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A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women #1
His Secret Mistress
At the Logical Men's Society—an exclusive bachelor's club—brandy flows like water, bawdy stories abound, and a gentleman tempted to marry is always persuaded to reconsider...
Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a decade later, Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men's Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him.
To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. A chance encounter may have brought Brandon back into her life, but that doesn't mean Kate will ever forgive him. She's vowed to make him pay—even as she realizes the promises of the young love they once shared are still etched upon her heart...
Loving her exiled him.
Trusting him ruined her.
And now, a clash of passions threatens everything each of them ever desired.
Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a decade later, Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men's Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him.
To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. A chance encounter may have brought Brandon back into her life, but that doesn't mean Kate will ever forgive him. She's vowed to make him pay—even as she realizes the promises of the young love they once shared are still etched upon her heart...
Loving her exiled him.
Trusting him ruined her.
And now, a clash of passions threatens everything each of them ever desired.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
183 people are currently reading
2587 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
71 books2,183 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 20, 2022
His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell
A Logical Man Guide’s to Dangerous Women #1. Historical romance.
Kate Addison owns and manages a traveling acting troupe. Brandon doesn’t want her on his land because she broke his heart many years ago but he soon finds himself involved with her actors and designing sets. Maybe she can stay awhile.
An amusing plot and entertaining story that culminates is a grand romance and life changing decisions. Once they get past their history and trust issues.
A Logical Man Guide’s to Dangerous Women #1. Historical romance.
Kate Addison owns and manages a traveling acting troupe. Brandon doesn’t want her on his land because she broke his heart many years ago but he soon finds himself involved with her actors and designing sets. Maybe she can stay awhile.
An amusing plot and entertaining story that culminates is a grand romance and life changing decisions. Once they get past their history and trust issues.
February 16, 2020
Series: A Logical Man’s Guide to Dangerous Women #1
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 368
Brandon Balfour and Kate Addison have a history. Fifteen years ago they were young, in love, and shared a magical night together. The very next afternoon, she abandoned him for a man with riches and a title. Or did she? You’ll just have to read the story to find out.
Imagine Brandon’s surprise when his sister summons him from London demanding that he do something about her son who has declared his intention to marry an actress whose acting troupe has broken down on the edge of their lands. As guardian to his nephew, the Duke of Winderton, it is his responsibility to see to the boy, except he isn’t a boy anymore. When Brandon’s sister, Lucy, mentions the actress's name – Brandon is shocked – it can’t be the same Kate Addison!
Kate and Brandon had parted with huge misunderstandings between them. Each thought the other had betrayed them and both were still extremely angry to this day. Can they put aside their anger and find peace with each other? Can they find their way back to love?
One thing that I loved about the story was that the two main characters were older – he was thirty-six and he was thirty-five.
The first fifty(ish) percent of the book covers only one day in the story – it was a very busy day for Brandon. The story moves along well enough, but it is a bit slow and in a few places, I found myself skimming.
This is an excellently written, well-plotted, and very modern contemporary story appearing in period dress. It fits in perfectly with the current “women’s rights” trend in historical romance – even though women didn’t have any rights in the Regency period. I’m giving it a 4-star rating because it is well written, but for my own reading preferences, I wouldn’t give it above a 3-star rating. I might try the next book in the series to see if it is more of the same, and if it is, I'll discontinue reading the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 368
Brandon Balfour and Kate Addison have a history. Fifteen years ago they were young, in love, and shared a magical night together. The very next afternoon, she abandoned him for a man with riches and a title. Or did she? You’ll just have to read the story to find out.
Imagine Brandon’s surprise when his sister summons him from London demanding that he do something about her son who has declared his intention to marry an actress whose acting troupe has broken down on the edge of their lands. As guardian to his nephew, the Duke of Winderton, it is his responsibility to see to the boy, except he isn’t a boy anymore. When Brandon’s sister, Lucy, mentions the actress's name – Brandon is shocked – it can’t be the same Kate Addison!
Kate and Brandon had parted with huge misunderstandings between them. Each thought the other had betrayed them and both were still extremely angry to this day. Can they put aside their anger and find peace with each other? Can they find their way back to love?
One thing that I loved about the story was that the two main characters were older – he was thirty-six and he was thirty-five.
The first fifty(ish) percent of the book covers only one day in the story – it was a very busy day for Brandon. The story moves along well enough, but it is a bit slow and in a few places, I found myself skimming.
This is an excellently written, well-plotted, and very modern contemporary story appearing in period dress. It fits in perfectly with the current “women’s rights” trend in historical romance – even though women didn’t have any rights in the Regency period. I’m giving it a 4-star rating because it is well written, but for my own reading preferences, I wouldn’t give it above a 3-star rating. I might try the next book in the series to see if it is more of the same, and if it is, I'll discontinue reading the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 20, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up.
Kate Addison and Brandon “Bran” Balfour have a history, fifteen years ago they were in love and shared an amazing night of passion, but the very next day everything changes when they each believe the other betrayed them. But fate isn’t done with this duo and they meet again in the small town of Maidenshop.
