Bethany House, 2015
Reviewed By Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)
A Rollicking Regency!
With the sweep of her pen...er, quill rather—author Kristi Ann Hunter writes an exuberantly lively and amusing Regency era novel with an aura of mystery and danger that is sure to send readers' emotions on a rollicking roller coaster ride.
Lady Miranda Hawthorne tries her best to live up to her mother's expectations of everything a lady should be, but appears to be failing miserably. She seems destined to remain a spinster and instead of pouring out her feelings in a diary she writes letters to her brother's friend, the mysterious and elusive Duke of Marshington. Of course she never intended on sending any of the letters, and is horrified when her brother's new valet mistakenly sends one to the duke. A lively correspondence ensues with the enigmatic duke and confusion reigns as Miranda finds herself also intrigued by her brother's new valet—the handsome, brawny Marlow—with the mesmerizing gray eyes. As danger rears its ugly head, Miranda is left in a terrible quandary...can she trust the suspicious Marlow?...and just who is this mystique of a man—the Duke of Marshington?
I was pleasantly surprised at debut author Kristi Ann Hunter's, A Noble Masquerade!! It's a delicious read filled with delightful humor, but also very suspenseful as well! I don't believe I have ever read a regency with so many comical scenes before, so this was a fun change for me. Miranda was a spitfire, to be sure! And ooh, the romance was sizzling, but sometimes very frustrating. I wanted to bonk someone in the nose a few times, but the characters seemed to do that for me quite nicely. lol I'm definitely looking forward to reading Book Two in the Hawthorne House series!
With the sweep of her pen...er, quill rather—author Kristi Ann Hunter writes an exuberantly lively and amusing Regency era novel with an aura of mystery and danger that is sure to send readers' emotions on a rollicking roller coaster ride.
Lady Miranda Hawthorne tries her best to live up to her mother's expectations of everything a lady should be, but appears to be failing miserably. She seems destined to remain a spinster and instead of pouring out her feelings in a diary she writes letters to her brother's friend, the mysterious and elusive Duke of Marshington. Of course she never intended on sending any of the letters, and is horrified when her brother's new valet mistakenly sends one to the duke. A lively correspondence ensues with the enigmatic duke and confusion reigns as Miranda finds herself also intrigued by her brother's new valet—the handsome, brawny Marlow—with the mesmerizing gray eyes. As danger rears its ugly head, Miranda is left in a terrible quandary...can she trust the suspicious Marlow?...and just who is this mystique of a man—the Duke of Marshington?
I was pleasantly surprised at debut author Kristi Ann Hunter's, A Noble Masquerade!! It's a delicious read filled with delightful humor, but also very suspenseful as well! I don't believe I have ever read a regency with so many comical scenes before, so this was a fun change for me. Miranda was a spitfire, to be sure! And ooh, the romance was sizzling, but sometimes very frustrating. I wanted to bonk someone in the nose a few times, but the characters seemed to do that for me quite nicely. lol I'm definitely looking forward to reading Book Two in the Hawthorne House series!
This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.
**Be sure to get your FREE ebook copy, A Lady of Esteem, an introduction to the Hawthorne House series novella here!**
GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of A Noble Masquerade to one blessed commenter! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
**Be sure to get your FREE ebook copy, A Lady of Esteem, an introduction to the Hawthorne House series novella here!**
GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of A Noble Masquerade to one blessed commenter! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
Oh this looks so good, I'll be adding it to my reading bucket list!!! alander87 at allcom dot net
ReplyDeleteI so hope you get a chance to read this one, ABBY! It'll make you laugh and cry!
DeleteAwesome review, sounds like a wonderful book to read, I would love the chance to read it sometime!!! I'm sorry to say I haven't read any of your books yet but I would like to and this book sounds like something I'd be interested in reading!!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway and God Bless you!!!
ReplyDeletesarahrichmond(dot)12(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, SARAH! This is actually KRISTI'S debut full length book so you're good! :) Thank you for your kind words and lotsa luck to you! God bless!
