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The Mistress / Wanted: Mistress and Mother
Two books in one.
Mistress by Maya Banks. (aka The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress.
It sounded so sordid, so impersonal, so far removed from the kind of relationship Marley Jameson had with Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis. What she thought she had. Until he abruptly broke things off between them and told her to leave his luxurious apartment. Three months later, Marley awakens in the hospital, with no memory of what happened before she got there. She can't remember her past, Chrysander… or the baby she carries. All she knows is that when Chrysander sweeps her away to his private Greek island, being with him feels like home. Even though he never speaks of love, surely his protectiveness and his desire for her prove how much she means to him.
Until she remembers the truth….
Wanted: Mistress and Mother by Carol Marinelli.
When ruthless Italian barrister Dante Costello hires Matilda Hamilton, he sees an opportunity. Matilda's job is to create a magical garden, in the hope it will help Dante's troubled little girl. However, since attraction between them is hot and intense, why not take Matilda as his mistress, as well?
Dante has always kept his emotions firmly under wraps when it comes to relationships. But this time will he succeed when his desire for Matilda is pushing him to the edge of control?
Mistress by Maya Banks. (aka The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress.
It sounded so sordid, so impersonal, so far removed from the kind of relationship Marley Jameson had with Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis. What she thought she had. Until he abruptly broke things off between them and told her to leave his luxurious apartment. Three months later, Marley awakens in the hospital, with no memory of what happened before she got there. She can't remember her past, Chrysander… or the baby she carries. All she knows is that when Chrysander sweeps her away to his private Greek island, being with him feels like home. Even though he never speaks of love, surely his protectiveness and his desire for her prove how much she means to him.
Until she remembers the truth….
Wanted: Mistress and Mother by Carol Marinelli.
When ruthless Italian barrister Dante Costello hires Matilda Hamilton, he sees an opportunity. Matilda's job is to create a magical garden, in the hope it will help Dante's troubled little girl. However, since attraction between them is hot and intense, why not take Matilda as his mistress, as well?
Dante has always kept his emotions firmly under wraps when it comes to relationships. But this time will he succeed when his desire for Matilda is pushing him to the edge of control?
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 31, 2012
60 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Maya Banks
243 books21.6k followersMaya Banks is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today and international bestselling author of over 50 novels. A wife and mother of three, she lives in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 16, 2019
Audiobook: Narrator – Carol Monda
Because I was so caught up in the story, I can’t really say how well this narrator performed. But I guess, that must mean she did an excellent job because I was never taken out of the story by being aggravated by her change from male to female voice. I do remember thinking she did a great job of the hero’s character which is where I struggle with female narrators.
This one took me back to the good old days of Harlequin Romances. With a greek hero and a sweet heroine, it was exactly what I was wanting.
After learning she’s pregnant, Marley is forced to question Chrysander about the status of their relationship. While they’ve lived together for several months, he is still very standoffish and never gives her a clue as to his feelings for her. When he flat out tells her she is his mistress and nothing more, she is heartbroken. Then the accusations are hurled at her which leads to her in a nightmare situation.
Chrysander was developed much like the original alpha heroes from long ago. He is so protective of Marley when he gets her back even to the point of demanding she have assistance going up and down the stairs. But he’s got a viper whispering in his ear and yep, just like those Harlequins I cut my teeth on, he doesn’t see the evil right in front of him.
This is a fast paced story with some pretty good angst that while not gut clinching is the kind that makes you want to smack someone. The steam was high and there were no surprises here, just pure predictability and sometimes that’s exactly what I need and want. This book helped to soothe that craving.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Because I was so caught up in the story, I can’t really say how well this narrator performed. But I guess, that must mean she did an excellent job because I was never taken out of the story by being aggravated by her change from male to female voice. I do remember thinking she did a great job of the hero’s character which is where I struggle with female narrators.
This one took me back to the good old days of Harlequin Romances. With a greek hero and a sweet heroine, it was exactly what I was wanting.
After learning she’s pregnant, Marley is forced to question Chrysander about the status of their relationship. While they’ve lived together for several months, he is still very standoffish and never gives her a clue as to his feelings for her. When he flat out tells her she is his mistress and nothing more, she is heartbroken. Then the accusations are hurled at her which leads to her in a nightmare situation.
