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MacLachlan Family & Friends #10
The Earl's Mistress
New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle creates her darkest, most sensuous story yet, as a delectable but desperate governess runs headlong into the path of a notorious rake...
Women rarely refuse the wicked Earl of Hepplewood, whose daring exploits are only whispered about. But when his new governess answers his proposition with a slap, then stalks out, references in hand, Hepplewood finds more than his face is burning.
Isabella Aldridge has brains, bravado, and beauty—but the latter is no use to a servant. Her circumstances are desperate, and with Hepplewood's words ringing in her ears, Isabella realizes she must barter her most marketable asset . . . her body.
But when fate sends Isabella back into Hepplewood's arms, the earl must make an impossible choice—draw Isabella down into his sensual darkness, or behave with honor for the first time in his life.
Women rarely refuse the wicked Earl of Hepplewood, whose daring exploits are only whispered about. But when his new governess answers his proposition with a slap, then stalks out, references in hand, Hepplewood finds more than his face is burning.
Isabella Aldridge has brains, bravado, and beauty—but the latter is no use to a servant. Her circumstances are desperate, and with Hepplewood's words ringing in her ears, Isabella realizes she must barter her most marketable asset . . . her body.
But when fate sends Isabella back into Hepplewood's arms, the earl must make an impossible choice—draw Isabella down into his sensual darkness, or behave with honor for the first time in his life.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 15, 2014
83 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
About the author
Liz Carlyle
46 books846 followersDear Readers,
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
December 26, 2015
DNF@80%. I can almost imagine what happened during the creative/planning process of this book:
I swear, Fifty Shades of Grey is the bane of my existence. Ever since it became ultra-popular—up until now, I still don't understand how that happened; I mean, my ten-year old cousin can write better than EL James, for Pete's sake!—there's been a surge of BDSM romance novels and eroticas. It's bad enough that I get to see endless shelves filled with books that have: a. chains/whips/ribbons/neckties/similar article of clothing that can be used to tie someone up on the cover; b. titles with a number and/or a colour in them.
And now this? Ugh, stop. Please, just stop with this madness, people.
At least have the decency to warn the readers that there's some BDSM shit that's going on here. Even a freaking hint in the blurb would have sufficed. "Daring exploits" is far too bland a term to properly warn people about this.
Sigh. The truth is, I wouldn't bitch this much about this book if the characters were the least bit interesting or likeable. But Hepplewood was an indecisive asshole who'd pull Isabella close at one minute, and push her away at the next. And Isabella, herself, was an invertebrate who simply marched to the beat of his fucked-up drum.
So, yes. This is all I have to say about this novel:
Editor/Whoever Was In Charge: Let's face it, BDSM sells. Might as well join in the bandwagon!
Writer: Okay! Oh, but how about the loyal fans who would totally be caught off guard by this?
Editor/WWIC: Who cares?!
Writer: Right!
I swear, Fifty Shades of Grey is the bane of my existence. Ever since it became ultra-popular—up until now, I still don't understand how that happened; I mean, my ten-year old cousin can write better than EL James, for Pete's sake!—there's been a surge of BDSM romance novels and eroticas. It's bad enough that I get to see endless shelves filled with books that have: a. chains/whips/ribbons/neckties/similar article of clothing that can be used to tie someone up on the cover; b. titles with a number and/or a colour in them.
And now this? Ugh, stop. Please, just stop with this madness, people.
At least have the decency to warn the readers that there's some BDSM shit that's going on here. Even a freaking hint in the blurb would have sufficed. "Daring exploits" is far too bland a term to properly warn people about this.
Sigh. The truth is, I wouldn't bitch this much about this book if the characters were the least bit interesting or likeable. But Hepplewood was an indecisive asshole who'd pull Isabella close at one minute, and push her away at the next. And Isabella, herself, was an invertebrate who simply marched to the beat of his fucked-up drum.
So, yes. This is all I have to say about this novel:
September 4, 2014
One of the things Ms Carlyle does so well in this story is show the very real difficulties and danger faced by a young woman in the heroine’s situation. Well-born and gently-bred Isabella Aldridge was left with nothing upon the death of her father and had to assume the care of her two younger sisters (a half-sister and a step-sister). While her upbringing seemed to her at the time to have been idyllic, she has come to realise that perhaps her father did not do his best for her, being too easy-going and concerned with his own pursuits and interests. His lack of guidance led to Isabella’s marriage to an unsuitable young man whose father detested her and whose grief on the early death of his son led him to spread horrible rumours to the effect that Isabella had seduced and then murdered her husband.
Even before her father’s death, Isabella had been working as a governess in the household of Lady Petershaw, known throughout society as La Séductrice because of her former career as a high-class courtesan. Now the lady’s sons are now old enough to go to school, and Isabella has to secure another position in order to support herself and her sisters. She not only has to contend with the day-to-day worry of keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table, but she lives in constant fear of her slimy cousin – a man known for his sexual preference for young girls – who keeps asking her to marry him and hinting that he has a legal right to the guardianship of Isabella’s sisters.
Assailed on all fronts and with nobody to turn to, Isabella travels to the north of England in hopes of securing a position as governess to the five-year-old daughter of the Earl of Hepplewood, a man whose name is a byword for debauchery, and who certainly seems to more than live up to his reputation. One look at the beautiful Isabella and he wants to bed her – but instead of seducing her, he dismisses her, telling her she’s too lovely to be a governess and that she should make the most of her assets by finding herself another husband or, even better, a rich protector.
Dejected, Isabella returns to London, and continues to look for work. After several more rejections, she decides there is only thing she can do. As Hepplewood had suggested, Isabella’s beauty and breeding make her ideally suited to become a kept woman, a mistress, and she reasons that becoming a “fallen woman” will be a small price to pay in order to provide for her sisters and to keep them safe from her cousin.
She turns for help to Lady Petershaw who, while willing to help, does not scruple to tell Isabella that she isn’t really cut out for that sort of life. But she also recognises that Isabella has run out of options, and does her best to prepare her for life as a mistress. Through various acquaintances, her ladyship in effect brokers a deal between Isabella and a gentleman who is desirous of physical companionship, and I’m sure it will come as no surprise to learn that the man is none other than the Earl of Hepplewood.
Hepplewood is a widower who, on first acquaintance, is unpleasant, rude and clearly a man who is used to getting whatever he wants. As the story progresses and the author reveals more about him through words and most particularly his actions, the reader is presented with the portrait of a deeply troubled man whose arrogance and insistence on maintaining his ruthless control are really coping mechanisms. He doesn’t deny his terrible reputation or the truth behind it – but he never lies to Isabella, and while there’s certainly a murky side to him, he’s an utterly compelling and truly honourable man.
After their first night together, Hepplewood finds himself unaccountably burdened with an attack of conscience, and sends Isabella away. Fortunately, he honours the financial side of their agreement, which means that Isabella now has enough money to support herself and her sisters. Yet Hepplewood can’t forget her – and even though Isabella refuses his offer to return to his protection, she is unable to deny the strong pull between them. The relationship that develops between the couple is passionate and very intense, imbued with a sensuality that leaps off the page.
At this point, I feel I should mention the sex scenes, because they’re unlike those one would normally expect to find in a mainstream historical romance. Hepplewood’s insistence on maintaining control extends to every facet of his life – including in the bedroom, and Isabella finds herself alternately intrigued and ashamed by the reactions and emotions his lovemaking arouses in her. She wonders frequently if her desire to submit to him so entirely is normal even as she finds him impossible to resist. In fact, her willingness to let him take over completely in bed makes perfect sense, given the fact that for years, she has had to be completely self-sufficient. Being the one to make all the decisions is incredibly tiring, so her need to surrender the decision-making in this one area is understandable. So there’s an element of mild BDSM in the sex scenes, but that doesn’t overshadow the emotional impetus of the story.
And it’s the emotional focus which is the most powerful thing about this story. It’s well written, strongly characterised, and there is real depth to the connection between the protagonists. The Earl’s Mistress is an emotionally charged and satisfying story which pulled me in from the start and kept me enthralled until the very end.
Even before her father’s death, Isabella had been working as a governess in the household of Lady Petershaw, known throughout society as La Séductrice because of her former career as a high-class courtesan. Now the lady’s sons are now old enough to go to school, and Isabella has to secure another position in order to support herself and her sisters. She not only has to contend with the day-to-day worry of keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table, but she lives in constant fear of her slimy cousin – a man known for his sexual preference for young girls – who keeps asking her to marry him and hinting that he has a legal right to the guardianship of Isabella’s sisters.
Assailed on all fronts and with nobody to turn to, Isabella travels to the north of England in hopes of securing a position as governess to the five-year-old daughter of the Earl of Hepplewood, a man whose name is a byword for debauchery, and who certainly seems to more than live up to his reputation. One look at the beautiful Isabella and he wants to bed her – but instead of seducing her, he dismisses her, telling her she’s too lovely to be a governess and that she should make the most of her assets by finding herself another husband or, even better, a rich protector.
Dejected, Isabella returns to London, and continues to look for work. After several more rejections, she decides there is only thing she can do. As Hepplewood had suggested, Isabella’s beauty and breeding make her ideally suited to become a kept woman, a mistress, and she reasons that becoming a “fallen woman” will be a small price to pay in order to provide for her sisters and to keep them safe from her cousin.
She turns for help to Lady Petershaw who, while willing to help, does not scruple to tell Isabella that she isn’t really cut out for that sort of life. But she also recognises that Isabella has run out of options, and does her best to prepare her for life as a mistress. Through various acquaintances, her ladyship in effect brokers a deal between Isabella and a gentleman who is desirous of physical companionship, and I’m sure it will come as no surprise to learn that the man is none other than the Earl of Hepplewood.
