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Marlowe #1
His Mistress By Morning
Oh, how I wish . . .
When a promised inheritance turns out to be a fraud, shy spinster Charlotte Wilmont makes an impetuous wish that despite her lack of charm and fortune, she could capture the heart of the one man whom she's forever adored—Sebastian, Viscount Trent.
Be careful what you wish for . . .
With that utterance, Charlotte awakens shocked to find herself entwined with her beloved Sebastian. But the respectable man she knew is now a most rakish devil and she is . . . well, by some inexplicable magic, London's most infamous mistress.
Even passion comes at a price . . .
Being the scandalous Lottie Townsend affords Charlotte unimaginable freedom—passionate nights with Sebastian, endless days of shopping, and adoring fans. But all too soon, Charlotte finds that being one man's mistress isn't the same as being his wife. Yet if she returns to her old, respectable life, can Charlotte trust there will be enough magic left to recapture Sebastian's heart . . . and reawaken his rakish desires?
When a promised inheritance turns out to be a fraud, shy spinster Charlotte Wilmont makes an impetuous wish that despite her lack of charm and fortune, she could capture the heart of the one man whom she's forever adored—Sebastian, Viscount Trent.
Be careful what you wish for . . .
With that utterance, Charlotte awakens shocked to find herself entwined with her beloved Sebastian. But the respectable man she knew is now a most rakish devil and she is . . . well, by some inexplicable magic, London's most infamous mistress.
Even passion comes at a price . . .
Being the scandalous Lottie Townsend affords Charlotte unimaginable freedom—passionate nights with Sebastian, endless days of shopping, and adoring fans. But all too soon, Charlotte finds that being one man's mistress isn't the same as being his wife. Yet if she returns to her old, respectable life, can Charlotte trust there will be enough magic left to recapture Sebastian's heart . . . and reawaken his rakish desires?
370 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 29, 2006
104 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
91 books2,083 followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her upcoming novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment is already getting rave reviews.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
June 21, 2020
BAD! couldn't finish.
October 7, 2023
I really did enjoy this! But I swear if I have to hear the words “Miss Burke” EVER again. I also don’t feel like they really knew each other in the non-wish timeline. I think it needed more from the second half!
October 21, 2022
We absolutely loved this book, but you have to be in the right mood for it. What mood is that? The mood where you want to just sit back and enjoy what you're reading, not worrying too much about how much sense it makes or how historically accurate it is. That said, both of us felt that even while enjoying this book on a superficial level (which is VERY easy, as we mentioned earlier) there were depths to this book. Structurally it is very cool, and there are lots of elements that allow for fun thought experiments.
Come for the fluffy sex, stay for the structure of the prose (or something like that). Enjoy.
30-Word Summaries:
Laine: A wish made unknowingly while wearing a magic ring makes your wish come true, but in the genie way. Luckily the negative consequences are fine if you're sexing a hottie.
Meg: If you watched Run, Lola, Run and thought that it would be really cool translated to Regency England with a ton of sexytimes, then this book might be for you.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
Come for the fluffy sex, stay for the structure of the prose (or something like that). Enjoy.
30-Word Summaries:
Laine: A wish made unknowingly while wearing a magic ring makes your wish come true, but in the genie way. Luckily the negative consequences are fine if you're sexing a hottie.
Meg: If you watched Run, Lola, Run and thought that it would be really cool translated to Regency England with a ton of sexytimes, then this book might be for you.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
May 12, 2022
Reviewed for THC Reviews
His Mistress by Morning is the first book of Elizabeth Boyle’s Marlowe series and the first I’ve read by her. It’s a melding between historical romance and fantasy romance with a somewhat Cinderella-esque storyline. Charlotte is a shy spinster who has loved her best friend’s brother, Sebastian, from afar for a long time, but he never seems to even notice her. Then she inherits a ring from a great-aunt who passed away. Little does she know that it’s a magic ring and when she makes a wish while wearing it that Sebastian would love her, she’s transported to a parallel world where she’s now Lottie, a sought-after courtesan, and Sebastian is her current lover. In this fantasy world, Charlotte learns from her alter-ego how to be more confident and basks in Sebastian’s love for her. But at the same time, she’s disconcerted to learn just how many people and things have changed. Eventually she’s faced with a choice between staying in this fantasy world permanently or renouncing her wish and going back to the real world. But if she goes back to her old life, she’ll have to figure out a way to get Sebastian to love her all over again, which could prove challenging.
Charlotte is a proper lady whose father was an aristocrat, but he died, leaving her and her mother virtually penniless. They now live with their prudish cousin, Finella. As a result of their impoverished state, Charlotte never had a come-out and is now a twenty-six-year-old, on-the-shelf spinster. She’s so shy and timid, she practically blends in with the furnishings. She’s been in love with her best friend, Hermione’s brother, Sebastian, for a while, but she’s so forgettable, he can’t even seem to remember her name. When she inherits the ring and has her wish fulfilled, it’s not in quite the way she would have imagined. Suddenly she’s thrust into a world where everyone is different than they are in the real world, including herself. Charlotte is now Lottie, the toast of the demi-monde, and Sebastian is madly in love with her. As his mistress, she experiences certain freedoms that a proper lady wouldn’t have that thrill her and help her to come out of her shell. But at the same time, while she may have Sebastian’s love, she knows that polite society would never accept her as his wife, and he’s in a bind, needing to marry a woman of means in order to secure his family’s future. But if she returns to her old life, she may not ever have Sebastian’s love again. I related to Charlotte in her shyness and enjoyed watching her come out of her shell as Lottie. Although Lottie has led a far more colorful life, I liked that Charlotte brings her own personality to this new life and is still the kind person she was in the real world. Being in the fantasy world, though, helps to boost her confidence, so that she’s able to bring that to bear on her circumstances back in the real world and is no longer the shy retiring violet she once was.
Sebastian is a dichotomous character. In the real world, he’s from a rather eccentric family. While the rest of his family may be a bit flighty, he’s known as a very sensible gentleman who never really takes risks. He’s been courting the daughter of a wealthy merchant with whom a match will bring much needed funds to his family’s coffers, but his mother and Hermione don’t like her and want to see him marry someone for love. In the fantasy realm, Sebastian is still courting Miss Burke for the same reasons, but he’s much more of a devil-may-care rake who’s known for his gambling and carousing. He’s also Lottie’s latest lover and is madly in love with her, but he may not be able to keep her because he doesn’t have the funds to offer the gifts and cash that most courtesans would expect. However, the “new” Lottie is much more open to his overtures and seems to love him back to the point that he’s almost ready to marry her, society’s opinions be damned. Ultimately the two sides of Sebastian must come together in a more balanced whole, and in doing so, he finds love with the real Charlotte. I liked Sebastian a lot and think that he was a great guy, but because of the whole fantasy aspect of the story, we don’t get his POV until the last hundred pages or so of the book. That means that readers mainly get to know him through Charlotte/Lottie’s eyes. I liked what I saw of both sides of Sebastian, but I did kind of miss having more insights into his perspective.
