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Masquerade
Harlem, New York, 1925 is a mecca of cultural and creative freedom, where masquerade drag balls are all the rage and the music, dancing, and loose prohibition laws unite people from all walks of life. Dinah Hampton came to Harlem for better opportunities for her family but ends up working as a nightclub chorus girl to help make ends meet. Among the nightlife and danger, she finds love in the most unexpected way. When a scandal rocks Celine Montre’s family and sends them fleeing from New Orleans to Harlem, the gorgeous Dinah Hampton helps her to discover that there’s more to life, and love, than she ever thought possible. When a notorious gangster sets her sights on seducing Celine, Dinah and Celine are forced to risk their hearts, and lives, for love.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2021
4 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Anne Shade
13 books33 followersAnne Shade loves writing romances about women who love women featuring strong, beautiful Characters of Color. Her dream is to retire and open a bed and breakfast so she can spend her days doing what she loves…providing wonderful hospitality, writing novels, and planning fabulous weddings.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 3, 2021
4.5⭐️ – This was my first book by Anne Shade and I had no idea what to expect but it was certainly not this. First of all, the atmosphere is brilliant. The way Anne Shade describes the places, the clothes, the vocabulary and turns of phrases she uses carried me easily to Harlem in the 1920s. Some scenes were so vivid in my mind that it was almost like watching a movie. Without hammering the point, she makes it clear all along that the only way for two women to make a life together is to hide, which leaves the door open to blackmail, both from gangsters and from malicious suitors, but also adds a deliciously forbidden taste to the freedom they find.
All her life, Celine has done what was expected of her. And really, how could she not, as a young Creole woman in a tightly structured society in 1923 New Orleans? To avoid being married off to a man of her parents’ choosing, she married her best friend, an arrangement that worked for both of them until tragedy struck. When Celine’s family is forced to move to Harlem, Celine discovers that life can be very different from what she has known so far. So different, in fact, that she finds herself torn between two women, between what her heart wants and what her body craves.
There are all sorts of characters in this story, besides Celine and her unbending parents. Olivia, Celine’s aunt, is one of my favourites. She’s smart, kind, and full of secrets, some of which you just know have to be scandalous. The two women vying for Celine are fascinating too. There’s Dinah, a nurse and dancer, loving, sexy and experienced, and on the other hand, there’s steamy hot Philly, whose dangerous way of life makes her all the more attractive.
This novel is seriously hot. After years of denying her true self, Celine learns a lot about herself and what her body desires. The chemistry with Dinah is instant and strong but somewhat softened by the love they share. With Philly, Celine knows no other bounds than what her conscience will let her get away with.
Just a warning: there’s one scene that made me really uneasy. It’s very important to the story and entirely justified, and is, in itself, not far from a tour de force. To help Dinah out of a bad situation, Celine makes a decision that leads her to consent to things she might not have agreed to in different circumstances. The consent line is blurry in a way that makes absolute sense, and Shade describes the conflicting emotions and desires to which Celine is confronted perfectly.
Around these women gravitates a mix of bad guys and pleasure-seeking women (mostly), in what at times feels like the freest society ever. Yet just as the characters start believing in this freedom, they’re reminded of how heavy the constraints brought by race, class and sexual orientation can be.
Masquerade is an unexpectedly wild ride, in turns thrilling and chilling. There’s nothing more exciting than a woman’s quest for freedom and self-discovery.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
All her life, Celine has done what was expected of her. And really, how could she not, as a young Creole woman in a tightly structured society in 1923 New Orleans? To avoid being married off to a man of her parents’ choosing, she married her best friend, an arrangement that worked for both of them until tragedy struck. When Celine’s family is forced to move to Harlem, Celine discovers that life can be very different from what she has known so far. So different, in fact, that she finds herself torn between two women, between what her heart wants and what her body craves.
There are all sorts of characters in this story, besides Celine and her unbending parents. Olivia, Celine’s aunt, is one of my favourites. She’s smart, kind, and full of secrets, some of which you just know have to be scandalous. The two women vying for Celine are fascinating too. There’s Dinah, a nurse and dancer, loving, sexy and experienced, and on the other hand, there’s steamy hot Philly, whose dangerous way of life makes her all the more attractive.
