by Alana Delacroix
Series: Masked Arcana #2
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
A PERFECT DISGUISE
As security chief of the supernaturals’ ruling council, Michaela Chui has seen more than her fair share of disaster. For centuries, she’s survived through caution and strategy. But when the only human councillor is viciously murdered, Michaela knows the coincidences that keep blocking her investigation are a sure sign of bad things to come. She needs answers fast. And her only ally is Cormac Redoak: wild, unpredictable, unreliable—and worse, distractingly attractive.A HIDDEN TRUTH
An exile from the court of the Fairy Queen, Cormac has all the experience with careful strategy and veiled intentions he can stand. But he also has the fey talent for getting his way, and he’s sure his way lies with Michaela’s. No matter that she can change her lovely face at will; there’s a clarity to her being that he’d know anywhere. Working with her will be temptation and frustration bound together. Somehow, though, he must convince her to trust him—without revealing the secrets he dares never share . . .
Masked Desire by Alana Delacroix is the second novel in the Masked Arcana paranormal romance series. A murder-mystery, unintended allies, and betrayals made Masked Desire, a riveting tale with a steamy, swoon-worthy romance.
Michaela Chui is the security chief of the supernaturals’ ruling council. As a Masquerada she takes her role in this secret council seriously. When one of the councilmen turns up butchered in her office, she sets out to solve the case and protect the rest of the council members. Cormac, an exile from the court of the Fairy Queen, needs to know why the councilmen were killed and if it is because of a deal, he was working. Needing to be closer to the investigations he recommends himself as Watcher much to the chagrin of Michaela.
I find the idea of the Masquerada intriguing. While they have strict rules, they can take the form of different people. They spend years honing these “masks,” in fact, Michaela is a mask. They also have incredible insight, organizational skills, and analytical minds. Michaela didn’t have a pleasant childhood and because of that, she chooses to wear her current mask.
Ah, the Fey. Of all the supernatural creatures they scare me the most. LOL Cormac was once a military leader but was exiled when the Queen took power. He carries a secret, and a heavy burden. When we meet him he is looking for a way to appease the Queen. Cormac is smart, sexy and unnerves poor Michaela.
The tale is equal parts murder-mystery and romance. As these two characters work together, they begin to let down their guard and open up. Michaela accidentally bonds them and from there, things got quite interesting. Intense action scenes, monsters, danger and heated scenes kept me flipping the pages. We even get to travel to the Fey world which was both beautiful and terrifying. Delacroix tests our couple, and it was beautiful watching them move from co-workers to lovers.
The romance wraps up in this tale as does the murder-mystery but the danger to the council and the supernatural world continues. The author has a vivid imagination, and I appreciated the different takes on the supernatural, their gods and hierarchies. There is an overall arc thread to this series that continues, and for that reason I recommend these stories be read in order of release.
Masked Desire is perfect for fans of romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and murder-mysteries.
Masked Desire by Alana Delacroix is the second novel in the Masked Arcana paranormal romance series. A murder-mystery, unintended allies, and betrayals made Masked Desire, a riveting tale with a steamy, swoon-worthy romance Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Stefanie
This sounds like a good series. I’m adding it to my bookstore list.
Kimberly
I am having fun with it Stefanie and look forward to the next one 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
The first book in this series was already on my tbr because of you and this one just got added. I love the idea of the Masqerada and I like that there is an overall story arc but it seems like each installment will focus on a different couple. I’m intrigued by Cormac and Michaela but also the fae. I’m intrigued a lot by the fae. 😉
Kimberly
They are fascinating! I hope you enjoy them and would love to hear what you think.
Lorna
I just went and bought book 1. If you reviewed it when it came out that was when I was in the hospital and had surgery so I don’t remember. But the series sounds amazing! Had to start it!
Kimberly
I did Lorna back in 2017. Enjoy!
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This sounds like a hot read. I love when the couple works well together and nice that we get to see into the Fey world. I will have to pick this one up. Great review!
Mary
Kimberly
Thanks, Mary. I liked visited the realm too.
Debbie Haupt
This ticked off all my likes Kim and woo hoo look at that heat rating, smokin! 😉
Thanks
Kimberly
Hahaha…hope you had a lovely Monday Debbie.
Angela Adams
I don’t know what’s more impressive, your rating on the heat level. Wow!
Kimberly
LOL. It was heated but the story was heavier on the suspense.
Angie @ Ba_BAMB
I’m with you on the Fey. They are so manipulative. But when I love them, I really love them.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
Kimberly
LOL, that is so darn true Angie 🙂
Melliane
I agree with you it’s intriguing and the mix looks quite well done
Kimberly
This is a fun well balanced series Melliane 🙂
Lindsay Hickey
Did you make them yourself?
Kimberly
Some are from Parajunkie Flat Book Icons and some are from Sweet Bird Designs. I use UBB Icon Plugin to make them create indexes. So when you click on one it shows all books I’ve tagged with it. You could use icons on Blogger but would need self-hosted WP for the plugin.
Lindsay Hickey
I do like your Icon Tags. They are really done well. I keep thinking of doing them. I hope you are doing well. I am as a fan of Mystery and sometimes Murder along with some Paranormal.
Kimberly
Thanks, Lindsay. I am glad you like them. Apologies for the slow site this morning, we had server problems.
Jenea’s Book Onsession
A murder mystery and steamy paranormal romance too! Count me in…
Tyler H. Jolley
I always love a good murder-mystery. Thanks for sharing, Kimba!
Kimberly
Thanks, Tyler. Would you believe it is snowing here today and supposed to be 76 on Thursday? Of course the upcoming weekend we will be in the low 40s. Ugh.
Blodeuedd
I can not see your tweet..oh and is it always in the post? Could I make a cool one too?
Kimberly
We experienced some serious technical difficulties this morning. It is back. It is a plugin, so I don’t think it is something you can do on Blogger.
verushka
Oooh, a new series! And a very cool, intricate one at that given the series long arc.
Kimberly
Yep. It has been fun and I love that it offers up something a little different.
Nadene
Paranormal romance with suspense and mystery, my kind of story. Thanks for your review, I will be looking to add this one to my reading list.
Kimberly
Enjoy when you get to them Nadene 🙂
Cindy
I am a fan of suspense/romance titles and I loved your review. Thanks for bringing this series to my attention!
Kimberly
You are welcome, Cindy. This is refreshingly different and I like how the romance and suspenseful plot blend.
Silvia
It sounds like a book that has a lot to offer, which is just what I like in my reads! I’m curious about the different takes on the supernatural, and gods and hierarchies make for quite a fascinating read, so sign me up! 😀
Kimberly
Yeah, I love the different creatures and the worldbuilding.
Maureen Bakker
This sounds like a book I’ll have to read. I love romance and suspense. And I’ve been wanting to read more paranormal romance again. I’ll check this series out. 😉
Kimberly
I’ve been on a UF and PNR kick in case you didn’t notice *winks* I am a mood reader, so I get it.