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Masked Intent: A Modern-Day Morality Play

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From being denied by her birth parents to marrying the wrong man, Alexa Winston has learned to cope with disappointment and heartache by masking her true self from the world. Divorced and finally living on her own terms, she shrouds herself in half-truths and bravado, content to live her quiet, predictable life – until she finds the job and the man of her dreams. As she falls deeper into both, and into a world ruled by powerful players jockeying for influence and dominance at all costs, she’s forced to weigh her truths against reality. Trouble is, though she’s a master at detecting self-deception in others, she’s slow to recognize it in herself.

Masked Intent takes a taut, complex look at how we hide behind inauthenticity to guide us through interpersonal relationships. Through a series of detailed, interconnected storylines, the novel takes a timely look at our relationship with the truth and how it drives our actions and motivations. Where do you draw lines in a world where authenticity takes back seat to the power and seduction of influence?

Masked Intent is the first installment in The Morality Plays Series and ends in a cliffhanger. The story concludes in Intents + Purposes, which publishes in 2022.

©2021 Kimberly Greer

492 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2021

9 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

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Kimberly Greer

2 books7 followers

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Eve Koguce.
Author 6 books396 followers
June 27, 2022
Have you ever wondered what hides behind a polished façade of a womaniser? In literature and onscreen the men who refuse to commit and form a long-term relationship are usually depicted from the perspective “I’ve chosen it myself because it’s cool and I need nobody in my life”. James Bond doesn’t count – he has a dangerous profession.

In “Masked Intent” by Kimberly Greer, Alexa meets such a man, and despite a strong attraction she instantly feels towards him, she knows that nothing good can come out of their relationship. But is she right? And is it Mateo’s reputation that holds her off from accepting him, or the reason for her doubts are her own secrets and troubles?

“Masked Intent” is a multi-dimensional story, offering insights into two people’s minds and hearts. It is an intense read that digs deep into two people’s path towards a relationship they both crave but are afraid to succumb to. When they meet, Alexa and Mateo already have accumulated life experiences that taught them life isn’t a walk in the park with balloons bubbling joyfully above one’s head. If viewed from the outside, they both are successful, confident, leading the kind of lives many can only dream about. Does it save them from feeling insecure and lonely? “Masked Intent” provides an explicit answer to that question.

I really enjoyed office scenes since they reminded me of people and situations from my own past. Underqualified employees’ ambitions, management’s non-willingness to accept risky solutions to a company’s problems, profits earned in dishonest ways – it is obvious that the author is familiar with issues that are inseparable from high-level entrepreneurship.

Characters in this book aren’t flat or predictable. The author draws vivid and complex portraits not only of the two main characters but also of people who play important roles in their lives, adding relatability to the storyline.


Profile Image for C.J. Wills.
75 reviews15 followers
May 20, 2022
A beautiful love story. Following the main character and her turmoil with her family. Realistic and very honest problems in a modern life.

The author guides us through the novel on a deep meaning that to me brought the book to life. The main character keeps others at bay with half truths and lives her basic life or so it seems to the people that don't truly ever get to know her.

All of this changes as her life does. A new, wonderful job and a man she could have only dreamed of. Her world becomes one of power players looking to dominate their influence by any means.

The beauty of the book to me is how the author shows a true account of how so many of us hide behind who we portray to be and who we really are. Also at what point to we draw the line. The author weaves an excellent story of intricacy in the characters relationships.

The book is very well written and detailed which brought the story to life for me. The writing style was new to me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The very complex lead character left me with brutal questions to ask myself about others and myself simply about the truth.