Hepplewood is a widower who, on first acquaintance, is unpleasant, rude and clearly a man who is used to getting whatever he wants. As the story progresses and the author reveals more about him through words and most particularly his actions, the reader is presented with the portrait of a deeply troubled man whose arrogance and insistence on maintaining his ruthless control are really coping mechanisms. He doesn’t deny his terrible reputation or the truth behind it – but he never lies to Isabella, and while there’s certainly a murky side to him, he’s an utterly compelling and truly honourable man.
After their first night together, Hepplewood finds himself unaccountably burdened with an attack of conscience, and sends Isabella away. Fortunately, he honours the financial side of their agreement, which means that Isabella now has enough money to support herself and her sisters. Yet Hepplewood can’t forget her – and even though Isabella refuses his offer to return to his protection, she is unable to deny the strong pull between them. The relationship that develops between the couple is passionate and very intense, imbued with a sensuality that leaps off the page.
At this point, I feel I should mention the sex scenes, because they’re unlike those one would normally expect to find in a mainstream historical romance. Hepplewood’s insistence on maintaining control extends to every facet of his life – including in the bedroom, and Isabella finds herself alternately intrigued and ashamed by the reactions and emotions his lovemaking arouses in her. She wonders frequently if her desire to submit to him so entirely is normal even as she finds him impossible to resist. In fact, her willingness to let him take over completely in bed makes perfect sense, given the fact that for years, she has had to be completely self-sufficient. Being the one to make all the decisions is incredibly tiring, so her need to surrender the decision-making in this one area is understandable. So there’s an element of mild BDSM in the sex scenes, but that doesn’t overshadow the emotional impetus of the story.
And it’s the emotional focus which is the most powerful thing about this story. It’s well written, strongly characterised, and there is real depth to the connection between the protagonists. The Earl’s Mistress is an emotionally charged and satisfying story which pulled me in from the start and kept me enthralled until the very end.
January 31, 2023
This book starts with a dark tone to it. Right in the fist page you can already see that the hero is into some BDSM stuff. He's extremely arrogant and the heroine is in a dire situation. I thought I would hate this book and seriously thought I would just dfn it. But when I was right about to do it, the tone started to change and it became interesting.
Oh yes, the hero is a domineering arrogant jerk but he grows on us. The story was interesting enough. I have not read any of the previous 9 books but I understood everything just fine.
If you're looking for a steamy romance with a dark twist to it, you're going to enjoy this book. She was submissive and powerless to him in the bedroom. And I liked that never the tone made anything looks vulgar. I applaud the writer for talking about such dark subjects without making it so.
3.5 stars?
Oh yes, the hero is a domineering arrogant jerk but he grows on us. The story was interesting enough. I have not read any of the previous 9 books but I understood everything just fine.
If you're looking for a steamy romance with a dark twist to it, you're going to enjoy this book. She was submissive and powerless to him in the bedroom. And I liked that never the tone made anything looks vulgar. I applaud the writer for talking about such dark subjects without making it so.
3.5 stars?
December 21, 2017
Definitely a very bold departure for Liz Carlyle and one I personally felt slightly uncomfortable with....I mean of course the bedroom scenes. There is a lot of talk in other reviews about '50 Shades of Grey'; not having read that novel I wouldn't know, what I do know, however, is that the course Ms. Carlyle has taken in The Earl's Mistress works, in this storyline anyway. It's not dominance - or whatever the correct term is - for dominance sake, it's part of who Anthony is and it becomes clear that it is also what Isabella is. Consenting adults behind closed doors and all that...why not? So uncomfortable or not I cannot mark her down for writing so explicitly about something I felt uncomfortable with - it's her story.
Aside from that, this was an utterly absorbing, romantic and fast paced page turner. Anthony is a tortured man with events in his past having shaped him into an arrogant, self absorbed and promiscuous rake. That is until beautiful, vulnerable but strong minded Isabella Aldridge enters his life and his heart, and his innate honour and protectiveness rises to the fore. She becomes his match both inside the bedchamber and out of it. Life has treated Isabella badly but she has simply taken it on the chin, she has her younger half sister and step sister to care for and she will do so in what ever way she must. Isabella becomes 'The Earl's Mistress' but also so much more - the love, attraction and sheer magnetism between these two leaps off the pages. Liz Carlyle has written an utterly beautiful and captivating tale - it's really about the saving of Anthony, the Earl of Hepplewood's soul, by Isabella Aldridge.
There is a believable plot running through the story which is one of the things driving gently born Isabella into taking such drastic action as to offer herself as a mistress to a rich aristocrat. The plot is dark, plausible and well written. The dealings and actions of Anthony, Earl of Hepplewood in the solving of Isabella's problems are excellently executed and I found the whole story to be absolutely absorbing.
I adored Anthony, Earl of Hepplewood, his character is strong, dominant but honourable. His love for Isabella touching and endearing, he comes across - to me at least - as the sad little boy we all love to love. Isabella is a beautiful, proud woman who feels ashamed, at least to begin with, of the compulsion she feels to indulge in 'the bedroom antics' Anthony teaches her. Not withstanding that, I still loved this story, it is written in Liz Carlyle's usual classy manner, she has just become bolder and I thoroughly enjoyed it with the reservations already mentioned. I would still urge other lovers of HR to read this novel, just read as I did and accept that the 'bedroom scenes' are part of what makes these characters what they are. Loved it....5 stars
Aside from that, this was an utterly absorbing, romantic and fast paced page turner. Anthony is a tortured man with events in his past having shaped him into an arrogant, self absorbed and promiscuous rake. That is until beautiful, vulnerable but strong minded Isabella Aldridge enters his life and his heart, and his innate honour and protectiveness rises to the fore. She becomes his match both inside the bedchamber and out of it. Life has treated Isabella badly but she has simply taken it on the chin, she has her younger half sister and step sister to care for and she will do so in what ever way she must. Isabella becomes 'The Earl's Mistress' but also so much more - the love, attraction and sheer magnetism between these two leaps off the pages. Liz Carlyle has written an utterly beautiful and captivating tale - it's really about the saving of Anthony, the Earl of Hepplewood's soul, by Isabella Aldridge.
There is a believable plot running through the story which is one of the things driving gently born Isabella into taking such drastic action as to offer herself as a mistress to a rich aristocrat. The plot is dark, plausible and well written. The dealings and actions of Anthony, Earl of Hepplewood in the solving of Isabella's problems are excellently executed and I found the whole story to be absolutely absorbing.
I adored Anthony, Earl of Hepplewood, his character is strong, dominant but honourable. His love for Isabella touching and endearing, he comes across - to me at least - as the sad little boy we all love to love. Isabella is a beautiful, proud woman who feels ashamed, at least to begin with, of the compulsion she feels to indulge in 'the bedroom antics' Anthony teaches her. Not withstanding that, I still loved this story, it is written in Liz Carlyle's usual classy manner, she has just become bolder and I thoroughly enjoyed it with the reservations already mentioned. I would still urge other lovers of HR to read this novel, just read as I did and accept that the 'bedroom scenes' are part of what makes these characters what they are. Loved it....5 stars
October 10, 2016
The biggest problem with this book is that it tries too hard. And if there's one thing that drives me nuts, it's genre romance that takes itself too seriously--hence the author is unable (or unwilling?) to treat it with anything less than utmost solemnity. But c'mon, this is a generic Avon... with bondage! That's just begging for a wink & a grin, right?!
N.B. Since I recently honored one of my fave crusty warriors with an Avon review, I'll use another for this one: Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, sellsword-turned-knight.
Now then. The Earl's Mistress.
Many reviews are discomfited by the sex--but S&M wasn't invented in the 1980s. People have been tying each other up for hundreds of years, y'all. This ain't new. Stop acting like maiden aunts because an established author decided to use it in her Avon romance. This book is NOT Fifty Shades. I make it a practice to avoid New Adult, BDSM, or anything more graphic than Thea Divine, yet I wasn't traumatized by the sex in Earl's Mistress. Trust me. If yours truly can handle it, the bondage must be pretty vanilla.
So there's a young widow named Isabella. She decides to sell herself as mistress to a rich widower, because she needs money & her looks are so amazingly gorgeous that she can't get hired as a governess. She ends up getting stalked by Lord Hepplewood, an emo asshole who likes to tie up women & smack them with riding crops (& sometimes pleasure them with dildos, oh noes!). Much to her surprise, Isabella finds out she enjoys being submissive--but then Hep cuts her loose because...god knows, something about how he can't allow himself to fall in love because he ruins women's lives. (How original.) Isabella, meanwhile, is torn between relief & tears, because she will NOT be a kept woman, dammit! But she does love being spanked. It's a quandary.
...Actually, it's a rather boring quandary involving completely unmemorable people.
There's a floundering side plot tossed in--something about Isabella's inheritance & a creepster relation trying to steal her stepsisters for fiendish ped0bear, & she tries to open a bookshop that sells children's educational material (LOLz) because she'd rather pinch pennies than be a Kept Woman. At this point, I decided to hate her. Just imagine: you're desperate for money. The man you're in love with is hot, rich, & single. He offers to give you a posh house, jewels, cash, & orgasms, plus a pension for your beloved housekeeper & the best education for your precious siblings. And what's your response? Nope, sorry. I'm independent, dammit!
...How mentally incompetent are you?
Ironically, the sex is this book's greatest strength--not because it's particularly scintillating (nah, it got repetitive really fast), but at least it made the characters engage in something besides their robotic feedback loop o' angst. An absurd portion of this book is spent on conversation or monologues. Sweet lord, what's this allergy to DOING STUFF rather than examining internal motivation every other sentence? This book had the skeleton of a really good Victorian melodrama--the stolen inheritance, the creepy relations with questionable motives, the hero's insane ex-girlfriend--but it was squandered in favor of endless self-examination.
