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Behind The Mask
Former model Chalise Boudreau returns to Louisiana after ten years and faces an uncertain future. Watching her budget, she’s living with her mother and plans to open a luxury salon, but she fears the community sees her homecoming as a failing, and she knows any malicious gossip will jeopardize her success.
Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.
Chalise and Chaz come face to face at a Twelfth Night party. Years ago, he stood her up and left her brokenhearted. Now her brain is at war with her heart, but her body has a mind of its own. As Chaz leads her across the dance floor, he knows when the music stops it won’t be the end of their waltz. He has questions only she can answer, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.
Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.
Chalise and Chaz come face to face at a Twelfth Night party. Years ago, he stood her up and left her brokenhearted. Now her brain is at war with her heart, but her body has a mind of its own. As Chaz leads her across the dance floor, he knows when the music stops it won’t be the end of their waltz. He has questions only she can answer, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.
- GenresRomance
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2016
6 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Linda Joyce
14 books188 followersAmazon Best Selling author and multiple RONE Award Finalist Linda Joyce writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction featuring assertive females and the men who can’t resist them. She lives with her very patient husband in metro-Atlanta, where they are dog parents to Jake, Max, and Sugar.
Linda’s addicted to Cajun food and sushi. She's learning Kanji. Sporting Clays shooting is her newest hobby.
She's a member of RWA and LRWA.
Linda’s addicted to Cajun food and sushi. She's learning Kanji. Sporting Clays shooting is her newest hobby.
She's a member of RWA and LRWA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 14, 2018
I'm all in favour of women starting businesses and acting independently. Coming home to Ascension, Louisiana after ten years of modelling in New York, our heroine, who wants to run a beauty spa, seems a lot more naive than she should be. Of course someone will recognise her; she made good and got photographed. Mask or no mask at the ball, she gets spotted. And yes, some man thinks he can talk her into a business deal with something on the side, because women on their own are vulnerable, he thinks.
The romance that genuinely occurs is no surprise, flagged as a second-chance from the start; look out for some mature scenes at the end. Despite various people accusing one another of snobbery, it is hard to know whether the good folks are snobs; I am sure there are extremes of wealth anywhere, but keeping up appearances seems important in these families.
This is for the romantic who enjoys setting and gossip. Although it's an adult romance I believe mature young adults could read it.
I received an e-ARC from the author. This is an unbiased review.
The romance that genuinely occurs is no surprise, flagged as a second-chance from the start; look out for some mature scenes at the end. Despite various people accusing one another of snobbery, it is hard to know whether the good folks are snobs; I am sure there are extremes of wealth anywhere, but keeping up appearances seems important in these families.
This is for the romantic who enjoys setting and gossip. Although it's an adult romance I believe mature young adults could read it.
I received an e-ARC from the author. This is an unbiased review.
May 10, 2016
Sensational!! Sizzling!! Fascinating!!
Linda Joyce’s Behind the Mask is all of these.
You will get to tour Ascension, Louisiana plus learn what
happens behind the scenes of the Mardi Gras celebration.
Vivid description of the ball gowns and costumes, floats
the Magnolia May, pirate ship in the harbor makes you
feel right in the midst of things. The using of the Louisiana
dialogue helps spice the story.
Characters are well define, interesting, realistic and very
colorful.
The main characters have an undeniable chemistry. The
past left Chalise Boudreau, a former model returned home
to open a salon with a heart broken. The heart breaker was
former bad boy now a entrepreneur, Chaz Riboucheaux ,
who has also returned home to revitalize business and
tourist interest in the town.
This couple needs to come to grips with their past to live
amiably in the same town.
They must face deceit, betrayal, viciousness, greed, hatred
and loss with grieving to look for redemption, healing, and
love. Will they be able to overcome these tasks to be able
to come out from hiding from behind their masks????
This book has adventure, twists and turns, humor with
intense romance, snappy dialog and a riveting storyline.
Very enjoyable time!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
Linda Joyce’s Behind the Mask is all of these.
You will get to tour Ascension, Louisiana plus learn what
happens behind the scenes of the Mardi Gras celebration.
Vivid description of the ball gowns and costumes, floats
the Magnolia May, pirate ship in the harbor makes you
feel right in the midst of things. The using of the Louisiana
dialogue helps spice the story.
