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Mistress #2
Vytúžená milenka
Lord Ferdinand Dudley je zvyknutý získať všetko, po čom zatúži. Až do dňa, kedy si nárokuje panstvo Pinewood, ktoré vyhral v kartách. Vo dverách stretáva rozzúrenú lady Violu Thornillovú, ktorá tvrdí, že právoplatnou dedičkou je ona.
Mladá žena mu za žiadnych okolností nechce prenechať dom aj s rozsiahlymi pozemkami. On zas odmieta odísť. A tak sa začína ich spoločný život pod jednou strechou a každodenné zápolenie, ktoré prináša mnoho prekvapení, frustrácie a pokušenia. Viola vie, že si nemôže dovoliť prehrať – manželstvo pre ňu neprichádza do úvahy a nikdy sa nestane podradnou milenkou žiadneho muža. Aj keď hrozí, že Dudleyho prítomnosť zlomí jej odhodlanie. Lord je Violou fascinovaný. Šialená kráska ho vzrušuje ako doposiaľ žiadna žena a je ochotný urobiť všetko pre to, aby si získal jej srdce.
Mladá žena mu za žiadnych okolností nechce prenechať dom aj s rozsiahlymi pozemkami. On zas odmieta odísť. A tak sa začína ich spoločný život pod jednou strechou a každodenné zápolenie, ktoré prináša mnoho prekvapení, frustrácie a pokušenia. Viola vie, že si nemôže dovoliť prehrať – manželstvo pre ňu neprichádza do úvahy a nikdy sa nestane podradnou milenkou žiadneho muža. Aj keď hrozí, že Dudleyho prítomnosť zlomí jej odhodlanie. Lord je Violou fascinovaný. Šialená kráska ho vzrušuje ako doposiaľ žiadna žena a je ochotný urobiť všetko pre to, aby si získal jej srdce.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2001
348 people are currently reading
1841 people want to read
About the author
Mary Balogh
200 books6,341 followersMary Jenkins was born in 1944 in Swansea, Wales, UK. After graduating from university, moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, to teach high school English, on a two-year teaching contract in 1967. She married her Canadian husband, Robert Balogh, and had three children, Jacqueline, Christopher and Sian. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, music and knitting. She also enjoys watching tennis and curling.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mary Balogh started writing in the evenings as a hobby. Her first book, a Regency love story, was published in 1985 as A Masked Deception under her married name. In 1988, she retired from teaching after 20 years to pursue her dream to write full-time. She has written more than seventy novels and almost thirty novellas since then, including the New York Times bestselling 'Slightly' sextet and 'Simply' quartet. She has won numerous awards, including Bestselling Historical of the Year from the Borders Group, and her novel Simply Magic was a finalist in the Quill Awards. She has won seven Waldenbooks Awards and two B. Dalton Awards for her bestselling novels, as well as a Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
July 27, 2016
I can't believe I'm giving this 1 star. A 1 star for a Balogh. I just, I'm in a state of shock. I bought this because I wanted to read something that would be steady and reliable. I wasn't expecting fireworks I just wanted enjoyment.
Instead, there was this. And I paid FIVE ENGLISH POUNDS. Which, since Brexit, is about $15786 (I jest for effect, but: really).
Oh boy.
Nothing about this worked for me.
Spoilers ahead, I'm not warning bracketing them because, frankly, if I can steer you away from reading this I'll be doing you a favour.
The 27 year old brother of a Duke would not be a virgin.
He would not marry the highest priced courtesan in the history of the ton. Even if that event occurred he would not, in any sense, be able to gain her acceptance into society.
He certainly wouldn't be able to bring that very experienced courtesan to levels of pleasure heretofore never experienced his first time out the gate. And one does not stumble across the clitoris like it's new gastropub down the road.
The heroine is pretty darn unlikeable for 90% of the book, but that didn't stop me feeling sorry for her when the hero discovered her former profession and reacted pretty awfully.
The hero is improbable to say the least but was also entirely bland.
As was the whole story. I was bored for the first 66% and baffled by ridiculous revelation after ridiculous revelation after that.
If you want a courtesan/Virgin story, Milan has written one and it's better than this, although I still didn't love it.
Just. Don't. There are other Balogh, better Balogh. Read those instead.
Instead, there was this. And I paid FIVE ENGLISH POUNDS. Which, since Brexit, is about $15786 (I jest for effect, but: really).
Oh boy.
Nothing about this worked for me.
Spoilers ahead, I'm not warning bracketing them because, frankly, if I can steer you away from reading this I'll be doing you a favour.
The 27 year old brother of a Duke would not be a virgin.
He would not marry the highest priced courtesan in the history of the ton. Even if that event occurred he would not, in any sense, be able to gain her acceptance into society.
He certainly wouldn't be able to bring that very experienced courtesan to levels of pleasure heretofore never experienced his first time out the gate. And one does not stumble across the clitoris like it's new gastropub down the road.
The heroine is pretty darn unlikeable for 90% of the book, but that didn't stop me feeling sorry for her when the hero discovered her former profession and reacted pretty awfully.
The hero is improbable to say the least but was also entirely bland.
As was the whole story. I was bored for the first 66% and baffled by ridiculous revelation after ridiculous revelation after that.
If you want a courtesan/Virgin story, Milan has written one and it's better than this, although I still didn't love it.
Just. Don't. There are other Balogh, better Balogh. Read those instead.
November 7, 2025
1.5 stars
What a big, steaming pile of poppycock this is.
It started well enough. Lord Ferdinand Dudley rides into Somersetshire to inspect the property and manor house he won from the Earl of Bamber in a card game, stopping to kiss a pretty girl at a country fair along the way. He discovers his new property is surprisingly well maintained…and surprisingly occupied…by the pretty girl from the fair, who believes the property is hers and refuses to acknowledge his claim.
I sympathized with Viola at this point. Her plan to run Ferdinand back to London was obvious, a little childish, and doomed to failure, but who could blame her for trying to hang onto the home which was her safe haven and the support of her family?
Which made her behavior after Ferdinand’s brother recognized Viola as the notorious courtesan Lilian Talbot, famous for bedding a string of men for one night only, even more repugnant and ridiculous and downright stupid. I choose to believe Mary Balogh had some sort of family emergency at this point in the novel and left the manuscript lying on her desk and it was finished by an editor’s assistant in order to meet a publishing deadline, but I know in my heart that’s wishful thinking.
