Book Review: Maiden Behind the Mask by Tara Chevrestt

When Catalina Rodriguez is attacked by a would-be rapist and rescued by the dashing Ricardo Garcia, she not only becomes more aware of the handsome man, but also vows that she'll never be a damsel in distress again.

Using the timeless method of blackmail, she convinces her uncle to teach her to fight and becomes a masked crusader in the night, saving other damsels from robbers and rough handling. However, scandalous rumors and dwindling funds force Ricardo and Catalina to marry.

Not immune to each other's charms, their marriage starts fiery, but when one of Catalina's nightly escapades results in dire consequences, she is forced to spurn her husband's amorous advances…or reveal a secret that could turn him away from her forever. Ricardo’s not a man to be cuckolded or left in the dark. Is his wife having an affair with El Capitan, the masked savior? If so…they will both pay.

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Tara Chevrestt is a deaf woman, former aviation mechanic, dog mom, writer, and editor. You’ll never see her without her Kindle or a book within reach. As a child, she would often take a flashlight under the covers to finish the recent Nancy Drew novel when she was supposed to be sleeping.

Tara is addicted to Law & Order: SVU, has a crush on Cary Grant, laughs at her own jokes, and is constantly modifying recipes and experimenting in the kitchen. Her theme is Strong is Sexy. She writes about strong women facing obstacles—in the military, with their handicaps, or just learning to accept themselves. Her heroines can stand alone and take care of themselves, but they often find love in the process.

 

 

My Thoughts

 

Catalina is a beautiful senorita living in a dangerous world. One day while out to pick up medicine for her sick mother, she is brutally attacked. Though someone comes to her aid before the worst can happen, the experience changes her. She decides she'll never be a damsel in distress again. With the help of her swashbuckling Uncle Jose, she learns to fight. Under the guise of El Capitan, she heads out into the night to help others who might be in distress. She's so wrapped up in her crime fighting, she barely has time to think about her arranged marriage until they're practically in their wedding bed. Its a surprise for them both when they find they care for each other more than they expected. The only problem is, Catalina knows he'll never approve of her nightlife and she's not quite ready to give it up. 

Maiden Behind the Mask is a fabulous story with the type of strong heroine I enjoy reading about.  I  love that Catalina didn't let a terrible experience destroy her. She rose above it, took back her power, and put that power to good use. The story is packed with action, a little romance, and even some humor that comes in the form of a flatulent horse. Maiden Behind the Mask is great, quick read for anyone who enjoys historical romance.