This novel is seriously hot. After years of denying her true self, Celine learns a lot about herself and what her body desires. The chemistry with Dinah is instant and strong but somewhat softened by the love they share. With Philly, Celine knows no other bounds than what her conscience will let her get away with.
Just a warning: there’s one scene that made me really uneasy. It’s very important to the story and entirely justified, and is, in itself, not far from a tour de force. To help Dinah out of a bad situation, Celine makes a decision that leads her to consent to things she might not have agreed to in different circumstances. The consent line is blurry in a way that makes absolute sense, and Shade describes the conflicting emotions and desires to which Celine is confronted perfectly.
Around these women gravitates a mix of bad guys and pleasure-seeking women (mostly), in what at times feels like the freest society ever. Yet just as the characters start believing in this freedom, they’re reminded of how heavy the constraints brought by race, class and sexual orientation can be.
Masquerade is an unexpectedly wild ride, in turns thrilling and chilling. There’s nothing more exciting than a woman’s quest for freedom and self-discovery.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
February 28, 2021
3.75 stars. This was so not what I expected, but in a good way! I was inclined not to read this book as I don’t particularly like the time period it is in (1920’s), which I associate with gloom, inequality (for women, POC and queers), class separation and poverty (for most people that is). This book underlines all those views, but it also gives a view into a wonderful and sensual forbidden life behind closed doors and it shows the journey of two strong women, finding their place in a hostile society.
Celine is the dutiful daughter, always obeying her parents’ wishes in order to improve the standing of her family. Burdened with expectations, she has always had to repress her deepest desires for women. However, when her family moves from Louisiana to New York she is introduced into the world of masquerade drag balls and she is immediately intrigued. She meets Dinah, a nurse and night club dancer who hopes to make a better life for herself than she had in the rural south, and there is immediate attraction between the two, but soon they run into trouble.
The book is written in the third person from the POVs of Celine and Dinah and the writing was very good. It took me a while to become invested in the book though, as I ran into some pet peeves early on. Later, I realized later that they were necessary for the story. The first was that I struggled with the believability of it all. There is this gloomy outlook of life, queers have to live in hiding, but at the same time there were so many queer people and they seemed pretty open about their life style. Perhaps not the most believable, but it allows for the erotic atmosphere that is created, which is such an interesting part of the book. The second was the speed of the romance, Celine and Dinah almost immediately fell in love which annoys me as I’m not a fan of insta-love. Later on, I realized that the whole falling in love part was not what the book is about, their story comes after the falling in love part, and is so much more complex and really well done.
Once I was sucked into the story I could not put it down. Celine enters this world of forbidden love with Dinah, but then plenty of things start happening and they are forced into a situation that was not (fully) consensual. While this obviously made me feel uncomfortable it was very well and carefully handled and it was a totally believable situation. It’s done out of love, but turns their relationship upside down. However, in the resulting confusion Celine starts making decisions that frustrated me to no end, and my heart broke for Dinah. The decisions are explained from Celine’s point of view, but I just could not understand them, it totally clashes with my view on life. This took away some of my enjoyment and I actually would have rated the book higher if I just could have enjoyed this part of the book better. Clearly, this is more because of me than because of bad writing.
I’ll easily recommend this to historic romance fans, and I also recommend it for the diversity (I had never read a book featuring almost only POC, this was refreshing) and the sensuous atmosphere.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Celine is the dutiful daughter, always obeying her parents’ wishes in order to improve the standing of her family. Burdened with expectations, she has always had to repress her deepest desires for women. However, when her family moves from Louisiana to New York she is introduced into the world of masquerade drag balls and she is immediately intrigued. She meets Dinah, a nurse and night club dancer who hopes to make a better life for herself than she had in the rural south, and there is immediate attraction between the two, but soon they run into trouble.
The book is written in the third person from the POVs of Celine and Dinah and the writing was very good. It took me a while to become invested in the book though, as I ran into some pet peeves early on. Later, I realized later that they were necessary for the story. The first was that I struggled with the believability of it all. There is this gloomy outlook of life, queers have to live in hiding, but at the same time there were so many queer people and they seemed pretty open about their life style. Perhaps not the most believable, but it allows for the erotic atmosphere that is created, which is such an interesting part of the book. The second was the speed of the romance, Celine and Dinah almost immediately fell in love which annoys me as I’m not a fan of insta-love. Later on, I realized that the whole falling in love part was not what the book is about, their story comes after the falling in love part, and is so much more complex and really well done.