***spoilers***
Circumspect Viola, model citizen, becomes a brazen seductress right before Ferdinand’s eyes and by “brazen seductress” I mean the most clichéd dollar store harlot ever written. She wets her lips by dragging her finger across them, she caresses her décolleté, she entices him with her heavy-lidded bedroom eyes, and she makes a wager with Ferdinand that if she can seduce him within a week she wins the estate from him, and then assures him that she will, and challenges him until he accepts. After this big seduction show, he calls her a whore. She’s devastated that he thinks she’s a whore.
Sorry, what?
He decides to let her win because he wants to give her the estate anyway, but then she decides sex with Ferdinand cannot be tainted by a wager. Or some nonsense like that. The idiocies continue to mount. Lots of scenes where Viola switches personalities to Lilian and back again. We really needed a psychiatrist on standby for this heroine. Viola runs to London but is caught by Ferdinand. She lies to him. She lies to her family. She refuses Ferdinand’s gift of the estate. She allows herself to be blackmailed by her former pimp. She agrees to become a prostitute again. She rejects Ferdinand. Rejection is not enough; she’s cruel to Ferdinand too.
The man who loves her is a lord from a powerful ducal family, but she doesn’t confide in him or ask for help. Noooo. That would make sense. She’d rather go back to her pimp and prostitution, because she’s really, really self-sacrificing as well as terminally stupid.
Ferdinand doesn’t give up. Ferdinand is actually quite a nice MMC, which is why this book rating is 2 stars instead of the 1-star it would otherwise be.
At the end, Balogh floats the most preposterous notion of all: that a famous, expensive prostitute who has slept with dozens of men in the ton can be socially redeemed by being hailed as a heroine who saved her family from debtor’s prison and by having her “champion” beat her pimp unconscious in a park and by having a ducal family throw a ball in her honor.
Sorry, what?
What a big, steaming pile of poppycock this is.
It started well enough. Lord Ferdinand Dudley rides into Somersetshire to inspect the property and manor house he won from the Earl of Bamber in a card game, stopping to kiss a pretty girl at a country fair along the way. He discovers his new property is surprisingly well maintained…and surprisingly occupied…by the pretty girl from the fair, who believes the property is hers and refuses to acknowledge his claim.
I sympathized with Viola at this point. Her plan to run Ferdinand back to London was obvious, a little childish, and doomed to failure, but who could blame her for trying to hang onto the home which was her safe haven and the support of her family?
Which made her behavior after Ferdinand’s brother recognized Viola as the notorious courtesan Lilian Talbot, famous for bedding a string of men for one night only, even more repugnant and ridiculous and downright stupid. I choose to believe Mary Balogh had some sort of family emergency at this point in the novel and left the manuscript lying on her desk and it was finished by an editor’s assistant in order to meet a publishing deadline, but I know in my heart that’s wishful thinking.
***spoilers***
Circumspect Viola, model citizen, becomes a brazen seductress right before Ferdinand’s eyes and by “brazen seductress” I mean the most clichéd dollar store harlot ever written. She wets her lips by dragging her finger across them, she caresses her décolleté, she entices him with her heavy-lidded bedroom eyes, and she makes a wager with Ferdinand that if she can seduce him within a week she wins the estate from him, and then assures him that she will, and challenges him until he accepts. After this big seduction show, he calls her a whore. She’s devastated that he thinks she’s a whore.
Sorry, what?
He decides to let her win because he wants to give her the estate anyway, but then she decides sex with Ferdinand cannot be tainted by a wager. Or some nonsense like that. The idiocies continue to mount. Lots of scenes where Viola switches personalities to Lilian and back again. We really needed a psychiatrist on standby for this heroine. Viola runs to London but is caught by Ferdinand. She lies to him. She lies to her family. She refuses Ferdinand’s gift of the estate. She allows herself to be blackmailed by her former pimp. She agrees to become a prostitute again. She rejects Ferdinand. Rejection is not enough; she’s cruel to Ferdinand too.
The man who loves her is a lord from a powerful ducal family, but she doesn’t confide in him or ask for help. Noooo. That would make sense. She’d rather go back to her pimp and prostitution, because she’s really, really self-sacrificing as well as terminally stupid.
Ferdinand doesn’t give up. Ferdinand is actually quite a nice MMC, which is why this book rating is 2 stars instead of the 1-star it would otherwise be.
At the end, Balogh floats the most preposterous notion of all: that a famous, expensive prostitute who has slept with dozens of men in the ton can be socially redeemed by being hailed as a heroine who saved her family from debtor’s prison and by having her “champion” beat her pimp unconscious in a park and by having a ducal family throw a ball in her honor.
Sorry, what?
September 10, 2010
Too much stupidity. I hated it. Viola did too many stupid things which ruined the story for me.
She was the illegitimate daughter of an Earl who promised her ownership of an estate. This whole thing was too stupid, unbelievable and frustrating for me to read. I hated it. Sexual content: mild.
She was the illegitimate daughter of an Earl who promised her ownership of an estate. This whole thing was too stupid, unbelievable and frustrating for me to read. I hated it. Sexual content: mild.
September 23, 2022
2 stars. I was really looking forward to this story. I thought it would be different from the typical HR fare because of the virgin hero and experienced heroine. Instead, I feel deeply disturbed by how this story went down.
Please be aware that I'll likely spoil this story completely for those of you who may still be foolish enough to read this mess, so you might want to avoid my review.
This story started out ok, but went downhill quickly after the MCs "consummated" their relationship.
The heroine was a courtesan - AKA a "whore" - as she was called frequently throughout the book. The hero called her a whore, the heroine called herself a whore, I think maybe even the hero from book 1 called her a whore. Basically, she was degraded frequently and harshly after the truth of her past came out. She only became a courtesan because she was blackmailed into it. She would never have chosen that path for herself. Somehow, because of that self-sacrifice, her choices were eventually forgiven. Since she was clearly not a whore by choice, she was free of public censure for it. There's even a long discussion about how women would not choose that profession without some necessity because they cannot feel pleasure without an emotional connection, like men can.
