Once Upon a Masquerade

Book excerpt: Housemaid Rebecca Bailey would do anything to help her father. Even masquerading as an heiress and crashing a ball held by one of the most influential families in the city. There's just one problem—one of the guests could expose her and ruin everything. The handsome, charismatic Christopher Black is a regular visitor to her employer and Rebecca can't risk him discovering who whose really is. But despite her efforts, their paths keep crossing. After self-made shipping magnate Christopher first spies Rebecca at a masquerade ball, he's captivated by her refreshing naiveté and sparkling beauty. She's a stark contrast to the hollow behavior of the ton and the guile of his former fiancee. Only the closer he gets to her secrets, the further she pushes him away. When the investigation into the murder of Christopher's best friend leads him straight to Rebecca, he fears his ingenue may be a femme fatale in disguise. Now he must decide if he can trust the woman who has captured his heart...or if her secrets will be his downfall.