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The Black Mask
Determined to settle her brother's gambling debts once and for all, Rose Spenser enlists the help of the notorious Black Mask, a gentleman burglar who steals to expose the criminal misdoings of the elite, and when all is said and done, Rose discovers that the clever thief has absconded with her heart. Original.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 2, 2016
When Rose Spenser inherits a set of ruby jewels from her godfather in India, she sees the perfect opportunity to help her brother pay his gambling debts and follow his heart. She believes that if she allows the ton to think her worthless jewels are priceless the mysterious thief known as "The Black Mask" will come to her and she'll have an adventure and romance for a lifetime. Meanwhile, Sir Niles Alardyce seems to be paying Rose a lot of attention. She finds him a puzzle she can't figure out - one minute he's passionate and open and the next he acts like an icicle. Niles knows that if Rose could only know the real him she would love him as much as he loves her. Before he can share his true self there is a task he must do but he can't seem to stay away from Rose. If she should discover his secret, she will probably hate him and he'll lose her forever. Was any man ever in such a pickle?
The premise of this story is completely ridiculous. I found it hard to believe that a man running around dressed like Zoro could remain incognito. Surely someone would recognize him? OK so Superman/Clark Kent gets away with a lot less than The Black Mask but still... Towards the end of the book I realized how he was able to keep his identity a secret and so the plot of the Black Mask made more sense. We also don't know why he is doing what he does until the end and it seems silly to stop with vengeance. Wouldn't the villains figure out who was after them? It would seem a little obvious.
I also didn't buy the romance at all. First Rose is infatuated with The Black Mask character and then she's into a mysterious man and finally Sir Niles. (This is not a spoiler for anyone who reads this genre). How it happens is a bit of a mystery to me. He's a nice, kind man but a bit aloof with strangers. He's even a bit aloof with the reader despite half the story being from his POV. I never felt like I got to know him and Rose knew even less about him.
I liked Rose well enough but I thought she was rather silly about her Black Mask fantasy and how she approached the solution to her problem.
The gambling brother plot is overused in this genre. At least this brother had a good reason for gambling.
This story was just so-so for me and I'm glad it was only 25 cents at the library book sale.
The premise of this story is completely ridiculous. I found it hard to believe that a man running around dressed like Zoro could remain incognito. Surely someone would recognize him? OK so Superman/Clark Kent gets away with a lot less than The Black Mask but still... Towards the end of the book I realized how he was able to keep his identity a secret and so the plot of the Black Mask made more sense. We also don't know why he is doing what he does until the end and it seems silly to stop with vengeance. Wouldn't the villains figure out who was after them? It would seem a little obvious.
I also didn't buy the romance at all. First Rose is infatuated with The Black Mask character and then she's into a mysterious man and finally Sir Niles. (This is not a spoiler for anyone who reads this genre). How it happens is a bit of a mystery to me. He's a nice, kind man but a bit aloof with strangers. He's even a bit aloof with the reader despite half the story being from his POV. I never felt like I got to know him and Rose knew even less about him.
I liked Rose well enough but I thought she was rather silly about her Black Mask fantasy and how she approached the solution to her problem.
The gambling brother plot is overused in this genre. At least this brother had a good reason for gambling.
This story was just so-so for me and I'm glad it was only 25 cents at the library book sale.
January 13, 2016
This book was a blast from the past! My friends and I read this as teenagers and all fell in love with Sir Niles. As soon as he said, "She doesn't like Sir Niles. She's never met me." I was gone. Who can resist a rogue?
Really this book has nothing spectacular about it. Despite that, I still love it. And sometimes it's nice to expect a happy ending.
Yeah... it's probably mostly because of Sir Niles Alardyce...
P.S. This book is not as scandalous as the cover might lead you to believe.
Really this book has nothing spectacular about it. Despite that, I still love it. And sometimes it's nice to expect a happy ending.
Yeah... it's probably mostly because of Sir Niles Alardyce...
P.S. This book is not as scandalous as the cover might lead you to believe.
September 30, 2016
Fun Regency Romance
The Black Mask is a great Regency romance. It begins with Rose receiving an odd inheritance from her godfather, who died in India.
Rose doesn't like Sir Niles. He's rich, single, and the target of the ubiquitous match-making mamas. But Rose can't stand the man.
In the dark of night, The Black Mask wrecks havoc among the wealthy citizens. He steals from them and reveals their secrets.
If you're in the mood for a Regency romance with thrills and chills, this is the book for you.
The Black Mask is a great Regency romance. It begins with Rose receiving an odd inheritance from her godfather, who died in India.
Rose doesn't like Sir Niles. He's rich, single, and the target of the ubiquitous match-making mamas. But Rose can't stand the man.
In the dark of night, The Black Mask wrecks havoc among the wealthy citizens. He steals from them and reveals their secrets.
If you're in the mood for a Regency romance with thrills and chills, this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews