by Alana Delacroix
Series: Masked Arcana #1
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
A Man Who Can Wear Any Face
Caro Yeats doesn’t run from much. As a former investigative reporter now working PR for Toronto’s supernaturals, what she hasn’t seen mostly isn’t worth seeing. But the assignment to “rebrand” Eric Kelton’s out-of-control alter egos has her on edge from the start. Kelton is the heirarch of the Masquerada, beings able to change their face—their entire persona—on a whim. Eric’s charisma muddles her instincts. How can she trust a man who can become anybody?
A Woman Without A Past
Eric has never met anyone like Caro, with her lightning wit and uncanny insight. But desirable as she is, he’d be a fool to let her near. Struggling to hide the sudden loss of his powers, Eric can’t risk becoming entangled with a woman who scorns her supernatural side and claims not to play politics. The enemies on her trail are strong, clever, and vicious. And when they force Eric and Caro together, the fallout could shatter far more than two hearts . . .
MASKED POSSESSION is the first novel in the Masked Arcana paranormal romance series by Alana Delacroix. From its brilliant world building to sizzling romance I fell hard. This was my first read by Delacroix, but it won’t be my last.
We meet Caro Yeats a half Masquerada who lives in Toronto, Canada and works at a PR firm that assists Supernaturals. They handle everything from spinning a mermaid sighting to rebranding an image. Caro was a former investigative reporter who changed her identity and fled after she was nearly killed. While she isn’t comfortable or familiar with her supernatural side it did land her the job so for that she is grateful. I liked Caro and found her to be smart and interesting.
Masqueradas can shift into different people and creatures creating a whole new persona with different physical attributes than their own. They can change into an old woman or a giant capable of smashing you.
Eric Kelton is the heirarch of the Masquerada, and he is in series trouble. When a Masquerada takes on two many personas, they run the risk of convergence. Eric needs help getting rid of his alter egos before he loses himself.
Suspense, danger, and snark made this an addictive tale. I loved the brilliant world building and slight deviations to supernaturals that Delacroix brought to this world. Fey, vampires, shifters, Masquerada and more. The supernatural live in hiding alongside humans and have their own hierarchy and laws.
The suspenseful thread shared threats from Eric and Caro’s past. Delacroix did a fantastic job with the villain of this tale, and the way she tied him to Caro was well done. The author allowed the threat and suspense to build beginning with small confrontations and threats to an epic battle that had me holding my breath and gripping my Kindle until my knuckles turned white. Eric’s condition, Caro’s secret and deceit all added to the overall suspense and provides readers with an addictive story they won’t be able to set down.
Caro is stubborn, independent and not openly trusting. I loved how Eric while protective respected her wishes and taught her about her supernatural side. Caro’s abilities proved rather interesting, and I am anxious to see how she develops.
The romance developed slowly with heated kisses and unusual connections. Their back and forth banter made me laugh aloud and endeared me to them. The two share a connection and their attraction and developing romance felt genuine. Delacroix turned on the heat, and the sex scenes were vivid and hot. I loved that she allowed their need for control and strong personalities to show.
Secondary characters from Eric’s security team to Caro’s PR firm added interest, provided conflict and introduced key players to the series. To my delight, secondary characters were developed and had strong, memorable personalities. I immediately wanted to know more. Our villain and those aiding him are characters you will love to hate, especially a little vixen.
MASKED POSSESSION was a brilliant start to what looks to be a fun, engaging paranormal romance series. MASKED DESIRE, book two, will release in Spring of 2018.
Paranormal romance Masked Possession by Alana Delacroix rocked my world Share on X
Lily B
I love how original and different the world sounds. I guess I missed out on an ARC of this, will have to check amazon.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you grab it Lily 🙂
Darlene
A Canadian author and it’s set in Canada?? Why haven’t I heard about this one?!? Yes, definitely adding this one to my list.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. If it weren’t for emails from Kensington I would have missed it.
Alana
I’m so glad you liked it!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, Alana!
Laurie
You perked up my ears with the snark. It sounds unique and fun.
kimbacaffeinate
It was a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to book two.
Melanie Simmons
I’ve never heard of this author before, but this story has me intrigued. I’ve never heard of this kind of supernatural and anytime there is something completely new in the UF/PNR world, it piques my interest. Great review and thanks for putting this on my radar.
kimbacaffeinate
This is her debut novel 🙂
Carole
This one is new to me but I really like the sound of it. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Carole, it’s fun finding new authors and series.
Mary Kirkland
Oh nice, that sounds like one I might like.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get a chance to read it.
Tyler H. Jolley
What an interesting series. I’d’ turn myself into someone skinny, then eat all the doughnuts in the world. Not noble, or for the greater good, but dang it would be delicious.
kimbacaffeinate
Lol.
Paij
I wish I could write like you. What a fantastic review. This sounds awesome.
kimbacaffeinate
Wh@t? Thank you. I always feel like my reviews are meh.
Fran
Ohh, this looks like something I would certainly enjoy!! I like when romance develops slowly (like you said), and it’s not instant. Glad you loved this, I sure am going to keep this author and story in mind. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get to try it Fran.
Sophia Rose
Now that is a neat supernatural gift to have. And the suspense and romance lines sound good, too. Going on the pile. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Right. It was clever.
Stormi Johnson
This sounds like a good one so it’s going on my wishlist for when I am in the mood for the romance genre. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet! Enjoy 🙂
Jenea
I think it ate my comment. Anyway, I love the sounds of the romance and the way the story is so addictive. I am adding this right now. Wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
It went to spam for some odd reason.
Jenea
This is new to me and I really like the sounds of the romance and the addictiveness of the story. Adding it to my wishlist right now. Wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay. I hope you enjoy it
Debbie Haupt
Wow, I think that pretty much says it all Kim. She’s new to me too and looking at her website this is her debut, but with this glowing review she’s now going on my wish list. Thanks
kimbacaffeinate
I was impressed and look forward to more.
RO
I’m always intrigued by fun banter between characters. Keep me smiling throughout the story. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
Yes one of my favorite elements
Nadenze
Adding this I to my list. I love a good paranormal and this sounds like it hits the spot.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay. Look forward to your thoughts on it.
Nick
Oooh! This sounds so good, Kim! Plus you’ve said the magic words “sizzling romance”! The world building sounds fantastic too. And a nice slow romance with lots of banter and sexy times is just what I need in my life.
Thanks for sharing, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a lot of fun and I am anxious for more. I loved the secondary characters.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I don’t usually expect the romance to develop slowly with PNR, but I really appreciate it and the great worldbuilding.
kimbacaffeinate
I did too Maja 🙂
Silvia
Duly noted! You know paranormal romance is one of my fave genres, and this series sounds quite good so why not, right? 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Silvia.
blodeuedd
This one is new to me, cool 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Debut book, glad to share it with you.