Overall: a big fat yawn. Hep was a refreshing jerk for the first third, then he started down the usual road of woobie-rake turned loyal instaboner. (And his closing speech about her putting aside that inheritance for her sisters...ugh. I nearly threw up in my mouth.)
Take your deballed emoz & GTFO.
2.5 stars. It wasn't poorly written, & I can't fault the author for trying something different -- but the story never gained any momentum beyond sex & angst.
N.B. Since I recently honored one of my fave crusty warriors with an Avon review, I'll use another for this one: Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, sellsword-turned-knight.
Now then. The Earl's Mistress.
Many reviews are discomfited by the sex--but S&M wasn't invented in the 1980s. People have been tying each other up for hundreds of years, y'all. This ain't new. Stop acting like maiden aunts because an established author decided to use it in her Avon romance. This book is NOT Fifty Shades. I make it a practice to avoid New Adult, BDSM, or anything more graphic than Thea Divine, yet I wasn't traumatized by the sex in Earl's Mistress. Trust me. If yours truly can handle it, the bondage must be pretty vanilla.
So there's a young widow named Isabella. She decides to sell herself as mistress to a rich widower, because she needs money & her looks are so amazingly gorgeous that she can't get hired as a governess. She ends up getting stalked by Lord Hepplewood, an emo asshole who likes to tie up women & smack them with riding crops (& sometimes pleasure them with dildos, oh noes!). Much to her surprise, Isabella finds out she enjoys being submissive--but then Hep cuts her loose because...god knows, something about how he can't allow himself to fall in love because he ruins women's lives. (How original.) Isabella, meanwhile, is torn between relief & tears, because she will NOT be a kept woman, dammit! But she does love being spanked. It's a quandary.
...Actually, it's a rather boring quandary involving completely unmemorable people.
There's a floundering side plot tossed in--something about Isabella's inheritance & a creepster relation trying to steal her stepsisters for fiendish ped0bear, & she tries to open a bookshop that sells children's educational material (LOLz) because she'd rather pinch pennies than be a Kept Woman. At this point, I decided to hate her. Just imagine: you're desperate for money. The man you're in love with is hot, rich, & single. He offers to give you a posh house, jewels, cash, & orgasms, plus a pension for your beloved housekeeper & the best education for your precious siblings. And what's your response? Nope, sorry. I'm independent, dammit!
...How mentally incompetent are you?
Ironically, the sex is this book's greatest strength--not because it's particularly scintillating (nah, it got repetitive really fast), but at least it made the characters engage in something besides their robotic feedback loop o' angst. An absurd portion of this book is spent on conversation or monologues. Sweet lord, what's this allergy to DOING STUFF rather than examining internal motivation every other sentence? This book had the skeleton of a really good Victorian melodrama--the stolen inheritance, the creepy relations with questionable motives, the hero's insane ex-girlfriend--but it was squandered in favor of endless self-examination.
Overall: a big fat yawn. Hep was a refreshing jerk for the first third, then he started down the usual road of woobie-rake turned loyal instaboner. (And his closing speech about her putting aside that inheritance for her sisters...ugh. I nearly threw up in my mouth.)
Take your deballed emoz & GTFO.
2.5 stars. It wasn't poorly written, & I can't fault the author for trying something different -- but the story never gained any momentum beyond sex & angst.
June 10, 2025
Re-Read JUN 2025: Everything I said below stands...this was so f*ucking hot!!! Also, I'd consider this book a standalone so if you like kinky historical romance, please go ahead and read it!!
ORIGINAL REVIEW: This book was soo good. And hot!
The Earl's Mistress was very unexpected. At first, I thought it was going to be the run of the mill "lord seduces governess" trope but it wasn't. Then I thought it was going to be "MCs enjoy idyllic affair" but it wasn't. Not only that, but the hero was crazy in love with the heroine by mid-book and not fighting it. Once you add the light bondage/BDSM, it turned out a totally unpredictable read. In a good way!
Isabella is looking for a position as a governess in Anthony's household. As soon as he sees her, he thinks "trouble" and tells her that she's better off becoming a man's mistress. Outraged, she slaps him and goes away but given her dire circumstances, realizes she should follow his advice. But surprise! Her new protector is none other than Anthony, who is a lot kinkier than she even knew men could be.
Once Tony realizes that she doesn't have much experience, he feels bad for introducing her to his "dark desires" *snickers*. Imagine his surprise (and delight) when the woman is into it! And she totally was. At the beginning, she's confused and a little bit appalled but with time (and spanking, LOL!), they both realize that their tastes in the bedroom have nothing to do with the people they are outside it.
The second part of the book introduces the children in their lives, which provided a very interesting contrast. During the day, you would see them with the children - I laughed with the children's antics specially Fluffles the dog - but once they closed that bedroom door at night, Tony and Isabella gave rein to their kinky desires. This felt natural and right. And made me realize how rarely you see children in BDSM books, as if liking some kink precludes you from being a good father, cousin, etc.
My friend Tracy recently recommended Carolyn Morris as a narrator and I have to say she's as good as promised! She reminds me of Robert Petkoff because she acts the hell out of the books. If the text says to moan, groan, laugh, that's exactly what she does! Her male voices were good too so I see myself checking out her backlist.
This book is supposedly #10 in a series but I read it out of order and didn't feel like I missed anything. Totally recommended if you don't mind the kinky stuff.
ORIGINAL REVIEW: This book was soo good. And hot!
The Earl's Mistress was very unexpected. At first, I thought it was going to be the run of the mill "lord seduces governess" trope but it wasn't. Then I thought it was going to be "MCs enjoy idyllic affair" but it wasn't. Not only that, but the hero was crazy in love with the heroine by mid-book and not fighting it. Once you add the light bondage/BDSM, it turned out a totally unpredictable read. In a good way!
Isabella is looking for a position as a governess in Anthony's household. As soon as he sees her, he thinks "trouble" and tells her that she's better off becoming a man's mistress. Outraged, she slaps him and goes away but given her dire circumstances, realizes she should follow his advice. But surprise! Her new protector is none other than Anthony, who is a lot kinkier than she even knew men could be.
Once Tony realizes that she doesn't have much experience, he feels bad for introducing her to his "dark desires" *snickers*. Imagine his surprise (and delight) when the woman is into it! And she totally was. At the beginning, she's confused and a little bit appalled but with time (and spanking, LOL!), they both realize that their tastes in the bedroom have nothing to do with the people they are outside it.
The second part of the book introduces the children in their lives, which provided a very interesting contrast. During the day, you would see them with the children - I laughed with the children's antics specially Fluffles the dog - but once they closed that bedroom door at night, Tony and Isabella gave rein to their kinky desires. This felt natural and right. And made me realize how rarely you see children in BDSM books, as if liking some kink precludes you from being a good father, cousin, etc.
My friend Tracy recently recommended Carolyn Morris as a narrator and I have to say she's as good as promised! She reminds me of Robert Petkoff because she acts the hell out of the books. If the text says to moan, groan, laugh, that's exactly what she does! Her male voices were good too so I see myself checking out her backlist.
This book is supposedly #10 in a series but I read it out of order and didn't feel like I missed anything. Totally recommended if you don't mind the kinky stuff.
August 31, 2014
WOW!!! A bit of a departure from Ms. Carlyle's usual writing style. Not to say it wasn't as good as the ususal stories she writes, just different for her, as well as unexpected. There was some spanking and bondage going on in this dark romance. Not say I didn't enjoy it, I did, even though that usually isn't my kind of kink to read about. Everybody is getting on the BDSM bandwagon, so why not her. :-) I just wish the epi could have been a bit different in that we get to see Tony's and Bella's fears put to rest. Maybe one of Isabella's sisters will get a book and we can get backstory that way. I stayed up to 5am reading this and couldn't put it down. I was surprise at the dirrection, but just as entralled as usual with the quality of writing. I just hope this is not the direction she is going to take from now on.
May 1, 2021
I throughly enjoyed this book. It was humorous in several places (like when all the children came into the story-wasn’t expecting it in a book that contains so much BDSM...but it worked out very well).
To think I was going to stop reading it as well, would’ve been a loss 💕
To think I was going to stop reading it as well, would’ve been a loss 💕
July 8, 2014
I was excited to be granted an advance e-book copy of The Earl's Mistress through Edelweiss. Liz Carlyle is one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her books have strong female leads, wit, and a strong historical presents. This books was a huge disappointment. I feel Fifty Shades of Grey has ruined the romance genre. This book is a historical Fifty Shades of Grey.
August 1, 2025
3.5 Stars
Widowed, Isabella Aldridge is hurting for money. At first, she uses her body with the wicked Earl of Hepplewood. He greedily lusts after her. But then, it turns into more than what either of them bargained for.
I love the heroine and hero's relationship. It basically carried the book. I wasn't particularly concerned about what the other family members' were doing, hence a 3.5 star rating. This can be read as a standalone. If it has previous characters in it from other books, I didn't miss anything. Moreover, this is a first for me by this author. This book contains BDSM. Very kinky; if that isn't your style, I would skip it. An overall enjoyable read. I like the author's writing style—old school!
Widowed, Isabella Aldridge is hurting for money. At first, she uses her body with the wicked Earl of Hepplewood. He greedily lusts after her. But then, it turns into more than what either of them bargained for.
I love the heroine and hero's relationship. It basically carried the book. I wasn't particularly concerned about what the other family members' were doing, hence a 3.5 star rating. This can be read as a standalone. If it has previous characters in it from other books, I didn't miss anything. Moreover, this is a first for me by this author. This book contains BDSM. Very kinky; if that isn't your style, I would skip it. An overall enjoyable read. I like the author's writing style—old school!