Overall, I thought His Mistress by Morning was a fun, enjoyable read. I waffled a little on how to rate it, though. There’s nothing of major significance that I found wrong with the story per se, and I really liked the characters. Normally I’m all in for fairy tale type reads like this and with Charlotte getting Quince, who is a fairy godmother sort of character, to guide her as a result of her wish, it definitely falls into that category. I enjoy both historical and fantasy romances, but the split between the story being half real world and half fantasy world was a little strange for me. I think I simply prefer for a story to be firmly rooted in one or the other. Also, it’s because of the split that we don’t get Sebastian’s POV for most of the story. I understand why it needed to be that way, given that it was Charlotte’s wish playing out, but I would have liked to have gotten to know him a little more deeply than I did. Otherwise, it’s a well-written (except for one tiny beef I had about how the author formats stammering in dialogue) and cleverly plotted story. A part of me wanted to give it a slightly higher rating, but I decided that it was a strong four-star book. It kept me entertained and was a good introduction to Ms. Boyle’s work that left me looking forward to the next one of the series, Tempted by the Night, which is Sebastian’s sister, Hermione, and his friend/rival, Lord Rockhurst’s story. I really liked these two characters, so I think theirs has the potential to be an equally good if not even better read.
His Mistress by Morning is the first book of Elizabeth Boyle’s Marlowe series and the first I’ve read by her. It’s a melding between historical romance and fantasy romance with a somewhat Cinderella-esque storyline. Charlotte is a shy spinster who has loved her best friend’s brother, Sebastian, from afar for a long time, but he never seems to even notice her. Then she inherits a ring from a great-aunt who passed away. Little does she know that it’s a magic ring and when she makes a wish while wearing it that Sebastian would love her, she’s transported to a parallel world where she’s now Lottie, a sought-after courtesan, and Sebastian is her current lover. In this fantasy world, Charlotte learns from her alter-ego how to be more confident and basks in Sebastian’s love for her. But at the same time, she’s disconcerted to learn just how many people and things have changed. Eventually she’s faced with a choice between staying in this fantasy world permanently or renouncing her wish and going back to the real world. But if she goes back to her old life, she’ll have to figure out a way to get Sebastian to love her all over again, which could prove challenging.
Charlotte is a proper lady whose father was an aristocrat, but he died, leaving her and her mother virtually penniless. They now live with their prudish cousin, Finella. As a result of their impoverished state, Charlotte never had a come-out and is now a twenty-six-year-old, on-the-shelf spinster. She’s so shy and timid, she practically blends in with the furnishings. She’s been in love with her best friend, Hermione’s brother, Sebastian, for a while, but she’s so forgettable, he can’t even seem to remember her name. When she inherits the ring and has her wish fulfilled, it’s not in quite the way she would have imagined. Suddenly she’s thrust into a world where everyone is different than they are in the real world, including herself. Charlotte is now Lottie, the toast of the demi-monde, and Sebastian is madly in love with her. As his mistress, she experiences certain freedoms that a proper lady wouldn’t have that thrill her and help her to come out of her shell. But at the same time, while she may have Sebastian’s love, she knows that polite society would never accept her as his wife, and he’s in a bind, needing to marry a woman of means in order to secure his family’s future. But if she returns to her old life, she may not ever have Sebastian’s love again. I related to Charlotte in her shyness and enjoyed watching her come out of her shell as Lottie. Although Lottie has led a far more colorful life, I liked that Charlotte brings her own personality to this new life and is still the kind person she was in the real world. Being in the fantasy world, though, helps to boost her confidence, so that she’s able to bring that to bear on her circumstances back in the real world and is no longer the shy retiring violet she once was.
Sebastian is a dichotomous character. In the real world, he’s from a rather eccentric family. While the rest of his family may be a bit flighty, he’s known as a very sensible gentleman who never really takes risks. He’s been courting the daughter of a wealthy merchant with whom a match will bring much needed funds to his family’s coffers, but his mother and Hermione don’t like her and want to see him marry someone for love. In the fantasy realm, Sebastian is still courting Miss Burke for the same reasons, but he’s much more of a devil-may-care rake who’s known for his gambling and carousing. He’s also Lottie’s latest lover and is madly in love with her, but he may not be able to keep her because he doesn’t have the funds to offer the gifts and cash that most courtesans would expect. However, the “new” Lottie is much more open to his overtures and seems to love him back to the point that he’s almost ready to marry her, society’s opinions be damned. Ultimately the two sides of Sebastian must come together in a more balanced whole, and in doing so, he finds love with the real Charlotte. I liked Sebastian a lot and think that he was a great guy, but because of the whole fantasy aspect of the story, we don’t get his POV until the last hundred pages or so of the book. That means that readers mainly get to know him through Charlotte/Lottie’s eyes. I liked what I saw of both sides of Sebastian, but I did kind of miss having more insights into his perspective.
Overall, I thought His Mistress by Morning was a fun, enjoyable read. I waffled a little on how to rate it, though. There’s nothing of major significance that I found wrong with the story per se, and I really liked the characters. Normally I’m all in for fairy tale type reads like this and with Charlotte getting Quince, who is a fairy godmother sort of character, to guide her as a result of her wish, it definitely falls into that category. I enjoy both historical and fantasy romances, but the split between the story being half real world and half fantasy world was a little strange for me. I think I simply prefer for a story to be firmly rooted in one or the other. Also, it’s because of the split that we don’t get Sebastian’s POV for most of the story. I understand why it needed to be that way, given that it was Charlotte’s wish playing out, but I would have liked to have gotten to know him a little more deeply than I did. Otherwise, it’s a well-written (except for one tiny beef I had about how the author formats stammering in dialogue) and cleverly plotted story. A part of me wanted to give it a slightly higher rating, but I decided that it was a strong four-star book. It kept me entertained and was a good introduction to Ms. Boyle’s work that left me looking forward to the next one of the series, Tempted by the Night, which is Sebastian’s sister, Hermione, and his friend/rival, Lord Rockhurst’s story. I really liked these two characters, so I think theirs has the potential to be an equally good if not even better read.