---->First, just the fact that she was forgiven for her past ONLY because she was forced seems to negate that last statement. She would not have been forgiven if the truth of her plight hadn't come to light. Apparently all of the other "whores" deserve the scorn of society - even though it's doubtless that many of them also didn't choose their professions willingly.
---->Second, let's stop spreading the FALSE information that women cannot enjoy sex without an emotional connection. Obviously they can, or else apps like tinder and hinge wouldn't exist. Women are doubtlessly able to enjoy sex, just like men, without any mental stimulation. And even though this is a historical romance and doubtless meant to represent the feelings of the time, I'm still sick and tired of reading this drivel.
The hero is a virgin - because he supposedly has never been sexually interested in any woman before the heroine. I was very excited for the virgin hero because it's so rare to have a role reversal in this genre. And so, it was a little surprising when he was instantly getting hard around the heroine, even when he barely knew her. He seemed to think he needed an emotional connection to enjoy sex, but Balogh certainly didn't write a convincing connection before he was salivating after the heroine. Also, his inexperience really did make him seem like a foolish child who became obsessed with his first sexual partner. He even questioned himself about this several times. The way that he was presented in the first book, coupled with how he was written in this book, painted him as much less mature than the typical 28 year old man. Balogh seemed to try to reverse course on this characterization somewhat - by making him a scholar and a conscientious part of the community. However, I couldn't quite bring myself to believe that his eagerness to marry the first woman he slept with was because of "true love".
The pairing of the hero and heroine was also just a point of frustration for me. I don't understand why we always need to have manwhore & virgin matchups, and I also don't understand the reverse. Why couldn't the heroine been paired up with one of those rakes? Surely he would be able to understand her better than a virgin?? Or does it take a clueless young man to be able to love the fallen woman? SMH.
Finally, the main reason why this rating is as low as it is: the heroine's resistance to ask for help from anyone. She wouldn't share her burden with her family, or share her burden with the hero. When the hero would profess his feelings, she would revert back into her "whore persona", and pretend that he was just a foolish man who didn't understand that they had only shared sex, and nothing more. She would also pretend that she was ok with going back to selling herself, that she had done it because she wanted money, and enjoyed the pleasure. Instead of asking for help, she played the martyr. Over and over and over again she played the martyr. She made me believe that she was an idiot of the highest order. She had choices and options, and instead she allowed herself to be taken advantage of in the most vile ways, she ignored all possible solutions to her problems. AND THEN was ready to return to that life once again - WHEN SHE HAD MORE CHOICES AND MORE OPTIONS THAN EVER BEFORE!!! She was truly a terrible heroine just because of this martyrdom. I hated her for it, and I LOATHED the end of this book because she absolutely refused to ask for help. She decided to martyr herself once again and went forward with her plans to go back to whoring at an almost alarming rate. I cannot stand this kind of self-sacrifice. She really didn't deserve her HEA after how poorly she treated the hero in her effort to save him from her past.
That's my rant. For now, at least. I'm so extremely disappointed in this book. I don't recommend it at all. I should have quit at 75% when her martyr bullshit was just starting to become apparent.
Safe; virgin hero, heroine was a courtesan who had more partners than she said she could count - but basic math says it was 48 since she worked for 4 years and saw one client per month. 🤣 No cheating, no om/ow drama, no scenes with om/ow.
Please be aware that I'll likely spoil this story completely for those of you who may still be foolish enough to read this mess, so you might want to avoid my review.
This story started out ok, but went downhill quickly after the MCs "consummated" their relationship.
The heroine was a courtesan - AKA a "whore" - as she was called frequently throughout the book. The hero called her a whore, the heroine called herself a whore, I think maybe even the hero from book 1 called her a whore. Basically, she was degraded frequently and harshly after the truth of her past came out. She only became a courtesan because she was blackmailed into it. She would never have chosen that path for herself. Somehow, because of that self-sacrifice, her choices were eventually forgiven. Since she was clearly not a whore by choice, she was free of public censure for it. There's even a long discussion about how women would not choose that profession without some necessity because they cannot feel pleasure without an emotional connection, like men can.
---->First, just the fact that she was forgiven for her past ONLY because she was forced seems to negate that last statement. She would not have been forgiven if the truth of her plight hadn't come to light. Apparently all of the other "whores" deserve the scorn of society - even though it's doubtless that many of them also didn't choose their professions willingly.
---->Second, let's stop spreading the FALSE information that women cannot enjoy sex without an emotional connection. Obviously they can, or else apps like tinder and hinge wouldn't exist. Women are doubtlessly able to enjoy sex, just like men, without any mental stimulation. And even though this is a historical romance and doubtless meant to represent the feelings of the time, I'm still sick and tired of reading this drivel.
The hero is a virgin - because he supposedly has never been sexually interested in any woman before the heroine. I was very excited for the virgin hero because it's so rare to have a role reversal in this genre. And so, it was a little surprising when he was instantly getting hard around the heroine, even when he barely knew her. He seemed to think he needed an emotional connection to enjoy sex, but Balogh certainly didn't write a convincing connection before he was salivating after the heroine. Also, his inexperience really did make him seem like a foolish child who became obsessed with his first sexual partner. He even questioned himself about this several times. The way that he was presented in the first book, coupled with how he was written in this book, painted him as much less mature than the typical 28 year old man. Balogh seemed to try to reverse course on this characterization somewhat - by making him a scholar and a conscientious part of the community. However, I couldn't quite bring myself to believe that his eagerness to marry the first woman he slept with was because of "true love".
The pairing of the hero and heroine was also just a point of frustration for me. I don't understand why we always need to have manwhore & virgin matchups, and I also don't understand the reverse. Why couldn't the heroine been paired up with one of those rakes? Surely he would be able to understand her better than a virgin?? Or does it take a clueless young man to be able to love the fallen woman? SMH.
