Masquerade

Alpha #2

by Nora Ash

Leigh is desperate. Her career is in ruins, her dreams shattered—and her nights haunted by the memory of a man she shouldn’t want.
When an exclusive invitation to partake in Mattenburg’s annual Masquerade drops through her letterbox, she sees a chance to take back control over her life. If she can find a good scoop, she’ll have her job back in no time—and her mind firmly off the stranger who claimed her so completely before disappearing into the night.
But gilded invitations don’t come for free, and Leigh’s about to find out just how steep the price for entering the Masquerade will be...

Masquerade is the second book in Nora Ash’s dirty, suspense-filled Omegaverse serial. Want your alphas dominating and your romance scorching? This is the story for you.

Genres: Omegaverse, Paranormal, Romance, Dark, Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Dark Romance

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2017

About the author

I am Nora Ash, and I write a plethora of different romance books. Some of them are really dirty, some of them are only kinda-dirty, some are paranormal, some are contemporary… Basically, I have a rampant imagination and no way of controlling it, except from just writing down whichever idea pops into my head at the time.

The one thing my books always have in common, though? A great story and a guaranteed HEA.
If you’re ever in doubt about what you’re about to read, have a look at my book page. It has a flame rating for each series, so you know what you’re getting yourself into!

I’m originally from the cold North (AKA Scandinavia) but these days I live in rainy England with my amazing fiancé and our two pesty cats. When I’m not writing, I’m probably reading, watching Real Housewives of Wherever (reality tv it’s my shameful addiction) or hiking in whatever bit of woodland I can find.

Three fun facts about me

I once ran away with a traveling circus
I’m bilingual. Almost-kinda trilingual, but my Spanish is terri-bad these days.
I’m a decent rider (English style only, though)


You can (and definitely should!) keep in touch with me via my newsletter or by joining my Facebook group.

Reviews

[Meredith is a hot mess · Rating 5 out of 5]

whoops, read this one first, but it's the second in the series. this was a ton of fun to read; fast paced; smoking hot. just what I needed right now.

[MsMoxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

Alpha: Masquerade continues two weeks after Leigh’s park incident where she was almost brutally gang rapped by a pack of Alphas. As this story continues, you learn a little bit more about this polite society that is trying to reign in the Alpha dominance through the political sphere. However, all politicians in this world are Alphas and they have their own dark lustful tastes behind closed doors. This is all discovered at the Masquerade Ball where Leigh has been invited to attend.


More of this sinister world is revealed as Leigh’s one night “fling” (I’m using this word to put it mildly) returns at her door step with the intent to court her. And the rest, you’ll just have to read!

I really loved this second instalment. While it was longer than the first, it still wasn’t long enough! This story is worthy of being full length and I would just devour it!

Nora Ash is an excellent story teller! And her M/F scenes are out of this world intense!

Now moving on to book 3!

[Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprise masquarde invitation for our lady, Leigh came with dangerous temptation. It could be a trap. But also a way to get her job back. Become a spy among the politicians and high power people. In the party, Leigh was taken aback with the gentleman identity as Peter Leod; the shinning Liberal politician. However, the party isn't what it seems. For the sake of her job, Leigh really did spy on them. But when Peter found her identity, he is weirdly didn't stop her action.

Peter is such an enigma. Despite his strong political view, he seems take another interest with Leigh. Really suspicious. Back in her place, the strange masked Alpha came to stake his claim. The invitation is a gift from him. Imagined Leigh surprise! Her resistance started to crumble. She's easily wet and welcome him back. Leigh is in contradiction.



Of course, there's more hot sex scenes between Leigh and the Alpha. He didn't hesitate to ravish her. In between their intense sex, he whispered sweet talks to take care of her and such. Really. Who is this man... Overall, the story started to develop after Peter open his mouth about the politic. Also the ending left me hanging.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*

Yaaaaaas. I really love how Ash can put sexy and scary together and somehow make it hotter. She did it with her Darkness series and she's doing again for Alphas. I probably love it because of how much it reminds me of her other series, but seriously, why would I be mad about that? It'd be like tasting chocolate, expecting it to be delicious, and getting mad when you're right lol There were slight differences that lead to different paths so I am glad about that, and I really can't wait for the conclusion.

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review for all three books is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... There are no spoilers.

[Amna S · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨utterly confused✨

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short quick read. These are more like novellas. Interesting premise, however after finishing the series, it was an okay read. Not terrible but not the best. I’m not sure I understand the issue with the masquerade. I still don’t understand the society of this world. I’m guessing it’s an omega verse who behaviors are more human and they deny their primal alpha/beta/omega instincts? But it’s not clear discussed in the book so I don’t get the h disgust of the masquerade ball. Once she finds out it is all scripted and done for fun, what is there to “expose”?

[Mar-Mar bookaholic · Rating 2 out of 5]

You have sex with a guy who wears a mask and you kind of detail him.

Then you go to a masquerade and there's a guy with a mask coming to talk with you and you don't connect the dots?

