My rating: 3 of 5 stars
MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE was the first book I’ve read from author Ruth Axtell. And though those who enjoy regency era romance novels might enjoy it, I found the story just could not hold my interest.
The widowed Lady Celine Wexham is French by birth but an English countess by marriage. She is well connected in the upper crust circles of England, but her loyalty to her countrymen comes first. Because of her unique position, she finds herself perfectly placed to spy for France. But is that what she is doing?
Rees Phillips of the British Foreign Office is sent to spy on Lady Celine. He gains access to Lady Wexham by posing as her newly assigned butler. For the love of his country, and in hopes of gaining a better position in the agency, he takes on the roll. The only problem . . . Rees now finds himself captivated by Lady Celine. When he discovers she is in danger, he finds himself more concerned with her safety than his job of collecting evidence against her.
Both Celine and Rees struggle with their growing feelings for each other. They question each others actions, wondering if it is possible for them to share the same feelings. But, regardless if they do, there could be no future for them. After all, she is a countess and he is just a butler. She is quite possibly a spy, and Rees is the one who will have to turn her in to the home office. But will he?
MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE held such promise. The summary touched on love, intrigue, espionage. But the story itself traveled at such a slow pace, it minimized the suspense. Though there were some intensely written scenes, I found myself skimming large portions. But, let me say, the regency era is not one of my favorite genres. In fact, I have now told myself, no matter how good the synopsis makes a book sound, I will no longer review books set in this era. So please, if you like the regency era, read for yourself and come to your own conclusions.
Books provided for review.
Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
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