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Wycliffe Family #2
A Lord of Many Masks
For her, love is a dream. For him, it’s a dagger—to be used when it suits him.
Eliza Wycliffe has always dreamed of falling in love. But when her mother reveals a secret that threatens her inheritance, Eliza realizes she must secure her future and marry before her Season ends—with or without love.
Recruiting the help of longtime friend and shameless flirt, William Bentley, Eliza sets about trying to find a husband while navigating the treacherous waters of the London ton. Just as she begins to make progress with a charming suitor, other, less-welcome feelings surface for William, the man busy giving away his smiles to everyone but her. He’s the last man in the world who would love her back—not only because he harbors closely-guarded secrets about his past, but because he insists true love doesn’t exist.
It’s up to Eliza to convince him otherwise, before the clock runs out. And if she can only reveal the man beneath the mask, then perhaps her confession isn’t the only one to be made . . .
Eliza Wycliffe has always dreamed of falling in love. But when her mother reveals a secret that threatens her inheritance, Eliza realizes she must secure her future and marry before her Season ends—with or without love.
Recruiting the help of longtime friend and shameless flirt, William Bentley, Eliza sets about trying to find a husband while navigating the treacherous waters of the London ton. Just as she begins to make progress with a charming suitor, other, less-welcome feelings surface for William, the man busy giving away his smiles to everyone but her. He’s the last man in the world who would love her back—not only because he harbors closely-guarded secrets about his past, but because he insists true love doesn’t exist.
It’s up to Eliza to convince him otherwise, before the clock runs out. And if she can only reveal the man beneath the mask, then perhaps her confession isn’t the only one to be made . . .
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2020
421 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Scarlett
6 books262 followersJessica Scarlett writes amazing books and lame author bios. She hates the pressure of encapsulating everything about herself in a hundred words or less, because she’s too divergent, dynamic, and different for that. And simultaneously not that interesting.
She is the author of the Wycliffe Family Series, Slanted London series, and a couple plays. When not writing, she loves composing music, laughing with her four kids, or doing life on a ranch in Utah with her cinnamon-roll husband.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarlett...
She is the author of the Wycliffe Family Series, Slanted London series, and a couple plays. When not writing, she loves composing music, laughing with her four kids, or doing life on a ranch in Utah with her cinnamon-roll husband.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarlett...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
May 2, 2022
4.5 ✨
I snagged this book free on Kindle and promptly read the entire book (I planned on reading it a bit at a time). Lately I haven't been reading a lot of fluff reads, at all really. But this one was exactly what I needed. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled a ridiculous amount. And I hated every second.
(just kidding about that last sentence. If you've read the book you'd understand.)
Jessica Scarlett is an author I will be going to more often when I find myself in need of a good comfort read.
I snagged this book free on Kindle and promptly read the entire book (I planned on reading it a bit at a time). Lately I haven't been reading a lot of fluff reads, at all really. But this one was exactly what I needed. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled a ridiculous amount. And I hated every second.
(just kidding about that last sentence. If you've read the book you'd understand.)
Jessica Scarlett is an author I will be going to more often when I find myself in need of a good comfort read.
September 12, 2023
Ok, this second book has cemented Ms. Scarlett as a new favorite. I really seem to be the definition of her target audience: We were given childhood friends/age gap/ redeemed rake; we were given a naive heroine who comes into her own without losing her buoyancy; we were given a whoa-mama level of internal conflict and angst with scenes of explosive emotional turmoil and sizzling tension, while keeping it kissing-only. I adore her writing, her dialogue, her pacing choices and how she finds ways to just enrich a story with tangible symbolism, storytelling within the storytelling, lots of witty social absurdity and antics, fabulous gestures, etc. But, yeah, mostly the sizzling tension in a conservatory.
I applaud the tenacity of giving such a complex swoony idiot hero as William an HEA, even if, judging by her author aknowledgements, she knew she wrote herself into a corner with his set-up. And yet, it’s interesting I struggled with this one in the beginning and just at the end. I couldn’t help worrying how inexperienced, fanciful Eliza would keep my interest, my faith in seeing William properly dismantled into a prostrate position wavered, and Mama Wycliffe just secret dumped on her daughter so unfairly it felt contrived. But I was like, nevermind, as long as the shameless flirt suffers well, we’ll be fine. And, suffer well in due course he did, I just was left a little deflated at the declaration. I can be exacting when it comes to this, but groveling for me requires sum ‘splaining to do to show he’s now self-aware and repentant enough at all the unnecessary turmoil his clogged up emotions caused, and, from such a poetic soul, I wanted more than feels concession and going back to playful banter.
Here’s what I think about cynical, worldly Sir Bentley: you’re either willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and hold on to hope that under the mask there’s enough of a love-sick goner, or you’ll be irked by the relentless flirty vibe. Even though, much like Eliza, I often felt off-balance with him, from my hero-centric camp, I say he was solidly proven to always have been a devoted champion to her, so he held up. Flirting lessons teasing and some playful mocking aside, we get enough evidence that it’s the emotional constipation talking. And really, the more he flirt-deflected, the more I looked forward to his descending into love-adled desperation, so I was good, because it was delivered. This author writes driven-to-distraction, upset heros just losing it so well. Having cast him as Alex Pettyfer in my head also was very useful, so I thought I’d pass that one on.
After a good while of her at such a disadvantage among the jaded social maneuverers of the ton, Eliza eventually rose to the occasion from shiny-new, awkward debutante to holding her own very well when it most counted. I was like “Yes, you should be afeared, good sir. Miss Wycliffe is about to shred through all those masks like Lady Prima through a tea tray”. Eliza proved resilient to her predicament and her heart with the information and choices she had. And, with Matthew as her very reluctant sidekick, I loved that so much for her. I wanted to see the pupil surpass the master, and the master conceded well enough. Plus, conservatory sizzling tension scene.
