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Monday, November 16, 2009

UNMASQUED: AN EROTIC NOVEL OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Colette Gale

Genre: Historical Romance

Copyright: August 7, 2007

Pages: 352 pages

J. Kaye’s Rating: 5/5

As sad as this might sound, I’ve never read the original PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. I did watch the movie with Gerard Butler and the book followed along somewhat. The part that really had me excited was the way this story was told. The book opened with a Biographer’s Note. In it, the author claimed to have received the personal diaries of Miss Christine Daaè. This story is Christine’s story. From the beginning, this book had a realistic feel to it.

The story unfolds much like the classic, but with some interesting additives. There are rumors of a Opera Ghost who is blamed for anything wrong that happens. Christine, a chorus singer at the Opera House, knows him as her angel who has protected her, tutored her, and is the inspiration behind her singing. What she doesn’t realize is that he has fallen deeply in love with her.

When Christine takes center stage, Victome Raoul de Changy, a childhood friend, is in the audience along with his brother, Philippe. On that night, she steals Raoul’s heart with her beautiful voice, but his brother wants to possess her too. Soon she’s caught in an erotic web of seduction.

This was my second book to read by Colette Gale and though I enjoyed both, this was by far my favorite. In both books, the author has the ability to portray the deep pain of betrayal on paper. She does it in such a manner, parts of the book are hard to read and I have to stop to catch my breath. This is definitely the best historical fiction I’ve read in a long time – lots of sizzle and plenty of adventure.

Countess of Hearts
Visit J. Kaye at her blog: J. Kaye's Book Blog

32 comments:

Unknown said...

I think I have looked at this author before - it sounds very interesting. I think I might check this one out. I haven't read the original book either.

Teddyree said...

Fantastic review J. Kaye, I never thought I'd read something like this but I'm completely intrigued, it went straight on my wishlist when it was first mentioned on your blog.

I haven't read the original book but I saw Phantom of the Opera at the theatre and loved it!

Blodeuedd said...

Sounds different, I like it.

Unknown said...

I have this one because I'm always eager to get my hands on stories of the Phantom and Christine that end differently. Lol! Those that are interested...be careful not to leave it lying around where little eyes might peek between the pages!! LOTS of sizzle.

Anonymous said...

dolleygurl - This is the second book I've read by this author...love it.

Teddyree - Can you believe this book has me interested in other PHANTOM OF THE OPERA type books?

Blodeuedd - It really was!

Robinbird - Never had that problem with my kids. Could be they could find out more and even better stuff on the internet...lol. As old as my daughter is, she still thinks romance is gross. ;)

Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...

Great review, J. Kaye! I really want to read this book!

I haven't read the original book either though I did see the movie!

Sharon said...

Sounds interesting, very different from the type of books I usually read. I think I'll add it to my wish list! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Razlover's Book Blog & Sharon - I can't recommend this one enough.

Kirthi said...

I've never read of watched Phantom of The Opera so this book will be new to me. It sounds like a great book :)

btw, I love your blog! There aren't many blogs dedicated to Royal Books (I love reading about princesses, they're amazing, I still wish I could be princess)

Anonymous said...

Kirthi - hope you are able to pick this one up...it's so very good. As far the blog, well, that would be the ladies who run it. I am but a guest.

Alaine said...

I can't wait to read this one. I haven't read the original, seen one of the movies years ago, but that's all.

Brenda said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews. I love Romance. What can I say? Wonder what happend to my romance? It just disappeared. LOL..I am having a ball reading all the going ons here..Love It...

ibeeeg said...

J.Kaye I have seen you mention these books before. I was interested then but now I really must read the book.
I must admit, I have not read nor seen the movie for The Phantom. I barely know what the story is. Lame of me but true.
Glad to know that you not read the original book either. A lot of times I feel that I must read the original story before reading a "spin-off". It is good to know that reading the original is not necessary.

Benita said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews.

Thank you.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Natalie said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews! It's been really rainy where I am lately, and there's nothing better than curling up in bed with a great romantic read. And I love Phantom of the Opera! Thanks for the review!

Natalie @ Mindful Musings
n_monzyk_27@yahoo.com

Kat Bryan said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews....and I like most books you recommend, J. Kaye. Thanks for another good one.

winterset AT peoplepc.com

Tena said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews!!!

tenasocal(at)aol(dot)com

Reading said...

Great review! I've never read the original either. But I would love to read this one. I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Amanda said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews!! I would love to read this one!!

amandamatthews072107@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews - as well as all the other weeks. It has been awesome to explore different themes. I haven't read a lot of romance books, but the ones I have read, I have really enjoyed!

Heidenkind said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews!

I really enjoyed the original Phantom by Leroux. Most of the imagined sequels of the book have been pretty disappointing for me, but this one sounds promising. :)

enyl said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Review

This book is under consideration by my book club' it comes highly recommended.

enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

Desert Rose said...

I have neither seen nor read The Phantom Of The Opera, but the books really caught my attention.. thanks for a great review J. Kaye.. I'm sure to add this book to my TBR immediatly :)

Unknown said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews.

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Cindy said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews!'

This sounds so great :)

Diana D said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Review.

Thanks for the wonderful giveaway

Amy J said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews!!!

These are my favorite kind of books! Thanks for the great review!
Amy J
djsfoxylady@gmail.com

Virginia C said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews.

I adore The Phantom, and I would love to add this book to my collection!

gcwhiskas at aol dot com

mariag said...

I love romance week at Royal Reviews!!
Thanks

kalynnick said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Reviews

kalynnick AT yahoo DOT com

Monica Corwin said...

I love Romance Week at Royal Review.

mojo09226@yahoo.com

Ladytink_534 said...

I've never read The Phantom of the Opera but I've seen a few of the movies. This sounds SO neat!

Love reading about romance books at Royal Reviews

Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com