Chrysander was developed much like the original alpha heroes from long ago. He is so protective of Marley when he gets her back even to the point of demanding she have assistance going up and down the stairs. But he’s got a viper whispering in his ear and yep, just like those Harlequins I cut my teeth on, he doesn’t see the evil right in front of him.
This is a fast paced story with some pretty good angst that while not gut clinching is the kind that makes you want to smack someone. The steam was high and there were no surprises here, just pure predictability and sometimes that’s exactly what I need and want. This book helped to soothe that craving.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
April 12, 2019
FULL REVIEW TO COME... (maybe)
My Thoughts
I loved Marley, Chrysander was a jerk but was able to redeem himself. Glad Marley wasn’t a doormat h, even when she gets her memories back, she was still strong and assertive. Chrysander was a bit pigheaded (but I was expecting that in a Harlequin) but glad he wasn’t a huge a$$. I liked seeing Marley standing up to him and not blindly following into line with him. The villain got too little mention in the end but at least she doesn’t escape punishment.
SAFETY INFO:
My Thoughts
I loved Marley, Chrysander was a jerk but was able to redeem himself. Glad Marley wasn’t a doormat h, even when she gets her memories back, she was still strong and assertive. Chrysander was a bit pigheaded (but I was expecting that in a Harlequin) but glad he wasn’t a huge a$$. I liked seeing Marley standing up to him and not blindly following into line with him. The villain got too little mention in the end but at least she doesn’t escape punishment.
SAFETY INFO:
January 29, 2014
I read just the Maya Banks story, The guy was Greek, I am Greek so I just had to see. It seems I never learn(especially when you consider that I actually read the second one as well).
Having enjoyed the author's Highlander books so much I expected better from her. The book was ridiculously bad researched. There were only 4 or 4 greek words(thank God) and they were all badly placed and translated.
To begin with the hero calls his "mistress" "pedhaki mou" as an endearment. This is wrongly translated as "my little one" when it means "my little child" in greek. You can understand why I couldn't enjoy even a minute of the hot and heavy. It's something a grandfather would call his granddaughter not a man his lover.
Then we have the word "Theos" which is rightly translated as "God" but used so wrong I cringed every time. I can't really explain why because people who haven't studied greek grammar would never understand but it's enough to say that I was disappointed.
It was like the author googled the words and then put them into her writing. If I didn't get how badly worked the book was from this I would give it a 3.5 but now a 2 is all I can give.
PS. The second book has the same mistakes.
Having enjoyed the author's Highlander books so much I expected better from her. The book was ridiculously bad researched. There were only 4 or 4 greek words(thank God) and they were all badly placed and translated.
To begin with the hero calls his "mistress" "pedhaki mou" as an endearment. This is wrongly translated as "my little one" when it means "my little child" in greek. You can understand why I couldn't enjoy even a minute of the hot and heavy. It's something a grandfather would call his granddaughter not a man his lover.
Then we have the word "Theos" which is rightly translated as "God" but used so wrong I cringed every time. I can't really explain why because people who haven't studied greek grammar would never understand but it's enough to say that I was disappointed.
It was like the author googled the words and then put them into her writing. If I didn't get how badly worked the book was from this I would give it a 3.5 but now a 2 is all I can give.
PS. The second book has the same mistakes.
November 1, 2018
What can I say the synopsis suckered me in, not Maya’s best but still entertaining nonetheless. I am curious about the next one in the series.
June 9, 2020
This is a re-read from last year which was a re-read of The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress. I originally picked this up, because I’m a sucker for amnesia storylines, but it's OTT ridonkulous, drama-llama. Chrysander Anetakis cruelly throws his mistress Marley from his penthouse (he thinks she stole company secrets) unbeknownst to him, she’s preggers. Marley, having the worst day EVER, finds herself kidnapped… FF a few months and Chrysander sees a pregnant Marley on the news being rescued. Now he’s responsible for caring for them both… throw in family drama, Marley’s amnesia, an evil OW, stolen company blueprints, kidnappers on the run, and you’ve got the recipe for soapy-smut awesomeness.
February 13, 2016
Eh... I liked The Mistress. Chrysander was a bit of a jerk through most of it but I was able to see how he might be. I loved that he had to make amends in the end and that he does it pretty well. I couldn't stand Wanted. Oy! I struggled to get through it and it was all neatly wrapped up in the end... almost as though the author had been given a page number she had to reach and she discovered too late she'd met it. I didn't like Dante at all. I found him to be a total jerk and couldn't understand why Matilda would even try. So... that's my opinion... for what it's worth. Read The Mistress and skip Wanted.
