by Jakob, while the others have all been narrated by Bianca (from what I can remember). Much of this novella focused on Jakob's relationship with his mom, thereby providing context for his relationship with David, his preconceived notions of Bianca, and his interest (or lack thereof) in the Bradley Corporation.
I'm STILL wondering about Roma and Steve and Larry, though. There's obviously more of a story there, and I'm ready to FINALLY discover what that story is.
This novella is short and to the point, and provides just enough new information (namely Jakob's perspective) to keep me interested in the story's outcome...especially since the final installment isn't scheduled to release until the end of this year.
Before tackling this one, I'd read Charade, Illusion, and Disillusioned--all though NetGalley. I still anxiously await the series' conclusion, Resolution.
Masquerade is markedly different because it is narrated by Jakob, while the others have all been narrated by Bianca (from what I can remember). Much of this novella focused on Jakob's relationship with his mom, thereby providing context for his relationship with David, his preconceived notions of Bianca, and his interest (or lack thereof) in the Bradley Corporation.
I'm STILL wondering about Roma and Steve and Larry, though. There's obviously more of a story there, and I'm ready to FINALLY discover what that story is.
This novella is short and to the point, and provides just enough new information (namely Jakob's perspective) to keep me interested in the story's outcome...especially since the final installment isn't scheduled to release until the end of this year.
June 7, 2015
4 stars--
About the book: Release Date June 8, 2015
We first met Bianca and Jakob in Illusion, stranded on a desert island and thrown into one another’s arms. But each of them has dark secrets yet to be uncovered…
In this new e-novella tied to the Swept Away series, New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper reveals even more surprises about the dangerous Bradley family…
Jakob knows Bianca’s appearance at the Bradley, Inc. stockholders meeting was no accident. He knows her family ruined his mother’s life. And he knows that he can’t keep his hands off her. But it’s what he doesn’t know that might put both of them in deadly danger.
•••••••••
REVIEW: MASQUERADE is the second prequel novella in J.S. Cooper’s adult, contemporary Swept Away romantic suspense series focusing on Bianca London and Jakob Bradley. Throughout the series the reader had been pulled into Bianca’s search for the truth about her mother’s death and her father’s connections to Bradley Inc.
Told from first person point of view (Jakob), MASQUERADE follows Jakob’s need to uncover the who and what of Bianca London. Bianca’s family is tied indirectly to the death of Jakob’s mother, and the Bradley connection to the London family borders the unethical and illegal. Jakob and his half brother David are convinced that Bianca is out to destroy the company name, and a plan is set into motion to extract all of the information Bianca knows about their family connections.
MASQUERADE reveals all of the players in a game that will see Bianca London caught in a game of cat and mouse-but who is the cat and how many mice are trapped in the Bradley maze. The premise follows the set up and potential take down of a woman whose life is about to unravel; where betrayal is around every corner; where the people she loves are not the people she has come to know.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
About the book: Release Date June 8, 2015
We first met Bianca and Jakob in Illusion, stranded on a desert island and thrown into one another’s arms. But each of them has dark secrets yet to be uncovered…
In this new e-novella tied to the Swept Away series, New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper reveals even more surprises about the dangerous Bradley family…
Jakob knows Bianca’s appearance at the Bradley, Inc. stockholders meeting was no accident. He knows her family ruined his mother’s life. And he knows that he can’t keep his hands off her. But it’s what he doesn’t know that might put both of them in deadly danger.
•••••••••
REVIEW: MASQUERADE is the second prequel novella in J.S. Cooper’s adult, contemporary Swept Away romantic suspense series focusing on Bianca London and Jakob Bradley. Throughout the series the reader had been pulled into Bianca’s search for the truth about her mother’s death and her father’s connections to Bradley Inc.
Told from first person point of view (Jakob), MASQUERADE follows Jakob’s need to uncover the who and what of Bianca London. Bianca’s family is tied indirectly to the death of Jakob’s mother, and the Bradley connection to the London family borders the unethical and illegal. Jakob and his half brother David are convinced that Bianca is out to destroy the company name, and a plan is set into motion to extract all of the information Bianca knows about their family connections.
MASQUERADE reveals all of the players in a game that will see Bianca London caught in a game of cat and mouse-but who is the cat and how many mice are trapped in the Bradley maze. The premise follows the set up and potential take down of a woman whose life is about to unravel; where betrayal is around every corner; where the people she loves are not the people she has come to know.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
www.thereadingcafe.com
April 30, 2015
5 the island Stars
SO its no secret that I love the Swept away series
I have gotten incredibly luck and received books : 1, 1.5, 2 and now 2.5 via ARC .
Its also a fact that 1.5 was one of my least loved books from all of JS Coopers books
So why did I enjoy this tiny little novellete? JAKOB BRADLEY! We all wanted to know his thoughts.
We are all still asking ourselves.. is he a friend? A foe? Evil? WHAT IS HEEEEEE.
There are so many different angles in this series that either book 3 (the projected end of the series) is going to be very long or very action packed.
This series is addicting! This is also one of those series that im obsessed with but my good reads friends are on the opposite side; Which makes me feel good that I enjoy something for myself and not for any other reason.
I need ANSWERS!!!!
Book 3 isnt out till DECEMEBER … OHH EMMM GEEE
SO its no secret that I love the Swept away series
I have gotten incredibly luck and received books : 1, 1.5, 2 and now 2.5 via ARC .
Its also a fact that 1.5 was one of my least loved books from all of JS Coopers books
So why did I enjoy this tiny little novellete? JAKOB BRADLEY! We all wanted to know his thoughts.
We are all still asking ourselves.. is he a friend? A foe? Evil? WHAT IS HEEEEEE.
There are so many different angles in this series that either book 3 (the projected end of the series) is going to be very long or very action packed.
This series is addicting! This is also one of those series that im obsessed with but my good reads friends are on the opposite side; Which makes me feel good that I enjoy something for myself and not for any other reason.
I need ANSWERS!!!!
Book 3 isnt out till DECEMEBER … OHH EMMM GEEE
May 29, 2015
3.5 stars
This is a very quick read (can be read in under an hour), but despite its short length, I felt like it was an important piece of the puzzle in this whole series.
In this novella, we finally get Jakob's POV, both in the past and the present, leading up to the "kidnapping". From the past, we get his interactions with his Mom and how her comments set him on a path for revenge. What surprised me was how many people he wanted to take down. Has he been misinformed along the way? I think so, but we'll see how that all plays out.
In the present, we get see how David, Larry, Steve, and even Roma, played an intimate part in the kidnapping. From the novella Charade, we learned that Bianca wasn't as clever as she thought in seducing David. Everyone seemed to know her plans. And in this story, we see how each of them played a role in those plans.
Two surprises. One, I didn't trust Roma from book one, but how I down right hate her. Two, I have no idea what to think about Steve. Is he Team Bianca, Team Jakob, or his own Team? I have a feeling it is the latter, that he has his own plans in play that will shock everyone. Guess we'll have to wait and see if I'm right.
*An ARC was received from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
This is a very quick read (can be read in under an hour), but despite its short length, I felt like it was an important piece of the puzzle in this whole series.
In this novella, we finally get Jakob's POV, both in the past and the present, leading up to the "kidnapping". From the past, we get his interactions with his Mom and how her comments set him on a path for revenge. What surprised me was how many people he wanted to take down. Has he been misinformed along the way? I think so, but we'll see how that all plays out.
In the present, we get see how David, Larry, Steve, and even Roma, played an intimate part in the kidnapping. From the novella Charade, we learned that Bianca wasn't as clever as she thought in seducing David. Everyone seemed to know her plans. And in this story, we see how each of them played a role in those plans.
Two surprises. One, I didn't trust Roma from book one, but how I down right hate her. Two, I have no idea what to think about Steve. Is he Team Bianca, Team Jakob, or his own Team? I have a feeling it is the latter, that he has his own plans in play that will shock everyone. Guess we'll have to wait and see if I'm right.
*An ARC was received from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
December 5, 2015
Masquerade is the perfect novella to allow us to see Jakob's point of view and why he got involved with Bianca. I have slowly come to love this series, and was excited to get my hands on this book to see if we got to know any more of Jakob's secrets, and we got to know some, and I'm hoping in Resolution we get to the bottom of them all.
This novella is told solely in Jakob's point of view, and we get to see the dynamic of him with Daniel, Larry, and Steve before the time on the island. We also get some flash backs of Jakob and his mother, which I loved, and helped explain why he's so willing to do anything he can to take down the people he blames for her death and her life after she gave birth to him. I really enjoyed the flashbacks we got of Jakob's past. We got to see him with his mom, growing up, and learning how he made his billions. He may hate all the cold and calculating people surrounding him, but he's just like them in a way.
