Limecello’s review of The Maverick’s Virgin Mistress by Jennifer Lewis
Contemporary Romance published by Silhouette Desire 10 Nov 09
This is a horrible title, I know. (Or, not horrible especially considering Harlequin’s general ones…) Anyway – I got it because it was written by Jennifer Lewis, and also because its part of the new Texas Cattleman’s Club installment(s). I’m trying to work my way through those books in no particular order.
Alicia Montoya is a well written heroine – although a bit desperate. So, she’s never had sex before. The way Alicia/Ms. Lewis describes it, you’d think she had some sort of horrible communicable disease. I suppose I didn’t see the how/why it was “such a burden” or terrible thing for Alicia. She seemed so normal otherwise. Aside from that, however, Alicia is a warm, caring, and engaging individual. I liked that she had a brain (after she had sex- lets not analyze that please), and took steps to protect and assert herself.
Justin Dupree is sweet, sexy, desperate for Alicia, and… an ass. It seems to be a recurring trend recently, where the hero introduces himself to the heroine under a pseudonym, then gets stuck. I understand why he does it- and it makes sense, and even the resulting flare up is reasonable, but… sometimes over the top. Nevertheless, Justin is a good guy because he feels guilty and wants to come clean, and more importantly, almost does. Even better, Justin knows he was wrong – a hero willing to see and admit his flaws is always a step in the right direction. He’s sweet, charming, and very charismatic. Just… a bit confused.
I loved Alex. I love the overprotective big brother, and how he torments Justin. (I freely admit I love the hero who has to go through a bit of torture.) I think it was all the subsequent actions the characters took that really proved the depth of their affections. He’s a great secondary character, and I’ve been enjoying his cameo appearances throughout the series. Although he’s been painted as a villain, I sense there is so much more, and I’m looking forward to his book.
I suppose I have to analyze my issues with Alicia more. It seemed like there were two parts to this book. Pre-sex, and post- sex. Alicia was frankly, somewhat disturbing about how upset she was that she’d never had sex. In some ways her personality didn’t mesh. She was too naive or simplistic, and very self assured and demanding in other ways.
Aside from those issues, I liked the fact that characters from the previous books in the series were involved in this book. It was nice to see how everyone was doing, and still that this book could stand alone. I’m always impressed by the Silhouette Desire authors who manage to write a cohesive series where each book still can be read by itself. I liked the plot, and thought the story was sweet – just that sometimes the characters deserved to be smacked upside the head.
In the end, I recommend this book if you’ve been reading the Texas Cattleman’s Club series, are a fan of Jennifer Lewis, or Silhouette Desire books.
Grade: C
Texas Cattleman’s Club member Justin Dupree has met the perfect woman…too bad their relationship is built on a lie.
Her life in danger, Alicia Montoya turned to the one man she thought she could trust. Her new boyfriend—a tall, dark Texan—offered her refuge in his posh penthouse. And she eagerly accepted his proposal of protection…
…until she discovered her lover’s true identity: Justin Dupree, notorious playboy and her beloved brother’s enemy. She had given her virginity to a man who had betrayed her. How could she possibly accept anything this maverick said as truth?
Read an excerpt here.