September 25, 2012
Maya Banks did a really good job on this book. My heart broke a little more all the way through until the end. I felt so connected and felt so bad for Marley. Her story broke my heart. Now Chrysander, I wanted to smack up side the head with every turn of the page. He did not deserve Marley. He was an inconsiderate ass who used Marley until the end. I won't continue because I may give out details and I don't want to spoil the book for anyone.
Now this was 2 books in 1. The second story Wanted: Mistress and Mother by Carol Marinelli was not good to me. I did not enjoy it at all. I finally put it down without finishing it.
Now this was 2 books in 1. The second story Wanted: Mistress and Mother by Carol Marinelli was not good to me. I did not enjoy it at all. I finally put it down without finishing it.
December 12, 2019
The Mistress is a Harlequin romance that I just cannot get enough of. Even with Greek tycoon Chrsyander often being an asshole I cannot get enough of this story. There is enough drama and emotions to satisfy me for a month. I loved the storyline and have probably read this about five times now. It's easy to connect with Marley and watch her struggle with regaining her former self. I can't say much about the second story because it was just OK but I know The Mistress is definitely a Harlequin go-to read when looking for something quick and easy but with a scorching romance and little baby thrown in.
Book #2 is OK but more on the cutesy side and I clearly did not love it enough as I've read this part of the compilation only one time.
Book #2 is OK but more on the cutesy side and I clearly did not love it enough as I've read this part of the compilation only one time.
August 4, 2012
I loved this book. But seeing as it’s Maya Banks, and she can do no wrong, it’s not surprising I loved it.
This book had it all…alpha, jerk hero, emotion, drama, misunderstands…it’s definitely one I’ll re-read.
This book had it all…alpha, jerk hero, emotion, drama, misunderstands…it’s definitely one I’ll re-read.
December 1, 2014
"The Mistress" by Maya Banks
October 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book, even though it is only slightly longer than novella in length I felt didn’t feel like the story was rushed. This may be because it starts at the END of the affair not at the beginning.
This book starts with Marley discovering she is pregnant by her live-in lover. She decides to tell him but before she can he basically calls her his “mistress” which she takes to mean “paid whore” (her thoughts not his words). Then Chris (this is what I’m calling the hero because I’m unsure of the spelling l) finds incriminating documents in Marley’s bags, accuses her of betraying his company and kicks her out.
Since the book begins basically at the end of the relationship, you don’t quite get the build up of the relationship between Chris and Marley - like what made her agree to this arrangement, is it only physical, does Marley have any other family or friends? [It’s retrospectively odd that she doesn’t seem to have any support system (even close friends) except for Chris. But this didn’t bother me during the story.]
Once Chris throws her out, she gets immediately kidnapped and then we fast forward 3 months. Marley is 5 months pregnant and Chris sees her being rescued after her kidnappers abandoned her. She has no memory of herself, Chris or her kidnapping. Chris goes to her and acts as her fiancée. Things almost immediately begin to unravel, Chris blows hot and cold still thinking she betrayed him, and the stories are just not adding up. Marley is suspicious but goes along with Chris’s story for the most part.
All the while Chris’s smarmy-hot PA keeps popping in at weird moments, interjecting her venom in the relationship with the excuse of “important business” ... the real culprit behind the betrayal is pretty obvious to the reader but we have to let the characters get there on their own.
Not until Marley gets her memory back does Chris really begin to believe she is innocent. He does a good grovel, the bad “guy” gets hot and it’s all HEA!
There are holes the size of a crater in this book but It didn’t stop me enjoying it one bit!
This book starts with Marley discovering she is pregnant by her live-in lover. She decides to tell him but before she can he basically calls her his “mistress” which she takes to mean “paid whore” (her thoughts not his words). Then Chris (this is what I’m calling the hero because I’m unsure of the spelling l) finds incriminating documents in Marley’s bags, accuses her of betraying his company and kicks her out.
Since the book begins basically at the end of the relationship, you don’t quite get the build up of the relationship between Chris and Marley - like what made her agree to this arrangement, is it only physical, does Marley have any other family or friends? [It’s retrospectively odd that she doesn’t seem to have any support system (even close friends) except for Chris. But this didn’t bother me during the story.]