I've had a love/hate relationship with Jakob so far in this series, and in this novella we see that he still hasn't been completely honest with everyone. He knows a lot more about what was going on then he ever admitted, and he was a key person in the kidnapping that landed him and Bianca on the island in Illusion.
An important part of this book was seeing how involved so many people were in trying to stop Bianca. I know Jakob and Daniel had their own reasons, but I'm now more interested in figuring out Steve's role in everything. He's been a creepy character who I've felt is an important player in the series, and in this installment, we get to see a bit more of him. I was also given more reasons to despise Roma's character as well in Masquerade. I haven't liked her from the start, but seeing her in this book, truly made me hate her!
Little by little throughout this series we are getting more of the story and what is going on, Masquerade helped in peeling back another layer of this intense story, and I highly enjoyed this short read! Even though this was a very quick read, I felt that it helped bring important information to light and I can't wait to see how everything plays out! Now on to Resolution to see how everything ends!
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
This novella is told solely in Jakob's point of view, and we get to see the dynamic of him with Daniel, Larry, and Steve before the time on the island. We also get some flash backs of Jakob and his mother, which I loved, and helped explain why he's so willing to do anything he can to take down the people he blames for her death and her life after she gave birth to him. I really enjoyed the flashbacks we got of Jakob's past. We got to see him with his mom, growing up, and learning how he made his billions. He may hate all the cold and calculating people surrounding him, but he's just like them in a way.
I've had a love/hate relationship with Jakob so far in this series, and in this novella we see that he still hasn't been completely honest with everyone. He knows a lot more about what was going on then he ever admitted, and he was a key person in the kidnapping that landed him and Bianca on the island in Illusion.
An important part of this book was seeing how involved so many people were in trying to stop Bianca. I know Jakob and Daniel had their own reasons, but I'm now more interested in figuring out Steve's role in everything. He's been a creepy character who I've felt is an important player in the series, and in this installment, we get to see a bit more of him. I was also given more reasons to despise Roma's character as well in Masquerade. I haven't liked her from the start, but seeing her in this book, truly made me hate her!
Little by little throughout this series we are getting more of the story and what is going on, Masquerade helped in peeling back another layer of this intense story, and I highly enjoyed this short read! Even though this was a very quick read, I felt that it helped bring important information to light and I can't wait to see how everything plays out! Now on to Resolution to see how everything ends!
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2015
And the plot thickens!
Once again we meet Jakob Bradley and Bianca London, this time getting the background from Jakob's perspective. When his little brother David expresses concern about a woman sniffing around the family company, begging him to help figure out her angle, Jakob sees it as the perfect opportunity to further his own agenda. He simply wants to plot his revenge against Bianca for the sins of their parents. Jakob's deep adoration for his mother affects every aspect of his life, and he'll stop at nothing to make sure his mother is avenged. But what if everything isn't always black or white? The shades of gray between the Bradleys and the Londons are infinite.
MASQUERADE is the bridge novella between books 2 and 3 in the deviously convoluted Swept Away Series, this time told from Jakob's POV. I always enjoy a good read from the man's perspective, IF it's done right. This was done right. Just when I kinda thought Jakob was this ruthless bastard, we learn more about his reasons for wanting revenge as well as what makes him agree to the kidnapping plot. And then I knew for SURE he was a ruthless bastard. Even so, he clearly had at least a slight moral compass deep down inside (ok, very VERY deep) courtesy of his mother, so I'm more than a little excited for the final book in this series, RESOLUTION, due out this December.
Bottom Line: This book gives JUST enough to make me salivate for the finale of this crazy, whacked out series. Don't skip over this one!!! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Once again we meet Jakob Bradley and Bianca London, this time getting the background from Jakob's perspective. When his little brother David expresses concern about a woman sniffing around the family company, begging him to help figure out her angle, Jakob sees it as the perfect opportunity to further his own agenda. He simply wants to plot his revenge against Bianca for the sins of their parents. Jakob's deep adoration for his mother affects every aspect of his life, and he'll stop at nothing to make sure his mother is avenged. But what if everything isn't always black or white? The shades of gray between the Bradleys and the Londons are infinite.
MASQUERADE is the bridge novella between books 2 and 3 in the deviously convoluted Swept Away Series, this time told from Jakob's POV. I always enjoy a good read from the man's perspective, IF it's done right. This was done right. Just when I kinda thought Jakob was this ruthless bastard, we learn more about his reasons for wanting revenge as well as what makes him agree to the kidnapping plot. And then I knew for SURE he was a ruthless bastard. Even so, he clearly had at least a slight moral compass deep down inside (ok, very VERY deep) courtesy of his mother, so I'm more than a little excited for the final book in this series, RESOLUTION, due out this December.
