Limecello’s review of Mistress For a Month by Ann Major
Contemporary romance published by Silhouette on 1 May 08
Ann Major is an author I’m unsure about, but tend to like. Thus far, her books are hit or miss for me, but when she hits, they’re spot on. This was one such book. It’s typical of any other Silhouette Desire in some ways, yet completely different, and very well written.
Amelia Weatherbee starts off as a stereotypical character, one who just got tragic news and has decided to change her life. And she begins to take those steps, but there’s something different about Amy. She’s true to herself, and her emotions, but plays her cards close to herself. She’s also self aware, which I appreciated.
Remy de Fournier is a bit of a boilerplate category hero. He’s wealthy, titled even, smart, successful, tortured, a playboy, doesn’t want commitment, and more importantly, thinks he’s incapable of commitment or a serious relationship. What’s nice, however, is that he begins to change throughout the book, in a gradual believable way, and opens up with the heroine.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how realistic it was. Too often I read a book and think ‘no sane woman would ever do that.’ But I accept it, because, well, that’s how many romances are. There was very little of that here. The characters are reasonable, believable, rational and irrational at the right places, and there’s the terrific happy ending.
I found the title and back blurb were rather mediocre, as well as the beginning, but once the body of the book began, with Amelia in London, everything read well. Remy has been tarnished by the press – and hounded by the paparazzi. I think a reason this book really resonated with me is how it regards the press and paparazzi, alongside my deep and abiding dislike of both. The way Remy is hounded, you just have to feel bad for him, regardless of his past.
Amy and Remy are very realistic and pragmatic about their relationship, or lack thereof. Very quickly, however, both want more. Another aspect I loved was the fact that Amy kept it together, and didn’t try to push Remy for more. In fact, it was he who tried to change the rules, and got upset when Amy held fast to their initial agreement. (Very squee.) Still, a culmination of events separates them immediately after both admit their feelings. It was poignant, the way they reacted, and how they dealt with what life threw at them.
Of course, there was the happy ending, and after I finished, I was left wanting more. (I really did flip through the subsequent pages hoping for an epilogue or something.) This was a fun little read that was light, and short- and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick entertaining, well written read.
Grade: B
Amelia Weatherbee had inherited his family’s chateau, and Remy de Fournier vowed he’d buy it back…at any cost.
But Amelia’s price was high. She wanted the man from the tabloids-the privileged comte, the celebrity lover-to teach her the art of seduction…for one month. And Remy was only too happy to oblige. But Amelia’s sweetness and her innocence struck something deep inside him. When their thirty days of passion ended, would he get more than he ever bargained for?Read an excerpt here.