Once Chris throws her out, she gets immediately kidnapped and then we fast forward 3 months. Marley is 5 months pregnant and Chris sees her being rescued after her kidnappers abandoned her. She has no memory of herself, Chris or her kidnapping. Chris goes to her and acts as her fiancée. Things almost immediately begin to unravel, Chris blows hot and cold still thinking she betrayed him, and the stories are just not adding up. Marley is suspicious but goes along with Chris’s story for the most part.
All the while Chris’s smarmy-hot PA keeps popping in at weird moments, interjecting her venom in the relationship with the excuse of “important business” ... the real culprit behind the betrayal is pretty obvious to the reader but we have to let the characters get there on their own.
Not until Marley gets her memory back does Chris really begin to believe she is innocent. He does a good grovel, the bad “guy” gets hot and it’s all HEA!
There are holes the size of a crater in this book but It didn’t stop me enjoying it one bit!
October 19, 2012
First in the Anetakis Tycoons romance series. The couple focus is on Chrysander Anetakis and Marley Jameson.
Originally published as The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress. This particular edition includes Wanted: Mistress and Mother, a short story by Carol Marinelli.
My Take
It's cute. The sex is mild. The emotions are drama-queeny. I liked Marley's character before, during, and after her amnesiac episode. She likes the truth and doesn't let fear hold her back.
The typical "oh, he wronged me" plot tragedied up with a pregnancy she never got to tell him about. The required span of time in which he has the chance to realize how much he misses her with the twist being her amnesia when she's rescued from her kidnappers. Kidnappers he never knew about.
There is a nice balance Banks creates between the lover and the betrayed as Chrysander blows hot and cold with Marley, creating a confusion for her. Making her wonder about the truth of their relationship. There are too many inconsistencies Marley wants the answers to before she'll marry him. Chrysander, meanwhile, is torn between realizing his love for her and his anger over her betrayal.
I am rather skeptical about kidnappers who keep their victim for three months and simply release her.
The revelation is dramatic with Chrysander's learning the truth very simply and elegantly done.
The Story
Pregnant? Pregnant. She's pregnant and she doesn't know where she stands with Chrysander. He's never spoken of the future, only the present. And Marley is shattered when he states that she is only his mistress.
And yet more shattered when he accuses her of stealing his plans. Selling them to his rivals and orders her out of his apartment in the next thirty minutes.
Stunned, Marley staggers away only to be grabbed, a bag dragged over her head, and thrown into a vehicle.
The Characters
Marley Jameson was Chrysander's newest assistant before he asks her to move in with him. Now, she's pregnant and unsure of the future of their relationship.
Chrysander Anetakis is a Greek tycoon who, with his two brothers Theron and Piers, have created a hotel empire. Roslyn is his intrusive personal assistant. Stavros is one of the security people assigned to Marley.
Mrs. Patrice Cahill is the private nurse Chrysander hires to ensure that Marley remains healthy while Dr. Karounis is the obstetrician who will make island calls to monitor the pregnancy. They seem to have their own flirtation.
The Title
The original title was much more descriptive, I don't really understand why Banks' felt the need to re-title it as simply The Mistress.
Carol Marinelli, Wanted: Mistress and Mother
A contemporary Harlequin Australian romance.
My Take
I liked this one for its twist on how Matilda and Dante meet. She's a landscape designer who has created a lovely rooftop garden for the hospital. An expense that Dante sees as wasteful.
There are some blips that detract from the story. Dante blows hot and cold, but there's an abruptness in this that doesn't feel right. Then there's Matilda's vacillations. Oh, brother. Why do we always have to endure the heroine who can't stick to her guns? He keeps telling her that there can be no relationship and then she wimps around because the sex is so great and then he turns cold. Well, duh… The only feelings guys generally have about sex is the joy of getting off. They don't need the romantic aspect as much as women do.
No, I don't object to her falling for him, I simply object to her expecting that he will fall in love with her since the sex was good. Gimme a break.
I did enjoy Dante's demand that she stop apologizing. How many times have you wanted to tell someone to stop. To not keep saying "I'm sorry" as it doesn't do any good or it's not their fault anyway. How often do we say it as a way of sympathizing.
I liked that Matilda was brave enough to say what she thought. To hold to her pride without letting her hurt Alexis. That Dante could admit he was wrong.
The garden sounds absolutely gorgeous...sigh… I miss my garden.