Bottom Line: This book gives JUST enough to make me salivate for the finale of this crazy, whacked out series. Don't skip over this one!!! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
May 18, 2015
5 "Keeping my interest" Stars
This is book 2.5 in Cooper's Swept Away series, and I have to say, this book is just another piece of brilliance. I really loved the first book, with the mystery and chemistry. Book two had me frustrated as there were more questions and less answers. In between these, and now in between book 2 and 3 are short novellas which I find to be brilliant. Do I think they are brilliant because of the writing, no. Though don't get me wrong, the writing is very good. I find them brilliant because just when you are ready to forget about a series prior to the next book coming out, you get this snippet with just enough back information to have you eagerly awaiting the next novel. In my mind it is brilliant.
I'm not sure I have any more answers to questions raised in book 2 but there definitely was more understanding as to all that took place prior to book 1. I swear everyone in this book is devious and has their own agenda. Now I am scratching my head wondering who is going to come out on top once this whole series is over. I certainly hope everything will come to light in the next book. Regardless, my interest in this series has been reignited and I cannot wait for the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2.5 in Cooper's Swept Away series, and I have to say, this book is just another piece of brilliance. I really loved the first book, with the mystery and chemistry. Book two had me frustrated as there were more questions and less answers. In between these, and now in between book 2 and 3 are short novellas which I find to be brilliant. Do I think they are brilliant because of the writing, no. Though don't get me wrong, the writing is very good. I find them brilliant because just when you are ready to forget about a series prior to the next book coming out, you get this snippet with just enough back information to have you eagerly awaiting the next novel. In my mind it is brilliant.
I'm not sure I have any more answers to questions raised in book 2 but there definitely was more understanding as to all that took place prior to book 1. I swear everyone in this book is devious and has their own agenda. Now I am scratching my head wondering who is going to come out on top once this whole series is over. I certainly hope everything will come to light in the next book. Regardless, my interest in this series has been reignited and I cannot wait for the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2015
(Thanks to JS Cooper, Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books, and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC of Masquerade for an honest review)
Masquerade by JS Cooper was a quick but intriguing read. I loved getting to know more about Jakob and his motivations. He seems cold at times and definitely has family issues. For some reason, the flashbacks with his mom and just how it read for me, especially the mom's guidance about love and her wanting revenge on the people who wronged her and Jakob's need to get that revenge for her, so made me think Norma and Norman Bates for the TV show Bates Motel lol. Obviously the characters are not anything like those of the Bates, but the scenes with Jakob and his mom so made me think of it. lol.
Though short, it still got me hooked on the mystery, like who was sending the two notes to Jakob? And why is Larry so worried about what Bianca will dig up?
Overall, I enjoyed this novella and definitely recommend it, along with reading the other books in JS Cooper's Swept Away series.
Masquerade by JS Cooper was a quick but intriguing read. I loved getting to know more about Jakob and his motivations. He seems cold at times and definitely has family issues. For some reason, the flashbacks with his mom and just how it read for me, especially the mom's guidance about love and her wanting revenge on the people who wronged her and Jakob's need to get that revenge for her, so made me think Norma and Norman Bates for the TV show Bates Motel lol. Obviously the characters are not anything like those of the Bates, but the scenes with Jakob and his mom so made me think of it. lol.
Though short, it still got me hooked on the mystery, like who was sending the two notes to Jakob? And why is Larry so worried about what Bianca will dig up?
Overall, I enjoyed this novella and definitely recommend it, along with reading the other books in JS Cooper's Swept Away series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2015
Absolutely Amazing this author never fails to amaze me with her creativity. This is the second prequel novella in J.S. Cooper's Swept Away Series and focuses primarily on Bianca and Jakob. All throughout the series we are being drawn in to figure out the truth about Bianca's mothers death and the connection her father has to Bradley Inc.
Told from Jakob's POV, in Masquerade we finally try to uncover who Bianca London really is and what she is all about. Bianca's family is somehow connected to the death of Jakob's mother. Jakob and his half-brother David truly believe that Bianca knows exactly what she is doing and is out to destroy their company. The brothers set out a plan to find out everything and anything Bianca knows about how their families are connected.
