Review - Unmasqued

Title: Unmasqued
Author: Colette Gale
Publishing Date: 2007
Genre: Historical (Erotic)
Rating: C+
Sensuality: Burning

Unmasqued is a story of the well known classic The Phantom of the Opera but with a little twist. Instead of Christine falling in love with Raoul, she falls in love with the Phantom. Christine's father was a famous violinist who traveled all over the world, perfoming and tutoring. He died when she was a young girl. Since his death she hasn't been able to sing or find music as fufilling as when her father was alive. She hasn't been able to find her place in the world, feeling lost and alone until the Phantom comes to her. Erik notices not only her beauty, but the loneliness that surrounds her and he senses a kindred spirit. He takes it upon himself to tutor her as he sees great potential in her underdeveloped talent.

This book had its good points and bad points. For an erotic novel it was very steamy (and boy do I mean steamy). The sex scenes were frequent and varied. However, as with most erotic novels because of the number of sensual scenes, there was a noticable lack of character development. This is the most pronounced with Christine. I found her, by far, to be the blandest character in the story. She was much to mousy for my taste and needed something more to add life to her personality.

I found Madame Giry and her escapades with the production managers quite amusing. They added a few unexpected laughs. I also liked the direction Ms. Gale took with Carlotta's character. It was a welcome surprise for the story. The villians, however, could have used more development. I could see where Ms. Gale was going with them, but I think it could have been expanded on more. All in all, this was not a bad book. I know Colette Gale has another book about The Counte of Monte Cristo that I will be looking into in the near future.

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