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The Red Masques #4
Fire & Smoke
Fantasy RH
Tick. Toc. Tick. Toc.
Do you hear that? Yeah. That is the sound of a countdown. What countdown, you ask? The one where everything goes to shit. Everything had been silent for a week. A week filled with rest and change. A week we needed. Thanksgiving is today and a feeling of apprehension has me brimming with nerves. I know something big is about to happen and I have no idea what.
Well, not exactly.
Will there be a clash between my stalker and I? How the hell are we going to make this relationship of eleven work? What about Gray, my totally badass sister, finding out about our relationship? Or the things we have been neglecting as a Red Masques team? Oh, and let’s not forget the war with the crazy Dark Fae king!
Oh, no.
But what if it is even larger than that?
At least we have Thanksgiving to look forward to, right? Hadn’t I said something about living until the holidays?
I mean, what’s the worst that can happen…
Fire & Smoke is the fourth installment of the Red Masques series, a paranormal reverse harem novel. It features one badass leading lady, her possessive and psycho ravens, and a dark storyline that will leave you wanting more. Please be advised that this book contains themes of assault, PTSD, and violence. Sexual content appropriate for audiences +18.
A note to readers of both the Red Masques & Vengeance: There will be spoilers! The plotlines intertwine so I am releasing both books at the same time. Feel free to pick either release but I just wanted to give you a heads up! Enjoy!
Tick. Toc. Tick. Toc.
Do you hear that? Yeah. That is the sound of a countdown. What countdown, you ask? The one where everything goes to shit. Everything had been silent for a week. A week filled with rest and change. A week we needed. Thanksgiving is today and a feeling of apprehension has me brimming with nerves. I know something big is about to happen and I have no idea what.
Well, not exactly.
Will there be a clash between my stalker and I? How the hell are we going to make this relationship of eleven work? What about Gray, my totally badass sister, finding out about our relationship? Or the things we have been neglecting as a Red Masques team? Oh, and let’s not forget the war with the crazy Dark Fae king!
Oh, no.
But what if it is even larger than that?
At least we have Thanksgiving to look forward to, right? Hadn’t I said something about living until the holidays?
I mean, what’s the worst that can happen…
Fire & Smoke is the fourth installment of the Red Masques series, a paranormal reverse harem novel. It features one badass leading lady, her possessive and psycho ravens, and a dark storyline that will leave you wanting more. Please be advised that this book contains themes of assault, PTSD, and violence. Sexual content appropriate for audiences +18.
A note to readers of both the Red Masques & Vengeance: There will be spoilers! The plotlines intertwine so I am releasing both books at the same time. Feel free to pick either release but I just wanted to give you a heads up! Enjoy!
ebook
First published August 30, 2019
692 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
M. Sinclair
107 books3,461 followersM. Sinclair is a USA Today Best-Selling Author who can be found writing or thinking about her characters and plots nearly every moment of the day. With over 65 published works since her debut in 2019, her work spans from paranormal to contemporary romance rooted in extensive world-building and deep character development. M. Sinclair believes there is enough room for all types of heroines in this world, and that being saved is just as important as saving others.
Just remember to love cats... that's not negotiable.
Just remember to love cats... that's not negotiable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 21, 2025
This was amazing. I loved it so much. I need to read Grey's books right now and anything else that goes with this series
February 9, 2020
Reverse Harem Mages Galore!
So much drama in this great little series. I like it a lot. The world building is entrancing and a bit different from other similar series, which is refreshing.
What I have come to realize is that when the characters all have an established relationship, as is the case with Vegas and her guys, there is so much catching up to do to really feel connected with the characters. Even though they are all completely separate in my mind finally, I don't particularly feel drawn to any of them. Especially Kodiak, lol. He annoys me for some reason.
I think the story with all the flashbacks might work with more detail. The plot is interesting and I like how they all work together and are so in sync. I guess they are so cohesive that I feel like I arrived late to the plot even though I started at book 1.
That isn't to say that this series isn't good, because it is actually exceptional. This is purely opinion, so I leave it with 4 stars.