Bran left England after Kate betrayed him for a man with money and a title, he made a fortune and became a well-respected architect, he returned to England when he learned of his brother in law’s passing and became guardian to his nephew – Christopher, the new Duke of Winderton. The dukedom was nearly bankrupt and Bran has worked hard for these past years restoring his nephew’s legacy. He is back in Maidenshop licking his wounds after a bridge design project he has been working on for a year is suddenly looking at other designs. He joins his friends Dr. Ned Thurlowe and “ Mars” the Earl of Marsden at the local tavern – the Garland – they have a club - The Logical Men’s Society – for bachelors only, a state that all three are happy to maintain. Bran was enjoying a drink with his friends when he gets an urgent summons from his sister – Lucy, the widowed Duchess. Lucy is beside herself – Christopher has announced he is in love with an actress and is going to marry her! Bran brushes aside her concerns until he learns the actress’ name – Kate Addison!
Kate’s life has gone through many changes since her affair with Bran, the man she loved who cruelly betrayed her. She left London not long after that night, returned home and buried her parents, then her brother inherited a dukedom, and Kate returned to acting, starting her own small troupe and performing plays she has written herself. She is working towards her goal – to perform in London again and she is so close! If not for a broken wagon, she would be on her way right now, but instead she is in Maidenshop, fending off the lovesick Duke of Winderton and trying not to lose her patience with him, she believes she has everything under control until HE shows up, she is surprised at her reaction and how angry she is – but she pretends to not know him. However when he acts like he was the injured party and threatens to have her run out of town, Kate fights back!
It is not long before our lovers talk and the truth comes out – they were both betrayed and both assumed the worst about the other. Can they rekindle the love they once shared or has too much time passed?
I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and flowed nicely. It had likeable lead characters, a believable scenario that torn them apart, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, a lot of emotion, some laughs, some tears, even some anger and healing. The ending was not what I was expecting and at first I didn’t think it was going to work, but it was perfect and exactly what the story needed. This is the first book in a new series, but you may recognize Kate as Matthew’s sister from The Duke That I Marry, if you liked her in that book – you are going to love her in this one! I am happy to recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book! Please note - the edition I read was an Uncorrected Proof, so my review is based on the assumption that the title errors and other mistakes will be corrected prior to publication.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected e-arc that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*
Kate Addison and Brandon “Bran” Balfour have a history, fifteen years ago they were in love and shared an amazing night of passion, but the very next day everything changes when they each believe the other betrayed them. But fate isn’t done with this duo and they meet again in the small town of Maidenshop.
Bran left England after Kate betrayed him for a man with money and a title, he made a fortune and became a well-respected architect, he returned to England when he learned of his brother in law’s passing and became guardian to his nephew – Christopher, the new Duke of Winderton. The dukedom was nearly bankrupt and Bran has worked hard for these past years restoring his nephew’s legacy. He is back in Maidenshop licking his wounds after a bridge design project he has been working on for a year is suddenly looking at other designs. He joins his friends Dr. Ned Thurlowe and “ Mars” the Earl of Marsden at the local tavern – the Garland – they have a club - The Logical Men’s Society – for bachelors only, a state that all three are happy to maintain. Bran was enjoying a drink with his friends when he gets an urgent summons from his sister – Lucy, the widowed Duchess. Lucy is beside herself – Christopher has announced he is in love with an actress and is going to marry her! Bran brushes aside her concerns until he learns the actress’ name – Kate Addison!
Kate’s life has gone through many changes since her affair with Bran, the man she loved who cruelly betrayed her. She left London not long after that night, returned home and buried her parents, then her brother inherited a dukedom, and Kate returned to acting, starting her own small troupe and performing plays she has written herself. She is working towards her goal – to perform in London again and she is so close! If not for a broken wagon, she would be on her way right now, but instead she is in Maidenshop, fending off the lovesick Duke of Winderton and trying not to lose her patience with him, she believes she has everything under control until HE shows up, she is surprised at her reaction and how angry she is – but she pretends to not know him. However when he acts like he was the injured party and threatens to have her run out of town, Kate fights back!
It is not long before our lovers talk and the truth comes out – they were both betrayed and both assumed the worst about the other. Can they rekindle the love they once shared or has too much time passed?
I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and flowed nicely. It had likeable lead characters, a believable scenario that torn them apart, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, a lot of emotion, some laughs, some tears, even some anger and healing. The ending was not what I was expecting and at first I didn’t think it was going to work, but it was perfect and exactly what the story needed. This is the first book in a new series, but you may recognize Kate as Matthew’s sister from The Duke That I Marry, if you liked her in that book – you are going to love her in this one! I am happy to recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book! Please note - the edition I read was an Uncorrected Proof, so my review is based on the assumption that the title errors and other mistakes will be corrected prior to publication.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected e-arc that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*
March 2, 2020
His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell is the First book in the A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women Series. This is the story of Kate Addison and Brandon 'Bran' Balfour.
Kate and Brandon were young and in love they even got physical with their love. But then they ended up breaking up after a each thought the other betrayed them. Now several years later, neither had forgotten the other but they still have the thoughts of the other betraying them. When Brandon comes to 'save' his nephew from being in love with an actress he finds that actress is Kate.
This is their second chance to clear the air and find that they still have those same feelings.
Enjoyed their story.
Kate and Brandon were young and in love they even got physical with their love. But then they ended up breaking up after a each thought the other betrayed them. Now several years later, neither had forgotten the other but they still have the thoughts of the other betraying them. When Brandon comes to 'save' his nephew from being in love with an actress he finds that actress is Kate.
This is their second chance to clear the air and find that they still have those same feelings.
Enjoyed their story.
