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Jacobite Chronicles #1
Mask of Duplicity
Following the death of their father, Beth's brother Richard returns from the army to claim his share of the family estate. However, Beth's hopes of a quiet life are dashed when Richard, dissatisfied with his meagre inheritance and desperate for promotion, decides to force her into a marriage for his military gain. And he will stop at nothing to get his way.
Beth is coerced into a reconciliation with her noble cousins in order to marry well and escape her brutal brother. She is then thrown into the glittering social whirl of Georgian high society and struggles to conform. The effeminate but witty socialite Sir Anthony Peters offers to ease her passage into society and she is soon besieged by suitors eager to get their hands on her considerable dowry. Beth, however, wants love and passion for herself, and to break free from the artificial life she is growing to hate. She finds herself plunged into a world where nothing is as it seems and everyone hides behind a mask. Can she trust the people professing to care for her?
The first in the series about the fascinating lives of beautiful Beth Cunningham, her family and friends during the tempestuous days leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, which attempted to overthrow the Hanoverian King George II and restore the Stuarts to the British throne.
The first in the series about the fascinating lives of beautiful Beth Cunningham, her family and friends during the tempestuous days leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, which attempted to overthrow the Hanoverian King George II and restore the Stuarts to the British throne.
Join the rebellion of one woman and her fight for survival in...
The Jacobite Chronicles.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2015
3614 people are currently reading
5284 people want to read
About the author
Julia Brannan
17 books333 followersJulia has been a voracious reader since childhood, using books to escape the miseries of a turbulent adolescence. After leaving university with a degree in English Language and Literature, she spent her twenties trying to be a sensible and responsible person, even going so far as to work for the Civil Service for six years.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
Then she gave up trying to conform, resigned her well-paid but boring job and resolved to spend the rest of her life living as she wanted to, not as others would like her to. She has since had a variety of jobs, including telesales, Post Office clerk, primary school teacher, and painter and gilder.
In her spare time she is still a voracious reader, and enjoys keeping fit, exploring the beautiful countryside around her home, and travelling the world. Life hasn’t always been good, but it has rarely been boring. Until recently she lived in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales, but in June she moved to Scotland, and now lives in a log cabin in rural Aberdeenshire, so has new countryside to explore!
A few years ago she decided that rather than just escape into other people’s books, she would quite like to create some of her own and so combined her passion for history and literature to write the Jacobite Chronicles. She’s now writing the side stories of some of the minor characters, and is researching for her next series, The Road to Rebellion, which will go back to the start of the whole Jacobite movement.
People seem to enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoys writing them, so now, apart from a tiny amount of editing work, she is a full-time writer. She has plunged into the contemporary genre too, but her first love will always be historical fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
October 6, 2019
I find myself having to disagree with other points of view concerning this book. The series opener has a solid ending, answering many questions and tying up loose threads. The story didn’t conclude with even a hint at the possibility of additional books, although one can easily see the potential. As far as the rest of the book, I found it lacking in multiple areas.
THE PLOT is okay, though the basic idea is tattered from overuse by different authors. In the early 1740s, Beth is happy living on the family farm/estate with the servants, though this peaches and cream life is shattered by the return of her brother Richard. He desires a commission in the service, but his dead father’s money is mostly gone except for a sizable amount tied up in Beth’s dowry. Richard must either wait seven years to gain access to the money or take Beth to London and marry her to someone who would in turn pay for Richard’s commission. The rest of the book concerns Beth’s life in London as she is pursued by various suitors.
Although billed as historical fiction, there is little to involve the reader in the history aspects until the very end. Author Julia Brannan peppers the book with factoids about period politics, but any impact upon the characters is left unaddressed. The subplot involving Scottish mercenaries could also have been more involved with actual events. Additionally, there is a “surprise” that is so obvious that I guessed the direction the author was taking early on (probably due to the overused plot and Ms. Brannan’s choice to not dress it up with a new idea or twist). The ultimate climax was contrived and unbelievable.
THE CHARACTERS were mostly one-dimensional. Personal goals are what define each of them, including Beth. I felt disconnected and was not emotionally tied to what might happen to anyone.