I really enjoy reading about this world they love in because the mythos is fascinating. I would love to read another series set in the same world where the characters form their relationship as we read it. That seems to draw me in more.
One book left in this series! I will start it tomorrow. I do recommend this if you like reverse harem.
So much drama in this great little series. I like it a lot. The world building is entrancing and a bit different from other similar series, which is refreshing.
What I have come to realize is that when the characters all have an established relationship, as is the case with Vegas and her guys, there is so much catching up to do to really feel connected with the characters. Even though they are all completely separate in my mind finally, I don't particularly feel drawn to any of them. Especially Kodiak, lol. He annoys me for some reason.
I think the story with all the flashbacks might work with more detail. The plot is interesting and I like how they all work together and are so in sync. I guess they are so cohesive that I feel like I arrived late to the plot even though I started at book 1.
That isn't to say that this series isn't good, because it is actually exceptional. This is purely opinion, so I leave it with 4 stars.
I really enjoy reading about this world they love in because the mythos is fascinating. I would love to read another series set in the same world where the characters form their relationship as we read it. That seems to draw me in more.
One book left in this series! I will start it tomorrow. I do recommend this if you like reverse harem.
October 13, 2022
DNF at 53%. I found myself not caring how any of it worked out. Each book was longer than the last in page count. Very little plot actually happens: 3/4 is the group working up to what's going to happen and then the last quarter is the action/crux of the book. With better editing, this could have been a stellar 3 book series. Every book has multiple small grammatical and spelling errors.
This 4th book did have some spice to it, but the relationships between Vegas and all 10 of the men felt unbalanced. Some got more page time (and therefore sex time) than others. You could argue that it was personality based - the pushier dudes go to the front - but then why have 10 men? Technically, there is a *magical* reason for 10. A more skilled writer would have been able to balance the focus between all 10 better.
From this, I have learned that my max for a Why Chose? is probably 6. I'm much too practical a person to not have the number of men be able to fit into a tidy, equitable schedule.
A positive: We get multiple POVs.
People who like heavy fantasy/magic plots in their romance will probably enjoy this more.
This 4th book did have some spice to it, but the relationships between Vegas and all 10 of the men felt unbalanced. Some got more page time (and therefore sex time) than others. You could argue that it was personality based - the pushier dudes go to the front - but then why have 10 men? Technically, there is a *magical* reason for 10. A more skilled writer would have been able to balance the focus between all 10 better.
From this, I have learned that my max for a Why Chose? is probably 6. I'm much too practical a person to not have the number of men be able to fit into a tidy, equitable schedule.
A positive: We get multiple POVs.
People who like heavy fantasy/magic plots in their romance will probably enjoy this more.
October 1, 2019
3,5 stars
March 22, 2020
It just
Keeps getting better and better! I knew some things that were going to happen from reading Gray's story but wow!
Keeps getting better and better! I knew some things that were going to happen from reading Gray's story but wow!
February 26, 2021
FANTASTIC!!!!!!
Wow!!!! I absolutely love Vegas and each one of her amazing guys!!!! Thank you soooooo much for not throwing m/m in this series!!!! I’m a selfish b**ch and want all the men solely focused on Vegas!!! This author creates such amazing characters and the world building is off the chain!!! I would give ten stars if I could!!!!!
Wow!!!! I absolutely love Vegas and each one of her amazing guys!!!! Thank you soooooo much for not throwing m/m in this series!!!! I’m a selfish b**ch and want all the men solely focused on Vegas!!! This author creates such amazing characters and the world building is off the chain!!! I would give ten stars if I could!!!!!
September 2, 2019
A mass of different emotions
While The red masques is one of my favourite RH series for a big reason, Vegas and her boys. I felt
felt slightly disappointed that there weren't more craziness, there was hardly maiming, death treads and Blue was pretty chilled which shocked me the most.
One of the reasons why i truly love this series is that the guys are complete and utter possessive bastards (a trait i dont really like in books i might add) and somehow that was missing in this one. I understand that Gray's story needed to wrap up and the stalker issue coming to a head , and i am very glad that Vegas was firmly situated on the O train lol but hopefully we'll get more Raven action in the next book and i'm curious to see where the story with Bandit will lead.
