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chapelcr3st's review against another edition
5.0
Ok..... I think I can breath now!!! (I saw holding my chest) that was a rollar-coaster!!!
How did she write LEON to be the "worst of them - everyone is scared of him" - and I LOVE
How did she write LEON to be the "worst of them - everyone is scared of him" - and I LOVE
ireadit13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amberreadsromance28's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 Stars
đśď¸đśď¸đśď¸
I am not sure how i want to rate this book. It had some dark content, but it wasn't that crazy for me. I think the beginning was good, but then I started to get bored and nothing was really progressing in the story. I also felt like I didn't really know the heroes, they felt surface level to me. I liked the heroine and how she fought against everything through the entire book.
I will still read the next one because I am curious about the cliffhanger and I hope it will get better.
Luckily, I listed to the audiobook and I thought both of the narrator's did a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life.
đśď¸đśď¸đśď¸
I am not sure how i want to rate this book. It had some dark content, but it wasn't that crazy for me. I think the beginning was good, but then I started to get bored and nothing was really progressing in the story. I also felt like I didn't really know the heroes, they felt surface level to me. I liked the heroine and how she fought against everything through the entire book.
I will still read the next one because I am curious about the cliffhanger and I hope it will get better.
Luckily, I listed to the audiobook and I thought both of the narrator's did a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life.
kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
Seductive, ensnaring, and mysterious, The Dancer and the Masks is a brilliant dance in the darker side of Bea Paige. Itâs alluring and engaging but also psychologically complicated- an intoxicating, page-turning concoction that tintilates and intrigues.
I wonât say much about this plot, because truly this story is best experienced going in blind. Coming into this story I knew to expect something different, darker, more twisted than Beaâs more recent work. The blurb, the trigger warning, the cover and all the reviews will tell you that. Even so, I wasnât quite prepared for what this story was going to be- not because it is so dark (for me, itâs not the darkest Iâve read). More so, it was the unexpectedness of the narrative- and these characters. This story was unpredictable from start to finish- and like our heroine, we never quite get our footing. Bea keeps us on the edge of knowledge the entire story- teetering on the edge of reality and allusion. The truth, or the totality of it, is always just out of our (and our heroineâs grasp). It does make the story feel like a particularly extended exposition in places- but a really compelling tense, and intriguing one. Bea has always been such a meticulous and creative world builder- and she invests in that here. The Masks, the Menagerie, the politics of the castle, all the mysteries and secrets are deftly created- and the realities and truths slowly meted.
Unlike Beaâs other stories, this is not a story heavy on plot or action- though we have a few high adrenaline moments. More so, this is a psychological character study- and she smartly keeps the action minimal, the proximity tight, to force us to SIT in the complexities of these characters, to really unravel them. Their emotional juxtapositions, peculiarities, their buried truths and evolving identities. And not just out anti-heroes, our heroine Christy too- as we soon find her confronting the unrealized parts of herself. And given what sheâs up against, I loved how Bea has given us such a clever, strong, fierce but empathetic character in Christy- a perfect foe and love for the masks because she has the fortitude to challenge them but the emotional courage to also try to understand them. And Bea also forces us to sit in the discomfort of what she learns as she examines them- the Masks are intriguing but not lovable, tantalizing but unsafe, depraved but loyal.
At its core, this is a story about characters that wear masks- and not just the literal kind. Good or bad, depraved or innocent, every person in this story is covering some aspect of themselves. Past pain, failed dreams, insecurities, emotional imperfections, longing, proclivities or emotional intelligence- all securely hidden behind their painstakingly constructed artifice. Christy, the Masks, the Menagerie- theyâve all hidden pieces of themselves so convincingly for so long, theyâve convinced themselves those pieces are carefully guarded or dead- because they have to in order to survive the very thing theyâre masking. Secure until being thrust together starts to crack, then shatter, their ability to mask themselves, or perhaps even more compelling, their will to do so. But itâs not even the characters that are allusions- their world is too. Their world darkness itself becomes an illusion- so much so that the more we wade into the murky waters of the Masks and their Menagerie, the more we ourselves are struggling to discern what is a facade and what is truth, perception vs. reality. And thatâs where the psychological intrigue of this story excels in its intensity- our characters themselves donât know their truth anymore. Because Christy is just now discovering herself, and because the Masks are rediscovering. Because theyâve all hidden pieces of themselves for so convincingly for so long, they thought they were dead.
Masking isnât just about repression- itâs about survival. And itâs also about power. And Bea explores and tangles with both themes so brilliantly. Everyone in this story has buried and hidden pieces of themselves to survive- the adapt and evolve. But their collision threatens that- and thus, threatens everyoneâs survival. It makes for a heady and mesmerizing dynamic- characters both reborn and threatened all at once by their connection to the other. As Chisty exposes more of herself, she finds more power, but it threatens her survival. And the masks are desperate to maintain the control they have- not over others, but over themselves. The more they unmask themselves, the more their power is at risk- but is it the means to salvation and true survival?