Finally, the main reason why this rating is as low as it is: the heroine's resistance to ask for help from anyone. She wouldn't share her burden with her family, or share her burden with the hero. When the hero would profess his feelings, she would revert back into her "whore persona", and pretend that he was just a foolish man who didn't understand that they had only shared sex, and nothing more. She would also pretend that she was ok with going back to selling herself, that she had done it because she wanted money, and enjoyed the pleasure. Instead of asking for help, she played the martyr. Over and over and over again she played the martyr. She made me believe that she was an idiot of the highest order. She had choices and options, and instead she allowed herself to be taken advantage of in the most vile ways, she ignored all possible solutions to her problems. AND THEN was ready to return to that life once again - WHEN SHE HAD MORE CHOICES AND MORE OPTIONS THAN EVER BEFORE!!! She was truly a terrible heroine just because of this martyrdom. I hated her for it, and I LOATHED the end of this book because she absolutely refused to ask for help. She decided to martyr herself once again and went forward with her plans to go back to whoring at an almost alarming rate. I cannot stand this kind of self-sacrifice. She really didn't deserve her HEA after how poorly she treated the hero in her effort to save him from her past.
That's my rant. For now, at least. I'm so extremely disappointed in this book. I don't recommend it at all. I should have quit at 75% when her martyr bullshit was just starting to become apparent.
Safe; virgin hero, heroine was a courtesan who had more partners than she said she could count - but basic math says it was 48 since she worked for 4 years and saw one client per month. 🤣 No cheating, no om/ow drama, no scenes with om/ow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2020
2.85
I enjoyed this book slightly more than His Secret Mistress (book 3 in the series). I'm discovering that I'm not a fan of books where the main character(s) have a secret past. It gives me unnecessary anxiety. There were times in the second half of the book I couldn't stand the heroine, particularly when she would put on her act to shield herself from getting hurt. Oh! The hero is a . Probably the third HR book that I've read to have such a hero.
I enjoyed this book slightly more than His Secret Mistress (book 3 in the series). I'm discovering that I'm not a fan of books where the main character(s) have a secret past. It gives me unnecessary anxiety. There were times in the second half of the book I couldn't stand the heroine, particularly when she would put on her act to shield herself from getting hurt. Oh! The hero is a . Probably the third HR book that I've read to have such a hero.
May 10, 2021
3.5 stars - my second favorite of the trilogy
November 23, 2019
Lovely story with few surprises along the way. I came out liking Ferdinand much more than Viola, our heroine.
I really appreciate that Mary Balogh is not afraid to deal with hard subjects in this story. I always trust her to pull of even the most difficult plot into a satisfying conclusion. MB has a skill for making really good arguments that strongly justify characters actions, words and thoughts; that’s why I love to read her. Everything makes sense even though it is completely fabricated.
When our MC’s start to live together in the same house, crazy idea, Mary Balogh made it absolutely believable and my super critical and analytical brain could buy into.
The relationship between H/h is beautiful, almost destined to be, with some angst that was squeezing my heart as I read it.
But the book didn’t sweep me of my feet as the #1 in this series did. I think it was the heroine (she was quite a challenge).
I really appreciate that Mary Balogh is not afraid to deal with hard subjects in this story. I always trust her to pull of even the most difficult plot into a satisfying conclusion. MB has a skill for making really good arguments that strongly justify characters actions, words and thoughts; that’s why I love to read her. Everything makes sense even though it is completely fabricated.
When our MC’s start to live together in the same house, crazy idea, Mary Balogh made it absolutely believable and my super critical and analytical brain could buy into.
The relationship between H/h is beautiful, almost destined to be, with some angst that was squeezing my heart as I read it.
But the book didn’t sweep me of my feet as the #1 in this series did. I think it was the heroine (she was quite a challenge).
January 22, 2025
Unbelievable tosh with a thoroughly ridiculous and unbelievable story and an unpleasant heroine. There was nothing romantic about this book and nor was there any sense of authenticity. No thanks.
See Wollestonecrafthomegirl’s review which says everything I’d say but better!
See Wollestonecrafthomegirl’s review which says everything I’d say but better!
December 4, 2019
Entre 3.5 y 4, que bonito, que giros, no ha llegado al nivel de la primera historia de esta serie que está entre mis joyitas, pero la historia es preciosa y me ha encantado Ferdinand, muy real, sin miedo a demostrar inocencia o ignorancia. Sin perjuicios y sin temor a dar sin recibir....ainssss
Un pero...sino hubieran azucarado tanto el final tendría más nota.
Un pero...sino hubieran azucarado tanto el final tendría más nota.
August 29, 2016
I like Mary Balogh's world - it feels a little more rounded than that of many other Regency writers, as it acknowledges non-standard heroines (they aren't always virgins, and some of them have experimented quite a bit), and some non-standard heroes (who are not necessarily born with a sense of honour, but may achieve it). But, on the whole, it's a world that operates loosely according to historical probability.
This book is, however, a rare flop. The first part of plot is well-rehearsed in other reviews and the blurb, and, as far as it goes, it's not a million miles away from the possible (though it doesn't cast the heroine in a particularly attractive light). My issue is with the second half
This book is, however, a rare flop. The first part of plot is well-rehearsed in other reviews and the blurb, and, as far as it goes, it's not a million miles away from the possible (though it doesn't cast the heroine in a particularly attractive light). My issue is with the second half
December 15, 2020
If you like major angst, and lots of "no I can't marry you" from an h, this is for you.
I had to give 5 stars for the writing and for the way the author takes control of the readers emotions and drags them around in unbridled craziness.
At first I loved the hero then hated him, then loved him and hated her. Well, I didn't hate either of them really, I hated their actions. In a good way I suppose. In the end I loved them both which really matters.
There is a lot of pain for the MC's caused by lack of communication and assumptions by both and it doesn't get resolved until the last few chapters.
Summary: Viola was formerly an extremely high paid courtesan who is now living in the country after leaving her past behind. Ferdinand the H, wins the deed to her property in a card game and the two dispute over the property for most of the book. She tries everything to get him to leave and only causes herself more trouble as this handsome man starts to win the affections of the villagers.
No one knows of Viola's past until she is recognized later.
Any more said would spoil the read.
It was frustratingly painful and beautiful at the same time. I wanted to slap him at first, and then her later. I have to admit, it was far fetched to believe she would say no to this perfect man so many times. It was beautiful how much he fought for her and defended her, he was truly perfect, honorable, sexy and loyal.
Read at your own risk!
