I received a digital copy of Muskets and Masquerades via NetGalley to read and review.

I will admit the language took some getting used to reading but it helped keep my mind in the right time period. I read historical fiction from time to time but it’s mostly from WWII so it was a nice change to read something set in the 1700s. The story is really good. There’s a lot of drama to keep up with (and not to mention a war!).

I will openly admit that I gave up on this book at about 12% of the way in. The writing was mediocre, but that is forgivable. Sometimes it takes a while for a newer author to really hit their stride in a story. What really turned me off was the fact that she obviously doesn't know the first thing about the customs and culture of Revolutionary Era America. I doubt her research extended beyond reading a Wikipedia article or two. There is a lot of great historical fiction out there. This isn't it.

With that said. I did love the cover.

Muskets and Masquerades
by Lindsey S. Fera
Pub Date: 18 Apr 2023

Jack and Annalisa are married only five months when, enroute to France, a shipwreck separates them. On different shores, each believes the other dead. But when Annalisa learns Jack is alive, she returns to America and discovers much has changed. After a betrayal, she flees town as her alter ego, Benjamin Cavendish, and joins the Continental Army.

Unbeknownst to Annalisa, Jack has also joined the Continentals, harboring shameful secrets from his days in mourning. Against the backdrop of war with Britain, façades mount between Jack and Annalisa, and the merry minuet of their adolescence dissolves into a masquerade of deceit, one which threatens to part them forever.

What delightful follow up book, full of twist and heartbreak!

“Muskets and Masquerades” was an enjoyable read, even though I haven’t read the first book of the series. I actually didn’t know it was a sequel - maybe the font stating that could have been a little larger on the cover lol. Nevertheless, it was easy for me to pick up on the story.

This historical fiction should please fans of “Outlander” and other romantic novels set during the American Revolution. “Muskets and Masquerades” is full of plot twists that would be fitting in a soap opera, though are perhaps unrealistic (or a lot), but they’re certainly entertaining.

The chapters are from different characters’ POVs, and they’re hit-or-miss. I skimmed through George’s chapters (sorry, George) while Annalisa’s and Jack’s melodrama propelled me forward. I was looking forward to Jack’s reaction upon discovering various things about Annalisa near the end of the book (not giving spoilers here), but certain revelations were just breezed by or didn’t happen. Maybe in another book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book took forever to get anywhere and I found it hard to become invested in it, so I stopped reading it.

Maybe this would be better if I was interested in the US and their historical conflicts outside of Little Women

Historical fiction fans take note: A gem of a read!

A wholly absorbing tale of an American family—split between loyalist and revolutionary—in the 18th Century. Enough drama and intrigue to put a telenovela to shame, this book is a can't-put-down-er!

I would like to thank NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The author weaves such a phenomenal story. If you are looking for a historical fiction with twists and turns, heartbreak and triumph, then this is it!

This book is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book yet. The first ten percent of the book was a little slow. Which is expected as the characters and backstory have to be introduced in order for this to be read as a stand-alone.

After that first ten percent, the rollercoaster of a plot ensues. The author did a great job having the story told from three different characters perspectives. I enjoyed George and Annalisa’s perspective the most.

George is intelligent and the author does a great job in conveying his strategic military mind. Reading from George's perspective is like having a front row seat to the Revolutionary War battles.

Annalisa’s story was heartbreaking at certain points, but she is indeed a survivor. I love a story with a strong female lead. Annalisa is also intelligent and does not follow societies expectations.

The author is very descriptive in her story. It really enhances the readers experience to feel a part of the story. The author incorporates vocabulary and clothing used for the time and it adds a whole new element to the story.

Pay special attention to the dictionary in the back. I was not aware of it until I completed the story.

This story also touches on many hard topics of the time period; slavery, crimes against Native Americans, children born out of wedlock, and loss of religion.

But also touches on hard topics that are common today: addiction, infidelity, and miscarriage.

So, keep these in mind for possible triggers.

I will preface this review by saying, I did not read the book that takes place before this. I do think it started a little slow, but that may have been because I was playing catch up. There were definitely references back to book 1, but I think it still works as a standalone book.

That being said, I really enjoyed this book! It's obvious the author did her research and included actual historical slang, events, and people. This was a joy to read! I will say, I think because I didn't read book 1, I'm not really team Jack, so I may end up going back and reading the first book and see where I land.

There were a few parts that were really out there. I just can't buy that Annalisa's own family and Jack wouldn't recognize her dressed in pants. Or that THREE characters are mistaken for dead, but aren't actually dead. THREE.

I love the author's writing style though. It's easy to read, even when you're getting quite a bit of information. It kept the pages turning and made it quite a fast read.

I do think it should have a trigger warning for pregnancy loss though.

Overall, and enjoyable experience! I can wait to see where Jack and Annie's story goes next!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I had enjoyed Muskets and Minuets by the same author and this had the same spirit as that. I was invested in what was happening and enjoyed getting back to Jack and Annalisa's story. This was what I was hoping for from a sequel and glad I got to read this. The cover was beautifully done and really added to my enjoyment of this novel.

“I was hardly expecting you to be awake,” Oliver said. “Each time I’ve come to change your bandages, you’ve been fast asleep.” He knelt and unraveled the old linen, stained with blood and dirt, from Jack’s leg—the same leg that had been injured at Concord a year ago. With a wet muslin cloth, Oliver washed away the crusted residue. Jack started at the sight. Beneath the old injury just below his knee—which had healed well—was a large purple welt that had begun its fade to yellow."

A tale that gradually evolved into an interesting novel, but I read about ten per cent of the book before it got interesting, in my opinion, which is subjective, and Annalisa woke up in the Duchess of Devonshire's care. That was the moment when I really got into the book. From then on I was riveted by the story of Jack and Annalisa. A good novel.