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99th out of 338 books
—
379 voters
His Mistress by Christmas (Sinful Family Secrets #1)
For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow --- and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.
Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks ---...more
Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks ---...more
Trade Paperback, 352 pages
Published
September 27th 2011
by Kensington
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4.5
Author Victoria Alexander delighted me with this tale, its colorful characters, humor and twists. I quickly consumed this and closed the book with a smile. This is the perfect Regency romance to get you in the mood for the holidays.
The tale begins when we meet the widowed Lady Veronica Smithson. She and her friend Portia are watching a speech presented by the dashingly handsome Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater. He is a renowned explorer, published writer and a reported rogue. While Veronica is...more
Author Victoria Alexander delighted me with this tale, its colorful characters, humor and twists. I quickly consumed this and closed the book with a smile. This is the perfect Regency romance to get you in the mood for the holidays.
The tale begins when we meet the widowed Lady Veronica Smithson. She and her friend Portia are watching a speech presented by the dashingly handsome Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater. He is a renowned explorer, published writer and a reported rogue. While Veronica is...more
*4.5 Stars*
Looking for angst? Looking for brooding characters who have a hard time letting themselves be happy? Looking for a shy heroine who hasn’t enjoyed sex to date and needs to be shown the power of the mighty orgasm? If you answered yes to any of those, it’s probably best to keep on walking, because this book is completely unlike any of those things. It is light and happy and is filled with farcical situations that had me laughing out loud. I know that whenever I pick up an Alexander there...more
Looking for angst? Looking for brooding characters who have a hard time letting themselves be happy? Looking for a shy heroine who hasn’t enjoyed sex to date and needs to be shown the power of the mighty orgasm? If you answered yes to any of those, it’s probably best to keep on walking, because this book is completely unlike any of those things. It is light and happy and is filled with farcical situations that had me laughing out loud. I know that whenever I pick up an Alexander there...more
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When Lady Veronica Smithson sees what she wants, there is very little to change her mind, especially when what she wants is to become explorer/adventurer Sir Sebastian Hadley-Atwater's mistress. A young widow, she wants a little adventure of her own.
Sir Sebastian comes from a large family. Traditions play a huge part and he feels, with his birthday coming up, that it is time for a change. Not only will he be in good standing to receive his father's inheritance, but he is ready to finally settle...more
Sir Sebastian comes from a large family. Traditions play a huge part and he feels, with his birthday coming up, that it is time for a change. Not only will he be in good standing to receive his father's inheritance, but he is ready to finally settle...more
His Mistress by Christmas
by Victoria Alexander
Genre: Historical Romance | Seasonal
For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow—and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.
Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks-if his family deems him responsible enough. There’s no bet...more
by Victoria Alexander
Genre: Historical Romance | Seasonal
For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow—and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.
Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks-if his family deems him responsible enough. There’s no bet...more
Reviewed By~Desere
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
From one of the most brilliant historical authors of our time comes the tale of Lady Victoria and Sebastian, two people who each want and crave a little certain something in life and both will not stop to get it.
Lady Veronica wants to taste the forbidden passion she craves and still be seen as a true lady. However she does not bet on her target for passion being so forceful in getting what he wants. Sebastian does not back down.
The fun really st...more
Review Copy Provided By~Publisher
From one of the most brilliant historical authors of our time comes the tale of Lady Victoria and Sebastian, two people who each want and crave a little certain something in life and both will not stop to get it.
Lady Veronica wants to taste the forbidden passion she craves and still be seen as a true lady. However she does not bet on her target for passion being so forceful in getting what he wants. Sebastian does not back down.
The fun really st...more
Lady Smithson lost her beloved husband after years of blissful marriage. It has been three years now and Veronica is ready to move on. Since title and fortune are already hers, she does not wish to be saddled with a husband. Lady Smithton simply wants a lover.
Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater has returned home after years of travel to exotic locations. He has purchased an estate and is now ready to settle down and write his memoirs. That is until he meets Lady Smithson and his thoughts turn to havi...more
Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater has returned home after years of travel to exotic locations. He has purchased an estate and is now ready to settle down and write his memoirs. That is until he meets Lady Smithson and his thoughts turn to havi...more
Lady Veronica Smithson has decided she wants to celebrate this Christmas a little differently. She wants to become Sir Sebastian Hadley- Attwater's mistress. Her best friend is Sir Hadley- Attwater's cousin, Portia, who introduces the two of them, in a way. Once Lady Smithson has seen this rogue and explorer speak, she's determined to convince him to take her as his mistress. She's been married and while that was pleasant enough, she's not ready to give up all the freedom being a widow allows....more
HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS by Victoria Alexander is an interesting Christmas historical romance set in 1885 England. It has strong characters that will capture your heart. Lady Veronica Smithson,is a widow of three years,who is independent, and wants to become a mistress. Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater,is a reowned explorer and a rogue,who is looking for a wife. Lady Veronica looking to be a mistress and Sir Sebastian looking for a wife,meet and as they say "the rest is history". This is a fast pa...more
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies (rated 3.5 Blue Ribbons):
Lady Veronica Smithson is missing something in her life, and she knows just what will help to fill that void. As a matter of fact, Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater is exactly what she needs. All Veronica has to do is convince him that he needs a mistress, and she is the woman for the job. At first, things seem to be going her way, but fairly soon Veronica sees her plans taking a turn she never would have expected.
Sebastian saw Veronica sta...more
Lady Veronica Smithson is missing something in her life, and she knows just what will help to fill that void. As a matter of fact, Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater is exactly what she needs. All Veronica has to do is convince him that he needs a mistress, and she is the woman for the job. At first, things seem to be going her way, but fairly soon Veronica sees her plans taking a turn she never would have expected.
Sebastian saw Veronica sta...more
In true Ms. Alexander style, you will find romance and humor within the pages. The likeability of characters, major and minor, the enjoyable situation/dilemma the characters face, and the nice outcome - bring this book together.
Lady Veronica Smithson is an independent woman. She values her independence and wealth. She also has no need for a husband, she had one -- but she finds herself in want of a man, not just any man, but, Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater. Sebastian is a world explorer, a writer...more
Lady Veronica Smithson is an independent woman. She values her independence and wealth. She also has no need for a husband, she had one -- but she finds herself in want of a man, not just any man, but, Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater. Sebastian is a world explorer, a writer...more
Victorian Christmas II, by Thomas Kincaid
★★★★½ Yes, yes! I know Christmas is over with; nonetheless, I put this audiobook on request at the public library and didn’t receive it until after the holiday. So, I stayed up on New Year’s working on all my lovely new 2012 challenges and – lo and behold – I’m delighted to say I’ve found a charming new author! I’m pretty sure I tried one of her books before and it didn’t grab me, but Susan Duerden narrated this one to near perfection.
There is nothing ne...more
★★★★½ Yes, yes! I know Christmas is over with; nonetheless, I put this audiobook on request at the public library and didn’t receive it until after the holiday. So, I stayed up on New Year’s working on all my lovely new 2012 challenges and – lo and behold – I’m delighted to say I’ve found a charming new author! I’m pretty sure I tried one of her books before and it didn’t grab me, but Susan Duerden narrated this one to near perfection.
There is nothing ne...more
Holiday historical romances are my absolute favorite type of book. When it comes to historicals you can't go wrong with Victoria Alexander either. Her characters are so wonderfully refreshing and colorful.
The story is one we've seen a variations of before, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. Veronica and Sebastian are wonderful characters. (I'm a sucker for a hero named Sebastian) I love the reversal of roles here. It is usually the man who would prefer to have a mistress. But Veroni...more
The story is one we've seen a variations of before, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. Veronica and Sebastian are wonderful characters. (I'm a sucker for a hero named Sebastian) I love the reversal of roles here. It is usually the man who would prefer to have a mistress. But Veroni...more
The second of three widowed friends finds her match in this book. Lady Veronica Smithsonhas been widowed for three years and she's decided that is long enough to wait for grand adventure; she's ready to take a lover. When her friend Poppy's cousin returns from gallivanting all over the globe, Veronica decides that he is the perfect man to take as her lover.
Hugh has a different idea however. He finds Veronica delectable but he's ready for respectability and marriage. Also, he has to prove to his...more
Hugh has a different idea however. He finds Veronica delectable but he's ready for respectability and marriage. Also, he has to prove to his...more
Listening to HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS, I was caught in somewhat of a dilemma. I eagerly anticipated the next disc to have the story continue, but also dreaded it as it would bring me closer to the end.
This is a wonderful and charming story to get lost in. With brilliant descriptions and eloquent dialect, author Victoria Alexander transforms the reader (or listener) to 1885 England. With all the sights and sounds of the era, the reader can’t help but be immersed in the story.
Narration by Susan D...more
This is a wonderful and charming story to get lost in. With brilliant descriptions and eloquent dialect, author Victoria Alexander transforms the reader (or listener) to 1885 England. With all the sights and sounds of the era, the reader can’t help but be immersed in the story.