From the outset I’ve been building up to book 3 and have been so pleased to find I’m SO into the whole series taking over my life.
Content notes: kissing only, on page parent illness, brief mention of child neglect, brief mention of secondary character alcoholism recovery, mentions of secondary character having mistress, brief on page attempted assault (not graphic).
I applaud the tenacity of giving such a complex swoony idiot hero as William an HEA, even if, judging by her author aknowledgements, she knew she wrote herself into a corner with his set-up. And yet, it’s interesting I struggled with this one in the beginning and just at the end. I couldn’t help worrying how inexperienced, fanciful Eliza would keep my interest, my faith in seeing William properly dismantled into a prostrate position wavered, and Mama Wycliffe just secret dumped on her daughter so unfairly it felt contrived. But I was like, nevermind, as long as the shameless flirt suffers well, we’ll be fine. And, suffer well in due course he did, I just was left a little deflated at the declaration. I can be exacting when it comes to this, but groveling for me requires sum ‘splaining to do to show he’s now self-aware and repentant enough at all the unnecessary turmoil his clogged up emotions caused, and, from such a poetic soul, I wanted more than feels concession and going back to playful banter.
Here’s what I think about cynical, worldly Sir Bentley: you’re either willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and hold on to hope that under the mask there’s enough of a love-sick goner, or you’ll be irked by the relentless flirty vibe. Even though, much like Eliza, I often felt off-balance with him, from my hero-centric camp, I say he was solidly proven to always have been a devoted champion to her, so he held up. Flirting lessons teasing and some playful mocking aside, we get enough evidence that it’s the emotional constipation talking. And really, the more he flirt-deflected, the more I looked forward to his descending into love-adled desperation, so I was good, because it was delivered. This author writes driven-to-distraction, upset heros just losing it so well. Having cast him as Alex Pettyfer in my head also was very useful, so I thought I’d pass that one on.
After a good while of her at such a disadvantage among the jaded social maneuverers of the ton, Eliza eventually rose to the occasion from shiny-new, awkward debutante to holding her own very well when it most counted. I was like “Yes, you should be afeared, good sir. Miss Wycliffe is about to shred through all those masks like Lady Prima through a tea tray”. Eliza proved resilient to her predicament and her heart with the information and choices she had. And, with Matthew as her very reluctant sidekick, I loved that so much for her. I wanted to see the pupil surpass the master, and the master conceded well enough. Plus, conservatory sizzling tension scene.
From the outset I’ve been building up to book 3 and have been so pleased to find I’m SO into the whole series taking over my life.
Content notes: kissing only, on page parent illness, brief mention of child neglect, brief mention of secondary character alcoholism recovery, mentions of secondary character having mistress, brief on page attempted assault (not graphic).
May 18, 2021
Jessica has a new fan in me:} Her books are just so well done. I enjoy the story line and the characters so much. With this one I didn't like the leading man going into the story and wondered how she would make me like him, the crazy thing is she didn't! I spent most of the book wanting to slap him, but it was so good! How do you hate and route for a character all at the same time? Jessica makes you want too:} I just loved watching these two struggle with loving each other! I just got her other book about Mary when I signed up for her newsletter. So don't forget to do that if you like this one.
This is a proper romance with some great romantic tension and nice kisses.
This is a proper romance with some great romantic tension and nice kisses.
February 14, 2021
I enjoyed Ms. Scarlett's first book, A Lily in Disguise, and was looking forward to reading this one.
Friends-to-more tropes aren't really my favorite, but they are of course pretty popular so I end up reading them quite a bit. In this book, I thought it was handled well. Our leads, William and Eliza have been friends since childhood, he is close to her older brother (from the previous book). I thought their relationship progressed naturally, while everyone on the outside could clearly see they cared for one another, they're both pretty clueless. When Eliza finds out she needs to marry sooner rather than later, she begins husband hunting.
I enjoyed the relationship between William and Eliza, they have a really solid friendship, but also some really sweet swoony moments. I think I liked the second half of the story a bit more when Overall, I enjoyed this story, the characters and storyline were easy to get sucked into and I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Similar Books You May Enjoy....
Friends-to-more tropes aren't really my favorite, but they are of course pretty popular so I end up reading them quite a bit. In this book, I thought it was handled well. Our leads, William and Eliza have been friends since childhood, he is close to her older brother (from the previous book). I thought their relationship progressed naturally, while everyone on the outside could clearly see they cared for one another, they're both pretty clueless. When Eliza finds out she needs to marry sooner rather than later, she begins husband hunting.
I enjoyed the relationship between William and Eliza, they have a really solid friendship, but also some really sweet swoony moments. I think I liked the second half of the story a bit more when Overall, I enjoyed this story, the characters and storyline were easy to get sucked into and I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild
Similar Books You May Enjoy....
August 31, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: dying parent, attempted assault, brief mentions of a neglected child and death of a parent recounted
Eliza Wycliffe is out in society for her first Season, and she's lucky to have her friend William Bentley as her guide. Eliza has dreamed of her future husband and is eager to put a face to the man in her dreams. As she makes friends with several socialites, she also catches the eye of the Duke of Allerton. But as kind as the Duke may seem, Eliza soon realizes her heart may already belong to another man- William. Torn between desire and duty, Eliza will be forced to make a difficult decision as she attempts to make her dreams of a happy marriage come true.