July 25, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
Brandon Balfour once engaged in a night of passion with a beautiful actress, Kate Addison, before that mistake saw his heart broken by her infidelity. Ten years later, Bran is a successful and wealthy architect and engineer, lately returned to England from India and serving as guardian for his nephew, Christopher, the Duke of Winderton. Bran has remained a bachelor all this time and is fairly content with his life and his role in the Logical Men's Society, which he runs with his two closest friends. That is, until Kate and her traveling acting troupe breakdown in his idyllic village on their way to London and his nephew declares himself in love with the beautiful Kate and states his intention to marry her, leaving Bran with all sorts of trouble to deal with.
Kate has never forgotten her night with Bran or the shocking betrayal that so swiftly followed. Bran's re-entrance into her life means nothing and she certainly won't be forgiving him, rather she wants a taste of revenge. But as she gets a taste of the comeuppance she longed for, it soon becomes clear that both Bran and Kate were wrong about each other and the fledgling love between them is still very strong, if only they can get their timing right this time.
I enjoyed this book overall, but I've definitely got some mixed feelings. Brandon struck me as much too weak at times and unwilling to stand up to his ludicrous, air-headed sister or to his arrogant, punkish nephew. This weakness didn't come off as beta hero charm or sweetness to me, it just registered as lack of backbone. At times Kate was just spiteful to Bran for no reason, which did make some sense given her past trauma, but the continuance of this behavior after she learned the truth just seemed immature for a 35 year old woman. I think the secrecy between Bran and his nephew went on a bit too long and I would've liked to see some more of a reckoning and development of some maturity or growth in him, but maybe that's for a later book. To be fair, Kate and Brandon did have to deal with some fairly horrid side characters, so I think that also feeds some of my frustration towards them and the book as a whole.
On the whole, I appreciated the originality of this storyline, and the fact that the main characters are older, even if I didn't connect with the characters all that much. This was a new to me author but I liked her writing and will read more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Brandon Balfour once engaged in a night of passion with a beautiful actress, Kate Addison, before that mistake saw his heart broken by her infidelity. Ten years later, Bran is a successful and wealthy architect and engineer, lately returned to England from India and serving as guardian for his nephew, Christopher, the Duke of Winderton. Bran has remained a bachelor all this time and is fairly content with his life and his role in the Logical Men's Society, which he runs with his two closest friends. That is, until Kate and her traveling acting troupe breakdown in his idyllic village on their way to London and his nephew declares himself in love with the beautiful Kate and states his intention to marry her, leaving Bran with all sorts of trouble to deal with.
Kate has never forgotten her night with Bran or the shocking betrayal that so swiftly followed. Bran's re-entrance into her life means nothing and she certainly won't be forgiving him, rather she wants a taste of revenge. But as she gets a taste of the comeuppance she longed for, it soon becomes clear that both Bran and Kate were wrong about each other and the fledgling love between them is still very strong, if only they can get their timing right this time.
I enjoyed this book overall, but I've definitely got some mixed feelings. Brandon struck me as much too weak at times and unwilling to stand up to his ludicrous, air-headed sister or to his arrogant, punkish nephew. This weakness didn't come off as beta hero charm or sweetness to me, it just registered as lack of backbone. At times Kate was just spiteful to Bran for no reason, which did make some sense given her past trauma, but the continuance of this behavior after she learned the truth just seemed immature for a 35 year old woman. I think the secrecy between Bran and his nephew went on a bit too long and I would've liked to see some more of a reckoning and development of some maturity or growth in him, but maybe that's for a later book. To be fair, Kate and Brandon did have to deal with some fairly horrid side characters, so I think that also feeds some of my frustration towards them and the book as a whole.
On the whole, I appreciated the originality of this storyline, and the fact that the main characters are older, even if I didn't connect with the characters all that much. This was a new to me author but I liked her writing and will read more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 10, 2022
2.5 stars. 🤷🏼♀️ This was just okay. Second chance romance after 15 years passed between the hero and heroine. They shared one night of passion together 15 years ago and then were separated by a miscommunication on both sides. The hero is now a successful architect and the guardian of his nephew, a Duke. His 20-something nephew is obsessed with an actress and wants to marry her, his mother (the hero’s sister) asks her brother to step in and make sure that doesn’t happen. That is when the hero realizes the actress is his former flame Kate. I was more intrigued by the side characters in this story, the hero and heroine I never really felt their connection or chemistry. I was surprised at the cause for their separation all those years ago and mostly how it was handled so nonchalantly. Just felt off in the way that was presented.
CW: rape
CW: rape
April 10, 2020
Cathy Maxwell did it again with her strong characters and unconventional storylines. This second-chance romance between mature characters Bran and Kate (both in their mid-30s) stemmed from a huge misunderstanding in the past that led to devastating consequences especially in Kate’s life. Her determination to achieve her goals on her own terms was really admirable. The story highlighted the foibles of society especially the arrogance of the titled and the folly of youth. It also featured the world of theatre which I love.
February 24, 2025
Lost interest around 66%
I did like the heroine (the turnip scene was great) and the setup, but ultimately the writing didn't grab me.
I did like the heroine (the turnip scene was great) and the setup, but ultimately the writing didn't grab me.
