Elizabeth, Sir Thomas' oldest daughter, hatches a plan to ease his troubled mind. She dresses in her father's clothes and cuts her hair in order to masquerade as her estranged cousin. Elizabeth's ruse goes smoothly until she steps from her father's bedchamber and finds Preston Montgomery, the seventh Earl of Barton, standing outside.

Preston senses something familiar in the green eyes peering at him but doesn't see through Elizabeth's disguise. At the request of Sir Thomas, Preston has come to assist in locating James Langford. He doesn't trust the young man who claims to be Mr. Langford. Preston decides to remain until he makes sure the Covington household is in order.

Elizabeth and Preston aren't looking forward to seeing each other again. Elizabeth, wild and outspoken, and Preston, haughty and reserved, had constantly clashed as children. Preston had always dared Elizabeth to beat him and laughed at her when things sometimes went wrong. However, something in their relationship had changed five years before. Elizabeth felt the change and reached out to him. Preston had coldly pushed her away, leaving Elizabeth devastated.

Several other masquerades are being carried out in this story. Some could make the young lovers overcome their fears and realize the love they truly share and there are others that could drive them apart forever.

The author has given this book a perfect title. Masquerades, in many forms and degrees, are used throughout this story. They help the story flow at a lively pace, causing a lot of laughter and anticipation along the way. This book contains a wonderful cast of characters. The ending is satisfying but leaves an opening for another love story. I hope so because I would like to see more of these characters and Ms. Scott's writing as well.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Renee Burnette
November 2, 2003