Characters are well define, interesting, realistic and very
colorful.
The main characters have an undeniable chemistry. The
past left Chalise Boudreau, a former model returned home
to open a salon with a heart broken. The heart breaker was
former bad boy now a entrepreneur, Chaz Riboucheaux ,
who has also returned home to revitalize business and
tourist interest in the town.
This couple needs to come to grips with their past to live
amiably in the same town.
They must face deceit, betrayal, viciousness, greed, hatred
and loss with grieving to look for redemption, healing, and
love. Will they be able to overcome these tasks to be able
to come out from hiding from behind their masks????
This book has adventure, twists and turns, humor with
intense romance, snappy dialog and a riveting storyline.
Very enjoyable time!!
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
May 8, 2016
Chaz and Chalise have a history. Chaz stood Chalise up for one of the most important days of her life. Now they are both back home in Ascension.
Chalise Boudreau, a former fashion model, returns home to Ascension to open a luxury salon. But her insecurities have her believing that her friends and family will see this as a failure on her part.
Chaz Riboucheaux, the town bad boy, has made good, and wants to bring his success back home to Ascension. But, small town life has a long memory, and can’t see past his bad boy reputation.
Chalise and Chaz finally come face to face at a Twelfth Night party and the magic is still there. Can Chalise forgive Chaz and forge a future together or are the wounds of the past too deep to overcome?
This story is about redemption, second chances, and coming home, and love. This author is an exceptional storyteller. The story flows and the characters are so well developed that they seem true to life, the cast of secondary characters are exceptionally written, quirks and all, and the Louisiana dialogue will have you wanting to move to Ascension. I highly recommend this book.
Chalise Boudreau, a former fashion model, returns home to Ascension to open a luxury salon. But her insecurities have her believing that her friends and family will see this as a failure on her part.
Chaz Riboucheaux, the town bad boy, has made good, and wants to bring his success back home to Ascension. But, small town life has a long memory, and can’t see past his bad boy reputation.
Chalise and Chaz finally come face to face at a Twelfth Night party and the magic is still there. Can Chalise forgive Chaz and forge a future together or are the wounds of the past too deep to overcome?
This story is about redemption, second chances, and coming home, and love. This author is an exceptional storyteller. The story flows and the characters are so well developed that they seem true to life, the cast of secondary characters are exceptionally written, quirks and all, and the Louisiana dialogue will have you wanting to move to Ascension. I highly recommend this book.
Read
May 24, 2016Just finished Behind the Mask and love the story Linda Joyce wrote. I thought both main characters, Chalice and Chaz, accurately portrayed people who missed out on their first chance at love and have returned to their hometown to try again. Isn’t there someone in the past many of us wish we could experience love with again?
I’ve been to Louisiana and enjoyed the whole experience. The air was heavy, the food outstanding, and the people a joy. This author and book show a different version of the area than the crazy partying shown by the press. I liked the layered social interactions shown by the krewes and people of Ascension. If you’ve ever been to area, you know that people like the characters of Gator and Doucetta are just as fascinating in real life as they are in Joyce’s imagination.
I recommend Behind the Mask. The cover alone made me want to be a part of this world.
I’ve been to Louisiana and enjoyed the whole experience. The air was heavy, the food outstanding, and the people a joy. This author and book show a different version of the area than the crazy partying shown by the press. I liked the layered social interactions shown by the krewes and people of Ascension. If you’ve ever been to area, you know that people like the characters of Gator and Doucetta are just as fascinating in real life as they are in Joyce’s imagination.
I recommend Behind the Mask. The cover alone made me want to be a part of this world.
September 1, 2016
Chalise has returned to her home in Ascension, Louisiana after a successful ten year career as a model in NYC. She's ready to return to her roots and open a spa in her small hometown. She never expected to cross paths with her highschool sweetheart! A lot has changed in the last ten years since Chalice left Ascension, Chaz is no longer the bad boy she left behind after he jilted her at the senior prom... he's a standup citizen, and successful CEO of a business that's the cause of an economic boom in the small town! One thing that hasn't changed? The chemistry between these two.
Can Chalice and Chaz put aside the past or will they allow skeletons in the bayou to become a locked door on their future?