May 15, 2021
When a trio of friends decide to join the Logical Men's Society, proclaiming their perpetual bachelorhood, it's obvious that it won't last for long. Brandon Balfour made his fortune in India following heartbreak, and is now the guardian for his nephew, the Duke of Winderton, who is about to come into his majority. Brandon's older sister has always been anxious of her boy, and the fact that her husband left them nearly destitute, and they needed to rely on Brandon for help, makes her even more so. So when Winderton claims that he has found love, and to an older actress no less, Brandon needs to put a stop to it. And low and behold, the woman Winderton claims he wants to marry is Kate Addison, the actress who stole Brandon's heart in his youth, before 'running off' with a wealthy and titled gentleman. Brandon will stop at nothing to prove Kate is out for the money, and run her out of town - along with his sister and the rest of the village - but Kate is stronger than she seems. She has faced a lot in her life, and this is her final chance to return to London, and make it big. But will her old feelings for Brandon come back, and ruin the plan?
I liked this book, but didn't love it. It took me a little while to get into, and I really enjoyed the change in opinion surrounding Kate, but all in all, I was never overly invested in the romance. Brandon and Kate were both good characters, and I liked that they were older and had a past - and even that the event that changed everything for the both of them was actually discussed, and dealt with, rather than being brushed under the carpet and causing more and more tension. Winderton was a wet rag, and I really disliked him, as I did his mother too. However, the other 'Logical Men' seem intriguing - which is good because I've got an ARC of Her First Desire to read soon enough. The plot line was definitely slow for the first half, but once it picked up, was much improved. Maybe book 2 will blow me away, you never know.
I liked this book, but didn't love it. It took me a little while to get into, and I really enjoyed the change in opinion surrounding Kate, but all in all, I was never overly invested in the romance. Brandon and Kate were both good characters, and I liked that they were older and had a past - and even that the event that changed everything for the both of them was actually discussed, and dealt with, rather than being brushed under the carpet and causing more and more tension. Winderton was a wet rag, and I really disliked him, as I did his mother too. However, the other 'Logical Men' seem intriguing - which is good because I've got an ARC of Her First Desire to read soon enough. The plot line was definitely slow for the first half, but once it picked up, was much improved. Maybe book 2 will blow me away, you never know.
February 23, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+ in exchange for a fair review. His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell is the first book in her new series A Logical Man’s Guide to Dangerous Women. As a young man, Brandon Balfour was madly in love with an actress, and when he thought she betrayed him behaved as young men do and left everything behind and went off to make his fortune and many years later is still bitter about the experience. Now returned a man of wealth Brandon is acting as guardian to his nephew when the nephew falls madly in love with a beautiful actress who happens to be the same woman who broke his heart. Kate Addison was shattered when the young man she was in love with abandoned her, but she’s put her life back together and has put together a theatre company, and she intends to return to London and take back that which was taken from her. This is a lovely second chance at love story, and I enjoyed it very much, but I would have perhaps made Brandon grovel just a bit more. I adored Kate and cheered her on each time she put those silly men into their place. Medium Steam. Publishing Date February 25, 2020. #EdelweissPlus #HisSecretMistress #CathyMaxwell #Avon Romance #HarperCollinsCanada
January 19, 2020
DNF. Story was unique. Lead characters were older, which I liked. But I felt no connection to either the heroine or hero. Wanted to read the story of a secondary character which sounded much more intriguing.
April 7, 2020
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
His Secret Mistress is the debut in the series, A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women.
Fifteen years ago, Brandon Balfour and Kate Addison were young fools in love. Then all the sudden, Brandon believes that Kate just ups and leaves him for a wealthy, titled man, the rejection a deep wound. Both suffering from hurts, both believing they're the victim, both feeling animosity and rage at the other.
Fast-forward to current times, Brandon is a well-respected architect, whose life suddenly collides with an actress, a ghost from his past. The tension is palpable between the pair, as they unwittingly find themselves in a whirlwind second-chance romance.
The characters are quirky, fun yet emotional. The plot devices wholly surround miscommunication, which is a pet-peeve of mine. I enjoy a solid romance, where the couple is destined to be together, their connection palpable. Brandon & Kate most certainly embody those traits. However, I find it immature and frustrating, almost illogical, how as adults who have lived life for as long as they have, they can't seem to be honest with each other or with themselves, long enough to communicate. The tension/conflict is nothing but a series of misunderstandings, as the reader, I find that frustrating, no matter how endearing the characters may be.
I look forward to more in the series and more from the author, believing His Secret Mistress to be a solid addition to the historical romance genre. I highly recommend to readers who don't take everything seriously, those looking for a little bit of silly to brighten their days, added with tasty main course of romance.
His Secret Mistress is the debut in the series, A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women.
Fifteen years ago, Brandon Balfour and Kate Addison were young fools in love. Then all the sudden, Brandon believes that Kate just ups and leaves him for a wealthy, titled man, the rejection a deep wound. Both suffering from hurts, both believing they're the victim, both feeling animosity and rage at the other.
Fast-forward to current times, Brandon is a well-respected architect, whose life suddenly collides with an actress, a ghost from his past. The tension is palpable between the pair, as they unwittingly find themselves in a whirlwind second-chance romance.
The characters are quirky, fun yet emotional. The plot devices wholly surround miscommunication, which is a pet-peeve of mine. I enjoy a solid romance, where the couple is destined to be together, their connection palpable. Brandon & Kate most certainly embody those traits. However, I find it immature and frustrating, almost illogical, how as adults who have lived life for as long as they have, they can't seem to be honest with each other or with themselves, long enough to communicate. The tension/conflict is nothing but a series of misunderstandings, as the reader, I find that frustrating, no matter how endearing the characters may be.
I look forward to more in the series and more from the author, believing His Secret Mistress to be a solid addition to the historical romance genre. I highly recommend to readers who don't take everything seriously, those looking for a little bit of silly to brighten their days, added with tasty main course of romance.
August 14, 2020
Good second chance story. Fifteen years earlier, Bran and Kate were in love. He was an engineering student, and she was a young actress - not precisely an approved relationship. They had just shared one passion-filled night together when Fate tore them apart. Each believed the other betrayed them. Bran left for India and buried his heartbreak in work, becoming a respected architect and engineer. There he stayed until the death of his brother-in-law forced him home to be the guardian of his nephew. Kate suffered terribly because of what happened. She eventually left London and resumed her work as an actress, forming her own company. Her goal is to return to London and produce her plays there.
However, Fate is not done with Bran and Kate. Bran receives a frantic message from his sister, claiming that his nephew plans to marry an actress he just met. Bran is stunned at the identity of said actress because surely it can't be the same Kate. Furious, he tears off to save his nephew from the clutches of a gold-digger. Kate is frustrated. The troupe's wagon broke down in a small town, and it will take days to repair it. Meanwhile, the local young nobleman is making a nuisance of himself, pledging his undying love and interfering in her rehearsals. She can't be rude to him for fear of reprisals, but she just wants him to go away.
I loved the first meeting between Bran and Kate. He comes tearing in, full of righteous fury, and she takes the wind out of his sails by pretending she doesn't recognize him. I loved watching her stand up to him. She does go a little overboard though in her determination to get back at him. The events at that night's dance are both amusing and heartbreaking as Kate lives down to Bran's expectations. Their confrontation after the dance was emotional as they discover the truth about that night so long ago. It also becomes clear that the attraction between them has not died.
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Kate and Bran. Neither can deny the sparks that still fly between them, but can they overcome the past to be together? In addition to that past, they must also deal with the smitten Duke, judgmental neighbors, and a drama queen sister. The interactions between Kate and Bran are witty and fun, with underlying passion during their private encounters. I liked Bran's support of Kate's dream and his realization that he still loved her and dreams of a future with her. Kate also accepts that she still loves Bran. But trouble rears its head when Bran jumps to conclusions over his nephew's actions and says some terrible things to Kate. After responding with some pointed remarks of her own, it's no surprise when she refuses his apology. I ached for them both as they parted once again.
I loved seeing Kate continue to pursue her dream despite her heartbreak. The details of the process were fascinating, and I enjoyed watching it come together. I hurt for her over the betrayal by one of her troupe members and liked her determination to succeed. Opening night of her play was a nail-biter. I liked her surprise and pleasure at Bran's arrival, and that both of them admitted their mistakes. I was glued to the pages during the play, as Kate faced down those who tried to destroy her. Bran's words were just what she needed, and I loved the effect they had. The ending was awesome, and I loved the unexpected twist.
The secondary characters were great. Bran's fellow Society members are intriguing, and I look forward to their stories. I have my suspicions about the direction of the engagement between Ned and Miss Taylor and can't wait to see if I am right. I adored Miss Taylor's actions at the dance. Bran's nephew, Christopher, Duke of Winderton, is a spoiled brat. However, he isn't entirely to blame for it. His mother has indulged him, and even Bran hasn't done anything to wake him up to his responsibilities. Bran's sister is a pain in the butt drama queen. She refuses to let her son out from under her thumb. She insists on keeping the truth about the estate's finances from him. Everything Christopher or Bran do is a disaster in the making, in her opinion. I wanted to shake her many times. I was also frustrated that Bran caved into her wishes every time. If he had stood up to her more often, Christopher might not have been as much of a brat.
However, Fate is not done with Bran and Kate. Bran receives a frantic message from his sister, claiming that his nephew plans to marry an actress he just met. Bran is stunned at the identity of said actress because surely it can't be the same Kate. Furious, he tears off to save his nephew from the clutches of a gold-digger. Kate is frustrated. The troupe's wagon broke down in a small town, and it will take days to repair it. Meanwhile, the local young nobleman is making a nuisance of himself, pledging his undying love and interfering in her rehearsals. She can't be rude to him for fear of reprisals, but she just wants him to go away.
I loved the first meeting between Bran and Kate. He comes tearing in, full of righteous fury, and she takes the wind out of his sails by pretending she doesn't recognize him. I loved watching her stand up to him. She does go a little overboard though in her determination to get back at him. The events at that night's dance are both amusing and heartbreaking as Kate lives down to Bran's expectations. Their confrontation after the dance was emotional as they discover the truth about that night so long ago. It also becomes clear that the attraction between them has not died.
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Kate and Bran. Neither can deny the sparks that still fly between them, but can they overcome the past to be together? In addition to that past, they must also deal with the smitten Duke, judgmental neighbors, and a drama queen sister. The interactions between Kate and Bran are witty and fun, with underlying passion during their private encounters. I liked Bran's support of Kate's dream and his realization that he still loved her and dreams of a future with her. Kate also accepts that she still loves Bran. But trouble rears its head when Bran jumps to conclusions over his nephew's actions and says some terrible things to Kate. After responding with some pointed remarks of her own, it's no surprise when she refuses his apology. I ached for them both as they parted once again.