This was even better than the first book in the series! William and Eliza won me over immediately with their undeniable chemistry. I loved the flashbacks that showed their friendship develop through the years, I adored the gifts and kind gestures William gave Eliza. It was clear to me that he cherished her, even if he tried to deny it and play it off as simple friendship. Eliza was a little naive, but I can understand why considering how flirtatious William was with the women he encountered. I thought the love triangle involving the Duke was an interesting one, and there was even a bit of mystery involving him that brought action and suspense to the end of the book. Once again we saw Matthew taking on an important role as a brother and friend, and I'm very eager to see him grow up and find his own love! If you enjoyed book 1, then I highly recommend continuing with this one and experiencing William and Eliza's romance for yourself!
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: dying parent, attempted assault, brief mentions of a neglected child and death of a parent recounted
Eliza Wycliffe is out in society for her first Season, and she's lucky to have her friend William Bentley as her guide. Eliza has dreamed of her future husband and is eager to put a face to the man in her dreams. As she makes friends with several socialites, she also catches the eye of the Duke of Allerton. But as kind as the Duke may seem, Eliza soon realizes her heart may already belong to another man- William. Torn between desire and duty, Eliza will be forced to make a difficult decision as she attempts to make her dreams of a happy marriage come true.
This was even better than the first book in the series! William and Eliza won me over immediately with their undeniable chemistry. I loved the flashbacks that showed their friendship develop through the years, I adored the gifts and kind gestures William gave Eliza. It was clear to me that he cherished her, even if he tried to deny it and play it off as simple friendship. Eliza was a little naive, but I can understand why considering how flirtatious William was with the women he encountered. I thought the love triangle involving the Duke was an interesting one, and there was even a bit of mystery involving him that brought action and suspense to the end of the book. Once again we saw Matthew taking on an important role as a brother and friend, and I'm very eager to see him grow up and find his own love! If you enjoyed book 1, then I highly recommend continuing with this one and experiencing William and Eliza's romance for yourself!
December 14, 2022
I didn’t intend to read this in one sitting but here I am hours later with a finished book and a whole lot of emotions…
This book pretty much emotionally wrecked me… it was an emotional roller coaster ride. Childhood friends-to-lovers + unrequited love stories wreck me.😭
I spent most of the book with a stupid smile on my face because the banter and humor was the best. And then I spent the other half of the book getting emotional because… just a lot of reasons. Like poetry. And family dynamics.🥺
I loved Eliza’s character! I felt for her. Seriously the girl went through so much throughout this book. As for William, I spent half the time wanting to slap him and the other half wanting to hug him.😂 Literally so many mixed/ frustrating emotions when it comes to this man. He’s the jerk you kinda can’t help but like in the end because he does things that melt your heart. But ultimately, he did win me over. I feel like he had a good amount of character growth throughout the book and once I really got to know him, it was hard not to like him even with all his faults.❤️
So many things happened. I never once got bored. I mean, I read it in a day… it was hard to put down!
Overall, this was a fun friends-to-lovers historical fiction that made me wanna laugh and cry. I enjoyed it a lot! I think I’m going to give it 4.5 stars. It was my first time to read a book by Jessica Scarlett and now I wanna read more!
Dec. 2022 reread-
I read this book twice in one year which rarely happens for me! I wanted to reread it again before I read Matthew’s story, and also since I recently read A Lily in Disguise and got to know the characters’ back stories a bit better. This one was just as good the second time reading it, maybe even better. I laughed out loud several times. I just love these characters. ❤️ Also, Matthew is just great. Can’t wait to read his book!
This book pretty much emotionally wrecked me… it was an emotional roller coaster ride. Childhood friends-to-lovers + unrequited love stories wreck me.😭
I spent most of the book with a stupid smile on my face because the banter and humor was the best. And then I spent the other half of the book getting emotional because… just a lot of reasons. Like poetry. And family dynamics.🥺
I loved Eliza’s character! I felt for her. Seriously the girl went through so much throughout this book. As for William, I spent half the time wanting to slap him and the other half wanting to hug him.😂 Literally so many mixed/ frustrating emotions when it comes to this man. He’s the jerk you kinda can’t help but like in the end because he does things that melt your heart. But ultimately, he did win me over. I feel like he had a good amount of character growth throughout the book and once I really got to know him, it was hard not to like him even with all his faults.❤️
So many things happened. I never once got bored. I mean, I read it in a day… it was hard to put down!
Overall, this was a fun friends-to-lovers historical fiction that made me wanna laugh and cry. I enjoyed it a lot! I think I’m going to give it 4.5 stars. It was my first time to read a book by Jessica Scarlett and now I wanna read more!
Dec. 2022 reread-
I read this book twice in one year which rarely happens for me! I wanted to reread it again before I read Matthew’s story, and also since I recently read A Lily in Disguise and got to know the characters’ back stories a bit better. This one was just as good the second time reading it, maybe even better. I laughed out loud several times. I just love these characters. ❤️ Also, Matthew is just great. Can’t wait to read his book!
December 9, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
Well, I can’t believe it but Ms. Scarlett actually made me like William! 😱 I really didn’t know if she would be able to sell me on him.
I really really enjoyed this second book!
Eliza was such a sweet and self-sacrificing heroine. I loved the little daydreams that she would have and how later on in the book, the scenario would actually happen. Sometimes it was subtle and I wouldn’t even realize it happened til later.
I also ADORED the poetry aspect and the box William and Eliza used to share silly poems. And then the other suitors who “specialized” in poetry and their demonstrations were just hilarious. All the suitor scenes were so funny!
I really liked seeing how William’s mask was slowly chipped away through the story. It felt realistic and true to his character.
William is just such a charming character. Like Eliza, he would always make me smile even when I really didn’t want to for him.
At the end, I am so so glad that Eliza didn’t let William off easy. He had to earn her and prove that he could remove his mask for her once and for all.
Extra things I LOVED:
The Snowball fight
The stars and the telescope
Allerton and William’s “discussion” at Almack’s
The DUEL
MATTHEW 😍
I am SO excited and ready for Matthew’s book now! I absolutely love him and he has been one of my favorite parts of both books so far.
I can’t wait to see him fall for his Lady! 💗
Well, I can’t believe it but Ms. Scarlett actually made me like William! 😱 I really didn’t know if she would be able to sell me on him.
I really really enjoyed this second book!
Eliza was such a sweet and self-sacrificing heroine. I loved the little daydreams that she would have and how later on in the book, the scenario would actually happen. Sometimes it was subtle and I wouldn’t even realize it happened til later.
I also ADORED the poetry aspect and the box William and Eliza used to share silly poems. And then the other suitors who “specialized” in poetry and their demonstrations were just hilarious. All the suitor scenes were so funny!
I really liked seeing how William’s mask was slowly chipped away through the story. It felt realistic and true to his character.
William is just such a charming character. Like Eliza, he would always make me smile even when I really didn’t want to for him.
At the end, I am so so glad that Eliza didn’t let William off easy. He had to earn her and prove that he could remove his mask for her once and for all.
Extra things I LOVED:
The Snowball fight
The stars and the telescope
Allerton and William’s “discussion” at Almack’s
The DUEL
MATTHEW 😍
I am SO excited and ready for Matthew’s book now! I absolutely love him and he has been one of my favorite parts of both books so far.
I can’t wait to see him fall for his Lady! 💗
January 24, 2024
“A Lord of Many Masks” is now one of my favourite books! Great job Ms. Scarlett in turning a perfect enemy, almost a villain, into a wonderful hero! (Only another author managed that among the books I've read, Dawn Crandall with Vance Everstone ;)).
The plot is fascinating, the story is romantic and adventurous, there are a lot of amusing moments (like when William tries to teach Eliza how to flirt with men) and some very tense ones (there's even a duel!). But the two protagonists steal the scene; William and Eliza have known each other since forever and yet Eliza doesn't know what he's hiding deep down, behind the mask he wears and his seductive way of acting.
Eliza is a hopeless romantic, she dreams of finding her one true love (and William often teases her about that because he doesn't believe true love exists), she's naive, and for her first season she needs someone who protects her, who saves her every time she's in danger, someone she can always count on. William is this someone.
But what will happen when Eliza asks his trustworthy friend to help her find the right man for her? The one to marry who will make her happy?
What a wonderful book! I still think about it every now and then (and about its two protagonists), so the only thing I can do is recommend "A Lord of Many Masks" because it's definitely worth it. Aaand you can't miss William's transformation!!
The plot is fascinating, the story is romantic and adventurous, there are a lot of amusing moments (like when William tries to teach Eliza how to flirt with men) and some very tense ones (there's even a duel!). But the two protagonists steal the scene; William and Eliza have known each other since forever and yet Eliza doesn't know what he's hiding deep down, behind the mask he wears and his seductive way of acting.
Eliza is a hopeless romantic, she dreams of finding her one true love (and William often teases her about that because he doesn't believe true love exists), she's naive, and for her first season she needs someone who protects her, who saves her every time she's in danger, someone she can always count on. William is this someone.
But what will happen when Eliza asks his trustworthy friend to help her find the right man for her? The one to marry who will make her happy?
What a wonderful book! I still think about it every now and then (and about its two protagonists), so the only thing I can do is recommend "A Lord of Many Masks" because it's definitely worth it. Aaand you can't miss William's transformation!!
September 21, 2020
I'm happy to report that I loved the second book in the Wycliffe Family series almost as much as the first!
This story follows two other characters we met in the first book- Eliza and William. They have been family friends and best friends since childhood and William is an incurable flirt. I had a soft spot for him in the first book so I was glad to get more insight into his character in book 2.
I've become more accustomed to my historical romances being steamy. No reason for that really- it just seems to be what ends up on my radar. And while I certainly don't mind steaminess, it's nice to step back into stories that fall more in line with works like Jane Austen or L.M. Montgomery. Those authors weren't allowed to rely on sexy times either. They made you fall in love with the characters and their romance based solely on their ability to develop character and plot. I think Jessica Scarlett has done an excellent job with this series in that regard.
5 stars! I cannot wait for Matthew's book! Recommended!
This story follows two other characters we met in the first book- Eliza and William. They have been family friends and best friends since childhood and William is an incurable flirt. I had a soft spot for him in the first book so I was glad to get more insight into his character in book 2.
I've become more accustomed to my historical romances being steamy. No reason for that really- it just seems to be what ends up on my radar. And while I certainly don't mind steaminess, it's nice to step back into stories that fall more in line with works like Jane Austen or L.M. Montgomery. Those authors weren't allowed to rely on sexy times either. They made you fall in love with the characters and their romance based solely on their ability to develop character and plot. I think Jessica Scarlett has done an excellent job with this series in that regard.
5 stars! I cannot wait for Matthew's book! Recommended!
April 19, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book despite its flaws. If you read the 3-star or less reviews, you'll see what the flaws are and I don't disagree with those other reviewers on many of the points: some anachronisms, plot holes, stuff like that. I personally was a little confused by William's character at certain points but maybe that would have been helped by reading the first book (I haven't read that one yet, and this is the second in a series.).
I think what I really loved and what kept me reading was the development of the relationship between the two main characters and their chemistry. That was very well done. The friends-to-lovers trope is a favorite of mine (Emma being my most favorite example ever!) and it really just worked for me.
I also enjoyed the poetry sprinkled throughout the book. That was a fun touch!
I think what I really loved and what kept me reading was the development of the relationship between the two main characters and their chemistry. That was very well done. The friends-to-lovers trope is a favorite of mine (Emma being my most favorite example ever!) and it really just worked for me.
I also enjoyed the poetry sprinkled throughout the book. That was a fun touch!
March 7, 2025
a lord of many masks
4.5 ✨
“It is the swimming in a sunny pond, and making snow angels in the park, and showing a young girl the beauty of the stars. Those are the kinds of things that matter in this life. The little smiles, the little joys, the little choices we make that chart our course. If you want a big change, then you must first change the little things. And if you cannot go back to sleep . . . then you must find the happiness in being awake.”“How?” “You cannot simply want it,” I said softly. “You must choose it.”
overview: without even realizing I started re-reading this almost exactly a year later… and I still love this book. The drama, the romance: it unfolds like a movie and is full of longing, forgiveness, and passion.
characters: I love Eliza. She’s sweet, sassy, dramatic, a lil naive, and iconic. There were a few times I just wanted to yell at her to not make the right decision and be selfish for once, but this girl is stronger than I.
I didn’t want my future husband to view me as a dimwit. Even if I was one.
I was a pit of sorrow and mourning for the next several days.
And WILLIAM. *giggles*. The CHARISMA, the CHARM, the YEARNING, the TRAUMA…! I love this man even when he’s wearing his “cruel mask” — and so does Eliza.
romance: girl I just KNOW that every time William tried to teach Eliza to flirt his heart was racing 🤭 and the way he was always standing up for her even when she wasn’t in the room, protecting her, thinking/talking about her in the sweetest way… their whole relationship dynamic and progression is heartbreaking and swoon worthy at the same time; it literally feels like you’re watching a regency romance. Honestly the drama is what makes this one so good, it adds so much amazing tension!
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ slight age gap (18/24)
✨ some of the best romantic scenes, confessions, and YEARNING
“A husband? What the devil would you do with one of those?” “Live the rest of my life with someone I love unconditionally, basking in mutual friendship and trust.” “Sounds atrocious.”
It had always been William.
“If he is lost, then I will find him. If he is confused, then I will enlighten him. And if he has no place, then I will make him one, with me.”
“Oh ‘Liza,” he murmured, his breath tickling my hair as his lips brushed my skin. “How I love you . . .”
“I don’t know when I began to love you, only that I did, and that I couldn’t stop.”
“…if I carved you out of my heart, I wouldn’t have any heart left.”
writing: slower plot, easy to read, entertaining, romantic.
atmosphere: spring balls, snowball fights, an elaborate poetry box, heartbreakingly deep brown eyes.
Daily, servants watered the lemon trees, orchids, jasmine, and crawling grape vines, then dusted the sills and washed the windows. The shafts of sunlight streaming through heightened the fragrant, earthy scent in the air, making the atmosphere perfect for clearing one’s head, and incidentally, reading poetry.
Along with the mugginess, rose and sage perfumes assaulted my nose. From the painted ceiling hung eight crystal chandeliers, illuminating a ring of dancers in the center of the floor, promenading in neat lines like a company of soldiers. Clusters of people skirted the edges near ornate mirrors, towering windows, and mint colored curtains.
Parting the curtain, I stared out the window into a private courtyard, blooming with new life. Buds of bluebells and cowslips fought for dominance on the sill. Around the courtyard, bits of greenery clung to the ground and climbed up the building, overgrown even in its newness.
season: late winter, early spring.
———
content: language (regency type curses? lol ). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (the FMC’s mother is slowly dying; a suitor is found out to have slept with many women, even impregnated one, etc; a attempted kidnapping, forced kissing; a gun fight).
———
most ardently, kirsten <3
———
2024 review
"I cannot breathe when you are near."
Eliza and William are one of the best couples I have ever read about; this romance is real, raw, and utterly captivating. This is childhood friends to lovers; this is perfection. Sobbed my heart out to be honest.
I believe in love again.
"Oh 'Liza," he murmured, "How I love you..."
Content: some heartrending kisses <3
4.5 ✨
“It is the swimming in a sunny pond, and making snow angels in the park, and showing a young girl the beauty of the stars. Those are the kinds of things that matter in this life. The little smiles, the little joys, the little choices we make that chart our course. If you want a big change, then you must first change the little things. And if you cannot go back to sleep . . . then you must find the happiness in being awake.”“How?” “You cannot simply want it,” I said softly. “You must choose it.”
overview: without even realizing I started re-reading this almost exactly a year later… and I still love this book. The drama, the romance: it unfolds like a movie and is full of longing, forgiveness, and passion.
characters: I love Eliza. She’s sweet, sassy, dramatic, a lil naive, and iconic. There were a few times I just wanted to yell at her to not make the right decision and be selfish for once, but this girl is stronger than I.
I didn’t want my future husband to view me as a dimwit. Even if I was one.
I was a pit of sorrow and mourning for the next several days.
And WILLIAM. *giggles*. The CHARISMA, the CHARM, the YEARNING, the TRAUMA…! I love this man even when he’s wearing his “cruel mask” — and so does Eliza.
romance: girl I just KNOW that every time William tried to teach Eliza to flirt his heart was racing 🤭 and the way he was always standing up for her even when she wasn’t in the room, protecting her, thinking/talking about her in the sweetest way… their whole relationship dynamic and progression is heartbreaking and swoon worthy at the same time; it literally feels like you’re watching a regency romance. Honestly the drama is what makes this one so good, it adds so much amazing tension!
