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Masque of Deceptions

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Masque of Deceptions

By: Stella Riley
Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
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About this listen

Had it not been for the scent bottles, it is unlikely that Daniel Shelbourne, Viscount Reculver, and Anna Hawthorne of Hawthorne’s Porcelain would ever have met.
Daniel’s late father left him an impoverished estate – which he had expected – and unexplained debts, which he hadn’t. Anna inherited a thriving business, along with the knowledge and passion required to run it.
Daniel needs money quickly if his family is to avoid ruin.
Anna wants to create a tribute to her father’s vision and skill.
He is desperate; she, astute and determined.
So when Anna hears whispers that Lord Reculver is discreetly selling some of his possessions, she remembers the large collection of scent bottles purchased from Hawthorne’s over the years … all of them designed by her father.
They are exactly what she needs.
Moreover, selling them to her will give his lordship some of what he needs.
All she has to do, therefore, is make him a reasonable offer.
Simple. Or is it?

©2024 Stella Riley (P)2024 Stella Riley Historical Historical Fiction Regency
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Masque of Deceptions is the second book in Ms. Riley’s latest ‘Shadow’ series.
In the Prologue we find Daniel Shelbourne, who was full of joie de vivre in book 1 - The Shadow Earl, brought resoundingly down to Earth when he discovers on his father’s death he not only inherits the title of Viscount Reculver but also his father’s debts and loans that he knows cannot be repaid.
From the start Alex Wyndham brings Daniel to life with emotion and shock as he questions the lawyers to understand the enormity of his financial situation.
We then move to Chapter 1 and are introduced to Anna Hawthorne. She is unmarried and on the death of her father became the sole heiress of Hawthorne’s pottery in Worcester. Consequently she is a very rich young lady whose life revolves around her porcelain business.
Mr. Wyndham performs Anna perfectly by his timing and delivery and one immediately feels she is very much in control of her comfortable surroundings.
Thereafter the story brings Daniel and Anna together and from a position of mutual mistrust because of their differing situations – one facing financial ruin while the other secure and extremely wealthy – an unlikely bond develops slowly, beautifully and emotionally, which is captured by Stella Riley’s writing and Alex Wyndham’s performance.
The story has many twists and turns resulting in a bringing together of Daniel and Anna in a most satisfactory way.
Stella Riley never fails to set her books against different backgrounds and locations. The Shadow Earl was against a background of kidnapping in the Levant. Here it is the porcelain industry in 1780’s Worcester.
What a refreshing change from the balls and endless soirees of Georgian London by other writers!
Ms. Riley’s excellent at writing dialogue and plausible characters. In this case Anna who has her own voice and opinions plus a thorough knowledge of how a business should be run because of her father’s upbringing.
I thought this audio book was outstanding. The pairing of Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham is just perfect as can be witnessed by the many Audios and 5-Star reviews they have achieved together.
Stella Riley’s characterisations are wonderful and Alex Wyndham’s performance is always outstanding.
A huge well done and thank you because it's richly deserved.
I look forward to hopefully a third book in the 'Shadow' series and cannot wait.
Another triumph by Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham!

Another triumph by Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham!

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I really enjoyed the book so have been looking forward to hearing Alex’s narration. It doesn’t disappoint! Anna is a socially awkward heiress who unexpectedly crosses paths with her schoolgirl crush; a naturally gregarious viscount who is struggling under inherited debt. The romance is slow-burning and very sweet. Chuck in a couple of villains to complicate things and this is a great listen!

A sweet and slow-burning romance

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I love these books! Great story telling, and brilliant attention to detail send the reader back in time. It's a bit slow to start but as always with Stella Riley's books and Alex Wyndham's marvellous performance I was fully immersed.

Another great read from Stella Riley!

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I have been eagerly anticipating this edition since the ebook was published. Any Stella Riley book performed by Alex Wyndham never disappoints and I adore this!

This is a fascinating slow burning romance with a touch of intrigue. The setting in the Potteries is very well researched and, as always, rich character portrayal and sparkling dialogue bring the story to life.

Thank you Stella and Alex for so many pleasurable reading and listening hours. Looking forward to the next instalment in 'Shadows'.

Perfect listening combination!

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Listener received this title free

Another triumph. I am really enjoying this new series which is beautifully written & narrated. What a treat to put my feet up, sip a hot chocolate and wallow in the late 1700's. I don't think I've ever listened to a S.R book & not come away from the experience having gleaned additional historical information. As always, this was no exception. A very enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

The Talented Ms Riley

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