Ah, well time will tell. Just when this story really picks up, weâre careened towards a jaw dropping finale that has me reeling. We still have so much we donât know or understand- including our seductive masks. The narrative itself is exposed to be an illusion- as we quickly find out behind the smoke and mirrors there is MUCh we have yet to understand. Part 2 canât come fast enough- my heart and soul need to know just what path there is forward.
A note on triggers: As far as darkness goes, this is by far the darkest book Iâve read from Bea, but as a dark-romance aficionado, this is definitely not the darkest story Iâve read. But there are certainly very dark and twisted components...and triggering elements: kidnapping, grooming, non-con, humiliation, blood play. The darkness was less erotic and more sensual (often it was more so the threat of dark elements vs. them always being actualized) and did feel organic to the characters and story- ie not darkness for darkness sake, but if you have triggers or donât prefer darker stories, tread lightly.
OVERALL: 4.5 stars
I wonât say much about this plot, because truly this story is best experienced going in blind. Coming into this story I knew to expect something different, darker, more twisted than Beaâs more recent work. The blurb, the trigger warning, the cover and all the reviews will tell you that. Even so, I wasnât quite prepared for what this story was going to be- not because it is so dark (for me, itâs not the darkest Iâve read). More so, it was the unexpectedness of the narrative- and these characters. This story was unpredictable from start to finish- and like our heroine, we never quite get our footing. Bea keeps us on the edge of knowledge the entire story- teetering on the edge of reality and allusion. The truth, or the totality of it, is always just out of our (and our heroineâs grasp). It does make the story feel like a particularly extended exposition in places- but a really compelling tense, and intriguing one. Bea has always been such a meticulous and creative world builder- and she invests in that here. The Masks, the Menagerie, the politics of the castle, all the mysteries and secrets are deftly created- and the realities and truths slowly meted.
Unlike Beaâs other stories, this is not a story heavy on plot or action- though we have a few high adrenaline moments. More so, this is a psychological character study- and she smartly keeps the action minimal, the proximity tight, to force us to SIT in the complexities of these characters, to really unravel them. Their emotional juxtapositions, peculiarities, their buried truths and evolving identities. And not just out anti-heroes, our heroine Christy too- as we soon find her confronting the unrealized parts of herself. And given what sheâs up against, I loved how Bea has given us such a clever, strong, fierce but empathetic character in Christy- a perfect foe and love for the masks because she has the fortitude to challenge them but the emotional courage to also try to understand them. And Bea also forces us to sit in the discomfort of what she learns as she examines them- the Masks are intriguing but not lovable, tantalizing but unsafe, depraved but loyal.
At its core, this is a story about characters that wear masks- and not just the literal kind. Good or bad, depraved or innocent, every person in this story is covering some aspect of themselves. Past pain, failed dreams, insecurities, emotional imperfections, longing, proclivities or emotional intelligence- all securely hidden behind their painstakingly constructed artifice. Christy, the Masks, the Menagerie- theyâve all hidden pieces of themselves so convincingly for so long, theyâve convinced themselves those pieces are carefully guarded or dead- because they have to in order to survive the very thing theyâre masking. Secure until being thrust together starts to crack, then shatter, their ability to mask themselves, or perhaps even more compelling, their will to do so. But itâs not even the characters that are allusions- their world is too. Their world darkness itself becomes an illusion- so much so that the more we wade into the murky waters of the Masks and their Menagerie, the more we ourselves are struggling to discern what is a facade and what is truth, perception vs. reality. And thatâs where the psychological intrigue of this story excels in its intensity- our characters themselves donât know their truth anymore. Because Christy is just now discovering herself, and because the Masks are rediscovering. Because theyâve all hidden pieces of themselves for so convincingly for so long, they thought they were dead.
Masking isnât just about repression- itâs about survival. And itâs also about power. And Bea explores and tangles with both themes so brilliantly. Everyone in this story has buried and hidden pieces of themselves to survive- the adapt and evolve. But their collision threatens that- and thus, threatens everyoneâs survival. It makes for a heady and mesmerizing dynamic- characters both reborn and threatened all at once by their connection to the other. As Chisty exposes more of herself, she finds more power, but it threatens her survival. And the masks are desperate to maintain the control they have- not over others, but over themselves. The more they unmask themselves, the more their power is at risk- but is it the means to salvation and true survival?
Ah, well time will tell. Just when this story really picks up, weâre careened towards a jaw dropping finale that has me reeling. We still have so much we donât know or understand- including our seductive masks. The narrative itself is exposed to be an illusion- as we quickly find out behind the smoke and mirrors there is MUCh we have yet to understand. Part 2 canât come fast enough- my heart and soul need to know just what path there is forward.