DeleteI read her novella 'A Lady of Esteem' just a few weeks ago and loved it! Would love to read her first full length novel.
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have the novella, PATTY, but read this one first. I'm a bit backwards but oh, well. lol Lotsa luck!
DeleteEnjoyed your review. This sounds like a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win a copy.
Blessings,Tina
tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net
Thanks so much, TINA! Kristi Ann Hunter did a splendid job!
DeleteOnce again Diana, you have a wonderful way of drawing me into each book you review so that I can't wait to get a copy and get started. If I do not win, I will definitely get this book for my Kindle collection. It sounds like a fun and fascinating read with amazing characters.
ReplyDeleteSince this is Kristi's debut novel, I am quite sure that once I have finished Book 1, I too will be looking forward to Book 2 in the Hawthorne House series.
Thank you for this outstanding review, Diana! Joyce - Heart"wings" joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for your kind words, JOYCE! I have never read a regency book that wasn't all serious (but I have loved them all!), so I wasn't prepared to smile during this one. The main character is very unconventional, but tries so hard to be a lady. lol
DeleteThanks for such a wonderful review, Diana! And thank you to the many commenters for your sweet words. I hope all of you get a chance to enjoy A Noble Masquerade. As Patty mentioned, there is a free ebook novella out that you can all enjoy in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Thanks for your kind words, KRISTI, and your wonderful book. I need to put the link for that free ebook -- thanks for the reminder!
DeleteBeautiful, enticing review - Diana, thank you!! Unusual to find humor in a Regency - 'A Noble Masquerade' sounds very entertaining in so many ways, looking forward to it. Lady Miranda sounds like quite a character (no pun intended), lol.
ReplyDeleteLol, BONNIE! She is definitely that in more ways than one! :) Thank you for your kind words! I hope you get a chance to read it!
DeleteOoooo! Sounds like fun!! Enter me. cbalmonyyahoocom
ReplyDeleteGotcha entered, CONNIE! Fun times and some very serious ones, too. Just like real life, I suppose.
DeleteDiana, wonderful review! I've already read A Noble Masquerade and also loved it! One can see it all over my blog - that's how much I love it. Everyone, definitely give this a read. I also read it backwards and that's totally fine. I won't put my email down, since I already have my copy, but just wanted to drop by and say how nice to read such great things of a book I love. Anyone after reading the book want to know more about the characters? Hop on over to my blog for an interview with Kristi. (Sorry if I'm not suppose to do this - but I really want people to read this book!)
ReplyDeleteThank you, JUST COMMONLY! I'm so glad you loved Kristi's book as much as I did! I hope others will go by your blog and read the interview. I have company from out of town, but will TRY to remember to hop by!
DeleteThanks Diana!
DeleteI LOVED this book -- and the humour was sooooooooo much fun. Can't wait for her next book to come out. Obviously, don't enter me as I've read the book -- just wanted to say 'hey' and squeal over an amazing Regency with someone who understands. :-)
ReplyDeleteSQUEEEAALL, KAV! I DO understand! I got such a kick out of Miranda. She reminded me of me when I was young. Such a spitfire! Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend.
DeleteI was very happy to get an advanced copy of this book.
ReplyDeleteLoved the plot and characters. Look forward to the next one in the series.
The winner will surely be pleased with this great Regency book!
-Janella
Yes, indeed they will, JANELLA! I'll be in there with you on the next book! lol Thx for sharing with us! :)
DeleteWhen I first saw this I was attracted to it's gorgeous cover. Then I read my first regency and I melted and it totally knocked my socks off . I had though regencies were just not my thing . Well after reading Lady Maybe I fell in love. This is now one of my favorite time periods to read about. Your review is absolutely fabulous but I'm not surprised because I always LOVE your reviews . I am so looking forward to reading this.
ReplyDeleteCnnamongirl at aol dot com
DEANNE, thank you! You've made my night with your sweet words. I never realized how much I loved the regency era either, but all it takes is one good one to get hooked. Here's hoping you get to read this one ASAP!