April 18, 2011
Be careful what you wish for! Charlotte made a small wish without intending to...the kind of passing thought we have every day but don't expect to ever come true. But Charlotte had received a ring through her late-aunt's will, and suddenly her small wish isn't so small anymore.
Charlotte is the kind of character you have to love: quiet, kind, and a bit of a dreamer. She blends in with the drapes and hopes that someday her prince charming will actually notice her. When she suddenly becomes the most lusted-after woman in England in some alternate reality, she doesn't change immediately...and that's what I love most about her. She is still simple and modest, until she decides that "Lottie" can get away with anything and it's time to start living.
"Shadow" Sebastian is another matter...he is a little shallow and sometimes says cruel things, but his love for Lottie makes up for a lot of that. Because we don't get to read from his POV until about 3/4 of the way through the book, he is a little two-dimensional at first. But after we start seeing into his side of things he "fleshes out" nicely.
Not all wishes are meant to come true, and Charlotte learns this in a very painful way that was wonderfully written. She learns that love doesn't always conquer all, sometimes it only complicates things. But when she makes up her mind to have her HEA, she goes about it in a way so different from how she would have acted in the beginning of the novel that it's like I wanted to applaud.
The plot isn't very complex or deep, but it is a wonderfully written and entertaining book. I'd recommend it to any fans of romance.
Charlotte is the kind of character you have to love: quiet, kind, and a bit of a dreamer. She blends in with the drapes and hopes that someday her prince charming will actually notice her. When she suddenly becomes the most lusted-after woman in England in some alternate reality, she doesn't change immediately...and that's what I love most about her. She is still simple and modest, until she decides that "Lottie" can get away with anything and it's time to start living.
"Shadow" Sebastian is another matter...he is a little shallow and sometimes says cruel things, but his love for Lottie makes up for a lot of that. Because we don't get to read from his POV until about 3/4 of the way through the book, he is a little two-dimensional at first. But after we start seeing into his side of things he "fleshes out" nicely.
Not all wishes are meant to come true, and Charlotte learns this in a very painful way that was wonderfully written. She learns that love doesn't always conquer all, sometimes it only complicates things. But when she makes up her mind to have her HEA, she goes about it in a way so different from how she would have acted in the beginning of the novel that it's like I wanted to applaud.
The plot isn't very complex or deep, but it is a wonderfully written and entertaining book. I'd recommend it to any fans of romance.
June 10, 2011
4.5 Stars
I just have to say wow. I had really low expectations of this book by all the reviews which now leaves me absolutely puzzled. I can't see where people disliked the book. I thoroughly ENJOYED this book. I didn't want to put it down. I thought the book was well thought out in reference to the story line and I can't wait to read what happens to the rest of the characters. Maybe it was my low expectations but I really thought the plot line was refreshing from other historicals of tortured hero/heroine. The paranormal twist was good and since I like paranormal romances I enjoyed it. If you want strict historical this isn't your book.
Charlotte makes a wish that unknowingly is granted due to an inheritance of a ring that apparently grants the wearer one wish. Since she is a spinster who is in love with her best friends brother that she has barely spoken a word to, the story that followed was a heartwarming tale. I also like that it wasn't a HEA abrupt ending. (I don't want to go into much detail because of spoilers) I hate when the book rushes an ending and I didn't feel this was rushed although Sebastian's and Rockhurst's "friendship" could have been played upon more but otherwise I loved this book. The book delivered (including some very steamy scenes that stole my heart --- and my breath!) I'm almost tempted to give it 5 stars but I will give it a solid 4.5 stars.
I just have to say wow. I had really low expectations of this book by all the reviews which now leaves me absolutely puzzled. I can't see where people disliked the book. I thoroughly ENJOYED this book. I didn't want to put it down. I thought the book was well thought out in reference to the story line and I can't wait to read what happens to the rest of the characters. Maybe it was my low expectations but I really thought the plot line was refreshing from other historicals of tortured hero/heroine. The paranormal twist was good and since I like paranormal romances I enjoyed it. If you want strict historical this isn't your book.
Charlotte makes a wish that unknowingly is granted due to an inheritance of a ring that apparently grants the wearer one wish. Since she is a spinster who is in love with her best friends brother that she has barely spoken a word to, the story that followed was a heartwarming tale. I also like that it wasn't a HEA abrupt ending. (I don't want to go into much detail because of spoilers) I hate when the book rushes an ending and I didn't feel this was rushed although Sebastian's and Rockhurst's "friendship" could have been played upon more but otherwise I loved this book. The book delivered (including some very steamy scenes that stole my heart --- and my breath!) I'm almost tempted to give it 5 stars but I will give it a solid 4.5 stars.
January 19, 2021
This was a unique historical romance. I know I have come across similar type of wish/alternate universe stories in contemporary stories but not really in historical romances.
Our heroine-Charlotte is in love with our hero-Sebastian but only sees her as his sister's spinster friend and never notices when she is around and can hardly remember her name. When Charlotte inherits a ring from an aunt, she makes a wish and it sends her into an alternate universe where Sebastian is in love with her, but things are not how she would hope.
This was a lovely novel in which we watch sweet and innocent Charlotte learn to grow into a strong, confident and independent woman. We watch Charlotte learn that sometimes your love for others will make you sacrifice yourself for what is best for them. We also watch Charlotte show Sebastian what life could be like if he opens his heart to love, takes a chance on different circumstances and embraces a little spontaneity.
This novel was a soft and lovely tale of two people how learn to open themselves to chance and see the strength in their love for one another. A really charming and unique historical romance that kept me wanting to know what would happen next and how our hero and heroine would find their happily ever after.
4.5 Stars
Our heroine-Charlotte is in love with our hero-Sebastian but only sees her as his sister's spinster friend and never notices when she is around and can hardly remember her name. When Charlotte inherits a ring from an aunt, she makes a wish and it sends her into an alternate universe where Sebastian is in love with her, but things are not how she would hope.
This was a lovely novel in which we watch sweet and innocent Charlotte learn to grow into a strong, confident and independent woman. We watch Charlotte learn that sometimes your love for others will make you sacrifice yourself for what is best for them. We also watch Charlotte show Sebastian what life could be like if he opens his heart to love, takes a chance on different circumstances and embraces a little spontaneity.
This novel was a soft and lovely tale of two people how learn to open themselves to chance and see the strength in their love for one another. A really charming and unique historical romance that kept me wanting to know what would happen next and how our hero and heroine would find their happily ever after.
4.5 Stars
November 30, 2021
*4.5 stars ✨
I liked how unconventional this book was. The magical part was just that something extra that made this story stand out more.