A note on triggers: As far as darkness goes, this is by far the darkest book Iâve read from Bea, but as a dark-romance aficionado, this is definitely not the darkest story Iâve read. But there are certainly very dark and twisted components...and triggering elements: kidnapping, grooming, non-con, humiliation, blood play. The darkness was less erotic and more sensual (often it was more so the threat of dark elements vs. them always being actualized) and did feel organic to the characters and story- ie not darkness for darkness sake, but if you have triggers or donât prefer darker stories, tread lightly.
OVERALL: 4.5 stars
kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
What a finale! The Masks, the stolen dancer, and the Menagerie are back in this heart stopping coda to the Their Obsession duet. And what a psychologically rich conclusion to this seductive and enigmatic story- one full of darkness and action but whose real heart is the existential awakening of the namesake characters and those around them. This is a story that is so much more than the words on the page- this is a story about the legacy of trauma and pain and the restorative potential of selfless love.
This story is certainly decadently dark, even as our Masks learn to reawaken the pieces of their humanity, it doesnât fully erase the dark parts of their souls. The dangerous, cruel, and punishing reality of the menagerie is still front and center, and Bea goes there. But whereas darkness was dished atmospherically in the first book, to build our setting and to unmask the brutality and brokenness of our there leading men and to magnify the trauma of Christyâs survival, in book 2 the darkness really serves as a contrast, a pithy juxtaposition to the journey of the story- the masksâ release from its hold. We canât truly see how far the Masks have fallen, how much of their souls have been lost, without seeing the worst in them. And we canât truly understand what a herculean journey it is for them to find healing and redemption without the contrast of their depravity. But whereas the dark wowed, seduced, and distressed in book 1, itâs the tenderness that compels in book 2. The little moments and gestures where we see a spark of more in the Masks. And that is where this book really excels- in the quiet moments, the intimate ones, the ones still enough for us to see the humanity and feeling slowly seeping out of the Masks. Those parts of the story grab you whole. The subtle complexity of them, the brilliant way she composes an existential crisis that is equal parts violent and peaceful are so profoundly riveting, so much so I was scared to breathe for fear of breaking the transfixing emotional spell these characters have on each other.
Itâs in those moments where the character journey of the Masks comes to life. And itâs so much more than a character journey- these characters move mountains when it comes to their own metaphysical rebirth. From the start, I found this duet to be such a thrilling and complicated psychological study. A study of the tension of nature and nurture when it comes to our identities, a study of the complicated and duplicitous cycle of trauma, of the universality and specificity of personal pain. This is a story about how the warring tendencies for goodness and darkness easily coexist within us, how easily adversity tips the scales, but how ultimately the key to maintaining humanity comes down to conscious choice. That is the journey of the Masks- their zero becomes their EVERYTHING, and in doing so she shines light on the parts of themselves they thought were dead. The mask they wear have always been an allegory, a physical manifestation of the thematic richness of this story. These three men sacrificed their identities and their humanity for the safety of darkness and anonymity. And as we learn more and more about them, we discover just how the monsters they were shaped into were a huge part of their survival. They buried their humanity to cope , and the only question remains, is there any left? And with Christy chipping away at the illusion, the artifice theyâve created when it comes to who they are, will they fight it? Because even if their darkness comes from a painful past, somewhere along the way they started to relish it- be seduced by the power it gave them. So itâs really not about whether the masks can evolve, it's if they are willing. But Bea doesnât just unmask them, she SHATTERS them, completely. Each in their own way. And we see a whole new dimension to our ruthless masks. Some may think their evolution is lightning speed, but I love how Bea gives it urgency, how easily their humanity is freed, because love is what breaks them.
And while the Mask journey is poignant and gripping, lest we not forget whose story this really is- Christyâs. Hers is the courage I laud the most. Sure, the Masks have to face hard truths and courageously face their demons in this story, but the real bravery lies with Christy. The stolen girl who is courageous enough to not just challenge them, but to ultimately to love them. Compassion, empathy, and forgiveness require true vulnerability and risk, and despite her powerless position and her own trauma, Christy finds the fortitude to open her heart and to see something worth saving in these seemingly heartless men. She has the hardest metamorphosis of all, because not only does she have to catalyze the existential liberation of others, but she also has to find and embrace her own power. The meek, kidnapped dancer becomes Beaâs most powerful and fierce heroine to date- not because of her grit or edge, but because of the magnitude of her heart.
Ironically Beaâs most dark and devastating story also is her most hopeful one- from tragedy and pain comes restoration and healing. Our characters finally stopping hiding away as a form of survival and find a way to thrive- because they lean into the parts of themselves that are hurt, into the feelings that leave us vulnerable. But that vulnerability is the ultimate strength, what lets our humanity win, what letâs love heal. What keeps us free. If only we are brave enough to choose to breathe into that part of ourselves. And thatâs the power of Bea Paige in this story- yet another breathtakingly engaging, emotionally resonant, and perfectly poignant story of the indomitable but complicated nature of the human heart.
This story is certainly decadently dark, even as our Masks learn to reawaken the pieces of their humanity, it doesnât fully erase the dark parts of their souls. The dangerous, cruel, and punishing reality of the menagerie is still front and center, and Bea goes there. But whereas darkness was dished atmospherically in the first book, to build our setting and to unmask the brutality and brokenness of our there leading men and to magnify the trauma of Christyâs survival, in book 2 the darkness really serves as a contrast, a pithy juxtaposition to the journey of the story- the masksâ release from its hold. We canât truly see how far the Masks have fallen, how much of their souls have been lost, without seeing the worst in them. And we canât truly understand what a herculean journey it is for them to find healing and redemption without the contrast of their depravity. But whereas the dark wowed, seduced, and distressed in book 1, itâs the tenderness that compels in book 2. The little moments and gestures where we see a spark of more in the Masks. And that is where this book really excels- in the quiet moments, the intimate ones, the ones still enough for us to see the humanity and feeling slowly seeping out of the Masks. Those parts of the story grab you whole. The subtle complexity of them, the brilliant way she composes an existential crisis that is equal parts violent and peaceful are so profoundly riveting, so much so I was scared to breathe for fear of breaking the transfixing emotional spell these characters have on each other.
Itâs in those moments where the character journey of the Masks comes to life. And itâs so much more than a character journey- these characters move mountains when it comes to their own metaphysical rebirth. From the start, I found this duet to be such a thrilling and complicated psychological study. A study of the tension of nature and nurture when it comes to our identities, a study of the complicated and duplicitous cycle of trauma, of the universality and specificity of personal pain. This is a story about how the warring tendencies for goodness and darkness easily coexist within us, how easily adversity tips the scales, but how ultimately the key to maintaining humanity comes down to conscious choice. That is the journey of the Masks- their zero becomes their EVERYTHING, and in doing so she shines light on the parts of themselves they thought were dead. The mask they wear have always been an allegory, a physical manifestation of the thematic richness of this story. These three men sacrificed their identities and their humanity for the safety of darkness and anonymity. And as we learn more and more about them, we discover just how the monsters they were shaped into were a huge part of their survival. They buried their humanity to cope , and the only question remains, is there any left? And with Christy chipping away at the illusion, the artifice theyâve created when it comes to who they are, will they fight it? Because even if their darkness comes from a painful past, somewhere along the way they started to relish it- be seduced by the power it gave them. So itâs really not about whether the masks can evolve, it's if they are willing. But Bea doesnât just unmask them, she SHATTERS them, completely. Each in their own way. And we see a whole new dimension to our ruthless masks. Some may think their evolution is lightning speed, but I love how Bea gives it urgency, how easily their humanity is freed, because love is what breaks them.
And while the Mask journey is poignant and gripping, lest we not forget whose story this really is- Christyâs. Hers is the courage I laud the most. Sure, the Masks have to face hard truths and courageously face their demons in this story, but the real bravery lies with Christy. The stolen girl who is courageous enough to not just challenge them, but to ultimately to love them. Compassion, empathy, and forgiveness require true vulnerability and risk, and despite her powerless position and her own trauma, Christy finds the fortitude to open her heart and to see something worth saving in these seemingly heartless men. She has the hardest metamorphosis of all, because not only does she have to catalyze the existential liberation of others, but she also has to find and embrace her own power. The meek, kidnapped dancer becomes Beaâs most powerful and fierce heroine to date- not because of her grit or edge, but because of the magnitude of her heart.
Ironically Beaâs most dark and devastating story also is her most hopeful one- from tragedy and pain comes restoration and healing. Our characters finally stopping hiding away as a form of survival and find a way to thrive- because they lean into the parts of themselves that are hurt, into the feelings that leave us vulnerable. But that vulnerability is the ultimate strength, what lets our humanity win, what letâs love heal. What keeps us free. If only we are brave enough to choose to breathe into that part of ourselves. And thatâs the power of Bea Paige in this story- yet another breathtakingly engaging, emotionally resonant, and perfectly poignant story of the indomitable but complicated nature of the human heart.
objective_oblivion's review against another edition
5.0
When I started this I thought it was a standalone and it is but it is soo soo important if you have the time to read the series that come before this as they all interlink and work together. That being said these strict and damaged men are amazing and I love this book with all my heart. Along with every other book Bea Paige has written ever! I am a forever fan now.
objective_oblivion's review against another edition
5.0
Had to finish this duet before I go back to the beginning of the Bea Paige interlocking trilogies, series and duets. I love love love this author and I will read everything she writes no questions asked.