Limecello’s review of Mistaken Mistress (Saxon Brides, Book 1) by Tessa Radley
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire on 14 Oct 08

I was excited about this book, and am so glad I read it. When I found out Tessa Radley had a new series coming out as an off-shoot of the Blackstones from the Diamond Down Under series, I was thrilled, especially since Ms. Radley’s book, Pride & A Pregnancy Secret was my favorite from the DDU series. Not only that, but who doesn’t love a story about a wine making family from Down Under? More to the point – Mistaken Mistress is the first book in Ms. Radley’s Saxon Brides trilogy, and its an excellent start. 

Alyssa Blake is a great heroine – and she’s incredibly nice. (A lot nicer than I would have been, definitely.) I love how human Alyssa is – the book starts out with her in a very volatile and uncertain situation. Rather than being brassy and abrasive, Alyssa is nervous, but squares her shoulders and does the best she can. The reader immediately empathizes with Alyssa. It doesn’t hurt that her life and experiences make her a very interesting character that you’re eager to read about. She’s smart, self made, vulnerable, and yet stubborn. Alyssa is her own person, and can definitely handle anything and everything that’s thrown at her. Alyssa definitely isn’t a door mat, but she’s not in your face and aggressive. She’s quite likable and admirable. It was nice to read about a character that had strong beliefs and is willing to stand by them.

Joshua Saxon is a hero’s hero. He’s rich, smart, someone everyone loves and looks up to – and did I mention rich? He’s a wine mogul, that seems cold and standoffish, but has a heart of gold. From the time we meet him, Joshua clearly has a number of nuances and complexities to his character to be discovered. I love how instant his attraction to Alyssa is, and then how he reacts once he finds out who she is. Joshua’s reactions are realistic and natural, but regardless of how people take them, the reader knows his heart is in the right place. I loved that Joshua was very stern, but truly a soft touch. He’s also dynamic in that he can act like a jerk, but shows remorse for treating someone unfairly. Joshua is affectionate once you get past the reserve, and sorting through the layers really helps forward the plot.

The story of Mistaken Mistress is rather complex, and very engaging. There’s a lot going on, but at no time does the plot become confusing or overbearing. It’s definitely something you have to read for yourself. It was also nice that the Alyssa and Joshua have a strong and instant reaction to each other, but it isn’t smooth sailing for them. Joshua believes Alyssa to be someone she isn’t, which creates tension between them. Add to that a scathing article Alyssa wrote about Joshua and Saxon Family Wines previously, and you have a great story on your hands.

I have to admit, at times I was a tad annoyed at the actions of the characters. Alyssa was something of a martyr. Yes, she promised not to disclose certain facts, but it did annoy me as to all the abuse she had to take. (Though I understand that she had to, and it was part of the story.) Nevertheless it never got to the point of overbearing. I also had a slight problem with the Saxon parent’s actions, but that was also a minor issue. Lastly, the complete about face in regards to Joshua’s actions, btu those are based on him learning some crucial information that changes his opinion.

The romance in Mistaken Mistress is very satisfying. Physical attraction is there from the start, but their emotional connection develops slowly, and is very believable. Joshua and Alyssa get to know each other and it’s clear they genuinely like each other, though they did not trust one another at first. It was also nice how Ms. Radley uses circumstances and the current situation to bring characters together.

Ms. Radley seems to have perfected the category romance. A great story, the perfect length, just enough to keep you interested – I can’t wait for her other novels (especially the rest of the Saxon Brides trilogy). Mistaken Mistress covers enough to be a believable and satisfying story, without choppy scenes or plot lines. The characters are developed, but at no point is the story bogged down by unnecessary description or imagery. I’m pretty sure I stayed up until 4 am to finish this book, and it was worth every minute. I definitely recommend this book if you like the Silhoutte Desire line, Ms. Radley’s books, or a nice contemporary romance that’s a quick read that’s well written.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Joshua Saxon, the arrogant millionaire who ran New Zealand’s premier winery, believed Alyssa Blake had been his late brother’s mistress. But the true connection between Alyssa and the Saxons was even more shocking.

From the first moment they met, both Alyssa and Joshua had been shaken by a passion that could not be denied. But what could the future hold for a man and woman with so many secrets and lies between them…?

Read an excerpt here.