THE WRITING was inconsistent in a couple areas. The point-of-view was primarily through Beth (excepting the chapters where the mercenaries were the focus). At times, however, the POV would jump for a paragraph or two to another character before moving back to Beth. Additionally, in the first half of the book I thought the dialogue would be more fitting to a book featuring 21st century people. The only exceptions were the few letters Beth wrote to her friends (the servants back at the farm). Somewhere around the middle of the story everyone’s manner of speaking changed, reflecting more of what may have been heard almost three hundred years ago. I am not sure why the author chose to leave the first half as is rather than rewrite and achieve better consistency.
WARNING -- There is a descriptive rape scene in the book unlike any of the rest of the scenes. While I didn't take this into consideration when choosing my rating, the words are blunt and the author leaves nothing to the imagination. The scene is referred to later in the book and becomes a definite part of the plot, and I will not conjecture how the author could have changed this section. This is merely a warning to those who may find this objectionable.
OVERALL, I was happy there wasn’t a cliffhanger ending forcing readers to purchase a second book. However, based upon the points above, I can see no reason to move on. The wonderfully written book description along with a powerful book cover convinced me to read this book, but the actual reading convinced me the book did not living up to its billing. Two stars.
THE PLOT is okay, though the basic idea is tattered from overuse by different authors. In the early 1740s, Beth is happy living on the family farm/estate with the servants, though this peaches and cream life is shattered by the return of her brother Richard. He desires a commission in the service, but his dead father’s money is mostly gone except for a sizable amount tied up in Beth’s dowry. Richard must either wait seven years to gain access to the money or take Beth to London and marry her to someone who would in turn pay for Richard’s commission. The rest of the book concerns Beth’s life in London as she is pursued by various suitors.
Although billed as historical fiction, there is little to involve the reader in the history aspects until the very end. Author Julia Brannan peppers the book with factoids about period politics, but any impact upon the characters is left unaddressed. The subplot involving Scottish mercenaries could also have been more involved with actual events. Additionally, there is a “surprise” that is so obvious that I guessed the direction the author was taking early on (probably due to the overused plot and Ms. Brannan’s choice to not dress it up with a new idea or twist). The ultimate climax was contrived and unbelievable.
THE CHARACTERS were mostly one-dimensional. Personal goals are what define each of them, including Beth. I felt disconnected and was not emotionally tied to what might happen to anyone.
THE WRITING was inconsistent in a couple areas. The point-of-view was primarily through Beth (excepting the chapters where the mercenaries were the focus). At times, however, the POV would jump for a paragraph or two to another character before moving back to Beth. Additionally, in the first half of the book I thought the dialogue would be more fitting to a book featuring 21st century people. The only exceptions were the few letters Beth wrote to her friends (the servants back at the farm). Somewhere around the middle of the story everyone’s manner of speaking changed, reflecting more of what may have been heard almost three hundred years ago. I am not sure why the author chose to leave the first half as is rather than rewrite and achieve better consistency.
WARNING -- There is a descriptive rape scene in the book unlike any of the rest of the scenes. While I didn't take this into consideration when choosing my rating, the words are blunt and the author leaves nothing to the imagination. The scene is referred to later in the book and becomes a definite part of the plot, and I will not conjecture how the author could have changed this section. This is merely a warning to those who may find this objectionable.
OVERALL, I was happy there wasn’t a cliffhanger ending forcing readers to purchase a second book. However, based upon the points above, I can see no reason to move on. The wonderfully written book description along with a powerful book cover convinced me to read this book, but the actual reading convinced me the book did not living up to its billing. Two stars.
March 8, 2018
I have been searching for a series of novels that delve in-depth into the Jacobite Rising and have now read the available five novels by Julia Brannan. I was greatly impressed by the historical accuracy and the wonderful characters who bring this sad story to life. For those who have read the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, comparisons are inevitable, as both authors have done their research faultlessly, and are bound to draw from the same major points of history.
Unlike the outlander series, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (the Bonny Prince) is a more rounded character in this series and is not the flouncing fool that (English) history leads us to believe. With a Prince that the reader can empathise with, the events leading to, along with the aftermath of the battle of Culloden are even more heartfelt.
This is a version of history that shows both sides in equal light, and if we come away with our sympathies firmly on the side of the Jacobites, then that is only right.
Unlike the outlander series, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (the Bonny Prince) is a more rounded character in this series and is not the flouncing fool that (English) history leads us to believe. With a Prince that the reader can empathise with, the events leading to, along with the aftermath of the battle of Culloden are even more heartfelt.
This is a version of history that shows both sides in equal light, and if we come away with our sympathies firmly on the side of the Jacobites, then that is only right.