I liked how unconventional this book was. The magical part was just that something extra that made this story stand out more.
April 1, 2025
This was fun! I enjoyed the premise. Sebastian was like a cute little german shepard. And Lottie was the adventurer who was out to save him from himself.
Interesting, the book poses an ethical dilemma that it never answers. In the timeline where Lottie is Sebastian's mistress, he loves her and wants to wed her, but somehow he cannot reconcile himself to her wealth, which was amassed through her being a courtesan. Their situation in that timeline feels hopeless and bleak. This problem was neatly solved by reversing the wish, never to be visited again. The book isn't interested in delving into the life of courtesans and what happens when they fall in love or wish to marry someone. It was merely a plot point, and that disappointed me a bit.
Once they come back to the original timeline, Sebastian just very easily falls in love with Lottie. Mainly because of lust (or 'passion' as they love to call it) and the faint memories of having loved her in the wish timeline. However, Sebastian's love for Lottie in her wish timeline was pre-established. So, we never really get to see why or how he falls in love with her? Idk it was confusing, but eh still fun.
Interesting, the book poses an ethical dilemma that it never answers. In the timeline where Lottie is Sebastian's mistress, he loves her and wants to wed her, but somehow he cannot reconcile himself to her wealth, which was amassed through her being a courtesan. Their situation in that timeline feels hopeless and bleak. This problem was neatly solved by reversing the wish, never to be visited again. The book isn't interested in delving into the life of courtesans and what happens when they fall in love or wish to marry someone. It was merely a plot point, and that disappointed me a bit.
Once they come back to the original timeline, Sebastian just very easily falls in love with Lottie. Mainly because of lust (or 'passion' as they love to call it) and the faint memories of having loved her in the wish timeline. However, Sebastian's love for Lottie in her wish timeline was pre-established. So, we never really get to see why or how he falls in love with her? Idk it was confusing, but eh still fun.
February 5, 2021
This one unfortnately was a bit boring.
February 1, 2022
Blah just okay.
Charlotte is infatuated towards Sebastian. So in love with this guy to the point that she has this wish to be with him. To live your wish not as yourself but as the mistress find out more about Sebastian and his rakeish ways.
How to win Sebastian as herself she had to learn from being the mysteries in order to win the man of her dream.
Was just okay I just wish it was a little bit more on the sensual side more on the lovable side this tend to have a lot more background characters in the mix it was just okay.
Charlotte is infatuated towards Sebastian. So in love with this guy to the point that she has this wish to be with him. To live your wish not as yourself but as the mistress find out more about Sebastian and his rakeish ways.
How to win Sebastian as herself she had to learn from being the mysteries in order to win the man of her dream.
Was just okay I just wish it was a little bit more on the sensual side more on the lovable side this tend to have a lot more background characters in the mix it was just okay.
March 2, 2012
Charlotte is a shy spinster in love with Sebastian, who doesn't even know she exists. When she is left a magic ring in her aunt's will, she wishes to be the woman Sebastian loves. Boom, Charlotte is transported to an alternate universe where she spends three-quarters of the book as the courtesan Sebastian is madly in love with. Unfortunately, while in the alternate reality, both the hero and the heiress act so completely out of character that it takes an almost monumental suspension of disbelief that the two of them truly belong together. In reality, Sebastian is a kind, responsible older brother attempting to save his family from financial ruin. In the alternate, he is so madly in love with a temperamental courtesan who obviously is not in love with him, that he spends his family's last dime on what amounts to a single date. Not to mention that Charlotte, while in the alternate reality, is so stupid and forgetful (I assume the forgetting is because of a minimum word count for the author) that it makes me want to shake her.
When Charlotte finally realizes she can't continue as a courtesan shunned by society, letting Sebastian lead his family happily down the path to debtor's prison, she takes back her wish and life returns to normal. She is, of course, changed by her experience, and suddenly gets her brains back! With only a quarter of the book left to go, she is making plans and sticking to them. Sadly, it's also where I started heartily disliking Sebastian. He went from kind and responsible, to a weak, lovelorn idiot, to a priggish sexist jerk. He doesn't remember the time he spent with the alternate reality Charlotte, yet they have barely a chance to get to know each other before he ends up falling madly in love with her.
To sum up, I didn't believe in their love and I didn't get to know the characters enough to want them to fall in love. I spent most of the book wishing it would just end already. So I gave it one star.
When Charlotte finally realizes she can't continue as a courtesan shunned by society, letting Sebastian lead his family happily down the path to debtor's prison, she takes back her wish and life returns to normal. She is, of course, changed by her experience, and suddenly gets her brains back! With only a quarter of the book left to go, she is making plans and sticking to them. Sadly, it's also where I started heartily disliking Sebastian. He went from kind and responsible, to a weak, lovelorn idiot, to a priggish sexist jerk. He doesn't remember the time he spent with the alternate reality Charlotte, yet they have barely a chance to get to know each other before he ends up falling madly in love with her.
To sum up, I didn't believe in their love and I didn't get to know the characters enough to want them to fall in love. I spent most of the book wishing it would just end already. So I gave it one star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2017
I've been floundering for DAYS to find a novel in my vast collection that caught my eye. I am usually prone to the normal historical romance, sometimes I enjoy friends turned lover, jealous siblings, disdain turned to love. That kinda business. So I ran across this book which I had bought in a used book store for a good price and let sit for YEARS. I have a habit of this. I read the synopsis, and bored with my normal reading, had to give it a try. And let me tell you, it paid off! From the first chapter I was enraptured by the main character, Charlotte, later referred to as Lottie. How painfully awkward she was around this man who didn't even see her. But when her wish for his love is granted, things take a very different turn. Some might find their personality changes implausible. But I found them stunning. It's been too long since I found a book that I read straight through. 6 hours later I found my mind wandering because I simply did not want it to end. I have a lot of Elizabeth Boyle's books in my backlog and you better believe I'll be digging them out now! I suppose I should mention something about the actual story itself....although you'd be remiss to listen to any of these silly reviews! Instead, just read it! For those of you who'd like to actually hear about the book, here goes. Charlotte is a plain-ish miss with no spark. Her wish was granted to earn the love of her long pined after Sebastian but the wish goes awry when she is only granted him as an infamous mistress. Her reputation was blackened and prevented their love from blossoming so many times. The lovemaking scenes are beautifully and tastefully done. I'm not sure what else to say except that you would be remiss to not give this book a try.