Once I was sucked into the story I could not put it down. Celine enters this world of forbidden love with Dinah, but then plenty of things start happening and they are forced into a situation that was not (fully) consensual. While this obviously made me feel uncomfortable it was very well and carefully handled and it was a totally believable situation. It’s done out of love, but turns their relationship upside down. However, in the resulting confusion Celine starts making decisions that frustrated me to no end, and my heart broke for Dinah. The decisions are explained from Celine’s point of view, but I just could not understand them, it totally clashes with my view on life. This took away some of my enjoyment and I actually would have rated the book higher if I just could have enjoyed this part of the book better. Clearly, this is more because of me than because of bad writing.
I’ll easily recommend this to historic romance fans, and I also recommend it for the diversity (I had never read a book featuring almost only POC, this was refreshing) and the sensuous atmosphere.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2021
3.5/5 Stars
This was such a fun historical romance set in 1920s Harlem that stared with a bang but unfortunately sizzled out to a pretty safe ending. The book follows Celine Montre who has to move to Harlem with her parents after their family is rocked by a scandal - Celine's husband is shot after being found in a relationship with another man. In Harlem, Celine is taken to a well-loved drag masquerade with her aunt and there she meets Dinah - a nightclub chorus girl who is working two jobs so that she can support her family. Sparks immediately fly and the two women begin a whirlwind romance!
First of all, I don't read a lot of historical romance - and not because I don't like them, just because the majority of romance I tend to find is contemporary - but I was so intrigued by this from the outset. Masquerade features a cast of characters, almost all of whom are POC, particularly women of colour, and this was just so refreshing to see! I've also been dying to read something by Anne Shade for a while as her Femme Tales short story collection sounds amazing, so I jumped at the chance to read this one!
Upon starting this book, it's evident that Anne Shade is an extremely skilled writer. I was sucked right into the characters' lives from the first page and her world building was absolutely fantastic (and the sex scenes were honestly some of the best I've ever read!)! I really found myself enjoying Dinah and Celine's relationship, although I did wish that the whole masquerade/not knowing who each other was went on for a tad bit longer as the two women were saying 'I love you' at only 30% into the book. Once I got past that, though, their romance was really sweet and tender...and then came a bit of an unusual plot point. Without spoiling anything there is a gangster/club owner who is extremely controlling with regards to Dinah's life and her career. In order to get the two of them out of a rather sticky situation, Celine agrees to sleep with another woman to help Dinah out, but it's not entirely consensual. I really did not like this 'plot point' at all to begin with as the coercion made me very uncomfortable, but as the relationship between Celine and the other woman began to grow, I found myself enjoying their dynamic. In fact, there's a really nice quote in the book about not everybody being made for monogamy, and I really thought that the book was going to end with a sapphic polyamorous relationship (I was really rooting for it!). But then out of the blue there is another dramatic plot point (wow trying not to spoil this while writing coherently is hard!) that causes Celine to hate the woman again, and honestly in my opinion, not for good reason! The book does finish with a nice HEA, but I felt a bit cheated out of a relationship that I felt could have worked really well had the three women been together.
Regardless, this was a fun and entertaining read that has definitely made me want to seek out more historical romance and I can't wait to read more by Anne Shade in the future!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a fun historical romance set in 1920s Harlem that stared with a bang but unfortunately sizzled out to a pretty safe ending. The book follows Celine Montre who has to move to Harlem with her parents after their family is rocked by a scandal - Celine's husband is shot after being found in a relationship with another man. In Harlem, Celine is taken to a well-loved drag masquerade with her aunt and there she meets Dinah - a nightclub chorus girl who is working two jobs so that she can support her family. Sparks immediately fly and the two women begin a whirlwind romance!
