Her body was for sale, but not her heart. Until him.
Mimi La Fleur has survived heartbreak and destitution. The girl she once was is long gone and she never wants to be owned by a man again. She uses her body to earn a living, but her heart, and her pleasure, are not for sale. When she saves the life of a drunken duke, she’s reminded of a world long forgotten. He makes her an offer she can’t refuse—enough money to set her free, provided she agrees to be his mistress for six months.
Alexander Ffortescue, fifth Duke of Sawbridge, is notorious among the ton for indulging in all the vices London has to offer, but after he causes the death of his best friend in an accident, he’s disowned by all. When he’s set upon by brigands outside a tavern, he finds an unlikely saviour in a doxy, whose warm embrace and soft body give him much-needed comfort.
But Mimi is no ordinary doxy. Beneath the façade is a caring, compassionate woman who sees through Alexander’s rakish exterior to the lost soul within.
When the time comes for them to part, Alexander fears he’ll never be able to let her go.
Misfits of the Ton Book 1 - Tomboy of the Ton Book 2 - Ruined by the Ton Book 3 - Thief of the Ton Book 4 - Oddity of the Ton Book 5 - Harpy of the Ton Book 6 - Heartbreaker of the Ton Book 7 - Doxy for the Ton Book 8 - Duellist for the Ton Book 9 - Taciturn in the Ton Book 10 - Ghost of the Ton Book 11 - Jilted by the Ton Book 12 - Chaperone for the Ton
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and bad boy heroes in need of redemption. Emily graduated from Oxford University with a Chemistry degree, but returned to her mathematical roots to work in financial services, while indulging in her dream of becoming a pilot, and enjoying a brief international sporting career.
She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.
Alexander, the Duke of Sawbridge, came close to losing his life when he was drunk and in a dangerous part of London. Working the streets, Mimi has compassion for the duke and doesn't hesitate to save him. Intrigued and attracted to her, he wants her as his mistress, for six months. Money was her first motive to accept his offer, but somewhere along the way she fell in love. Sawbridge knows he's in love, but he keeps consistently saying the wrong words. A good series for your TBR. Descriptive sex. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Mimi is a woman who’s fallen on hard times, and through a cruel twist of fate she ended up a lady of the night – and Alexander is a man who’s foolishness led to the scandalous demise of his best friend –something not even a duke can be forgiven for. She saves him from certain death at the London docks, brings him home and cleans him up when his staff refuses to touch him – drunk as a skunk and drenched in shit. Once he sobers up and her claws come off, he’s reluctant to let her go and offers her a deal: six months as his mistress in return for a fortune and her company to rehabilitate his name. Fooling the ton is one thing, fooling their own hearts is something else...
He falls hard and fast. She’s determined to keep their relationship professional, and because of that the steam is more businesslike than romantic, but it fits the story and is no less delicious. She refuses to entertain his privileged pampered arse, knocks him down a peg or two, and introduces him to ‘real life’. As a result he ends up frustrated and deeply ashamed. Yes, courting her is a harsh lesson in humility, but he isn’t stupid, just lonely.
This book has strong Pretty Woman vibes, but with a true happy ending and a spot of hidden identity. Sprinkled throughout the story are these little moments of female empowerment; they come in different shapes and sizes, and add depth and softness. The contrast between the classes is beautifully portrayed, and she’s the bridge between both worlds. But while I loved how much growth there is for him, I missed the same for her. I would have liked her to open up a little more. She seems stuck, and he’s doing all the work.
An interesting read; refreshingly different like all the stories in this unique series. Maybe not my favourite so far, but I enjoyed it immensely nonetheless.
Doxy for the Ton is the seventh book in the Misfits of the Ton series. This is the fourth book in the series I have read. It can be a stand-alone read.
Mimi La Fleur has been forced by the circumstances of others to survive in ways others look as beneath them. Her parents and brother died long ago. With nowhere to turn, she found a man to care for her and became his mistress. On the day she was to marry him, she learns he has died and is faced with his despicable son who throws her out in the street, pregnant. she vows never to trust a man to care for her again. She turns to the only thing that will allow her to survive, sell her body.
One evening she comes upon a wealthy man being attacked and unable to defend himself due to being drunk. She manages to rescue him and takes him home and cares for him.
Alexander Ffortescue, fifth Duke of Sawbridge, causes the death of his best friend in an accident. As a result, he is shunned and ridiculed by all. He finds an unlikely ally in a doxy, where he finds comfort. Alexander will discover Mimi, is more than she appears. But will he see the truth and live up to the potential that Mimi inspires in him.