The Story
Rudeness in the hallway. A clash in an elevator. A disagreement over a garden's benefits. Matilda hopes she'll never have to endure his company again. Only to be enticed by Hugh into agreeing to create a special garden for his emotionally damaged granddaughter. Too bad she hadn't realized the granddaughter's father was Dante.
The Characters
Matilda Hamilton is a landscape designer who recently left her jerk of a boyfriend, Edward. Most of her work had come through his real estate business and winning this commission from the hospital is a coup.
Dante is a renowned Italian barrister specializing in criminal defense whose wife Jasmine recently died in a car crash. His daughter Alexis, who was in the crash as well, is turning inward, having tantrums.
Hugh is a hospital administrator and Dante's father-in-law. Katrina is his cold, standoffish wife determined to keep the memory of her daughter, Jasmine, alive.
The Title
The title is a bit odd. Yes, Dante would want a mother for his daughter, but he's certainly not looking. Mistress? Probably as he prefers a relationship in which both sides know there will not be one. So to call this one Wanted: Mistress and Mother is a bit confusing. It's more as though this one was up for grabs in the spare titles jar and no one wanted to spend the time coming up with something.
The Cover
The cover is sweet with Marley and Chrysander gazing into each other's eyes with a backdrop that is reminiscent of the Mediterranean with a touch of rocky shore.
Originally published as The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress. This particular edition includes Wanted: Mistress and Mother, a short story by Carol Marinelli.
My Take
It's cute. The sex is mild. The emotions are drama-queeny. I liked Marley's character before, during, and after her amnesiac episode. She likes the truth and doesn't let fear hold her back.
The typical "oh, he wronged me" plot tragedied up with a pregnancy she never got to tell him about. The required span of time in which he has the chance to realize how much he misses her with the twist being her amnesia when she's rescued from her kidnappers. Kidnappers he never knew about.
There is a nice balance Banks creates between the lover and the betrayed as Chrysander blows hot and cold with Marley, creating a confusion for her. Making her wonder about the truth of their relationship. There are too many inconsistencies Marley wants the answers to before she'll marry him. Chrysander, meanwhile, is torn between realizing his love for her and his anger over her betrayal.
I am rather skeptical about kidnappers who keep their victim for three months and simply release her.
The revelation is dramatic with Chrysander's learning the truth very simply and elegantly done.
The Story
Pregnant? Pregnant. She's pregnant and she doesn't know where she stands with Chrysander. He's never spoken of the future, only the present. And Marley is shattered when he states that she is only his mistress.
And yet more shattered when he accuses her of stealing his plans. Selling them to his rivals and orders her out of his apartment in the next thirty minutes.
Stunned, Marley staggers away only to be grabbed, a bag dragged over her head, and thrown into a vehicle.
The Characters
Marley Jameson was Chrysander's newest assistant before he asks her to move in with him. Now, she's pregnant and unsure of the future of their relationship.
Chrysander Anetakis is a Greek tycoon who, with his two brothers Theron and Piers, have created a hotel empire. Roslyn is his intrusive personal assistant. Stavros is one of the security people assigned to Marley.
Mrs. Patrice Cahill is the private nurse Chrysander hires to ensure that Marley remains healthy while Dr. Karounis is the obstetrician who will make island calls to monitor the pregnancy. They seem to have their own flirtation.
The Title
The original title was much more descriptive, I don't really understand why Banks' felt the need to re-title it as simply The Mistress.
Carol Marinelli, Wanted: Mistress and Mother
A contemporary Harlequin Australian romance.
My Take
I liked this one for its twist on how Matilda and Dante meet. She's a landscape designer who has created a lovely rooftop garden for the hospital. An expense that Dante sees as wasteful.
There are some blips that detract from the story. Dante blows hot and cold, but there's an abruptness in this that doesn't feel right. Then there's Matilda's vacillations. Oh, brother. Why do we always have to endure the heroine who can't stick to her guns? He keeps telling her that there can be no relationship and then she wimps around because the sex is so great and then he turns cold. Well, duh… The only feelings guys generally have about sex is the joy of getting off. They don't need the romantic aspect as much as women do.
No, I don't object to her falling for him, I simply object to her expecting that he will fall in love with her since the sex was good. Gimme a break.
I did enjoy Dante's demand that she stop apologizing. How many times have you wanted to tell someone to stop. To not keep saying "I'm sorry" as it doesn't do any good or it's not their fault anyway. How often do we say it as a way of sympathizing.
I liked that Matilda was brave enough to say what she thought. To hold to her pride without letting her hurt Alexis. That Dante could admit he was wrong.
The garden sounds absolutely gorgeous...sigh… I miss my garden.
The Story
Rudeness in the hallway. A clash in an elevator. A disagreement over a garden's benefits. Matilda hopes she'll never have to endure his company again. Only to be enticed by Hugh into agreeing to create a special garden for his emotionally damaged granddaughter. Too bad she hadn't realized the granddaughter's father was Dante.
The Characters
Matilda Hamilton is a landscape designer who recently left her jerk of a boyfriend, Edward. Most of her work had come through his real estate business and winning this commission from the hospital is a coup.
Dante is a renowned Italian barrister specializing in criminal defense whose wife Jasmine recently died in a car crash. His daughter Alexis, who was in the crash as well, is turning inward, having tantrums.
Hugh is a hospital administrator and Dante's father-in-law. Katrina is his cold, standoffish wife determined to keep the memory of her daughter, Jasmine, alive.
The Title
The title is a bit odd. Yes, Dante would want a mother for his daughter, but he's certainly not looking. Mistress? Probably as he prefers a relationship in which both sides know there will not be one. So to call this one Wanted: Mistress and Mother is a bit confusing. It's more as though this one was up for grabs in the spare titles jar and no one wanted to spend the time coming up with something.
The Cover
The cover is sweet with Marley and Chrysander gazing into each other's eyes with a backdrop that is reminiscent of the Mediterranean with a touch of rocky shore.
January 13, 2025
So far, I've only read The Mistress by Maya Banks. 3.5⭐️ I wish we'd gotten more info on her kidnapping, but I'm nosey. I also felt like the OW was sort of wrapped up, but then something else happened that just kind of got dropped. I do wish we'd been told whether or not Chrysander had dated anyone while they were separated. 👀 No mention, though.
August 18, 2020
Both are very good stories a bit a rear markets. I read the mistress multiple times.
Both the mistress and the second story are great tears. Both with stubborn men that should not right their feelings.
Both the mistress and the second story are great tears. Both with stubborn men that should not right their feelings.
December 20, 2021
I'd give The Mistress 5 stars, and Wanted: Mistress and Mother 4 stars. Both highly engaging stories, easy to stick with and finish in a single reading, if time permits. I enjoyed the first one a bit more than the second, but both are well done. I was surprised, to say the least.
October 14, 2017
I love the both books and I got both of them because of boredom. It is a simple read no set of fuss I went on to read the other books in the mistress series. it is a relaxing read.
September 20, 2019
Both stories in the book are good. The plots both turn thru lust and misunderstanding.both have happy endings of course.
December 29, 2019
Can't wait to read the next in the series.
August 10, 2020
**Actually 3.5-rating**
July 18, 2021
I liked the suspense, even though I'd guessed early on who the real culprit was. I got a little sick of the Greek words. It seemed every time Chrysander spoke to Marley it was in Greek.
library
July 30, 20210
August 8, 2021
DNF, hated the storyline, hated the narrator.
January 8, 2025
I like the premise of this book. I feel as if the execution lost me at times, but the storyline was ok. There were a few moments of surprise that I did enjoy.
October 22, 2025
Easy Romance Read
May 5, 2013
Mistress. It sounded so sordid, so impersonal, so far removed from the kind of relationship Marley Jameson had with Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis. What she thought she had. Until he abruptly broke things off between them and told her to leave his luxurious apartment.
Three months later, Marley awakens in the hospital, with no memory of what happened before she got there. She can't remember her past, Chrysander...or the baby she carries. All she knows is that when Chrysander sweeps her away to his private Greek island, being with him feels like home. Even though he never speaks of love, surely his protectiveness and his desire for her prove how much she means to him.
Until she remembers the truth....
Marley is a normal woman looking for love, permanence, and a lasting relationship. She worked for Chrysander Anetakis, up until he asked her to quit work and stay in his apartment complex so they would have more time together. I like Marley.
Chrysander is a typical Greek god, that knows what he is, who he is, and why women flock to him. He only takes mistress', and is careful not to involve his heart in any way. I don't like him.