Set in the exciting backdrop of Mardi Gras festivities, Behind the Mask is a sizzling adventure filled with culture, intrigue and romance!
Can Chalice and Chaz put aside the past or will they allow skeletons in the bayou to become a locked door on their future?
Set in the exciting backdrop of Mardi Gras festivities, Behind the Mask is a sizzling adventure filled with culture, intrigue and romance!
May 7, 2016
Excellent book by the ever talented Linda Joyce. Classic Southern Romance at it's finest!
February 12, 2020
A small town girl returns home after hitting the big time as a model to find love and business success amidst the bustle and excitement of Mardis Gras in this sweet romance with a very tangled family sub-plot.
Chalise is a strong, confident and likable heroine and Chaz is the bad boy everybody loves to love.
Although I've never managed to make it to Louisiana during the festival season, this book gave me just a little taste, and I loved it.
Chalise is a strong, confident and likable heroine and Chaz is the bad boy everybody loves to love.
Although I've never managed to make it to Louisiana during the festival season, this book gave me just a little taste, and I loved it.
March 23, 2017
“I can’t allow the hurt of the past to define my future.”
This is a second chance love story set in a Mississippi River town in Louisiana during Mardi Gras. The novella features a storyline with a twist, interesting characters, and a romance with the needed redemption and a Happily Ever After. The author describes in vivid detail the setting, the culture, costumes, and the customs. Developed characters and good pacing of the plot. Enjoyable read (and gorgeous cover).
This is a second chance love story set in a Mississippi River town in Louisiana during Mardi Gras. The novella features a storyline with a twist, interesting characters, and a romance with the needed redemption and a Happily Ever After. The author describes in vivid detail the setting, the culture, costumes, and the customs. Developed characters and good pacing of the plot. Enjoyable read (and gorgeous cover).
August 1, 2018
Good fast read.
May 26, 2016
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
Since I live in Louisiana and love Mardi Gras, I was excited to read this book when we were invited to participate in the tour. I also really love second chance romances, so I thought it would be total win for me.
Chalise is back home after being away for ten years when she runs into her old love Chaz at a Mardi Gras Ball. There's some back and forth and some tension where the pair realize they both still feel that pull toward each other. Will they give in or was what Chaz did to Chalise too much for her to get over?
If you've never been to Louisiana, you might really enjoy this book. The Mardi Gras ambiance was captured, along with the feeling of community that is so popular and important here. There was some Louisiana-speak that was authentic (and some that wasn't) and you'll feel as if you were transported to South Louisiana while reading.
This is a double-edged sword, though, because native Louisianians will probably not appreciate some of it. One thing that really bothered me about this book was the way the names were spelled. I'm sure there are all kinds of ways to spell Boudreau and Riboucheaux, but I literally was taken out of the story every time I saw them spelled this way. It's Boudreaux and Robicheaux (or I guess Robicheau is fine, too, but not really). It's a picky thing, but I just can't get over it. Also, the way some things worked just weren't realistic. If you've got a vision of what you think Mardi Gras (and Louisiana culture, in general) is like, you'll probably like this. If you live here already, not so much.
As for the characters, it won't surprise you that Chalise annoyed me and I liked Chaz :) The chemistry between Chalice and Chaz was okay, and I wanted them to work it out. I wanted more from them throughout the story and felt they could have been better-developed. That's really how I felt about the whole story. The pacing and storyline were fine and this was a fast read--I just needed more.
If you're looking for a taste of Mardi Gras, check out Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
Since I live in Louisiana and love Mardi Gras, I was excited to read this book when we were invited to participate in the tour. I also really love second chance romances, so I thought it would be total win for me.
Chalise is back home after being away for ten years when she runs into her old love Chaz at a Mardi Gras Ball. There's some back and forth and some tension where the pair realize they both still feel that pull toward each other. Will they give in or was what Chaz did to Chalise too much for her to get over?
If you've never been to Louisiana, you might really enjoy this book. The Mardi Gras ambiance was captured, along with the feeling of community that is so popular and important here. There was some Louisiana-speak that was authentic (and some that wasn't) and you'll feel as if you were transported to South Louisiana while reading.