I loved seeing Kate continue to pursue her dream despite her heartbreak. The details of the process were fascinating, and I enjoyed watching it come together. I hurt for her over the betrayal by one of her troupe members and liked her determination to succeed. Opening night of her play was a nail-biter. I liked her surprise and pleasure at Bran's arrival, and that both of them admitted their mistakes. I was glued to the pages during the play, as Kate faced down those who tried to destroy her. Bran's words were just what she needed, and I loved the effect they had. The ending was awesome, and I loved the unexpected twist.
The secondary characters were great. Bran's fellow Society members are intriguing, and I look forward to their stories. I have my suspicions about the direction of the engagement between Ned and Miss Taylor and can't wait to see if I am right. I adored Miss Taylor's actions at the dance. Bran's nephew, Christopher, Duke of Winderton, is a spoiled brat. However, he isn't entirely to blame for it. His mother has indulged him, and even Bran hasn't done anything to wake him up to his responsibilities. Bran's sister is a pain in the butt drama queen. She refuses to let her son out from under her thumb. She insists on keeping the truth about the estate's finances from him. Everything Christopher or Bran do is a disaster in the making, in her opinion. I wanted to shake her many times. I was also frustrated that Bran caved into her wishes every time. If he had stood up to her more often, Christopher might not have been as much of a brat.
February 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a fifteen years later, Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men’s Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him. To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. Brandon receives an urgent message from his widowed sister that her son the young Duke of Winderton has sworn to marry an actress. Brandon travels from London to Maidenshop to see what fuss his sister Lucy is making about Christopher, afterall he’s still the boy’s guardian for a few more months. Brandon is floored when he discovers the actress is Kate.
A well written book that had strong characters. Overall it flowed well & held my interest. I liked both Brandon & Kate but I found that there wasn’t much chemistry between them & apart from attraction, I found it hard to believe that they actually loved each other. Both Christopher & especially Lucy grated on me, he was a spoilt brat & she was whiny & whingy. I really liked Clarissa & look forward to her story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a fifteen years later, Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men’s Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him. To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. Brandon receives an urgent message from his widowed sister that her son the young Duke of Winderton has sworn to marry an actress. Brandon travels from London to Maidenshop to see what fuss his sister Lucy is making about Christopher, afterall he’s still the boy’s guardian for a few more months. Brandon is floored when he discovers the actress is Kate.
A well written book that had strong characters. Overall it flowed well & held my interest. I liked both Brandon & Kate but I found that there wasn’t much chemistry between them & apart from attraction, I found it hard to believe that they actually loved each other. Both Christopher & especially Lucy grated on me, he was a spoilt brat & she was whiny & whingy. I really liked Clarissa & look forward to her story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 26, 2020
I liked this second-chance love story with Brandon and Kate. She is an actress, and he is a respected architect, and uncle and guardian of a duke. They loved and lost each other fifteen years before, and they are both still angry and hurt. Unfortunately, Brandon’s ward has “found” Kate first, and even an optimistic reader can see that this won’t end well for the men’s relationship.
The problem I always have with mis-communication stories is that I find myself shouting at the characters to “just talk to each other, darn it,” and this novel is no exception. There were many times when Kate and Brandon should have been more honest with each other and their families and friends. But then, I guess we’d have a novella, instead of a full-length novel, eh?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The problem I always have with mis-communication stories is that I find myself shouting at the characters to “just talk to each other, darn it,” and this novel is no exception. There were many times when Kate and Brandon should have been more honest with each other and their families and friends. But then, I guess we’d have a novella, instead of a full-length novel, eh?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 12, 2021
4.5 stars. A thoroughly delightful and satisfying Regency romance from Cathy Maxwell. It's a story of love delayed for fifteen years due to the villainy of another person. Can young love hold up for that long? How does young love translate so many years later?
Perfectly imperfect characters and bits of chuckle-worthy writing made this book work for me. A well deserved Vivian award finalist. Plus it's the start of a new series!
Perfectly imperfect characters and bits of chuckle-worthy writing made this book work for me. A well deserved Vivian award finalist. Plus it's the start of a new series!
June 10, 2020
Not usually a fan of 2nd chance romance but its Cathy Maxwell its gotta be good I thought 😏😊. And yes it was so creative and original as to the story line, I simply fell in love with all the characters and now can't wait to see the other "logical society " members stories.I really want to know about the doctor and Ms. Taylor's book.
March 27, 2020
A third of the way through the book and the characters still hated each other and also were barely interacting. Not a fan.
February 11, 2025
I would have never expected that the book I spontaneously climbed over boxes to reach in the back of a CVS during the height of the pandemic would be good. I had been reading this book off and on for the past 5 years and I can finally say it sucked! This 350 page book very easily could've been 50 and I honestly would've given it 3 stars for not wasting my time.
This is a weird take on a historical romance, especially since it is set in 1700s Britain but written by a woman in Texas in 2019. Very odd experience, reading this book, but, I guess, it is one that has shaped me in a strange way.
This is a weird take on a historical romance, especially since it is set in 1700s Britain but written by a woman in Texas in 2019. Very odd experience, reading this book, but, I guess, it is one that has shaped me in a strange way.
July 22, 2021
This book started off good, but then I got a little annoyed. I liked the characters; Kate and Brandon were good, together; but too many mistrusts got in the way.
The secondary characters were funny. Earl Marsden and Earl Thurlowe were funny, and I'm glad she wrote a book for both Earls. I like to read how they deal with they're lady loves, after giving Brandon advice about Kate.