Up until Chrysander finds documents in Marleys purse that points to her as the one that has been stealing important info from his company (and his 2 brothers) they seemed to be getting along. Then he abruptly told her to leave his apartment. Gave her 30 min to gather her belongings and leave or he would call the cops. She wasn't sure what had happened. She didn't know what he held in his hand,
and when she grabbed it and looked at it, she still didn't no what he held in his hand. But he thought she was lying. She left without taking anything, and got out into the night and was kidnapped. 3 months later, Chrysander sees her on TV,
being rushed to the hospital after being found in an abandoned building. She was very dehydrated, mal nourished, and had amnesia. Oh did i mention she was 5 months pregnant? Thats about the only thing Chrysander heard. Did i mention that I didn't like him???
It isn't until the very end of the book, that i started to even stomach Chrysander. Don't know if it was because he was rich, stuck on himself, different nationality, or just plain pig. He didn't deserve Marley. Still doesn't.... but i gave the book 5 stars.
Three months later, Marley awakens in the hospital, with no memory of what happened before she got there. She can't remember her past, Chrysander...or the baby she carries. All she knows is that when Chrysander sweeps her away to his private Greek island, being with him feels like home. Even though he never speaks of love, surely his protectiveness and his desire for her prove how much she means to him.
Until she remembers the truth....
Marley is a normal woman looking for love, permanence, and a lasting relationship. She worked for Chrysander Anetakis, up until he asked her to quit work and stay in his apartment complex so they would have more time together. I like Marley.
Chrysander is a typical Greek god, that knows what he is, who he is, and why women flock to him. He only takes mistress', and is careful not to involve his heart in any way. I don't like him.
Up until Chrysander finds documents in Marleys purse that points to her as the one that has been stealing important info from his company (and his 2 brothers) they seemed to be getting along. Then he abruptly told her to leave his apartment. Gave her 30 min to gather her belongings and leave or he would call the cops. She wasn't sure what had happened. She didn't know what he held in his hand,
and when she grabbed it and looked at it, she still didn't no what he held in his hand. But he thought she was lying. She left without taking anything, and got out into the night and was kidnapped. 3 months later, Chrysander sees her on TV,
being rushed to the hospital after being found in an abandoned building. She was very dehydrated, mal nourished, and had amnesia. Oh did i mention she was 5 months pregnant? Thats about the only thing Chrysander heard. Did i mention that I didn't like him???
It isn't until the very end of the book, that i started to even stomach Chrysander. Don't know if it was because he was rich, stuck on himself, different nationality, or just plain pig. He didn't deserve Marley. Still doesn't.... but i gave the book 5 stars.
December 30, 2014
Banks Book Decent Read
This is a compilation of two books:
THE MISTRESS by Maya Banks: This is the first book in the Anetakis Tycoons series. Marley Jameson lives with Chrysander Anetakis. On the day she discovers she is pregnant, he tosses her from their home and his life because he believes she has betrayed him by selling company secrets to his competitors. Leaving their home, Marley is kidnapped. Three months later she is found and Chrysander finds out that she has amnesia and is pregnant with his child. The two build a relationship while she does not recall their relationship and dangers still lurk over who actually is the corporate spy and what happened to Marley while kidnapped. I liked this story, but it wasn't compelling. The entire story was too convenient and I had a difficult time believing Chrysander's change of heart. I liked the story but it isn't a re-read. Rating: 3 stars.
MISTRESS AND MOTHER by Carol Marinelli: Matilda Hamilton is a landscape designer who takes a job building a garden for the daughter of Dante Costello. Dante is a famous defense attorney whose wife was killed in an auto accident a year ago. His daughter has had serious behavior problems since her mother's death. Matilda and Dante end up having an affair. There are struggles with the past for both. This was a completely boring story. I didn't buy any of the twists in the story and the ending was too pat and convenient. I would not read this story again. Rating: 1.5 stars.
This is a compilation of two books:
THE MISTRESS by Maya Banks: This is the first book in the Anetakis Tycoons series. Marley Jameson lives with Chrysander Anetakis. On the day she discovers she is pregnant, he tosses her from their home and his life because he believes she has betrayed him by selling company secrets to his competitors. Leaving their home, Marley is kidnapped. Three months later she is found and Chrysander finds out that she has amnesia and is pregnant with his child. The two build a relationship while she does not recall their relationship and dangers still lurk over who actually is the corporate spy and what happened to Marley while kidnapped. I liked this story, but it wasn't compelling. The entire story was too convenient and I had a difficult time believing Chrysander's change of heart. I liked the story but it isn't a re-read. Rating: 3 stars.