June 8, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reading copy of Mask of Duplicity by Julia Brannan. I really enjoyed reading this book and I can honestly say that I really looked forward to picking it up to continue with the story. I found the writing style so pleasant to read - I found it easy on the mind and I didn't have to struggle with it at all unlike some authors. That's not to say that it's written in a simplified manner, just that it suits my reading style. I was a little concerned at the beginning of the book by the large "cast list" but my fears were unfounded as it was not necessary to remember all the characters as they were introduced gradually throughout the book. The story is an interesting one and caught my imagination, which made it into a real page turner. The end of the story is satisfying yet leaves it open for another installment in another book, for which I know I will be purchasing. I've just got to know what will happen next!
April 26, 2022
If Diana Gabaldon Herself recommends a book series, you listen. Mask of Duplicity, the first in the Jacobite Chronicles Series, is of course right up my alley. Taking place in the years leading up to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
Of course there are books I have enjoyed and liked, however, it is rare that I find a book or series with that “couldn’t put down-ness” factor. The type of book where I stay up later than I should because I want to find out what happens next. Much like my reaction to Diana’s Outlander series, I can safely say I am HOOKED.
Of course there are books I have enjoyed and liked, however, it is rare that I find a book or series with that “couldn’t put down-ness” factor. The type of book where I stay up later than I should because I want to find out what happens next. Much like my reaction to Diana’s Outlander series, I can safely say I am HOOKED.
March 24, 2017
What a great read.
Refreshingly different take on the historical novel. Guys buy this for your wife then read it yourself.
Full of things to keep you turning pages.
I've read this and am looking forward to the release of the next book in the series already.
I think its an instant classic.
Most guys would prob not make this type of book their first choice but you'd be mistaken with this one. The flow of the story, the quality and depths of characters, the scene setting and the very informative historical accuracy made this one of the most enjoyable reads of the last few years
Refreshingly different take on the historical novel. Guys buy this for your wife then read it yourself.
Full of things to keep you turning pages.
I've read this and am looking forward to the release of the next book in the series already.
I think its an instant classic.
Most guys would prob not make this type of book their first choice but you'd be mistaken with this one. The flow of the story, the quality and depths of characters, the scene setting and the very informative historical accuracy made this one of the most enjoyable reads of the last few years
April 7, 2017
The slow start and plot-driven writing bored me:
1. Beth didn't meet the hero until the 30% mark on my Kindle app.
2. I prefer equal focus on the characters' development and emotions as well as the plot, not less.
What disappointed me the most, though, was that Beth did not even fall in love with the hero by the end of the book! Her feelings for him could best be described as mixed, none of which were even close to being romantic. So there's no HEA or even a HEA For Now which I would have been fine with. All we are left with are a cliffhanger and chapters that feel like the first half of an incomplete book.
Beth wasn't the only one duped. Readers expecting a romance won't find it here.
1. Beth didn't meet the hero until the 30% mark on my Kindle app.
2. I prefer equal focus on the characters' development and emotions as well as the plot, not less.
What disappointed me the most, though, was that Beth did not even fall in love with the hero by the end of the book! Her feelings for him could best be described as mixed, none of which were even close to being romantic. So there's no HEA or even a HEA For Now which I would have been fine with. All we are left with are a cliffhanger and chapters that feel like the first half of an incomplete book.
Beth wasn't the only one duped. Readers expecting a romance won't find it here.
February 12, 2025
Mask of Duplicity is book 1 of 6 in the main series and begins as a story about Beth. Beth lives in the countryside of England in 1742, and after her sociopathic brother comes home from the army for a time, they reacquaint themselves with their well-to-do family and head to London. Because the grown army man must marry off his sister so her new husband can buy his (Richard, the brother) way up the military ladder. Disgusting.
Beth, who must be called Elizabeth bc its more formal, is pretty well disgusted by London and the empty headed society women she finds herself surrounded by and the chauvinistic men. After being duped once with a suitor she was quite enamored by, she hardens her heart (quite dramatic really lol). Until Sir Anthony Peters, a makeup covered man who wears outlandish clothing, offers to wed her instead.
