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Under the Mask
WHEN THE DECORATED HERO RETURNS HOME SCARRED, NOBODY KNOWS HIM,
BUT HIS DREAM OF A SECOND CHANCE FOR LOVE WON’T DIE
All of our lives were torn apart on prom night, but he was the only one of us who went so far away. Now he's back from a fateful tour of duty, and he thinks I can't recognize him.
More than the marks that make him keep his face covered and hidden, I see the deeper wounds he carries on the inside. But should I keep his dark secrets, even when I can't be sure of the truth behind them? Even if he might cut open the scars that are still raw on my own heart?
If I can reach him past all his defenses, can I help him to heal?
And if I take the risk, what will I find under the mask?
NOTE: This story features an innocent school teacher, and it includes themes that readers may find dark. Reader discretion is advised.
The Heart of the Wounded Hero series was created to pay tribute to and raise awareness of our wounded heroes. Each of the over eighty authors involved have contributed time, money, and stories to the cause. These love stories are inspiring and uplifting, showing the sacrifice of our veterans but also giving them the happily ever after they deserve.
By increasing awareness through our books, we believe we can in a small part help the wounded heroes that have sacrificed so much. Thank you for reading!
BUT HIS DREAM OF A SECOND CHANCE FOR LOVE WON’T DIE
All of our lives were torn apart on prom night, but he was the only one of us who went so far away. Now he's back from a fateful tour of duty, and he thinks I can't recognize him.
More than the marks that make him keep his face covered and hidden, I see the deeper wounds he carries on the inside. But should I keep his dark secrets, even when I can't be sure of the truth behind them? Even if he might cut open the scars that are still raw on my own heart?
If I can reach him past all his defenses, can I help him to heal?
And if I take the risk, what will I find under the mask?
NOTE: This story features an innocent school teacher, and it includes themes that readers may find dark. Reader discretion is advised.
The Heart of the Wounded Hero series was created to pay tribute to and raise awareness of our wounded heroes. Each of the over eighty authors involved have contributed time, money, and stories to the cause. These love stories are inspiring and uplifting, showing the sacrifice of our veterans but also giving them the happily ever after they deserve.
By increasing awareness through our books, we believe we can in a small part help the wounded heroes that have sacrificed so much. Thank you for reading!
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2022
44 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 16, 2022
Is it possible to be too descriptive in a book? I think it is, or at least it was for me, because the scenes and emotions in this story were over-described. The POV changes were a little awkward and I got a little confused about who Wood was and where he came into the story in the beginning. It was a short read but too many adjectives and it was a little murky.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2022
I thought that this was a good book. Wood and Simona were great together and I am glad that they finally get a must need and deserved HEA. There are some darker themes in this book but I think it just made it better. I enjoyed this book and I thought it was a perfect addition to this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2022
When Wood gets turned down by Simona he signs up for the military. But one incident t leaves him scarred and unrecognisable to most except Simona. Can they have a second chance? Or will Scar of the past keep them apart? Well written, emotionally driven, engaging story and well developed characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2022
Simona and Wood's story is full of mystery,emotion, heartbreak, and second chances. Ms Ball gives us a beautiful tale between two people showing how love and perseverance conquers tragedy and heals the human spirit.
June 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book, it was a nice quick read. I didn't feel any connection to any of the character. A lot of things were repeated, and it would get confusing at times.
