A Masquerade for the Baron

Barrington’s Brigade #6

by Ruth A. Casie

He proposed to the wrong woman… but found she was the one he could never let go.

Lady Leticia Salisbury never intended to capture Lord Ashcombe’s attention—or his mistaken proposal—at Sommer-by-the-Sea’s grand masquerade. Yet a single stolen kiss sets in motion a fragile engagement, a partnership built on secrets, and a choice that could cost her everything.

Gabriel Ashcombe returned from war with scars deeper than any battle could leave. A barony to restore, a regiment of loyal men at his back, and a dangerous secret society to unmask. What he did not expect was Leticia—brave, perceptive, and far too willing to risk herself when shadows close in.

The brooch she inherited from her mother is no simple heirloom. It bears the mark of the Order, a symbol others will kill to possess. When danger closes in, Leticia does not retreat—she draws the threat to herself—forcing the enemy into the open, whatever the cost.

Together, they must navigate whispered betrayals, ruthless enemies, and their own wary hearts. Trust does not come easily, but neither does love.

A Masquerade for the Baron is a sweeping Regency romance filled with intrigue, stolen kisses, sharp banter, and a love forged in danger. Secrets may divide them, but when the truth is revealed, it is not fate that decides their future—it is choice.

Tropes/hooks you'll enjoy:
- Masquerade Ball Mix-Up
- Protective but Guarded Hero
- Marriage of Convenience / Pretend Engagement
- Hidden Heirlooms / Family Secrets
- Slow Burn Romance
- Forced Proximity / Shared Investigation

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

About the author

Hi! I'm Ruth A Casie. I write historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. My stories embrace strong woman and the men who deserve them. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat suspense, mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join my heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after. I hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!

Here are five things you probably don’t know about me.
1. I filled my passport up in one year.
2. I have three series. The Druid Knight stories are a historical time travel series. The Stelton Legacy is historical fantasy about the seven sons of a seventh son. The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, a regency romance about ladies who all graduated from the same women's seminary. I also write stories in the Pirates of Britannia Connected World.
3. I did a rap to “How Many Trucks Can a Tow Truck Tow If a Tow Truck Could Tow Trucks.”
4. When I cook I dance.
5. My Sudoku book is in the bathroom. I’m not saying anything else about that.
My stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. Their stories will keep you turning the pages until the end. I hope my stories become your favorite adventures.
I’m a USA Today bestselling author.
My hobbies:
* counted cross stitch
* ballroom dancing - not just between the fridge and stove
* reading almost anything
* Sudoko - I'm still staying quiet about that

Reviews

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sixth book in the Barrington's Brigade series was a fabulous mistaken identity, fake engagement historical mystery romance. It swept me away with its compelling story with a delicious mix of romance, danger, mystery, and many engaging twists. The characters were fantastic, and their passionate chemistry strong. I enjoyed how beautifully everything came together for a satisfying ending. This is definitely my favorite in this series. I highly recommend reading them all!!

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Leticia Salisbury attends the masquerade ball in a borrowed dress with an elaborate mask, dances with Gabriel Ashcombe, and is shocked when he proposed to her. Mistaken for another woman, Leticia is crushed and mortified. A stolen kiss ignites her senses and leads to a fragile dance between her and Gabriel. They agree to proceed with the engagement for a time then call it quits. But circumstances beyond their control bind them together as they try to unravel the brazen thefts and who is behind the Order. A painting reveals the brooch she inherited from her mother is what dangerous enemies will kill for without compunction. Secrets breed omissions and danger for Leticia. Her heart opens to Gabriel as does love. She finds herself at a crossroads. Will she be brazen and wear the brooch and be vulnerable to those who threaten her life? Will Gabriel stand by her side, or will he retreat and leave her alone and without love?

A Masquerade for the Baron is a breathtaking Regency romance I couldn’t stop reading. From the very first page, I was captivated. Intoxicating narration had me under its spell. Emotion wove its way into each scene. Every breath, glance, and quiet moment seeped into my soul. Stolen kisses, lively banter, vibrant world-building, and colorful characters all make A Masquerade for the Baron one of the best historical romances I’ve ever read. This is the final book in the series and one I was eagerly anticipating. While I am sad the series is done, Ruth A. Casie wrote a magnificent tale. It’s the best book in the series.

What makes A Masquerade for the Baron such an unputdownable romance are the characters, specifically Leticia and Gabriel. They are incredibly strong characters yet each one reveal vulnerability and mystery. When the suspense amps up, one doesn’t rescue the other, like in most stories. Instead, they stand beside each other, equals on every level. A refreshing stance in historical romance. If you’re a historical romance reader, you need to read this book.

My Rating: 5+++ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

He proposed to the wrong woman… or so he thought. Turns out, she was the one he could never let go.

A Masquerade for the Baron—the sixth sparkling entry in Ruth A. Casie’s Barrington’s Brigade series—delivers romance, suspense, and a delicious mix of mistaken identities and fateful encounters. I’ve enjoyed every story in the series, but this one? Easily my favorite.

Lady Leticia Salisbury and Gabriel Ashcombe first share a dance that lingers like a whispered secret. Their next meeting—a lavish masquerade—sets the stage for another dance, a sweeping moment, and an unexpected (and very public) proposal. She says yes, and suddenly a mistaken offer turns into a make-or-break engagement. Together, they’re pulled into a world of secrets, half-truths, and a mystery that refuses to stay in the shadows.