Narration by Susan D...more
Obviously, I loved this book. I have read a few damaged and brooding heros lately and Sebastian was a fun change. He has his issues, but he's so sweet and charming - I adored him. I totally bought into the idea that he would see what he wanted and go all out to have it - and seeing Veronica as his adventure... Did I say I adored him??
Veronica is a perfect match for Sebastian - determined to get what she wants. I could relate to the struggle to maintain freedom and independence, but realizing she...more
Veronica is a perfect match for Sebastian - determined to get what she wants. I could relate to the struggle to maintain freedom and independence, but realizing she...more
His Mistress By Christmas did not really grip me at all the way I thought it would. Lady Veronica Smithson is a headstrong heroine who would like nothing better than to remain unmarried and delight in the arms of Sebastian Hadley-Attwater as his mistress, but Sebastian has just returned to England from far flung adventures and is at the point in his life where he needs a wife, not a mistress. And therein lies the conflict.
There was no real sexual tension in this book, no real emotion on either...more
There was no real sexual tension in this book, no real emotion on either...more
1.5-2 stars.
I wasn't that impressed with this book. This is the second Victoria Alexander book I've read or tried to read because I didn't finish the first one I tried.
In this novel I liked the idea of Veronica wanting to be Sebastian's mistress and Sebastian wanting her to be his wife but the execution was lacking. The main characters didn't seem to have much or any sexual chemistry, even their disagreements didn't spark, they were just dull. I was bored for most of this book and the main reas...more
I wasn't that impressed with this book. This is the second Victoria Alexander book I've read or tried to read because I didn't finish the first one I tried.
In this novel I liked the idea of Veronica wanting to be Sebastian's mistress and Sebastian wanting her to be his wife but the execution was lacking. The main characters didn't seem to have much or any sexual chemistry, even their disagreements didn't spark, they were just dull. I was bored for most of this book and the main reas...more
This saucy, sexy and scandalous story by Victoria Alexander has all the makings of an extraordinary Regency Romance. Lady Veronica Smithson utters the words that set this high-spirited romance in motion barely stopping by the time you reach the end. Lady Smithson widowed for some time, known by all for her forward thinking, (which is not always in line with the popular set), now decides she wants a man in her life but is not willing to give up the independence she has enjoyed, (to the envy of ma...more
Veronica Smithson has decided that she wants to be a mistress, and never a wife. She had been married, happily too, but since she was widowed a few years back and got a taste of true independence she refuses to let a man control anything about her life again. She sets her eyes on Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, her friend’s cousin, at a lecture he was speaking at and decides that she wants to be his mistress. Sebastian is an author and a world traveler. It is rumored that he has been with many women...more
I read this book while on Christmas holiday so it didn't make much sense to post a blog review of it after the holiday had passed, but I can't help but post here on Goodreads how much I adored this book!
This book will be on my keeper shelf and will be a re-read every time I want to get in the Christmas mood.
Every single thing about this book I enjoyed - a fantastic hero and heroine. Amazing dialogue and a wonder set of family characters. The romance was sweet and wonderfully written and this s...more
This book will be on my keeper shelf and will be a re-read every time I want to get in the Christmas mood.
Every single thing about this book I enjoyed - a fantastic hero and heroine. Amazing dialogue and a wonder set of family characters. The romance was sweet and wonderfully written and this s...more
Lady Veronica Smithson is a widow, independent and outspoken. While never courting scandal outright or deliberately throwing conventions to the wind, she does like to do her own thing and isn’t afraid to pursue her ambitions. After being widowed for three years she’s tired of being alone and, with no desire to remarry and give up her independence, decides to be a mistress to a suitable man.
Enter Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, single gentleman, rogue and explorer who seems perfect for her purpos...more
Enter Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, single gentleman, rogue and explorer who seems perfect for her purpos...more
A fun read from Victoria Alexander. I really enjoyed Lady Victoria. She was a smart, spunky woman who knew what she wanted (or did she?) and went for it. Sir Sebastian was an adventurer who spent years away from London but is finally ready to settle down and earn the respect of his family. They both come in to this relationship wanting completely different things but they realize that the connection between them is so intense that they fight not understanding they both want the same thing. When...more
As I, ahem, age, I do so enjoy a heroine who isn't a simpering teenager taken in by the smoldering older man. And I apparently also enjoy my h/h to be angst-ridden. This book did not disappoint. Then again, I've read 99% of Victoria Alexander's backlist and rarely am disappointed.
I also love a Christmas story because lord knows the holidays can be trying. And even reading a Christmas story post-Christmas is amusing. I have fond memories of a Christmas anthology I found on my junior high school...more
I also love a Christmas story because lord knows the holidays can be trying. And even reading a Christmas story post-Christmas is amusing. I have fond memories of a Christmas anthology I found on my junior high school...more
Veronica has a goal this Christmas. She is going to find a man to be her lover, NOT her husband. After being a widow she misses having that comfort of a warm body in her bed. What she doesn’t want is to be controlled so she has decided not to marry again. Her sights are set on Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, an explorer who has a bit of a reputation with the woman. He is perfect for her.
Sebastian, who has traveled all over the world is ready to settle down (little does Veronica know) and after me...more
Sebastian, who has traveled all over the world is ready to settle down (little does Veronica know) and after me...more
Very witty and romantic but my goodness, I thought Christmas would never end. All of this witty conversation and seduction took way too long. There was some serious potential to establish a great story and characters, but this book just focused on a couple who were trying not to give in to the other. This would have been effective as a novella just the same.
I see that I have outgrown my love for some of the more, shall I say, romantic romance. I lean towards the more erotic and sensual nowadays...more
I see that I have outgrown my love for some of the more, shall I say, romantic romance. I lean towards the more erotic and sensual nowadays...more
I'm a little torn about how to rate this novel. I must have started it at least 5 times since October, but never made it past page 50 or so. I finally MADE myself finish it since her next book is out, and I ended up LOVING this in the end. I thought the entire Christmas debacle was both funny and endearing. I didn't warm up to Victoria initially, but really liked her in the end. I just loved Sebastian and his entire family and I'm looking forward to reading more about them. I also loved the enti...more
My problem with this book, as with almost all of Ms. Alexander's books is the preponderance (yes, I probably misspelled that word) of "said under his/her breath" and "murmured". There are multiple times when someone mutters under their breath twice in two pages. I didn't count them, but easily 50+ instances of both in this book.
Good, sweet story, lower-level heat levels, but that's grand in a Regency. I like her stories. But someone needs to shoot her editor (metaphorically, not literally, pleas...more
Good, sweet story, lower-level heat levels, but that's grand in a Regency. I like her stories. But someone needs to shoot her editor (metaphorically, not literally, pleas...more
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This was a fun, quick read that had me smiling throughout the whole book.
Veronica is happy as a widow, but one who misses having a man in her bed. So she decides to take a lover. She doesn’t want a husband, though, as she enjoys her freedom and control over her own life. As she attends a lecture of her dear friend’s cousin, she sees the man she wants. He is brilliant, attractive, and has the reputation of being quite the rake. He's perfect for her.
Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater can’t take his ey...more
Veronica is happy as a widow, but one who misses having a man in her bed. So she decides to take a lover. She doesn’t want a husband, though, as she enjoys her freedom and control over her own life. As she attends a lecture of her dear friend’s cousin, she sees the man she wants. He is brilliant, attractive, and has the reputation of being quite the rake. He's perfect for her.
Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater can’t take his ey...more
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Very endearing and sweet romance. No big villains or complications, just a lovely, funny story about finding the greatest adventure of your life when you find someone you can truly love and trust.
I just noticed that this book is subtitled "Sinful Family Secrets." That is very misleading to me. Makes this book sound like there is something dark and sinister going on. Not the case. (Most people would probably not even consider the "secret" in the story to be that "sinful.") So if you're looking f...more
I just noticed that this book is subtitled "Sinful Family Secrets." That is very misleading to me. Makes this book sound like there is something dark and sinister going on. Not the case. (Most people would probably not even consider the "secret" in the story to be that "sinful.") So if you're looking f...more
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Chery Griffin was born in 1965, she grew up traveling the country as an Air Force brat, but now is settled in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two teenaged children, and a bearded collie named Sam. She has spent much of her life with a microphone in one...more
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(1)romance author
Chery Griffin was born in 1965, she grew up traveling the country as an Air Force brat, but now is settled in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two teenaged children, and a bearded collie named Sam. She has spent much of her life with a microphone in one...more
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“I say seduce her, seduce her tonight. Break the door down if you have to. Tell her all those things you said to me about her. You will love her more tomorrow than today and how you want to die with her hand in yours–which is an excellent line, by the way, that I fully intend to borrow when the time comes.”
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7 people liked it
“Her heart leapt, which made no sense at all. This was not to be an affair of the heart. There would be affection certainly, but nothing more. Apparently her heart wasn't aware of her plans. Odd, she'd never known it to be rebellious before.”
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2 people liked it
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