February 2, 2021
Wow does this book start off wild. Charlotte is a shy wallflower who’s secretly in love with her best friend’s older brother, Sebastian Marlowe. He doesn’t even know her correct name and always overlooks her. At the beginning of the story, Charlotte’s great-aunt passes away and leaves her a ring...little does Charlotte know, but this is a magic ring. As in she makes a wish of wishing she “could be the woman he loved” and the ring gets warm on her finger as the world around her gets dizzy and she wakes up the next morning to an alternate reality....
And in the alternate/wish world, Charlotte is known as Lottie and is London’s most infamous mistress, with a rakish version of Sebastian being madly in love with her. But of course, things don’t go as smoothly as one’s wish ever does and Charlotte realizes being a mistress is not quite the same as being one’s wife...
So this was my 2nd read by this author and I’m not sure they are for me. This is a very silly, far-fetched story so it does have a light-hearted vibe (which isn’t always my jam), but I also had a hard time with the characters. The majority of the book is spent in the alternate reality and since neither are their true selves there I just didn’t feel a connection to their romance/chemistry. Once back in the real world, which I wish we got to sooner, it just didn’t feel like enough time for me to believe in their romance there either. Charlotte’s character Lottie was also hard to get behind and I just was not a fan of the plot. If you are up for a bonkers-silly plot and a light-hearted read though, this might work for you!
And in the alternate/wish world, Charlotte is known as Lottie and is London’s most infamous mistress, with a rakish version of Sebastian being madly in love with her. But of course, things don’t go as smoothly as one’s wish ever does and Charlotte realizes being a mistress is not quite the same as being one’s wife...
So this was my 2nd read by this author and I’m not sure they are for me. This is a very silly, far-fetched story so it does have a light-hearted vibe (which isn’t always my jam), but I also had a hard time with the characters. The majority of the book is spent in the alternate reality and since neither are their true selves there I just didn’t feel a connection to their romance/chemistry. Once back in the real world, which I wish we got to sooner, it just didn’t feel like enough time for me to believe in their romance there either. Charlotte’s character Lottie was also hard to get behind and I just was not a fan of the plot. If you are up for a bonkers-silly plot and a light-hearted read though, this might work for you!
January 13, 2021
Fabulous and engrossing romance
5 stars
Shy and mousy Charlotte Wilmot has been in love with Sebastian, Lord Trent for most of her life while he can barely even remember her name. When she receives a mystery ring from her aunt, she uses it to wish that she was the woman that Sebastian loves.
The next morning, Charlotte wakes up to find herself entangled in the very naked limbs of Sebastian and he is definitely very much in love with her. Only she isn't mousy Charlotte Wilmot anymore but the scandalous and quite exciting Lottie Townsend.
She is the woman in Sebastian's heart but can she ever be the one he marries. And what about all the other changes her wish has wrought and the problems that go with them?
I have enjoyed other Elizabeth Boyle novels although this one has well surpassed all my expectations. It was engrossing, exciting and I just couldn't put it down.
Charlotte/Lottie is so well written that you barely notice how much she grows and learns because it is so seamless. And her chemistry and passion with Sebastian is just delicious. I loved the very real conflict and genuinely couldn't wait to find out how everything was going to work out.
The story itself is very well thought out and the way everything was relevant and came together in the end was genius! And as another reviewer pointed out, the magic element isn't too overpowering making the story much more believable.
This seems to be the start of a new series [The Marlowes] and I can't wait to read stories for the supporting characters in this book. This book is fabulous, engaging and really leaves you with that warm, happy glow when you're done - I can't recommend it highly enough. 5 stars.
August 31, 2021
Unknowingly making a wish to win the heart of who she loves, Charlotte wakes up to find her life has turned upside down for better and for worse.
I really enjoyed following Charlotte on her journey as she makes her way through the life she thought she desperately wanted. After all, all wishes come with consequences we cannot foresee. What I really liked was how Charlotte never lost who she was before her wish, and once it was over, learned to incorporate some of her fantasy personality into her real life. Her growth in her own self-esteem and confidence was wonderful.
In regards to part of the book following the wish, I wish (pun intended) that that section of the book was a little shorter. While very enjoyable, once back in the real world, the story became insta-love on the side of the hero. I would have liked to have read more time of him naturally falling in love with Charlotte then things speeding up so quickly.
Overall, though, this was highly enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next book of the series.
I really enjoyed following Charlotte on her journey as she makes her way through the life she thought she desperately wanted. After all, all wishes come with consequences we cannot foresee. What I really liked was how Charlotte never lost who she was before her wish, and once it was over, learned to incorporate some of her fantasy personality into her real life. Her growth in her own self-esteem and confidence was wonderful.
In regards to part of the book following the wish, I wish (pun intended) that that section of the book was a little shorter. While very enjoyable, once back in the real world, the story became insta-love on the side of the hero. I would have liked to have read more time of him naturally falling in love with Charlotte then things speeding up so quickly.
Overall, though, this was highly enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next book of the series.
September 14, 2020
Light hearted romance that is ideal to pass the day with. 3/5 stars
February 16, 2025
3.5/5 stars
May 27, 2021
Artık türe aşina olmamdan mı yoksa okuduklarım mı gerçekten kötü bilmiyorum ama bu sene bir uğursuzluk geziyor üstümde. Eskisi kadar okuduklarımı beğenemez oldum. Nerede saçma bir kurgu var, karşıma çıkmaya yemin etmiş gibi sürekli 1 puan verdiğim kitaplar okuyorum. Yorumunu şimdi gireceğim His Mistress By Morning de bundan bolca nasibini alacak.
Ben başta Charlotte'ın bir şekilde başkasının kimliğine bürünüp dileğinin sonuçlarına katlanacağını sanmıştım ama olay bambaşka çıktı. Dileği gerçekleştiren kişi kıza dileğinin sonuçlarına katlanacaksın dese de bedel kesinlikle bu şekilde olmamalıydı. Çünkü ne karakterler Charlotte'in tanıdığı kişilerdi ne de olaylar kızın hayatındaki gibi sürüyordu. Karakterler olduklarının tersi şekilde davranıyorlardı, kızımızın hayat tarzı 180 derece değişmişti. Benim bildiğim bu tarz hikayelerde dilek harici diğer şeyler sabit kalırdı ve kişi bunlara göre bedel öderdi.