Content concerns:
I had to give 5 stars for the writing and for the way the author takes control of the readers emotions and drags them around in unbridled craziness.
At first I loved the hero then hated him, then loved him and hated her. Well, I didn't hate either of them really, I hated their actions. In a good way I suppose. In the end I loved them both which really matters.
There is a lot of pain for the MC's caused by lack of communication and assumptions by both and it doesn't get resolved until the last few chapters.
Summary: Viola was formerly an extremely high paid courtesan who is now living in the country after leaving her past behind. Ferdinand the H, wins the deed to her property in a card game and the two dispute over the property for most of the book. She tries everything to get him to leave and only causes herself more trouble as this handsome man starts to win the affections of the villagers.
No one knows of Viola's past until she is recognized later.
Any more said would spoil the read.
It was frustratingly painful and beautiful at the same time. I wanted to slap him at first, and then her later. I have to admit, it was far fetched to believe she would say no to this perfect man so many times. It was beautiful how much he fought for her and defended her, he was truly perfect, honorable, sexy and loyal.
Read at your own risk!
Content concerns:
August 2, 2016
I'v decided, I'm In love with Mary Balogh (even though Julie Garwood would still remain my first love) XD
Ferdinand was a totally different type of Hero's that usually come my way, I loved him instantly, he was so sweet and adorable especially when I knew that he was one of the few men who are virgins, he was so cute then. He's the smiley cheery and cheeky type of guy, he's the type that you just can't help but like, that's why I liked his efforts with the villagers , I sided with him since the beginning.
Voila was a different matter entirely, at first I hated her, then I felt sorry for her and then I want it to smack her on the head (well to tell the truth I had that urge throughout the whole book). When she went at first and asked the assistance of all the villagers I indignant for Ferdinand cause that was basically cheating, she had the upper hand there since she knew everyone there. plus how she made him sound like a useless drunk and rapist, while sometimes she encouraged the kisses. However, her story was dramatic, a bit different from my usual of Ms. Balogh but it made it interesting, trying to figure out how everything will solve itself.
- I loved the parts where Ferdinand used his quizzing glass just like Jocelyn XD
- I loved the scenes where Jocelyn was with his children, how Ferdinand so shocked every time that this fatherly figure is his brother
- I loved later what I knew about Voila's father, and how he doted on her and how he loved her
Overall, *thumps up*
Ferdinand was a totally different type of Hero's that usually come my way, I loved him instantly, he was so sweet and adorable especially when I knew that he was one of the few men who are virgins, he was so cute then. He's the smiley cheery and cheeky type of guy, he's the type that you just can't help but like, that's why I liked his efforts with the villagers , I sided with him since the beginning.
Voila was a different matter entirely, at first I hated her, then I felt sorry for her and then I want it to smack her on the head (well to tell the truth I had that urge throughout the whole book). When she went at first and asked the assistance of all the villagers I indignant for Ferdinand cause that was basically cheating, she had the upper hand there since she knew everyone there. plus how she made him sound like a useless drunk and rapist, while sometimes she encouraged the kisses. However, her story was dramatic, a bit different from my usual of Ms. Balogh but it made it interesting, trying to figure out how everything will solve itself.
- I loved the parts where Ferdinand used his quizzing glass just like Jocelyn XD
- I loved the scenes where Jocelyn was with his children, how Ferdinand so shocked every time that this fatherly figure is his brother
- I loved later what I knew about Voila's father, and how he doted on her and how he loved her
Overall, *thumps up*
October 19, 2009
Ummmm love,love,loved it. This story just grabbed me and took me along. Other reviewers have given story details (I think) so I'm just going to say I really wasn't expecting the two surprises Mary Balogh has given us with this story, and they made it all the more special for me! A great story and a nice romance.
August 21, 2019
Mary Balogh es una de mis autoras favoritas, por lo que en cuanto vi un libro "nuevo" de ella en la estantería de la biblioteca, no dudé un segundo en cogerle. Para mi mala suerte, era el segundo de una serie y no he podido leerlo en orden, pero me ha dado igual.
La historia me ha sorprendido gratamente. Empezaba con un pequeño misterio sobre por qué Violet estaba tan obcecada en no dejar la casa en la que vivía a pesar de que el dueño era Ferdinand y a medida que avanzaba la lectura no solo conocías por fin la razón de la misma, sino bastantes secretos de Violet que me han dejado ojiplática.
De nuevo esta autora me ha sabido plasmar bastante bien un problema social delicado (aunque ha habido alguna que otra escena que me ha parecido más fantasiosa que real, pero se perdona) y relacionarlo con un romance sólido, pero cojeante en algunas ocasiones.
Me he creído la pareja y me he creído su amor, así que para mí eso ya es bastante ganado. Los secundarios me han encantado también, sobre todo el hermano del prota y que es el protagonista del primer libro; estoy deseando buscarle y leerle.
Lo único que me ha desconcertado un poco ha sido la hermana de ambos, ya que el tercero es su libro y en este ya está casada, por lo que tal parece que la autora ha decidido que ella sea la tercera y conozcamos cómo es que llegaron a casarse, en vez de hacer lo usual y conocerla primero soltera. Y la verdad, que es un giro interesante, porque no podían ser más distintos.
¿Ha quedado claro que me voy a leer la serie, verdad? Totalmente recomendada si te gusta esta autora.
La historia me ha sorprendido gratamente. Empezaba con un pequeño misterio sobre por qué Violet estaba tan obcecada en no dejar la casa en la que vivía a pesar de que el dueño era Ferdinand y a medida que avanzaba la lectura no solo conocías por fin la razón de la misma, sino bastantes secretos de Violet que me han dejado ojiplática.
De nuevo esta autora me ha sabido plasmar bastante bien un problema social delicado (aunque ha habido alguna que otra escena que me ha parecido más fantasiosa que real, pero se perdona) y relacionarlo con un romance sólido, pero cojeante en algunas ocasiones.
Me he creído la pareja y me he creído su amor, así que para mí eso ya es bastante ganado. Los secundarios me han encantado también, sobre todo el hermano del prota y que es el protagonista del primer libro; estoy deseando buscarle y leerle.
Lo único que me ha desconcertado un poco ha sido la hermana de ambos, ya que el tercero es su libro y en este ya está casada, por lo que tal parece que la autora ha decidido que ella sea la tercera y conozcamos cómo es que llegaron a casarse, en vez de hacer lo usual y conocerla primero soltera. Y la verdad, que es un giro interesante, porque no podían ser más distintos.
¿Ha quedado claro que me voy a leer la serie, verdad? Totalmente recomendada si te gusta esta autora.
September 19, 2020
No está al nivel del primero, pero tiene alguna cosita que me ha sorprendido.
Para las que lo hayáis leído: SI, en efecto, eso. Ese detalle del protagonista que tan poco se lee por estos lares.
Y bueno, en ningún momento me esperaba lo que tan fácilmente descubrió Tresham sobre Viola.
Para las que lo hayáis leído: SI, en efecto, eso. Ese detalle del protagonista que tan poco se lee por estos lares.
Y bueno, en ningún momento me esperaba lo que tan fácilmente descubrió Tresham sobre Viola.
to-avoid
January 22, 2016Heroine was a courtesan :/ That is not my type of heroine, sorry... (-_-) Even if she did it for good reasons :(
January 24, 2016
Ya sé qué le hizo falta a esta novela: momentos de felicidad. A ver, Jocely y Jane tuvieron esa semana idílica donde eran tremendamente adorables y charlaban un montón, y se reían tranquilos y las preocupaciones al menos no traspasaban las paredes. Ferdinand y Viola no tienen nada de eso.
Ella en el primer capítulo se muestra como alguien alegre, despreocupada, sencilla, casi feliz. Cuando llega Ferdinand se vuelve amargada, infeliz, rencorosa, en constante sufrimiento. No encuentro en esta novela ningún momento en el que ambos se relajaran de verdad. Ferdinand sí, él lo da todo pero no puede sacarse de encima esa sensación de lástima que siente por ella y su situación. Y Viola entre querer engañarlo y fingir que es lo que no es nunca se muestra relajada como lo era al principio.
Y es una pena. Ferdinand parece ser un amor en toda regla, en palabras de Viola:
Siento que Viola lo subestima. Que ella no pueda permitirse confiar en nadie no quiere decir que él no sea lo suficientemente maduro o fuerte ara soportar la carga y tomar decisiones por sí mismo. Nadie más que él sabe las consecuencias de lo que está proponiendo. Lo vivió y se maneja en esos círculos de farsas. Es muy terca, reconozco que su vida no fue fácil y es lo más horrible tomar una decisión así pero ella tiene que quererse un poco a sí misma. Siento que se perdió el respeto y no sabe que también merece la clase de amor que Ferdinand en su inocencia y rebeldía le promete.
Angeline es lo más hermoso de este mundo, con su verborrea y lo mucho que habla del estirado de su marido no puedo evitar tomarle un cariño tremendo. Me alegra saber que la leeré en el próximo *-* y Jane y Jocelyn con dos hijos! Nick y Christopher! Ver a Jocelyn acunar a su hijo es lo más hermoso que he leído en siglos, tan frío y cálido a la vez. ¡Mi vida!
Ella en el primer capítulo se muestra como alguien alegre, despreocupada, sencilla, casi feliz. Cuando llega Ferdinand se vuelve amargada, infeliz, rencorosa, en constante sufrimiento. No encuentro en esta novela ningún momento en el que ambos se relajaran de verdad. Ferdinand sí, él lo da todo pero no puede sacarse de encima esa sensación de lástima que siente por ella y su situación. Y Viola entre querer engañarlo y fingir que es lo que no es nunca se muestra relajada como lo era al principio.
Y es una pena. Ferdinand parece ser un amor en toda regla, en palabras de Viola:
"Guapo. Alegre. Amigable, simpático, increíblemente atractivo. Atractivo y elegante. Amable. Honorable. Inocente. Por extraño que pareciera, inocente. "
Siento que Viola lo subestima. Que ella no pueda permitirse confiar en nadie no quiere decir que él no sea lo suficientemente maduro o fuerte ara soportar la carga y tomar decisiones por sí mismo. Nadie más que él sabe las consecuencias de lo que está proponiendo. Lo vivió y se maneja en esos círculos de farsas. Es muy terca, reconozco que su vida no fue fácil y es lo más horrible tomar una decisión así pero ella tiene que quererse un poco a sí misma. Siento que se perdió el respeto y no sabe que también merece la clase de amor que Ferdinand en su inocencia y rebeldía le promete.
"¿Sabes? Podrías haber confiado en mí. [...]Pero no puedo obligarte, ¿verdad? No puedo obligarte a quererme si no lo haces."
Angeline es lo más hermoso de este mundo, con su verborrea y lo mucho que habla del estirado de su marido no puedo evitar tomarle un cariño tremendo. Me alegra saber que la leeré en el próximo *-* y Jane y Jocelyn con dos hijos! Nick y Christopher! Ver a Jocelyn acunar a su hijo es lo más hermoso que he leído en siglos, tan frío y cálido a la vez. ¡Mi vida!
October 17, 2016
Another reread of an older HR paperback from my bookshelf. It's book 2, and I read it straight after rereading book 1. It works well that way for these two books, although it could be read as a standalone.
Ferdinand is Tresh's (from the first book) younger brother. Tall, dark and hot! He wins a country estate in a card game, although he's not usually a gambler. When he arrives to take possession, he finds Viola already living there. And she thinks it's her property!
There are a few twists and turns in the plot, but inevitably the two of them end up together. Romantic and sexy story, with a little bit of angst. I four-starred it again, like I did the first time around, as I really enjoyed it. Balogh is a superior HR writer, and she knows her history. No awkward modern slang clangers or anachronisms. I did find near the end that the way Viola was accepted by the ton stretched my credulity a bit, though.
Overall, if you like HRs, the Mistress Trilogy is a good little set of books. Balogh writes the development and growth of love every well.
Ferdinand is Tresh's (from the first book) younger brother. Tall, dark and hot! He wins a country estate in a card game, although he's not usually a gambler. When he arrives to take possession, he finds Viola already living there. And she thinks it's her property!
There are a few twists and turns in the plot, but inevitably the two of them end up together. Romantic and sexy story, with a little bit of angst. I four-starred it again, like I did the first time around, as I really enjoyed it. Balogh is a superior HR writer, and she knows her history. No awkward modern slang clangers or anachronisms. I did find near the end that the way Viola was accepted by the ton stretched my credulity a bit, though.
Overall, if you like HRs, the Mistress Trilogy is a good little set of books. Balogh writes the development and growth of love every well.
April 12, 2025
Books I Own. HC. Re-Read. 5 Stars. Mad About Series Challenge 2025.HRBC. Tropes: Regency Romance,RomCom, Forced Proximity, Love at First Sight, Illigitimacy, Disguise.
MC's h. Miss Viola Thornhill, 25, inherited Pinehill from Earl of Bamber 2 years ago, has family to support siblings. H. L. Ferdinand Dudley, 27, brother to Duke of Tresham (Jane & 2 children)and sister Angeline (Heyword). Won the estate of Pinewood from current Earl of Bamber in a card game.
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MC's h. Miss Viola Thornhill, 25, inherited Pinehill from Earl of Bamber 2 years ago, has family to support siblings. H. L. Ferdinand Dudley, 27, brother to Duke of Tresham (Jane & 2 children)and sister Angeline (Heyword). Won the estate of Pinewood from current Earl of Bamber in a card game.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2021
DNF
After they did the deed he spoke like an idiot and made some idiot decisions and I was out.
Virgin rating:
Innocence of virgin hero:4/5
Innocence in losing it: 4/5
Build up to losing it: 3/5
Hotness of losing it: 2/5
Busted touching himself: no
September 23, 2022
I adored this book much like every other Mary Balogh book I've read. Her exquisite, descriptive writing captivates me consistently from the get go. Intriguing storyline that kept me turning pages. Emotionally satisfying. Unique Hero and heroine pairing. Flirtatious, fun loving, tender hearted, fiercely dedicated Ferdinand is a totally hot Regency BBF extraordinaire.
...It all worked for me!
...It all worked for me!
January 25, 2013
Lord Ferdinand has won a small country property, Pinewood, in a game of cards. The day he goes to check it out he finds the town is very quaint and enjoys himself at a carnival. It is there he meets a very beautiful and mysterious woman. The next morning he arrives at Pinewood expecting a run down property and instead finds it thriving and occupied by the very same mystery woman, Viola Thornhill. Ms Thornhill is a woman of many secrets and refuses to leave her home, but Ferdinand believes he has won the property fair and square and insists on moving in.
The story is a sequel to More Than a Mistress.Perhaps this is why the story really did not work, to be fair it did start out well. But then by chapter 3 or 4 Viola decides the best thing is to run Ferdinand off by making his life miserable and telling everyone in the town how awful he is and how he is out to destroy her. She fights for her home by acting like a petulant child, because you know mistreating people is more important than oh say a deed or the law. I am not so sure the book ever really recovers from here. Viola is very unreasonable, nasty, petty and stupid...did I mention REALLY NASTY?? Her and her maid seem to have some deep rooted issues, I mean I get trust is hard to come by but the one guy who is willing to help or compromise you treat like this? Viola tell Ferdinand that he just is not "man" enough for her as if that is not enough after she has kicked Ferdinand like a sad puppy she then proceeds to get pissed off because he does not come running to her. Alas Ferdinand is the true fool because he keeps coming back.
What I did like about this story was the male virgin with the female courtesan nice change of pace. I also liked seeing the Duke (Jocelyn) as a daddy. While I liked Ferdinand I was looking forward to seeing his transformation of dealing with childhood demons similarly to what the Duke went through in More Than a Mistress. That transformation did not occur in this story Ferdinand remained a constant character never really changing and to this reader he never quite became the hero he strives for.
The writing was good, but there were quite a few holes in the plot, for example the mother actually believes she was a governess?? No one had any idea of the step-father's debts? The ton would befriend a high class courtesan, men and women alike...can you see it at a ladies brunch "I say dear, Charles just does not seem very vigorous whatever do you suggest??" To me as a historical romance it does not really work, to me it felt more like a contemporary romance based in Regency England. In this time period women just did not have a lot of rights but Viola seemed to think she and Ferdinand are on equal footing...said another way the bastard prostitute is on par with the son/brother of a Duke. Go figure this one just did not work out well for me.
The story is a sequel to More Than a Mistress.Perhaps this is why the story really did not work, to be fair it did start out well. But then by chapter 3 or 4 Viola decides the best thing is to run Ferdinand off by making his life miserable and telling everyone in the town how awful he is and how he is out to destroy her. She fights for her home by acting like a petulant child, because you know mistreating people is more important than oh say a deed or the law. I am not so sure the book ever really recovers from here. Viola is very unreasonable, nasty, petty and stupid...did I mention REALLY NASTY?? Her and her maid seem to have some deep rooted issues, I mean I get trust is hard to come by but the one guy who is willing to help or compromise you treat like this? Viola tell Ferdinand that he just is not "man" enough for her as if that is not enough after she has kicked Ferdinand like a sad puppy she then proceeds to get pissed off because he does not come running to her. Alas Ferdinand is the true fool because he keeps coming back.
What I did like about this story was the male virgin with the female courtesan nice change of pace. I also liked seeing the Duke (Jocelyn) as a daddy. While I liked Ferdinand I was looking forward to seeing his transformation of dealing with childhood demons similarly to what the Duke went through in More Than a Mistress. That transformation did not occur in this story Ferdinand remained a constant character never really changing and to this reader he never quite became the hero he strives for.
The writing was good, but there were quite a few holes in the plot, for example the mother actually believes she was a governess?? No one had any idea of the step-father's debts? The ton would befriend a high class courtesan, men and women alike...can you see it at a ladies brunch "I say dear, Charles just does not seem very vigorous whatever do you suggest??" To me as a historical romance it does not really work, to me it felt more like a contemporary romance based in Regency England. In this time period women just did not have a lot of rights but Viola seemed to think she and Ferdinand are on equal footing...said another way the bastard prostitute is on par with the son/brother of a Duke. Go figure this one just did not work out well for me.