This story is very different from your typical Historical Romance. The writing is also different and superb as it sets the stage in the very first paragraph. It drew me in with its descriptive beginning which continued throughout the entire book. I was instantly reminded of another author who also wonderfully crafted her prose. The character of Mimi is strong because of all she has experienced. Alexander is your typical arrogant duke who knows nothing of life, not even how to dress himself thanks to the servants who cater to his every whim. Certainly nothing to be proud of as he soon is humbled to discover.
This is a wonderful story. It makes you feel their pain. At times it is dark, but you can't help but root for the couple to find their way to one another. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Emily Royal is a new author for me. This is only my 7th book by her. I found her when I was searching for new authors and new books to read. When I read book one in Mar 2025, I had been reading some new authors and none were really exciting to me so was looking forward to reading her. Many of my favorite authors are published by Dragonblade which publishes her books so I had hoped that is a good sign. I really enjoyed this series. I wasn't aware a book 7 was coming out so glad to see this one.
I liked Mimi and Alexander. I liked their personalities. Not a fan of the troupe. Not big on ex doxies or prostitutes as the MC but overall a good read. I would have liked an epilogue on this one but overall a good read.
Mimi La Fleur has survived heartbreak and destitution. The girl she once was is long gone and she never wants to be owned by a man again. She uses her body to earn a living, but her heart, and her pleasure, are not for sale. When she saves the life of a drunken duke, she’s reminded of a world long forgotten. He makes her an offer she can’t refuse—enough money to set her free, provided she agrees to repair his reputation & be his mistress for six months. Alexander Ffortescue, fifth Duke of Sawbridge, is notorious among the ton for indulging in all the vices London has to offer, but after he causes the death of his best friend in an accident, he’s disowned by all. The seventh book in the series & it’s easily read on its own even though previous characters do make appearances. I loved both Alexander & Mimi who were two damaged souls & I loved their journey to a HEA. I loved how their relationship developed & deepened, Alexander fell first as Mimi was determined to protect her heart. This was shown in the bedroom scenes. I loved what Alexander was prepared to do to show how much he cared, even cleaning chamber pots. One of my favourites of the series so far I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Emily Royal has written a lovely story of second chances in everything; life, love, friendship and most of all, being able to accept our past and move on. Mimi La Fleur or her real name of Jemima King, the beloved daughter of Baron and Mrs King has been left to fend for herself when her parents and brother drowned while on the ship. She has had a hard life having to resort to prostitution to survive even though she was brought up as a lady of the ton.
Alexander Ffortescue, fifth Duke of Sawbridge on the other hand, has had every advantage given to him in life and due to an unfortunate accident where his best friend was killed, he has become persona non grata (temporarily at least). It was at this point at his life that he gets jumped upon by some nefarious characters in a seedy part of town that he “meets” Mimi who comes to his rescue and brings him home and takes care of him. When he wakes in the morning, he propositions her to spend several weeks in his company as his mistress, and he will set her up with a nice house and servants and will pay her two thousand pounds at the end of the period.
Mimi accepts the offer as this will enable her to provide for women in similar situations to her and give them a home where they can “get off the streets” and learn to make an honest wage under better conditions. Of course, as the story progresses, both while eager to stay as far away from feelings for the other as much as possible, the proximity affords them the opportunity to get to know the other and see the many nuances that make up the individual that makes the person so attractive.
A lovely story with lots of heart, love, sweetness and hope. At the same time, some moments where you wish you could wring the perpetrator’s neck when you come to find out why they were in this situation.
I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.
This series keeps on getting better and better. Alexander and Mimi met under unusual circumstances, and they had many obstacles to overcome. Two of the biggest obstacles were they themselves. Both characters had fallen from grace and felt that they didn't deserve any happiness. They constantly made missteps which would hurt the other's feelings. For instance, Alexander always got the impression that Mimi was only in it for the money. Meanwhile, Mimi thought that Alexander only viewed her as a possession and not a person with feelings. In reality, both of them were in love but were too afraid of rejection to admit it. Several parts of this book were sad but the overall feeling I came away with was very positive. Many characters from earlier books were revisited and this was nice to see. This book did have the dreaded third act breakup, but I suppose that it was needed in order to reset the relationship dynamics. Thanks to the author and to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC. This is my unbiased opinion.
Mimi has fallen on hard times, her brother and parents Baron and Lady King, died whilst she was young and she ended up fiance to a friend of her fathers. But before they could marry he died suddenly after a confrontation with his Easter son, who goes into to throw Mimi out of their home after causing her to lose her baby. Not clear how she started the affair with the older Earl though, never really explained.But
Years on she is a common dockyard whore, who rescued Alexander a young Duke from being beaten and robbed. When he sees her without her gaudy get up he hired her to be a widow and his mistress to help reinstate him in society.
Lots of familiar faces which is always great to see, and the characters are all well written. But I can't quite like a book based around the fall and degradation of a young lady of the ton, by either the Earl or his son,and the fact she was a whore in the rough end of London. Capturing a duke from that position is laughable.