Sebastian diğer yaşamlıyla ilgili bazı şeyleri hatırlar gibi oluyordu ama dilek dileyen o değildi ki, nasıl hayal meyal hatırlar gibi oldu onu da anlamadım :D Hikayenin sonu aceleye gelmiş diyorlardı ama bence ikilinin ilişkisi aceleye gelmiş. Kız diğer dünyadaki hayatını yaşadı, pişman oldu, dileğini geri alıp Sebastian'ı kazanmaya çalıştı ve erkek karakter 15 gün olmadan hiç umursamadığı kıza durup dururken aşık oldu, sonuç olarak kızla aniden evlendi :D
Evet, bence de tuhaf bir kurgu olmuş :D
Ben başta Charlotte'ın bir şekilde başkasının kimliğine bürünüp dileğinin sonuçlarına katlanacağını sanmıştım ama olay bambaşka çıktı. Dileği gerçekleştiren kişi kıza dileğinin sonuçlarına katlanacaksın dese de bedel kesinlikle bu şekilde olmamalıydı. Çünkü ne karakterler Charlotte'in tanıdığı kişilerdi ne de olaylar kızın hayatındaki gibi sürüyordu. Karakterler olduklarının tersi şekilde davranıyorlardı, kızımızın hayat tarzı 180 derece değişmişti. Benim bildiğim bu tarz hikayelerde dilek harici diğer şeyler sabit kalırdı ve kişi bunlara göre bedel öderdi.
Sebastian diğer yaşamlıyla ilgili bazı şeyleri hatırlar gibi oluyordu ama dilek dileyen o değildi ki, nasıl hayal meyal hatırlar gibi oldu onu da anlamadım :D Hikayenin sonu aceleye gelmiş diyorlardı ama bence ikilinin ilişkisi aceleye gelmiş. Kız diğer dünyadaki hayatını yaşadı, pişman oldu, dileğini geri alıp Sebastian'ı kazanmaya çalıştı ve erkek karakter 15 gün olmadan hiç umursamadığı kıza durup dururken aşık oldu, sonuç olarak kızla aniden evlendi :D
Evet, bence de tuhaf bir kurgu olmuş :D
December 14, 2011
hmm, cukup membutuhkan waktu satu malam untuk nyelesain buku ini.
Awalnya menarik banget..banget..banget..
Diceritakan, Charlotte, spinster at age 26, mempunyai cinta yang terpendam pada Sebastian, Viscount Trent, kakak dari teman baiknya, Lady Hermoine.
Charlotte tidak mempunyai daya tarik apapun, dia pemalu, dan penampilannya sangat biasa-biasa saja. Charlotte bahkan tidak bisa mengucapkan satu kata pun kepada sang Viscount saking gugupnya.
Well, never once he did pay any attention to her..
yeah,,Sebastian, dia adalah seorang Viscount Trent yang sangat gentlemen, very proper, dan sangat bertanggung jawab terhadap keluarganya. Sebastian sama sekali tidak memperhatikan Charlotte. Dia bahkan tidak bisa menyebutkan namanya dengan benar walaupun Charlotte sudah 5 tahun berteman dengan adiknya.
Dia bermaksud untuk menikah dengan Lady Burke untuk membantu keadaan ekonomi keluarganya. Dia merasa hal itu wajar karena dia sendiri cukup menyukai lady Burke yang sangat eligible.
Charlotte yang patah hati mengutarakan satu permintaannya..
"I wish I could be the woman he loved" (Such a sweet wish Charlotte...)
Dan keesokkan harinya, hidup Charlotte berubah 180 derajat. Diawali dengan keberadaan Sebastian ditempat tidurnya sampai kenyataan bahwa sekarang dia adalah Lottie Townsend, the woman Sebastian loved, his mistress and scandalous woman.
Awalnya Charlotte /Lottie sangat depresi akan keadaan dan cemooh orang-orang terhadapnya.
Yang membuatnya bertahan adalah perhatian dan cinta(lust) dari Sebastian. Lottie yakin Sebastian akan mencintai dirinya (Charlotte). Mereka melewati hari-hari mereka sambil terus mengenal satu sama lain. Didalam kehidupan itu, sifat asli Sebastian muncul, dia adalh seorang rake dan a gambler. (It didn't sit well on me..but whatever) Sebastian juga menghadapi dilema antara hidup dengan cintanya(Charlotte) atau memilih Lady Burke untuk menolong kondisi keuangan keluarganya..
Charlotte yang sudah pasrah akhirnya menyuruh Sebastian untuk menikah dengan LAdy Burke dan memilih untuk kembali ke kehidupan awalnya..
Dari sini ampe akhir, diceritain gimana perjuangan Charlotte mendapatkan cinta Sebastian, karena dia tau persis apa yang wanita seperti apa yang Sebastian cintai.
Tapi menurut gue, ceritanya jadi rada boring waktu Charlotte kembali ke kehidupan awalnya. Kisah mereka kayak dimulai dari nol lagi.. huuhu.. walaupun sekarang sifat Lottie mulai ada dalam diri Charlotte dan membuat Sebastian mulai menyadari keberadaannya.
Sebenernya gue mau ngasih 5 bintang, tapi hal yang sangat mengganggu adalah...
Sebastian loves Lottie not Charlotte!! Charlotte and Lottie is a different women.. Walaupun mungkin Lottie adalah sisi nakal dari Charlotte..
But c'mon!! I couldn't feel any chemistry between Sebastian and Charlotte
4 bintang juga udah cukup..
Though I must say that I love the idea of this story..
(Quince and Milton, u guys are so cute..)
Awalnya menarik banget..banget..banget..
Diceritakan, Charlotte, spinster at age 26, mempunyai cinta yang terpendam pada Sebastian, Viscount Trent, kakak dari teman baiknya, Lady Hermoine.
Charlotte tidak mempunyai daya tarik apapun, dia pemalu, dan penampilannya sangat biasa-biasa saja. Charlotte bahkan tidak bisa mengucapkan satu kata pun kepada sang Viscount saking gugupnya.
Well, never once he did pay any attention to her..
yeah,,Sebastian, dia adalah seorang Viscount Trent yang sangat gentlemen, very proper, dan sangat bertanggung jawab terhadap keluarganya. Sebastian sama sekali tidak memperhatikan Charlotte. Dia bahkan tidak bisa menyebutkan namanya dengan benar walaupun Charlotte sudah 5 tahun berteman dengan adiknya.
Dia bermaksud untuk menikah dengan Lady Burke untuk membantu keadaan ekonomi keluarganya. Dia merasa hal itu wajar karena dia sendiri cukup menyukai lady Burke yang sangat eligible.
Charlotte yang patah hati mengutarakan satu permintaannya..
"I wish I could be the woman he loved" (Such a sweet wish Charlotte...)
Dan keesokkan harinya, hidup Charlotte berubah 180 derajat. Diawali dengan keberadaan Sebastian ditempat tidurnya sampai kenyataan bahwa sekarang dia adalah Lottie Townsend, the woman Sebastian loved, his mistress and scandalous woman.