July 31, 2012
Ferdinand Dudley is pleased to win a small estate while playing at cards. But when he visits his new mansion, he finds the supposedly deserted property already has a resident--a young, beautiful, and demure woman named Viola Thornhill! Viola is as sure that the property is hers as he is that it's his, and she sets out to prove to him that he wouldn't be comfortable in the country. To her consternation, the interloper laughs off the badly cooked food, roosters-at-dawn, and smoky rooms, and even wins over her friends and servants. He's beginning to win her over, too--but then Ferdinand's older brother, the proud Duke of Tresham, comes to visit.
February 15, 2016
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
Il secondo volume della trilogia dedicata ai fratelli Dudley (Lord Tresham, Ferdinand e Angeline) vede come protagonista Ferdinand, il figlio cadetto, il quale, pur amabile, risulta una figura inevitabilmente messa in ombra dal mitico fratellone (non a caso, ogni volta che Tresham riappare in scena - in un'inaspettata e deliziosa veste "casalinga", alle prese con neonati, coliche e ruttini - tutta la trama sembra riprendere vita).
Alla fine ne risulta una storia d'amore tiepida e davvero inverosimile, soprattutto rispetto alla mentalità dell'epoca.
Non mi è piaciuta granché la protagonista femminile, questa Viola a due facce. Sarà stata pure stata costretta a divenire quello che è divenuta, ma ormai doveva essersi comunque trasformata in una donna smaliziata e certe sue apparenti/finte ingenuità risultano a mio parere stucchevoli.
E poi, bontà divina, la redenzione finale mi è parsa raggiungere i vertici dell'ipocrisia.
Le viene perdonato quasi tutto e solo perché, da parte di padre, aveva comunque qualche goccia di sangue nobile nelle vene.
Sembra di capire che, se non avesse avuto questa ascendenza di facciata, sarebbe stata lasciata al suo triste destino e allegramente calpestata dal bel Dudley (e probabilmente anche dall'autrice).
Il secondo volume della trilogia dedicata ai fratelli Dudley (Lord Tresham, Ferdinand e Angeline) vede come protagonista Ferdinand, il figlio cadetto, il quale, pur amabile, risulta una figura inevitabilmente messa in ombra dal mitico fratellone (non a caso, ogni volta che Tresham riappare in scena - in un'inaspettata e deliziosa veste "casalinga", alle prese con neonati, coliche e ruttini - tutta la trama sembra riprendere vita).
Alla fine ne risulta una storia d'amore tiepida e davvero inverosimile, soprattutto rispetto alla mentalità dell'epoca.
Non mi è piaciuta granché la protagonista femminile, questa Viola a due facce. Sarà stata pure stata costretta a divenire quello che è divenuta, ma ormai doveva essersi comunque trasformata in una donna smaliziata e certe sue apparenti/finte ingenuità risultano a mio parere stucchevoli.
E poi, bontà divina, la redenzione finale mi è parsa raggiungere i vertici dell'ipocrisia.
Le viene perdonato quasi tutto e solo perché, da parte di padre, aveva comunque qualche goccia di sangue nobile nelle vene.
Sembra di capire che, se non avesse avuto questa ascendenza di facciata, sarebbe stata lasciata al suo triste destino e allegramente calpestata dal bel Dudley (e probabilmente anche dall'autrice).
September 18, 2016
This was a enemies-to-lovers historical with an unexpected twist and fair-to-moderate drama. I do not enjoy the enemies-first trope bc it makes me uncomfortable. I'm a fan of the chase - not the bickering.
The twist and the drama were a bit convoluted. A relatively simple storyline suddenly became bumpy. It wasn't poorly done - but again this isn't my favorite kind of story.
As always the characters were on-point. MB makes them lovable - warts and all. And huge props to her for a story where the heroine saves herself. Viola was every bit the badass in this story - perhaps a bit more than Ferdinand.
It had 4 star moments, and, overall was a likable read. My review is entirely subjective - and based on the fact that I mostly enjoy the sweet gushy stories.
The twist and the drama were a bit convoluted. A relatively simple storyline suddenly became bumpy. It wasn't poorly done - but again this isn't my favorite kind of story.
As always the characters were on-point. MB makes them lovable - warts and all. And huge props to her for a story where the heroine saves herself. Viola was every bit the badass in this story - perhaps a bit more than Ferdinand.
It had 4 star moments, and, overall was a likable read. My review is entirely subjective - and based on the fact that I mostly enjoy the sweet gushy stories.
August 8, 2013
The Duke's brother, Lord Ferdinand Dudley wins a house in a card game, and hies off to have a look around....stopping only briefly the day before to have a fit of sport at the village fair and a stolen kiss with a country miss.
Unfortunately, when he arrives at his newly acquired property he finds he has a sitting tenant, Viola Thornhill ... who maintains that the deceased Earl of Bamber had left her the property in his will .... she refuses to leave and so does Ferdinand .... who's in the right?
Some nice little funny bits in this one, and a lovely all round story. Too good for 3 stars, so awarded four, but in reality it's a 3.5 star read.
May 18, 2013
Ferdinand won a manor house in a card game. The person he won it from failed to mention that someone is living in it. When he shows up to claim the house, he is surprised to find Viola Thornhill - and even more surprised when she refuses to leave. The beginnings of this book had me thinking it was going to be a standard meet cute with love following. Instead there was a great twist that sent the plot off in an interesting direction. Those parts were great. The ending got a bit long winded, and like the other books in this series, I didn't believe the HEA as much as I would have liked.
January 25, 2014
Una historia preciosa... Poco más se puede decir, es conmovedora. Pero hay un tema que no me ha acabado de convencer. Quizás me hubiera resultado más creíble si la autora me hubiera dado más moticos para ello...Altamente recomendable, como todo lo que escribe esta autora.
July 15, 2024
Mary Balogh can't seem to write a book I don't love <3
July 4, 2022
No to this book.
No to the slogfest pacing, the entire premise of these two sharing a home, no no no to the plot twist, and a big hell no in general to Viola who I absolutely could not stand.
Ferdinand was one of my favorite characters in More than a Mistress and his story is just…the worst.
No. No. No!
No to the slogfest pacing, the entire premise of these two sharing a home, no no no to the plot twist, and a big hell no in general to Viola who I absolutely could not stand.
Ferdinand was one of my favorite characters in More than a Mistress and his story is just…the worst.
No. No. No!
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