This is a double-edged sword, though, because native Louisianians will probably not appreciate some of it. One thing that really bothered me about this book was the way the names were spelled. I'm sure there are all kinds of ways to spell Boudreau and Riboucheaux, but I literally was taken out of the story every time I saw them spelled this way. It's Boudreaux and Robicheaux (or I guess Robicheau is fine, too, but not really). It's a picky thing, but I just can't get over it. Also, the way some things worked just weren't realistic. If you've got a vision of what you think Mardi Gras (and Louisiana culture, in general) is like, you'll probably like this. If you live here already, not so much.
As for the characters, it won't surprise you that Chalise annoyed me and I liked Chaz :) The chemistry between Chalice and Chaz was okay, and I wanted them to work it out. I wanted more from them throughout the story and felt they could have been better-developed. That's really how I felt about the whole story. The pacing and storyline were fine and this was a fast read--I just needed more.
If you're looking for a taste of Mardi Gras, check out Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
February 20, 2017
Linda Joyce's Behind the Mask was an entertaining read. Boy and girl return to their home town as adults with something to prove. Things don't quite goes as planned.
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May 23, 2016
This author was new to me, but I love EVERYTHING about Mardi Gras & New Orleans, so I gave it a try. I wasn’t disappointed.
Chalise is a woman who had her heart broken by a boy she planned to spend forever with. As she left New Orleans to pursue her modeling career, she ran from the hurt andhardened her heart toward him. Until she sees him. Until she moves back home and he’s there, making nice with the locals and providing for the town. Chas was the town bad boy, looked down upon and future secured as a criminal. He wasn’t there for Chalise when she needed him, but now he seems to want her back — he seems to never have stopped wanting her.
For me, I loved the disconnect between the two. So many tangled lines between them, missed chances, misunderstandings, and so many feelings. At every turn they seem to be at war with each other, because they each hold a different piece to the story. It seemed that every time I thought I had the whole story, someone revealed more.
I also became engaged with the town itself. I loved the characters, Chaz’s friends and the locals. Everyone seemed to hold a story that you have to dig to get to the heart of, and nobody was simple. A great story if you enjoy second chances, missed opportunities, and a little intrigue.
Chalise is a woman who had her heart broken by a boy she planned to spend forever with. As she left New Orleans to pursue her modeling career, she ran from the hurt andhardened her heart toward him. Until she sees him. Until she moves back home and he’s there, making nice with the locals and providing for the town. Chas was the town bad boy, looked down upon and future secured as a criminal. He wasn’t there for Chalise when she needed him, but now he seems to want her back — he seems to never have stopped wanting her.
For me, I loved the disconnect between the two. So many tangled lines between them, missed chances, misunderstandings, and so many feelings. At every turn they seem to be at war with each other, because they each hold a different piece to the story. It seemed that every time I thought I had the whole story, someone revealed more.
I also became engaged with the town itself. I loved the characters, Chaz’s friends and the locals. Everyone seemed to hold a story that you have to dig to get to the heart of, and nobody was simple. A great story if you enjoy second chances, missed opportunities, and a little intrigue.
May 20, 2016
This book was awesome!! Chalise Boudreau came home to Ascension, LA from NYC after her modeling career ended. She’s decided to open a high end salon and day spa, but the building she wanted was bought out from underneath her. To make matters worse, one of the heads of the company is the man who ripped her heart out of her chest the night of her senior prom.
Chaz Riboucheaux is the man who ripped out her heart, but now he wants her. He’s been in love with her for years and is tired of waiting around. He’s enlisted her mother and has a plan.
Can Chalise overcome the history with Chaz and finally give love a chance? Will all her family secrets keep them apart?
This book is wonderful. Just the right amount of suspense with the romance. When I found out the secrets her parents have kept from her, I was stunned. Given that information, Chalise has to make decisions and overcome feelings no one wants to.
The writing is great. I fell for the story, hook, line, and sinker. I didn’t want to stop reading, I needed to know what was going to happen next. If you’re looking for a wonderful read, look no further. Let the magic of Mardi Gras take over…
Chaz Riboucheaux is the man who ripped out her heart, but now he wants her. He’s been in love with her for years and is tired of waiting around. He’s enlisted her mother and has a plan.
Can Chalise overcome the history with Chaz and finally give love a chance? Will all her family secrets keep them apart?
This book is wonderful. Just the right amount of suspense with the romance. When I found out the secrets her parents have kept from her, I was stunned. Given that information, Chalise has to make decisions and overcome feelings no one wants to.
The writing is great. I fell for the story, hook, line, and sinker. I didn’t want to stop reading, I needed to know what was going to happen next. If you’re looking for a wonderful read, look no further. Let the magic of Mardi Gras take over…
May 8, 2016
This is a romance with Chalise and Chaz as the main characters. Chalise left town when she graduated high school and was jilted by her boyfriend. She went to NYC and became a famous model. So, why did Chaz jilt her? When Chalise returns home after 10 years the family mansion is now a B&B and her father is deceased. She moves into the house where her mom runs the B&B and after a few days attends a masquerade ball. She refuses to dance and speaks to no one as she doesn’t want them to know she is back yet but at the end of the evening a pirate grabs her and pulls her to the dance floor. She knows she will have to accept the dance if she wants to keep her secret but guess what—at the end of the dance the pirate kisses her and calls her Princess. Princess was the name her boyfriend called her and he is back in town also. This is a fun story of how you can find your love again and it also has a few twists you won’t see coming thrown in. Linda Joyce has given us another great romance. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I highly recommend this book!!
May 23, 2016
My rating: 5
I did not want this book to end!
While a tad short in comparison to most novels that I read, Behind the Mask did not disappoint at all in terms of content, story and character development. I quickly fell in love with Chaz *swoon* and his heart is just so big! He's kind of the underdog in this story - he's trying to change his own world one good deed at a time and when his first love from high school comes back to town expectantly, he's forced to face his past head on.
Chalise, a former runway model, is just trying her best to ground herself in small town Louisiana. Leaving New York was a feat, but trying to re-adapt to Ascension hasn't been a piece of cake. Many bad memories from her past as well as faces keep popping up and she's having to struggle to face new truths when she learns that some people in her life just aren't who she thought they were.
A fantastic story of love lost and found, second chances, and learning to trust again... Behind the Mask will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last sentence. It will leave you thirsting for more!
I did not want this book to end!
While a tad short in comparison to most novels that I read, Behind the Mask did not disappoint at all in terms of content, story and character development. I quickly fell in love with Chaz *swoon* and his heart is just so big! He's kind of the underdog in this story - he's trying to change his own world one good deed at a time and when his first love from high school comes back to town expectantly, he's forced to face his past head on.
Chalise, a former runway model, is just trying her best to ground herself in small town Louisiana. Leaving New York was a feat, but trying to re-adapt to Ascension hasn't been a piece of cake. Many bad memories from her past as well as faces keep popping up and she's having to struggle to face new truths when she learns that some people in her life just aren't who she thought they were.
A fantastic story of love lost and found, second chances, and learning to trust again... Behind the Mask will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last sentence. It will leave you thirsting for more!
January 7, 2017
Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce is a sweet second chance romance. Its a solid 3.5 star read. It's Chaz and Chalise's story. Chalise left town ages ago to go to school and to be a model. She left with a broken heart and wasn't really planning on going back. After growing tired of life in the big city she decides to return home and open her own business. When she returns her ex Chaz also returns and he starts pursing her again. She isn't too happy and wants nothing to do with him. After all he did break her heart without an explanation. Chaz has always loved Chalise but things or people have gotten in the way. He wanted to make something of himself for her. When he returns to town he is elated that she is there too. She keeps turning his dinner invitations and other offers down. He will stop at nothing to let her know what happened so long ago and to win her heart back again. Will the two of them find happiness together again? Or will the past prove to be too much get over? I would recommend Behind the Mask to anyone who enjoys second chance romances.
May 10, 2016
loved this story from the start to to the end , chalise has returned to her home town after her modelling career ends , her plan is to open a beauty salon & spa but 1st she has to make adjustment from being top of the social tree in ascension ,her home town , to someone that now needs to work for a living after her dads death left her & her mother nothing but the family home which has now been turned into B&B. if that wasn't enough to adjust to the man that held her heart & smashed it to pieces ,chaz ribouchaux ,is back & is the bad boy turned good & the past is not as dead as chalise thought it was . how many secrets can one place hold ? i loved the mardi gras theme , i loved learning a bit of the patois & the fact the author went the extra mile to pass her passion of all things southern onto us .looking forward to reading more from Linda Joyce
i was given this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review
i was given this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review
May 19, 2016
Behind the Mask was an interesting book-I liked the premise of unsuccessful and successful people coming back to town and being thrown together once again in more ways than one. Chalise who was successful because of her looks has been a runway model. Chaz has bad boy persona, but turns out to be highly educated and refined. His background is sketchy, but his future is a straight arrow that we readers can't help but hope find's it's target! The "will they or won't they" part of the equation makes you read faster. It was unfortunate that Chalise's memories of her dad had to be ruined, but essential to the plot. I felt the resolution was good with the hope for a future as a most unusual family.
This is a story of forgiveness and hope on the part of many people. The town sounds like a wonderful place to live, and all I can do is hope for the perfect future that we get a peek at in the end!
This is a story of forgiveness and hope on the part of many people. The town sounds like a wonderful place to live, and all I can do is hope for the perfect future that we get a peek at in the end!
May 24, 2016
Behind the Mask is a good story of misunderstandings and second chances, amidst a lot of southern melodrama. Being from Louisiana, I enjoyed reading about the small town atmosphere during the Mardi Gras season, though at times the book relied on some heavy southern stereotypes. I thought the characters were interesting, but unfortunately, not dynamic. I would have liked more development, less tell and more show. Some things were just odd (like the costume contest -- anyone from anywhere can enter and if no one guesses who you are behind the mask, you win? How logistically does that work, because any stranger in the next state could enter and win! Nit-picky, yes, it just left me scratching my head.) Good bones to the story, just needs to be fleshed out a bit more.
And where's the X at the end of Boudreau? In South Louisiana, there's always an X! lol
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
And where's the X at the end of Boudreau? In South Louisiana, there's always an X! lol
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2016
Behind the mask by Linda Joyce
This is a story about a second chance at love. I loved reading Behind the Mask and getting to know Chaz and Chalice. This pair of Louisiana natives and their friends had me gripped from start to finish. I love a good second chance romance and the twists and turns in this plot well let's just say I never saw them coming.
When former model Chalice returns to her hometown of Ascension from New York, she never expects to be pursued by her former beau Chaz. The man who stood her up on prom. Now a successful business man Chaz wants Chalice on his arm, in his bed and in his life forever.
An excellent read, I can't wait to read more from the residents of Ascension and Chaz's friends. 4.5 Stars this book was well written and left me wanting more. I fell in love with more than just Chaz and Chalice's story as I read behind the mask I fell in love with the town of Ascension and its residents. This book had it all for me.
B2B
Heather
This is a story about a second chance at love. I loved reading Behind the Mask and getting to know Chaz and Chalice. This pair of Louisiana natives and their friends had me gripped from start to finish. I love a good second chance romance and the twists and turns in this plot well let's just say I never saw them coming.
When former model Chalice returns to her hometown of Ascension from New York, she never expects to be pursued by her former beau Chaz. The man who stood her up on prom. Now a successful business man Chaz wants Chalice on his arm, in his bed and in his life forever.
An excellent read, I can't wait to read more from the residents of Ascension and Chaz's friends. 4.5 Stars this book was well written and left me wanting more. I fell in love with more than just Chaz and Chalice's story as I read behind the mask I fell in love with the town of Ascension and its residents. This book had it all for me.
B2B
Heather
September 14, 2016
Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce
Former model Chalise Boudreau returns to Louisiana after ten years and faces an uncertain future. Watching her budget, she’s living with her mother and plans to open a luxury salon, but she fears the community sees her homecoming as a failing, and she knows any malicious gossip will jeopardize her success.
Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.
Chalise and Chaz dated when they were in school...he was her prom date but stood her up, left town and broke her heart....they now need to come to grips with their pasts, Along with bad memories. Chalise is struggling to face new truths when she learns that some people in her life just aren't who she thought they were.
Good story quick read
Former model Chalise Boudreau returns to Louisiana after ten years and faces an uncertain future. Watching her budget, she’s living with her mother and plans to open a luxury salon, but she fears the community sees her homecoming as a failing, and she knows any malicious gossip will jeopardize her success.