Looking forward to other books from the author. I loved her approach and the dynamics among all of the characters. Very well written romance novel with a good bit of mystery, keeping the reader waiting on the next ordeal. While most importantly each one of us looking into our realistic selves.
64 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2021
Kimberly Greer showed out when she wrote this book. I just ask to be part of the upcoming tv series cast as since this book will be on the same scale as the Vampire Diaries and The Originals. This is a very intense and thourough realization of things according to truth. I won't give any spoilers so just read the book and you will agree why spoilers aren't needed.
Profile Image for Jill Rey.
1,228 reviews49 followers
November 29, 2022
Author Kimberly Greer has made me feel a gauntlet of emotions. As a female I’ve connected and related deeply to Alexa, both in this, book one of The Morality Plays Series, and book two. Alexa is a badass working mom with a daunting career. As a female she protects her heart and is slow to trust after being previously hurt by men. Mateo, her romantic interest throughout these two books, has made me feel visceral emotions. From let-down to anger, attraction, disappointment and then rooting for him, all in the span of a few hundred pages, I feel whip lashed by the emotions Mateo brings out in readers. As Mateo and Alexa navigate whatever this is between them, I certainly appreciated the steam, attraction and sexual chemistry that accompanied them along the ride.

While I ultimately have read this series out of order, starting first with book two “Intermezzo,” I am almost thankful to have done so. Where “Intermezzo” was all about the meeting of Alexa and Mateo, the emotion and tension between two people, it was so clearly a romance, drawing readers in. “Intermezzo” was short and heaping with sexual chemistry, it offered brief glimpses into these two guarded characters with only small undertones of the pasts that so obviously haunt and shape them. So, with “Intermezzo” under my belt, I then took on this, book one “Masked Intent,” and WOW does Greer have impressive range. Where book two really had only two characters with limited depth outside of what they saw of each other, book one offered a more complex layering of characters. Greer has created a world within “Masked Intent” that surrounds Alexa and Mateo’s love, drawing readers in and holding them through the steamy times and the mundane life moments within. Readers get to see badass Alexa at work as she navigates a poisonous client and past, but we also get to see Mateo as he opens up about his own family and history. Even more so, we are given Alexa’s boys’ personalities and glimpses of both their exes. Greer creates a nuanced life for each, with characters that take on real places in our lives and beckon our own opinions and feelings towards each in tangible ways.

It is incredible, these characters Greer brings to life in the pages. Through the eyes of Alexa and Mateo you will go from feelings of anger, to hate, happiness, fear, and back again. She truly brings out the reactions of readers in different, but ever enchanting ways in both book one and two of The Morality Plays Series.

While “Masked Intent” is longer and different than book two, “Intermezzo,” it is so, so enjoyable. I flew through the pages of Alexa and Mateo’s story. “Masked Intent” is more than just a romance, there’s crime, friendships, office drama, children’s personalities, and so many more layers to peel back. This read truly leaves you grasping for more so I’m glad we are promised at least one more in this series after “Intermezzo.”
Profile Image for Joni Martins.
Author 23 books47 followers
Read
April 3, 2022
Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: Masked Intent
Subtitle: A Modern-Day Morality Play
Author: Kimberly Greer
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 1
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book is a little confusing in places. We look at a couple who wish to be together, but both are not telling the full truth to the other or themselves. Can their loves survive? Truth also plays a character within this book.
What I liked about the book:
The book dragged you in after a while, wishing to know what is next. The character of truth however played some interference.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The ending. The author described it as a cliff-hanger in the blurb. The ending was abrupt, too abrupt for my liking.
My favourite bits in the book:
The book was enjoyable.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I believe this is the first in a series.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I’m not sure what books to compare this one to.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Maybe
Adult Yes

If you like romance novels, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Set in the not-so-distant future, Masked Intent follows the new, shaky romance between a divorced mom with three sons and a younger college professor. When ghosts from their pasts reappear, they come face-to-face with the emotional wreckage that was locked down and lay dormant inside them both for years. As it turns out, the ghosts aren't the biggest threats to their budding love. It's the lies they've lived and accepted for themselves as truth that have the potential to break them apart.

Told through a series of seemingly disconnected vignettes narrated by Truth personified, Masked Intent examines our relationship with the truth and each other in a world where honesty and authenticity take back seat to the power of influence.

Masked Intent is the first installment in The Morality Plays Series and ends in a cliffhanger. The story concludes in Intents + Purposes, which publishes in early 2022.

©2021 Kimberly Greer
About the Author:

Profile Image for Alisha Rowe.
642 reviews33 followers
January 30, 2023
This review was originally posted at http://bit.ly/3RgRL1K.











Hi, I'm Truth. While you may love me or hate me I am always there, ready to show myself for better or worse. After all, the truth always come out in the end. I don't think of myself as a bad guy, and like to think that everything often works out for the best when I'm involved. Take Mateo and Alexa. Their story involves truth being shed on many of the secrets in their past. But, I am certain they can make it through these challenges together. My sisters don't necessarily agree.

I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book includes some of my favorite things all bundled together to make for a read I really didn't want to finish! For one, it is set up like a play with acts and scenes. There's a narrator that you can either trust or not. Considering she is the embodiment of truth I am choosing to trust her. Then there is the contemporary romance aspect and even a dash of mob boss. Not kidding.

Everyone has a past that we choose to hide some part of. Alexa has her parentage as well as her divorce while Mateo has his family drama and past relationships. Together, if they share their truths, they may be able to forge a life together. But, will skeletons from their closets prove too much for this budding relationship?

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book. While the story is far from complete and absolutely ends on a cliff-hanger it only leaves the reader wanting more. Unfortunately in my case I have about a million review requests right now so I won't be able to read anymore on this series for a minute...or you know about 3 or 4 months (I'm being serious when I say I have a ton of review requests). Still, this book is amazing and be prepared to want more the second you finish book one!

While I oftentimes have issues with narrations for one reason or another I didn't with this one. The narrator did a great job and I was almost always able to tell immediately when it switched from Mateo to Alexa, as this story splits perspectives between the two main characters.
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
1,289 reviews103 followers
May 30, 2022
Masked Intent by Kimberly Greer, is the first book of the Morality Series and is a powerful novel that focuses on authenticity and relationships. We follow Alexa Winston who has finally found contentment after her divorce and leads a predictable life. All this changes when she not only lands the job of her dreams but also the man of her dreams. There is only one obstacle to fully accepting their love for one another and it is their past, will they come to terms with it, or will it keep them apart?

Author Kimberly Greer has created a very detailed story and I was immediately immersed in Alexa and Mateo’s world. The author seamlessly transitions from Alexa and Mateo’s point of view throughout the story without creating confusion. This was my favorite part of the book because this gives readers an inside look as to what each character is thinking and feeling, which is important because this an impassioned romance novel with emotions underlying much of the plot.

I enjoyed reading about the passion both Mateo and Alexa felt for one another because it felt authtentic and deep, yet they tried so hard to hide it. This passion and intensity builds slowly throughout the story and provides the story with intrigue and melodrama that is intoxicating because you just want the two to let go and just be together.

This riveting romance novel is long side but the playful and tense back and forth banter between Alexa and Mateo makes pages fly by. I enjoyed the author’s character development as each character has a unique personality and evolution throughout the story. I enjoyed that Mateo wasn’t afraid to say how he felt about Alexa. Alexa is also a character I enjoyed as she is confident and, based off past experiences, she knows what she wants for herself.

I highly recommend Masked Intent to those who are looking for an intense and thrilling contemporary love story involving the romantic chase between two captivating people.
155 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2022
MASKED INTENT written by KIMBERLY GREER is the first book of the Morality Series and is a powerful novel that focuses on authenticity and relationships.Author has created a very detailed story and I was immediately immersed in Alexa and Mateo’s world.The author guides us through the novel on a deep meaning that to me brought the book to life.

The plot-
This is a multi-dimensional story, offering insights into two people’s minds and hearts. It is an intense read that digs deep into two people’s path towards a relationship they both crave but are afraid to succumb to.
ALEXA has been recently divorced and have joins her dream company for work and also she finds her dream man MATEO on that company too. She was instantly attracted towards him and also Mateo was attracted towards her too. But both of them was having a past and they feared that if they get into this relationship it isn't gonna workout. They both didn't tell each other their truth and to themselves too. Will thier love survive? Will they overcome from their past and be true to their self? To find out read the book.

Writing-

The book is very well written and detailed which brought the story to life for me. The writing style was something different but I really enjoyed it. The very complex lead character left me with some confusing questions to ask myself about others and myself simply about the truth. The chemistry between the two lead characters was something amazing to watch and also all the characters have impactful roles which makes the story realistic. The plot is superb with unexpected twists and turns in it. And you will be hooked to the book untill it is finished. The language is easy to understand and the narration has been good. The title is attractive and it is really intense in a good way and if you love contemporary romance novel this book should be on your list.
Profile Image for Books Review.
99 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2022
This book is one of the most wonderful book which will take readers on the road filled with Romance & Morality. One of the best written books in the recent time. This is the first book of the series named as 'Morality'. The focus of this book is directly on authenticity & relationship. The complexity of lead character and chemistry between the two lead characters was something special. Writing been top class from author as story felt very detailed and multi dimensional. Narration was also very perfect aspect of this book. The twists & turns brought some amazingness in plot which is enough to hook any readers to book till end. Language is also easy which makes it so comfortable to read & understand.


This book's story revolves around two peoples whose name are 'Alexa' & 'Mateo'. Story provides insights of these two people's minds and hearts. Focuses on two people’s path towards a relationship which they both crave but are afraid to follow.
Story starts with Alexa and she had been recently divorced. Later she had joined her dream company for work, but this wasn't the only good thing that happened to her as she soon finds her dream man Mateo who was working on that company too. She was instantly attracted towards him and same happened with Mateo. But both of them had a past which was unforgettable for both of them and they feared that if they get into this relationship then this isn't gonna work perfectly.


I enjoyed reading this book and was an amazing experience for me to read this. There's nothing but appreciation for Author as she has done some amazing work in presenting this book in front of us. Her talent needs to be applauded. So, it's my only recommendations for all of you to read this book.
Profile Image for Suhasini.
Author 2 books1 follower
June 2, 2022
An intense take on romance and mortality at the same time. This is the first book in the Mortality Series by Kimberly Greer.

This book hooks the reader from the first chapter itself, as Alexa (the main protagonist) gets her divorce work settled and she gets her dream job offer at the same time. From here, the story picks up the pace and how Alexa manages her new job along with her three sons.

She meets Mateo and their past surfaces once again. Whether this couple would be able to overcome their past shadows and the budding romance would get converted into something concrete or not, has to be read in the book itself.

What I really liked in this book is the narrative, and how the author shifts the point of view from Alexa to Mateo and vice-versa. Whether the half-truths they told each other would really help them and would reveal themselves to break these individuals apart keeps nagging the reader all the while reading the book.

The depth with which the author describes each character makes the reader associate with the character easily. So as a reader I keep wavering and contemplating as to whether the truth would win or the characters in this romance.

An easy read for a lazy weekend, but at times gets a little heavier as the truth tries to reveal and show how the circumstances can change if both the characters are honest to themselves as well as to the others.

Thank you Booktasters for providing me with this book for review. My review is completely original and is not influenced by anyone.
147 reviews
April 8, 2022
The book is well written and I did want to find out what would happen to the main characters. The book tells the story of a relationship between two people who have both been hurt in the past. There are complications in both love relationships and in their extended family relationships. There are short chapters which are written from the point of Truth etc which I didn’t feel enhanced the book at all.
Alexa is a divorced woman with three sons who has cut herself off from love as she was hurt so much by her ex husband. Mateo is a little younger and has been playing the field, frightened of commitment due to what his ex fiancé did to him. They meet and decide, after being friends, to embark on a relationship. There is great sexual chemistry between them, which I felt was the best part of the book.
I can’t say I disliked the book and there were some very good parts. However I feel it could have been about a third shorter and still told the story. I felt myself just wishing it would move on, too much introspection for my taste.
I agree with another reviewer that the ending ( cliff hanger) was too short and abrupt.
If I could have given 3.5 stars I would, as there are some very interesting and enthralling parts in the book. Unfortunately I found it too long, big on talk but not enough action for me.
27 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2022
Ms. Greer has created something wonderfully unique with her book, "Masked Intent." I thoroughly enjoyed the process of watching the main characters, Alexa and Mateo, navigate the twists and turns of building a new relationship. Their complex pasts, with plenty of dark secrets, make the path to their new romance quite treacherous.

While the book fits nicely within the Romance genre, it offers SO much more than the typical love story. The title gives a clue to this depth - only by removing your own mask can you earn trust. Trust is the major theme in the story and directly leads to my favorite parts of the book.

The periodic observations and comments from the morality players, Truth, Accountability, and Honesty, (think of something like the Greek fates), added a fascinating aspect to the work. Their ability to see through all the human machinations and deflections was delightfully thought-provoking.

I've described the book to my wife as, "An excellent romance novel (complete with steamy scenes) that is also literary, intelligent, and partly inspired by ancient Greek plays." It's a description I would hardly have believed if I'd read it, but here it is. Believe it!

"Masked Intent," reads well at so many levels. It is sexy and intelligent. And, isn't that exactly what we want in our lovers?
Profile Image for troublingtrash.
253 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2022
Okay wow, this book is definitely intense but in all the best ways. It definitely reminds of me of Pretty Little Liars, but only in the way that the scandal is set. The characters are all very real and after two reads you can really see that the author has put a lot of effort into the intricases of each character's life. The writing is very clear and concise, so readers of any level can pick this up. I would recommend this for a more mature audience, just as the setting seems a bit mature and certain themes can fly over the heads of younger readers.
Profile Image for Mary Schmidt.
Author 19 books84 followers
February 13, 2024
Epic read

This book is a true epic read. One can not help but feel the emotions except when cloaked and shut off to the world. This love story is different from others I've read and unique.
Alexa must protect her heart. Mateo brings out deep emotions. Do you hide your heart, or are you an open book? I've been an open book all my life. The pain is devastating to relate my life to that of Alexa. Regardless, pain and doubt are dominant in this novel, but so is love. The characters are realistic and that's not found in many books. Definitely a deep novel.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
79 reviews
May 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and am getting ready to read Kimberly Greer's next book called “Intermezzo” which is book 2 in "The Morality Play Series," and I am so excited. If you’ve never read a book like this, I’d totally recommend you’d start with and read Masked Intent. It’s a great combination of a sultry romance yet, with its nuanced storyline, it has so much more to offer. It really is a captivating story, intriguing and interesting with a unique brilliant style of writing.
Profile Image for Mara Roane.
49 reviews
May 15, 2023
I loved this book. The author has that keen ability to make any storyline feel like it’s happening to the readers as well. I loved her plot and her characters; especially the main character, Alexa Winston, will make you feel like standing up and cheering for all womankind. This woman knows how to stand up for herself, for truth, and for others with zero hesitation. If you’re looking for an inspiring character and astounding read, you will really enjoy Masked Intent!
Profile Image for Kathleen Van Lierop.
271 reviews20 followers
March 29, 2022
A different story which took my attention immediately and it really was a
wonderful read.

The characters were all developed well, however I'm not sure in what
kind of category this book fell.

I would recommend this book to all who like to read well developed,
fiction plays with interesting characters.

I give a 5 star rating for this wonderful read.
Profile Image for Kiona18.
42 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2022
I found this book enjoyable reading the three different perspectives Alexa,Mateo and truth. A couple trying to start a relationship but both have secrets or things they are keeping to themselves. Kimberley is a very detailed writer and makes you feel like you really know the characters personally. The ending did feel very sudden but I am looking forward to see what is next for Alexa and Mateo.
Profile Image for Sanju Lali.
5 reviews
Read
June 19, 2022
A lovely romantic novel that demonstrates masked intent in our daily life
I enjoyed reading this book and realized that the author artistically crafted the characters and viewed a interesting plot to clearly demonstrate the masked intent is visible in our day to day lives. The scenes were described in perfect detail so that we can easily immerse into the story and enjoy.
Profile Image for S. Pierzchala.
Author 15 books20 followers
February 2, 2023
The author has tons of talent, but the story was kind of weak and rambling. Despite the deep POV's of the main characters, there wasn't much depth to them and they did not feel real. After the first sexual encounter (which was, frankly, gross and not at all romantic), whatever tension there was between them was gone and I lost interest. I really wanted to like this one, but I couldn't finish it.
Profile Image for Sarah Din.
32 reviews38 followers
June 17, 2023
I didn't really feel the book. The language was too technical and I didn't like the way the author went into more detail about Alexa's professional life rather than her personal life with her sons and Mateo. It was a little disappointing because at the start, their chemistry had been so strong.
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