Masquerade provides you with just enough revealing information to hold you over until the final installment. What will be the outcome to this intriguing story? I can't wait to finally discover where this story will lead us.
Told from Jakob's POV, in Masquerade we finally try to uncover who Bianca London really is and what she is all about. Bianca's family is somehow connected to the death of Jakob's mother. Jakob and his half-brother David truly believe that Bianca knows exactly what she is doing and is out to destroy their company. The brothers set out a plan to find out everything and anything Bianca knows about how their families are connected.
Masquerade provides you with just enough revealing information to hold you over until the final installment. What will be the outcome to this intriguing story? I can't wait to finally discover where this story will lead us.
August 16, 2015
Jakob's POV and certain unanswered questions from prior books in series are answered. We discover Jakob's upbringing and his real intentions for Bianka's.
You want to despise and love him all at the same time. I'm for team Jakob!!!!!
*ARC provided from the publisher for a review.*
Pre-ordered on Amazon.
You want to despise and love him all at the same time. I'm for team Jakob!!!!!
*ARC provided from the publisher for a review.*
Pre-ordered on Amazon.
May 10, 2015
This novella is short but insightful. It does its purpose, shed light into Jakob's mind and life. Since the story is told through his point of view it is easy to be inside his head and understand why he is the way he is. I liked the read and feel it is a good addition to the series. It is always nice to see things from his point of view. My rating stands at an easy 4 stars.
May 9, 2019
So I didn't like this novella as much as I did the one in her pov. In the series he seemed more like a nice guy with a bad background but in this he was a lot more of an add then I thought he was...
August 13, 2019
This novella was a quick read and gave you a bit more insight into the back story but not enough to fully figure it out. Time to move on to the next book!
January 3, 2020
A nice quick back story as to how things came together so far.
June 8, 2015
Masquerade is a wonderfully intimate and highly charged view of Jakob’s perspective from his part in the delightfully complex mystery that surrounds Bianca London and the people of Bradley, Inc. There is never a dull moment in the action, and we find that the twists and turns are always in a state of constant flux. Not even Jakob is able to keep up with all of the players and their shifting roles. This causes the danger levels to increase exponentially and his list of trusted individuals to dwindle down to one surprising person – Bianca. No one is as they seem, and the stakes are rising higher with each passing second.
Jakob is not an innocent bystander. He has his own sinister plan set in motion to expose the person who he believes Bianca to be. What he doesn’t understand is his unwanted yet uncontrollable pull to her. The closer he gets to her the most confused he becomes as his previous judgement doesn’t line up with what he continues to find out about her. One thing is true, he will stop at nothing to find out the truth about Bianca. However, he must understand that no man can control every aspect of their lives. Somewhere along the way, his control will slip and he may just find himself at the mercy of another.
I knew that Jakob was never who he claimed to be. He was dangerous and ruthless, and yet for all of his power, he was helpless when it came to Bianca. It was her genuinely good heart that won him over and showed him that no everyone was out to get him. While she was a pawn in a deadly game of chess, she showed him that she was not her parents. What I loved was that the vulnerability that he kept tightly hidden was slowly exposed at her obvious innocent nature. He couldn’t help that he truly wanted to protect her more than he wanted to destroy her. Something about her called to him in a way that no other woman besides his mother ever had. She was different, special, and meant for only him. However, no matter the power and force of their attraction, neither would truly open their hearts to the other for fear of losing more than they could ever afford to give.
J. S. Cooper has created an absolutely outstanding and highly entertaining series that has kept me on the edge of my seat! I can’t get enough of this highly complex storyline and this eclectic cast of such incredible characters. I am counting down the days until the last book of this series is out and we finally are able to see just how deep the rabbit hole goes. This is a highly addictive and brutally wicked suspense series that will leave your head spinning and your senses in overload.
Jakob is not an innocent bystander. He has his own sinister plan set in motion to expose the person who he believes Bianca to be. What he doesn’t understand is his unwanted yet uncontrollable pull to her. The closer he gets to her the most confused he becomes as his previous judgement doesn’t line up with what he continues to find out about her. One thing is true, he will stop at nothing to find out the truth about Bianca. However, he must understand that no man can control every aspect of their lives. Somewhere along the way, his control will slip and he may just find himself at the mercy of another.