However this book has made me want to go back and read earlier books in the series.
A steamy, emotional, and unexpectedly tender story—this is not your typical duke-meets-mistress romance.
Mimi La Fleur is a survivor in every sense—scarred by the past, fiercely independent, and unwilling to give her heart to anyone. Alexander, the disgraced Duke of Sawbridge, is a rake burdened by guilt and loneliness. Their arrangement is supposed to be temporary—six months, no strings—but emotional boundaries quickly blur.
What follows is a deliciously angsty and passionate story that peels back layers of trauma, desire, and redemption. Mimi is a standout heroine: strong, sensual, and smart, with a quiet vulnerability that never veers into helplessness. Alexander’s journey from broken man to someone worthy of love is just as compelling.
The chemistry between them is electric, but it’s the slow, emotional unraveling that truly captivates. If you enjoy stories that have heat with heart—and a heroine who knows her worth— you will find much to love here.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The Deal of a Lifetime, Struggling Romance Not to Miss A tragic shocking beginning and a new life for the feisty outspoken Mimi but it's not a smooth one. Saving a drunken Alexander on the wrong side of town will change both of their lives forever. Both characters are so intriguing along with both having deep emotional insecurity issues that grabbed at my heart. We follow Alexander and Mimi while they struggle to conquer their many fears, insecurities, their overpowering passion, guilt, a love affair beyond surprising with two different social levels that kept me glued to the pages. You can almost feel their pain these people are going through before they reach a pleasurable and lovely ending. This story is one of my favorites out of this amazing series. 💋Mature Advisory:2+/5 🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Jemima, "Mimi" is a doxy, but she has lead a complicated life that led her to selling her person. She has been a drift by circumstance that have not worked out in her favor. When she rescues the reluctant, arrogant, headstrong and spoiled Alexander, a duke, she gets more than she bargained for. The duke who caused the death of his friend and another doxy has a death wish. Does Alexander improve his attitude and become a better person?
I really like historicals that have a lady of the night as a main character, as they are so much more interesting than a boring virgin. Just like all rakes are super boring and predictable. Recommend.
This story seems to be about two lost souls. The heroine has had to resort to being a doxi to survive. The hero is living in guilt and shame over the death of his friend. She saves him when he is found beaten in the wrong side of town. He offers her enough to set her free if she plays his mistress for six months. She teaches him about the other side of life. It was a story that showed more growth for the male character than the female. She was already a strong woman.
This is the best book I've read written by this author! There is so much raw emotion on every page. Jemima faces so many horrible moments, but she is strong and survives with support from those she has supported. Alexander has had the silver spoon until one event occurs. It rocks his world to where he's ready to give up on life. As the two navigate a deal, they both learn much from each other. I received an advance copy. I loved this story!
Book eight of this series takes us on the unique journey with Mimi, a woman forced to survive by being a doxy and the self centered, spoiled duke, Alexander, whom she saved. Not only is there the depth of class differences but additionally a keen deep look at the emotional turmoil that impacts both of them. The depth of emotions literally jumps off the pages and captures the instantaneous attention of the reader. The series itself is exceptional and this stand alone story fits in perfectly.
Alexander is tortured by the death of his good friend. When he sees Mimi, he offers her a fortune to spend six months as his mistress. He gets more than he bargains for when he falls in love with her. Mimi tries to deny her love and just hopes to retire from this life. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
Mimi and Alexander have to be one of my most favorite couples! He’s arrogant and a wastrel, she’s a victim of the circumstances of being born a woman, together they come together and combust! I love it when the underdog (under woman 😉) wins! Emily has created a heartwarming, inspiring and spicy story that will make you laugh and sigh. Loved it!
This book was refreshingly good. The characters showed growth, the heroine was just perfect for this over privileged Duke. The romance was hot and fast, though the realization to a happily ever after was wrought with lots of challenges, one of which being the heroines outright dismissal of the duke.
Our heroine in this historical romance knows just how much damage her previous relationship has ruined her life. She will still do her best to help other people to be happy. Our hero has badly damaged his reputation by his own actions. He's not a bad man, just a thoughtless one. This book is part of a series but each story is totally separate. You might meet characters from the previous books but that will not spoil them if you haven't read them yet. They are all really good, interesting and full of unusual characters. I have loved all of them. Great fun.
I believe Ms Royal has out done herself again .I hope she puts these characters into play in her up coming stories of the ton. Book was intense,funny and most of all a great story. Yes read this book
The seventh story in the Misfits of the Ton, another well written engaging story in this series. Mimi La Fleur a doxie rescues Alexander Ffortescue the fifth Duke of Sawbridge when he is set upon by brigands outside a tavern. I found their story to be well worth reading.