May 10, 2014
I'm not sure if this is Liz Carlyle's first attempt at sadomasochism, but I find it a little annoying that the female character is so undecided in what she likes or wants. I mean, I understand that this is new to her and she is grasping on her feelings for it, but must the dialogue be so repetitive? Not my kind of thing.
September 12, 2014
I used to love reading books by Liz Carlyle until she went off and started writing fantasy books for which I had no interest. Then I heard she had returned to historical romance and I thought, YIPPEE! Talk about disappointment. Now, she's into sado-masochism. This story starts out okay: down-on-her-luck heroine desperately applying for a job as a governess gets turned down by handsome-but-heartless rake. You think it will all work out in the end. It's doesn't. This guy is not only a sadist; he's a pervert. By Chapter 8, I gave up and skipped to the end. Nothing had changed except by then Our Hero had managed to convince Miss Ninny that whipping her fanny with a horsewhip or blistering it red with his hand was the Way to Go! In the end, he's got HER tying HIM up! Oh, please This is not enjoyable HEA historical romance. This is pure junk.
July 8, 2014
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a mistress? To be in control of a man's desires? Ever wonder what it would be like to be the mistress of an Earl? Me neither, but for one lady, she was left with no choice.
Isabella Aldridge is a brilliant woman with tremendous pressure cast on her shoulders. Having to take care of her two sisters with her job as a governess was difficult, but it became almost impossible when she lost her job.
Now looking for a new post as a governess elsewhere, she was brought to the attention of an Earl. After "interviewing" Isabella for a few seconds he dismissed her, but not before giving her some advice. His advice was for her to become a mistress.
After rightfully slapping the Earl's smug face and storming off, Isabella realized that what the Earl said was true. No one would have her as a governess and marring her cousin was out of the question so the only thing she can do is become a mistress.
Resolved in her new role to put food on the table for her sisters and a roof over there heads, Isabella asked a friend of hers to help her in her en-devour. Styled with a new wardrobe and an interested patron, Isabella sets off to start her new life, but as luck would have it, her patron is none other than The Earl of Hepplewood, the man who gave her the idea in the first place.
Anthony, The Earl of Hepplewood has never had anyone refuse him before. Okay, he did, but to a disastrous end. Now needing to feel in control at all times, he plans to take his revenge on a look alike of the woman who dared to refuse him, and it was a stroke of luck the very woman he feels the need to punish arrives at his doorstep.
Now faced with each other, can the both of them survive the other, especially with all the hoopla that was thrown their way in the form of Isabella's aunt and cousin and kinky sex that is scary to most people, but exciting to Isabella. Is something wrong with her for liking it? Find out in Liz Carlyle book The Earl's Mistress.
This book was interesting, but not in an exciting way. Isabella was very annoying in her indecision about everything. With all the repetition in the book I felt deja vu over and over again. You heard the same saying over and over and the same arguments, it was exhausting just having to read it.
The thing that irked me the most was the sex. It just did not fit with the story line. I don't know if this was the first attempt at S&M that the author wrote but this was just bad. I felt nothing and I skipped through them all. I've read books with S&M that were totally awesome, but this one just did not do it for me.
Besides the sex and the repetition, this book had a good bones that told a story of a young woman, with no family who were willing to help her, try to take care of her sisters. Don't worry, she did not end up as only his mistress. Want to find out what I mean, read the book and find out.
Isabella Aldridge is a brilliant woman with tremendous pressure cast on her shoulders. Having to take care of her two sisters with her job as a governess was difficult, but it became almost impossible when she lost her job.
Now looking for a new post as a governess elsewhere, she was brought to the attention of an Earl. After "interviewing" Isabella for a few seconds he dismissed her, but not before giving her some advice. His advice was for her to become a mistress.
After rightfully slapping the Earl's smug face and storming off, Isabella realized that what the Earl said was true. No one would have her as a governess and marring her cousin was out of the question so the only thing she can do is become a mistress.
Resolved in her new role to put food on the table for her sisters and a roof over there heads, Isabella asked a friend of hers to help her in her en-devour. Styled with a new wardrobe and an interested patron, Isabella sets off to start her new life, but as luck would have it, her patron is none other than The Earl of Hepplewood, the man who gave her the idea in the first place.
Anthony, The Earl of Hepplewood has never had anyone refuse him before. Okay, he did, but to a disastrous end. Now needing to feel in control at all times, he plans to take his revenge on a look alike of the woman who dared to refuse him, and it was a stroke of luck the very woman he feels the need to punish arrives at his doorstep.
Now faced with each other, can the both of them survive the other, especially with all the hoopla that was thrown their way in the form of Isabella's aunt and cousin and kinky sex that is scary to most people, but exciting to Isabella. Is something wrong with her for liking it? Find out in Liz Carlyle book The Earl's Mistress.
This book was interesting, but not in an exciting way. Isabella was very annoying in her indecision about everything. With all the repetition in the book I felt deja vu over and over again. You heard the same saying over and over and the same arguments, it was exhausting just having to read it.
The thing that irked me the most was the sex. It just did not fit with the story line. I don't know if this was the first attempt at S&M that the author wrote but this was just bad. I felt nothing and I skipped through them all. I've read books with S&M that were totally awesome, but this one just did not do it for me.
Besides the sex and the repetition, this book had a good bones that told a story of a young woman, with no family who were willing to help her, try to take care of her sisters. Don't worry, she did not end up as only his mistress. Want to find out what I mean, read the book and find out.
August 30, 2014
This book was a real disappointment to me. I am not crazy about B/D but I really dislike versions that include actual pain and while there wasn't much here I found it distasteful as I did the reasons the characters enjoyed it. It's simply implausible that a woman who is looking to be cared for would find caring in being whipped.
Moreover the scenes outside the bedroom were not particularly compelling, we didn't really see either hero or heroine fall in love, and their characters outside the bedroom --particularly hers--seemed inconsistent with their characters in it.
I have really enjoyed other books by this author, and I have enjoyed other books where the bedroom activities were unappealing to me but consistent with the characters and develop their relationship further. This did neither. She is coming off my autobuy list.
Moreover the scenes outside the bedroom were not particularly compelling, we didn't really see either hero or heroine fall in love, and their characters outside the bedroom --particularly hers--seemed inconsistent with their characters in it.
I have really enjoyed other books by this author, and I have enjoyed other books where the bedroom activities were unappealing to me but consistent with the characters and develop their relationship further. This did neither. She is coming off my autobuy list.
September 24, 2014
Penurious widow Isabella Aldridge needs a job—badly. Since her husband left her penniless, she's been making her way as a governess. Her last position ended when the boys went to school, and now, with their rent and all their other bills months in arrears, she and her two young sisters are about to be out on the street. Oh, there is family but the price she and her sisters would have to pay for their support is far too dear.
In desperation, she travels all the way to Northumberland, on the promise that a position awaits her with the notorious hedonist, Earl of Hepplewood. Hardly an ideal employer, but beggars can't be choosers.
Hep takes one look at Bella and realizes she is not suited for the position she's seeking—he doesn't dally with the help, and, well, with her, he wouldn't be able to help himself. He offers her another position—one he thinks she's far better suited for. She slaps his face and he sends her on her way.
As insulting as the idea was, the family issues at home are getting more and more desperate. Bella's been going without food to keep her sisters from being hungry , and there's more and more pressure from a perverted cousin who wants to marry her (and get access to her young sisters). And, well, the earl's words just keep returning to her. Wouldn't it be better to be a discreetly kept mistress than a beggar on the streets?
Long story short, Hep gets his way. Which is exactly how he likes it. Seems he has a 50 Shades thing going. I'll spoiler this comment just cuz it might be a bit "out there" for some.
Meanwhile, Hep discovers that her cousin has ulterior motives for the marriage—and it's not just about the little girls. There's some action of a non-sexual nature towards the end, and a bit of deus ex machina, but it worked. On the whole, this one deserves a good 4.5—which is good from me, given it's a Victorian, and mostly about the relationship.
In desperation, she travels all the way to Northumberland, on the promise that a position awaits her with the notorious hedonist, Earl of Hepplewood. Hardly an ideal employer, but beggars can't be choosers.
Hep takes one look at Bella and realizes she is not suited for the position she's seeking—he doesn't dally with the help, and, well, with her, he wouldn't be able to help himself. He offers her another position—one he thinks she's far better suited for. She slaps his face and he sends her on her way.
As insulting as the idea was, the family issues at home are getting more and more desperate. Bella's been going without food to keep her sisters from being hungry , and there's more and more pressure from a perverted cousin who wants to marry her (and get access to her young sisters). And, well, the earl's words just keep returning to her. Wouldn't it be better to be a discreetly kept mistress than a beggar on the streets?
Long story short, Hep gets his way. Which is exactly how he likes it. Seems he has a 50 Shades thing going. I'll spoiler this comment just cuz it might be a bit "out there" for some.
Meanwhile, Hep discovers that her cousin has ulterior motives for the marriage—and it's not just about the little girls. There's some action of a non-sexual nature towards the end, and a bit of deus ex machina, but it worked. On the whole, this one deserves a good 4.5—which is good from me, given it's a Victorian, and mostly about the relationship.
September 4, 2014
This was a straight-up 50 Shades rip-off (albeit better written). After having just read one of the best romance novels I've read in a while, this was just terrible. I'm very disappointed because generally I really like Liz Carlyle.
March 6, 2022
HOT
BDMS in Regency (:OOOO) (bondage, crops, toys)
Strong main characters, heroine actually slapped hero for some cruel words. She fought for her sister's life, working herself to death almost.
