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book cover Limecello’s review of Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire’s Pleasure by India Grey
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Presents 10 Feb 09

The first thing I have to say, is that the title is ridiculous, and wrong. In fact, the title is pretty much the opposite of what the story is about. But, what can you do – it’s a Harlequin Presents, right? I bought it because India Grey wrote it, and she is fast becoming one of my favorite Presents authors. I believe that this is one of her earlier books. Ms. Grey manages to pack an entire saga into a category length. The characters journey – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Villains in the form of family, friends, exes, etc abound. It’s a delight.

Rachel Campion is a special heroine. First of all, her career is rather unique. Next… well frankly I was afraid I’d be reading about a whimpering, useless girl. Luckily, both Rachel and Ms. Grey proved me quite mistaken. When we first meet her, Rachel is timid, and letting everything and everyone around her control her. Generally, I’d find that annoying, but it just works in Rachel’s case. I believed it, considering her lifestyle and upbringing. Also what she had to deal with in the past. I understood and accepted the way she dealt with trauma, and how that has affected her presently.

Orlando Winterton – and what a name! Is quite the hero. He’s rich, and titled, and mean. But that’s really only what’s on the surface. Orlando has pretty much lost everything he had or ever wanted in his life, and finds out those he expected to depend on betrayed him at his lowest moment. Ouch. That, and he’s going blind. It’s amazing, however, that he’s able to function as he does, and hide his growing disability. Orlando is actually very selfless and kind, but his pride prevents him from explaining his actions, which make him appear to be cold and selfish.

There we so many moments in this book where I wanted to smack the characters… but Ms. Grey managed to just skate the edge of disaster, in my opinion, because I always wanted to read on, and never got fed up. While I wanted to shake sense into them, I always understood why Orlando or Rachel were acting as they were. (Granted Rachel was a bit too clueless at times. But – again, it makes sense. As well as why Orlando is so self protective.)

I absolutely loved the ending. I liked the unique stories and lives each character led… and even the theme of Chopin’s Nocturne in E. And I have to be impressed with an author who makes me like a composer I generally dislike. (Though yes, it’s a beautiful piece.) Both Rachel and Orlando grow as people. And, while I might wish most of the book was not them avoiding each other… it made sense how everything worked out. Both Rachel and Orlando had to work through a number of personal issues before being able to enter a relationship.

However, everything did work out and make sense in the end. I also liked how, while loose ends were tied up, they weren’t always nice in the result. It made the story that much more realistic – which helped a lot considering the content. I’m definitely going to be reading more of Ms. Grey’s books.

LimecelloGrade: B-

Summary:

Fast cars, glamorous socialites—everyday components of devastatingly handsome billionaire Orlando Winterton’s thrilling, decadent lifestyle…

When Rachel arrives at Orlando’s remote country estate in desperate need, Orlando cannot deny the pull of her fragile beauty, and takes her passionately. Then a baby is found abandoned on Orlando’s doorstep—allegedly his son!

Now Orlando will hire Rachel to take care of the child—and as long as she’s under his roof, he’ll keep on making love to her…until he’s got her out of his system!

Read an excerpt here.