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ slight age gap (18/24)
✨ some of the best romantic scenes, confessions, and YEARNING
“A husband? What the devil would you do with one of those?” “Live the rest of my life with someone I love unconditionally, basking in mutual friendship and trust.” “Sounds atrocious.”
It had always been William.
“If he is lost, then I will find him. If he is confused, then I will enlighten him. And if he has no place, then I will make him one, with me.”
“Oh ‘Liza,” he murmured, his breath tickling my hair as his lips brushed my skin. “How I love you . . .”
“I don’t know when I began to love you, only that I did, and that I couldn’t stop.”
“…if I carved you out of my heart, I wouldn’t have any heart left.”
writing: slower plot, easy to read, entertaining, romantic.
atmosphere: spring balls, snowball fights, an elaborate poetry box, heartbreakingly deep brown eyes.
Daily, servants watered the lemon trees, orchids, jasmine, and crawling grape vines, then dusted the sills and washed the windows. The shafts of sunlight streaming through heightened the fragrant, earthy scent in the air, making the atmosphere perfect for clearing one’s head, and incidentally, reading poetry.
Along with the mugginess, rose and sage perfumes assaulted my nose. From the painted ceiling hung eight crystal chandeliers, illuminating a ring of dancers in the center of the floor, promenading in neat lines like a company of soldiers. Clusters of people skirted the edges near ornate mirrors, towering windows, and mint colored curtains.
Parting the curtain, I stared out the window into a private courtyard, blooming with new life. Buds of bluebells and cowslips fought for dominance on the sill. Around the courtyard, bits of greenery clung to the ground and climbed up the building, overgrown even in its newness.
season: late winter, early spring.
———
content: language (regency type curses? lol ). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (the FMC’s mother is slowly dying; a suitor is found out to have slept with many women, even impregnated one, etc; a attempted kidnapping, forced kissing; a gun fight).
———
most ardently, kirsten <3
———
2024 review
"I cannot breathe when you are near."
Eliza and William are one of the best couples I have ever read about; this romance is real, raw, and utterly captivating. This is childhood friends to lovers; this is perfection. Sobbed my heart out to be honest.
I believe in love again.
"Oh 'Liza," he murmured, "How I love you..."
Content: some heartrending kisses <3
August 17, 2020
I loved the first book in the series, A Lily in Disguise. This was was fabulous also! I loved Eliza. She was spunky and tried to be so loyal. William was obviously a villain at the beginning but she made it so hard not to like him! By the end I loved him and was so intrigued to find out how the story would resolve. Such a fun, entertaining, witty, and sweet regency romance. I highly recommend both books in this series!
August 20, 2020
I so enjoyed book 1 in the Wycliffe Family series that I preordered A Lord of Many Masks. I couldn't wait to see what happened to Eliza and William.
I'm going to be honest, I didn't care for William in book 1 so I was curious to see how Ms. Scarlett would redeem him. Redemption stories are my favorite. In this book it took me awhile to like him, but Eliza felt so strongly about the goodness in him, I desperately wanted her to receive a happy ending.
There's a part in here that almost wrecked me and had me reaching for tissues and that scene is what made me a fan of William and glad that Eliza saw goodness in him.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Scarlett.
*I did buy a personal copy, but I first received an ARC from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
I'm going to be honest, I didn't care for William in book 1 so I was curious to see how Ms. Scarlett would redeem him. Redemption stories are my favorite. In this book it took me awhile to like him, but Eliza felt so strongly about the goodness in him, I desperately wanted her to receive a happy ending.
There's a part in here that almost wrecked me and had me reaching for tissues and that scene is what made me a fan of William and glad that Eliza saw goodness in him.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Scarlett.
*I did buy a personal copy, but I first received an ARC from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
October 6, 2021
Happy sigh.
My only complaint is the reason the heroine had to marry quickly wasn’t believable. If her dowry reverted to her brothers, her brothers could simply bestow her dowry back on her. So without that, the plot kind of folds. But I *still* super enjoyed the story in spite of that, which should tell you a lot about the level of writing and characterization.
Looking forward to book 3!
My only complaint is the reason the heroine had to marry quickly wasn’t believable. If her dowry reverted to her brothers, her brothers could simply bestow her dowry back on her. So without that, the plot kind of folds. But I *still* super enjoyed the story in spite of that, which should tell you a lot about the level of writing and characterization.
Looking forward to book 3!
February 7, 2022
I liked this one better than Peter's story, but still not enough to give it 4 stars. Maybe I'm being stingy with my stars🤷🏼♀️ I just really wish there was a star between 3 and 4. This one was different, in that the girl didn't get into constant scraps or scandalous situations. But it wasn't extremely coherent, it was kind of confusing.. and maybe meant to be that way, as William is suppose to be a man of many masks... But everybody else seemed to wear different masks too. In any case, I still enjoyed it, and it was the last of the series for me, since I read Matthew's story first...so nice to have them all marked as read. I do hope this author will write more books in the near future, she writes well.
October 31, 2024
This book was so good and I loved the dialogue!
July 11, 2025
Such a great book! I read it in one day. I absolutely loved the friendship The two main characters had. It was absolutely adorable. If you like Regency, you will like this book.
August 8, 2020
A fun romance with charming characters, great romantic tension, and an enjoyable plot, I truly enjoyed reading A Lord of Many Masks! Eliza and William were so great and I loved the friends turned more aspect even when William was so stubborn and afraid. His character really did have a lot more layers than we get a glimpse at in the first novel, A Lily in Disguise. I honestly love how he cared for Eliza and protected her in his own way (some great swoony moments when his mask is off and his true feelings come out). There were so many moments that made me smile and grip my e-reader in delight as the two flirted and in their own way weaved around one another throughout the plot. The fun wit and poetry, Ardent, and the stars were all seriously memorable things that added to the rich relationship Eliza and William shared.
Jessica Scarlett is definitely an author who I am excited to read more from. Her style reminds me a bit of author Sarah Adams (To Con a Gentleman) who I also enjoy. Scarlett has a bit more of a modern voice in her Regency novels, which for fans who are particular about historical accuracy and historical details may not like, but as far as just an enjoyable romance with a fun plot, this book is definitely that. The content is clean with nothing more than some light kisses, but great romantic tension throughout. I am definitely looking forward to Matthew's story!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Jessica Scarlett is definitely an author who I am excited to read more from. Her style reminds me a bit of author Sarah Adams (To Con a Gentleman) who I also enjoy. Scarlett has a bit more of a modern voice in her Regency novels, which for fans who are particular about historical accuracy and historical details may not like, but as far as just an enjoyable romance with a fun plot, this book is definitely that. The content is clean with nothing more than some light kisses, but great romantic tension throughout. I am definitely looking forward to Matthew's story!
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
August 26, 2020
There is nothing I enjoy more than finding a new author that I completely adore.
This is the type of story I binged late into the night, I would not be deterred from William and Eliza'as love story and lets be honest, I finished this within a 24 hour span. As much as William is someone who can't figure out his own mind and heart, I really loved him and the relationship that these two create together outside the confines of society. Eliza is a fantastic character is has a lot to bear at a young age and her struggles seemed authentic and not forced.
There was turmoil, heart breaking emotion and those little moments that break the rules of propriety that you know I absolutely live for in regency romance. It was romantic and the two main characters have such a chemistry that I felt was tangible in those one on one scenes. I love imperfect characters because they are relatable and down right interesting to read!
These books are seriously witty and romantic and straight up really good. I was so happy to get an ARC of this book which forced me to read the first in prep and I was not disappointed. I will go on to be a loyal fan. Now I just need the hardcover of this fantastic book.
This is the type of story I binged late into the night, I would not be deterred from William and Eliza'as love story and lets be honest, I finished this within a 24 hour span. As much as William is someone who can't figure out his own mind and heart, I really loved him and the relationship that these two create together outside the confines of society. Eliza is a fantastic character is has a lot to bear at a young age and her struggles seemed authentic and not forced.
There was turmoil, heart breaking emotion and those little moments that break the rules of propriety that you know I absolutely live for in regency romance. It was romantic and the two main characters have such a chemistry that I felt was tangible in those one on one scenes. I love imperfect characters because they are relatable and down right interesting to read!
These books are seriously witty and romantic and straight up really good. I was so happy to get an ARC of this book which forced me to read the first in prep and I was not disappointed. I will go on to be a loyal fan. Now I just need the hardcover of this fantastic book.
September 20, 2022
Let’s just start here—Agh, William!
I hated him, I loved him, I wanted to slap him, and then hug him. I couldn’t put the book down.
Things I Loved:
-Hiding in the curtains
-“I think any woman would be hard-pressed to surpass Miss Wycliffe in beauty. It is not a question of whether I find her prettier. She simply is.”
-“A woman must have some secrets”
-“You wish to be versed in the dark arts, do you?” aka Flirting Lessons
-Poetry box
-Snowball fight
-My cousin the thoroughbred
-“No man is a lost cause”
-The star
-L-E-A-V-E
-“I cannot decide if what you are doing is cowardly . . . or brave.”
-The mirror
-Gah, the ending. So good!
So many emotions while reading this one, it is such an engaging, tension-filled story. I love Eliza’s growth and seeing more of this family. I love Matthew and I cannot wait to dive into his book next! ♥️
I hated him, I loved him, I wanted to slap him, and then hug him. I couldn’t put the book down.
Things I Loved:
-Hiding in the curtains
-“I think any woman would be hard-pressed to surpass Miss Wycliffe in beauty. It is not a question of whether I find her prettier. She simply is.”
-“A woman must have some secrets”
-“You wish to be versed in the dark arts, do you?” aka Flirting Lessons
-Poetry box
-Snowball fight
-My cousin the thoroughbred
-“No man is a lost cause”
-The star
-L-E-A-V-E
-“I cannot decide if what you are doing is cowardly . . . or brave.”
-The mirror
-Gah, the ending. So good!
So many emotions while reading this one, it is such an engaging, tension-filled story. I love Eliza’s growth and seeing more of this family. I love Matthew and I cannot wait to dive into his book next! ♥️
February 20, 2021
The first book was enjoyable even if quite unrealistic at many turns. It was still delightful. This book had potential, but I really didn’t enjoy it. It didn’t have great flow. And then William was so horrible that I just didn’t enjoy it. It took me forever to finish it because I was so irritated. Overall it turned out, but I wouldn’t read it again.
*On a side note, since when do we have DOORBELLS in Regency England?
*On a side note, since when do we have DOORBELLS in Regency England?
April 6, 2021
Favorite book of all time. On a number of levels.
This is a story about love, heartache, sacrifice, family love, adventure and joy. I will read this book over and over and over.
This is a story about love, heartache, sacrifice, family love, adventure and joy. I will read this book over and over and over.