The series is heavier on the historical aspect than the romance, but especially in book one. Beth appears to be a Jacobite sympathizer, though she’s terrified people will find out and then Richard (her d bag bro) will be most cruel to her. And well, it is 1742, so the Rising is a’comin. And we Stan Bonny Prince Charlie. (though his cause was heavy with romanticism -though that is likely only because of the years that separate us and the rising- and he was the technical heir, and his people loved him fiercely, let’s all admit that the feudal systems still implemented in the highlands and more remote locales of Scotland def needed abolished. HOWEVER – England sucked big time back then [and for many centuries] and went about it in disgusting and barbarous ways. Genocide is NEVER the good choice.)
Anyway, as the series progresses, those who are more after the romance will be glad they read it, even if they don’t much care for rising of ’45. Can’t put much on book one’s review because it would be major spoilers.
If you’re checking out the series because you heard it’s similar to Outlander, do yourself a favor and read these for sure. They are much more historically accurate than DG’s story. There is no time travel or other fantasy-related surprises, but it’s a beautiful and tragic story. And once you finish the 6 main books, there are I think 5-6 side stories, and they are all very solid reads from beginning to end.
──── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ────
Reread ending: 2/12/25
This is such a well written series; cohesion, individual characters, historical accuracy, stories within the story. I look forward to reading it every single year.
Anthony Part 2 was just released, which is of course Sir Anthony's backstory, and as soon as I finished it I knew I had to start my reread/relisten of these books. I don't know what it would change in present day, but part of me wishes Charles Stuart had won.
Beth, who must be called Elizabeth bc its more formal, is pretty well disgusted by London and the empty headed society women she finds herself surrounded by and the chauvinistic men. After being duped once with a suitor she was quite enamored by, she hardens her heart (quite dramatic really lol). Until Sir Anthony Peters, a makeup covered man who wears outlandish clothing, offers to wed her instead.
The series is heavier on the historical aspect than the romance, but especially in book one. Beth appears to be a Jacobite sympathizer, though she’s terrified people will find out and then Richard (her d bag bro) will be most cruel to her. And well, it is 1742, so the Rising is a’comin. And we Stan Bonny Prince Charlie. (though his cause was heavy with romanticism -though that is likely only because of the years that separate us and the rising- and he was the technical heir, and his people loved him fiercely, let’s all admit that the feudal systems still implemented in the highlands and more remote locales of Scotland def needed abolished. HOWEVER – England sucked big time back then [and for many centuries] and went about it in disgusting and barbarous ways. Genocide is NEVER the good choice.)
Anyway, as the series progresses, those who are more after the romance will be glad they read it, even if they don’t much care for rising of ’45. Can’t put much on book one’s review because it would be major spoilers.
If you’re checking out the series because you heard it’s similar to Outlander, do yourself a favor and read these for sure. They are much more historically accurate than DG’s story. There is no time travel or other fantasy-related surprises, but it’s a beautiful and tragic story. And once you finish the 6 main books, there are I think 5-6 side stories, and they are all very solid reads from beginning to end.
──── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ────
Reread ending: 2/12/25
This is such a well written series; cohesion, individual characters, historical accuracy, stories within the story. I look forward to reading it every single year.
Anthony Part 2 was just released, which is of course Sir Anthony's backstory, and as soon as I finished it I knew I had to start my reread/relisten of these books. I don't know what it would change in present day, but part of me wishes Charles Stuart had won.
January 15, 2017
Not so keen on the characters Heroine didn't even fall in love with the hero no HEA. Not what I like
January 10, 2018
I'm getting tired of this meme: evil man oppresses darling woman. Surely it is endemic in our world, and has been for centuries, but I find it increasingly difficult to stay interested ... unless there's something else going on. This book gets off to a roaring start, and maybe it regains its steam later on, but I'm abandoning this book ... but not because of the tired theme.
The writing is clunky and awkward. Here's a sample: "Their loyalty had reduced Beth to tears and determined her to fight her brother all the way, if she could not bring him round by reasonable means, which seemed increasingly unlikely." I would like to think that if the author had let the first draft settle for a week or two, then given it a critical re-reading, she, too, would have stumbled over this sentence (only one of several on a page,) and recast it into something more closely resembling English. No time for that! She steamed on to write four more, presumably equally poorly written, sequels. That's not "writing as craft," it's writing crap!
The writing is clunky and awkward. Here's a sample: "Their loyalty had reduced Beth to tears and determined her to fight her brother all the way, if she could not bring him round by reasonable means, which seemed increasingly unlikely." I would like to think that if the author had let the first draft settle for a week or two, then given it a critical re-reading, she, too, would have stumbled over this sentence (only one of several on a page,) and recast it into something more closely resembling English. No time for that! She steamed on to write four more, presumably equally poorly written, sequels. That's not "writing as craft," it's writing crap!
September 25, 2020
4+. I really enjoyed this book. Some books are written as literature and should be rated on that plane. Some are just good books to be enjoyed. They’re not trying to make a point either moralistic or political, they’re not trying to be poignant or thought provoking. They’re simply well spun tales with good writing and compelling characters. This is one of those books. The characters were engaging, the story compelling, the writing and attention to historical detail very good. If you liked Outlander you’ll like Mask if Duplicity. It has a Highlander and a Sassenach, but it’s NOT Outlander fan fiction or a two bit rip off. Its not a time slip or a dual time line. It’s it’s own story with it’s own characters...and it’s good (FYI I just jumped into Book 2 and I’m dead serious, if you liked Jamie and Claire/Outlander read this series!). If you love historical fiction, Highlanders, great juicy reads, and an excellent tension filled love story, this ones for you!!
March 1, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
'those not keen on unsettling 'adult' scenes, will perhaps think otherwise, but that would be their loss as the story and the potential that is set up by the book are otherwise excellent and quite carry you away. '
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
'those not keen on unsettling 'adult' scenes, will perhaps think otherwise, but that would be their loss as the story and the potential that is set up by the book are otherwise excellent and quite carry you away. '
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
June 18, 2021
Sensually describes rape
Not for Christians who desire to keep their minds clean. While rape is a reality, the reader doesn’t need to be in the mind of the rapist’s pleasure. I quit reading and will discourage others from this author. Her writing skills could have been more artfully used and still conveyed the act for the purpose of the story.
Not for Christians who desire to keep their minds clean. While rape is a reality, the reader doesn’t need to be in the mind of the rapist’s pleasure. I quit reading and will discourage others from this author. Her writing skills could have been more artfully used and still conveyed the act for the purpose of the story.
January 12, 2018
Well... it seemed promising. And then it, quite quickly, added innuendo and a sex scene (or rather a rape scene), and I decided to call it quits.
2 stars because the writing style was really good, but the content was not my cup of tea.
2 stars because the writing style was really good, but the content was not my cup of tea.
February 11, 2022
Audio version
dual narration: Rosalyn Landor, Will Matt
The Jacobite Chronicles series
dual narration: Rosalyn Landor, Will Matt
The Jacobite Chronicles series
Read
May 24, 2024dnf-20% TRIGGER WARNING interesting but stopped when the FMC was being raped by her half brother. was not good enough of a book to continue w all that, confirmed after checking other reviews for future books in series. found under books ppl loved that enjoyed Sara Donati’s Wilderness Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2016
Its just a wonderful, captivating, engaging, thrilling, read, I cant put it down !! Thank you for sharing this incredible fictional and yet factual learned tale . If you love historical novels, and fictional but don't want to be bogged down in the usual stuff this book has amazing adventure, fight scenes, thrilling moments and sensual ones.Incredible and interesting facts about the Jacobites too Its great for all genders and tastes. A fantastic new author I cannot wait for the next book.Loving this ladys take on the realities of life back then.
July 26, 2018
I loved this, I loved this, I loved this, I loved this!!!!! New favorite series.
December 27, 2018
I love this historical time period, and the author really brings it to life along with believable characters and relationships - definitely continuing with this series!
April 29, 2021
I'm in love with this audiobook. It has been a fun listen. I am not sure reading this is as fun as listening though, and that is because the narration is excellent. The dual narration from Rosalyn Landor and Will Watt is AMAZING. Will can do a hilarious fop voice that had me snickering. This narration is reminiscent of the Scarlet Pimpernel. How can one play the fop/dandy and actually be a highlander? It's preposterous but entertaining. Of course this is a cliffhanger and has 6 parts in the series so if this bothers you, skip it. I see some reviewers didn't like that but it's obvious this is a series so look for the romance to be a slow burn. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Beth is a bit too serious. I hope to warm up to her more in the future books. The hero (too much a spoiler to name him, but it becomes obvious) is so much fun. He just shines. The secondary characters consist of a reformed prostitute Sarah who becomes the heroine's lady maid. I'm just so looking forward to all these books. This has been the best listen for me in a looooooooong time.
February 26, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Too often historical fiction with a female lead is too heavy on the romance and too light on everything else for my liking. Julia Brannan found the perfect mixture with this first book in a series set around the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. Beth is a great, complex and very likable protagonist who proves to be resourceful, passionate and strongminded. Sir Anthony Peters took a while to grow on me, though it was quite obvious from the start that he was a good deal more interesting and complex a character than he presented himself as. I'm definitely intrigued to see how the revelation of his secret will play out in the sequel - suffice it to say, I have already downloaded it.
November 17, 2020
Baroness Orczy would be proud. The first novel in The Jacobite Chronicles series, Mask of Duplicity seems like a perfect homage to The Scarlet Pimpernel. I won’t belabor the obvious parallels because the full revelation to the protagonist has not occurred as of the conclusion of the first volume nor is, as the title implies, the covert loyalties of the protagonist attained the prominence to which the reader would expect. But Mask of Duplicity is a romance novel and more. At first, I thought this was going to be romance-heavy and historical fiction-light, but the story has been well-crafted to illustrate the problems in Georgian Society and the desirability for allegiances to the “Young” if not the “Old” Pretender.
I admit my biases. I have enjoyed all of The Scarlet Pimpernel novels (though the sympathies of the baroness seemed in an entirely opposite direction to the sympathies of the endearing characters in this novel), the Broadway musical (seen twice and would willingly do so again), and the classic movie with Leslie Howard. I always considered, for example, the Walt Disney version of Zorro to be an early Californian version of the Pimpernel and I consider a character in The Jacobite Chronicles to be a Scottish version. There is something parallel within the “secret identity” for each of the swashbucklers and that has always been part of what amused me.
Mask of Duplicity begins with (and continues to consider) a treatise concerning the lack of women’s rights during the Georgian or Hanoverian era of English history, albeit said “treatise” is couched in a series of devastating reverses in the protagonist’s living situation and expectations given exposition in a series of confrontational discussions. Because of the overt romantic style of the cover, one originally thinks this is going to be the typical stable-boy/noble woman romance. One is quickly dissuaded of this delusion that this will occur, though the cross-social strata friendship highlights the near caste system of this autocratic era.
From what I’ve summarized so far, the novel could be dismissed as formulaic. After all, there is the obligatory rape scene, though the consequences of the scene are not what one would normally anticipate. To be sure, there is also an abduction scene, but again, it is not quite as formulaic in its set-up and structure as one might have thought. There are acts of gallantry as well as acts of boorish behavior, but on very rare occasions are they stereotypical. And behind all of this social maneuvering is an outsider’s perspective on the Jacobite Rebellion, though one quotation regarding the “bonnie” Prince seems like it might have come from an insider. The informant, in this case, says, “He said the pup couldn’t lead an expedition to find a whore in a brothel, let alone a rebellion…” (p. 110) Alas, for my Scot ancestors, this assessment proved to be entirely too correct.
And, as for happy endings? You’ll have to be the judge. Mask of Duplicity was so obviously a set-up for the next several volumes of the series that it rather defies what one would have expected in terms of a romance in the guise of historical fiction. On the other hand, I rather like the ending as it is yet another example of how author Julia Brannan uses, but defies, the expected tropes. And, it lets the reader know (or think one knows) something that the female protagonist does not.
I admit my biases. I have enjoyed all of The Scarlet Pimpernel novels (though the sympathies of the baroness seemed in an entirely opposite direction to the sympathies of the endearing characters in this novel), the Broadway musical (seen twice and would willingly do so again), and the classic movie with Leslie Howard. I always considered, for example, the Walt Disney version of Zorro to be an early Californian version of the Pimpernel and I consider a character in The Jacobite Chronicles to be a Scottish version. There is something parallel within the “secret identity” for each of the swashbucklers and that has always been part of what amused me.
Mask of Duplicity begins with (and continues to consider) a treatise concerning the lack of women’s rights during the Georgian or Hanoverian era of English history, albeit said “treatise” is couched in a series of devastating reverses in the protagonist’s living situation and expectations given exposition in a series of confrontational discussions. Because of the overt romantic style of the cover, one originally thinks this is going to be the typical stable-boy/noble woman romance. One is quickly dissuaded of this delusion that this will occur, though the cross-social strata friendship highlights the near caste system of this autocratic era.
From what I’ve summarized so far, the novel could be dismissed as formulaic. After all, there is the obligatory rape scene, though the consequences of the scene are not what one would normally anticipate. To be sure, there is also an abduction scene, but again, it is not quite as formulaic in its set-up and structure as one might have thought. There are acts of gallantry as well as acts of boorish behavior, but on very rare occasions are they stereotypical. And behind all of this social maneuvering is an outsider’s perspective on the Jacobite Rebellion, though one quotation regarding the “bonnie” Prince seems like it might have come from an insider. The informant, in this case, says, “He said the pup couldn’t lead an expedition to find a whore in a brothel, let alone a rebellion…” (p. 110) Alas, for my Scot ancestors, this assessment proved to be entirely too correct.
And, as for happy endings? You’ll have to be the judge. Mask of Duplicity was so obviously a set-up for the next several volumes of the series that it rather defies what one would have expected in terms of a romance in the guise of historical fiction. On the other hand, I rather like the ending as it is yet another example of how author Julia Brannan uses, but defies, the expected tropes. And, it lets the reader know (or think one knows) something that the female protagonist does not.
January 27, 2018
It’s been a while since I’ve done this format, so why not give it a go for this review?
The Good
- Even though this book centers on Beth trying to find a hubbie, this didn’t feel like your typical HR book. There was an actual plot. The courtship was legit and felt real. Sometimes one needs in a romance.
- I liked Beth. At first, she seemed like a perfect character waiting to happen, but as the story goes along she wasn’t perfect which made me happy.
- Sir Anthony is the best. He seemed like just an atypical British dandy…but I grew to adore him.
- Same with Beth’s female cousins. They seemed bleh, but they were fun and I loved how they really did like Beth.
- I hate Richard. How is this a good thing? This story needed a baddie to get the ball rolling. As things went along, he did show a human side that he did feel a hair bad for the wrongs he did. GOOD! You evil, nasty fellow. *sticks tongue out at him and throws pebbles*
- The middle of the story was the best. The beginning was okay too.
The Bad and the Ugly
- That ending. Holy dragging on and on and on. Sure a lot of things happened, but OMG I just wanted it to end.
- There are FOUR MORE BOOKS IN THE SERIES ABOUT BETH AND HER HUBBIE! WHAT? WHY? Ugh. I feel like this was good enough as it is. Maybe the others are good too? But I just feel like this good enough and maybe there could’ve just been an epilogue.
- Richard. Yes, I said I liked his character, but then I loathed him and one scene really, really bothered me. I feel the writer didn’t need that part…I felt it was too much and not realistic. Any other lady would’ve run away screaming to the police or priest or someone. It bugged me.
- I’m not really sure if I liked Alex’s POV. Hard to say why without giving it away, but I honestly think there could’ve been a different way to go about this that made it more of a shocker and a twist! It was easy to figure out and connect the dots.
Overall
This was a fun story about a lady trying to make it in the world of political unsteadiness. I enjoyed Beth and her journey. I am torn. I wouldn’t mind reading more, but the story dragged at the end, so I am unsure. I’ll stamp this with 3 stars.
The Good
- Even though this book centers on Beth trying to find a hubbie, this didn’t feel like your typical HR book. There was an actual plot. The courtship was legit and felt real. Sometimes one needs in a romance.
- I liked Beth. At first, she seemed like a perfect character waiting to happen, but as the story goes along she wasn’t perfect which made me happy.
- Sir Anthony is the best. He seemed like just an atypical British dandy…but I grew to adore him.
- Same with Beth’s female cousins. They seemed bleh, but they were fun and I loved how they really did like Beth.
- I hate Richard. How is this a good thing? This story needed a baddie to get the ball rolling. As things went along, he did show a human side that he did feel a hair bad for the wrongs he did. GOOD! You evil, nasty fellow. *sticks tongue out at him and throws pebbles*
- The middle of the story was the best. The beginning was okay too.
The Bad and the Ugly
- That ending. Holy dragging on and on and on. Sure a lot of things happened, but OMG I just wanted it to end.
- There are FOUR MORE BOOKS IN THE SERIES ABOUT BETH AND HER HUBBIE! WHAT? WHY? Ugh. I feel like this was good enough as it is. Maybe the others are good too? But I just feel like this good enough and maybe there could’ve just been an epilogue.
- Richard. Yes, I said I liked his character, but then I loathed him and one scene really, really bothered me. I feel the writer didn’t need that part…I felt it was too much and not realistic. Any other lady would’ve run away screaming to the police or priest or someone. It bugged me.
