Limecello’s review of The Millionaire’s Virgin Mistress by Robyn Donald
Contemporary Romance released by Harlequin Presents 5 Dec 06

I got this book from a very generous friend, and it has increased my enjoyment of Harlequin books. Don’t let the title deceive you. (Well, if you’re someone who scoffs at the Presents titles. I admit, halfway through reading I stopped to check the title and started snickering – in a good-natured way.) This line has some terrific stories, and shouldn’t be discounted. I’ve now discovered yet another Presents author to follow.

Paige Howard is a refreshing heroine, in her determination and pragmatism. She doesn’t fall at the hero’s feet, and is not only perfectly willing, but perfectly able to live her life without him. While circumstances haven’t been kind to her, she’s holding her own. I liked Paige’s sense of humor, and ability to be honest with herself. It was also nice that she wasn’t maudlin or over dramatic.

Marc Corbett is a fun hero to read, but nothing extraordinary otherwise. In typical Presents fashion, he’s a business tycoon, strong willed, a little controlling, and is held in awe by the heroine (and much of the rest of the world). Marc of course has the requisite playboy reputation. However, he’s a nice guy, and does have more depth than one would expect. Marc has repressed his emotions, but is quite human and the glimpses the reader gets of his thoughts are entertaining.

While this book does fall into some of the Harlequin Presents clichés (very young heroine, intimidatingly successful hero), it’s a good story and well written. The emotions are strong, and the characters developed. Another positive is the believability of the story line. The situation of the characters was relatively normal and the emotions fit. Something else I enjoyed was the ending. It wasn’t what one would expect, and offered a minor twist.

I really enjoy the Down Under authors that write for Harlequin, and don’t know how I missed Ms. Donald until now. (Her website states she’s written nearly 70 novels. Unfortunately, the website doesn’t say much else.) I didn’t love the title – it doesn’t even fit – but the story was terrific. I was looking for something well written, emotional but not too heavy, with a great happy ending, and I got it with this book. I find that Presents books can be hit or miss, but when they’re good, they’re spot on.

I recommend this book to those who love Harlequin Presents, and to those willing to branch out, looking for a nice quick read that still offers a satisfying romance.

Grade: B

Paige Howard has held a reluctant and secret desire for New Zealand tycoon Marc Corbett ever since they met–when he married her best friend!

Six years later, still a virgin, Paige has never felt the same for anyone else. When her friend’s legacy sends Marc back to Paige, they are caught again in the grip of their reluctant attraction. But she’s heard that Marc was disloyal during his marriage. Paige will never give herself to a man who only seems to want her as his mistress–no matter how strong the temptation….