August 15, 2020
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I really enjoyed this story of Eliza and William. A great friends-to-more romance where the main characters fight their feelings nearly every step of the way. It’s the second book in the series but can be read as a complete stand alone in my opinion. At the end of the first book, A Lily in Disguise, I was not feeling very generous towards William, but this book lets you see his heart and soul one layer at a time, behind the mask, if you will. Eliza is delightful as an 18 year old trying to enjoy her first season in London but her mother reveals a secret that compels Eliza to seek a husband. She enlists the help of a gossiping matchmaker with a generous heart and her best friend William, who agrees to help her learn to flirt. You can guess where that’s going, but oh what a fun ride! There is romantic tension, swoon-worthy moments, poetry, proposals, engagements, duels! It’s a fast paced read that I devoured.
I received a complimentary eARC to review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this story of Eliza and William. A great friends-to-more romance where the main characters fight their feelings nearly every step of the way. It’s the second book in the series but can be read as a complete stand alone in my opinion. At the end of the first book, A Lily in Disguise, I was not feeling very generous towards William, but this book lets you see his heart and soul one layer at a time, behind the mask, if you will. Eliza is delightful as an 18 year old trying to enjoy her first season in London but her mother reveals a secret that compels Eliza to seek a husband. She enlists the help of a gossiping matchmaker with a generous heart and her best friend William, who agrees to help her learn to flirt. You can guess where that’s going, but oh what a fun ride! There is romantic tension, swoon-worthy moments, poetry, proposals, engagements, duels! It’s a fast paced read that I devoured.
I received a complimentary eARC to review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.
July 30, 2022
Beautifully written book. Friends to lovers is one of my least favorite tropes, likely because it is so common, but this story was done pretty well. The first half of the book never felt forced and I liked when William was finally put on the spot to confront his feelings. Of course, if he had admitted his feelings when he should have, the entire second half of the book wouldn't have happened. So, while this wasn't a "misunderstanding" causing drama, it was pride and our hero coming to terms with his own feelings, wants, and desires that did instead. He created the drama and it did get a little tedious, but I did like how everything came together at the end. I really like the author's prose. I will look into her other titles in this series
Clean read with a few kisses.
Clean read with a few kisses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2022
Lies, deception, pistol duels. Fairytales, true love, and joy. I loved the entire story. At first, William was not my favorite. I didn’t dislike him, but I didn’t especially like him yet. But I like him now at the end. I also liked Eliza’s imagination and how she hoped to find the perfect husband for her. William took a little convincing, but he realized in the end that he loved her too. Some of the one-liners in this book were incredible and I can’t wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2020
I was so excited to read about Eliza and William and their story did not disappoint. Definitely lots of swoon-worthy moments. Plus some actual laugh out loud moments (not just a silent chuckle or smile). Loved all the characters! (Sure hope we eventually get Matthew’s story) Loved the story! Loved it all!
August 22, 2020
*My longest yeah boy ever*
October 8, 2020
Loved the end
I had a hard time with some of this book. I don’t want to get into details, but I hate love triangles, and this had some similarities. I was not cheering for the hero in most of the book. The ending was so good though that I brought it up to 4 stars.
Matthew is definitely my favorite character! He is such a fun and different character and I can’t wait for his story.
Clean romance.
I had a hard time with some of this book. I don’t want to get into details, but I hate love triangles, and this had some similarities. I was not cheering for the hero in most of the book. The ending was so good though that I brought it up to 4 stars.
Matthew is definitely my favorite character! He is such a fun and different character and I can’t wait for his story.
Clean romance.
August 18, 2020
This author does a brilliant job with the way she makes her stories flow along. This is Eliza and Williams story, who we are introduced to in “A Lily in Disguise” along with all the other siblings mentioned throughout this story. I definitely recommend reading this series in order. As in the last, this book has some flashbacks to the past that provide insight into our lead characters interactions and thoughts. This story also has its own level of suspense, which made it thoroughly engaging for me.
As for the character development - I loved all the characters! Well all the good ones at any rate 😉 I was undecided with the previous book how much I actually liked William. Thankfully, I was already halfway there at least, so I was eager to discover what his story would be like.
I also really love Matthews character!! I am so looking forward to reading his story.
This is a clean and wholesome story. It ticks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned. It was witty and amusing. Engaging and intriguing with just enough suspense and romance to leave me happy and eager for more.
My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of her book and for introducing me to her wonderful character. I can’t wait to read more about them.
I am under no obligation to leave a review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
As for the character development - I loved all the characters! Well all the good ones at any rate 😉 I was undecided with the previous book how much I actually liked William. Thankfully, I was already halfway there at least, so I was eager to discover what his story would be like.
I also really love Matthews character!! I am so looking forward to reading his story.
This is a clean and wholesome story. It ticks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned. It was witty and amusing. Engaging and intriguing with just enough suspense and romance to leave me happy and eager for more.
My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of her book and for introducing me to her wonderful character. I can’t wait to read more about them.
I am under no obligation to leave a review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
August 11, 2020
I finished this book the other day and I still can't stop thinking about it. My heart! I am a complete sucker for a redeemable butthead and if ANYONE fits that category, it is William. I wasn't convinced I could like him, let alone root for him. But the author managed to somehow pull me into the mystery of who he truly was and I was hooked. Like Eliza, I found myself looking for him on every page and in every scene.
And Eliza! Dear, sweet Eliza. I love her. She's a daydreamer with a tender heart, and I could feel her burden and angst.
The emotional tension is top notch. There's a plot twist I did NOT see coming. And I just really enjoy these characters (I love Matthew dearly). I'm so looking forward to more from Jessica Scarlett!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. All expressed opinions belong to me.
And Eliza! Dear, sweet Eliza. I love her. She's a daydreamer with a tender heart, and I could feel her burden and angst.
The emotional tension is top notch. There's a plot twist I did NOT see coming. And I just really enjoy these characters (I love Matthew dearly). I'm so looking forward to more from Jessica Scarlett!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. All expressed opinions belong to me.
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