- I’m not really sure if I liked Alex’s POV. Hard to say why without giving it away, but I honestly think there could’ve been a different way to go about this that made it more of a shocker and a twist! It was easy to figure out and connect the dots.
Overall
This was a fun story about a lady trying to make it in the world of political unsteadiness. I enjoyed Beth and her journey. I am torn. I wouldn’t mind reading more, but the story dragged at the end, so I am unsure. I’ll stamp this with 3 stars.
April 4, 2019
This is a new author to me and I am ecstatic to have discovered her stories. Most of the romance series written these days revolve around a different characters from the same family. However, this series of six stories, revolves around the same couple, Beth and Anthony. Now, if you are a fan of The Scarlet Pimpernel, you'll love this story.
I loved everything about this tale, from the characters to the setting and on to the furious action and pace. Everything in this story was perfect for me. I am now eagerly awaiting the rest of the books to be on Audible, so I can listen to the marvelous and fun narration of Rosalyn Landor and Will M. Watt. It played perfectly. They didn't just give us individual point of views but played their characters and voiced them as well. Now, that's how one utilizes two voiceovers!
This book is currently FREE on Kindle, so I suggest you go and grab it. Trust me, you'll love it!
Melanie for b2b
*Audible purchase
I loved everything about this tale, from the characters to the setting and on to the furious action and pace. Everything in this story was perfect for me. I am now eagerly awaiting the rest of the books to be on Audible, so I can listen to the marvelous and fun narration of Rosalyn Landor and Will M. Watt. It played perfectly. They didn't just give us individual point of views but played their characters and voiced them as well. Now, that's how one utilizes two voiceovers!
This book is currently FREE on Kindle, so I suggest you go and grab it. Trust me, you'll love it!
Melanie for b2b
*Audible purchase
November 4, 2017
Warning - once you start this book it is very very hard to put down!!! Not familiar with the Jacobite revolution/history it took me a bit to get into the story However once I started I was fascinated with it.Beth is an impoverished single young female who has had the run of her run down country estate pretty much on her own with the death of her father. Then her brother Richard returns with visions of money and position which are quickly dashed when he finds out there is no money except in Beth's
dowery The story takes off from there with various individuals whom you cannot stand and others who you are quite intrigued by. I read other reviews and they took issue with the fact that as the book closes Beth is not in love with the hero; quite frankly I would have been disappointed in her if she was knowing her! Good good read!!!!
dowery The story takes off from there with various individuals whom you cannot stand and others who you are quite intrigued by. I read other reviews and they took issue with the fact that as the book closes Beth is not in love with the hero; quite frankly I would have been disappointed in her if she was knowing her! Good good read!!!!
Read
May 7, 2023It’s rare I don’t finish a book. This was one of those. I adore historical fiction. Had high hopes but I was very jarred by a SA scene in the beginning of this book that I just couldn’t get past. The nature of it, the language used really put me off side and I just felt I could read any further unfortunately. I couldn’t at all connect with the characters from that point. I wanted to love it tho and commend the author on beautiful world building that from the first page did take me back into history. The author clearly has done her research
Want to read
February 26, 2016I'm more than 50% and giving up. This is not a romance. There has been absolutely not a shred of romance in the 50% or so of this book I have read. That would be fine if there was intrigue. Just now there begins to be some plot brewing but I don't care enough to commit to reading the rest of the book.
September 8, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Mask of Duplicity. The plot was interesting and the characters were full of life. It offered a little bit of everything: drama, frustration, romance, suspense, emotion. The ending was somewhat of a cliff hanger, but it leaves the reader in a good place. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 26, 2017
I have read about 20% of this book and it is not to my liking nor is it squeaky clean. I've liked it less and less with every turn of the page. It seems so dismal and depressing. I am on to other reading material.
November 10, 2017
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I could not put the book down. I lost too much sleep. It is a story of good vs. So much bad and I can't tell you who wins out. You will have to find out on your own but you will not be disappointed.
I could not put the book down. I lost too much sleep. It is a story of good vs. So much bad and I can't tell you who wins out. You will have to find out on your own but you will not be disappointed.
January 30, 2018
A book that finally helped me understand the Jacobites/stuarts/Hanovarian King George. Intrigue, murder, mystery, espionage. Good novel. It is definitely the start of a series book and recommend at least reading #1 and #2 of this series
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