It was steamy and hot
They had very strong connection, love it.
Faithful from the meeting
Hero was a manwhore, heroine only one lover previous, almost virgin woman.
BDMS in Regency (:OOOO) (bondage, crops, toys)
Strong main characters, heroine actually slapped hero for some cruel words. She fought for her sister's life, working herself to death almost.
It was steamy and hot
They had very strong connection, love it.
Faithful from the meeting
Hero was a manwhore, heroine only one lover previous, almost virgin woman.
January 22, 2021
What can I say about this book?
It started out at 5 stars then slowly inched lower and lower.
Before getting into it, here's my take on the elements a lot of people are marking this book down for ("BDSM" and comparing it to 50 Shades of Grey). This book is nowhere near 50 Shades level; I suppose it's kinda BDSM-light . Honestly, these scenes didn't bother me (I liked 50 Shades), and I thought the sex scenes were actually the best part of the book. They're the main reason I gave it the 3 stars.
Now for spoiler comments, problems I had:
It started out at 5 stars then slowly inched lower and lower.
Before getting into it, here's my take on the elements a lot of people are marking this book down for ("BDSM" and comparing it to 50 Shades of Grey). This book is nowhere near 50 Shades level; I suppose it's kinda BDSM-light . Honestly, these scenes didn't bother me (I liked 50 Shades), and I thought the sex scenes were actually the best part of the book. They're the main reason I gave it the 3 stars.
Now for spoiler comments, problems I had:
August 19, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
I wasn't sure if I was going to add my thoughts to this post. However, I have decided to. Yes, I was a little worry when I looked at other people's thoughts. There are some reviews that might be consider harsh out there, and I do believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion of the story. Yeah, I would I went with the thought "What did I get myself into". As I started to read The Earl's Mistress, I was surprise by my reaction to the story. Yes, it isn't your typical Liz Carlyle story. It's a little different from the other stories I have read by her, but I still liked it.
Yes, majority of the story deals with Hepplewood trying to convince Isabella to become his mistress. At times he's over the top domineering, especially when he's around Isabella. However, it's his way of keeping control. You don't realize that until he tells the story of his past, which I have to say is a doozy. Anyway, at first you look at Isabella as pushover at times, and you wonder if she even has a back bone. As you read, you actually she that there is more her than the pushover you see. Of course, she submits to Hepplewood, but you see her trying to work her feelings out along the way. Some may view this as being indecisive. I look at her as someone who hasn't had a lot of sexual experience, which can be scary when you have a domineering person.
So, that's a huge chunk of the story, but there's more to The Earl's Mistress. For instance, Isabella is trying to protect her sisters from their crummy cousin Tafford. During the story he's always in the background. Isabella is worry what he might do to them cause she doesn't want to be married to debauched cousin. Once we get to the second half the story Tafford and whatever he's cooked up becomes the focus. Yes, Isabella and Hepplewood still have a relationship that hasn't been defined.
Here's what I think: Some people are not going to like Hepplewood and probably think Isabella is a fool for going to his bed and pretty much returning to it. However, Hepplewood's character actually made me laugh cause his domineering personality was over the top. At times I kind of heard his voice like Patrick Stewart as he narrated the Fifty Shades of Chicken Book Trailer. However, once he starts removing the veneer, you can see that he's a decent guy with some dark tendency. Isabella may seem like a fool, but she does care for her family and would do anything for them. Overall, I liked The Earl's Mistress and if you can look pass the flaws it's actually a pretty good story. These are completely my thoughts and worth a shot.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss
I wasn't sure if I was going to add my thoughts to this post. However, I have decided to. Yes, I was a little worry when I looked at other people's thoughts. There are some reviews that might be consider harsh out there, and I do believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion of the story. Yeah, I would I went with the thought "What did I get myself into". As I started to read The Earl's Mistress, I was surprise by my reaction to the story. Yes, it isn't your typical Liz Carlyle story. It's a little different from the other stories I have read by her, but I still liked it.
Yes, majority of the story deals with Hepplewood trying to convince Isabella to become his mistress. At times he's over the top domineering, especially when he's around Isabella. However, it's his way of keeping control. You don't realize that until he tells the story of his past, which I have to say is a doozy. Anyway, at first you look at Isabella as pushover at times, and you wonder if she even has a back bone. As you read, you actually she that there is more her than the pushover you see. Of course, she submits to Hepplewood, but you see her trying to work her feelings out along the way. Some may view this as being indecisive. I look at her as someone who hasn't had a lot of sexual experience, which can be scary when you have a domineering person.
So, that's a huge chunk of the story, but there's more to The Earl's Mistress. For instance, Isabella is trying to protect her sisters from their crummy cousin Tafford. During the story he's always in the background. Isabella is worry what he might do to them cause she doesn't want to be married to debauched cousin. Once we get to the second half the story Tafford and whatever he's cooked up becomes the focus. Yes, Isabella and Hepplewood still have a relationship that hasn't been defined.
Here's what I think: Some people are not going to like Hepplewood and probably think Isabella is a fool for going to his bed and pretty much returning to it. However, Hepplewood's character actually made me laugh cause his domineering personality was over the top. At times I kind of heard his voice like Patrick Stewart as he narrated the Fifty Shades of Chicken Book Trailer. However, once he starts removing the veneer, you can see that he's a decent guy with some dark tendency. Isabella may seem like a fool, but she does care for her family and would do anything for them. Overall, I liked The Earl's Mistress and if you can look pass the flaws it's actually a pretty good story. These are completely my thoughts and worth a shot.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss
January 28, 2021
When I started reading this book I absolutely disliked the hero. He was so arrogant and conceited even bordering on controlling and a little obsessive. I found myself wondering how I was going to enjoy this, but then once Tony realized he was in love with Isabella everything started changing. He became so much more likeable, championing Isabella and protecting her, loving and taking care of her sisters.
They had crazy awesome chemistry too. I'm pretty sure I blushed a lot reading this book. It had some kinky stuff going on because Tony is a fuhreak. He dominates in bed and punishes Isabella (not in a horrible way) so if you like that sort of kinky stuff then you would probably enjoy this book.
The only reason it's 4 stars is they both knew they were in love a lot sooner than either one admitted it, and I was so annoyed they weren't telling each other. It felt like their relationship could have progressed faster if they had, but maybe they both had to grapple with the fact that they were so head over heels in love with each other before they could admit it to the other person.
My first Liz Carlyle and won't be my last.
They had crazy awesome chemistry too. I'm pretty sure I blushed a lot reading this book. It had some kinky stuff going on because Tony is a fuhreak. He dominates in bed and punishes Isabella (not in a horrible way) so if you like that sort of kinky stuff then you would probably enjoy this book.
The only reason it's 4 stars is they both knew they were in love a lot sooner than either one admitted it, and I was so annoyed they weren't telling each other. It felt like their relationship could have progressed faster if they had, but maybe they both had to grapple with the fact that they were so head over heels in love with each other before they could admit it to the other person.
My first Liz Carlyle and won't be my last.
June 17, 2019
Carlyle thoroughly engages readers!
There’s plenty of sizzle . . . An entertaining read and
a good choice for readers who like historical and a bit of spanking and bondage.
There’s plenty of sizzle . . . An entertaining read and
a good choice for readers who like historical and a bit of spanking and bondage.
August 29, 2014
I don't like SM in romantic stories.
January 8, 2020
Wow, I enjoyed this book. I'd rate this as the best book I've read since The Last Hellion and Bringing Down the Duke. I've read plenty of other lovely books in the interim, but this one REALLY stood out.
First off, who is Liz Carlyle, and why have I never heard of her? I stumbled on her thanks to a combination of AAR, GoodReads and my Libby account yesterday.
As with most things, execution trumps the idea. The idea here is fairly straightforward. Hepplesworth is a rakish earl with some dubious proclivities (aka he's a libertine with a bondage fetish). Isabella is an impoverished widow and former governess, with two half-sisters to care for. He turns her down for a job as governess, and tells her to take up another profession instead (Guess which one!). She slaps him, leaves, and goes back to her previous employer who hired her to tutor her sons (and who happens to be a former courtesan). Isabella tells her that she has no choice but to become some rich man's mistress and wants her help in acquiring such a man.
She is then matched with-- guess who, why yes, it's Hepplesworth again. Although there are some villains in this plot and a bit of external drama toward the end of it, this is primarily a character driven story, so I won't reveal much more of the plot.
It's so easy to read this book and think I understood both these characters straight out of the gate. I remember really enjoying the first ten percent, even as I rolled my eyes and thought: wow, this man is so dissolute and lascivious and she's so prim, self-respecting and vulnerable to the world. Those assumptions weren't wrong, but they were shallow. I love when a writer takes you through your black and white assumptions, and forces you to see the gray (50 shades pun not intended).
Hepplesworth, who seems shallow and insensitive, has hidden depths- cares about his responsibilities to his dependents, is a decent father, and a protective partner. He's not afraid to apologize when he is wrong, and he's NOT cruel.
Isabella is vulnerable because of her circumstances, but stands up for herself. She also gets in two good slaps at critical points in the plot, which I found deeply enjoyable. She also has a clear-eyed view of her responsibilities in life, and is grounded and centered, even as she's troubled by the kinky sex she enjoys having with Hepplesworth, and there's a fair amount of it.