Fresh from war, Gabriel carries hidden scars and the heavy responsibility of a barony in need of restoration—while also hunting a secret society that threatens everything he holds dear. He doesn’t expect Leticia, bright and fearless, whose inherited brooch—branded by the deadly Order—becomes a beacon for danger. As threats close in, betrayal and peril swirl around them, and trust becomes as vital as their growing love.

Leticia is bold, kind, and unflinchingly brave—a perfect counter to Gabriel’s guarded intelligence and quiet strength. Ruth A. Casie layers their emotions with a subtle, elegant hand, letting the tension and tenderness bloom naturally. I felt every heartbeat, every moment of doubt, and every spark of connection.

This story swept me away—compelling, suspenseful, and bursting with chemistry. Gabriel and Leticia’s journey isn’t just about surviving danger; it’s about discovering that the heart always recognizes its match. Casie leaves you with that rare, satisfied sigh—the feeling of having read a love story that was fated from the first dance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5, rounded up.

Honestly, what a shame. This book was a three right up until the last 20/30%, when the rating literally skydived. The FMC acted so damn stupid it just completely ruined the whole book for me. I was hoping the author would do something like, oh she saw it coming and did it on purpose, but nope. FMC is just the biggest idiot alive.

The ending... okay, maybe this is something that gets explored more in the series, which I haven't read, but I feel like no questions about that whole secret society got answered??? I'm still really confused about the whole thing. What in the world is the point of it, what does it do, and why is it bad??? Did I miss something???

Frankly, even before the last 20/30%, though, I wasn't completely sold on this book. I didn't care for the FMC, cause I thought the reason she was hiding the whole brooch thing so dumb, and turns out the MMC was hiding things too... FFS Y'ALL ARE SO ANNOYING??? TALK TO EACH OTHER TF. I also found our FMC almost desperate??? IDK I thought she was embarrassing for falling so quick even though the dude literally proposed on accident. Stand up.

Also, I know the series is literally named after him, but I didn't care for Barrington or his wife. I kind of skipped over every scene that had the characters planning their wedding. I'm still not 100% sure who they are or why they're relevant at all, but again, I didn't read the rest of the series, so that's probably why.

One last thing. You're telling me this dude has been thinking of her constantly after that ball where they first met, but couldn't recognize her without a mask on??? How big was this mask??? Like you can convince me no one knew Superman was Clark Kent or Miley was Hannah Montana because their alter egos were literally famous, but this? Nah. Not buying it.

Overall, I was just disappointed. It should have been a fun mystery, but with the way it ended, I didn't like the plot or the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Leticia Salisbury never intended to capture Lord Ashcombe’s attention—or his mistaken proposal—at Sommer-by-the-Sea’s grand masquerade. Yet a single stolen kiss sets in motion a fragile engagement, a partnership built on secrets, and a choice that could cost her everything.
Gabriel Ashcombe returned from war with scars deeper than any battle could leave. A barony to restore, a regiment of loyal men at his back, and a dangerous secret society to unmask. What he did not expect was Leticia—brave, perceptive, and far too willing to risk herself when shadows close in.
Together, they must navigate whispered betrayals, ruthless enemies, and their own wary hearts. Trust does not come easily, but neither does love.
The sixth book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on its own previous characters do appear. A very enjoyable book with a mix of romance & mystery. I liked both Leticia & Gabriel, both strong characters & both had secrets. I liked how they worked together & in doing so fell in love. The pace was generally good but it did slow in a few places. I also liked Aunt Margaret who was always there for Leticia
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. Leticia is at a ball when she is approached by Ash for a dance, they do not know each other He has no idea what her name is but maybe he'll learn it the next time they meet. He has come from the war and inherited the barony which takes some getting use to but he has been walking with Erica and she may be what he will decide to settle for. The night of the masquerade Erica shows up at Leticia's with a dress she thinks will look better on Leticia' At the ball Ash's friends tell him they saw Erica in the dress at the dressmaker's. He dances with her and when the dance is about over he ask her to marry him and she says she will. that sets the ballroom in a site. They do not know he did not mean to ask Leticia. They decide to let it go for a couple of weeks and then see how they feel. As I read this I felt he meant to ask Leticia all along. Ash is investigating some jewelry has been stolen at the activities that had been attended recently. Leticia helps Ash with the investigation They become close while doing this. We are in a romance as well as a suspenseful story where a group think the jewelry has something to do with them taking over.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very deliberate and thoughtful story where Leticia and Gabriel work together to find trust, and eventually, love. The story is told in the style of romances of its time. Every word is meticulously placed for a specific purpose. At times, the pacing felt a little slow for me, but I enjoyed the overall mystery and love story.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

An instant attraction, an inadvertent engagement, albeit fake and a plunge into a world of mystery, and secrets from the past before their HEA. Enjoyable time reading this book.

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

[Andy Siwierka · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

I have read all six books and loved every one. The story line is very exciting and the characters are unforgettable. Thank you for sharing your brilliant story with us, your fans.

[Carla King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Mrs. Bainbridge and Barrington married!

Barrington's Brigade has been full of mystery, loyalty, some intriguing and awesome adventures! Each and every one of these books, in this series, have been amazing stories!