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.
Grade: 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.
***There are spoilers in my comment!***
I so agree with you about the title! I would never had read this if I hadn’t seen her recced here, Dear Author and SBTB. And I loved this book. I really liked that there wasn’t a miracle cure, and I thought the illness was handled realistically. But I was bothered by two things: (1) I was a tad bit annoyed that Rachel decided to completely quit her career, she seemed to really love playing the piano. IMO, a partial retirement might have been better. (2) It’s pretty clearly implied that Rachel was raped by Carlos, but nothings ever done about it, and her trauma seemed kind of glossed over. Neither of these things completely ruined my enjoyment, but it did stop it from being a Keeper for me.
But yeah, I really don’t understand Harlequin’s titles and blurbs, they almost never have anything to do with the actual plot and actually turn me away from their books.
Okay, that’s it. I see India Grey recommended so highly everywhere! But I just want to say, that title is SO specific, it’s hilarious that it isn’t accurate!!
Dana – I’m glad you enjoyed this book! I agree – but I think I was less bothered than you, for the following reasons. 1) Re her career, most people do this because they need the money. Rachel is lucky enough that she doesn’t need it because of royalties, likely, and more importantly, Orlando. She still can and will play piano, and who knows – might/could teach her kid. Or go back to it later, but I get that she’s totally ok with giving it up for now. It likely gives her bad reminders of her controlling mother and disgusting ex-fiance. 2) I agree again with you here – when Orlando thinks about how much it bothers him, I really thought Ms. Grey would address the issue more, or have them discuss it- really to give Rachel closure. At the same time, I can understand Rachel just wanting to forget and move on. We all like to think women would want the guy’s balls in a vice and to drag him through a trial and branded as a sex offender… but unfortunately the victim often feels a great sense of shame and stupidity, which is so sad. So, I think her being able to get over it, and connect with Orlando was a big deal, but you’re right – not sufficiently addressed. That’s my beef with these increasingly shorter categories, really.
Carolyn – lol, I hope you read this book – or one of Ms. Grey’s other ones and come back to tell me what you think. And yes, isn’t it ridiculous with these titles, and how often they aren’t what the book is about at all? 😛 I can’t quit them though. *And* I’ve heard enough author pleading with “please don’t hold the title against me” – that other than a chuckle, I pretty much ignore HP titles :X Still wish they’d change though.