First of all, I don't read a lot of historical romance - and not because I don't like them, just because the majority of romance I tend to find is contemporary - but I was so intrigued by this from the outset. Masquerade features a cast of characters, almost all of whom are POC, particularly women of colour, and this was just so refreshing to see! I've also been dying to read something by Anne Shade for a while as her Femme Tales short story collection sounds amazing, so I jumped at the chance to read this one!
Upon starting this book, it's evident that Anne Shade is an extremely skilled writer. I was sucked right into the characters' lives from the first page and her world building was absolutely fantastic (and the sex scenes were honestly some of the best I've ever read!)! I really found myself enjoying Dinah and Celine's relationship, although I did wish that the whole masquerade/not knowing who each other was went on for a tad bit longer as the two women were saying 'I love you' at only 30% into the book. Once I got past that, though, their romance was really sweet and tender...and then came a bit of an unusual plot point. Without spoiling anything there is a gangster/club owner who is extremely controlling with regards to Dinah's life and her career. In order to get the two of them out of a rather sticky situation, Celine agrees to sleep with another woman to help Dinah out, but it's not entirely consensual. I really did not like this 'plot point' at all to begin with as the coercion made me very uncomfortable, but as the relationship between Celine and the other woman began to grow, I found myself enjoying their dynamic. In fact, there's a really nice quote in the book about not everybody being made for monogamy, and I really thought that the book was going to end with a sapphic polyamorous relationship (I was really rooting for it!). But then out of the blue there is another dramatic plot point (wow trying not to spoil this while writing coherently is hard!) that causes Celine to hate the woman again, and honestly in my opinion, not for good reason! The book does finish with a nice HEA, but I felt a bit cheated out of a relationship that I felt could have worked really well had the three women been together.
Regardless, this was a fun and entertaining read that has definitely made me want to seek out more historical romance and I can't wait to read more by Anne Shade in the future!
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 28, 2021
A book revolving around gay ladies in Harlem in the mid 1920's? Sign me up! This is a time frame I am not that familiar with but my historical fiction loving bum was all in. This was my first read by Ms. Shade and won't be the last.
Big points for the descriptions of the city, the clothing, the characters. Ms. Shade clearly did her research. The storyline revolves around Celine, a Creole woman from New Orleans whose family has to leave due to a scandal, and Dinah, a nurse by day/dancer by night. There is an insta-love between the two, which isn't my favourite trope, but in a sense somewhat believable because Celine has repressed her true desires for her whole life, so the girl is ready to combust. Enter Philly, a gangster/business owner who is dark and dangerous and sexy as hell, as the third leg of the love triangle. The story takes off from there.
A few lost points for 1) The Huge Amount of Crying. Guys, so many tears, I can't even. Every third page had someone bursting into tears and falling to the floor/wall/table/bed/road/Sunday dinner. It was a little much. 2) Were there really that many fairly openly queer people in Harlem in the 1920s? It felt a bit much. 3) Celine's questionable decisions. Boy did she make some doozies that had me scratching my head.
Overall a 3.75, I do recommend!
Big points for the descriptions of the city, the clothing, the characters. Ms. Shade clearly did her research. The storyline revolves around Celine, a Creole woman from New Orleans whose family has to leave due to a scandal, and Dinah, a nurse by day/dancer by night. There is an insta-love between the two, which isn't my favourite trope, but in a sense somewhat believable because Celine has repressed her true desires for her whole life, so the girl is ready to combust. Enter Philly, a gangster/business owner who is dark and dangerous and sexy as hell, as the third leg of the love triangle. The story takes off from there.
A few lost points for 1) The Huge Amount of Crying. Guys, so many tears, I can't even. Every third page had someone bursting into tears and falling to the floor/wall/table/bed/road/Sunday dinner. It was a little much. 2) Were there really that many fairly openly queer people in Harlem in the 1920s? It felt a bit much. 3) Celine's questionable decisions. Boy did she make some doozies that had me scratching my head.
Overall a 3.75, I do recommend!
February 27, 2021
There was much to enjoy and appreciate about this read. The title, time period, environment, clothes, night life, food, and the diversity of characters. The historical story proved to be entertaining as well as educational. As the story unfolded, it was easy for me to engage and internalize what was going on. I cheered the encouragement and support of some family and friends. Especially Josephine and Olivia. I understood the comments about light and dark skin color as well as other racial differences like hair.
Celine Montre's, talented hat maker with a domineering family. She is also quiet and uncertain while hiding a secret from her parents and herself. Dinah Hampton, nurse/talented dancer, embraces who she is. Celine and Dinah are likeable strong women that grow throughout the read. Which make them even more likable. Loved that they are of color and have the ability to make a living. As other characters enter their lives, it was interesting to read how they respond.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Celine Montre's, talented hat maker with a domineering family. She is also quiet and uncertain while hiding a secret from her parents and herself. Dinah Hampton, nurse/talented dancer, embraces who she is. Celine and Dinah are likeable strong women that grow throughout the read. Which make them even more likable. Loved that they are of color and have the ability to make a living. As other characters enter their lives, it was interesting to read how they respond.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
dnf
February 16, 2021This book has wonderful reviews; they are want made my want to read it...and continue reading it even after it failed to hold my interest... to a point.
DNF at 25% = no rating
This is a case of it's me not you.
DNF at 25% = no rating
This is a case of it's me not you.
January 27, 2021
Heartbreakingly Beautiful
Celine’s life is turned upside down when a scandal means her family have to move to Harlem. There she meets Dinah, who enlightens her and awakens desires in Celine for love and life she hadn’t allowed herself to previously embrace but when the past catches up with both Dinah and Celine, a gangster sets her sights on Celine. Dinah and Celine are forced to make heart-breaking decisions for the sake of their love but are unsure of the consequences that could come as a result.
This story made me happy and at the same time broke my heart! It was filled with passion and drama that made for an exciting story, packed with emotions that take the reader on quite the ride. It was everything I had expected and so much more. The story was dramatic, and I just couldn’t put it down. I had no idea how the story was going to go, and at times I was worried it would all end in a dramatic gangster ending, but that just added to the thrill. It was a much an adventure for Celine into behind the glamour that sugar-coats some of the darker elements that surrounded that period of time, for women, different races, and classes. Not only did I learn from this story but I felt a great sense of connection, mostly emotionally to Celine, Dinah, and those that surrounded them and added to the story.
What Anne covers in this story is very sensitive, highlighting not only the indifferences between race but also sexual orientation as it was perceived in the 1920’s and that was quite the insight. Everything was handled sensitively but realistically and I very much related to it being as accurate of the times as my knowledge but also gave me further understanding and insight into that historic time, which I just love. Learning of experiences and seeing just how hard it was for two people to fall in love with who they wanted to, rather than what was expected, and experiencing these challenges with both Dinah and Celine was certainly more than I expected.
I really felt I could connect with them both. Celine was more reserved and had a lot to overcome if only she could embrace it, whereas Dinah was the experience, carefully guiding Celine and supporting her in becoming her true self. They were both terribly brave and I admired all they did, went through, and their morals. They were very admirable and they deserved all the happiness in the world, even if again that emotionally challenged them. I really felt I got to know Celine and Dinah quite intimately and going through all they went through with them gave me a great empathy for them both and their circumstances. In some ways it was quite tragic but I had a lot of hope and could hold onto it, even during the moments when my heart was breaking for both Dinah and Celine.
An amazing historical romance that I can’t help but recommend it. This was my first story by Anne Shade and it won’t be my last. I was completely moved by this story, it was so beautiful and emotional, I just couldn’t hope but become invested in supporting Celine and Dinah, wishing them all the happiness, and hope we may see Celine and Dinah again in future.
Celine’s life is turned upside down when a scandal means her family have to move to Harlem. There she meets Dinah, who enlightens her and awakens desires in Celine for love and life she hadn’t allowed herself to previously embrace but when the past catches up with both Dinah and Celine, a gangster sets her sights on Celine. Dinah and Celine are forced to make heart-breaking decisions for the sake of their love but are unsure of the consequences that could come as a result.
This story made me happy and at the same time broke my heart! It was filled with passion and drama that made for an exciting story, packed with emotions that take the reader on quite the ride. It was everything I had expected and so much more. The story was dramatic, and I just couldn’t put it down. I had no idea how the story was going to go, and at times I was worried it would all end in a dramatic gangster ending, but that just added to the thrill. It was a much an adventure for Celine into behind the glamour that sugar-coats some of the darker elements that surrounded that period of time, for women, different races, and classes. Not only did I learn from this story but I felt a great sense of connection, mostly emotionally to Celine, Dinah, and those that surrounded them and added to the story.