Speaking of sex, the main calling card of this book is the BDSM elements. I give Carlyle credit for threading the needle very well on this. I've seen books that imply a BDSM element and then do nothing of the sort (I'm looking at you, Devil in Spring and The Duke's Perfect Wife). I know there are books that essentially use BDSM as an excuse for cruelty and abuse (I'm thinking of some of Maya Banks' contemporaries- the "sweet" series). Here we have six love scenes, each one that shows the progression of their relationship. Three of the six include some BDSM elements (spanking, bondage) and three don't. The three that don't, include Isabella having the upper hand. In the scenes that do include spanking and bondage, you see a good use of consent, Hepplesworth focusing on Isabella's pleasure, pulling back when he senses she's uncomfortable, and reassuring her when she wonders why she enjoys this type of sex. There's also a good progression from lust to love, over the course of the book, which is as it should be. Since the consent and love pieces are done right, I found the scenes satisfying.
Overall, a really striking book that I enjoyed. Elegantly simple plot, fantastically written lead couple. The side characters, especially Hepplesworth cousin Anne, were good as well. Should note I couldn't keep track of all the family relationships on Hepplesworth's side, and that might be because this is the fourth or fifth book in the series, although there aren't many references to other plots.
First off, who is Liz Carlyle, and why have I never heard of her? I stumbled on her thanks to a combination of AAR, GoodReads and my Libby account yesterday.
As with most things, execution trumps the idea. The idea here is fairly straightforward. Hepplesworth is a rakish earl with some dubious proclivities (aka he's a libertine with a bondage fetish). Isabella is an impoverished widow and former governess, with two half-sisters to care for. He turns her down for a job as governess, and tells her to take up another profession instead (Guess which one!). She slaps him, leaves, and goes back to her previous employer who hired her to tutor her sons (and who happens to be a former courtesan). Isabella tells her that she has no choice but to become some rich man's mistress and wants her help in acquiring such a man.
She is then matched with-- guess who, why yes, it's Hepplesworth again. Although there are some villains in this plot and a bit of external drama toward the end of it, this is primarily a character driven story, so I won't reveal much more of the plot.
It's so easy to read this book and think I understood both these characters straight out of the gate. I remember really enjoying the first ten percent, even as I rolled my eyes and thought: wow, this man is so dissolute and lascivious and she's so prim, self-respecting and vulnerable to the world. Those assumptions weren't wrong, but they were shallow. I love when a writer takes you through your black and white assumptions, and forces you to see the gray (50 shades pun not intended).
Hepplesworth, who seems shallow and insensitive, has hidden depths- cares about his responsibilities to his dependents, is a decent father, and a protective partner. He's not afraid to apologize when he is wrong, and he's NOT cruel.
Isabella is vulnerable because of her circumstances, but stands up for herself. She also gets in two good slaps at critical points in the plot, which I found deeply enjoyable. She also has a clear-eyed view of her responsibilities in life, and is grounded and centered, even as she's troubled by the kinky sex she enjoys having with Hepplesworth, and there's a fair amount of it.
Speaking of sex, the main calling card of this book is the BDSM elements. I give Carlyle credit for threading the needle very well on this. I've seen books that imply a BDSM element and then do nothing of the sort (I'm looking at you, Devil in Spring and The Duke's Perfect Wife). I know there are books that essentially use BDSM as an excuse for cruelty and abuse (I'm thinking of some of Maya Banks' contemporaries- the "sweet" series). Here we have six love scenes, each one that shows the progression of their relationship. Three of the six include some BDSM elements (spanking, bondage) and three don't. The three that don't, include Isabella having the upper hand. In the scenes that do include spanking and bondage, you see a good use of consent, Hepplesworth focusing on Isabella's pleasure, pulling back when he senses she's uncomfortable, and reassuring her when she wonders why she enjoys this type of sex. There's also a good progression from lust to love, over the course of the book, which is as it should be. Since the consent and love pieces are done right, I found the scenes satisfying.
Overall, a really striking book that I enjoyed. Elegantly simple plot, fantastically written lead couple. The side characters, especially Hepplesworth cousin Anne, were good as well. Should note I couldn't keep track of all the family relationships on Hepplesworth's side, and that might be because this is the fourth or fifth book in the series, although there aren't many references to other plots.
August 26, 2014
Disclosure: I received this ARC through Edelweiss. Thank you to Avon and Liz Carlyle for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
The blurb for The Earl's Mistress implies that Liz Carlyle has taken an interesting route when she wrote The Earl's Mistress. The words "darkest" and "most sensuous" are in the superlative, and one should anticipate the very steamy element that the author has added to her sex scenes. The themes of control and submission are highlighted early on -- which led me to think that this is Liz Carlyle writing as she has never written before.
Anthony, the Earl of Hepplewood, and Isabella Aldridge are both widowers, whose first marriages left their hearts wounded and wary. Neither one is looking for another marriage, or for another lasting relationship: Tony is looking for a governess for his young daughter, Lissie, and Isabella is looking for a way to support herself and her two sisters, and is applying for the position. But all good intentions fly out the window when Tony sees how beautiful and passionate Isabella is -- and impulsively offers her a different position: as his mistress. Isabella responds in the way ladies of gentle breeding do: with a rejection and a slap on the face. She leaves, thinking that was the end of it, but, for Tony, it is only the beginning.
Upon her return to London, Isabella is forced to take stock of her life and resources and realises that there might be some merits to Lord Hepplewood's proposal, and seeks the help of her former employer, La Seductrice, who discreetly makes inquiries for gentlemen looking for a mistress.
What happens next takes this story off its original axis: Isabella travels to meet her new protector, a Mr. Mowbrey, but, when she arrives at her destination, it is actually Lord Hepplewood who is waiting. The account of domination, submission, and spanking are quite jarring and I felt it took away a lot from the love story. I honestly feel it wasn't necessary and there was such a rich backstory to Tony and Isabella that would have made for a better conflict ... but I understand what the author intended to do. It's to push boundaries: I think, first, as an author (as a personal challenge, maybe? to see how far/deep she can take her story?), and then second, to push the boundaries of her own characters. Isabella is hiding in a shell, she really doesn't do much for herself because she devotes so much time to her two younger sisters -- but, with Tony, Isabella is able to feel and express herself completely. With Tony, she is able to focus on herself and her needs.
There was a point in my reading when I had to put this book down because I wasn't sure where this story was headed: if this is about the courtship of a mistress and her protector, I didn't see much of it. In fact, it came as a surprise when Isabella realised that she had fallen in love with Tony. At that point, they had only been with each other a total of less than 3 times.
If this is about Tony introducing Isabella to the "darker" aspects of sex a la Fifty Shades of Grey, then it was done well -- but, this cannot be the whole point of the novel and the introduction of the idyllic scenes in the country with Tony, his daughter, Isabella, her sisters, and Anne and her brood, just left me confused (Read Chapters 14 - 18). (There's even a dog!) It felt out of place in a "dark" story --
At the heart of the story are two issues: Tony's past and Isabella's problems with her cousin, the current Baron Tafford -- Tony's problem is worked out within the story, and the confessional to Isabella (about his late wife, Felicity and the mysterious Diana Jeffers) was a true breakthrough for him, but Isabella's issues were a bit more vague. Her cousin wants to marry her, but she has refused him because he has an unnatural fondness for children -- there is hints of threats of kidnapping ... of plans being put into place, but all of it happens in the background. The only hints of this is a line or two referring to Jervis, the man Tony has hired to investigate the matter. Beyond that, there is no clear explication of this particular part of the plot.
When this part is finally explained in the end, I felt it was too little too late. (And I felt bad for Isabella who was left out in the dark and was not even informed of the possibility of danger).
Truncated storylines, uneven tone and atmosphere -- these made this a very bewildering read.
The Earl's Mistress is Book 10 in the MacLachlan Family & Friends series by Liz Carlyle and will be released today, August 26, 2014.
* * *
The blurb for The Earl's Mistress implies that Liz Carlyle has taken an interesting route when she wrote The Earl's Mistress. The words "darkest" and "most sensuous" are in the superlative, and one should anticipate the very steamy element that the author has added to her sex scenes. The themes of control and submission are highlighted early on -- which led me to think that this is Liz Carlyle writing as she has never written before.
Anthony, the Earl of Hepplewood, and Isabella Aldridge are both widowers, whose first marriages left their hearts wounded and wary. Neither one is looking for another marriage, or for another lasting relationship: Tony is looking for a governess for his young daughter, Lissie, and Isabella is looking for a way to support herself and her two sisters, and is applying for the position. But all good intentions fly out the window when Tony sees how beautiful and passionate Isabella is -- and impulsively offers her a different position: as his mistress. Isabella responds in the way ladies of gentle breeding do: with a rejection and a slap on the face. She leaves, thinking that was the end of it, but, for Tony, it is only the beginning.
"Your eyes are wide, your lips damp and slightly parted. Your gaze -- and a moment ago, your hands -- were drifting in directions that, strictly speaking, a lady's do not."
- loc 1064
Upon her return to London, Isabella is forced to take stock of her life and resources and realises that there might be some merits to Lord Hepplewood's proposal, and seeks the help of her former employer, La Seductrice, who discreetly makes inquiries for gentlemen looking for a mistress.
What happens next takes this story off its original axis: Isabella travels to meet her new protector, a Mr. Mowbrey, but, when she arrives at her destination, it is actually Lord Hepplewood who is waiting. The account of domination, submission, and spanking are quite jarring and I felt it took away a lot from the love story. I honestly feel it wasn't necessary and there was such a rich backstory to Tony and Isabella that would have made for a better conflict ... but I understand what the author intended to do. It's to push boundaries: I think, first, as an author (as a personal challenge, maybe? to see how far/deep she can take her story?), and then second, to push the boundaries of her own characters. Isabella is hiding in a shell, she really doesn't do much for herself because she devotes so much time to her two younger sisters -- but, with Tony, Isabella is able to feel and express herself completely. With Tony, she is able to focus on herself and her needs.
