Paranormal/Futuristic
Tricks and Treats: Masque of Desire
By Jenn L
Feb 11, 2008 - 3:58:57 PM

Successful attorney Miranda Carter receives an invitation that she just can't refuse. When the client who recently purchased Violet Hall requests her presence at his masquerade, Miranda is hard pressed to refuse. So for the sake of her career, she dons the period dress and smiles brightly as she attends the ball on her company's behalf.

Aleksandr Valquet has restored Violet Hall to its original splendor, all in the hope of being reunited with the one woman who can complete him, as well as free him from a prison two hundred and fifty years in the making. Alex is hoping that Miranda is that woman. He hopes that she is the one he's loved for years, and that his curse can finally be lifted so that they can be reunited once and for all.

Can Miranda embrace the unbelievable and connect with a past she doesn’t recall? If she can't, Alex will remain cursed and forced to live without her love.

MASQUE OF DESIRE is a surprisingly entertaining blend of lost loves and strangers in the night. Not an easy feat to accomplish, yet Ms. Ruttan brings these two elements together in a seamless and believable tale. While Aleksandr has never forgotten Miranda, to her, he is but a stranger and a client of the firm she works for. The slow realization of their lost love is poignant to say the least.

MASQUE OF DESIRE is not short on heat either; the encounters with Alex and Miranda are steamy and highly erotic. For a short tale the pages are filled with plenty of strong dialogue, clever characters and a love story that comes across as real and not contrived.

MASQUE OF DESIRE is a quick read that will leave you satisfied and looking for more of Ms. Ruttan's work.