Review: 4 Loving, Emotion-Filled, Steamy & Hopeful Stars!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 9, 2014
My Thoughts:One of the first New Adult books I ever read was Charade by Nyrae Dawn.  To this day, it sits on my favorite's shelf, and Colt and Cheyenne remain one of my favorite fictional couples.  Then, we got Colt's best friend Adrian's story, and he fell in love with Delaney (Laney) in Facade.  His story was completely heartbreaking, and I cried like a baby for what he went through.  Now, in Masquerade, we get (Laney's brother) Maddox's story, and he falls for the strong, independent, and beautiful tattoo artist, Bee.  I have come to care about all of these characters, and they feel like a part of my family.  What I love about the Games Series is how Ms. Dawn gives us real characters with real issues, but she always gives us a sense of hope that things can get better, you just need to open yourself up, and let someone in.  I can tell that Ms. Dawn is a romantic at heart, because she has me falling in love with her characters and stories time and time again.  The love these couples share shines right off of the pages, and has a way of making my heart melt.Maddox carries a lot of guilt inside of him for circumstances beyond his control. That guilt has festered into anger, and a sense that he hasn't done right by his little sister Laney.  He is very protective of her, partly for this reason, and also because he loves her dearly, and she is the only family he has left.  He only cares about two things in his life; Laney, and learning how to tattoo.  After being kidnapped, then found and returned to her family nine years later, Bee has felt like she doesn't belong anywhere.  She had trouble fitting in with her family, peers in high school, and is trying to discover who she really is.  The only thing she knows for certain is that tattooing is her passion, and her only escape from the realities of her life.  Maddox and Bee become acquainted, and then get to know each other when Bee begins training Maddox in the art of tattooing.  However, what these two never counted on was falling in love.I loved watching the way that Maddox and Bee connected on such a deep level. They were both a lot alike in the sense that they were closed off, didn't like asking for help, and carried a lot of guilt, and emotional baggage.  The romance and sex scenes were amazing between these two characters.  Especially, as they began to open up to one another, and started developing feelings for each other.  I enjoyed the fact that we got a lot of scenes with Cheyenne, Colt, Adrian, and Laney.  There weren't just a few little cameo's of them.  We really got a reunion with all of the beloved characters from previous installments of the Games Series.  Even though Maddox and Bee's story dealt with certain traumatic issues, it never became depressing or too dark.  There was always hope and the further along the story went, my hope for these two characters just grew.My Rating:I give Masquerade by Nyrae Dawn 4 Loving, Emotion-Filled, Steamy & Hopeful Stars!  This story will make you experience a wide range of emotions. You will laugh, (from Maddox and Bee's fun and flirty banter,) cry, and swoon!  For fans of the Games Series, you don't want to miss Maddox's story.  For those of you that haven't read this series, you don't want to miss any of these stories.  Charade, Facade, and Masquerade, are all amazing stories, with unforgettable characters that find love in the most difficult times in their lives  Put all three of these stories at the top of your TBR!My Favorite Quotes:" 'Stop making me want you.  The same heat from his eyes is now in his words. 'Stop letting me have you,' I reply, and it seems to inflame him more."  (eARC, Loc. 1209)~Bee & Maddox"We're not perfect, though none of us are.  We're works in progress and what matters is we're moving forward and we're doing it together.  In love."  (eARC, Loc. 3259)~Bee*To Read More Books, Visit A Bookish Escape!