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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin Reviewed by Ashley Hasting

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really nice Historical Fiction Romance novel. Even though Charmaine has a tough time with her family right now, she has been working hard to keep them afloat. What that involves is putting on games for a ‘charity’. The games are done at a ball as well where she meets Kosta. There is love, family, drama, and scheming in this novel, but oh so good!

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MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE (THE BRIGHTLEY SISTERS BOOK 1) BY HALLEY LARKIN – REVIEW BY Michaela Massie

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this historical romance with a twist. This wonderful book follows the love of Charmaine Brightly and Kosta Rostov.

Charmaine doesn’t believe in true love like in fairytales. She is too busy trying to protect her sisters and the family inheritance. Kosta has had to leave his home of Russia and now lives with his cruel and evil step-father in England. Will Kosta’s evil step-father’s schemes ruin Charmaine and Kosta’s future? Read this compelling story and find out!!!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin Reviewed by Trista Priest

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I typically do not read historical romance, but what a wonderful story of two opposites being pulled together. The characters and plot are well-developed. The author has created a Cinderella vibe, however, in this story, Charmain has a lot of responsibility being put on her to ensure her siblings are taken care of. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who love an unpredictable romance.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Susan Ratchford

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Midnight Masquerade
The Brightley Sisters Book 1
By: Halley Larkin
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

I absolutely loved this book! What a beautiful work of historical fiction! Larkin’s description and detail of the costumes for the masquerade ball were ethereal. I felt completely drawn into the story at that point. I also loved that this book gives off a Cinderella vibe but Kosta is the one that knows who Charmaine is. The emotions between Kosta and Charmaine are so intense and romantic that you can truly feel their passion. Charmaine’s character herself was really emotionally gripping with everything she is dealing with and the responsibilities she has on her shoulders. I found her relatable and Larkin’s writing makes it so easy to feel any emotion she is trying to portray. This book also exceeded my expectations with how many thrills and twists there were. It really kept me turning pages and I was pleasantly surprised. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2). I highly recommend giving this series a try. You’ll love what you find.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Netania Lim

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a minute since I read a historical romance but I really enjoyed this one. And I liked that while it’s a Regency romance, it also brings in Russian aristocracy. You feel for the characters, especially Charmaine, who seems to be caught between her desires and her social responsibilities as well as her responsibilities to her sisters’ wellbeing. There’s plenty of intrigue and pining, but Charmaine and her sisters are also pretty unconventional, which was really enjoyable to read. If you like Bridgerton, this is the book for you!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Shai Flores

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that the beautiful cover made me want to read this book. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially from this era. This story takes place in the 1800s and all of the elements that a reader could want are included: mystery, romance, politics, danger, societal drama, and historical background. This story caught my interest quickly and the writing was as beautiful as the cover. It was extremely hard to put down! I found myself connecting with the main character, Charmaine, and her struggle between what she wants and her responsibilities. Despite the story taking place in a very different world than the one I live in, I often feel this way as well. A good author makes the characters relatable, which causes the reader to become invested. This is the first book in this series and I look forward to reading the next one.

Reviewed by @puffprincess

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin- Review by Carisa Saenz-Videtto

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did enjoy this book. Even I don’t normally read books that are written during an older era. This author did a great job of describing the clothes and scenery. Makes you feel like you are actually there. The love story between Lady Charmaine Brightley and Duke Konstantin Rostov is written so beautifully. Definitely recommend it if you love old love stories.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review By Jennifer Gordon

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging historical romance which was full of period details which made me feel immersed in the story. The storyline follows the Brightly sisters, and this novel focuses on Charmaine Brightley, who in order to protect her younger sisters, when they lose the family’s inheritance to a distant male cousin, makes plans to make a practical marriage match. Charmaine believes that romantic love is a ridiculous notion, until she meets a stranger at her own masquerade ball and she can’t deny their instant attraction. Duke Konstantin “Kosta” Rostov had to abandon Russia and travel to England following a tragic duel. Kosta sneaks into a masquerade ball at Cortwood Manor, and when he meets the alluring Lady Charmaine, their chemistry sizzles.
Kosta is forced to serve his cruel stepfather and so when he is sent back to Cortwood, he wonders why his stepfather wants him to seek out Charmaine. When he realises his stepfather is out to destroy her, can he go through with it, after all Charmaine has captured Kosta’s heart. The descriptive narrative really brought the setting to life and I loved the main characters, Charmaine and Kosta have a definite connection and I liked how their relationship developed. I look forward to Charmaine’s sisters getting their own stories.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Alisa Boomer

