For five years, model Randa Starr has always brought in the green for Nick Strong, but when he insists she spend a few hours with a client, she refuses. She doesn’t care if it’s worth five grand, she isn’t any hooker. This doesn’t sit well with Nick, who uses her like a punching bag. He feels since he made her famous, he practically owns her. When Randa awakes, she is in the hospital being drilled by a detective. Befriended by Dr. Charles, she feels she can confide in him. His sympathetic side doesn’t only want to nurture her back to health, but, also, lend an ear. Randa feels Nick will not stop until he kills her. With her appearance, after the beating, she doesn’t believe any man will look at her again. Dr. Charles suggests she pretend to be a boy. After Nick appears and tries to finish what he started, Randa takes the doctors advice. Trying to keep one step ahead of Nick is a constant struggle as she attempts to stay alive at every turn. In time, she meets up with two brothers, Sean Chardone and his brother, Blaise, who had barely escaped cruel beatings of their Father, only to end up working in a circus. Now grown and still working in the business, they take Randa into their fold. With each passing day Randa begins to feel an attraction and wishes to express to Sean the truth of her real identity, but with Nick possibly lurking, she is afraid to spill her secret. It’s a race against time, for Randa, as for the first time, true love has finally landed in her lap.

Dark Masquerade is filled with drama, on the edge of your seat entertainment and compelling characters that make this story explosive. Randa’s wide range of emotions, actions and everything she is dealt makes her a strong woman as she stands her ground. I admire her strength and gusto. Nick is one of those villains; you want to take a baseball bat and really fix him good. I simple adored elderly Dr. Charles. This magnificent story hooked me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Ms. Godwin has structured a well-written novel with a tight plot with twists and turns that spellbound this reader. In no time, I found myself sympathizing with Randa and kept my fingers crossed she would be safe. The tale is so visual; I felt a part of the action in this exciting recommended read!

Reviewed by: Linda L.