What Anne covers in this story is very sensitive, highlighting not only the indifferences between race but also sexual orientation as it was perceived in the 1920’s and that was quite the insight. Everything was handled sensitively but realistically and I very much related to it being as accurate of the times as my knowledge but also gave me further understanding and insight into that historic time, which I just love. Learning of experiences and seeing just how hard it was for two people to fall in love with who they wanted to, rather than what was expected, and experiencing these challenges with both Dinah and Celine was certainly more than I expected.
I really felt I could connect with them both. Celine was more reserved and had a lot to overcome if only she could embrace it, whereas Dinah was the experience, carefully guiding Celine and supporting her in becoming her true self. They were both terribly brave and I admired all they did, went through, and their morals. They were very admirable and they deserved all the happiness in the world, even if again that emotionally challenged them. I really felt I got to know Celine and Dinah quite intimately and going through all they went through with them gave me a great empathy for them both and their circumstances. In some ways it was quite tragic but I had a lot of hope and could hold onto it, even during the moments when my heart was breaking for both Dinah and Celine.
An amazing historical romance that I can’t help but recommend it. This was my first story by Anne Shade and it won’t be my last. I was completely moved by this story, it was so beautiful and emotional, I just couldn’t hope but become invested in supporting Celine and Dinah, wishing them all the happiness, and hope we may see Celine and Dinah again in future.
January 10, 2021
Dinah study to be a nurse and was working at clinic that pays well because of that she sticks it out because the money helps her family but when she has enough of not using her skills because the head nurse is racist she decides to take her chances in Harlem.
Celine and her family had to flee their home when a scandal hurt her family reputation. Celine married her childhood friend Paul but it was a ruse because she and Paul are attracted to the same sex but when he get kill she wonders should she live the life Paul wanted for her or will she be content being a widower rest of her life.
Dinah and Celine meets and they both help each other discover there’s more to life then what society deems fit but as they fall in love will their love be strong enough when they have to deal with unwanted attention.
This was a good read. I love the supporting characters Fran and Jo was a hoot and I’m amazed that they build a good life for themselves even though they can’t be out in open with their love. I admire that some have the guts to live their life the way they wanted to despite the danger that comes with it. Even though we can be as open now it’s still a battle for rights it’s a shame that society can’t see love is love.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Celine and her family had to flee their home when a scandal hurt her family reputation. Celine married her childhood friend Paul but it was a ruse because she and Paul are attracted to the same sex but when he get kill she wonders should she live the life Paul wanted for her or will she be content being a widower rest of her life.
Dinah and Celine meets and they both help each other discover there’s more to life then what society deems fit but as they fall in love will their love be strong enough when they have to deal with unwanted attention.
This was a good read. I love the supporting characters Fran and Jo was a hoot and I’m amazed that they build a good life for themselves even though they can’t be out in open with their love. I admire that some have the guts to live their life the way they wanted to despite the danger that comes with it. Even though we can be as open now it’s still a battle for rights it’s a shame that society can’t see love is love.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
February 6, 2021
It is my first time reading a book from Anne Shade. I had mixed feelings after reading the book, well even while I was in the middle reading it. The way she wrote the story felt so real. I felt the excitement, anger, shame, and pain that the characters went through.
Both the MCs were amazingly written and relatable. I just can’t imagine how hard it was to live that way during those times, and added to being a person of color.
I truly applaud Celine for helping Dinah get out of a bad situation. Although subconsciously, she had an agenda of her own which she really tried to repress but lust is such a strong pull to a passionate woman such as her. Her heart was in the right place in helping but she didn’t consider the repercussions it could bring to her and Dinah, mostly herself. I understand Dinah’s side, for her to feel hurt and jealous knowing you can’t give all what your lover wants. Jealousy, like lust, is such a potent thing that can destroy a person.
The storyline was so good., especially the conflicts which the the sub characters brought into the MCs life.
Also, one of my favorite sub character is Celine’s aunt, Olivia. She is such a strong woman with conviction, smart and also full of secrets, who loves Celine like a daughter. Truly Masquerade is an apt title for this book
4.5⭐️s for Anne Shade!
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both the MCs were amazingly written and relatable. I just can’t imagine how hard it was to live that way during those times, and added to being a person of color.
I truly applaud Celine for helping Dinah get out of a bad situation. Although subconsciously, she had an agenda of her own which she really tried to repress but lust is such a strong pull to a passionate woman such as her. Her heart was in the right place in helping but she didn’t consider the repercussions it could bring to her and Dinah, mostly herself. I understand Dinah’s side, for her to feel hurt and jealous knowing you can’t give all what your lover wants. Jealousy, like lust, is such a potent thing that can destroy a person.
The storyline was so good., especially the conflicts which the the sub characters brought into the MCs life.
Also, one of my favorite sub character is Celine’s aunt, Olivia. She is such a strong woman with conviction, smart and also full of secrets, who loves Celine like a daughter. Truly Masquerade is an apt title for this book
4.5⭐️s for Anne Shade!
I received an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2021
5 stars. Wow. This was everything. I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end. This was messy and filled to the brim with all of the drama and I was here for it all. There’s a love triangle which is one of my least favorite tropes but Shade definitely pulled it off and made it work. Celine being in lust with Philly and in love with Dinah was so good and I honestly enjoyed the tension and all of the emotional moments.
The writing was really good, the characters all felt real and flawed, and I really loved that while it is definitely a romance it’s also a self journey for Celine as she comes to terms with her sexuality. It was all really well done and such a wild ride. Celine has fantastic chemistry with Dinah and I loved their relationship so much. The sex scenes were super steamy but tastefully done.
I just loved this book. A historical romance set in Harlem 1920s with a lesbian love triangle. It was a good time.
The writing was really good, the characters all felt real and flawed, and I really loved that while it is definitely a romance it’s also a self journey for Celine as she comes to terms with her sexuality. It was all really well done and such a wild ride. Celine has fantastic chemistry with Dinah and I loved their relationship so much. The sex scenes were super steamy but tastefully done.
I just loved this book. A historical romance set in Harlem 1920s with a lesbian love triangle. It was a good time.
January 31, 2021
I had no idea that this romance would be about two women of color. Yippee for diversity. Celine Montre family moves to Harlem after her family is forced to leave New Orleans in the early 1920's. Her family is well to do and is able to settle in quickly in Harlem. What they don't know is that Celine is a lesbian. Dinah Hampton is a nurse by day and a dancer by night. She moved to Harlem to make a better life for her mother and sister who live in Georgia. These two are attracted to each other from the beginning. It's not easy falling for a woman in the early 1900s.
I for sure enjoyed reading this romance. There is nothing like a historical fiction romance featuring two women of color who are also femme. Masquerade has mystery, chemistry, crime, sex, plot twists, acceptance, love, etc etc. From the moment I started reading I could not put this one down. I can't give this one 5stars but It comes close. 4.5 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I for sure enjoyed reading this romance. There is nothing like a historical fiction romance featuring two women of color who are also femme. Masquerade has mystery, chemistry, crime, sex, plot twists, acceptance, love, etc etc. From the moment I started reading I could not put this one down. I can't give this one 5stars but It comes close. 4.5 stars.
This arc was provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
August 14, 2021
This book takes place in the 1920s. Left a widow when her gay husband of 10 years is murdered, Celine and her parents leave New Orleans for Harlem in the wake of the scandal. Though she knows her attraction is to women, she has never acted on it until she meets Dinah, a nurse who dances at a club to earn extra money. Celine is from a more wealthy family with Creole roots and lighter skin, while Dinah is from Alabama and is darker. Both class and colorism figure into the plot.
This is a good historical romance that explores Harlem in the 1920s and the mostly hidden gay and lesbian world. The author does a good job writing a convincing setting with interesting historical information that doesn't overwhelm or detract from the story. What makes this a 4 star instead of a 5 is that I found the pacing uneven in parts, a bit slow at the beginning and then more engaging after until the last third that moved along really well.
Still, I recommend the book to all who love historical romance.
This is a good historical romance that explores Harlem in the 1920s and the mostly hidden gay and lesbian world. The author does a good job writing a convincing setting with interesting historical information that doesn't overwhelm or detract from the story. What makes this a 4 star instead of a 5 is that I found the pacing uneven in parts, a bit slow at the beginning and then more engaging after until the last third that moved along really well.
Still, I recommend the book to all who love historical romance.
November 13, 2021
The review on the back of my copy called this a sweet and spicy lesbian romance, and Anne Shade delivered on both of those. That does make this review rather difficult to write, however, because while I absolutely believe this book achieved what it set out to do, that was not quite what I was looking for. I will therefore emphasize that my rating refers to my personal enjoyment level rather than how good or bad I believe the book was.
I thought the characters were interesting and well-written, and I enjoyed watching them grow, both apart and together. Happy historical lesbians is such a beautiful thing, and I am always glad to see it/read about it. In addition to the main women, I also loved both of their aunts, as well as a few of the side characters.
Really, the main reason I did not enjoy this book more is because my asexual ass could not connect to the somewhat frequent sex scenes. For many other readers, this will not be a problem. Outside of this, however, I found the relationship between Celine and Dinah very sweet, and I rooted for them the whole time. In fact, the fact that I read the entire book, even when it became clear that the sexual growth of one of the characters would be a significant part of the story, says a lot about how compelling everything else was.
Though I personally did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would, I can never regret reading about historical women who get to both fall in love with each other and be happy. It may not always have been to my personal taste, but I did genuinely like the book, and I second the recommendation to anyone looking for a lesbian romance that is both sweet and spicy.
I thought the characters were interesting and well-written, and I enjoyed watching them grow, both apart and together. Happy historical lesbians is such a beautiful thing, and I am always glad to see it/read about it. In addition to the main women, I also loved both of their aunts, as well as a few of the side characters.
Really, the main reason I did not enjoy this book more is because my asexual ass could not connect to the somewhat frequent sex scenes. For many other readers, this will not be a problem. Outside of this, however, I found the relationship between Celine and Dinah very sweet, and I rooted for them the whole time. In fact, the fact that I read the entire book, even when it became clear that the sexual growth of one of the characters would be a significant part of the story, says a lot about how compelling everything else was.
Though I personally did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would, I can never regret reading about historical women who get to both fall in love with each other and be happy. It may not always have been to my personal taste, but I did genuinely like the book, and I second the recommendation to anyone looking for a lesbian romance that is both sweet and spicy.
January 28, 2021
Fantastic plot and characters. It’s also a joy to read about black folk, as in all the cast and not just one of the leads or the friend. At times the writing could do with a bit more zip in the dialogue, but it doesn’t matter because honestly the plot is so good. It would make a fabulous mini series. Somebody pass it to on to Shonda; a lesbian Bridgerton is what we’ve been waiting for. I would also like to read a prequel about the earlier life of tante Olivia and Celine’s mother. The characters are so good, you really do want to know more about them. Another idea is Paris the sequel, with adopted children and young apprentices or Philly finally falling in love. I don’t want this world to go away. Please write more.
February 6, 2021
This is my first book by Anne Shade. Its very hot, sex, blackmail, swing parties. I enjoyed it tremendously. It was beautifully crafted and well written. The plot was great. The main characters Dinah and Celine had great chemistry and loved each other. I especially loved Celine's aunt Olivia, a beautiful smart and intelligent business woman. Did I forget to mention also gay. She supported Celine in whatever she decisions she made that would make her happy. In the 1900 it was very difficult to be an openly gay couple. I would recommend you get a copy. 5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read
April 11, 2021I wanted to like this book. Black lesbians in Harlem in the 20s? Sounds great. But unfortunately the blurb didn't accurately describe this book.
June 9, 2022
Romance is not my genre, but I liked the historical aspect.
June 22, 2022
Tearfully good!
What a journey for Celine and Dinah! Many pitfalls and heartbreaks can't stop true love! Read and enjoy their trip!
What a journey for Celine and Dinah! Many pitfalls and heartbreaks can't stop true love! Read and enjoy their trip!
did-not-finish
December 20, 2022DNF at 8%. Not sure how a historical romance ended up on my TBR since I'm not really into either genre.
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