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Midnight Masquerade just has an ethereal, fairytale beginning that calls to my inner romantic! Star-crossed lovers must face down their opposition and fight for a chance at freedom. Both have weighty burdens that try to keep them apart from their instant chemistry, but can they make it past all that? Will the temptation of love and passion trump all? Stolen moments, sizzling heat, and intrigue kept me reading page after page. A wonderful historical romance!!

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@vetforchrist

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larki – review by Kerry Baker

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was so impressed with her writing style. The story were written in a way that easily caught my attention and then held it throughout. I enjoyed premise of the story as well. It had more depth to it than a lot of stories within this genre which was nice to see. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to what is to come next.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book #1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Angela Hayes

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Midnight Masquerade is the first book in The Brightley Sisters series by Halley Larkin. I loved meeting the Brightley sisters and following along as Charmaine, the elder sister, sets of on a quest for love. The sisters hold a masked ball to raise funds for a worthy cause, enter a mysterious stranger who immediately captures Charmaine’s interest. After three ‘failed’ seasons of not finding a husband, she is quickly approaching the point where she will be considered an old maid and ‘off the market’. As the older sister she holds the fate of not only herself, but her two younger sisters, in her hands. She feels the weight of this responsibility weighing on her shoulders and knows time is running out. Meeting this charming and mysterious stranger at the ball has her hoping she may have finally found her ‘match’ and the solution to her problems. But he leaves before she is able to discover his identity. Now her future depends on uncovering who the masked stranger is. Add in a Duke with his own pressing problems and a past that haunts him, some meddling sisters, an ailing father, reputations at risk, a nasty ex and his vengeful father, agendas, the ‘ton politics, and societal expectations of the day- and things not only get a bit tense, but also quite intriguing.
Definitely looking forward to the other books in the series!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Halley Larkin!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin Michelle Austin

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read, I was pulled right into this historical romance that gave me a Cinderella vibe.

Charmaine is in need of a husband to help keep her family home. When she meets Kosta at a masquerade party there is an instant connection but he disappears at midnight. Charmaine and her sisters try to find out who Kosta is. What will happen when she finds him?
Kosta has his own story with some secrets of his own. What will happen if Charmaine learns his secret?

Overall this was a great read with several twists and turns that added a great element to the story. All of the characters were great, love the sisters. The author does a great job with her writing and you feel like you are right there with the characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin- Review by Tausha Treadway

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin. I loved this book. I really enjoy Historical Romances but this one was amazing. Its the story of Lady Charmaine Brightley who is facing Spinsterhood and has given up on finding anyone suitable for her. With this dark future looming she decides to just focus on her sisters and dad. If she doesn’t marry and Lord Cortham passes which is probably coming since his health is so bad their beloved home will be passed to a distant male cousin. When she and her sisters throw a masquerade ball and she meets Lord Trenholm who has been in hiding because of his horrible step father. When Lady Charmaine and Lord Trenholm share their first dance sparks fly. Will they be able to be together and Lady Charmaine be able to save her family’s home? Read Midnight Masquerade to find out!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charmaine Brightley is the eldest daughter of her family and three seasons past her time to secure a husband. She has her own plans and ideas, and they do not align with 1800s English society. At the masquerade she and her sisters host each year, a stranger asks her to dance, and like a Cinder-FELLA story, he disappears at midnight. Her sisters offer a wager that if they can find the mysterious man, Charmaine will agree to marry him. This was a delightful, romantic story that I recommend.