The secondary characters were funny. Earl Marsden and Earl Thurlowe were funny, and I'm glad she wrote a book for both Earls. I like to read how they deal with they're lady loves, after giving Brandon advice about Kate.
August 13, 2020
A good, easy read. I always love a strong heroine, too.
December 30, 2021
3.5 stars
March 31, 2020
Boy did I struggle to get through this one.
Though, with Rona going around stressing the world out, it was hard to find pace with the story.
I’ve also been devouring some HR. Maybe it’s
Time for something a little different.
I’ll be checking out the next book in this series whenever that comes out.
Though, with Rona going around stressing the world out, it was hard to find pace with the story.
I’ve also been devouring some HR. Maybe it’s
Time for something a little different.
I’ll be checking out the next book in this series whenever that comes out.
February 2, 2020
This was a new author of HR to me, and I really enjoyed it.
We have a classic second chance romance set up, where both the hero and heroine believe that the other has betrayed them. This is also a love across the class divide because Kate, the heroine is an actress, from an acting family, and Brandon is the third son of a titled man, and has made his way as an architect, working for the East India Company.
He has just been disappointed in not getting the commission for building a new bridge in London, and is drowning his sorrows at being cut out by the dastardly Lord Devril, by having a drink with his companions in the Logical Men’s society for bachelors, in the local pub.
Brandon has been supporting his widowed sister for the past three years to shore up the estate, and teaching her son how to manage things, being the heir to the Winderton dukedom. He has also funded the project of bring the estate back to profitability.
When he returns home he hears that his nephew has announced he is in love with an actress from a troupe that is camped on the Winderton estate, and will marry her, despite her age and profession. His mother - an excessively protective and overly emotional person, sends Brandon to see the actress off.
Of course the actress is the beautiful and independent Kate, who believes Brandon betrayed her, when she was trapped by a wicked Lord, and ruined, and Brandon believes she betrayed him with the Lord. When they both learn the truth about the past, can they heal their wounds, and is there a second chance for them, or has the past fifteen years destroyed the feelings they had for each other, and what about the tiresome young Lord Winderton?
I really liked the older hero and heroine. The logical men’s society was a bit of nonsense, to help set up the series characters, and we meet Brandon’s aristocratic friends. I did like the depiction of Kate as an independent woman, with her own acting troupe, and the episodes in the village of Maidenshop and London where Kate had to stand up to insults and jeering at her performances.
I also liked the detail where Brandon develops his talents into something other that architecture and finds satisfaction in doing so.
Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Brand
We have a classic second chance romance set up, where both the hero and heroine believe that the other has betrayed them. This is also a love across the class divide because Kate, the heroine is an actress, from an acting family, and Brandon is the third son of a titled man, and has made his way as an architect, working for the East India Company.
He has just been disappointed in not getting the commission for building a new bridge in London, and is drowning his sorrows at being cut out by the dastardly Lord Devril, by having a drink with his companions in the Logical Men’s society for bachelors, in the local pub.
Brandon has been supporting his widowed sister for the past three years to shore up the estate, and teaching her son how to manage things, being the heir to the Winderton dukedom. He has also funded the project of bring the estate back to profitability.
When he returns home he hears that his nephew has announced he is in love with an actress from a troupe that is camped on the Winderton estate, and will marry her, despite her age and profession. His mother - an excessively protective and overly emotional person, sends Brandon to see the actress off.
Of course the actress is the beautiful and independent Kate, who believes Brandon betrayed her, when she was trapped by a wicked Lord, and ruined, and Brandon believes she betrayed him with the Lord. When they both learn the truth about the past, can they heal their wounds, and is there a second chance for them, or has the past fifteen years destroyed the feelings they had for each other, and what about the tiresome young Lord Winderton?
I really liked the older hero and heroine. The logical men’s society was a bit of nonsense, to help set up the series characters, and we meet Brandon’s aristocratic friends. I did like the depiction of Kate as an independent woman, with her own acting troupe, and the episodes in the village of Maidenshop and London where Kate had to stand up to insults and jeering at her performances.
I also liked the detail where Brandon develops his talents into something other that architecture and finds satisfaction in doing so.
Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Brand
August 20, 2020
Cathy Maxwell is among the handful of Regency authors I still consistently enjoy, in spite of my more cynical thoughts about the genre in the last few years. And upon starting His Secret Mistress, I feared I had finally found a dud. However, while this book does take time to really invest in, once I got into it, I found it fairly enjoyable.
I liked that Bran and Kate were older (mid-30s), and that there was a real maturity to their approach to love this time around. While I did feel like the Big Misunderstanding that’s broken them up the first time was ridiculous, I was glad this wasn’t something they continued to dwell on in the present, both having grown into more sensible people who happen to still have feelings for one another.
And while the story did tend more toward external drama as it went on instead of internal conflict, I appreciated it, especially since it did tie everything together in the end. Bran’s reckless young nephew, presents himself as a rival for her affections, and behaves rashly as a result, providing a great contrast in the present to display who Bran and Kate once were and could’ve been.
Given the series title and the intro heavily emphasize the role of the bachelors’ club, I’d have liked more than a few mentions of it, although there are some hints that suggest a possible greater role for it (and the possible opposition from the women in the men’s lives) in the succeeding books, and I can’t wait to get more insight into that.
