ARC Review: Mistress by Mistake - Maggie Robinson

Scandal is only the beginning...

Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once - and she's paid dearly for it ever since.  She swore she'd never succumb to men's desires again.  But even a village spinster's life miles from temptation can't save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever.  Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost...

Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress.  He'd fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance.  But he didn't expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms.  Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them...

A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime.  Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society's judgments.  Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love...

Courtesan Court Trilogy:
Mistress by Mistake
Mistress by Midnight was released in the US on the 28th December 2010 and will be released in the UK on the 29th January 2011
Mistress by Marriage (release date TBC)

For more information visit Maggie Robinson's website

Review:
Charlotte regrets the mistake she made when she was younger and has been happy living a sheltered spinsters life in a small village ever since.  Her sister Deborah couldn't be more different and is one of London's most renowned courtesans.  When Deborah contacts her saying she's in trouble Charlotte is quick to rush to her aid.  Deborah has recently become the mistress of Sir Michael Bayard (Bay) but has been offered marriage by someone else and needs to leave.  Bay has been called away and Deborah wants Charlotte to speak to him when he returns and explain why she has gone.

Reluctantly Charlotte agrees to help but things become complicated when Bay returns in the middle of the night and finds Charlotte in Deborah's bed.  As the sisters can pass for twins he makes an easy mistake thinking Charlotte is his mistress.  Charlotte is horrified in the morning when it turns out that her x-rated dream the night before was in fact reality and Bay is in her bed.  She is shocked at her own behaviour and wants to leave immediately but Bay is not happy to find his mistress gone along with some priceless family jewelery.  He thinks Charlotte is in league with her sister, helping her steal from him, and refuses to let her go home.  I don't want to give away any more of the story but watch out for fireworks between a Charlotte & Bay and a whole heap of trouble caused by his nightmare of an ex-wife.

It's been a while since I read a good historical romance and the blurb sounded similar to quite a few books I've read in the past but I was absolutely blown away by Mistress by Mistake.  The story wasn't at all predictable and I quickly fell in lust with the handsome Bay.  I think this is probably the steamiest historical romance I've ever read & I really enjoyed the passion between fiesty Charlotte & sexy Bay - I'm surprised the pages didn't spontaniously combust in places! 

Charlotte is sassy and determined and won't take the threats Bay makes lightly, sparks will definitely fly when she attempts to get away from him.  She acts like a prim school teacher outside the bedroom but has a very passionate and sensual side that Bay finds impossible to resist.  Bay on the other hand is a brilliant alpha male determined to enjoy his time with Charlotte and teach her to embrace the passionate side of her nature.  Their characters balance each other out well and I loved the way their relationship developed.

Bay's ex-wife makes a terrifying villian causing a few horrific and heart-in-mouth moments where I could hardly bear to continue reading but there were also many laugh out loud moments which helped restore the balance.  Mistress by Mistake had me gripped from the first page and I can't wait to get my hands on future books in the series.  I can't recommend this enough to historical romance fans who are looking for a story that will have them swinging between laughing out loud, fanning themselves (did I mention how HOT this book was?) and gripping the edge of their seats.  If this is Maggie's debut I can't wait to see what else she's got up her sleeve!

Source: I won this ARC from author Maggie Robinson in a giveaway on Twitter - Thanks Maggie

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