So to sum it up this book wasnt my favourite out of the series BUT its still a hardcore ride or die and i'm looking forward to the next one.
While The red masques is one of my favourite RH series for a big reason, Vegas and her boys. I felt
felt slightly disappointed that there weren't more craziness, there was hardly maiming, death treads and Blue was pretty chilled which shocked me the most.
One of the reasons why i truly love this series is that the guys are complete and utter possessive bastards (a trait i dont really like in books i might add) and somehow that was missing in this one. I understand that Gray's story needed to wrap up and the stalker issue coming to a head , and i am very glad that Vegas was firmly situated on the O train lol but hopefully we'll get more Raven action in the next book and i'm curious to see where the story with Bandit will lead.
So to sum it up this book wasnt my favourite out of the series BUT its still a hardcore ride or die and i'm looking forward to the next one.
January 30, 2021
M. Sinclair never seizes to amaze me with the complete and utter magic that she creates! The worlds she has built and so eloquently painted onto the pages, that readers get to lose themselves within, is absolutely outstanding!
Once again, this story was action packed and full of badassery. It was phenomenal to watch Vegas come into her magic fully and be the kick butt woman she is. I loved watching the bonds come together with each of her men and finally snap into place as strong as ever. Each of her man are so unique and special on their own way, that it creates an enticing dynamic.
I loved being able to see more of each of Vegas’s men’s magic throughout this book. It’s so descriptive and original, it’s as if I could see their magic right in front of me. The scene with Booker and the dreamscape was insanely amazing!
But more than anything, I loved how deeply Vegas was able to connect with each of her men in this book. She understands them on a level that no one else can touch. It’s as if she can see into their souls. It’s truly beautiful to watch unfold.
I can’t wait to see where this last book takes us!
Once again, this story was action packed and full of badassery. It was phenomenal to watch Vegas come into her magic fully and be the kick butt woman she is. I loved watching the bonds come together with each of her men and finally snap into place as strong as ever. Each of her man are so unique and special on their own way, that it creates an enticing dynamic.
I loved being able to see more of each of Vegas’s men’s magic throughout this book. It’s so descriptive and original, it’s as if I could see their magic right in front of me. The scene with Booker and the dreamscape was insanely amazing!
But more than anything, I loved how deeply Vegas was able to connect with each of her men in this book. She understands them on a level that no one else can touch. It’s as if she can see into their souls. It’s truly beautiful to watch unfold.
I can’t wait to see where this last book takes us!
June 2, 2021
Please stop over using the word “authentic”
I would give this series more stars for the actual plot. It loses stars based on my below reasoning:
This author needs better editors. Poor grammar, punctuation and spelling errors are in virtually every paragraph. So many word choices that were just bad. You could tell they had looked up a synonym yet left the original word there instead of deleting it. And the absolute worst thing about this author is the fact that she uses some form of “authentic” like Oprah gives out cars. Use a different word or just leave it out. You don’t have to say “I’m authentically disappointed” just say “I’m disappointed”. When every page has that word used at least once, it loses its meaning.
Beyond all of this (which makes it seriously difficult to stay immersed in the storyline) the actual plot is good. I just wish the author would get a decent editor and fix these issues that just frustrate the reader.
I would give this series more stars for the actual plot. It loses stars based on my below reasoning:
This author needs better editors. Poor grammar, punctuation and spelling errors are in virtually every paragraph. So many word choices that were just bad. You could tell they had looked up a synonym yet left the original word there instead of deleting it. And the absolute worst thing about this author is the fact that she uses some form of “authentic” like Oprah gives out cars. Use a different word or just leave it out. You don’t have to say “I’m authentically disappointed” just say “I’m disappointed”. When every page has that word used at least once, it loses its meaning.
Beyond all of this (which makes it seriously difficult to stay immersed in the storyline) the actual plot is good. I just wish the author would get a decent editor and fix these issues that just frustrate the reader.
September 24, 2021
Exciting, Spicy, Surprising
I read this book alongside Monsters (Vengeance Book 3), especially once I got about 3/4 of the way through both books. I was literally swapping books between chapters. That was a weird experience, sort of annoying, but different and different is kind of good.
