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Accidental Mistress
The things she had to do to save her family business! Emily Quest had dressed to the nines and gone to an awful party, where she'd been rescued by a handsome stranger.
Despite the sizzling attraction between them, Emily never thought she'd see him again. But now he's right in front of her, as gorgeous as ever! Ethan West thinks Emily is a rapacious good-time girl, and he's about to make her face the consequences--in his bed!
Despite the sizzling attraction between them, Emily never thought she'd see him again. But now he's right in front of her, as gorgeous as ever! Ethan West thinks Emily is a rapacious good-time girl, and he's about to make her face the consequences--in his bed!
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2007
About the author
Susan Napier
141 books153 followersPerhaps being born on Valentine’s Day was an omen that Susan Napier would become a romance writer. This New Zealand author has written over 30 Mills & Boon category romances since 1984. Napier and her husband Tony Potter met when they both worked at the Auckland Star newspaper. After they married, she left the newspaper to work for a film company where she learned the art of dialogue. After the birth of her sons, Simon and Ben, she was a freelance scriptwriter for documentaries. It was soon after that she decided to try her hand at writing the romance fiction she dearly loved.
She and her husband still live in the home they bought in Auckland shortly after their marriage.
She and her husband still live in the home they bought in Auckland shortly after their marriage.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 6, 2011
Accidental Mistress was a nice Sunday afternoon read. I love settling down with a Harlequin Presents on the weekend, because they are quick, hopefully satisfying reads. In this case, I was about 90% satisfied.
I am a big fan of this author because she writes great heroes and heroines. Her heroines are nice, normal, and likable. They are attractive in a real world kind of way, but the hero seems crazy about them (I love besotted heroes). They are women you'd want to be friends with in real life. I definitely felt that way about Emily.
Usually, I am seriously crazy about Susan Napier's heroes. They are big, handsome (in a manly way), hard working and down to earth, and have a normal quotient that is higher than the typical HP hero. They are guys you'd want to crush on in real life, and would love to be pursuing you. In this case, I didn't go as gaga over Ethan as I usually do over her heroes. Not that he was bad. He wasn't. I just never really got a fix on him. I think the problem was that there was a prominent storyline about Emily's parents and her relationship with Ethan's uncle by marriage. My personal opinion is that it was too much to put in this story and have the romance stay focused. I guess I'm used to SN putting the romance as the forefront, and it was weird that it had to share time with Emily's family issues.
I think I was kind of disappointed with how things wrapped up.
Anyway, this was a good book, but not great by this very reliable author. All the same, a nice past-time on a lazy Sunday afternoon. By the way, the title is very inaccurate!
I am a big fan of this author because she writes great heroes and heroines. Her heroines are nice, normal, and likable. They are attractive in a real world kind of way, but the hero seems crazy about them (I love besotted heroes). They are women you'd want to be friends with in real life. I definitely felt that way about Emily.
Usually, I am seriously crazy about Susan Napier's heroes. They are big, handsome (in a manly way), hard working and down to earth, and have a normal quotient that is higher than the typical HP hero. They are guys you'd want to crush on in real life, and would love to be pursuing you. In this case, I didn't go as gaga over Ethan as I usually do over her heroes. Not that he was bad. He wasn't. I just never really got a fix on him. I think the problem was that there was a prominent storyline about Emily's parents and her relationship with Ethan's uncle by marriage. My personal opinion is that it was too much to put in this story and have the romance stay focused. I guess I'm used to SN putting the romance as the forefront, and it was weird that it had to share time with Emily's family issues.
I think I was kind of disappointed with how things wrapped up.
Anyway, this was a good book, but not great by this very reliable author. All the same, a nice past-time on a lazy Sunday afternoon. By the way, the title is very inaccurate!
April 26, 2016
Well, I went into this with misgivings, but in general Susan Napier does not disappoint. She doesn't here. Her heroes are usually rugged alphas that can skirt the edge of arrogant ass-hat without wallowing in the role too much.
I'll be honest. I did not care for the beginning of the book at all. Once we got to present day though, I loved it. LOVED IT. My son and I were driving down from Flagstaff, and I made him drive so I could read.
Ethan verges on cruel at times, but redeems himself for the most part. He turns from the typical tycoon into quite the seducer. Emily is adorable at times and actually stands up for herself.
Essentially, Emily restores art (it's more complicate than that but I'm tired) and is seen stealing a small jar that she needs to repair. In order to steal said pot, she goes undercover so to speak at what verges on an orgy. Ethan sees her there surrounded by loose women and drugs and jumps to some pretty justifiable conclusions.
When they next meet, he sees her hugging his elderly and incredibly wealthy uncle and jumps to another misconception. Thank you Ms. Napier for NOT having him inner monologue about gold-digging sluts; nope, he pretty much comes out and throws the accusation straight at Emily.