I knew that Jakob was never who he claimed to be. He was dangerous and ruthless, and yet for all of his power, he was helpless when it came to Bianca. It was her genuinely good heart that won him over and showed him that no everyone was out to get him. While she was a pawn in a deadly game of chess, she showed him that she was not her parents. What I loved was that the vulnerability that he kept tightly hidden was slowly exposed at her obvious innocent nature. He couldn’t help that he truly wanted to protect her more than he wanted to destroy her. Something about her called to him in a way that no other woman besides his mother ever had. She was different, special, and meant for only him. However, no matter the power and force of their attraction, neither would truly open their hearts to the other for fear of losing more than they could ever afford to give.
J. S. Cooper has created an absolutely outstanding and highly entertaining series that has kept me on the edge of my seat! I can’t get enough of this highly complex storyline and this eclectic cast of such incredible characters. I am counting down the days until the last book of this series is out and we finally are able to see just how deep the rabbit hole goes. This is a highly addictive and brutally wicked suspense series that will leave your head spinning and your senses in overload.
June 8, 2015
Masquerade is the second prequel novella in the Swept Away series. This novella is from Jakob Bradley’s POV. In the previous books and novella in this series, most of the ongoing story is from Bianca’s POV or perceptions. This novella sheds some light on Jakob’s motivations and how he got from point A to point B.
Jakob has the need to uncover the secrecy of who and what Bianca London is. He needs to know her ties to his family and the family’s corporation. He is convinced that Bianca’s family is tied to his mother’s death. He’s convinced that Bianca is out to destroy the corporation. His half brother David is under the same assumption. The two come up with a plan to extract all of the information that Bianca has acquired after her father’s death. They concoct an elaborate plan that involves kidnapping, seduction, and betrayal.
The interesting thing is that Jakob and David each have their own personal motivations. David is not all he portrays himself to be. Jakob has his own agenda that may not be true to the Bradley family interests.
There are other players in this game of greed and deception. Jakob may end up being a victim as well. Bianca is not the only one trying to seek the truth. Jakob is not the only one trying to manipulate the truth.
How it all plays out is going to be a surprise to u
May 18, 2015
This addition to the Swept Away series is Jakob's side of the beginning of the story.
If you have read Charade, Illusion and Disillusion, you will love this glimpse into how this story starts from Jakob's point of view. But it is just that, a glimpse and will leave you wanting the last book in the series even more. This is not a stand alone book and should be read after reading all the other books in the series for it to make the most sense.
My thoughts:
POV all from Jakob
Quick hook or slow starter? 5 (I was hooked from the first chapter)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 3.5 ( there are a few flashes of sex but it is not between the main characters of the series.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 3.5 (You learn a little more about Jakob's mom)
Cliffhanger?: Well, it opens up a lot more questions than it answers so it will leave you hanging for the last book.
Overall, I thought it was good and I cannot wait to read the last installment of this series and see how everything wraps up for these characters.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you have read Charade, Illusion and Disillusion, you will love this glimpse into how this story starts from Jakob's point of view. But it is just that, a glimpse and will leave you wanting the last book in the series even more. This is not a stand alone book and should be read after reading all the other books in the series for it to make the most sense.
My thoughts:
POV all from Jakob
Quick hook or slow starter? 5 (I was hooked from the first chapter)
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 3.5 ( there are a few flashes of sex but it is not between the main characters of the series.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 3.5 (You learn a little more about Jakob's mom)
Cliffhanger?: Well, it opens up a lot more questions than it answers so it will leave you hanging for the last book.
Overall, I thought it was good and I cannot wait to read the last installment of this series and see how everything wraps up for these characters.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2015
***Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley***
I read Charade, Illusion, and Disillusioned--all through NetGalley, before reading this one. And I am waiting on the much anticipated conclusion book Resolution of the whole Swept Away series.
Masquerade is a short novella about Jakob’s life written in his POV. In this book we see how life was with Jakob when he was young to present. This story focuses a lot on his relationship with loving mother, who took care of him with so much love while trying to prep him for his future. His future as a successful business man, that will either take his brother down or just be someone more powerful that his dad and brother will ever be.
I love that we get to read this from Jakob’s POV, to be able to know how he was thinking about everything in his life. And what he really thought of Bianca from the first time he met her and before the whole kidnapping was being plotted. As much as a Mama’s boy Jakob really was, he actually grew up to be a very respectable man..who didn’t do anything without planning first. This gets me more excited for the last book Resolution. I cannot wait to see the conclusion to this whole series. I’m hoping an HEA for them both.
I read Charade, Illusion, and Disillusioned--all through NetGalley, before reading this one. And I am waiting on the much anticipated conclusion book Resolution of the whole Swept Away series.
Masquerade is a short novella about Jakob’s life written in his POV. In this book we see how life was with Jakob when he was young to present. This story focuses a lot on his relationship with loving mother, who took care of him with so much love while trying to prep him for his future. His future as a successful business man, that will either take his brother down or just be someone more powerful that his dad and brother will ever be.
I love that we get to read this from Jakob’s POV, to be able to know how he was thinking about everything in his life. And what he really thought of Bianca from the first time he met her and before the whole kidnapping was being plotted. As much as a Mama’s boy Jakob really was, he actually grew up to be a very respectable man..who didn’t do anything without planning first. This gets me more excited for the last book Resolution. I cannot wait to see the conclusion to this whole series. I’m hoping an HEA for them both.
May 7, 2015
So, after a bit of research, I read this novella in the Swept Away series before any of the other books, since it's a prequel of sorts. It was intriguing and piqued my interest to carry on and start reading Illusion. I know that I've given myself some plot spoilers but I'm not overly concerned.
This is a well-written novella from Jakob's POV and gives us insight into his psychology and what makes him tick. It shows us his first meeting with Bianca and takes us right up to the point where Illusion starts (I read the Prologue and part of Chapter 1, briefly). We can also already see the effect that Bianca has on him. I actually can't wait, now, to get on and read Illusion to see what happens, as I'm already enjoying how much Jakob is taken with Bianca, and I'm anticipating how his plans for her will surely change. I've got a few questions already about the relationships/connections between some of the characters, and also about the timeline, and I hope to find the answers in Illusion.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for review.
This is a well-written novella from Jakob's POV and gives us insight into his psychology and what makes him tick. It shows us his first meeting with Bianca and takes us right up to the point where Illusion starts (I read the Prologue and part of Chapter 1, briefly). We can also already see the effect that Bianca has on him. I actually can't wait, now, to get on and read Illusion to see what happens, as I'm already enjoying how much Jakob is taken with Bianca, and I'm anticipating how his plans for her will surely change. I've got a few questions already about the relationships/connections between some of the characters, and also about the timeline, and I hope to find the answers in Illusion.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for review.
May 8, 2015
*I will try to avoid spoilers.
Masquerade by J.S. Cooper
Jakob has the finer things in life but unlike his half brother David he has worked hard to get where he is.
Now that he is successful his brother acknowledges him in his world. They were never close and have never bonded.
Little does he know Jakob is the one keeping David, his poor businesses and their family business Bradley Inc afloat.
When Bianca, the daughter of a former employee of Bradley Inc starts sniffing around and wanting answers. The key players devise a plan.
However, Jakob has a plan of his own, but will his feelings be the game changer?
I really enjoyed this read. I love J.S. Cooper's writing! However, I feel like this novella was more of a serial due to it's length. I realize this is just a small part of a larger story. It just felt more like a television episode than a quick read.
*Checkout & follow my blog:
http://wicked-blogs.blogspot.com
Masquerade by J.S. Cooper
Jakob has the finer things in life but unlike his half brother David he has worked hard to get where he is.
Now that he is successful his brother acknowledges him in his world. They were never close and have never bonded.
Little does he know Jakob is the one keeping David, his poor businesses and their family business Bradley Inc afloat.
When Bianca, the daughter of a former employee of Bradley Inc starts sniffing around and wanting answers. The key players devise a plan.
However, Jakob has a plan of his own, but will his feelings be the game changer?
I really enjoyed this read. I love J.S. Cooper's writing! However, I feel like this novella was more of a serial due to it's length. I realize this is just a small part of a larger story. It just felt more like a television episode than a quick read.
*Checkout & follow my blog:
http://wicked-blogs.blogspot.com
May 20, 2015
ARC Received from NetGalley for honest review.
I was so excited to finally have a look into the enigma that is Jacob! I literally sat down with no plans of putting down my kindle until this one was finished and that was exactly what I did!
This was a great short read that gave you just a sneak peak into the world of Jacob with a solid understanding of why his drive to seek out Bianca started. This book will patch together all those tiny missing pieces that had you scratching your head and wondering what on earth was going on. Although we still have many unanswered questions I do feel that I was left better to understand Jacob's point of view.
As always with any JS Cooper book, this was a smooth read with all sorts of tiny twists and turns and of course had its moments that were hot as hell!
At the end of it this was a fantastic short read that left me once again begging for the next book!