Feels like there's a lot more to discover in this story, though we've dealt with the big bad part. Maybe? I really don't know where all of this is going. I still feel like I'm ignorant about whatever is happening in the wider tale, but I'm just rolling with it. I'm along for the ride.
This has been a strange book reading experience, but I'm happy I continued reading both this series and the Vengeance series despite not really feeling it in the beginning. It's definitely grown on me and I'm excited to see what happens next.
I read this book alongside Monsters (Vengeance Book 3), especially once I got about 3/4 of the way through both books. I was literally swapping books between chapters. That was a weird experience, sort of annoying, but different and different is kind of good.
Feels like there's a lot more to discover in this story, though we've dealt with the big bad part. Maybe? I really don't know where all of this is going. I still feel like I'm ignorant about whatever is happening in the wider tale, but I'm just rolling with it. I'm along for the ride.
This has been a strange book reading experience, but I'm happy I continued reading both this series and the Vengeance series despite not really feeling it in the beginning. It's definitely grown on me and I'm excited to see what happens next.
October 13, 2020
I'm not crying, you are.
Wow!!! I love this series anyway and I will definitely suffer when it's over. Man did this book break me, I found myself smiling so much whilst reading, I did think if anyone could see me it would be creepy as hell. Just as I thought everything was good Sinclair broke me a little actually a lot, I had to stop reading to wipe the tears. Vegas is such a strong character and her inner war with her magic makes me chuckle. I've warmed to each of the guys and their ways. I've really enjoyed reading this series and the guys interactions with each other. M Sinclair really does write such wonderful stories that totally suck you in from the beginning. Such a phenomenal writer.
Wow!!! I love this series anyway and I will definitely suffer when it's over. Man did this book break me, I found myself smiling so much whilst reading, I did think if anyone could see me it would be creepy as hell. Just as I thought everything was good Sinclair broke me a little actually a lot, I had to stop reading to wipe the tears. Vegas is such a strong character and her inner war with her magic makes me chuckle. I've warmed to each of the guys and their ways. I've really enjoyed reading this series and the guys interactions with each other. M Sinclair really does write such wonderful stories that totally suck you in from the beginning. Such a phenomenal writer.
September 23, 2023
Good
Vegas and her boys find themselves facing off with her stalker, and then dealing with a big battle in the Horde.
This one sees some big events occurring for Vegas and her guys, and also for Gray from the Vengeance series. There are one or two revelations that are made, and a small cliffhanger ending (no big deal, about 2/5 on the trauma scale).
There’s a lot of action in this one, and some time jumps (which were a little confusing), but it’s an enjoyable romp with some fun events that people will be happy to see occur. Recommended for the RH fantasy fans who have been following along with the tale so far!
Vegas and her boys find themselves facing off with her stalker, and then dealing with a big battle in the Horde.
This one sees some big events occurring for Vegas and her guys, and also for Gray from the Vengeance series. There are one or two revelations that are made, and a small cliffhanger ending (no big deal, about 2/5 on the trauma scale).
There’s a lot of action in this one, and some time jumps (which were a little confusing), but it’s an enjoyable romp with some fun events that people will be happy to see occur. Recommended for the RH fantasy fans who have been following along with the tale so far!
January 2, 2025
Fire & Smoke (The Red Masques Book 4)
Fire & Smoke (The Red Masques Book 4) I absolutely loved💘❤ this book !! I loved "seeing" Vegas and Grey interact and how they each care for the other. They are so alike, its crazy. I enjoyed seeing the relationships between Vegas and her boys develop and how all of their relationships the are growing in their familial bond. This series keeps getting better with each book. Each book just keeps building the storyline and the characters and their love for one another. This is why I keep it under my re-read series !
Definitely recommend this book & series to EVERYONE who loves RH or is just getting into RH books!!!
Fire & Smoke (The Red Masques Book 4) I absolutely loved💘❤ this book !! I loved "seeing" Vegas and Grey interact and how they each care for the other. They are so alike, its crazy. I enjoyed seeing the relationships between Vegas and her boys develop and how all of their relationships the are growing in their familial bond. This series keeps getting better with each book. Each book just keeps building the storyline and the characters and their love for one another. This is why I keep it under my re-read series !
Definitely recommend this book & series to EVERYONE who loves RH or is just getting into RH books!!!
January 27, 2020
Amazing as usual!
Another great installment of this series! It must be noted though that you have to read the Vengeance series (Gray's) to understand some blanks or skips in time in this series which are covered in the other one.
I really like how well these series intertwine and I'm hoping for a big final series where all these amazing badass women come together to fight an epic battle, Endgame style!
Keep them coming, I absolutely love them!
Another great installment of this series! It must be noted though that you have to read the Vengeance series (Gray's) to understand some blanks or skips in time in this series which are covered in the other one.
I really like how well these series intertwine and I'm hoping for a big final series where all these amazing badass women come together to fight an epic battle, Endgame style!
Keep them coming, I absolutely love them!
April 28, 2020
That was a lot
I really don't know where to start with this book because a lot happened. I absolutely love "seeing" Vegas and Grey interact and how they each care for the other and seem to be 2 sides of the same coin. I also love how the relationships between Vegas and her boys is developing and changing, even the relationships between the boys themselves and how they all are growing in their familial bond.
I really don't know where to start with this book because a lot happened. I absolutely love "seeing" Vegas and Grey interact and how they each care for the other and seem to be 2 sides of the same coin. I also love how the relationships between Vegas and her boys is developing and changing, even the relationships between the boys themselves and how they all are growing in their familial bond.
November 4, 2020
The Union of Love & Madness
I can't seem to read fast enough so I can see how this series ends. This statement struck a chord with me when Vegas has it tattooed on her back:
"There are chords in the hearts of the most reckless which cannot be touched without emotion."
Vegas and Gray, along with their men, fight an epic battle. They are captured, but I don't want to give spoilers, so you need to read this book..
What could be in store next? Trials? Marriage? Children?
I can't seem to read fast enough so I can see how this series ends. This statement struck a chord with me when Vegas has it tattooed on her back:
"There are chords in the hearts of the most reckless which cannot be touched without emotion."
Vegas and Gray, along with their men, fight an epic battle. They are captured, but I don't want to give spoilers, so you need to read this book..
What could be in store next? Trials? Marriage? Children?
June 17, 2021
Totally skipped to the end.
I couldn’t stand it anymore. I seriously had to skip to the end. And it was just as bad. Spoiler alert, they defeat the bad guys. But now they suddenly have to complete challenges to keep their jobs? Nope I would go Johnny Paycheck on that situation and tell them to shove it. This is so not up to the author’s normal standards. I have checked multiple times to make sure I had the right author. So bad.
I couldn’t stand it anymore. I seriously had to skip to the end. And it was just as bad. Spoiler alert, they defeat the bad guys. But now they suddenly have to complete challenges to keep their jobs? Nope I would go Johnny Paycheck on that situation and tell them to shove it. This is so not up to the author’s normal standards. I have checked multiple times to make sure I had the right author. So bad.
July 7, 2021
Better
As the third book was too long and boring, this one was better but I still found that there wasn't enough action, suspense, and mystery in the plot.
They are a LOT of grammatical errors and mispellings! It's truly annoying and made some sentences completely ununderstandable😳🧐
I liked that Vegas and her guys took their time to cemented their bonds. Some of her guys are real softies🤗😍
Let's continue reading the next one!
As the third book was too long and boring, this one was better but I still found that there wasn't enough action, suspense, and mystery in the plot.
They are a LOT of grammatical errors and mispellings! It's truly annoying and made some sentences completely ununderstandable😳🧐
I liked that Vegas and her guys took their time to cemented their bonds. Some of her guys are real softies🤗😍
Let's continue reading the next one!
August 24, 2021
Exciting
This is an awesome story and I’m really enjoying it. However, I’m a little pissy about the ending. I hate books with ‘trials’ that need to be completed. I hate that they are going to be forced into these trials. I don’t think it’s cool, they’ve more than proven themselves. I’m not sure I want to read the next book.
This is an awesome story and I’m really enjoying it. However, I’m a little pissy about the ending. I hate books with ‘trials’ that need to be completed. I hate that they are going to be forced into these trials. I don’t think it’s cool, they’ve more than proven themselves. I’m not sure I want to read the next book.
Read
May 6, 2023I’m dnf’ing for now. I’ll come back to it at a later point. Maybe. I had to stop after the 1st chapter was entirely about cars. I don’t care about cars, especially when it takes 27 pages to talk about them. I like the series, and the characters, but I’m still not sure what’s going on, and right now I just don’t care to find out.
March 26, 2024
So now we know it's imperative that she have that physical connection with each of the guys for not only her own powers but also to stabilize theirs. We also know there is a war coming. Yet we still are taking our time with this physical connection? I'm not understanding. The spice is literally a part of the bigger plot and we're not getting it yet 😂 It's usually the other way around.
July 10, 2024
Everybody finally gets MAGIC.
Loving this series.
It’s lighthearted, humorous, spicy and sweet.
There are 10 bonded mates…so, you know…it’s a lot. 😂
But the plot is decent, the FMC is relatable, strong, funny, and loyal.
The guys are all batshit crazy but great.
As a series goes, it’s hella fun and I’m charging on to the final book.
Loving this series.
It’s lighthearted, humorous, spicy and sweet.
There are 10 bonded mates…so, you know…it’s a lot. 😂
But the plot is decent, the FMC is relatable, strong, funny, and loyal.
The guys are all batshit crazy but great.
As a series goes, it’s hella fun and I’m charging on to the final book.
January 31, 2020
Loved it.
I really love this series and these crazy killer characters. I love how much they love Vegas and how loyal they even though there so crazy. There broken and just perfect for each other
I really love this series and these crazy killer characters. I love how much they love Vegas and how loyal they even though there so crazy. There broken and just perfect for each other
September 25, 2020
Awesome characters and story!
Love Vegas and her charming 9 guys despite all their very apparent issues. The characters are real, and have messed up backgrounds but they form an amazing group. Together Vegas and Gray are awesome FMC
Love Vegas and her charming 9 guys despite all their very apparent issues. The characters are real, and have messed up backgrounds but they form an amazing group. Together Vegas and Gray are awesome FMC
June 15, 2021
Fantastic
What a fantastic addition to this series, there's some action in this book, and we learn so much more with there relationship also moving on quite a bit, but there is definitely much more to come.
What a fantastic addition to this series, there's some action in this book, and we learn so much more with there relationship also moving on quite a bit, but there is definitely much more to come.
June 16, 2021
So awesome!
M Sinclair has once again delivered an awesome book! Well written with complex characters and intricate plot twists that one almost sees coming, keep you reading from start to finish!
M Sinclair has once again delivered an awesome book! Well written with complex characters and intricate plot twists that one almost sees coming, keep you reading from start to finish!
October 6, 2021
awesome read
This was one crazy ride . The two dark fae freaks are some truly horrible jerks. This book has left us with a few things still unfinished but that’s what the next book is for.
This was one crazy ride . The two dark fae freaks are some truly horrible jerks. This book has left us with a few things still unfinished but that’s what the next book is for.
November 15, 2021
An end to the war and a new beginning? Possibly...
So not details/spoilers here since you have to read this book 4 to find out but all I can say is that I'm very much looking forward to book 5 😉
So not details/spoilers here since you have to read this book 4 to find out but all I can say is that I'm very much looking forward to book 5 😉
April 14, 2022
good book
This the third time I’ve read this series, but never before left a review. I love this series and the characters so much. Great story from a great author. Read this series and you won’t be sorry
This the third time I’ve read this series, but never before left a review. I love this series and the characters so much. Great story from a great author. Read this series and you won’t be sorry
May 8, 2022
A page turner!
This book was definitely a page turner. So much happening!! So many twists and stalker man.... let me tell you my heart! Love Vegas and Gray together! Can't wait to see what happens next!
This book was definitely a page turner. So much happening!! So many twists and stalker man.... let me tell you my heart! Love Vegas and Gray together! Can't wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews