Masquerade

by Aria Wyatt

As a photojournalist, my comfort zone is behind the lens. A disengaged observer. That goes out the window when I’m forced to work with a man who makes my haven feel like a cage.

Garrett Casey is the intoxicating lead of the provocative, new Broadway production I’ve been assigned to cover. As a recovering alcoholic who battles demons even darker than mine, his intensity is a danger to the shell I’ve built around the empty woman inside me. I vow to keep the brutally gorgeous actor at arm’s length, but he immediately pulls me into his orbit. I see myself every time I look into his haunted eyes. The pain he tries so hard to hide draws me closer, making me crave the surrender I shouldn’t want.

Garrett takes a wrecking ball to my fortress, and I lack the power—or the will—to stop him. As my walls crumble around me, I realize he just might be the only man strong enough to put me back together.

When my past threatens to shatter everything we’ve built, the smoke and mirrors I’ve hidden behind are what could finally break me. A lie of omission is still a lie. It will take more than the truth to prove our love is not a masquerade.

Genres: Romance

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2022

About the author

Aria Wyatt is a pharmacist mom who spends the inhumane predawn hours with a cup of coffee and her laptop, gleefully indulging in her passion for romance. Her novels range in heat from steamy to scorching, and she doesn’t shy away from writing flawed characters with real life issues.

She resides with her husband and two children in New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley, near the Catskills and iconic Woodstock. The avid reader balances marriage, motherhood, her pharmacist career, and her romance author dream. When not writing, she dabbles in photography, using the natural beauty of the region to her advantage. She’s a self-proclaimed cat lady who cannot live without coffee, chocolate, music, and books.

Author of True North and the Compass Series, Aria has a soft spot for those who are searching, yearning, and ultimately, finding. Whether on a mission to find themselves, find love, find forgiveness or solace, she believes the answer is out there somewhere.

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garretta znają czytelnicy serii Arii Wyatt Compass jako najwierniejszego przyjaciela Leny. Nadal ona i obecnie jej partner, Wes, wspierają go, gdy jego pierwsza prawdziwa miłość, fotoreporterka Ella, wymyka mu się z rąk.

Pierwszy raz ujrzał ją na gali opisanej w trzecim tomie Compassu, ale bliżej poznają się podczas prób broadwayowskiej premiery musicalu Prodigy. Garrett gra tam główną męską postać, a Ella ma dokumentować dla swojej gazety proces powstawania widowiska. Fascynacja erotyczna dość szybko przeradza się w gorące uczucie. Czy tragiczna przeszłość obojga autentycznie zbliży ich do siebie, czy przeciwnie, trauma po przeżyciach sięgających dzieciństwa nie pozwoli na szczęśliwe ever after?

Atutem wszystkich znanych mi powieści Arii Wyatt jest umiejętne budowanie osobowości bohaterów poprzez pokonywanie obciążeń związanych z przeszłością. Warunkiem jest pełne otwarcie wobec partnera. Wygląda na to, że Garettowi, niepijącemu od dziewięciu lat alkoholikowi, to się udaje, ale bariery wytworzone wokół siebie przez Ellę okazują się trudne do przełamania. Wiąże się to ze wstydem, brakiem umiejętności wybaczenia sobie podjętych wcześniej decyzji. A gdy skrywane przed partnerem tajemnice wychodzą na jaw, musi dochodzić do kryzysów.

W tej powieści, przyznaję, szlachetne intencje autorki, aby uprawdopodobnić zarówno maskaradę jaką są początki relacji Elli z Garettem, łącznie z wyuzdanym seksem z kobietą w roli dominującej, jak i żmudny proces odwrócenia tego stanu rzeczy, trochę mnie wymęczyły. Po prostu słabo trawię romanse przeradzające się w opowieści do łzy ostatniej. Tym bardziej, że praźródła traum są powtarzalne: przemoc w rodzinie, odrzucenie, samotność … Doceniam jednak, choć z paroma zastrzeżeniami co do ich wiarygodności, rolę przypisaną przez autorkę przyjaciołom w odzyskaniu życiowej równowagi. W przypadku Elli takim wspornikiem jest włoska rodzina Paola, jej wieloletniego seksualnego partnera. Okazuje się nim także pewien katolicki ksiądz. No i oczywiście przeczytam następne tomy serii Prodigy, choćby po to, aby się dowiedzieć, czy Garett rzeczywiście okaże się cudownym odkryciem Broadwayu.

[Stephanie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I am in awe of the wild ride Aria Wyatt just took me on. Garrett and Ella’s love story has grit and teeth but so much heart. Like Garrett, I didn’t know what to make or Ella at first but despite how detached she seemed she was one of the most courageous heroines I’ve ever read. Their romance was truly the joining of two lost souls that were meant to fit, and when they did “join” my kindle burned from all the fireworks. I need more of them and will be going back to read about Wes and Lena. 5 cupcake and Tesoro stars ⭐️

[Margareada_7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to think this book was wrote for me. (It IS dedicated to me which still blows my mind so that's kind of the same thing lol)

I have been dyyyying for Garrett's story since meeting him in True North, 3 books ago. That's how much his character spoke to me. He had such a darkness in him and I wanted to know all the secrets in his lion eyes.

Let me tell you, Aria delivered. His strength in his sobriety, his passion for his art, his love for his found family, his filthy freaking mouth... he was everything I wanted and then some.

Ella is a force to be reckoned with, and I love that she keeps Garrett on his toes. One of my favorite lines:
Ella: “Give me your number. Perhaps I can pencil you in sometime.”
Garrett: “I’d prefer ink.”
Ella: “Your preferences don’t concern me.”
Ella Sampson, take your bow! Beautiful, smart, confident, she’s not without her own darkness and secrets. It was so beautiful to see her lower her walls and let Garrett in.

The fire they have for each other is intense, and they're just getting started. Even after some trying events they don't give up on each other and the connection they've found.

This is NOT a cliffhanger, but more of a continuation ending.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Ms.Wyatt's work a couple of times before i couldn't wait to get into more of her books! As soon as this one was announced it caught my eye and i knew i had to read it next. I picked it up and got right into the Prodigy world. I so enjoyed it!

Garrett and Ella's journey captured my attention right from the get go! Right from the moment these two and their worlds collide, i couldn't wait to see how their story would play out!

I really liked the way Garrett and Ella were brought into each other's lives and their interactions. I was so glad that i got to jump into both of their minds and peel back their layers. There was such realness to both Garrett and Ella that truly got to me. The chemistry between these two was undeniable. I didn't know what all to expect in Garrett and Ella's story which got me into it even more.

Sometimes a person can come into your life that your heart and soul completely clicks with, something Garrett and Ella's story sure showed.

With Masquerade, Ms.Wyatt has created such a good read with realness and feels that will pull you in! I am so looking forward to more from her and the Prodigy Series!

Be sure to read the author's content warning as this book touches on certain subjects.



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Foreword PR & Marketing / the author*

[Rebecca S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

I really enjoyed this book!
Garrett and Ella definitely have a lot of hoops to jump through with the trauma they deal with, both separately and together. There was a lot I wasn't expecting but also loved from it!
I would say there were some hard parts to read that really made my heart feel heavy.
All in all they both get a HEA and I would definitely recommend this book!

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one wasn't what I expected when reading Garrett's story, and was so hard to get through. It wasn't because I was triggered, even though the story included (and the reader warned before) multiple points that could be hard to read about. It was an emotional book in many ways. It was fascinating watching Garrett and Ella have a strong connection, but struggling because of their shared pasts. Wanting to feel safe and wanting each other but having to fight through past issues and learning about trust. I love the compassion and the understanding between the two, but also the hard conversations that had to be had in order for both of them to get what they needed.

[e_anne_b · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn’t quite the vibe I needed in this moment of life. Nothing against the author or writing

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aria Wyatt delivers a masterpiece with Masquerade. So emotional and heart wrenching but a beautiful love story between two broken souls.

Garrett and Ella both have scars from their past that are keeping them from living their lives freely. Their burdens are so intense, painful and traumatic that they are very guarded, closed off and do not trust easily.

From the moment these two meet they know they need one another….but can they move on from the past, trust one another and begin a new future together?

You heart will hurt, they will make you smile but most of all you will be cheering for them to trust one another - because they are good for each other - and for them to find their happy ending. Garrett and Ella sooo deserve a happy ending.

The supporting cast was so engrained into the story and important for Garrett and Ella. The love and care they show these two is something special. They never give up on them…which is something new to both Garrett and Ella.

I highly recommend this book and suggest tissues for chapter 51!

[Samantha Hartle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a highly enjoyable read, waiting to be picked up and help me escape from everyday pressures and immerse myself in the new found wonder of being vulnerable. Garrett and Ella deal with real life issues and have their walls built high for survival and functionality; but as you may know soul mates go straight through those walls without even trying. Sit back and relax while you enjoy the beginning of what will soon become one of your favorite love stories.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Heartaching Stars

[Joy Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💣💣💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚

Cliffhanger? ❌️

Do I recommend? ✅️ 

Tropes: Contemporary romance 

Ella Sampson is a photojournalist and is most comfortable behind the lens of her camera. Usually she's a passive observer until she's assigned to photograph a man whose gaze lasers through her lense, making her anything but passive. Garrett Casey is the enigmatic lead of a new provocative Broadway show. He's a recovering alcoholic who battles demons that might be worse than hers. Ella had become an empty shell and his intensity was a danger. She's determined to keep him at arm's length but he's like a force all on his own and she's easily pulled in his orbit. His haunted eyes seemed to mirror her soul. His pain became her pain. As Garrett destroys her outer shell, she finds he may be the perfect person to put her back together. When her past threatens everything they've become, will she finally break for good? After all, a lie of omission is still a lie. Is their love true or is it just a masquerade? 

This story spoke to me in so many ways. When I saw the cover with Garrett, his eyes held me hostage and I knew I had to read his journey. Then there’s the fact that I'm a recovering alcoholic and addict so I could relate to him as well as the darkness they both harbored. This author seemed to reach within my emotions and tweak them just right. I honestly loved the whole experience. This was my first read by this author and it absolutely will not be the last. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given. 

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Received ARC for honest review

In Masquerade, you have Ella and Garrett. Both are so different but also similar. Ella is portrayed as a cool and chic -someone who gets the job done and doesn’t let anyone hinder her way. Garret is someone who loves what he does and not only does he have his own business, he also acts. You have these two characters with different dynamics and you wonder how things will fall in place but they do eventually. While I think that they complement each other, I found it hard to get through this novel. The beginning was somewhat slow and fast. It was slow in that the story took a while to take off and fast in that the two characters barely knew each other and had already “desired” for each other. Overall, it was just an a-okay for me. I think the topics in the story weren't too bad but the story-telling was what didn’t do it for me. How the characters were introduced and portrayed, at times, it was bland. They definitely had their own qualities but overall, I don't think this was a book for me.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these characters. I thought that they had such strength and courage to survive what they did and then find love with each other. Aria creates characters that her readers can connect to and this story proves it. I can relate to both Ella and Garrett. They are each others saviors. They save each other from their selves. It is a tear jerker in my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Chasidy Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trauma and Hope Collide

I could not have loved this story more. Heartbreak and hope. Trauma and tension. Lost souls and love. Garrett and Ella have each gone through so much making falling in love nearly impossible, but their journey to their happy ever after is so, so worth it!

[Kristie Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the emotion and sizzle in this book. Can't wait for more from this author.

[C.M. Jacques · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot / Story - 4.5
Writing - 4
🔥🔥🔥🔥

Two damaged people find their way together. I appreciated both characters and the exploration of the different responses to childhood trauma - therapy or no, shutting down vs. being blunt. Various defense and survival mechanisms are explored well. Garrett and Ella are beautiful disasters who find love together in a way that makes sense and feels genuine. While the level of codependency and mutual addiction are certainly problematic in the real world, it makes for a good story that's honest to the characters within it.

This and "Devil in the Details" are the best 2 of Aria Wyatt's collection to date with True North a good 2nd.