Once bad-boy, now entrepreneur Chaz Riboucheaux is home and trying to rebuild his old reputation. He believes one of his companies, the Magnolia May, a pirate ship, can make Ascension a tourist destination, but the mayor refuses to grant him a lease at the city’s dock.
Chalise and Chaz dated when they were in school...he was her prom date but stood her up, left town and broke her heart....they now need to come to grips with their pasts, Along with bad memories. Chalise is struggling to face new truths when she learns that some people in her life just aren't who she thought they were.
Good story quick read
May 17, 2016
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce is written so well you feel as if you are part of Mardi Gras and can picture yourself among the characters wearing a stylish fancy gown waving from a float surrounded by people in Mardi Gras costumes. A hot romance with twists, escapade, deceit, gluttony, smartalec and humorous conversations, and a fun second chance story you can’t put down.
Chalise Boudreau and Chaz Riboucheaux were realistic, complex characters that have you being the high school cheerleader doing a shout out for them to have a HEA.
I am rating Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce 4.6 stars. It is a book readers of classic romance will fall in love with! This was my first book by Linda Joyce; however, it will not be my last. I look forward to learning about her future creations.
Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce is written so well you feel as if you are part of Mardi Gras and can picture yourself among the characters wearing a stylish fancy gown waving from a float surrounded by people in Mardi Gras costumes. A hot romance with twists, escapade, deceit, gluttony, smartalec and humorous conversations, and a fun second chance story you can’t put down.
Chalise Boudreau and Chaz Riboucheaux were realistic, complex characters that have you being the high school cheerleader doing a shout out for them to have a HEA.
I am rating Behind the Mask by Linda Joyce 4.6 stars. It is a book readers of classic romance will fall in love with! This was my first book by Linda Joyce; however, it will not be my last. I look forward to learning about her future creations.
May 30, 2016
3 stars
If you love everything New Orleans and Mardi Gras, then you will love this book.
Chalise Boudreau is from New Orleans and has been gone for a long time. After having her heart broken, she left to go model and try out living where no where knew her.
Chaz Riboucheaux is the boy who broke Chalise's heart. He is the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, who is now a repuatable business man. The boy, who her parents once hated is now the man her mom is pushing her to be with.
Chalise is now wanting to open a fancy spa in her hometown. and Chaz owns the building Chalise wants to run her business in.
The chemistry between Challse and Chaz was ok. The story was ok as well.
This book was an ok read for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
If you love everything New Orleans and Mardi Gras, then you will love this book.
Chalise Boudreau is from New Orleans and has been gone for a long time. After having her heart broken, she left to go model and try out living where no where knew her.
Chaz Riboucheaux is the boy who broke Chalise's heart. He is the boy from the wrong side of the tracks, who is now a repuatable business man. The boy, who her parents once hated is now the man her mom is pushing her to be with.
Chalise is now wanting to open a fancy spa in her hometown. and Chaz owns the building Chalise wants to run her business in.
The chemistry between Challse and Chaz was ok. The story was ok as well.
This book was an ok read for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
May 10, 2016
4 stars!
With a classic look at a southern romance— lady of privilege comes home to make something of herself after her modeling career is over and has a glorious conflict with her high school sweetheart. I felt like there was a slight being disjointed with the flow of the progress— that could have been the writing style and I just couldn’t quite get into it or it could have been the southern culture there is a certain sense of propriety you feel radiating off of the characters and I tend to be more comfortable with…. well, less “privileged” if you follow my drift. All in all it was a very nice storyline and a great quick read if you are into CLASSIC ROMANCE my only issue with the book at all was a sense of uncomfortability with the characters.
With a classic look at a southern romance— lady of privilege comes home to make something of herself after her modeling career is over and has a glorious conflict with her high school sweetheart. I felt like there was a slight being disjointed with the flow of the progress— that could have been the writing style and I just couldn’t quite get into it or it could have been the southern culture there is a certain sense of propriety you feel radiating off of the characters and I tend to be more comfortable with…. well, less “privileged” if you follow my drift. All in all it was a very nice storyline and a great quick read if you are into CLASSIC ROMANCE my only issue with the book at all was a sense of uncomfortability with the characters.
May 17, 2016
I have always loved second chance romance books and this novella was sweet and hit the nail on the head. With plenty of passion, you also get some mystery and intrigue wrapped around this tale that surrounds the Mardi Gras. I could honestly picture the costumes and the details through the authors words.
Chalise is a strong woman but also is nursing a broken heart from years ago. She doesn't want to bow down to Chaz but he melts her heart anyway. With the revelations that come to light, it honestly made me whiplash but it contributed so well to the flow of the story, that I could honestly see this stuff happening in real life.
Overall, this book was a sweet story with a great flow. I would highly recommend it if you want something that has flair and passion with some twists!
Chalise is a strong woman but also is nursing a broken heart from years ago. She doesn't want to bow down to Chaz but he melts her heart anyway. With the revelations that come to light, it honestly made me whiplash but it contributed so well to the flow of the story, that I could honestly see this stuff happening in real life.
Overall, this book was a sweet story with a great flow. I would highly recommend it if you want something that has flair and passion with some twists!
May 25, 2016
Linda Joyce ' s novella, Behind the Mask, begins with a Twelfth Night celebration and ends with Mardi Gras. The story takes place in a Mississippi River town in Louisiana and contains fun culture and customs of that area.
Chalise and Chaz, romantically involved in their youth, are reunited "Behind the Mask" when they each return home to Ascension Parish. Formally the Princess and the Bad Boy, the Princess and the Pirate are very entertaining as they reconnect and look towards the future.
Les le bon temp rouler! plays out well in this delightful story.
I love reading about Mardi Gras and all things Louisiana in Linda Joyce ' s novels and Behind the Mask is one of my favorite.
I received a copy of Behind the Mask for an honest review.
Chalise and Chaz, romantically involved in their youth, are reunited "Behind the Mask" when they each return home to Ascension Parish. Formally the Princess and the Bad Boy, the Princess and the Pirate are very entertaining as they reconnect and look towards the future.
Les le bon temp rouler! plays out well in this delightful story.
I love reading about Mardi Gras and all things Louisiana in Linda Joyce ' s novels and Behind the Mask is one of my favorite.
I received a copy of Behind the Mask for an honest review.
May 21, 2016
Behind the Mask
Linda Joyce
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Take a trip back in time to the southern life of Louisiana at Mardi Gras time. Throw in two people whose lives cross paths again after 10 years. Will deceit, secrets, and trust issues keep them apart or can they overcome all these forces working against them allowing them to finally truly come home?
A sweet 2nd chance romance who have characters you are praying will discover a way back to each other. Linda brings romance intertwined with southern charm to this story of love lost and found.
Linda Joyce
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Take a trip back in time to the southern life of Louisiana at Mardi Gras time. Throw in two people whose lives cross paths again after 10 years. Will deceit, secrets, and trust issues keep them apart or can they overcome all these forces working against them allowing them to finally truly come home?
A sweet 2nd chance romance who have characters you are praying will discover a way back to each other. Linda brings romance intertwined with southern charm to this story of love lost and found.
May 22, 2016
Amazing! I fell in love with Chalise and Chaz. I love how Chaz didn't give up hope on Chalise. I love that is taken place in Louisiana. And around Mardi Gras time too. This story has a lot of forgiveness and hope on the part of many people. I couldn't put down the book once I started reading. This is the first book that I read form Linda. It's a quick and easy read. I can't wait to read your next book. Keep up the great work! Loved this book, you definitely do not want to miss this one! Definitely an one-click buy!
June 8, 2016
The story-line and the characters were wonderful. I was up half the night to finish so I could see if these two stubborn independent people would just talk things out and get together. Never a dull moment. Had me on the edge of my seat and giggling out loud. Loved this book. It earned the five stars I gave it. Linda Joyce did it again. Can't wait for the next book to come out. A must read. You will love it as much as I did.
October 16, 2016
I really loved this book. It was short and sweet and a great read to do on the weekend. High school sweethearts that went their separate ways after high school because of what someone did. Meet again after 10 years and the love is still there. The author, Linda Joyce, introduced the characters as to who they were and what the did in the past. She didn't leave you hanging as to what character was whom. All in all, great romance.
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