Reviewed by Jenna
TITLE: Beloved Unmasked
SERIES: Cherished One
AUTHOR: Brita Addams
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 308 Pages
BLURB:
Born to a spiteful prostitute in Storyville, the red-light district in New Orleans, David comes into the world as Picayune, meaning “of little value,” or, as his mother reminds him, “nothing.” In the early 20th century brothels and clubs, his love of music sustains young Pic until a life-changing meeting places him on the road to respectability, and Pic reinvents himself as David Reid.
As David realizes happiness for the first time, conscription forces his friend and first love, Spencer Webb, into the Great War. While he pursues a law degree, letters from Spence connect David to his hopes for the future. After staggering news at war’s end, David must find a way to move forward. Under the tutelage of his benefactor, David’s career prospers, but specters from Storyville threaten all he’s worked so hard to achieve.
The past holds both pain and love. Will facing it head-on destroy David or give him everything he’s ever dared dream?
REVIEW:
I love New Orleans. Therefore I love any book that captures the look and feel of this magnificent city. So, Beloved Unmasked caught my attention from the beginning. The book starts out with a blurb giving historical background, which I found quite helpful. At the onset of the Great War, the government ordered that the red light districts in close proximity to military installations be shut down. The main character, Picayune, was born to a prostitute that cursed the day that he was born. Picayune’s story begins at age ten when his mother tries to get him involved in the whoring business. However Pic detests his mother’s profession and has higher aspirations for his life. The story goes on to give a picture of Pic’s early sexual adventures with his friend, Spencer, who at a young age becomes a prostitute. The two boys came from the same upbringings but their lives lead them down different paths. Pic finds his way when a wealthy lawyer becomes his ward and pays his way through school whereas Spencer gets shipped off to war. The book continues to follow Pic’s ups and downs in life as well as his search for love.
The setting and the authenticity of the character’s accents really brought this book to life. However, what really made Beloved Unmasked unique to me was that it was not structured like most romances. In fact, I wasn’t sure who Picayune would fall in love with or if he would end up loving anyone. There were some heartbreaking moments, but even these did not clue me into what would happen in the end. I would say this book was different since it followed Pic’s life for a great span of time instead of just focus on a love affair. Although the plot arch was not what I’m used to, I really loved the story. Pic was very inspirational and for being a prostitute, Spencer was impressive in his determination and extremely lovable. I also liked Pic’s ward even though I didn’t always understand him or agree with his choices. Overall, this book was great. I recommend Beloved Unmasked to anyone who loves M/M Historical Romance.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
Thank you Jenna for the great review. So pleased you liked the book. I too love New Orleans, having lived there for many years.
One minor thing – Pic/David was Emile’s ward, Emile was his guardian.
Speaking of Emile, his story is in the works now.
Again, thank you.
Brita