I was so excited to finally have a look into the enigma that is Jacob! I literally sat down with no plans of putting down my kindle until this one was finished and that was exactly what I did!
This was a great short read that gave you just a sneak peak into the world of Jacob with a solid understanding of why his drive to seek out Bianca started. This book will patch together all those tiny missing pieces that had you scratching your head and wondering what on earth was going on. Although we still have many unanswered questions I do feel that I was left better to understand Jacob's point of view.
As always with any JS Cooper book, this was a smooth read with all sorts of tiny twists and turns and of course had its moments that were hot as hell!
At the end of it this was a fantastic short read that left me once again begging for the next book!
November 1, 2015
I cheated and read this book, 2.5 before reading 2 after I learned it's from Jakob's point of view and gives you insight into the events leading up to Bianca's kidnapping. This really made me excited to now start book 2. I ended 1.5 kind of liking David thinking he was a bumbling idiot, but he's a lot more complex after all. Everyone continues to be suspicious of everyone else (even on Jakob's side of this plan). Rosie... totally put that one together!
The first 2 books were a little lackluster and all over the place for me to enjoy. Now that I have some context and background, it makes more sense and I'm ready to see how this all progresses.
I received a copy of this novella through NetGalley from the author for an honest review.
The first 2 books were a little lackluster and all over the place for me to enjoy. Now that I have some context and background, it makes more sense and I'm ready to see how this all progresses.
I received a copy of this novella through NetGalley from the author for an honest review.
April 29, 2015
This short little novella gives the reader so much backstory for Illusion and Disillusioned. It’s fabulous because we get into the mind of Jakob. The book only reveals tiny little bits of the mystery being unraveled, especially since it covers the time right before the kidnapping. However, what we really get is a deeper understanding of Jakob, through childhood memories and the events leading up to the start of Illusion. What I found most interesting is that it really shows the bastard that he is and yet, with the knowledge from the first two books, I’m able to recognize just how much Bianca changes him. In the end, I was just that much more enthralled with him. The worst part of this story is that it ends and I’m left salivating for the last book. I don’t know how I’ll survive the wait!
June 6, 2015
**Received an ARC for an honest review**
Still Intriqued
It never ceases to amaze me the depths that JS Cooper puts into her books. She can successfully write full lengths novels and companion novellas that are so woven together you get more than a complete story. You get alot of extras and back stories and more mysteries concerning the families of Jakob and Bianca.
If you read Illusion and Disillusioned, you will want to read this novella. In Masquerade, we get more back story on Jakob and what has happened up to the point him and Bianca are 'kidnapped' and put ont he island. You get to see what inspired that decision and learn a tad more secrets that will leave you wanting the next story ASAP. I can't wait to see how this saga ends! Another great read for me by Miss Coope
June 10, 2015
**I received this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books through NetGalley for an honest review.**
After reading the first 3 books, there’s no way you don’t come away with questions regarding these folks outside of Bianca.
I liked getting inside Jakob’s head and getting his take on some things. The way things were actually set up from the book 1 and the relationships he had. Of course this also made me weary of him since you get what his intentions were and the things he did to get what he wanted.
This was a quick, to the point read with a good amount of insight on Jakob and the way his thoughts processed.
After reading the first 3 books, there’s no way you don’t come away with questions regarding these folks outside of Bianca.
I liked getting inside Jakob’s head and getting his take on some things. The way things were actually set up from the book 1 and the relationships he had. Of course this also made me weary of him since you get what his intentions were and the things he did to get what he wanted.
This was a quick, to the point read with a good amount of insight on Jakob and the way his thoughts processed.
June 15, 2015
We got the answers that we needed from Jakobs point of view, now we know why Jakob was a part of the kidnapping in the first place. I think that Jakob is going to have feelings for Bianca, at least I hope so. Bianca has already had such a hard life, maybe it's time something goes her way, that she doesn't get hurt anymore. J.S., I really like how you told the story from Jakob' s p.o.v., it told us do much about him, and what it was like for him growing up. As always, J.S. Cooper has done it again, I can't wait for Resolution to come out.
May 31, 2015
After reading Disillusioned, Masquerade is a glimpse into the twisted and somewhat creepy mind of Jakob Bradley. A prequel novella, it relays the inner workings of Bradley Inc's key players, leading up to Jakob and Bianca's supposed abductions. But there is someone unknown even to him that is really orchestrating the events that are about to occur and he is not only putting Bianca but himself in danger too.
Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews