The Masks and the Dancer: Their Obsession, Book 2

What a finale! The Masks, the stolen dancer, and the Menagerie are back in this heart stopping coda to the Their Obsession duet. And what a psychologically rich conclusion to this seductive and enigmatic story- one full of darkness and action but whose real heart is the existential awakening of the namesake characters and those around them. This is a story that is so much more than the words on the page- this is a story about the legacy of trauma and pain and the restorative potential of selfless love.This story is certainly decadently dark, even as our Masks learn to reawaken the pieces of their humanity, it doesn’t fully erase the dark parts of their souls. The dangerous, cruel, and punishing reality of the menagerie is still front and center, and Bea goes there. But whereas darkness was dished atmospherically in the first book, to build our setting and to unmask the brutality and brokenness of our there leading men and to magnify the trauma of Christy’s survival, in book 2 the darkness really serves as a contrast, a pithy juxtaposition to the journey of the story- the masks’ release from its hold. We can’t truly see how far the Masks have fallen, how much of their souls have been lost, without seeing the worst in them. And we can’t truly understand what a herculean journey it is for them to find healing and redemption without the contrast of their depravity. But whereas the dark wowed, seduced, and distressed in book 1, it’s the tenderness that compels in book 2. The little moments and gestures where we see a spark of more in the Masks. And that is where this book really excels- in the quiet moments, the intimate ones, the ones still enough for us to see the humanity and feeling slowly seeping out of the Masks. Those parts of the story grab you whole. The subtle complexity of them, the brilliant way she composes an existential crisis that is equal parts violent and peaceful are so profoundly riveting, so much so I was scared to breathe for fear of breaking the transfixing emotional spell these characters have on each other.It’s in those moments where the character journey of the Masks comes to life. And it’s so much more than a character journey- these characters move mountains when it comes to their own metaphysical rebirth. From the start, I found this duet to be such a thrilling and complicated psychological study. A study of the tension of nature and nurture when it comes to our identities, a study of the complicated and duplicitous cycle of trauma, of the universality and specificity of personal pain. This is a story about how the warring tendencies for goodness and darkness easily coexist within us, how easily adversity tips the scales, but how ultimately the key to maintaining humanity comes down to conscious choice. That is the journey of the Masks- their zero becomes their EVERYTHING, and in doing so she shines light on the parts of themselves they thought were dead. The mask they wear have always been an allegory, a physical manifestation of the thematic richness of this story. These three men sacrificed their identities and their humanity for the safety of darkness and anonymity. And as we learn more and more about them, we discover just how the monsters they were shaped into were a huge part of their survival. They buried their humanity to cope , and the only question remains, is there any left? And with Christy chipping away at the illusion, the artifice they’ve created when it comes to who they are, will they fight it? Because even if their darkness comes from a painful past, somewhere along the way they started to relish it- be seduced by the power it gave them. So it’s really not about whether the masks can evolve, it's if they are willing. But Bea doesn’t just unmask them, she SHATTERS them, completely. Each in their own way. And we see a whole new dimension to our ruthless masks. Some may think their evolution is lightning speed, but I love how Bea gives it urgency, how easily their humanity is freed, because love is what breaks them.And while the Mask journey is poignant and gripping, lest we not forget whose story this really is- Christy’s. Hers is the courage I laud the most. Sure, the Masks have to face hard truths and courageously face their demons in this story, but the real bravery lies with Christy. The stolen girl who is courageous enough to not just challenge them, but to ultimately to love them. Compassion, empathy, and forgiveness require true vulnerability and risk, and despite her powerless position and her own trauma, Christy finds the fortitude to open her heart and to see something worth saving in these seemingly heartless men. She has the hardest metamorphosis of all, because not only does she have to catalyze the existential liberation of others, but she also has to find and embrace her own power. The meek, kidnapped dancer becomes Bea’s most powerful and fierce heroine to date- not because of her grit or edge, but because of the magnitude of her heart.Ironically Bea’s most dark and devastating story also is her most hopeful one- from tragedy and pain comes restoration and healing. Our characters finally stopping hiding away as a form of survival and find a way to thrive- because they lean into the parts of themselves that are hurt, into the feelings that leave us vulnerable. But that vulnerability is the ultimate strength, what lets our humanity win, what let’s love heal. What keeps us free. If only we are brave enough to choose to breathe into that part of ourselves. And that’s the power of Bea Paige in this story- yet another breathtakingly engaging, emotionally resonant, and perfectly poignant story of the indomitable but complicated nature of the human heart.

Loved this duet. The angst, character development, plot, spice… All of it amazing. I love dark romance, this one is dark. Check your triggers. Definitely have to read more of this world from all side characters!

She really outdid herself on this one. It's dark and twisted with a whole lot of spice and the plot is captivating until the last second. What I love about Bea Paige books is that they have their own identities but they flow so well together. She continues to give readers a piece of the characters from other series to keep you hooked to make you want to reread that series over and over again. You can get lost in their universes and feel like you're along for the ride.The way that Bea can tell a story and bring her characters to life. It takes an incredible talent to describe feelings and actions. Including playing music, singing a long song, dancing, or even painting. You not only see what is going on but feel every emotion.I was so excited to read this book. I know that it was going to be darker than anything Bea has written. I kept counting down the days until the release day. Lucky for me I got chosen to be on the ARC Team and my torture was cut short haha.What I love about this series and all Bea Paige books are that you feel protected as a reader. She thinks about the readers and what the outcome of her writing affects our emotions and feelings. She continues to push the envelope while never losing the intricate plot. I have felt like sometimes authors write a cliffhanger to just add a cliff hanger but with Bea Paige I don't feel that way. Every word has a place on the page and every page has a place in the chapter.The kink and spice have meaning within the book. I feel like sometimes authors just throw in spice just to add it but that isn't the case with her books. She allows readers to explore different worlds of kink without being ashamed. It is a beautiful thing and it's safe.The thought and time that have gone into the Masks, Kristys, the numbers, and the rest of the characters shows on every page. You can relate to her characters and the care that she puts into every book. You will definitely go on a crazy ride on this one and it sets up so many book series that I am dizzy just thinking about them!You will finish this book quickly because you won't want to let the book out of your sight. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to see where Bea takes us next!

This books has a good ending but drags on a bit and leads into other stories. Not bad but not as fast paced.

What an incredible ending to a phenomenal duet!The Dancer and the Masks was actually my first read of Bea’s and now I have all of her books.This book is so deliciously dark and twisted and all kinds of messed up but absolutely perfect in every way.The journey they all go on is incredible and the detail and the whole thought process behind everything is absolutely genius.The emotions pulled out of you through reading this book is a bit of everything, you hate, you cry, you laugh and you fall in love. In parts it absolutely guts you to see the truth behind the masks.Every little section of this book is just brilliant I absolutely loved it. I am hoping Bea brings these out on signed paperback because I absolutely want this duet on my shelves.It was just incredible and absolutely amazing to live through their journey and see them come out the other side.If you haven’t absolutely go read it now!!! ❤️❤️

Couldn't put this book down. Every page is a work of art. The story draws you in from the very first page (of book one) to the very last. History has a way of repeating itself but with the strength of a woman who's value was less than zero and nothing more than a way to extract revenge for the collectors death could history change.In Scottish castle with a willow weeping tree, pain, death and torture, friendships bloom love builds and new beginnings are made! This dark read really is a page turner some parts can be hard to read but it all comes together so well. It was nice to see characters from Beas other books make an appearance and it gives me hope that this isn't the last we see of Christy and her men.

You guys.....this was incredible. I absolutely rave about Book One to anyone who will listen, but this second and final part of the duet? Mind-blowing. Bea has poured her heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears and everything else into this masterpiece and I genuinely won't ever be the same again.If you haven't had the opportunity to meet Christy yet, honestly, please read this duet series. She has got to be right up there with one of my absolute favourites for FMC, she is so special. Words won't do her characterisation justice from me, you need to read her from Bea to bring her alive.This series has to be ranked up highly in my ultimate top ten for sure!!

Words cannot describe how much I loved this book, and this duet.Bea writes so beautifully that you get lost in the story, completely enraptured by the characters and their tale.I loved the darkness, the transformation of the Masks was painful but so addictive to read. And Christy's growth from a broken girl into a strong woman was empowering to read about.They're not easy books to read, full of trauma and pain and heartache, but boy are they worth it as they stick with you long after you've read the final page.

This second part of Their Obsession Duet is impossibly even better than the first.Through Christy's visions, we see the damage caused to the Masks when they were young and how it created their aversion to feeling any kind of positive emotion. Bea has written their darkness so well that you really sympathise with the Masks younger selves.There are plenty of twists and turns right to the end of the book, enough to keep any reader happy to cling to the edge of their seat.This has to be my personal favourite of Bea's stories (so far!) and I can see myself coming back to the duet over and over again.