Awalnya Charlotte /Lottie sangat depresi akan keadaan dan cemooh orang-orang terhadapnya.
Yang membuatnya bertahan adalah perhatian dan cinta(lust) dari Sebastian. Lottie yakin Sebastian akan mencintai dirinya (Charlotte). Mereka melewati hari-hari mereka sambil terus mengenal satu sama lain. Didalam kehidupan itu, sifat asli Sebastian muncul, dia adalh seorang rake dan a gambler. (It didn't sit well on me..but whatever) Sebastian juga menghadapi dilema antara hidup dengan cintanya(Charlotte) atau memilih Lady Burke untuk menolong kondisi keuangan keluarganya..
Charlotte yang sudah pasrah akhirnya menyuruh Sebastian untuk menikah dengan LAdy Burke dan memilih untuk kembali ke kehidupan awalnya..
Dari sini ampe akhir, diceritain gimana perjuangan Charlotte mendapatkan cinta Sebastian, karena dia tau persis apa yang wanita seperti apa yang Sebastian cintai.
Tapi menurut gue, ceritanya jadi rada boring waktu Charlotte kembali ke kehidupan awalnya. Kisah mereka kayak dimulai dari nol lagi.. huuhu.. walaupun sekarang sifat Lottie mulai ada dalam diri Charlotte dan membuat Sebastian mulai menyadari keberadaannya.
Sebenernya gue mau ngasih 5 bintang, tapi hal yang sangat mengganggu adalah...
Sebastian loves Lottie not Charlotte!! Charlotte and Lottie is a different women.. Walaupun mungkin Lottie adalah sisi nakal dari Charlotte..
But c'mon!! I couldn't feel any chemistry between Sebastian and Charlotte
4 bintang juga udah cukup..
Though I must say that I love the idea of this story..
(Quince and Milton, u guys are so cute..)
May 12, 2019
If you're a frequent reader of traditional historical romances and you're looking to try something a little more experimental with shades of paranormal romance and a parallel reality, His Mistress By Morning might be just what you're looking for.
In spite of the magic rings, the immortals lurking about, and the shift to an alternate reality, the book is still very much a historical. Fashion, art, and poetry are important to the book's plot and Boyle has clearly put research into those details.
Charlotte, a quiet spinster, has secretly dreamed about her best friends brother Sebastian for years. However, the possibility of a relationship is slim. Her family is poor, he's practically engaged to a society beauty, and he can't even remember her name. When her great-aunt's fortune turns out to be a simple ring he seems further and further out of her grasp.
All is not what it appears, however, and the ring turns out to a wish-granting ring that transports Charlotte to an alternative reality where she has become a saucy courtesan named Lottie.
In this new wish-created reality, Charlotte's relationships with the most important people in her life have drastically changed. Sebastian, the man who never noticed her, is her lover, Cousin Finella a straight-laced woman who helped raise her is a noted courtesan herself, her best friend, Hermione Marlow doesn't even acknowledge her.
This alternative reality forces Charlotte to navigate and reevaluate her relationships. The book is an interesting look at how alternate realities and wishes can force us to look at ourselves and our own realities and the things that we would be better off changing.
The ending is a bit rushed, but Charlotte is ultimately able to use the alternative reality to shape her pre-wish reality essentially merging the two.
In spite of the magic rings, the immortals lurking about, and the shift to an alternate reality, the book is still very much a historical. Fashion, art, and poetry are important to the book's plot and Boyle has clearly put research into those details.
Charlotte, a quiet spinster, has secretly dreamed about her best friends brother Sebastian for years. However, the possibility of a relationship is slim. Her family is poor, he's practically engaged to a society beauty, and he can't even remember her name. When her great-aunt's fortune turns out to be a simple ring he seems further and further out of her grasp.
All is not what it appears, however, and the ring turns out to a wish-granting ring that transports Charlotte to an alternative reality where she has become a saucy courtesan named Lottie.
Some things are the same, the important ones. But time is like a garden, touched by winter one year, kissed by a gentle spring the next. You never know what will take root and bloom
In this new wish-created reality, Charlotte's relationships with the most important people in her life have drastically changed. Sebastian, the man who never noticed her, is her lover, Cousin Finella a straight-laced woman who helped raise her is a noted courtesan herself, her best friend, Hermione Marlow doesn't even acknowledge her.
This alternative reality forces Charlotte to navigate and reevaluate her relationships. The book is an interesting look at how alternate realities and wishes can force us to look at ourselves and our own realities and the things that we would be better off changing.
The ending is a bit rushed, but Charlotte is ultimately able to use the alternative reality to shape her pre-wish reality essentially merging the two.
October 8, 2017
This was a pretty cute story. The heroine is in love with her best friend's older brother, who has no idea and barely even knows she exists. Our heroine inherits a magic ring from a great-aunt, makes a wish for her object of affection to fall in love with her, and wakes up in an alternate universe where she's a notorious courtesan. It's a fun premise and I enjoyed it, even though it's completely implausible and some parts had me just shaking my head.
June 14, 2008
This book seemed to drag on forever and then the ending was rushed. I felt like some of the middle of the book could have been removed and more could have been added to the ending of the book to make this a better read. It was not a horrible book but I got really tired of the main characters trials as 'Lottie'.
October 17, 2022
This was a fun one. I did enjoy how the emphasis was on the FMC self esteem and not in how she should change herself for anyone. There was a little bit of slut shaming but the FMC calls it out and knows that’s wrong, so that was also nice to see. Everything resolves a little too neatly at the end but this is a romance novel, so I can’t have too many complaints about that.
Steam: 3 out of 5
Steam: 3 out of 5
July 12, 2016
An interesting concept, though I feel like it could have been more gritty and less girly without the fairy "immortals" prancing around. Entertaining, but it was a missed opportunity for a truly gripping read.
July 27, 2009
Maybe I'm a purist, but I like my historicals and my fantasies separated. I just couldn't get into this one.
August 3, 2010
Loved this book very creative. Needs to be made into a movie
July 5, 2018
I really want to rate this 3 stars for the ending, but I enjoyed the first half so much, I decided to stick with 4 stars.
Yes, the premise was silly but I enjoyed the supernatural elements. It made the story exciting. I mean, the idea of a shy virginal Lady waking up in an alternate reality, naked and in the arms of her lover? It was hilarious! This new world brought her out of her shell and let her experience life with the man she adored. I loved her adventures as a courtesan. What I didn't love was the transfer back to "reality."
Sebastian? Well you had two Sebastian's. Real world Sebastian and wish world Sebastian. Both were extremely different. I'd like to think real world Sebastian would eventually become wish world Sebastian because of Charlotte. It's a pleasant thought! Sebastian in the wish world was the risk taker, the poet, the romantic soul. He was everything you'd want in a historical romance hero. His love for Charlotte caused him to do things that were unexpected of a typical gentleman.
I did like Charlotte. There was some thing about her that I could relate with. She just seemed like your average girl, in love with a guy and unsure what to do about it. But her time in the wish world changed her into a new woman. She gained confidence, and strength through love. My absolute favorite part about her was how she acted when she returned to the real world. Oh how I loved it! She knew what she had to do and took her life into her own hands. She was determined to do what she had to do for love. It was beautiful.
Basically, my only problem with the novel was how Boyle wrapped up all the details back in the real world. Otherwise, I enjoyed this adventure immensely. The adventure was so much fun and the characters were delightful. I'm excited to start the next novel!
Yes, the premise was silly but I enjoyed the supernatural elements. It made the story exciting. I mean, the idea of a shy virginal Lady waking up in an alternate reality, naked and in the arms of her lover? It was hilarious! This new world brought her out of her shell and let her experience life with the man she adored. I loved her adventures as a courtesan. What I didn't love was the transfer back to "reality."
Sebastian? Well you had two Sebastian's. Real world Sebastian and wish world Sebastian. Both were extremely different. I'd like to think real world Sebastian would eventually become wish world Sebastian because of Charlotte. It's a pleasant thought! Sebastian in the wish world was the risk taker, the poet, the romantic soul. He was everything you'd want in a historical romance hero. His love for Charlotte caused him to do things that were unexpected of a typical gentleman.
I did like Charlotte. There was some thing about her that I could relate with. She just seemed like your average girl, in love with a guy and unsure what to do about it. But her time in the wish world changed her into a new woman. She gained confidence, and strength through love. My absolute favorite part about her was how she acted when she returned to the real world. Oh how I loved it! She knew what she had to do and took her life into her own hands. She was determined to do what she had to do for love. It was beautiful.
Basically, my only problem with the novel was how Boyle wrapped up all the details back in the real world. Otherwise, I enjoyed this adventure immensely. The adventure was so much fun and the characters were delightful. I'm excited to start the next novel!
February 6, 2021
This was a very interesting book. It follows Charlotte, who is given a ring from an aunt. Unknown to her it has magic, and when she wistfully looks at Sebastian, her best friend's brother, who she has been in love with for years, thinking if only I could be the woman he loved, she gets transported to an alternative reality where she is the most notorious mistress in all of London (Lottie) and Sebastian is madly in love with her.
This was a very gripping read. I tried to keep with the chapters that were laid out by the readathon, but I found myself wanting to know more and finishing it after the second night. It was interesting how Lottie was so different to Charlotte, given that they were the same person with different experiences. I loved how Charlotte took Lottie back with her when she came back to her timeline and used some of the tools that she learned to help Sebastien of her timeline fall in love with her. I loved the diversion of tropes and romance structure that happened with this book. I loved how everything tied together and how because of her time as Lottie, Charlotte was able to make her own happy ending.
I didn't enjoy the undercurrent of judgement that was found with some of the women's choices. Charlotte spends a lot of her time as Lottie, judging Lottie's choices, judging Finella's choices, with a very I would never additude. There is also a lot of judgement from Sebastien's mother and Sebastien about Lottie's money. Sebastian is more than willing to take Miss Burke's money but scoffs at taking Lottie's money. And then when we come back to the original timeline there is a lot of judgment from Miss Burke, and her mentor about the fact that Charlotte exists and has the audacity to question their judgement. It really gave me mad at the individual women instead of the patricary vibe, which I wasn't here for. I also wanted more with the magic. Why did it exist? Who were Quince and Milton? Why were they fighting over the ring? I need to know!
But overall an buck wild romance experience and I am considering picking up the next book.
This was a very gripping read. I tried to keep with the chapters that were laid out by the readathon, but I found myself wanting to know more and finishing it after the second night. It was interesting how Lottie was so different to Charlotte, given that they were the same person with different experiences. I loved how Charlotte took Lottie back with her when she came back to her timeline and used some of the tools that she learned to help Sebastien of her timeline fall in love with her. I loved the diversion of tropes and romance structure that happened with this book. I loved how everything tied together and how because of her time as Lottie, Charlotte was able to make her own happy ending.
I didn't enjoy the undercurrent of judgement that was found with some of the women's choices. Charlotte spends a lot of her time as Lottie, judging Lottie's choices, judging Finella's choices, with a very I would never additude. There is also a lot of judgement from Sebastien's mother and Sebastien about Lottie's money. Sebastian is more than willing to take Miss Burke's money but scoffs at taking Lottie's money. And then when we come back to the original timeline there is a lot of judgment from Miss Burke, and her mentor about the fact that Charlotte exists and has the audacity to question their judgement. It really gave me mad at the individual women instead of the patricary vibe, which I wasn't here for. I also wanted more with the magic. Why did it exist? Who were Quince and Milton? Why were they fighting over the ring? I need to know!
But overall an buck wild romance experience and I am considering picking up the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2022
I love the idea of this book. "His Mistress By Morning" is a fantasy/regency romance which combines magic and regency manners in a rather charming matter. Unfortunately, it's not quite as good as it could be. "His Mistress By Morning" follows shy, plain Charlotte Wilmont, a girl destined to be a spinster who finds herself desperately in love with her best friend's older brother, Sebastian Marlowe, Viscount Trent. Sebastian barely knows she exists, and is nearly betrothed to a young lady of wealth and fortune who will help to recover the family's sagging fortunes. The book opens with Charlotte deeply dissapointed - an inheritance she had been given by her aunt which she hoped would make her eligible for Sebastian's affections - turns out to be nothing but a strange old ring. Or so she thinks. Putting on the ring, Charlotte wishes that she could be the woman that Sebastian loved - and wakes up the next morning in an alternate universe as his mistress, the famous courtesan Lottie Townsend. This sounds like an entirely charming plot, and in some ways it is. Boyle doesn't do as much with it as she could, however. The alternate timeline drags a bit, and seems not to be heading in any particular direction. I never quite understood (nor did she make entirely clear) the whole Quince/Milton dynamic - I know they're supernatural, but was I supposed to get more out of that? What I did like, however, was seeing Charlotte grow into a better understanding of herself and of her sexuality, learning to throw some of her strict upbringing to the wind and learn to enjoy herself. All in all, this book had great potential, but didn't deliver as well as it could have.
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