I enjoyed this one, and while it is a bit of a slower burn, I felt it was ultimately worth it. If you love historical romance, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
I liked that Bran and Kate were older (mid-30s), and that there was a real maturity to their approach to love this time around. While I did feel like the Big Misunderstanding that’s broken them up the first time was ridiculous, I was glad this wasn’t something they continued to dwell on in the present, both having grown into more sensible people who happen to still have feelings for one another.
And while the story did tend more toward external drama as it went on instead of internal conflict, I appreciated it, especially since it did tie everything together in the end. Bran’s reckless young nephew, presents himself as a rival for her affections, and behaves rashly as a result, providing a great contrast in the present to display who Bran and Kate once were and could’ve been.
Given the series title and the intro heavily emphasize the role of the bachelors’ club, I’d have liked more than a few mentions of it, although there are some hints that suggest a possible greater role for it (and the possible opposition from the women in the men’s lives) in the succeeding books, and I can’t wait to get more insight into that.
I enjoyed this one, and while it is a bit of a slower burn, I felt it was ultimately worth it. If you love historical romance, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
Read
February 1, 2020Categories
Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Women's Fiction
Miniseries
Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women
Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Contemporary Women's Fiction
Miniseries
Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women
March 26, 2020
I finished it so I wont one star it but dang this was not fun to read.
Read
March 30, 2021They were talking too much at the start...like it wasn’t even intresting talk. DNF @10%
May 2, 2020
Check out our HIS SECRET MISTRESS post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Erica – ☆☆☆☆
His Secret Mistress is the debut in the series, A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women.
Fifteen years ago, Brandon Balfour and Kate Addison were young fools in love. Then all the sudden, Brandon believes that Kate just ups and leaves him for a wealthy, titled man, the rejection a deep wound. Both suffering from hurts, both believing they're the victim, both feeling animosity and rage at the other.
Fast-forward to current times, Brandon is a well-respected architect, whose life suddenly collides with an actress, a ghost from his past. The tension is palpable between the pair, as they unwittingly find themselves in a whirlwind second-chance romance.
The characters are quirky, fun yet emotional. The plot devices wholly surround miscommunication, which is a pet-peeve of mine. I enjoy a solid romance, where the couple is destined to be together, their connection palpable. Brandon and Kate most certainly embody those traits. However, I find it immature and frustrating, almost illogical, how as adults who have lived life for as long as they have, they can't seem to be honest with each other or with themselves, long enough to communicate. The tension/conflict is nothing but a series of misunderstandings, as the reader, I find that frustrating, no matter how endearing the characters may be.
I look forward to more in the series and more from the author, believing His Secret Mistress to be a solid addition to the historical romance genre. I highly recommend to readers who don't take everything seriously, those looking for a little bit of silly to brighten their days, added with tasty main course of romance.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
March 15, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 3/15/2020.
His Secret Mistress is a second chance romance--Brandon and Kate had a brief but intense relationship about a decade ago that ended spectacularly and with both of them feeling incredibly betrayed. What really happened? Who was at fault? Even the two major players don't know at the start of the book, and the truth doesn't come out for quite some time.
It's even worse than you think.
In the meantime, the two are thrown together again when Kate's traveling theater group comes to town (and is forced to stay there because of a broken wagon--because, of course!) and the actress herself attracts the attention of Brandon's young nephew and ward, the duke. Brandon's sister, the dowager duchess, summons him home in a panic to "fix" things. He finds out who it is that his nephew is infatuated with goes to confront her, and the rest is history.
Or is it? There is so much past hurt between the two of them that it gets in the way of honest conversation for much of the book. Add in her not-quite-21-yet admirer, his Regency-era helicopter mother, a plethora of interesting ( ;) ) townspeople, Bran's friends and their so-called Logical Men's club, and you might as well settle in for this one, because there's going to be a whole lot going on. Although I was anxious for the two of them to finally get to their well-deserved HEA, I almost didn't want the book to end, I was enjoying myself so much.
The fact that it's the first in Ms Maxwell's new series A Logical Man's (ha!) Guide to Dangerous Women definitely made reaching the end of this book an even more positive experience. I can't wait to watch as every single club member succumbs to those "dangerous women"... :D
Rating: 4 stars / A-
His Secret Mistress is a second chance romance--Brandon and Kate had a brief but intense relationship about a decade ago that ended spectacularly and with both of them feeling incredibly betrayed. What really happened? Who was at fault? Even the two major players don't know at the start of the book, and the truth doesn't come out for quite some time.
It's even worse than you think.
In the meantime, the two are thrown together again when Kate's traveling theater group comes to town (and is forced to stay there because of a broken wagon--because, of course!) and the actress herself attracts the attention of Brandon's young nephew and ward, the duke. Brandon's sister, the dowager duchess, summons him home in a panic to "fix" things. He finds out who it is that his nephew is infatuated with goes to confront her, and the rest is history.
Or is it? There is so much past hurt between the two of them that it gets in the way of honest conversation for much of the book. Add in her not-quite-21-yet admirer, his Regency-era helicopter mother, a plethora of interesting ( ;) ) townspeople, Bran's friends and their so-called Logical Men's club, and you might as well settle in for this one, because there's going to be a whole lot going on. Although I was anxious for the two of them to finally get to their well-deserved HEA, I almost didn't want the book to end, I was enjoying myself so much.
The fact that it's the first in Ms Maxwell's new series A Logical Man's (ha!) Guide to Dangerous Women definitely made reaching the end of this book an even more positive experience. I can't wait to watch as every single club member succumbs to those "dangerous women"... :D
Rating: 4 stars / A-
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