The rest of the story is the push and pull of discovery between the two MC's. Side plots that deal with the rich uncle's unusual interest in Emily, an issue with suspicious parentage as well as an hysterical bratty younger brother who needs his own book. His interaction with Emily is very funny. There was a surprise revelation I am not even going to go into SPOILER alert on, but it's a little sad. Napier drops the ball a little on that.
The sex scenes are, let me get my fan, blazing. I was quite surprised. Quite pleased really.
So, all in all, quite enjoyable. Ms. Napier is going to the top of my go to authors for this and a couple of other of her books. Humor AND angst.
I'll be honest. I did not care for the beginning of the book at all. Once we got to present day though, I loved it. LOVED IT. My son and I were driving down from Flagstaff, and I made him drive so I could read.
Ethan verges on cruel at times, but redeems himself for the most part. He turns from the typical tycoon into quite the seducer. Emily is adorable at times and actually stands up for herself.
Essentially, Emily restores art (it's more complicate than that but I'm tired) and is seen stealing a small jar that she needs to repair. In order to steal said pot, she goes undercover so to speak at what verges on an orgy. Ethan sees her there surrounded by loose women and drugs and jumps to some pretty justifiable conclusions.
When they next meet, he sees her hugging his elderly and incredibly wealthy uncle and jumps to another misconception. Thank you Ms. Napier for NOT having him inner monologue about gold-digging sluts; nope, he pretty much comes out and throws the accusation straight at Emily.
The rest of the story is the push and pull of discovery between the two MC's. Side plots that deal with the rich uncle's unusual interest in Emily, an issue with suspicious parentage as well as an hysterical bratty younger brother who needs his own book. His interaction with Emily is very funny. There was a surprise revelation I am not even going to go into SPOILER alert on, but it's a little sad. Napier drops the ball a little on that.
The sex scenes are, let me get my fan, blazing. I was quite surprised. Quite pleased really.
So, all in all, quite enjoyable. Ms. Napier is going to the top of my go to authors for this and a couple of other of her books. Humor AND angst.
November 5, 2018
"Accidental Mistress" is the story of Emily and Ethan.
Two years ago, Emily had gone to a rampant sex party to retrieve an object that could save her grandfather's name and family business. There she meets Ethan, and in order to protect herself pretends to be a femme-fatale. She then escapes..
Now, her grandfather has passed away, her parents are away as always, her house has burned down and the insurance company is hounding her. Her old friend, Peter Nash, whose wife has recently passed away offers her a sanctuary, only for his nephew Ethan to show up, and proclaim that Emily is his uncle's mistress.
Thus begins a tale of mystery and misunderstands. Emily and Ethan wanna bang really bad. Ethan thinks Emily is into all males around her- his uncle, his brother etc. He also feels Emily is innocent. Also Emily is hiding a tragic past. Wait, Peter is also hiding a tragic past. Oh, and Ethan has an on and off girlfriend. But then, Emily and Ethan still continue to have nipple suckling sex...
What I did like:
-The uncle Peter
-The dedication Emily had towards her family and her work
Lots of things go on in this book, ending in an abrupt conclusion.
It was just OK for me.
Unsafe/SWE
2/5
Two years ago, Emily had gone to a rampant sex party to retrieve an object that could save her grandfather's name and family business. There she meets Ethan, and in order to protect herself pretends to be a femme-fatale. She then escapes..
Now, her grandfather has passed away, her parents are away as always, her house has burned down and the insurance company is hounding her. Her old friend, Peter Nash, whose wife has recently passed away offers her a sanctuary, only for his nephew Ethan to show up, and proclaim that Emily is his uncle's mistress.
Thus begins a tale of mystery and misunderstands. Emily and Ethan wanna bang really bad. Ethan thinks Emily is into all males around her- his uncle, his brother etc. He also feels Emily is innocent. Also Emily is hiding a tragic past. Wait, Peter is also hiding a tragic past. Oh, and Ethan has an on and off girlfriend. But then, Emily and Ethan still continue to have nipple suckling sex...
What I did like:
-The uncle Peter
-The dedication Emily had towards her family and her work
Lots of things go on in this book, ending in an abrupt conclusion.
It was just OK for me.
Unsafe/SWE
2/5
November 23, 2017
First time I am reading this New Zealand author and I like her style!
Typical of a category romance, the instant and constant lust is not very original, but the plot twists were. The hero's bro Dylan was so funny, especially when he got into the spy mode and his marmalade haha!
The title is a misnomer though, there was never a question of her being his mistress! I like both Ethan and Emily but it bothered me that he was "dating" Carly when he could not keep his hands from Emily...worse he did not clarify the situation when asked point blank. The romance has definitely taken a back seat to the mystery of Emily's birthright. By the way Ethan grows roses and plants rose gardens! He has sensitive skin and burns easily in the sun haha!
Peter was a really nice grandfatherly figure and I wish we could see Rose alive in the book. She too sounded like a really lovely character.
Unfortunately my library only has this one book of Susan Napier. Will not hesitate to read other books of hers!
Typical of a category romance, the instant and constant lust is not very original, but the plot twists were. The hero's bro Dylan was so funny, especially when he got into the spy mode and his marmalade haha!
The title is a misnomer though, there was never a question of her being his mistress! I like both Ethan and Emily but it bothered me that he was "dating" Carly when he could not keep his hands from Emily...worse he did not clarify the situation when asked point blank. The romance has definitely taken a back seat to the mystery of Emily's birthright. By the way Ethan grows roses and plants rose gardens! He has sensitive skin and burns easily in the sun haha!
Peter was a really nice grandfatherly figure and I wish we could see Rose alive in the book. She too sounded like a really lovely character.
Unfortunately my library only has this one book of Susan Napier. Will not hesitate to read other books of hers!
February 6, 2022
Up till the very last page the hero distanced himself quite rapidly from any suggestion of anything remotely serious or long term with the heroine in any way, shape or form. Even when she hinted at it! It was when the writer had used up all her word count that, in literally the last page, she had the heroine pretty much shove herself at the hero who then, very grudgingly condescended to tell the heroine that he couldn’t walk away from her no matter how much he tried. In situations such as this it’s not so much that I find the hero disgusting as that I find the heroine revolting when she just about melts with happiness in response to such disdainful, contemptuous, insulting, condescending declaration.
January 26, 2016
You know what happens when you read a book that has worked for you on so many levels and want a repeat experience? That is what happened to make me choose Accidental Mistress by Susan Napier, still riding the high from my previous read, The Love Conspiracy by the same. Accidental Mistress starts in an unusual setting. Emily Quest making a steal of an artifact at a party catering for the needs of the hedonistic rich, not her usual setting on any level. That is where she runs into Michael Webber, a man who lets it be known his loathing for the likes of her.
Story continues two years after, Emily having to turn to her dear old friend Peter Nash in desperate times for the helping hand he is willing to give. That is how once again she runs into the enigmatic Michael, a man who invokes a response from her of the kind she doesn’t want to acknowledge. One thing after another leads Emily to say yes to Peter’s request to take up the offer of lodging at his place for the duration, which means Michael is around – almost all the time.
What starts off as an antagonistic relationship remains so only for a little while, because it is not just Emily that is caught up in the web of desire that proves to be one impossible to turn away from. Even Michael’s cynical and distrustful nature when it comes to most of the members of the opposite sex proves to be of little help when it comes to Emily.
Susan explores two characters that aren’t of the cookie cutter variety and delivers a category romance that keeps the pages turning. Emily’s complicated past makes for one of the facets of the story that unfolds while it often at times gives Michael reason to distrust her motives. But then again, Susan Napier has the tendency to write about heroes and heroines who aren’t afraid of communicating with one another. While there is angst in her books, she still manages to keep the reader from heading straight for the wall in frustration. That is one reason why I will keep coming back for more of Susan’s books!
Though I felt that the ending was a tad abrupt, Accidental Mistress still managed to deliver a read that scored points on many levels.
Recommended.
Rating = 3.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
Story continues two years after, Emily having to turn to her dear old friend Peter Nash in desperate times for the helping hand he is willing to give. That is how once again she runs into the enigmatic Michael, a man who invokes a response from her of the kind she doesn’t want to acknowledge. One thing after another leads Emily to say yes to Peter’s request to take up the offer of lodging at his place for the duration, which means Michael is around – almost all the time.
What starts off as an antagonistic relationship remains so only for a little while, because it is not just Emily that is caught up in the web of desire that proves to be one impossible to turn away from. Even Michael’s cynical and distrustful nature when it comes to most of the members of the opposite sex proves to be of little help when it comes to Emily.
Susan explores two characters that aren’t of the cookie cutter variety and delivers a category romance that keeps the pages turning. Emily’s complicated past makes for one of the facets of the story that unfolds while it often at times gives Michael reason to distrust her motives. But then again, Susan Napier has the tendency to write about heroes and heroines who aren’t afraid of communicating with one another. While there is angst in her books, she still manages to keep the reader from heading straight for the wall in frustration. That is one reason why I will keep coming back for more of Susan’s books!
Though I felt that the ending was a tad abrupt, Accidental Mistress still managed to deliver a read that scored points on many levels.
Recommended.
Rating = 3.75/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
August 26, 2018
This was surprisingly entertaining. I don’t generally like anything more modern than about 1990, but this seemed of a piece with books from that era.
My main moan was that she seemed really interesting, assertive and confident in the set-up chapter and I almost wished she was the con artist / thief that she appeared to be when apparently our hero fell for her. Surely he was disappointed that she was so less interesting than he first thought when he met her later
My main moan was that she seemed really interesting, assertive and confident in the set-up chapter and I almost wished she was the con artist / thief that she appeared to be when apparently our hero fell for her. Surely he was disappointed that she was so less interesting than he first thought when he met her later
October 11, 2021
Lots of trademark Susan Napier touches in this one - a complicated and interesting plot, flashes of witty banter, a sparkling, spirited heroine, steamy love scenes, and a few humorous touches - in this case the sidekick brother of the hero.
Entertaining and enjoyable.
Entertaining and enjoyable.
October 13, 2025
3 stars. author has very readable writing so I read this straight through ut the lot didint quite make enough impact for me. it was promising at start because I loved the idea of the icy mean guy taking her for a trollop etc, but the misunderstanding trope was cleared up v quickly and then all the tension went out of the story. fizzled right out with them getting it on and liking each other. all that was left was a limp "he doesn't trust in love and won't say he loves her" plot. meh. overall the book was an okay read and someone who doesn't like angst might find its the perfect read for them. for me it was just okay thus 3 stars.
March 20, 2022
I'm apparently on an old-school Harlequin binge these days; as long as you can ignore the hero's tendency to punishingly kiss the heroine into submission when she annoys him, and the heroine's constantly betraying body, they often have a good helping of angst and often surprisingly detailed job descriptions. The heroine of this one is an art restorer and actually good at her job.
October 24, 2019
2.5 ⭐️
December 6, 2020
Meh. I kept thinking that this book would have been a lot better if written by Linda Howard. It was okay but it never gave me the feels.
February 20, 2024
First harlequin and I liked it. There was plot and drama and twists and spice
September 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Although I cannot fathom why it is titled as it is, since the heroine doesn't actually take on the role of mistress (in the traditionally known sense - more like a lover) nor is it in any way accidental. So that confused me a bit.
The heroine first meets the hero in a dicey situation and she instantly recognizes disdain and dislike in his eyes (though they don't really get introduced). They meet up again several years later and he accuses her of being an opportunistic gold-digger and flinging their past encounter in her face, while she is weathering the verbal beating he keeps throwing at her. Then suddenly he's making sexual overtures and it throws her for a loop. At the same time she has a secret from her past popping up.
I liked the characters - especially the heroine. She's witty, a bit quirky, insecure (but not annoying about it) and dedicated to her work, family and friends. The hero was a bit tougher to like, since he kept accusing her of things (and we of course know she isn't guilty of it) but I never got the sense that he was cruel. He's strict and serious, but not an asshole. Which is great! Their story was engaging, their love scenes were pretty sexy (although a bit flowery) and I liked the secondary characters as well. I'd give this author another try for sure!
The heroine first meets the hero in a dicey situation and she instantly recognizes disdain and dislike in his eyes (though they don't really get introduced). They meet up again several years later and he accuses her of being an opportunistic gold-digger and flinging their past encounter in her face, while she is weathering the verbal beating he keeps throwing at her. Then suddenly he's making sexual overtures and it throws her for a loop. At the same time she has a secret from her past popping up.
I liked the characters - especially the heroine. She's witty, a bit quirky, insecure (but not annoying about it) and dedicated to her work, family and friends. The hero was a bit tougher to like, since he kept accusing her of things (and we of course know she isn't guilty of it) but I never got the sense that he was cruel. He's strict and serious, but not an asshole. Which is great! Their story was engaging, their love scenes were pretty sexy (although a bit flowery) and I liked the secondary characters as well. I'd give this author another try for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2014
I remember liking this book even though I thought the hero was silly. I like that the heroine is a preservationist. It worked with my geek factor and I connected with her character. I like that she does what she has to do for family and her friendship with the hero's uncle/grandpapa is sweet. But I do think that one can be treated like a slut for only so long before it gets tired. which is what happened for me as a reader.
June 4, 2021
The things she had to do to save her family business! Emily Quest had dressed to the nines and gone to an awful party, where she'd been rescued by a handsome stranger.Despite the sizzling attraction between them, Emily never thought she'd see him again. But now he's right in front of her, as gorgeous as ever! Ethan West thinks Emily is a rapacious good-time girl, and he's about to make her face the consequences--in his bed
October 20, 2014
I loved this one. The dialog is histerical. I love it when the characters spar with words. These two really set sparks off each other and the interfering brother thrown into the mix make for an enjoyable read.
August 24, 2015
It was nice . I really liked it .
April 14, 2013
That was pretty good for a Harlequin Presents.
January 22, 2014
fun and entertaining
July 6, 2014
I liked it. A light story without too much drama. The choice of vocab is sometime a bit difficult for me, I think some of them is rarely used. Anyway, good reading for me :)
Want to Read
October 31, 2019Enjoyable. Had some nice verbal sparing. Would read again.
April 29, 2017
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews