Limecello’s review of The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress by Maya Banks
Contemporary romance released by Silhouette Desire on 13 Jan 09

I really like books in the Silhouette Desire Line. I also have a positive association with Maya Banks (even before I read her books, really). Thus it seemed natural that I like this book. And I did. I was very excited about this story because I know so many readers enjoy Ms. Banks’s writing, and I’m pleased with the result. The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress is Ms. Bank’s first harlequin romance, and she’s off to a great start.

One thing I’d like to get out of the way is… the title, and even more so the book blurb and premise, made me think it was a Harlequin Presents in disguise. (Yes, I like harlequin books and feel comfortable enough with certain lines that I feel I “know” them.) However, there was a part near the end that was much more in line with the SD books, and that helped a lot. The Tycoon’s Pregnant Mistress uses a lot of common harlequin plot devices – the mistress who doesn’t think of herself as one, the secret baby, the evil Jezebel personal assistant, and hero/heroine with amnesia, but Ms. Banks manages to put a fresh spin on it, and delivers an enjoyable story.

Marley Jameson while likable, is something of a typical romance heroine. She’s put her life on hold for the man in her life, and has those rose colored glasses taped to her face. Even so, she’s likable. She’s sweet, normal, and simply a bit stupid from being hit by the love stick. (Thus the reader knows her compliance and general door-mat behavior with the hero is abnormal.) I liked how Marley became a bit more spunky when she was “herself” – albeit with amnesia. In fact, I felt that Marley was well developed because Ms. Banks was able to highlight so many aspects of her personality due to her situation. I felt that Marley really came into her own near the end of the book, and the way she acted was entirely reasonable and believable.

Chrysander Anetakis honestly is your Harlequin Presents hero – but with a twist. Frankly, he’s a jerk. He denies his emotions because you know, real businessmen don’t fall in love. And being an asshole is the way to set things straight. However, in his defense, he does change throughout the course of the book. And he really does have a number of good qualities, he’s simply (really) not in touch with his emotions. It’s cute watching him realize how much he loves Marley. That, and I love his comeuppance when he finds out what really happened (no I won’t give away the plot). All in all, while many people might hate him, I liked Chrysander. I just wanted to smack him at times. But he really, truly does redeem himself.

One thing that did bother me was how Marley reacted to Chrysander after they got back together. She had some TSTL/door mat moments. The assistant, Roselyn was also too obvious. However, all the other characters were well developed – even amongst their less than stellar moments – and I am looking forward to the stories of the other Anetakis brothers. I recommend this book for Maya Banks fans, as well as Silhouette Desire, and in fact Harlequin Presents books. And for people who love to see the hero suffer just a bit. I’ve got a tiny sadistic streak, and Chrysander definitely goes through the wringer. The story is emotional, and there’s a endearing quality to all of it – especially the end.

Grade: B

Summary:

He had an heir!

Greek hotel magnate Chrysander Anetakis’s former mistress was pregnant? And had amnesia? That meant Marley Jameson didn’t remember betraying him by selling company secrets. Or that he’d thrown her out of his life. So he told her a little white lie: they were engaged. Then he swept her away to his Greek island to await the birth of his baby and enjoy her sudden devotion…before tossing her out.

But he didn’t count on Marley regaining her memory so soon.

Read an excerpt.