Limecello’s review of Mistress by Mistake by Maggie Robinson
Historical romance released by Brava 1 May 10
Mistress by Mistake is Maggie Robinson’s debut book, and I think she’s off to a good start. I read and heard absolutely raving reviews for this book, so I knew I wanted to read it. I enjoyed the book, but there were some basic points the plot rested upon that I couldn’t entirely get over. The fact that I was generally able to compartmentalize it, however, is an indication of Ms. Robinson’s quality of writing.
I want to say wonderful things about Charlotte Fallon, but I just can’t bring myself to make that blanket statement. I did quite like her, and pretty much everything about her, except for how Charlotte felt about, or reacted to Bay. To be quite honest, it made my head a little “splodey.” Let me explain. Charlotte rushes to London to see her sister. Basically for no reason, and ends up involved with Michael. (Her sister was supposed to be his mistress. But her sister runs off. No, we’re not at the illogical part yet.) What got me was that Charlotts didn’t like Michael. In fact she tries to escape a few times, stealing paintings, attempts braining him, etc. Yet she’s more than happy to have sex with him (a lot), and stay on, and cares for and about him. Stockholm syndrome doesn’t even fit here. Anyway, the basic development of the romance or relationship was rather nonexistent for me. Later, I could believe Charlotte stayed and had affection for Bay. It’s just – what initially made her stay/fall for him? (His minor threat wasn’t enough for me.) That’s what kept nagging me throughout the book.
That being said, Sir Michael Bayard is an interesting hero. He’s rather a mix of things, and nothing about him particularly stands out. Not that he isn’t a good guy and a worthy hero of a romance novel. Bay is somewhat selfish at turns, but is entertained by Charlotte, or Charlie, and does his best to get to her. I liked that he was smart and generally rational, yet at times stupid. Bay is incredibly persuasive, and generally gets his way with Charlotte throughout the book. His servants adore him, and he gets himself into a few scrapes, trying to get what he wants, but helps others along the way. In short, he’s an English gentleman who is willing to lend a hand to someone who needs it. His letters are also very sweet, and it’s charming how he thinks Charlie knows how he feels about her, when he hasn’t said a thing. (Bay is also your typical idiot male who can’t admit to himself he’s in love.)
The secondary characters were interesting. The servants were more likable than Charlotte’s sister… and the plot definitely had a lot more than I had expected. There was a time or two when the story lagged a bit for me, but then an unexpected twist or turn would occur. There’s a crazy woman from Michael’s past (there’s always a crazy ex lover, right?) who simply cannot leave Bay and Charlie alone. For all that the story line was new, I felt the “villain’s” character was a bit flat.
As a total aside, I didn’t think much of the title as/for a romance – rather par for the course, right? However, I ran a search on the title to get the information on this review, and found some “real life” mistress by mistake stuff… so that was quite interesting.
But, back to the story. I loved the description of Charlie’s home, and then her encounter with her neighbors while acting as Bay’s mistress. The secondary romances were also cute, very short, and definitely didn’t distract from Bay and Charlie’s story, which I appreciated. I’ll definitely be looking for more of Ms. Robinson’s books. I enjoyed her writing and voice, and can’t wait to get my hands on Mistress by Midnight – the premise of that story!!! In conclusion, I recommend those of you who enjoy historical romances and are looking for something new give this book a try.
Grade: C
Passion is all they have in common …
Scandal is only the beginning…
Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once—and she’s paid dearly for it ever since. She swore she’d never succumb to men’s desires again. But even a village spinster’s life miles from temptation can’t save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever. Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost…
Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress. He’d fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance. But he didn’t expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms. Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them…
A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime. Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society’s judgments. Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love…
Read an excerpt here.