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin-Review By April McCoy

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charmaine and the Duke’s story is one for the ages! I enjoyed the fairytale effect and fell in love with the story with every next word. The characters had great chemistry and I was so happy with the progression. I loved how the plot flowed and the story was just entertaining! My first from this author and definitely won’t be my last.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin Review by Piper Foster

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the cover in this book it’s very clear. Both if the main character is this book are relatable and you can envasvaionn there regency romance. Charmine and Kosta are going through a tough time. The plot works and you can tell it was well though out. Many twist and turns it’s a great read.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Jenni Bishop

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in Victorian England,1850 it is a majestic regency romance. Lightness and Darkness meld as we traverse the minefield of finding what they need before it is too late. A rogue mysterious yet handsome stranger with a dark past. A headstrong woman who is looking to escape with her sisters and their plight but also rebels against the “norm” of society. This is one enchanting masquerade that will change both of their lives. The story is nicely written, and the world-building is mysterious and delightful. With a web of lies and secrets, drama and twists the story is set to entice lovers of historical romance.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin-Review by Elena Tobar

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a beautiful historical romance. I was instantly transported to the past, where Charmaine has to look for a suitable match if she doesn’t want her family home to be passed on to a distant male relative. It isn’t fair that a woman had to make such choices back then simply because she was a female. However much Charmaine wants to do what is best for her family and her home, she still wants that true love even though she fears she will never find it. She ends up crossing paths with Kosta and the attraction is immediate and undeniable. She doesn’t feel that he is the match that she should make but her heart tells her otherwise. He’s hiding a big secret that can make all the difference for their future. I really enjoyed this book, it’s absolutely a swoon worthy romance that had me hooked from the first page. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the other Brightley sisters in future books.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin- Review by Lauren West

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Historical Romance never fails to make me giddy and excited! The historical insight and the vivid details were a delight to the imagination.
This tale was a beautiful story with fun, delightful, and relatable characters that help set the scenes.

Midnight Masquerade features our heroine Charmaine who is selfless and loyal. With her father being ill she makes it her mission to marry well to secure the future of her sisters. Unmarried and past the respectable age she does not expect a love match or true happily ever after. Upon meeting Duke Konstantin “Kosta” Rostov at a masquerade she hosts all thoughts of love being delusional are out the window. Both are smitten with each other, and are determined to set their own destinies. A means to an end soon becomes a winding path to love

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin, Review By Abbey Cleman

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For a young woman in the historical London and her sisters who are on the brink of losing their family home when the oldest who is responsible for the younger ones meets a random man at her masquerade fundraiser that she starts with a dance.

This book has twists and turns from the start and I don’t want to give too much away but it is amazing and worth the read especially if historical romances are what you enjoy.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Alison Risher

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in Victorian England, the oldest of three sisters chafes against the bonds that society has placed around her. As she tries to honor her mother’s last wish to care for her younger sibs, the heroine engages in a dangerous parody of Robin Hood. As one family spies on another family, readers face the possibility of international intrigue. We see characters learning to set boundaries for themselves with toxic people in their lives. Ultimately, we encounter hope, redemption and new beginnings.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin Review by: Stephanie nicole

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one of those books that you just can’t resist reading based on it’s beautiful cover. When I first came across this book I didn’t even bother reading the synopsis I knew based off the cover alone that I would love it. This book was everything that I imagined it would be with just enough romance, entertainment and just a little mystery, I just simply couldn’t put it down. I am also a sucker for a fairytale retelling and this one gave me a very Cinderella feel. With a strong female lead, a handsome male lead pretending to be something he’s not, and great supporting characters trust me when I say that you should pick this book up today. I know personally I can’t wait to see what our author gives us next.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Katie Matthews

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an absolutely fantastic story! I loved every minute of it and I think I have definitely found a new author to love. I was completely captivated by what I was reading, the wonderful twists and turns in the characters’ lives had me turning the pages faster and faster just so I could find out what was going to happen next. Historical romances are my favourite and the author definitely did this genre justice with this story. From her vivid and detailed writing that allowed me to imagine what I was reading to the smaller details which showed she understands the era she is writing for. Although its only February this is definitely one of my reads of 2022 so far! I feel that I also really need to say how beautiful and eye catching the cover is too, I don’t usually take much notice of covers – if I did I wouldn’t have read some of my favourite books – however this one is so serene looking it really is stunning to look at.
Overall this was a wonderful story and I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series!

@katiem
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MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE ( THE BRIGHTLY SISTERS BOOK 1) BY HALLEY LARKIN REVIEWED BY CARLIE DEL GALLO

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow this book is the first one in this series and it left me wanting to know more. I was first entranced with the wonderful cover art and then was captivated by the characters. The way that Halley weaved the characters stories made me feel as though i was right there with them. You cannot help but to feel empathy for their situation and want to know their next move. This book had a lot of twists and turns that were completely unexpected. I am on pins and needles waiting on the second book as I need to know what is going to happen next!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Amanda Williams

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cover immediately drew me in. An absolutely stunning piece of art.

This was my first book ever by this author but I must say I was impressed by the sheer exquisiteness of world-building in this book.

The characters were relatable and I liked the mystery element mixed in with the regency romance, a genre I don’t usually tend to pick up. Will definitely be trying more in this genre.

The storyline was nicely written and kept me interested throughout. Will be looking forward to trying more from this author.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin review by Crystal Jimmo

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Charmaine is the oldest of 3 girls. With her mothers passing and her father fallen ill, she is tasked to make sure her and her sisters are taken care of. She doesn’t care much for the likes of London society. She is headstrong and stubborn, holding out for someone she wants to love instead of having a marriage of convenience. Duke Konstantin is a roguish character who has lost everything and is trying to get it back. He has to deal with his step family being abusive to him. The writing was well done. I enjoyed reading this book. I may have to put it on my shelf to keep reading over and over again!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed this story, and read it through until the wee hours! The Brightley sisters are a wonderful trio of young women who have entered “society” and have been tasked with looking for a husband. Despite reservations on Charmaine and Arabella’s part, the impending loss of their family estate motivates them to find someone with the means to care for them – especially the eldest, Charmaine. She feels a keen responsibility to her younger sisters to land a husband who can care for them all. She very grudgingly admits this necessity, but has no feelings for any man – until she meets a swarthy handsome stranger. But mystery cloaks him, and he is hiding some explosive secrets. Can the two of them find a way to be together?

This book gives off some major Jane Austen vibes, and definitely charmed me with its wit and plot twists. The characters of Charmaine, Arabella, and Rosalind are very unique and well-drawn, I was hooked into reading until the end. Masterfully written, lots of fun, and I definitely recommend it!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Truly loved this amazing and enchanting book. It reminded me very much of a fairy tale. I could not get over how much it related to a story of girl meets love of her life sort of thing. I did not expect the darkness or things hidden that came to light. Made me love this book and the story so much even more!

One moment can define your destiny. I found this to be true. But when does the fairy tale really end? I think the characters of Kosta and Charmaine. Both meet one evening, but that one night leads to a moment that changes all that they knew. Good or bad? There was no going back. I was very entranced where things happened from there. the story had its light factors as well as its darkness which I loved.

Both of these characters chose what they chose the night they met, really from where they came from. Not knowing all things come with a price. Both have to do things that will better serve them. There was more outside the walls of their mind, a darkness that could overfill their minds if they allowed it. The story as enchanting as it was, showed a fairy tale can not last forever. But, you also have the choice to make the most and best of it.

Loved this book. Super excited to read the next in the series as well. I was really amazed by the talented writing as well. I do highly recommend this addictive book and the characters. I found there was more to every side of the story with the characters. A must read for sure! Do not let this slip by!

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Shelly Kittell

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charmaine and Kosta come together under tough circumstances. Charmaine has given up a lot to take care of her sisters and to think of losing it to some strange man. Unthinkable to me, I can only imagine how it was in those days. It doesn’t sound like Kosta had it any better. The challenges abounded and somehow these two will fight through. Will they stay/get together? You’ll have to read it. The characters are relatable. The plot felt fairly smooth with some twists and turns. I recommend it for your historical romance and mystery fans. Check it out.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters Book 1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this historical romance story. This is a newer author for me that I look forward to seeing what is next for her. This is a well written story about a duke that has a past, a lady who doesn’t seem to have a future and one night that could change everything. Neither one expected fate to take over. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. The author’s writing style is such that she made me want to know more. Her characters are realistic and made the story come to life. This is a fast paced, engaging story that was hard to put down. I also enjoyed the growth of not only the characters but also the plot. This was a great read for a cold afternoon at home. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner