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Vanessa Graham dreams of having a fairy tale life. Growing up, she was second best to her twin step-sisters and always wore their worn-out hand-me-downs. Now Vanessa has an opportunity to live the fairy tale for just one night. Her best friend Rachel’s boss, is throwing a party and Rachel has an invitation and costume for Vanessa. A guest backed out at the last minute leaving the invitation and costume available. Best of all, the costume is Cinderella.
Nicholas Powers is a highly successful business man, not to mention, gorgeous. At his masquerade party, he decides to dress as Prince Charming and help his friend Amy, who will be dressed as Cinderella, make her boyfriend jealous. Nicholas is the only guest whose identity is not concealed. When he finds Cinderella, he thinks its Amy, but much to his surprise, when he kisses her, he realizes it’s definitely not Amy. Nick tries to find out Cinderella’s true identity, but she leaves before he can talk to her.
After the party, Vanessa receives a call from Powers Systems, asking her to accept a temporary position as Nick’s assistant while Rachel is on maternity leave. What’s a girl to do? Can she be honest with Nick about her true identity or will he fire her once he finds out she lied and crashed his party?
I like the characters of Nick and Vanessa. I felt like Vanessa could have been more open and honest with Nick when she realized how much he wanted Cinderella, but knowing her reasons, I also felt she was justified. Nick is torn between Vanessa and Cinderella until he kisses Vanessa and realizes they are one and the same. Vanessa knows Nick wants her, but she know he wants Cinderella too and it’s tearing her apart.
MASQUERADE OF LOVE is the classic Cinderella story told in a contemporary setting. Elizabeth Batten-Carew did any excellent job bringing the story together and included all the facets of the real Cinderella story. Rachel and Amy are great secondary characters that help to mesh the story into a solid must read. If you’re looking for a heart-warming story with wonderful characters, then look no further you’ve found it with MASQUERADE OF LOVE.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ray
for The Road to Romance
June 14, 2004
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