MISTRESS AND MOTHER by Carol Marinelli: Matilda Hamilton is a landscape designer who takes a job building a garden for the daughter of Dante Costello. Dante is a famous defense attorney whose wife was killed in an auto accident a year ago. His daughter has had serious behavior problems since her mother's death. Matilda and Dante end up having an affair. There are struggles with the past for both. This was a completely boring story. I didn't buy any of the twists in the story and the ending was too pat and convenient. I would not read this story again. Rating: 1.5 stars.
September 21, 2012
The Mistress by M. Banks was a great read; one of those hidden gems written earlier in her career that was polished for reprint. Although short, Marley's story was thoroughly engrossing. The typical "big" misunderstanding was used here, but the subsequent fallout was written so well with fresh plot twists that I never grew bored with the story. Marley's predicament was heart wrenching and lots of times I felt her pain. I also liked Chrysander and his brothers. Even though they treated Marley badly (due to the misunderstanding, of course), they really were good guys. This was a wonderful tale and deserved 4 stars.
Wanted Mistress and Mother by C. Marinelli wasn't anywhere near as entertaining. I thought the hero, Dante, was a first-class jerk who continuously gave Matilda mixed messages and played on her emotions. I never did warm up to him so his declaration of love felt false. Maltilda, on the other hand, was a lovely woman whose self-confidence nosedived after the breakup of her previous relationship, which was further damaged at Dante's hand. How can anyone connect to a hero who plays emotional games like that? I was much more interested in Maltilda's connection to Dante's daughter, but unfortunately the story really didn't develop that angle. Overall, this story frustrated rather than satisfied me. I give this one only 2 stars.
Wanted Mistress and Mother by C. Marinelli wasn't anywhere near as entertaining. I thought the hero, Dante, was a first-class jerk who continuously gave Matilda mixed messages and played on her emotions. I never did warm up to him so his declaration of love felt false. Maltilda, on the other hand, was a lovely woman whose self-confidence nosedived after the breakup of her previous relationship, which was further damaged at Dante's hand. How can anyone connect to a hero who plays emotional games like that? I was much more interested in Maltilda's connection to Dante's daughter, but unfortunately the story really didn't develop that angle. Overall, this story frustrated rather than satisfied me. I give this one only 2 stars.
contemporary-but-not-hq
January 23, 2019Mistress by Maya Banks. (aka The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress.
It sounded so sordid, so impersonal, so far removed from the kind of relationship Marley Jameson had with Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis. What she thought she had. Until he abruptly broke things off between them and told her to leave his luxurious apartment. Three months later, Marley awakens in the hospital, with no memory of what happened before she got there. She can't remember her past, Chrysander… or the baby she carries. All she knows is that when Chrysander sweeps her away to his private Greek island, being with him feels like home. Even though he never speaks of love, surely his protectiveness and his desire for her prove how much she means to him.
Until she remembers the truth….
Wanted: Mistress and Mother by Carol Marinelli.
When ruthless Italian barrister Dante Costello hires Matilda Hamilton, he sees an opportunity. Matilda's job is to create a magical garden, in the hope it will help Dante's troubled little girl. However, since attraction between them is hot and intense, why not take Matilda as his mistress, as well?
Dante has always kept his emotions firmly under wraps when it comes to relationships. But this time will he succeed when his desire for Matilda is pushing him to the edge of control?
It sounded so sordid, so impersonal, so far removed from the kind of relationship Marley Jameson had with Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis. What she thought she had. Until he abruptly broke things off between them and told her to leave his luxurious apartment. Three months later, Marley awakens in the hospital, with no memory of what happened before she got there. She can't remember her past, Chrysander… or the baby she carries. All she knows is that when Chrysander sweeps her away to his private Greek island, being with him feels like home. Even though he never speaks of love, surely his protectiveness and his desire for her prove how much she means to him.
Until she remembers the truth….
Wanted: Mistress and Mother by Carol Marinelli.
When ruthless Italian barrister Dante Costello hires Matilda Hamilton, he sees an opportunity. Matilda's job is to create a magical garden, in the hope it will help Dante's troubled little girl. However, since attraction between them is hot and intense, why not take Matilda as his mistress, as well?
Dante has always kept his emotions firmly under wraps when it comes to relationships. But this time will he succeed when his desire for Matilda is pushing him to the edge of control?
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