A will needs to be fulfilled which means a wedding will take place soon if the bride lives to see it. 
The innovative electrical has been by her since her fathers death though most aren't aware of it. She refuses to bow to love or a husband's authority so she looks to arrange a business marriage at the last moment. Bart agrees only because Emmeline needs protection in a way only he could give her once he realizes that someone wants her dead. 
I was hooked from the first moment Emmeline's life was threatened. While I enjoy a good romance, one with mystery is even better, and this story was full of mystery. Yes, they were attracted to each other almost immediately, but it wasn't over the top as some stories can be. In that sense, they were more realistic in trying to keep their emotions in check and just get the job done. The romance developed at a steady base while the characters tried to ignore it and reason their way out of it which can be entertaining all by itself. But the characters are what made the romance so much fun to read. 
Both characters are very strong and determined which adds to the sparks between them. Yet both have their own personal demons and faults which the author expertly reveals as we get to know each of them better. Add the mysteries to them and you have the perfect combination. 
Now on to the mystery portion….
To the reader's knowledge, the mystery starts with a gunshot. But it gets more complicated as facts are revealed and most incidents happen. Nothing is as it seems as Bart and Emmeline explore the feelings developing between them. Leave it to the unsavory acts of others to interfere with a growing romance. 
A really great read that wouldn't let me stop until I had discovered the truth. As I am one who loves to guess who the guilty party is, I was close on this one. Kudos to the author for crafting a story that had me guessing.

I enjoyed early parts of this book quite a bit, but felt that the plot became rather scattered towards the end. Plenty of steam and a great premise.

This wasn’t a very enjoyable read for me personally. The characters were well written and had a good enough chemistry going on.

However, I felt a lot of this book was just same old HR material. Nothing really stood out for me. Even the scenes reminded me of many other HRs I have read before.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Shadows and Masks by Averil Reisman is a historical romance novel.

The story follows a very modern, well educated woman trying to keep her father's company so that all her assets do not go to a mean and despicable cousin. In order to do so she needs a husband but just on paper, and it proves to be much harder than she thought to obtain one.
She seeks a help of a private investigator recommended by her uncle. However, things take an unexpected turn and the story follows from there.

It is a lovely premise and very intriguing and I was looking forward to reading this book. It started strong, it was fairly quick paced, there were some quite interesting characters and just it was getting really good it kind of slowed down and I began to lose interest.
There were several different topics being dealth with and maybe that's why it spread too much and lost it focus of a love story.
I enjoyed the mystery interwoven in this book.
Chemistry between characters felt real, they were likeable and realistic.
This would be a good choice for those who enjoy very character driven slow burn stories that deal with different issues.

Shadows and Masks by Averil Reisman is an enthralling historical romance that skillfully combines passionate love scenes, a captivating mystery, and well-developed characters. The story follows Emmeline Griffith, a scientist faced with the dilemma of finding a temporary husband to secure her inheritance. However, when an assassin targets her, she turns to private investigator Bartholomew Turner for help, leading to a life-or-death situation that unravels hidden secrets from their pasts. Reisman's writing immediately draws readers in, creating a strong connection to the main characters, Emmie and Bart, whose complex backgrounds and emotional baggage add depth to their journey and make their eventual romance satisfying. The expertly crafted mystery element keeps readers on the edge of their seats, gradually revealing a hidden killer targeting Emmie's loved ones, while the immersive writing and attention to detail transport readers back in time.

While Shadows and Masks excels in its romance and mystery, some readers may find potential drawbacks. The book heavily relies on steamy love scenes, which, although well-written and passionate, might be too explicit or frequent for those who prefer a more subtle approach to romance. Moreover, the focus on the romantic relationship and the mystery occasionally overshadows strict historical accuracy, leaving readers desiring more depth and authenticity in the historical elements. However, approaching the book with an appreciation for the emphasis on romance and understanding that historical accuracy takes a secondary role allows readers to fully enjoy the engaging characters and gripping storyline.

I don't usually read HR set in the US, so I wanted to try something different with this book.
The story is well crafted, the characters with their stories and personal struggles well developed. I would have liked the author to have paid more attention, to have delved a little deeper into the subject about the abuse that the MMC suffered and the trauma that this caused, because it was not very clear to me why he got it with the prostitutes and had to do all of them those reenactments with Emmeline in the bedroom.
About the attacks I deciphered at the time who the "villains" were. It was no surprise.
I would recommend this read
ARC provided by Netgalley

Find a husband quickly or forfeit her inheritance, this is the dilemma Scientist Emmeline Griffith faces. So, she seeks out Bartholomew Turner, a private investigator, to find her a husband. The marriage would be a temporary business arrangement for a few months. This isn’t quite his thing, and he declines but reconsiders after Emmie is shot on his doorstep. He eventually takes on the role himself after realizing not only does she need a husband but a protector as well and he has the skills to handle the latter.

There is a strong attraction between the two main characters but they both are navigating some heavy emotional baggage but eventually work through it and have their HEA. This is my first encounter with the author’s work, and I thoroughly enjoy the novel. There is mystery and menace enough to keep the reader’s interest, making the book an exciting, suspenseful read. I really enjoy the read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

Oohh this steamy historical thriller romance was amazing!! I could not get enough of it!! Yes, I cannot wait for more in this series to come out! I will be buying every one of them!!
I just reviewed Shadows and Masks by Averil Reisman. #shadowsandmasks #NetGalley
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Get ready readers, you will not be able to put this book down! The protagonists are brilliant and complex and almost ridiculously damaged... but there is a HEA. The historical references of Chicago way back when were especially significant to me because of my own familiarity with Chicago. The author did their research and. although the book is a work of fiction, I do appreciate accuracy when such details are provided.

The plot had so many twists and turns that I was compelled to change my own assumptions as to 'who done it' multiple times; and I was motivated to read on.

"Good job!" Averil Reisman. Your book has me hooked on historical romance with a hefty dose of mystery.

Phenomenal Romantic Suspense!! I really enjoyed this and the cover is to die for! It hooked me in and it was an easy read. I would highly recommend to patrons who are looking for an easy fiction read.

I've been loving historical romances with a mystery element, so this was a fun addition to the list. Maybe not as well written as some of my favorites but an author to watch.

Noir gum-shoe mystery complete with secret organizations, fake marriage deals, betrayals, abusive pasts, and murder.

I really liked the dynamic in this book. A strong FMC and a MMC that respects her for it. Of course they don’t expect to fall in love but that just makes it all the better.

Thanks NetGalley!

Thanks to the publishers, Netgalley and the author for a ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

This was a really good, marriage of convenience, kind of slow burn historical romance. When I say 'kind of' slow burn' I mean that although you don't have to wait long for Emmeline and Bart to reveal their attraction to each other, they each have to work through some emotional barriers before they can actually be together.

Each of them has had a difficult past, that may be triggering for some readers, but ultimately they break through those barriers to find a way to realise the depth of feeling they have for each other.

I'd stay the steam level is a 4 out 5, if that's the sort of thing you want to know - but it's also quite an emotional book as well. I really enjoyed it.

This was just an okay book. It was easy to read with a headstrong female lead and a likable male lead.

Scientist Emmeline Griffith needed to be someone’s Mrs. just long enough to prevent the loss of her inheritance. The arrangement would be all business--a marriage in-name-only, a grand subterfuge lasting only a few months. Private investigator Bartholomew Turner’s clients didn’t usually seek temporary husbands. So, when the mysterious Miss Griffith asked him to find her one, he naturally turned her down. But as she left his office, someone had the audacity to shoot her right on his own front steps. Now, not only did she need a temporary husband, but she needed a professional protector as well. And someone with the skills to discover who wanted her dead. In short, she needed him. And if he were to accomplish his mission, he must accept the contract she offered.
But, as the embers of attraction unexpectedly burst into blazing passion, one insidious truth became evident. Someone had been slowly killing off Emmie’s family and close friends. And she was next on the killer’s list.
This is a new author for me and I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s easy to read with a bit of mystery and aghast. I liked Emmie because she’s incredible strong and resilient. Bart is so easy to love and focus on protecting her. They work really good together. There are colorful side characters and steamy moments. It’s a bit of a slow burn romance, entertaining and well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.