by Becky Dean
publisher’s synopsis
People pleaser Evie Whitmore can’t believe her art and architecture class trip has brought her to Venice—home of gondolas and crumbling palazzos, and the inspiration for both her art and her hidden passion, Elven Realms, a series of novels set in the very city she’s about to explore.
Rumors about an underground Elven Realms fan club swirl, and Evie, wearing a costume and mask, sneaks out at night to find it.
There’s no way she can tell anyone what she’s doing—not her friends, and certainly not Gabriel Martinez, the bad boy loner she’s been partnered with on the trip.
But Evie’s not the only one on this clandestine quest. She collides with someone else in disguise—a stranger whose eyes hold secrets. He calls himself Angelo, and he too loves the novels. Venice is a labyrinth, and as they unravel clues together, their connection deepens. Who is Angelo, really? And who does Evie want him to be?
What I Liked
I’ve dreamed of visiting Venice, so I enjoyed exploring it on page.
Dean did a great job rounding out the side characters of Evie’s friend group. Even with their small amount of page time, they were distinct. Evie also had a very natural character voice.
What I Struggled With
My suspension of disbelief was stretched by a few aspects in the novel. The fact that Evie didn’t figure out who Angelo was from his voice and mannerisms after several nights seemed a little a little off. I also struggled to believe that Angelo didn’t realize who Evie was. The scope of the secret club also seemed a little too large. It might have made more sense if Evie’s school trip had coincided with a secret fan convention that was happening rather than a year-round thing,
It’s not uncommon for characters to fall in love unrealistically fast, but Evie and Gabriel going from being essentially strangers to a couple in a few days seemed a little too quick.
Overall
While predictable, Love Unmasked will likely delight readers looking for a lighthearted YA romance.
Cautions: eight kisses; moderate romance
Love Unmasked releases July 15, 2025. I received an eARC through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hailey Huntington 
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