Wood and Simona go to school together although they aren't close, they still know of each other. Five years ago on prom night Wood met Simona at a bar, she turned him down. Woods enlisted in the military the next day, she went looking for him at school and found out what he did. Present day he returns home with scars on his face, he was involved in a fire oversea where he almost lost his life. He puts a shield up, so no one sees his face. When he’s eating at the local diner, she notices him. He follows her home to make sure she is safe. She arrives home late from work as a teacher, she sees him. Simona ask him what he wants. She knows he’s following her. Wood tells her he wants her to be safe. He’s just watching for her safety. They begin kissing then she invites him upstairs. He tells her he could use a shower, Wood asks if they leave the lights off and shower together. Neither one has done this before. They are both virgins. He pleasures her, they get physical, he stays the night. The next day Simona rushes off to work/school while Wood figures out who is running the drugs in the town. He follows a boy to a warehouse and tells him he could do better. Simona follows a vehicle to the warehouse, Wood confronts, the man who is bringing drugs into the town. Wood wants the man to leave the kids alone, he threatens him. They end up in a scuffle outside the warehouse where Simona is. The man drops his gun, then she realizes who he is, her boyfriend from high school, Jared. She broke up with him the night of her prom and ended up at the bar that night. They both threaten Jared and he leaves. They take the kids back home promising them a better life. A few months later, they find out they are pregnant with triplets, boys and they are now married.
Wood and Simona go to school together although they aren't close, they still know of each other. Five years ago on prom night Wood met Simona at a bar, she turned him down. Woods enlisted in the military the next day, she went looking for him at school and found out what he did. Present day he returns home with scars on his face, he was involved in a fire oversea where he almost lost his life. He puts a shield up, so no one sees his face. When he’s eating at the local diner, she notices him. He follows her home to make sure she is safe. She arrives home late from work as a teacher, she sees him. Simona ask him what he wants. She knows he’s following her. Wood tells her he wants her to be safe. He’s just watching for her safety. They begin kissing then she invites him upstairs. He tells her he could use a shower, Wood asks if they leave the lights off and shower together. Neither one has done this before. They are both virgins. He pleasures her, they get physical, he stays the night. The next day Simona rushes off to work/school while Wood figures out who is running the drugs in the town. He follows a boy to a warehouse and tells him he could do better. Simona follows a vehicle to the warehouse, Wood confronts, the man who is bringing drugs into the town. Wood wants the man to leave the kids alone, he threatens him. They end up in a scuffle outside the warehouse where Simona is. The man drops his gun, then she realizes who he is, her boyfriend from high school, Jared. She broke up with him the night of her prom and ended up at the bar that night. They both threaten Jared and he leaves. They take the kids back home promising them a better life. A few months later, they find out they are pregnant with triplets, boys and they are now married.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
Under The Mask
I know I keep writing the same review over and over for this series, I'm just so in love, obsessed and addicted to it. I really can't put them down from start to finish.
These are fantastic, inspiring, sweet and sexy, instalove short stories written by various different authors. They tug (no rip) at your heart strings and set off almost every emotion possible, laughter, tears, horror, rage, sadness, happiness and love. Did I mention I'm addicted to this series? Like seriously I can't read them fast enough!!!
They have great characters that are realistically flawed, emotionally broken, physically damaged and have some demons but they are beautiful, determined, dedicated, fun, strong, committed, loyal, loving and by various means find that special someone who makes them feel alive and whole again, then they start healing and are rewarded with their Happily Ever Afters!!
I highly recommend this series. I haven't been disappointed yet and it's for a great cause. Our US soldiers who fight for our freedom. I can't wait to start the next book!! Happy Reading!!!! If you'd like to support a hero https://heartofawoundedhero.com
I know I keep writing the same review over and over for this series, I'm just so in love, obsessed and addicted to it. I really can't put them down from start to finish.
These are fantastic, inspiring, sweet and sexy, instalove short stories written by various different authors. They tug (no rip) at your heart strings and set off almost every emotion possible, laughter, tears, horror, rage, sadness, happiness and love. Did I mention I'm addicted to this series? Like seriously I can't read them fast enough!!!
They have great characters that are realistically flawed, emotionally broken, physically damaged and have some demons but they are beautiful, determined, dedicated, fun, strong, committed, loyal, loving and by various means find that special someone who makes them feel alive and whole again, then they start healing and are rewarded with their Happily Ever Afters!!
I highly recommend this series. I haven't been disappointed yet and it's for a great cause. Our US soldiers who fight for our freedom. I can't wait to start the next book!! Happy Reading!!!! If you'd like to support a hero https://heartofawoundedhero.com
June 22, 2022
He can't hide who he really is inside and she sees under this mask
Under the Mask: Branded in Fire by Alice May Ball is part of the multi-author Heart of a Wounded Hero series. This at times emotional second chance romance, so have a few tissues next to you as you have been warned, is about Simona and Wood. They had been a couple during high school but at prom there was a major misunderstanding that set them both on paths which will bring them to cross once again years later. Wood has been injured while serving overseas and has come back to town. But he is surprised when he discovers there is a major drug problem in the town now and he is determined to stop the traffickers. This brings him and Simona together again. But can anyone ever love him after his injuries? She sees him for who he is inside and he has to protect her from what is happening.
This is a well written story with a wonderful weaving together of different elements in the story-line and with the characters.
Under the Mask: Branded in Fire by Alice May Ball is part of the multi-author Heart of a Wounded Hero series. This at times emotional second chance romance, so have a few tissues next to you as you have been warned, is about Simona and Wood. They had been a couple during high school but at prom there was a major misunderstanding that set them both on paths which will bring them to cross once again years later. Wood has been injured while serving overseas and has come back to town. But he is surprised when he discovers there is a major drug problem in the town now and he is determined to stop the traffickers. This brings him and Simona together again. But can anyone ever love him after his injuries? She sees him for who he is inside and he has to protect her from what is happening.
This is a well written story with a wonderful weaving together of different elements in the story-line and with the characters.
June 24, 2022
An enjoyable second chance read. Simona and Wood were great. She is a a girl who experienced hurt and teasing while in high school. Wood is the guy who asked her to prom only to be told she was going with her then boyfriend. The girls she went to school with her cruel and she overheard that the only reason the guy she was dating asked her was so that he could take her virginity. Wood feeling rejected signed up went off to the military. Years later they meet again. Only Wood keeps to the shadows and covers his face. Simona feels she recognizes him through his eyes. This a wonderful second chance story with tow people who understand one another and can look past the scars of their past. Great HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 3, 2022
Coming from a Family with a vast Military background, I personally, would like to thank Ms. Ball for acknowledging not only our Veterans, but some of the deep emotional/physical obstacles they are left with.
As a fan of romance, I truly enjoyed the depth to this quick and well thought out storyline. Under The Mask is the kind of release that speaks for itself and is worth your time and attention.
Grateful for the opportunity to have read this fast-paced book.
I was fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Under The Mask in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion and strongly recommend reading this release as well as anything written by Ms. Alice May Ball.
As a fan of romance, I truly enjoyed the depth to this quick and well thought out storyline. Under The Mask is the kind of release that speaks for itself and is worth your time and attention.
Grateful for the opportunity to have read this fast-paced book.
I was fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Under The Mask in exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion and strongly recommend reading this release as well as anything written by Ms. Alice May Ball.
June 18, 2022
Wood has always had a crush on Simona, and when she rejects him, he leaves and joins the military. Wood is sent home after being severally injured and is a shell of the man he used to be, but Simona sees through his mask to the wonderful man underneath. This is a beautifully written story which is dark, raw, gritty, emotionally charged, and tragic, with mystery, healing, redemption, 2nd chances, and is a touching and heartwrenching page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2022
I usually love everything I have ever read by Alice May Ball, but this one was a puzzler. The premise of the story was interesting, returning hometown hero, terrible scarred returns home and is given a second chance at love with his HS sweetheart. But, the book was not a smooth read, it felt odd. While I was interested in Simona & Wood's story, the book was just difficult to read. But I will try book 2 in the series and hope for the best. Since the book is on KU, it's a free read with your subscription.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2022
Simona works as a teacher in a small town and lately, she has watched strange behaviour from some of the students. She thinks there is a problem with drugs.
Wood is a veteran who has been terribly scarred during his last deployment.
I don’t really see the connection between Simona and Woods. The book is written in a way that is quite confusing. There are gaps here and there in the story. There are some things that we are supposed to know. Sometimes I just feel like reading some ideas put together without connection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wood is a veteran who has been terribly scarred during his last deployment.
I don’t really see the connection between Simona and Woods. The book is written in a way that is quite confusing. There are gaps here and there in the story. There are some things that we are supposed to know. Sometimes I just feel like reading some ideas put together without connection.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2022
Noah has had a crush on Simona for years but she didn't see him that way. He leaves town and joins the military where he ends up wounded during a mission. Now back home where Simona is working as a teacher. When they see each other again it's their second chance at love. This book started out a bit confusing but once I got past that part it turned out to be a great story. The characters are believable and have a great connection and the storyline is good. Under The Mask is part of the multi-author Heart of a Wounded Hero series and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
July 9, 2022
this is between a 3 1/2 to a 4 ⭐️s rating
The storyline was good. Girl finds out on her prom night that her date plans on getting with the school’s easy lay. She tried to drown her tears at a local bar and runs the one guy away that really cared about her. Years later he is back home from serving in the military with the scars to prove it. He is set on keeping his small town from being overrun by drugs. They end up getting together and come face to face with who is selling drugs in their town. The reason why I gave this book the rating I did was because at times it was a little confusing but at times it was very poetic. Simona saw past Wood’s scars and saw his heart.
The storyline was good. Girl finds out on her prom night that her date plans on getting with the school’s easy lay. She tried to drown her tears at a local bar and runs the one guy away that really cared about her. Years later he is back home from serving in the military with the scars to prove it. He is set on keeping his small town from being overrun by drugs. They end up getting together and come face to face with who is selling drugs in their town. The reason why I gave this book the rating I did was because at times it was a little confusing but at times it was very poetic. Simona saw past Wood’s scars and saw his heart.
June 20, 2022
This is a good story by Alice May Ball. I really enjoyed it. Simona had a rough night on Prom Night her senior year. She made a mistake that will haunt her for years. Noah has always wanted Simona but she never saw him. He joins the military and ends up wounded on a mission. His life's path has change directions again. He is back in his hometown where Simona works as a teacher. She can't believe the man under the scarf is the same one from all those years ago. Will they get a second chance at happiness?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2022
I loved the story, but it was a little choppy of a read. It's a short fast read. In my opinion this is not a typical Alice May Ball book. It wasn't as filthy and dark as she usually gets. I was okay with it. Some things were a little confusing and how they came about. I found Simona and Wood a good fit, but I wasn't real sure where Wood came from. I had who was behind the drug trade from the start. Overall I enjoyed the story even if it was choppy. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
June 19, 2022
This really was an okay story but I just couldn’t really get into it. The way it was written left me confused more than anything and I didn’t feel it needed that. I felt like too much was going on with the high school backstory and the current day drama. I didn’t feel like I got to know Wood or Simona at all and therefore I became disinterested in their romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2022
Good book!!
This is my first book with this author. I have to say the cover and the synopsis caught my attention and I knew I had to read it. And I'm glad I did. Such an amazing story! The raw chemistry between Wood and Simona kept me glued to my wheelchair until I finished the book. The drama from the past that bled into that present set the stage for such a jaw dropping story. No spoilers! All I'll say is this book was so worth reading.
This is my first book with this author. I have to say the cover and the synopsis caught my attention and I knew I had to read it. And I'm glad I did. Such an amazing story! The raw chemistry between Wood and Simona kept me glued to my wheelchair until I finished the book. The drama from the past that bled into that present set the stage for such a jaw dropping story. No spoilers! All I'll say is this book was so worth reading.
June 19, 2022
I loved this awesome book, Simona is so caring and not at all superficial, she sees what is beneath the surface. I loved how Wood took care of something that no one else tried to do. This book will pull you in from the beginning and you won’t be able to put it down till the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced review copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced review copy of this book.
June 19, 2022
The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Simona and Wood and does not let go. Wood may be scarred from his time in the military, but will Simona be able to see past his scars to the man underneath?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2022
disconcerting
This is one of the most weirdly written books I have ever read. I REALLY wanted to love it, but it’s just such a difficult read. Not because of the subject matter, but because of how it’s written. There is something extraordinarily disjointed about it. Many of the last paragraphs before switching viewpoints feel like incomplete thoughts, and
This is one of the most weirdly written books I have ever read. I REALLY wanted to love it, but it’s just such a difficult read. Not because of the subject matter, but because of how it’s written. There is something extraordinarily disjointed about it. Many of the last paragraphs before switching viewpoints feel like incomplete thoughts, and
June 21, 2022
Simona and Wood kind of knew each other in highschool... A fateful night and their paths seperated. Now 5 years later Wood is back in town but his years in the military changed him drastically,.but Simona doesn't care about that. Instalove(as adults), sweet, romantic , and totally safe (Double virgins -heck yes 🥰) with a sweet HEA😍😍😍
June 30, 2022
Well...
This wasn't it for me until the shower scene. I was quite confused from the very beginning. I didn't know who the hero was at all. Didn't understand the whole prom scene or how that played into the story.
I didn't understand some of Simone's actions or her decisions. The whole warehouse scene was confusing to say the least.
This wasn't it for me until the shower scene. I was quite confused from the very beginning. I didn't know who the hero was at all. Didn't understand the whole prom scene or how that played into the story.
I didn't understand some of Simone's actions or her decisions. The whole warehouse scene was confusing to say the least.
June 22, 2023
Simona and Wood
Loved the characters, they come to life between the pages, between the lines. Wood was awesome, yearning for years for his lovely Simona. And Simona looked beyond the scars to the man of her dreams “Under the Mask” and the “heart of a wounded hero”, her forever HEA. Loved this!
Loved the characters, they come to life between the pages, between the lines. Wood was awesome, yearning for years for his lovely Simona. And Simona looked beyond the scars to the man of her dreams “Under the Mask” and the “heart of a wounded hero”, her forever HEA. Loved this!
June 20, 2022
This is a good short read. They knew each other in high school but not really. He goes into service comes back with damages to his face. She is a teacher and sees kids saling drugs. The story goes from there. Need to read to find out.
July 8, 2022
Absolutely loved the newest book in the Heart of a Wounded Heroes series. Alice has given us such incredible characters and what a story. Wood is a protector and will do anything to keep Simona safe. I love how Simona makes would feel human again and these two have the greatest love story ❤️
December 31, 2022
Wood is a true hero.
GOD I LOVED THIS ONE.
Wood is MINE. I claim him so haha.
Wood is such an actual hero. Not just with his military service but with what he wants to do when he gets home. That I'd a true hero.
GOD I LOVED THIS ONE.
Wood is MINE. I claim him so haha.
Wood is such an actual hero. Not just with his military service but with what he wants to do when he gets home. That I'd a true hero.
April 10, 2024
Under the Mask: Branded in Fire
What a great story. It's a little dark, but it deals with dark subjects. Her hero from before becomes her hero of today. She raises his self esteem and they work together to get their HEA.
Ps. Loved the proposal!
What a great story. It's a little dark, but it deals with dark subjects. Her hero from before becomes her hero of today. She raises his self esteem and they work together to get their HEA.
Ps. Loved the proposal!
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June 15, 2022A vivid story of redemption through love, with heart-rending scenes of emotional choices. High on slow-burn heat, tension, and electric suspense.
June 23, 2022
I loved it! Such a sweet and beautiful healing love story! 🥰🔥❤😍
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews