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Mistress Trilogy #1
My Fair Mistress
He drives a hard bargain, but the pleasure is all hers.London financier Rafe Pendragon has a reputation for ruthlessness, and exotic beauty Julianna Hawthorne is determined to clear the debt her brother owes him. Captivated by Rafe’s virile good looks, weakened by his intoxicating mix of danger and sensuality, Julianna boldly agrees to Rafe’s shocking six months as his mistress. As Rafe’s intense green eyes pierce her body and set it afire, Julianna can only imagine what emotions his kiss may unleash.Surrendering to the pleasures of seduction and carnal delight, Rafe never anticipated that love would be the cost of his bargain. When he realizes that a vindictive enemy may harm Julianna should their clandestine liaison be exposed, Rafe must choose between loving her and protecting her. To save his fair mistress, Rafe must risk what he has already his heart.From the Paperback edition.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2007
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1299 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Anne Warren
41 books793 followersTracy Anne Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of ten Regency historical romance novels, including At The Duke’s Pleasure and The Husband Trap. Her books have appeared on the USA Today Bestsellers’ list and the Borders’ Group List of Bestselling Single Title Romance Paperbacks. She has won numerous writing awards, including Romance Writers’ of America’s prestigious RITA® Award, the National Readers’ Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Golden Quill, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
November 9, 2009
I'm giving this book four stars even though it had an element I actually don't like. But I really loved the rest of it so I recommend it.
It's another contrived plot for Warren, yeehaw! But, as usual, it's done well. A brother has lost too much money and his sister makes a deal with his creditor for six months of being his mistress for the elimination of the debt. This is all arranged without the brother's knowledge and the fun begins.
A nice thing, which is typical of all Warren books I've read (besides The Wife Trap) is that the couple has very engaging chemistry. Right away they're dynamite together. She's a widow -- married young to a very old man in order to obtain some security for her two siblings -- so she's not some blushing virgin and Rafe is not a brute. She's scared to death the first time they meet, but he knows what he's doing and they become very enthusiastic lovers.
There are a lot of sex scenes in this book and, although that sometimes bothers me because it feels like padding, it works here. The whole first half of the story revolves around their affair and I found it quite romantic.
There's also a very, very nasty villain and a much deserved revenge plot. Heart-breaking back story and conflict for our lovers.
It's the conflict I had issues with. The whole thing would have been settled if they'd just talked. What starts out a necessary "secret" ends up being unnecessarily kept/unexplained and there simply was no reason for the "why" of everything not to be aired. Of course, if that had happened, maybe the book would have been half as long. But maybe it would have simply taken a different tack. There must be some reason to keep the secret and I do expect authors to come up with that reason. An extra threat, or protecting someone else's secret, even a major misunderstanding ... these are all plausible. So, in the end, when the reconciliation is occurring we have the characters info-dumping on each other. Finally asking the questions that could have been asked much earlier and giving the reasons that could have been explained. And admitting they all could have been asked and answered. So the author obviously sees it's a problem. I suggest she take a little time in the future and meditate on a plausible why rather than glossing over it with a regret at the end.
For the first 50% of this book, I was enthralled. For most of the rest I was frustrated. Still liking it for the most part, but wishing the manipulated conflict between the two of them could be settled and we could get on with the rest of the action. The villain's part of the story ends up being wound up in a chapter at the end. I would rather have seen the couple in accord and the villain providing the tension for at least the last quarter of the book.
So, even though I criticize, I recommend this book. Emotional, humorous, sexy, and romantic. Just be ready for a little frustration in the final third. It's got a very lovely wrap-up though, and a sweet epilogue.
ETA: I think I've figured out what's been bothering me so much. Warren writes her leads together so well that when they're in conflict it doesn't feel right. I love reading them together. If they must be separated by some misunderstanding or stubbornness, I want it to end quickly, because what I enjoy most is them together. Their chemistry is so nice that it's hard to believe they could stay angry and/or unforgiving and/or distrustful for so long. So -- my deepest wish for this author is that she would experiment with having the couple remain together and in accord, but have to deal with conflict against them as a couple. That I would love to see.
It's another contrived plot for Warren, yeehaw! But, as usual, it's done well. A brother has lost too much money and his sister makes a deal with his creditor for six months of being his mistress for the elimination of the debt. This is all arranged without the brother's knowledge and the fun begins.
A nice thing, which is typical of all Warren books I've read (besides The Wife Trap) is that the couple has very engaging chemistry. Right away they're dynamite together. She's a widow -- married young to a very old man in order to obtain some security for her two siblings -- so she's not some blushing virgin and Rafe is not a brute. She's scared to death the first time they meet, but he knows what he's doing and they become very enthusiastic lovers.
There are a lot of sex scenes in this book and, although that sometimes bothers me because it feels like padding, it works here. The whole first half of the story revolves around their affair and I found it quite romantic.
There's also a very, very nasty villain and a much deserved revenge plot. Heart-breaking back story and conflict for our lovers.
It's the conflict I had issues with. The whole thing would have been settled if they'd just talked. What starts out a necessary "secret" ends up being unnecessarily kept/unexplained and there simply was no reason for the "why" of everything not to be aired. Of course, if that had happened, maybe the book would have been half as long. But maybe it would have simply taken a different tack. There must be some reason to keep the secret and I do expect authors to come up with that reason. An extra threat, or protecting someone else's secret, even a major misunderstanding ... these are all plausible. So, in the end, when the reconciliation is occurring we have the characters info-dumping on each other. Finally asking the questions that could have been asked much earlier and giving the reasons that could have been explained. And admitting they all could have been asked and answered. So the author obviously sees it's a problem. I suggest she take a little time in the future and meditate on a plausible why rather than glossing over it with a regret at the end.
For the first 50% of this book, I was enthralled. For most of the rest I was frustrated. Still liking it for the most part, but wishing the manipulated conflict between the two of them could be settled and we could get on with the rest of the action. The villain's part of the story ends up being wound up in a chapter at the end. I would rather have seen the couple in accord and the villain providing the tension for at least the last quarter of the book.
So, even though I criticize, I recommend this book. Emotional, humorous, sexy, and romantic. Just be ready for a little frustration in the final third. It's got a very lovely wrap-up though, and a sweet epilogue.
ETA: I think I've figured out what's been bothering me so much. Warren writes her leads together so well that when they're in conflict it doesn't feel right. I love reading them together. If they must be separated by some misunderstanding or stubbornness, I want it to end quickly, because what I enjoy most is them together. Their chemistry is so nice that it's hard to believe they could stay angry and/or unforgiving and/or distrustful for so long. So -- my deepest wish for this author is that she would experiment with having the couple remain together and in accord, but have to deal with conflict against them as a couple. That I would love to see.
November 8, 2008
The Plot
Beautiful Lady Julianna Hawthorne strikes a bargain with dangerously handsome Rafe Pendragon. She will become his mistress for six months in order to save her family from financial ruin.
The Good
Julianna is a widow. Her previous husband was selected by her father and, as a dutiful daughter, she married him. For once, a protagonist’s previous marriage is neither abusive nor delightful. She prefers the freedom of being a widow but doesn’t really have any lasting trauma aside from a rather prosaic sexual history.
Boy, does that change for Julianna when she becomes Rafe’s mistress. They have loads of inventive sex. The author does a good job of establishing chemistry between the two without turning the scenes into a sex education manual.
The Bad
The second half of the book was a long slog of stupid misunderstandings between the two main characters. Lady Hawthorne has a surprise pregnancy (okay, she was surprised – not the reader) which results in the two marrying. Once they are married, as everyone knows, it is impossible to spend five minutes talking in order to clear up conflict. When it was all about the sex, they spend hours talking, laughing, and sexing – after marriage, it’s all hurt feelings and jumping to conclusions.
The Awkward
When the two meet for the first time there are some strange perspective shifts without any breaks or notice in the text. Fortunately, they occurred only in that first scene. I spent a while thinking about this oddity (Stylistic choice? Bad editing?) before I realized the author’s dilemma:
There is a difference between a man who makes an indecent proposal in hopes that it will cut short a lady’s arguing/pleading and one who takes advantage of a situation to blackmail her into a sexual situation. For the record, Rafe Pendragon belongs to the first category.
Still, violent narrator shifts every couple of sentences are hard on the reader.
Beautiful Lady Julianna Hawthorne strikes a bargain with dangerously handsome Rafe Pendragon. She will become his mistress for six months in order to save her family from financial ruin.
The Good
Julianna is a widow. Her previous husband was selected by her father and, as a dutiful daughter, she married him. For once, a protagonist’s previous marriage is neither abusive nor delightful. She prefers the freedom of being a widow but doesn’t really have any lasting trauma aside from a rather prosaic sexual history.
Boy, does that change for Julianna when she becomes Rafe’s mistress. They have loads of inventive sex. The author does a good job of establishing chemistry between the two without turning the scenes into a sex education manual.
The Bad
The second half of the book was a long slog of stupid misunderstandings between the two main characters. Lady Hawthorne has a surprise pregnancy (okay, she was surprised – not the reader) which results in the two marrying. Once they are married, as everyone knows, it is impossible to spend five minutes talking in order to clear up conflict. When it was all about the sex, they spend hours talking, laughing, and sexing – after marriage, it’s all hurt feelings and jumping to conclusions.
The Awkward
When the two meet for the first time there are some strange perspective shifts without any breaks or notice in the text. Fortunately, they occurred only in that first scene. I spent a while thinking about this oddity (Stylistic choice? Bad editing?) before I realized the author’s dilemma:
There is a difference between a man who makes an indecent proposal in hopes that it will cut short a lady’s arguing/pleading and one who takes advantage of a situation to blackmail her into a sexual situation. For the record, Rafe Pendragon belongs to the first category.
Still, violent narrator shifts every couple of sentences are hard on the reader.
September 26, 2011
Kinda boring. Characters rarely did anything but have sex. And those scenes somehow seemed really long. The whole later part of the book the characters were too dumb to talk to each other about anything. Really, it didn't even occur to them that they should talk about anything, they both just chilled in their own miserable little worlds. And the entire climax of the book was basically the heroine being too stupid to live. That said, it had its cute moments. I liked the sister and her little romance.
August 15, 2021
1.5
I didn't like the writing. It must be the author's earlier work. The point of view would change from the heroine to the hero, which was a distraction. I also didn't like the internal dialogue.
I didn't like the writing. It must be the author's earlier work. The point of view would change from the heroine to the hero, which was a distraction. I also didn't like the internal dialogue.
June 7, 2011
Absolutely wonderful story,Rafe-Julianna both have suffered so much,Rafe for being a bastard and Julianna from her first husband,then these two meet cause Julianna's brother has gambled and Rafe wants his money so Julianna goes to him to ask for time or a way for a solution,Rafe comes to a solution making Julianna his mistress that is the deal which Julianna accepts but then it will be very discreet no one knows about it and from there the love journey starts
i adored Rafe and Julianna is the perfect other half for him,there is a suspense also which is solved in the end,liked the way the love story begins and in between the suspense was also very very good,the sexual scenes were steamy and Rafe-Julianna's chemistry and passion is added bonus
Keeping my review shortfound it difficult to do so wanna say so much things but don't wanna give out any spoilers
Absolutely wonderful read,a keeper for me
Recommend it
i adored Rafe and Julianna is the perfect other half for him,there is a suspense also which is solved in the end,liked the way the love story begins and in between the suspense was also very very good,the sexual scenes were steamy and Rafe-Julianna's chemistry and passion is added bonus
Keeping my review shortfound it difficult to do so wanna say so much things but don't wanna give out any spoilers
Absolutely wonderful read,a keeper for me
Recommend it
December 7, 2017
3.5 stars
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July 31, 2011
My reviews are mostly my thoughts as I went with the book. This one's got 4 parts.
Just read 4/5 chps and have to say, it started off very good. I LOVE the heroine, Julianna. Dark hair-eyed with a 'goddess' body (according to Rafe :p). Well, not only that, I'm just liking her a lot, temperament and all. Rafe is intriguing, dark haired and vivid green-eyed. I'd love to discover more about him as I progress! ;) Love scene, the only one I've read so far was yum! OK, gotta hop on to bed now and read ... :p
***************
Love scenes are absolutely crazy! I want Rafe ... rwarrrr!! ;p Haven't made much progress, just hovering there lmao.
**************
About halfway done. It is going slow for my style, there are a few reasons but wont go there because those are just me lolz. So far it's good, Rafe is just too good, really. I love this guy. Julianna is sweet. The scene where he talks about his dead fiancee Pamela is really really heartbreaking, I was very sad to read what happened to the girl. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
*************
So, I do agree with some of the reviews here. 1st half was really good, 2nd half, not so much. Only if they talked, all these misunderstandings would've never happened. I know that the way things were and they got married, the trust they shared could've been shaken. But it's just that ... bah!, really kinda frustrating. So, it took me a while to finish this book. I really liked both Rafe and Julianna in the 1st half, they seemed very sensible. After they married, their brain turned into mush, literally! They both were stubborn about things ... sometimes just made me roll my eyes ... Well, it's 4 because, I really loved Rafe the babe and some things he did were very sweet which includes his reactions toward Julianna's pregnancy ... all of it. Loved the epilogue and now, very interested to know about his friends Ethan and Anthony.
I have something to say about Burton. Some of his dilemmas I could sympathize with (father having 'another family' and 'preferring' that family, mother crying/depressed because of that), think I can understand how he turned out as he did in the end. He wasn't a justifiable villain IMO. No, I didn't like him of course, and the things he did were loathsome but somewhere in my mind, doubts were niggling 'til the end.
Just read 4/5 chps and have to say, it started off very good. I LOVE the heroine, Julianna. Dark hair-eyed with a 'goddess' body (according to Rafe :p). Well, not only that, I'm just liking her a lot, temperament and all. Rafe is intriguing, dark haired and vivid green-eyed. I'd love to discover more about him as I progress! ;) Love scene, the only one I've read so far was yum! OK, gotta hop on to bed now and read ... :p
***************
Love scenes are absolutely crazy! I want Rafe ... rwarrrr!! ;p Haven't made much progress, just hovering there lmao.
**************
About halfway done. It is going slow for my style, there are a few reasons but wont go there because those are just me lolz. So far it's good, Rafe is just too good, really. I love this guy. Julianna is sweet. The scene where he talks about his dead fiancee Pamela is really really heartbreaking, I was very sad to read what happened to the girl. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
*************
So, I do agree with some of the reviews here. 1st half was really good, 2nd half, not so much. Only if they talked, all these misunderstandings would've never happened. I know that the way things were and they got married, the trust they shared could've been shaken. But it's just that ... bah!, really kinda frustrating. So, it took me a while to finish this book. I really liked both Rafe and Julianna in the 1st half, they seemed very sensible. After they married, their brain turned into mush, literally! They both were stubborn about things ... sometimes just made me roll my eyes ... Well, it's 4 because, I really loved Rafe the babe and some things he did were very sweet which includes his reactions toward Julianna's pregnancy ... all of it. Loved the epilogue and now, very interested to know about his friends Ethan and Anthony.
I have something to say about Burton. Some of his dilemmas I could sympathize with (father having 'another family' and 'preferring' that family, mother crying/depressed because of that), think I can understand how he turned out as he did in the end. He wasn't a justifiable villain IMO. No, I didn't like him of course, and the things he did were loathsome but somewhere in my mind, doubts were niggling 'til the end.
September 22, 2013
I really really liked this book. The girl was smart, sweet and very likeable. The guy was smart, tough, protective and likeable.... but the only thing that kept me from giving it a 5-star Keeper Shelf status was the miscommunication that could have been cleared up so easily. In thinking to protect the girl, the guy says something hurtful to her, she is devastated and sad... but when it comes to the point that the hurtful words no longer need to be out there, he does not clear up the confusion. He lets her go on being mad and hurt. So if that could have been cleared up quicker instead of dragging it out, it would have been perfect. My first book by this author and I look forward to reading her other books :)
July 8, 2020
This review first appeared on I Heart Romance & YA
This is perhaps one of my favorite books by Tracy Anne Warren. In fact, I believe this was the first book that I have read from her and she has become one of my auto-buy authors ever since. I have probably read this book about 5 times and I just love it. It's like every time I read it, I get sucked into the romance between Rafe and Julianna.
The way Miss Warren weaves in romance, love, and lust in the book is believable in a sense that as a reader, you would think that this kind of situation would really happen in reality. I love how both characters grow in this story - most especially Julianna. She starts off as a very proper, sort of insecure widow and becomes this independent and strong woman. Although there is still a bit of damsel in distress in her, it is not as pronounced as other heroines I have read. Her ultimate devastation when Rafe leaves her is typically a reaction and again very believable. I can feel her anguish and to be honest, I always shed a tear when I get to this part no matter how many times I read it.
When they are forced to marry, I love how Miss Warren wrote in Julianna's initial reaction. Julianna tries to show indifference to Rafe. Of course, she still loves him but she does show how hurt she is because of what he did.
I also love the hero, Rafe. Personally, I love reading about "rags to riches" heroes and Rafe is one of them. Rafe is also mentioned in other books (and I think other series) as one of the financiers that the gentlemen trust and use. He starts off as an uncaring, self-centered rogue. Later in the story, you see him develop into a hero worthy of Julianna's love. I love how Ms. Warren wrote in his back story, how we the readers are slowly introduced to why Rafe is as uncaring as he is and we get to understand the reason why he left Julianna.
All in all, this is a very enjoyable read that I love to read again (and I have been re-reading it).
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
Reread Review:
TIMES READ
I have read this multiple times in the last 6 years.
WHEN I FIRST READ
I read this in paperback (I have a copy back in the Philippines) around 2008 or 2009.
WHAT I REMEMBER
I remember a lady bargaining her virtue to the financier Rafe Pendragon and the story was (and still is) sizzling. I have also read multiple books by Tracy Anne Warren that mention Rafe Pendragon as the investor that helped a few heroes in Warren's other books become rich (see Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed)
WHY I WANTED TO RE-READ
Because I wanted to go back and read a sizzling historical romance (without the erotica).
HOW I FELT AFTER RE-READING
I felt the same. A few parts brought me to tears (again) and the romance still worked for me. However, I hated Rafe a little after he broke things off with Lady Julianna Hawthorne. I knew that he had a valid reason for it but now, I did not find what he did forgivable. I still like him as a hero but now, I see this aspect of his personality in a different light.
WOULD I RE-READ THIS BOOK AGAIN
Definitely! As with most of my favorite books, I reread them every few years or so.
This is perhaps one of my favorite books by Tracy Anne Warren. In fact, I believe this was the first book that I have read from her and she has become one of my auto-buy authors ever since. I have probably read this book about 5 times and I just love it. It's like every time I read it, I get sucked into the romance between Rafe and Julianna.
The way Miss Warren weaves in romance, love, and lust in the book is believable in a sense that as a reader, you would think that this kind of situation would really happen in reality. I love how both characters grow in this story - most especially Julianna. She starts off as a very proper, sort of insecure widow and becomes this independent and strong woman. Although there is still a bit of damsel in distress in her, it is not as pronounced as other heroines I have read. Her ultimate devastation when Rafe leaves her is typically a reaction and again very believable. I can feel her anguish and to be honest, I always shed a tear when I get to this part no matter how many times I read it.
When they are forced to marry, I love how Miss Warren wrote in Julianna's initial reaction. Julianna tries to show indifference to Rafe. Of course, she still loves him but she does show how hurt she is because of what he did.
I also love the hero, Rafe. Personally, I love reading about "rags to riches" heroes and Rafe is one of them. Rafe is also mentioned in other books (and I think other series) as one of the financiers that the gentlemen trust and use. He starts off as an uncaring, self-centered rogue. Later in the story, you see him develop into a hero worthy of Julianna's love. I love how Ms. Warren wrote in his back story, how we the readers are slowly introduced to why Rafe is as uncaring as he is and we get to understand the reason why he left Julianna.
All in all, this is a very enjoyable read that I love to read again (and I have been re-reading it).
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
Reread Review:
TIMES READ
I have read this multiple times in the last 6 years.
WHEN I FIRST READ
I read this in paperback (I have a copy back in the Philippines) around 2008 or 2009.
WHAT I REMEMBER
I remember a lady bargaining her virtue to the financier Rafe Pendragon and the story was (and still is) sizzling. I have also read multiple books by Tracy Anne Warren that mention Rafe Pendragon as the investor that helped a few heroes in Warren's other books become rich (see Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed)
WHY I WANTED TO RE-READ
Because I wanted to go back and read a sizzling historical romance (without the erotica).
HOW I FELT AFTER RE-READING
I felt the same. A few parts brought me to tears (again) and the romance still worked for me. However, I hated Rafe a little after he broke things off with Lady Julianna Hawthorne. I knew that he had a valid reason for it but now, I did not find what he did forgivable. I still like him as a hero but now, I see this aspect of his personality in a different light.
WOULD I RE-READ THIS BOOK AGAIN
Definitely! As with most of my favorite books, I reread them every few years or so.
December 29, 2021
Enjoyable read that kept my attention
This was a really well written book! I usually like a slower burn but the mistress premise makes sense here and the author did a pretty good job having feelings develop without the sexual tension fizzling. I always like a little more showing than telling so it would have been nice to have a few more non-smexy moments between the MCs to develop the relationship but that aspect was pretty HOT and I enjoyed how they interwove coupling and getting to know each other. The drama was pretty old school and traumatic involving rape and suicide of a former fiancé and the kidnapping of a very pregger heroine. Some of these old school tropes worked well but the lack of communication aspect was a little annoying. The excuse that the hero wanted to protect the heroine and later didn’t want to tell her due to her delicate condition is pretty thin. And I was going to give the heroine the benefit of the doubt but then she goes and says she would have made the SAME dumb decision even if she had known the truth… REALLY? 🤦♀️ Honestly that was an unnecessary comment meant to assuage the hero’s guilt, which again unnecessary… he should feel some guilt there. But even so, this book kept me nice and entertained and was over all pretty enjoyable!
This was a really well written book! I usually like a slower burn but the mistress premise makes sense here and the author did a pretty good job having feelings develop without the sexual tension fizzling. I always like a little more showing than telling so it would have been nice to have a few more non-smexy moments between the MCs to develop the relationship but that aspect was pretty HOT and I enjoyed how they interwove coupling and getting to know each other. The drama was pretty old school and traumatic involving rape and suicide of a former fiancé and the kidnapping of a very pregger heroine. Some of these old school tropes worked well but the lack of communication aspect was a little annoying. The excuse that the hero wanted to protect the heroine and later didn’t want to tell her due to her delicate condition is pretty thin. And I was going to give the heroine the benefit of the doubt but then she goes and says she would have made the SAME dumb decision even if she had known the truth… REALLY? 🤦♀️ Honestly that was an unnecessary comment meant to assuage the hero’s guilt, which again unnecessary… he should feel some guilt there. But even so, this book kept me nice and entertained and was over all pretty enjoyable!
December 28, 2017
leído en Marzo 2012
Me gustó mucho!!
Amante Honrada
Argumento:
El financiero de Londres Rafe Pendragon tiene reputación de cruel; y, la exótica belleza, Julianna Hawthorne, está decidida a zanjar la deuda que su hermano tiene con él. Cautivada por el magnífico aspecto varonil de Rafe, debilitada por su embriagadora mezcla de peligro y sensualidad, Julianna audazmente está de acuerdo con los escandalosos términos de Rafe: seis meses como su amante. Cuando los intensos ojos verdes de Rafe perforan su cuerpo y lo hacen arder, Julianna sólo puede imaginar qué emociones podrá liberar su beso. Rendido a los placeres de la seducción y el placer carnal, Rafe nunca se esperó que el amor fuera el precio a pagar por su trato. Cuando se da cuenta de que un enemigo vengativo puede hacer daño a Julianna debido a que su enlace clandestino podría ser expuesto, Rafe debe elegir entre amarla y protegerla. Para salvar a su amante honrada, Rafe debe arriesgar lo que él ya ha perdido: su corazón.
Me gustó mucho!!
Amante Honrada
Argumento:
El financiero de Londres Rafe Pendragon tiene reputación de cruel; y, la exótica belleza, Julianna Hawthorne, está decidida a zanjar la deuda que su hermano tiene con él. Cautivada por el magnífico aspecto varonil de Rafe, debilitada por su embriagadora mezcla de peligro y sensualidad, Julianna audazmente está de acuerdo con los escandalosos términos de Rafe: seis meses como su amante. Cuando los intensos ojos verdes de Rafe perforan su cuerpo y lo hacen arder, Julianna sólo puede imaginar qué emociones podrá liberar su beso. Rendido a los placeres de la seducción y el placer carnal, Rafe nunca se esperó que el amor fuera el precio a pagar por su trato. Cuando se da cuenta de que un enemigo vengativo puede hacer daño a Julianna debido a que su enlace clandestino podría ser expuesto, Rafe debe elegir entre amarla y protegerla. Para salvar a su amante honrada, Rafe debe arriesgar lo que él ya ha perdido: su corazón.
December 17, 2016
I'll start by saying I did enjoy this book. I'm not often a fan of being put inside the villain's POV, which this book did a handful of times. Not a lot but enough to give me the goosies because he was a major creep with a ego problem. Ick!
The book blurb pretty much gives you what you need to understand the story, and how it's laid out as it progresses. The book is much longer than I anticipated when I began, I'll admit. And although it covers a good span of time from beginning to end about a year and half total (maybe) it's understandable. Although some of the latter half of the book I felt could have been cut down significantly due to a lot of inner musings from Julianna and dragging out the discord between the two.
I did often find myself wishing for more of an inside look into Rafe and Julianna's lover meetups. Sometimes we got to be there when they happened and sometimes we were told about them as an afterthought in the next chapter. For a six month liaison between the two I can understand how detailing each time together would be too much but there were a few times I wouldn't have minded a bit more.
Rafe and Julianna had good chemistry and I felt complimented each other well. In many ways they helped each other blossom and grow, especially in Julianna's case.
My only complaints were... (marking as spoilers just in case)
Still a good book despite my complaints. Long though. Will still check out the rest of the series.
The book blurb pretty much gives you what you need to understand the story, and how it's laid out as it progresses. The book is much longer than I anticipated when I began, I'll admit. And although it covers a good span of time from beginning to end about a year and half total (maybe) it's understandable. Although some of the latter half of the book I felt could have been cut down significantly due to a lot of inner musings from Julianna and dragging out the discord between the two.
I did often find myself wishing for more of an inside look into Rafe and Julianna's lover meetups. Sometimes we got to be there when they happened and sometimes we were told about them as an afterthought in the next chapter. For a six month liaison between the two I can understand how detailing each time together would be too much but there were a few times I wouldn't have minded a bit more.
Rafe and Julianna had good chemistry and I felt complimented each other well. In many ways they helped each other blossom and grow, especially in Julianna's case.
My only complaints were... (marking as spoilers just in case)
Still a good book despite my complaints. Long though. Will still check out the rest of the series.
January 7, 2021
Another enjoyable read by TA Warren
December 31, 2025
I really liked the premise, and Rafe, and even Juliana until about 60% and then it went downhill with the I love you, I hate you drama again and again. The worst part is that the emotions were building so well, why would you destroy that with the villainy and the overplotting?
Quotes -
“No tricks. No deceits. Whether or not you trust me is entirely up to you. You have my permission to forget this day ever happened and let your brother settle his own debts. Good day, Lady Hawthorne. I have other business to conduct.”
“Her brows furrowed. I can barely think, and he wants to know about authors and books?”
“In the month since their affair began, she found herself becoming obsessed with the man. When she was with Rafe, he commanded her focus entirely. When they were apart, he was never completely out of her thoughts.”
“Beyond that she didn’t know. She loved Rafe and wanted to be with him, but anything permanent seemed impossible. Despite his fortune, he was not a suitable parti. To marry him would be to give up her place in Society. She would face social censure, and no doubt lose most of her friends and connections.” - It's the pretentious behavior like this that ruins it for me.
“Marry me, he’d asked?
Once, she would surely have leapt at the offer in spite of all the impediments that stood in the way of their union. For the promise of his love, she knew she would have been willing to turn her back on the life she had always known in order to forge a new one with him—Society and its rules be damned.
But Rafe did not love her, she reminded herself, and as honorable as his proposal might be, it came from a sense of duty and pride. For all the real sentiment involved, he might as well have been arranging one of his many business dealings. There would likely have been more genuine pleasure at the anticipated outcome.” - TALK TO HIM.
“He’d given her up to protect her. He’d married her to do the same. He would honor his vows.” - Such a nice guy, Rafe.
Quotes -
“No tricks. No deceits. Whether or not you trust me is entirely up to you. You have my permission to forget this day ever happened and let your brother settle his own debts. Good day, Lady Hawthorne. I have other business to conduct.”
“Her brows furrowed. I can barely think, and he wants to know about authors and books?”
“In the month since their affair began, she found herself becoming obsessed with the man. When she was with Rafe, he commanded her focus entirely. When they were apart, he was never completely out of her thoughts.”
“Beyond that she didn’t know. She loved Rafe and wanted to be with him, but anything permanent seemed impossible. Despite his fortune, he was not a suitable parti. To marry him would be to give up her place in Society. She would face social censure, and no doubt lose most of her friends and connections.” - It's the pretentious behavior like this that ruins it for me.
“Marry me, he’d asked?
Once, she would surely have leapt at the offer in spite of all the impediments that stood in the way of their union. For the promise of his love, she knew she would have been willing to turn her back on the life she had always known in order to forge a new one with him—Society and its rules be damned.
But Rafe did not love her, she reminded herself, and as honorable as his proposal might be, it came from a sense of duty and pride. For all the real sentiment involved, he might as well have been arranging one of his many business dealings. There would likely have been more genuine pleasure at the anticipated outcome.” - TALK TO HIM.
“He’d given her up to protect her. He’d married her to do the same. He would honor his vows.” - Such a nice guy, Rafe.
November 18, 2013
Not the best book ever, but well managed, entertaining and very easy to read through.
I liked how the plot was managed at first with a hint of blackmail but nevertheless consent of both parties involved in the affair. And the first assignment in this affair with the widow expecting the same "less than 15 minutes lying in the dark waiting for the male to do his deed and maybe thinking of England' that she had experienced with her former much older husband turned out interestingly and once again was tactfully and realistically managed by the author. I also liked that we got to understand how their relationship evolved from there without a long and too detailed list of their assignments and sexual practices.
However the last third of the book was impaired by an accumulation of small misunderstandings and misbehaviors coming from a lack of communication between the 2 that should have at least partly been avoided.
I'll look forward to the following books in this series.
I liked how the plot was managed at first with a hint of blackmail but nevertheless consent of both parties involved in the affair. And the first assignment in this affair with the widow expecting the same "less than 15 minutes lying in the dark waiting for the male to do his deed and maybe thinking of England' that she had experienced with her former much older husband turned out interestingly and once again was tactfully and realistically managed by the author. I also liked that we got to understand how their relationship evolved from there without a long and too detailed list of their assignments and sexual practices.
However the last third of the book was impaired by an accumulation of small misunderstandings and misbehaviors coming from a lack of communication between the 2 that should have at least partly been avoided.
I'll look forward to the following books in this series.
March 27, 2016
I had heard so much about the fabulous Rafe Pendragon while reading the Bryon Family series that I decided to search TAW's backlist to see if he had a book. He did and boy was Rafe Pendragon was a HUGE disappointment.....HUGE! Lady Julia the heroine and her family started out interesting if not well fleshed out, but Rafe.....what a dead bore. Jealous, immature and unnaturally possessive, I couldn't stand him. also the revenge plot-line was too over the top. I really hate it when heroines disregard their safety, especially pregnant ones and Lady Julia who started out great was in the end another disappointment.
February 17, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I liked it.
So this was about paying the debt trope which is a regular kind of book for me. Julianna a widow saved her brother by being a mistress of Rafe for six months. There were hot scenes instantly so it was over whelming. They had to meet secretly because Rafe was not from the ton and worst a bastard.
The dangerous part of the story was not mentioned in the blurb so I was surprised. It should have been a good inclusion in the story but it wasn't the focus so It was like it didn't hit the right combination. The villain only appeared infrequently.
I like it nonetheless but I won't read it again.
So this was about paying the debt trope which is a regular kind of book for me. Julianna a widow saved her brother by being a mistress of Rafe for six months. There were hot scenes instantly so it was over whelming. They had to meet secretly because Rafe was not from the ton and worst a bastard.
The dangerous part of the story was not mentioned in the blurb so I was surprised. It should have been a good inclusion in the story but it wasn't the focus so It was like it didn't hit the right combination. The villain only appeared infrequently.
I like it nonetheless but I won't read it again.
April 21, 2017
I liked that Julianna was legit his mistress at first and wasn't a ~kinda/sorta~ situation.
September 30, 2014
When Julianna hears that her brother has been gambling, a big debt, that he is unable to pay off. She sets off to see Rafe Pendragon, one of the major financiers in London. When she goes to Rafe trying to work out a deal, he will only except one things: full payment of the debt or have her as his mistress for six months, and she agrees against her better judgment, but there is something about Rafe that calls to her. Julianna was married for five years before she became a widow, and since that time has never thought of another man, until Rafe. As he shows her the pleasures of the bedroom, they start to form a bond to each other, sharing deep secrets, and for the first time Julianna finds herself being able to share with Rafe what she can't share with others, every part of herself. But Rafe has a enemy, a brother, who despises him. Afraid that if he continues a relationship with Julianna that her life may be put in danger....he has to decide what is the better course of action...choose to be with Julianna or set her aside for her own protection...
My Fair Mistress is the first book in this trilogy, Tracy Anne Warren, is one of those authors you can enjoy her stories over and over again. My Fair Mistress is a prime example of what makes me love romances, especially the historical genre. She brings characters to life, and in my opinion, this is one of her best works. Although I will say there hasn't been a book of hers that I have read that I didn't enjoy immensely...but there was something so sensual and poignant about this story. Its not your typical mistress romance...in fact upon reading this, you see more of a slow and sweet romance story that just pulls at your heartstrings. Rafe is a illegitimate son of a Lord, but his father died, and his brother kicked his mother off the property that she was living at, and as Rafe was making a name for himself in the financial world, his brother sought revenge. Rafe will do anything to protect those he loves. What he doesn't expect is to fall in love with his mistress, but he finds Julianna a woman of beauty and caring, a woman that doesn't deceive, and she is like a breath of fresh air for Rafe. But soon his past starts to take over his future, and will he be able to find a future with the woman that he truly loves and would do anything for?
I found myself falling in love with Rafe and Julianna with each chapter. In the first half of the story, there is quite a few bedroom scenes, but nothing too explicit, just sweet and charming, and even though its sensual there is a sense of friendship and affection forming between the two, scenes were they are playful together (those were my favorites) just seeing a emotional connection form with the physical. One of the things I really admired about this story, was the focus on the emotional bond between these two, the love story was the priority, and it was so tender seeing these two come together. They go through some rough patches, but when I finished it...I had the feeling of pure satisfaction and I wanted to read it again I loved it so much. Overall a winning romance that stole my heart, and a story to win yours!! EMOTIONALLY RIVETING!!
My Fair Mistress is the first book in this trilogy, Tracy Anne Warren, is one of those authors you can enjoy her stories over and over again. My Fair Mistress is a prime example of what makes me love romances, especially the historical genre. She brings characters to life, and in my opinion, this is one of her best works. Although I will say there hasn't been a book of hers that I have read that I didn't enjoy immensely...but there was something so sensual and poignant about this story. Its not your typical mistress romance...in fact upon reading this, you see more of a slow and sweet romance story that just pulls at your heartstrings. Rafe is a illegitimate son of a Lord, but his father died, and his brother kicked his mother off the property that she was living at, and as Rafe was making a name for himself in the financial world, his brother sought revenge. Rafe will do anything to protect those he loves. What he doesn't expect is to fall in love with his mistress, but he finds Julianna a woman of beauty and caring, a woman that doesn't deceive, and she is like a breath of fresh air for Rafe. But soon his past starts to take over his future, and will he be able to find a future with the woman that he truly loves and would do anything for?
I found myself falling in love with Rafe and Julianna with each chapter. In the first half of the story, there is quite a few bedroom scenes, but nothing too explicit, just sweet and charming, and even though its sensual there is a sense of friendship and affection forming between the two, scenes were they are playful together (those were my favorites) just seeing a emotional connection form with the physical. One of the things I really admired about this story, was the focus on the emotional bond between these two, the love story was the priority, and it was so tender seeing these two come together. They go through some rough patches, but when I finished it...I had the feeling of pure satisfaction and I wanted to read it again I loved it so much. Overall a winning romance that stole my heart, and a story to win yours!! EMOTIONALLY RIVETING!!
January 25, 2013
DNF.
The first two chapters contained out-of-character type characterizations.
Heroine is a widowed gentlewoman (not impoverished) with a well dowered sister ready to make her comeout in two weeks, and a scoundral of a younger brother who has put the family deep into debt. In order to save her brother from ruin, she seeks out the money lending hero to work out some type of payment.
For a virtuous woman with a sister about to make her comeout, she way to readily agrees to become the hero's mistress for six month (equal five thousand pounda a month!) in exchange for the debt.
And then she bemoans her horid fate, to bed a handsome, wealthy, viral male, she feels an attraction for, over and over again.
Geeze. Poor young, lonely, pretty, woman. If only, I could trade places. I'd walk away with a huge smile on my face.
And then the hero, who is supposed to be ruthless, uncompromising, unscupulous in business, feels bad about the offer, which he made to scare her away. If he's such a ruthless business man, why only six months? Why agree to to keep the affaire secret? And why does he feel bad?
I hate it when characters are watered down for public consumption showing a ruthless bad guy is really a good guy because he uses his consious every once in a while. Give me a real alpha male who doesn't care.
I moved on to seek better characterizations. Dissapointing since the premise from the BOB blog showed promise.
The first two chapters contained out-of-character type characterizations.
Heroine is a widowed gentlewoman (not impoverished) with a well dowered sister ready to make her comeout in two weeks, and a scoundral of a younger brother who has put the family deep into debt. In order to save her brother from ruin, she seeks out the money lending hero to work out some type of payment.
For a virtuous woman with a sister about to make her comeout, she way to readily agrees to become the hero's mistress for six month (equal five thousand pounda a month!) in exchange for the debt.
And then she bemoans her horid fate, to bed a handsome, wealthy, viral male, she feels an attraction for, over and over again.
Geeze. Poor young, lonely, pretty, woman. If only, I could trade places. I'd walk away with a huge smile on my face.
And then the hero, who is supposed to be ruthless, uncompromising, unscupulous in business, feels bad about the offer, which he made to scare her away. If he's such a ruthless business man, why only six months? Why agree to to keep the affaire secret? And why does he feel bad?
I hate it when characters are watered down for public consumption showing a ruthless bad guy is really a good guy because he uses his consious every once in a while. Give me a real alpha male who doesn't care.
I moved on to seek better characterizations. Dissapointing since the premise from the BOB blog showed promise.
August 23, 2011
This was a very romantic moving, passionate, sensual and historical romance! And such a absorbing theme and story which has continued to grasp my attention from page one! As the blurb tells you what the book is about, just a few thoughts of mine.
I should of read this author before now! But then again, I get to savor reading them now :) Author Warren keeps the story of Rafe and Julianna captivating throughout the book. I know that the two friends story (the Duke and Marquis) will be in the next two books. Hoping that in the future, there would be a story on Julianna's brother since he had much growing up to do but would like to re-visit with the heroine's family. It was great to read a side romance of the sister Maris. I got so caught up with the characters that I was reacting emotionally to all that was happening! Love when that happens.
One itty bitty bug that put it to a 4 3/4 starts would be how long they kept the misunderstanding between them and not spoke of it together which I see this happening in books with the conflict and so wanted them to resolve it immediately but can see both their stubbornness. But they came not to struggling within them about their love they discover. I do love when the characters are true to themselves.
This author will now be an autobuy!
I should of read this author before now! But then again, I get to savor reading them now :) Author Warren keeps the story of Rafe and Julianna captivating throughout the book. I know that the two friends story (the Duke and Marquis) will be in the next two books. Hoping that in the future, there would be a story on Julianna's brother since he had much growing up to do but would like to re-visit with the heroine's family. It was great to read a side romance of the sister Maris. I got so caught up with the characters that I was reacting emotionally to all that was happening! Love when that happens.
One itty bitty bug that put it to a 4 3/4 starts would be how long they kept the misunderstanding between them and not spoke of it together which I see this happening in books with the conflict and so wanted them to resolve it immediately but can see both their stubbornness. But they came not to struggling within them about their love they discover. I do love when the characters are true to themselves.
This author will now be an autobuy!
Read
May 24, 2024My Fair Mistress has, quite frankly, been a big disappointment for me. I really enjoyed and loved Tracy Anne Warren's Trap trilogy, but almost everything else I've read by her since hasn't lived up to my expectations.
My problem with this book was that I found it so incredibly boring. There's a whole lot of sex in it, which I'm not a big fan of, but I already expected it considering the premise of the book. However, even though the author tried to keep things creative in the bedroom, it still lacked excitement and depth.
When I started to get bored, I skipped ahead and found I wasn't really interested in what was going on. So, I read through the other reviews and found more reasons to believe I just wasn't going to enjoy this book and decided to leave it unfinished.
My opinion is that if you like a lot of sex in your romances and like miscommunication/misunderstanding tropes, you might enjoy this story.
I hope I'll eventually stumble upon more Tracy Anne books that I can love.
My problem with this book was that I found it so incredibly boring. There's a whole lot of sex in it, which I'm not a big fan of, but I already expected it considering the premise of the book. However, even though the author tried to keep things creative in the bedroom, it still lacked excitement and depth.
When I started to get bored, I skipped ahead and found I wasn't really interested in what was going on. So, I read through the other reviews and found more reasons to believe I just wasn't going to enjoy this book and decided to leave it unfinished.
My opinion is that if you like a lot of sex in your romances and like miscommunication/misunderstanding tropes, you might enjoy this story.
I hope I'll eventually stumble upon more Tracy Anne books that I can love.
January 22, 2017
Ale že aká dobrá chuťovečka. Po prvýkrát som prišla do kontaktu s pani Warren a musím priznať, že som milo prekvapená. Veľmi na mňa zapôsobila. Najmä svojim spôsobom podania príbehu. Krásne sa rozpisovala, krásne opisovala - tak ako to mám rada a tak ako mi to vie presne pohladiť dušu.
Naviac úvodná scéna bola do-ko-na-lá. A to najmä z toho dôvodu, že hneď človeka vtiahla do deja a naviac ho z neho nechcela pustiť. Veľmi dlho veru trvalo, kým som z knihy po prvýkrát odtrhla oči. Zvedavosť ma poháňala čítať ďalej ;-)
Musím priznať, veľmi dobré!
Odkaz pre autorku Warren: Ešte sme spolu neskončili! ;-) ...alebo by som mala napísať: Dúfam, že sme spolu neskončili? ;-D
Naviac úvodná scéna bola do-ko-na-lá. A to najmä z toho dôvodu, že hneď človeka vtiahla do deja a naviac ho z neho nechcela pustiť. Veľmi dlho veru trvalo, kým som z knihy po prvýkrát odtrhla oči. Zvedavosť ma poháňala čítať ďalej ;-)
Musím priznať, veľmi dobré!
Odkaz pre autorku Warren: Ešte sme spolu neskončili! ;-) ...alebo by som mala napísať: Dúfam, že sme spolu neskončili? ;-D
December 1, 2018
Loved it !!
October 25, 2010
This is one, I will not get sucked into the series! I finished it, which makes it a two star. I someone out there likes sex scenes more than a plot, this is the book for you.
August 8, 2011
Smut, smut, wonderful smut. And always a happy ending!
December 3, 2017
The fırst part is boring with sex after sex scenes
September 19, 2025
September Readathon
3+
Too long and I have some quibbles with it, but among the better I've read so far this month.
I say too long because the plot dallies so indulgently with the couples' dalliances it then has to rush all the rest: the villain and conflicts and getting their affair-turned-marriage-misunderstanding all sorted out. There's a lot of time spent with them spending time together for their trysts (falling in love), so much so it becomes too much of both--too much going nowhere sex, then too much to juggle to reach the fast-approaching conclusion.
I don't necessarily begrudge numerous sex scenes, especially ones that build the character and relationship arc, which these generally did. But I'd say you could nix two of them at least, and then shift more energies into the meta-conflict and larger plot, and wind up with a more satisfying altogether read.
I'm glad they were such a great match and so horny and breathless about one another. I mean, that is part of why we read these. And I genuinely enjoyed them together and believed in their falling in love story. But -- this aspect delivered two burdens to the rest of the book.
The first being as I said with the lopsided plotting, and then the second being the main conflict introduced for the couple was an unsaid|misunderstanding. Those are tiresome enough on their own, but such a thin reason for conflict between a couple who have just spent 200 pages adoring one another and having no reason to do otherwise, it felt forced.
There was plenty already in the works to bring conflict, including having the "didn't tell her for her protection" angle. But that angle should play out quickly to goose the plot along and not become an artificial drag. And this pair -- with their chemistry, their neat fit, their obvious if not admitting it besottedness -- deserved an us-against-the-world conflict, not omissions and presumptions as they grow more cold and tight-lipped toward each other. That would have really suited and mirrored their relationship arc as well, given they fell in love in a cloistered place-out-of-reality.
I also wasn't sure we needed the extra devastation of the hero's first, and horribly lost, love. It was a maudlin addition, and didn't add anything to the story for me. Including the simplistic truth of it it appealing less to my preferences than a hero who experiences first-ever-love thanks to the heroine.
The villain was bad enough without it; and the villain could have done harm instead to the hero's mother or have the hero know from some point the actions taken against their father. That would have been plenty enough for the hero's want for revenge--and the villain was already, and in his way understandably, going to feel the hero was his enemy.
For these criticisms, I did enjoy the read. Warren's prose is appealing and readable, the structure overall tracks, as does the scene geography and accounting of the various other nicely drawn characters. There is page-by-page, and even same page, head-hopping from the hero to the heroine and back--to wring the most pathos and reaction and drama from a moment--but overall I didn't mind it.
I gave an approving nod to the small twist that the hero offered the old plot canard of "sleep with me to clear the debt" as a deterrent, expecting her to quail and flee. Then having to live with the consequences when she didn't. And to heroine's younger brother who knocked over the first plot domino learning his lesson and growing into a matured, and concerned, keeper of his two sisters.
I very much liked the leads and their build from lovers to love to HEA. The hero being so excited about and wanting of his son is great (as was his barging in and being with the heroine giving birth). The heroine being forthright and no pushover but willingly vulnerable was also great. They're a good match.
The hero has two lifelong friends who assist him in various ways in this book. I lucked out and found the first of the trio at the library sale rather than having to unwittingly read the next or the next-next beforehand, and I would nab the next and next-next if I ever see them.
3+
Too long and I have some quibbles with it, but among the better I've read so far this month.
I say too long because the plot dallies so indulgently with the couples' dalliances it then has to rush all the rest: the villain and conflicts and getting their affair-turned-marriage-misunderstanding all sorted out. There's a lot of time spent with them spending time together for their trysts (falling in love), so much so it becomes too much of both--too much going nowhere sex, then too much to juggle to reach the fast-approaching conclusion.
I don't necessarily begrudge numerous sex scenes, especially ones that build the character and relationship arc, which these generally did. But I'd say you could nix two of them at least, and then shift more energies into the meta-conflict and larger plot, and wind up with a more satisfying altogether read.
I'm glad they were such a great match and so horny and breathless about one another. I mean, that is part of why we read these. And I genuinely enjoyed them together and believed in their falling in love story. But -- this aspect delivered two burdens to the rest of the book.
The first being as I said with the lopsided plotting, and then the second being the main conflict introduced for the couple was an unsaid|misunderstanding. Those are tiresome enough on their own, but such a thin reason for conflict between a couple who have just spent 200 pages adoring one another and having no reason to do otherwise, it felt forced.
There was plenty already in the works to bring conflict, including having the "didn't tell her for her protection" angle. But that angle should play out quickly to goose the plot along and not become an artificial drag. And this pair -- with their chemistry, their neat fit, their obvious if not admitting it besottedness -- deserved an us-against-the-world conflict, not omissions and presumptions as they grow more cold and tight-lipped toward each other. That would have really suited and mirrored their relationship arc as well, given they fell in love in a cloistered place-out-of-reality.
I also wasn't sure we needed the extra devastation of the hero's first, and horribly lost, love. It was a maudlin addition, and didn't add anything to the story for me. Including the simplistic truth of it it appealing less to my preferences than a hero who experiences first-ever-love thanks to the heroine.
The villain was bad enough without it; and the villain could have done harm instead to the hero's mother or have the hero know from some point the actions taken against their father. That would have been plenty enough for the hero's want for revenge--and the villain was already, and in his way understandably, going to feel the hero was his enemy.
For these criticisms, I did enjoy the read. Warren's prose is appealing and readable, the structure overall tracks, as does the scene geography and accounting of the various other nicely drawn characters. There is page-by-page, and even same page, head-hopping from the hero to the heroine and back--to wring the most pathos and reaction and drama from a moment--but overall I didn't mind it.
I gave an approving nod to the small twist that the hero offered the old plot canard of "sleep with me to clear the debt" as a deterrent, expecting her to quail and flee. Then having to live with the consequences when she didn't. And to heroine's younger brother who knocked over the first plot domino learning his lesson and growing into a matured, and concerned, keeper of his two sisters.
I very much liked the leads and their build from lovers to love to HEA. The hero being so excited about and wanting of his son is great (as was his barging in and being with the heroine giving birth). The heroine being forthright and no pushover but willingly vulnerable was also great. They're a good match.
The hero has two lifelong friends who assist him in various ways in this book. I lucked out and found the first of the trio at the library sale rather than having to unwittingly read the next or the next-next beforehand, and I would nab the next and next-next if I ever see them.
November 12, 2020
Okay, so I had read this before and I initially rated it lower. I'm not sure why. First off, this book is super hot. Tons of sex scenes (so if you're into that, read this book. If you're into sex scenes with food, read this book, if you're into controlling and dominating alpha heroes, read this book).
Rafe Pendragon was born into a love match, unfortunately his father was a peer who was already married, but fell in love with a vicar's daughter and ending up getting her with child. So, Rafe is an illegitimate son of a viscount. His father loves him and his mother so much, he sends him to school and gives him every opportunity that he can. Unfortunately, his half brother who is his father's heir, upon his father's death kicks out Rafe's mother and screws them out of the money that was left for them in his will. This time in Rafe's life has hardened him, and he is now become a ruthless financier in London trying to get revenge on enemies from his past. He has loaned 30,000 pounds to Harry, Lord Allerton, and his debt has come due. He doesn't have the funds to pay it so Juliana goes to him to try to pay off his debt. Rafe tries to scare her away by saying he will forgive the debt if she becomes his mistress for 6 months. There is lots more, but this book is also plot heavy so I am not going to unpack it all. I, without a doubt recommend this book and series, but beware there is a pregnancy after someone thinks they are barren and CW for rape and murder. I can't wait till my reread of The Accidental Mistress because Ethan Andarton is my all time book boyfriend ❤
Rafe Pendragon was born into a love match, unfortunately his father was a peer who was already married, but fell in love with a vicar's daughter and ending up getting her with child. So, Rafe is an illegitimate son of a viscount. His father loves him and his mother so much, he sends him to school and gives him every opportunity that he can. Unfortunately, his half brother who is his father's heir, upon his father's death kicks out Rafe's mother and screws them out of the money that was left for them in his will. This time in Rafe's life has hardened him, and he is now become a ruthless financier in London trying to get revenge on enemies from his past. He has loaned 30,000 pounds to Harry, Lord Allerton, and his debt has come due. He doesn't have the funds to pay it so Juliana goes to him to try to pay off his debt. Rafe tries to scare her away by saying he will forgive the debt if she becomes his mistress for 6 months. There is lots more, but this book is also plot heavy so I am not going to unpack it all. I, without a doubt recommend this book and series, but beware there is a pregnancy after someone thinks they are barren and CW for rape and murder. I can't wait till my reread of The Accidental Mistress because Ethan Andarton is my all time book boyfriend ❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
This book was better than I expected it to be! My first read by TAW and I was impressed. The premise isn’t super common and I liked that the author took some chances and created flawed characters with depth. Both Rafe and Juliana were more than they appeared. The pacing was perfect for me b/c I love books that move along quickly and don’t drag on needlessly. There is a ton of well written steam and I was really rooting for this couple. There is always good angst in books with mistress tropes, especially when the couple are from different levels in society’s pov. What’s different here is that the heroine/mistress is the higher ranking of the couple. Overall I loved this book and would reread it so 5 stars!
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