"I do decide, my lord," she said vehemently. "I will please you -- yes, I will uphold my end of any bargain -- but I am not nothing. I will not be ground beneath your boot heel. And I do not give you permission to call me that."
- loc 1250
There was a point in my reading when I had to put this book down because I wasn't sure where this story was headed: if this is about the courtship of a mistress and her protector, I didn't see much of it. In fact, it came as a surprise when Isabella realised that she had fallen in love with Tony. At that point, they had only been with each other a total of less than 3 times.
...Because she was in love with the Earl of Hepplewood. The reality of it had been pressing in upon her for some days now.
It was utter folly, of course. His intensity overwhelmed her. His dark edges frightened her. And yet she was in love with him, and his threat to pursue her had allowed her to go on hoping -- though hoping for what, she scarcely knew.
- loc 2914 - 2926
If this is about Tony introducing Isabella to the "darker" aspects of sex a la Fifty Shades of Grey, then it was done well -- but, this cannot be the whole point of the novel and the introduction of the idyllic scenes in the country with Tony, his daughter, Isabella, her sisters, and Anne and her brood, just left me confused (Read Chapters 14 - 18). (There's even a dog!) It felt out of place in a "dark" story --
At the heart of the story are two issues: Tony's past and Isabella's problems with her cousin, the current Baron Tafford -- Tony's problem is worked out within the story, and the confessional to Isabella (about his late wife, Felicity and the mysterious Diana Jeffers) was a true breakthrough for him, but Isabella's issues were a bit more vague. Her cousin wants to marry her, but she has refused him because he has an unnatural fondness for children -- there is hints of threats of kidnapping ... of plans being put into place, but all of it happens in the background. The only hints of this is a line or two referring to Jervis, the man Tony has hired to investigate the matter. Beyond that, there is no clear explication of this particular part of the plot.
When this part is finally explained in the end, I felt it was too little too late. (And I felt bad for Isabella who was left out in the dark and was not even informed of the possibility of danger).
Truncated storylines, uneven tone and atmosphere -- these made this a very bewildering read.
The Earl's Mistress is Book 10 in the MacLachlan Family & Friends series by Liz Carlyle and will be released today, August 26, 2014.
May 19, 2021
Regency BDSM?
Well written.
I didn't know it was BDSM by description on book cover.
Not my thing. I wouldn't have bought it had I known. But it was well written.
The story was interesting.
Isabella and Anthony were ok.
Well written.
I didn't know it was BDSM by description on book cover.
Not my thing. I wouldn't have bought it had I known. But it was well written.
The story was interesting.
Isabella and Anthony were ok.
June 2, 2024
Isabella Aldridge has been raising two girls that shes related to because they had no one else to turn to. Isabella is determined to support them, even though they are barely scraping by, and she needs a change and soon. When she goes in for a interview for a governess position, she is faced with the Earl of Hepplewood. Anthony lives a life of debauchery and doesn’t mind being wicked and when the lovely Isabella comes into his office, he attempts to seduce her but she flees from him. Isabella is shocked and angry with Anthony, all she wants is to be able to do what she loves, and not feel like a plaything…even though for the first time Anthony makes her feel desire and temptation. When she realizes that she will have no choice but to be a man’s mistress because she has two young girls who are relying on her…she ends up back with Anthony, and is shocked that she will have to submit to him. But Anthony will have to decide on a future with Isabella or to leave the only woman that has shown him love.
The Earl’s Mistress is the first book I have ever read from this author, but over the years I have heard and read some amazing things about this author, so I was going into this one with high hopes but it wasn’t what I expected at all. I think I was expecting the type of historical romance that I have about in her other books, but there were certain elements to the story that really blew me away. I wanted to love this one…and the plot was solid and consistent, and the story really pulls the reader in but I almost felt like I was reading a portion of Fifty Shades. Now I am super super picky about any bdsm elements and I just can’t stand it in historical romances. I feel like in contemporaries it fits it sometimes, but in a time period where that wasn’t the norm at all, It didn’t feel very realistic at all. If it wasn’t for the setting of the story I would almost think it was more of a contemporary romance. And there are times when the bondage element in historical’s is light enough not to effect the plot…but this one did for me. I just couldn’t like it enough because the bdsm element was way stronger than you would think. It just didn’t fit the profile of the characters much and it left me out of sync.
Even though I would have loved to give this book a higher rating because it did have a great writing style and if the bdsm element hadn’t been there or had a light tone, I probably would have adored it more, but it just threw me off and I almost wanted to just skip it and read the ending. But I figured I needed to trudge my way through this one. There was some other elements that I did like about it though. I loved Isabella as a character–for the most part. She was a bit indecisive but it made sense, and I loved her perseverance and strength and she had such a fierce fighting spirit that was contagious. So if you like the bdsm elements than you will love this one. If you don’t than I would caution you on this one. It might not be for everyone, especially if you are looking for a authentic historical. Despite my experience with this one, I do plan on reading some of her earlier books and see how they compare.
Overall a story that is rich in writing, excitement it the plot, and characters that you can delve into.
The Earl’s Mistress is the first book I have ever read from this author, but over the years I have heard and read some amazing things about this author, so I was going into this one with high hopes but it wasn’t what I expected at all. I think I was expecting the type of historical romance that I have about in her other books, but there were certain elements to the story that really blew me away. I wanted to love this one…and the plot was solid and consistent, and the story really pulls the reader in but I almost felt like I was reading a portion of Fifty Shades. Now I am super super picky about any bdsm elements and I just can’t stand it in historical romances. I feel like in contemporaries it fits it sometimes, but in a time period where that wasn’t the norm at all, It didn’t feel very realistic at all. If it wasn’t for the setting of the story I would almost think it was more of a contemporary romance. And there are times when the bondage element in historical’s is light enough not to effect the plot…but this one did for me. I just couldn’t like it enough because the bdsm element was way stronger than you would think. It just didn’t fit the profile of the characters much and it left me out of sync.
Even though I would have loved to give this book a higher rating because it did have a great writing style and if the bdsm element hadn’t been there or had a light tone, I probably would have adored it more, but it just threw me off and I almost wanted to just skip it and read the ending. But I figured I needed to trudge my way through this one. There was some other elements that I did like about it though. I loved Isabella as a character–for the most part. She was a bit indecisive but it made sense, and I loved her perseverance and strength and she had such a fierce fighting spirit that was contagious. So if you like the bdsm elements than you will love this one. If you don’t than I would caution you on this one. It might not be for everyone, especially if you are looking for a authentic historical. Despite my experience with this one, I do plan on reading some of her earlier books and see how they compare.
Overall a story that is rich in writing, excitement it the plot, and characters that you can delve into.
February 18, 2017
Verified Amazon Purchase, this review is from: The Earl's Mistress (MacLachlan Family & Friends) (Kindle Edition)
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
*** Like "Shades of Gray" but in a Victorian Way (sort of)..., September 6, 2014
I've never read Shades of Gray, but I do admit I have quickly scanned a few pages once or twice. That type of book is not for me. I am not into kinky play or spankings, butt plugs or filthy language. I want a story with love, obsession, possession, romance and passion. That being said, this story had about 2 scenes that slightly pushed the envelope. No where near some of these reviews and certainly NOT like shades of gray.
First, I have never read from this author and I purchased this book by complete accident! I held off in reading it for a few days because of the negative reviews (pedophile rumors). But, being that I don't like to waste money, I decided to take a chance and read this book...bad reviews and all.
I am so glad I did!!! I have to say I LOVED IT!! Yes, I did! I loved it!
The story is about a young lady "Isabella" that is broke, looking for a stable job to take care of sisters (her family is dead and she has no money). She applied to a governess position, held by a very mean man (so HE believes) "Anthony". Anthony meets Isabella and falls in lust with her. He denies her this job, instead flirts and taunts her. She is very strong and not afraid to put him in his place. Of course, a man like him thinks he has found his match, and that makes him want her more. But, it also scares him. So, he chases her away.
She goes on her way, no job, no money, and no hope. He realizes he may have made a mistake and goes out to find her. During this time, her very evil cousin is chasing her, he wants her for a specific reason (by the way, we don't know the REAL reason until the end). His mother is also evil. Now, this is where the pedophile rumors came in.
*Spoiler Alert*
I was molested as a child and the thoughts of reading such a disgusting subject distraught me. But, in this story, there are no details of this disgraceful act, in fact, there is really no mention of it! There is a mention of an attack to a young 12 y/o girl early on in the book, but again, no details. Just that he "knows what he did to her".
The story continues with Anthony falling so in love with Isabella it made me tingle! Like all story's, he is a rogue but does not cheat on her. He gives his soul to her in the first kiss (that made him become obsessed and possessive of her). He also has a daughter and a back story so one never gets bored.
There was passion, lust, love, sex (in detail but not too explicit). What I really liked was how Anthony spoke to Isabella in the bedroom. It was hot, gentle, passionate (of course after the initial sexual encounter, which again, was a little spanking or two. And only ONCE with a whip so people please..... I have read A LOT WORSE by Anne Rice).
Again, this is my first book by Liz Carlyle and I LOVED IT! I gave it 5 stars because, well it deserved it!! It was an incredible read, never boring, very heated and sexy, made me laugh and made me cry. All of which I expect in a good story.
I hope you give it a try. It was emotionally wonderful!!
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
*** Like "Shades of Gray" but in a Victorian Way (sort of)..., September 6, 2014
I've never read Shades of Gray, but I do admit I have quickly scanned a few pages once or twice. That type of book is not for me. I am not into kinky play or spankings, butt plugs or filthy language. I want a story with love, obsession, possession, romance and passion. That being said, this story had about 2 scenes that slightly pushed the envelope. No where near some of these reviews and certainly NOT like shades of gray.
First, I have never read from this author and I purchased this book by complete accident! I held off in reading it for a few days because of the negative reviews (pedophile rumors). But, being that I don't like to waste money, I decided to take a chance and read this book...bad reviews and all.
I am so glad I did!!! I have to say I LOVED IT!! Yes, I did! I loved it!
The story is about a young lady "Isabella" that is broke, looking for a stable job to take care of sisters (her family is dead and she has no money). She applied to a governess position, held by a very mean man (so HE believes) "Anthony". Anthony meets Isabella and falls in lust with her. He denies her this job, instead flirts and taunts her. She is very strong and not afraid to put him in his place. Of course, a man like him thinks he has found his match, and that makes him want her more. But, it also scares him. So, he chases her away.
She goes on her way, no job, no money, and no hope. He realizes he may have made a mistake and goes out to find her. During this time, her very evil cousin is chasing her, he wants her for a specific reason (by the way, we don't know the REAL reason until the end). His mother is also evil. Now, this is where the pedophile rumors came in.
*Spoiler Alert*
I was molested as a child and the thoughts of reading such a disgusting subject distraught me. But, in this story, there are no details of this disgraceful act, in fact, there is really no mention of it! There is a mention of an attack to a young 12 y/o girl early on in the book, but again, no details. Just that he "knows what he did to her".
The story continues with Anthony falling so in love with Isabella it made me tingle! Like all story's, he is a rogue but does not cheat on her. He gives his soul to her in the first kiss (that made him become obsessed and possessive of her). He also has a daughter and a back story so one never gets bored.
There was passion, lust, love, sex (in detail but not too explicit). What I really liked was how Anthony spoke to Isabella in the bedroom. It was hot, gentle, passionate (of course after the initial sexual encounter, which again, was a little spanking or two. And only ONCE with a whip so people please..... I have read A LOT WORSE by Anne Rice).
Again, this is my first book by Liz Carlyle and I LOVED IT! I gave it 5 stars because, well it deserved it!! It was an incredible read, never boring, very heated and sexy, made me laugh and made me cry. All of which I expect in a good story.
I hope you give it a try. It was emotionally wonderful!!
September 23, 2014
Originally posted on Smitten by Books
In order to support her sisters, Isabella Aldridge has been working as a governess to the children of a notorious courtesan. The boys are now old enough to be sent to school, and Isabella desperately needs to find a new position. There are no prospects, and her latest interview with the Earl of Hepplewood resulted in an offer, but for that of mistress, not governess to his child. Angry and disheartened, she leaves, and not knowing what else to do, visits her former employer to ask advice. She is bluntly told that if she has no one to marry, she should seriously consider becoming a mistress. Deciding that providing a home for her sisters is worth any cost, she contacts a “broker,” who sets up these types of arrangements. Before long, she is being sent to meet her prospective protector, who turns out to be none other than Anthony Chalfont, the Earl of Hepplewood. Ironically, he was so taken with Isabella’s beauty and unusual coloring, that he requested a woman with those traits, not knowing he would get the real deal and not a facsimile.
At their first meeting, Anthony was portrayed as a total jerk. He is much more complex than that. He’s had some tragic events in his past that dramatically changed him. He’s determined to never form any kind of emotional attachment. He is controlling and domineering, though at heart he’s still a kind man. After one night with Isabella, he knows he’s in danger of feeling more than lust, so for his own self preservation, he decides to send her away, but with some jewels worth a large sum of money. Isabella is shocked at being sent away, but she decides it’s probably for the best. She had been briefly married, but really had very little sexual knowledge and experience. Her night with Anthony shook her world, and she figures it’s probably best that she does leave. The jewels allow her to open a bookshop, and support herself and her sisters respectably.
Anthony, however, finds that he can’t stay away. He pursues Isabella, and she can’t resist him. This begins a yo-yo relationship of their being together, then not together, then together again. Normally, this really is something I dislike in a book, but it worked here, as both of them are fighting falling in love. Anthony, despite his flaws, is really a hero. Events in his past changed him, but he’s still protective and caring of Isabella. She, in turn, is honest, beautiful and loving. Their chemistry together is off the charts HOT! The sex in this book strays outside what you normally find in a historical romance. There are elements of BDSM, so be warned if that’s not your cup of tea. Generally, it’s not mine, but Liz Carlyle made it work, and it’s an integral part of their characters, and it’s not gratuitous.
There’s also an element of mystery in the story, and all is wrapped up in a most satisfactory way. I found this to be a very strong book, and one of my favorites this year. When all is said and done, this is about two wounded people who are able to find love and healing with each other. I believe this to be Liz Carlyle’s best book, and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Rose
Heat Level: Scorching/Erotic
In order to support her sisters, Isabella Aldridge has been working as a governess to the children of a notorious courtesan. The boys are now old enough to be sent to school, and Isabella desperately needs to find a new position. There are no prospects, and her latest interview with the Earl of Hepplewood resulted in an offer, but for that of mistress, not governess to his child. Angry and disheartened, she leaves, and not knowing what else to do, visits her former employer to ask advice. She is bluntly told that if she has no one to marry, she should seriously consider becoming a mistress. Deciding that providing a home for her sisters is worth any cost, she contacts a “broker,” who sets up these types of arrangements. Before long, she is being sent to meet her prospective protector, who turns out to be none other than Anthony Chalfont, the Earl of Hepplewood. Ironically, he was so taken with Isabella’s beauty and unusual coloring, that he requested a woman with those traits, not knowing he would get the real deal and not a facsimile.
At their first meeting, Anthony was portrayed as a total jerk. He is much more complex than that. He’s had some tragic events in his past that dramatically changed him. He’s determined to never form any kind of emotional attachment. He is controlling and domineering, though at heart he’s still a kind man. After one night with Isabella, he knows he’s in danger of feeling more than lust, so for his own self preservation, he decides to send her away, but with some jewels worth a large sum of money. Isabella is shocked at being sent away, but she decides it’s probably for the best. She had been briefly married, but really had very little sexual knowledge and experience. Her night with Anthony shook her world, and she figures it’s probably best that she does leave. The jewels allow her to open a bookshop, and support herself and her sisters respectably.
Anthony, however, finds that he can’t stay away. He pursues Isabella, and she can’t resist him. This begins a yo-yo relationship of their being together, then not together, then together again. Normally, this really is something I dislike in a book, but it worked here, as both of them are fighting falling in love. Anthony, despite his flaws, is really a hero. Events in his past changed him, but he’s still protective and caring of Isabella. She, in turn, is honest, beautiful and loving. Their chemistry together is off the charts HOT! The sex in this book strays outside what you normally find in a historical romance. There are elements of BDSM, so be warned if that’s not your cup of tea. Generally, it’s not mine, but Liz Carlyle made it work, and it’s an integral part of their characters, and it’s not gratuitous.
There’s also an element of mystery in the story, and all is wrapped up in a most satisfactory way. I found this to be a very strong book, and one of my favorites this year. When all is said and done, this is about two wounded people who are able to find love and healing with each other. I believe this to be Liz Carlyle’s best book, and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Rose
Heat Level: Scorching/Erotic
July 1, 2014
A lovely romance that was both sweet and sensuous, The Earl's Mistress was a wonderful read. I really liked this book. From start to finish, it was an enjoyable read.
Isabella was a good heroine. I liked that she was strong and determined to take care of her sisters and live independently. However, I had some issues with her. She could be a bit self-righteous, somewhat hypocritical, and frustratingly indecisive, mostly regarding her relationship with Anthony. It annoyed me that, even though she chose to become a courtesan, she acted like Anthony forced her into it (and, she wasn't even his mistress for very long, which made that title a bit of a misnomer). However, it wasn't enough to make me actually dislike her, so I ended up being okay with her.
Hepplewood (or Anthony) was better. He came off as cold and distant, but it didn't take long to see beyond that. He was fiercely loyal to his loved ones and would do anything (legal or not) to keep them safe. And, despite his denial of having a conscience, he felt things deeply and blamed himself for more than he could get credit for. I thought he was sweet and wonderful and I adored him.
The romance was lovely. Despite Isabella's issues, I still though that they were sweet together. Even though circumstances were against them, they still fell hard. Not to mention to steaminess going on between them. Definitely enough to turn the heat level waaaaay up.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were a couple of twists and Isabella fought to keep her sisters from the guardianship of her cousin. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was wonderful.
The Earl's Mistress was a lovely historical romance. It was sweet, hot, and an enjoyable read. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Isabella was a good heroine. I liked that she was strong and determined to take care of her sisters and live independently. However, I had some issues with her. She could be a bit self-righteous, somewhat hypocritical, and frustratingly indecisive, mostly regarding her relationship with Anthony. It annoyed me that, even though she chose to become a courtesan, she acted like Anthony forced her into it (and, she wasn't even his mistress for very long, which made that title a bit of a misnomer). However, it wasn't enough to make me actually dislike her, so I ended up being okay with her.
Hepplewood (or Anthony) was better. He came off as cold and distant, but it didn't take long to see beyond that. He was fiercely loyal to his loved ones and would do anything (legal or not) to keep them safe. And, despite his denial of having a conscience, he felt things deeply and blamed himself for more than he could get credit for. I thought he was sweet and wonderful and I adored him.
The romance was lovely. Despite Isabella's issues, I still though that they were sweet together. Even though circumstances were against them, they still fell hard. Not to mention to steaminess going on between them. Definitely enough to turn the heat level waaaaay up.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were a couple of twists and Isabella fought to keep her sisters from the guardianship of her cousin. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was wonderful.
The Earl's Mistress was a lovely historical romance. It was sweet, hot, and an enjoyable read. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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