I'm no Sherlock Holmes but on top of a TSTL she is bit slow in the head.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

DARK, DELICIOUS, & SEXY!!!
Title: Masquerade
Series: Alpha
Author: Nora Ash
Designation: Book 2 of 3 Part Serial, NOT A Standalone, Cliffhanger Ahead #omegaverse #romance #erotic #hotalphas
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Four Sinfully Sexy Stars****
Oh my! It's official; I'm hooked! The first book was great but the second is even better! Nora Ash kept me on the edge of my seat with a death-grip on my ereader while my heart fluttered wildly in my chest, and this was through the entire book! lol... By the time I got to the last page, I was struggling for my next breath. No one writes erotic romance quite like Nora Ash. I've been a fan for years and race to Amazon every time she has a new release and Ash didn't disappoint in Masquerade! Did I like this book? Yes, very much! Now, let me tell you why!

Masquerade is an imaginative, riveting, seductive, fast-paced, well-crafted, easy-to-follow erotic romance with strong omegaverse elements. For folks unfamiliar with the term, Omegaverse is a subgenre of fan fiction in which canine-type characteristics are given to the characters, including alpha/beta/omega designations and usually contains strong themes of dominance, submission, possession, and typically also includes the strong use of 'soul mates' and the concept of sex or mating as a biological imperative. It varies with each author but I've always found Ash's work in this particular fandom to be fascinating as well as titillating. The narrative is beautifully written with a first-person perspective from the female protagonist and in this installment, we finally discover the identity of our heroine to be 26-year-old Leigh Adams, a reporter for a local news outlet. We also learn the secret identity of the male protagonist, but he's wearing a mask so no spoilers from me! The dialogue is smart, snappy, sexy, well-executed, flows effortlessly, and is balanced with the perfect combination of internal monologue. But the piece de resistance of every Ash story is her cast of always unique and intriguing characters. One of the things I love most about Ash's writing is her ability to write harsh, gruff, growly, and bad to the bone alpha antiheroes and somehow make them sexy, engaging, and endearing to the reader. This is only the second installment and, though we do learn his identity, we still don't know the masked man's true agenda. At this point, it's yet to be determined, but that's another thing I love about Ash's work, her ability to always keep the reader guessing. In this installment, Ash gives the reader, what I like to call, more meat and potatoes, a conflict you can really sink our teeth into - political machinations. These guys are not only strong Alphas, they're also prominent, powerful politicians. No spoilers from me, but I will say this... A sexy, growly Liberalist Alpha who wears a mask, takes what he wants, and purrs-oh my! And yes, I said purrs! What, you didn't know an Alpha could purr? Well, get ready to be wowed! A beautiful reporter who's in way over her head-check! Secrets, lies and political machinations-check! Pulse-pounding danger, heart-seizing action, compelling drama, undeniable attraction, inescapable submission, explosive passion, steamy sex, and a 'liberal' splash of purring-you bet! That and a whole lot more!

So I'll ask again, did I like it? Yes, very much! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers. It does contain explicit language, violence, and sex, and definitely not suitable for anyone under 17. If you've never read Omegaverse fan fiction, don't knock it till you've tried it! If you enjoy erotic paranormal romance with elements of BDSM, you'll probably love this story! But FYI, these Alphas are not shifters, they're humans with an overabundance of testosterone and alpha pheromones. As I stated earlier, this is not a standalone read and does end with a cliffhanger. There's one more book in this serial and it's already available. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! I've already purchased the third book, Alpha Mated, which I intend to dive into immediately! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

[kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

when leigh finds out the true identity of the alpha who rescued her in the woods

“A courting gift, sweetling. Perhaps such a thing would usually come before the beautiful present you gave me, but I have no intention of shortchanging you.”

“You Presented for me. You accepted my gift,” he whispers into my ear, his hot breath caressing my skin. “You belong to me.”

“Because from the moment I saw you, I knew you were meant to be mine. And if you weren’t so scared of your own instincts, you would know it too. Even now, when you’re trying to tell yourself that you’re scared of me, that you don’t want this… even now do your instincts whisper the truth to you. You Presented for me, Leigh. For me. It doesn’t matter what we want, what we planned for—you are mine.”

“You drive me crazy,” he growls against my ear, never slowing the steady roll of his hips. “I’ve thought of nothing but tasting you since we parted, and now that I have you, all I can think about is driving my cock into your tight little pussy. I’m going to fuck you so deep you’ll forget we were ever separated. When I’m done with you you won’t remember where you end and I begin—I will be as much a part of you as your own fucking arm.”

I’m wrapped up in strong arms and pressed against a warmth that can only be the alpha’s chest. My alpha’s chest. He’s purring for me, and I’m pretty sure I can detect a smugly satisfied note to it.

It smells like safety and home, and I twist around to bury my nose in its source. The man by my side growls sleepily in response to my movement, and iron bands wrap tighter around my body, pulling me closer. As if he wants to ensure I don’t leave his side.

“I’m not able to think when I’m around you, Leigh. Ever since you Presented for me during that damn press conference, I’ve not been able to get you out of my head. I think about you every waking second of every day, and I dream about you every fucking night! I can’t be around you when I’m trying to win the election, because you make me go primal in the worst of ways.”

“You Presented for me,” he interrupts, with more than a hint of a growl in his voice. “I saw you—I felt you. You Presented for me, no one else, and don’t ever think differently.”

[Kerry Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combined Review - 3 Novellas (Alpha) 1)Taken 2) Masquerade 3) Mated
Written by Nora Ash Published 2017

Set in a modern omegavers world a female reporter unexpectedly presents during a crowded political debate triggering public mayhem (all the political candidates on stage being alphas.) Her life is turned upside down and to make matters worse she’s now caught the attention of a mystery alpha whose attentions have become quite obsessed.

The novelllas are a fast entertaining read. Nora Ash writes exclusively omegavers with high spice factor. Though fewer pages these are true to Ash’s style.

I listened to the audiobooks. 1 female narrator was used to convey this single POV books. I was not impressed with the audiobook experience and would recommend you skip, go straight to your favorite way to consume text and just read. The story’s themselves I’d give a 3.5 round up to 4 star ⭐️ rating. Interested to see what Ash beef them up with in the re-write.

The author seems to be revisiting this story and recently expanding them to full novels. See the Alpha Ties series published 2021-2022.

[Rachel Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 is slightly longer than book 1, so that was a plus. We were able to get more into the story in this one.

Leigh ends up at a masquerade ball with the city elite. She is very put off by the opulence and wealth they so casually envelope themselves in. She gets to meet the Mayoral candidate Peter Leod here. Later that night, her home is invaded by her masked man from book 1, and he gets some hot lovin' again from her.

Super steamy book. Heat level was scorching. Looking forward to book 3 to see how it all wraps up.

[Moyae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never really considered myself a dark romance kinda chick but now I'm now an admitted stalker of Nora Ash and all things m/f Omegaverse. I think I am a stone cold junkie and don't think I'll ever go to rehab ;) P.S. Please, please, please do yourselves a favor and read the Alpha series in order and keep a candle near by because it gets a bit dark in there!

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Alpha Series, a hot omegaverse series. You have to listen to the first book in the series before this one. The story continues where the first book ended. The storyline is fast-paced, steamy, and intriguing. The story ends with a cliffhanger. Thurlow Holmes did a great job with the narration.

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 for this short series. The reporter wants to be independent, however, she has no idea what is going on. With guidance and patience from her alpha she's learning what to expect. She's invited to a masquerade ball that no reporter has ever been to before and maybe things about the rich that she can expose.
Another good short read!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book, Leigh to me was a little bit annoying but when I got really into this book and mated it all worked out in the end. I mean who on earth would not want to be mated to an sexy alpha lol !!!

[✯ baya ✯ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great storytelling here. Would've liked more about seedy underground of this world. I loved the interaction between the couple... I don't really have any complaints about the story really except that it's, once again, way too short. Especailly as some of the first chapter was in the previous book

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome follow up

This was an awesome follow up to the first in the series. I figured I knew who the masked Alpha was in the first one but this one will make you rethink your guess. Starting the next one ASAP!

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short

I love the omegaverse genre but hate when authors put out really short, almost excerpts, and charge full book prices. I purchased the first two novellas but refuse to spend over $2 on 77 pages for the final story. I can live without the ending.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Audiobook Review*

*Spoilers Ahead*

I listened to this series as one book, so I am unsure where one book ends and the other begins, so in short, I really liked this series until they actually mated and then they just got annoying.

[K · Rating 2 out of 5]

NB: Each book is short & ends on a cliffhanger.
Disappointing 2nd instalment. In my opinion, it shouldn't end where it does. Series should be a 2.5 book series, not 3.5.
0.5 being the Alpha Bonus Epilogue book, which is the previous novellas (books 1,2,3) but from 'his'/male POV.

[Mar-Mar bookaholic · Rating 2 out of 5]

You have sex with a guy who wears a mask and you kind of detail him.

Then you go to a masquerade and there's a guy with a mask coming to talk with you and you don't connect the dots?

I'm no Sherlock Holmes but on top of a TSTL she is bit slow in the head.

[Caroline B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books fine. At this point I’m reading for the smut & to finish the “series” (but at 5 chapters in each book is it really a series & not just a broken up short book?). Was easy to guess who her “killer” / intruder was. We’ll see what he does about what happened at the end of the novella.

[Diana's · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!! liking more as the story progresses.. on to Mated!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly better than the first book.

[Julie Safford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

A few typos but I love it this story...keeping me in my toes. Already got the next one. Great job nora.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty filthy high priced smut...I loved it.

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short story, but a ok read

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Love this series! Hot and delicious, Alpha Masquerade is a great 2nd story to Leigh and the Alpha’s mating. I loved it!

[Sheena Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series