What happens when the Gods invite mortals to their annual masquerade ball? Step inside the pages of MASQUERADE VOLUME 1 to get a glimpse….

Skyler Grey opens the anthology with “Golden Lioness.” Trista Vines is ecstatic when she receives her invitation to Plantation House’s masquerade ball. Little does she realize but the Greek God, Hercules, is behind her invitation as he has dreamed of this chance to meet her. Now, Trista will get to live her fantasy for one night with the God from Mount Olympus… but will she decide reality is a better place to be?

Skyler Grey’s enchanting tale contains a wide cast of endearing and memorable characters, particularly the fairy Princess Amber. “Golden Lioness” has an ethereal aura that adds an air of believability to the entire masquerade ball as the Gods and Goddesses appear real. Ms. Grey’s attention to detail provides readers with a very sensual foray into the mythological world of the Gods and Goddesses.

“Caging Kat” by Kayleigh Jamison centers on art thief, Kat, and her rendezvous with Ares. Year after year, Kat has ignored those pesky invitations to Plantation House’s masquerade ball as she intends to stay well under the radar due to her dubious profession. However, she finds herself homeless and without accessible funds after her home is destroyed in a bizarre accident. She attends the masquerade ball intending to steal enough jewelry to get back on her feet until the God Ares makes her a wager involving the famed Areopagus Diamond.  Will Kat find the diamond or will Ares be the victor in this battle?

“Caging Kat” is a deviously clever tale as Kayleigh Jamison artfully infuses offbeat humor into the world of the Gods. Kat’s rather bizarre situation will leave the reader laughing out loud as Kat attempts to circumvent the system rather than simply reporting the loss of her home.  The interactions between Kat and Ares area both spicy and titillating as both are very strong-willed and neither wants to submit to the other in their test of wills. Ares may be the God of War, but Kat is used to winning as well, and it is the sparks ignited from their clashing that make this a winner!

“Water Lily” by Jamie Hill shows what happens when meek and demure seamstress Lillian Worth meets Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Lillian feels out of place with the wealthy attendees at the masquerade ball as she knows she actually made many of the costumes. Poseidon suggests a fantasy for Lillian that leaves her world turned upside down. Will Lillian be willing to grasp the future Poseidon offers?

Jamie Hill’s cornucopia of sensual delights is sure to please many!  Her lush descriptions of the sea create a very vivid portrait that will leave the reader yearning for more. Poseidon’s famed anger is tempered by the very sensuous portrayal of Poseidon in his element. Jamie Hill proves with “Water Lily” that she is an author to watch out for!

Alisha Steele’s “Stay with Me” is a depiction of one woman’s sexual awakening as seen through the eyes of the God of Decadence, Dionysos. Dionysos is weary of the party life and Sianne’s naiveté catches his attention. Sianne has only one wish for her fantasy. Will Dionysos be willing to grant it? 

Alisha Steele’s character development is phenomenal as “Stay With Me” concludes the MASQUERADE anthology with a bang! Dionysos’ ennui is coloring his entire perspective of the masquerade ball until his chance encounter with Sianne leaves him hoping for more. Sianne’s struggles with self-esteem will resonate with readers as she begins to recognize that she is a very sensual woman and not frigid as past lovers have called her.

MASQUERADE VOLUME 1 is a superb compilation by four very talented authors. Each story offers a slightly different perspective of the masquerade party held by the Gods and Goddesses from Mount Olympus. In fact, this reviewer’s only complaint is that she was left wanting yet more stories of this infamous, once-a-year party! MASQUERADE VOLUME 1 is sure to be a hit with readers!

Reviewed by Anne

Copyright © 2006-2008 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.

BUY IT!

Rating:

Posted September 2006