DeleteREGENCY, MYSTERY AND DANGER...I'm ready! Diana, I enjoyed your compelling review. This novel is on my GOTTA HAVE list! ;)
ReplyDeletepsalm103and 138 at gmail dot com
Yes, you GOTTA HAVE this one, CARYL! Thx so much!
DeleteI always enjoy your reviews and think I would love this book!
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
MELANIE, it's been awhile! I certainly believe you will LOVE this one! Thank you for your kind words!
DeleteRegency, romance, suspense, plus humor! A Noble Masquerade sounds positively delightful. Another book to put on my '"want to read" list. Thanks for the recommendation and the chance to win it.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
A little bit of everything, PAM, including delightful! You're so welcome!
DeleteOoh! I really enjoyed "A Lady of Esteem" and have been really looking forward to reading "A Noble Masquerade"!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win it! :)
sleepy_bookworm_aery [at] yahoo [dot] com
You're so welcome, AERYKAH! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteI am certainly wanting to have a print copy of A Noble Masquerade after watching this delightful cover go around blogs. Wanting to open it up and start reading. Love humor and fun. And a letter unintended for it's intended... fun, indeed. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteThose blogs did it for me, too, KATHLEEN! And a letter unintended is cause for much embarrassment! lol
DeleteThe book looks like a great book to read. I already got the free book and I thought it was a wonderful read. Congrats on the book. Great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHi, TAMMY! I have it, but have not read it yet. I guess I'm backwards. Lol
DeleteI am sorry I forgot to give my email mommystuck1(at)optonline(dot)net sorry
ReplyDeleteThx so much, Tammy. :)
DeleteSpitfire heroine & delightful comical humor with a touch of suspense.....and frustrating characters you wished you could knock heads together?? Most definitely count me in for this book....I've read such awesome things about "A Noble Masquerade" (your review included, of course!) :-D This is on my want-to-read list, thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteThis might help, huh?
Deleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Thx so much for sharing and for your kind words, TRIXI! And for adding your email! There are definitely a lot of awesome reviews on ANM and they're all right on the money! Good luck in the drawing, TRIXI!
DeleteI am judging by the cover. (Obviously a must read.) I seriously want that hat.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I believe that hat would give me a headache, MARY, since I can't even wear my hair up at all. But I would love to see you in it! :) And in this case you can judge a book by its cover!
DeleteWhat a delightful review, Diana!! I MUST read this!!! Not sure when or how, but I know I must! :) The story-line sounds deliciously intriguing, and I always love some humor in with the romance!!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you while I was reading this one, NOELA. It seemed right up your alley. haha Thanks, my lovely Aussie mate, and take care! <3
DeleteThanks, beautiful! Going to go quickly add that one to my Amazon wishlist under 'High Priority' right away! :)
DeleteThumbs up! Lol They need emoticons on blogger. :P
DeleteI am looking forward to reading Noble Masquerade. I love the letter writing premise! This one is on my TBR list. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeletemomrain(AT)aol(DOT)com
The letter writing was very clever and caused a lot of issues for poor Miranda! Thx for stopping by, LORAINE!
DeleteThe brightest and most beautiful cover. Congrats on this release!
ReplyDeleteDiane
dianemestrella at gmail dot com
That cover is definitely a gem, DIANE! Wonder how much that hat weighs? I do believe I would have a headache wearing it too long. lol Beautiful though....
DeleteLooks like a good read. Sounds like it too.kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteSometimes looks are deceiving, KIM, especially pertaining to books and covers, but in this case what you see is what you get.
DeleteI love the whole premise of this book! Writing letters to someone who is never supposed to see them....oooh....the places that can go. :) Can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteANNE, I so hope you get the chance to read this one! Ahhh...the letters. Lol
DeleteIf the inside of the book is as good as the cover, I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering me in your giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
It surely is, JANET! Tossing your name in my cyber hat! ;)
DeleteCongrats to Abby Breuklander for winning a copy of A Noble Masquerade! I emailed you, Abby!
ReplyDelete