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Her Most Secret Affair
Miranda Dashwood was born wealthy, but now she struggles to survive: her deceased father's gambling debts have crippled the household. With no skills and no experience, Miranda resigns herself to the world's oldest profession and loathes every moment of her new life... Until she meets Valerie.
Valerie Wilde is the Madam of The Crimson Manor, an exclusive and successful brothel. When one of her most popular girls leaves, Valerie has to find another, fast. Her clients are demanding and discerning, and Valerie's task is no easy one: most harlots are too unrefined, too vulgar... Until she meets Miranda.
Confused by their desire for one another, the women are drawn together by their forbidden feelings. And all the while, Valerie is terrified that Miranda will leave her for the life of a kept mistress. But Miranda has her own ideas on what the future holds, and will do whatever it takes to make her vision reality.
Valerie Wilde is the Madam of The Crimson Manor, an exclusive and successful brothel. When one of her most popular girls leaves, Valerie has to find another, fast. Her clients are demanding and discerning, and Valerie's task is no easy one: most harlots are too unrefined, too vulgar... Until she meets Miranda.
Confused by their desire for one another, the women are drawn together by their forbidden feelings. And all the while, Valerie is terrified that Miranda will leave her for the life of a kept mistress. But Miranda has her own ideas on what the future holds, and will do whatever it takes to make her vision reality.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2015
About the author
Jesalin Creswell
3 books21 followersJesalin Creswell grew up in London and Sydney, but currently calls Philadelphia her home, where she lives by the Art Museum with her partner and their multiple pets. She works as a high school teacher during the day, yet her true passion lies in reading and writing romantic novels about strong female characters. Jesalin loves historical fiction, and most of her stories take place during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Please visit LoveLightPress.com to learn more about Jesalin and her upcoming books.
Please visit LoveLightPress.com to learn more about Jesalin and her upcoming books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 21, 2015
Very well written historical romance. While the ultimate outcome is lesbian love, due to being set in a brothel, there is a great deal of 'talk' involving male/female couplings.
I loved the plot, the setting, the character building. If this is truly the authors first published work, and not just a pen-name she should take a bow and give herself a pat on the back. Hell even if it is a pen-name she should take a bow.
The only reason I didn't give the story a 5 star rating is because it seemed to switch between show and tell. Just when I'd find myself immersed in the story, able to feel the characters emotions, the dialogue would change from show to tell and loose its intensity for a beat or two. It's hard to explain.
That said, this is one of the best stories I've read in a very long time. I have my radar tuned to this no longer new to me author.
ARC received via Indigo Marketing in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the plot, the setting, the character building. If this is truly the authors first published work, and not just a pen-name she should take a bow and give herself a pat on the back. Hell even if it is a pen-name she should take a bow.
The only reason I didn't give the story a 5 star rating is because it seemed to switch between show and tell. Just when I'd find myself immersed in the story, able to feel the characters emotions, the dialogue would change from show to tell and loose its intensity for a beat or two. It's hard to explain.
That said, this is one of the best stories I've read in a very long time. I have my radar tuned to this no longer new to me author.
ARC received via Indigo Marketing in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2023
2,75/5
I don't even know what to rate this.It was very short,but oh my lord it had soo much tension I didn't expected.There wasn't a really love connection between the 2 of them ,I mean they didn't really have time for any development since it was very short.But for something so short it was very pleasurable.
I don't even know what to rate this.It was very short,but oh my lord it had soo much tension I didn't expected.There wasn't a really love connection between the 2 of them ,I mean they didn't really have time for any development since it was very short.But for something so short it was very pleasurable.
July 1, 2023
Now this was sweet... scary but sweet. I am glad it worked out in the end.
June 26, 2015
This was a wonderful story. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
June 28, 2024
If you're a fan of historical romance, you know the thrill of diving into a world where love defies societal norms and hidden desires simmer beneath the surface. Jesalin Creswell’s *Her Most Secret Affair* offers all that and more, with a deliciously taboo twist. Creswell, in her debut under this pen name, delivers a tale that’s both sizzling and emotionally rich, making for a captivating read.
The story centers around Miranda Dashwood, a once-wealthy young woman now facing the harsh reality of her father’s gambling debts. With no skills or experience, she reluctantly turns to prostitution, hating every moment—until she meets Valerie Wilde. Valerie is the Madam of The Crimson Manor, a posh brothel known for its exclusivity. She’s desperate to find a new girl who meets her high standards, and Miranda fits the bill perfectly. The heart of the story is their intense and forbidden attraction, with both women grappling with their feelings and the fear that Miranda might leave for a life of comfort as a kept mistress.
Creswell’s writing is a delightful blend of elegance and accessibility. She nails the historical language, making you feel like you’re right there in the 19th century without bogging you down with too much period jargon. Her prose is vivid, especially in the intimate scenes, which are steamy yet tastefully done. Creswell has a knack for painting pictures with her words, bringing both the setting and the emotions of her characters to life.
Personally, I found story to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. The historical setting and richly drawn characters kept me engaged from start to finish. Creswell’s handling of delicate topics with grace and authenticity was a highlight for me. The exploration of forbidden love and societal constraints resonated deeply, making it a standout in the historical romance genre.
Overall, it's is a beautifully written, emotionally charged historical romance. Jesalin Creswell has crafted a story that is both steamy and heartfelt, with well-developed character.I highly recommend this book to fan of historical romance . Can't wait to see
What creswell comes up with next !
The story centers around Miranda Dashwood, a once-wealthy young woman now facing the harsh reality of her father’s gambling debts. With no skills or experience, she reluctantly turns to prostitution, hating every moment—until she meets Valerie Wilde. Valerie is the Madam of The Crimson Manor, a posh brothel known for its exclusivity. She’s desperate to find a new girl who meets her high standards, and Miranda fits the bill perfectly. The heart of the story is their intense and forbidden attraction, with both women grappling with their feelings and the fear that Miranda might leave for a life of comfort as a kept mistress.
Creswell’s writing is a delightful blend of elegance and accessibility. She nails the historical language, making you feel like you’re right there in the 19th century without bogging you down with too much period jargon. Her prose is vivid, especially in the intimate scenes, which are steamy yet tastefully done. Creswell has a knack for painting pictures with her words, bringing both the setting and the emotions of her characters to life.
Personally, I found story to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. The historical setting and richly drawn characters kept me engaged from start to finish. Creswell’s handling of delicate topics with grace and authenticity was a highlight for me. The exploration of forbidden love and societal constraints resonated deeply, making it a standout in the historical romance genre.
Overall, it's is a beautifully written, emotionally charged historical romance. Jesalin Creswell has crafted a story that is both steamy and heartfelt, with well-developed character.I highly recommend this book to fan of historical romance . Can't wait to see
What creswell comes up with next !
June 7, 2024
In "Her Most Secret Affair," Jesalin Creswell crafts an enchanting tale that delves into the intricacies of two women's lives intertwined with the backdrop of a historical brothel.
Miranda Dashwood, once born into wealth, now grapples with the burdens of her father's gambling debts, leading her to reluctantly embrace a life she detests. Enter Valerie Wilde, the formidable Madam of The Crimson Manor, facing the daunting task of replacing a cherished worker.
As their paths converge, Miranda and Valerie find themselves entangled in a forbidden attraction, navigating societal constraints and personal desires.
Creswell's masterful storytelling, rich with historical ambiance and compelling character development, captivates readers from start to finish, making it a must-read for fans of historical romance.
Miranda Dashwood, once born into wealth, now grapples with the burdens of her father's gambling debts, leading her to reluctantly embrace a life she detests. Enter Valerie Wilde, the formidable Madam of The Crimson Manor, facing the daunting task of replacing a cherished worker.
As their paths converge, Miranda and Valerie find themselves entangled in a forbidden attraction, navigating societal constraints and personal desires.
Creswell's masterful storytelling, rich with historical ambiance and compelling character development, captivates readers from start to finish, making it a must-read for fans of historical romance.
January 29, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I often found myself feeling deeply sorry for the mistress, which allowed me to open my heart and truly feel what she was experiencing. That emotional connection made the story all the more heartwarming and powerful.
While I enjoyed the journey, I do believe the story could have gone further, especially during the more intense moments, which sometimes felt like they faded too quickly. I would have loved to see their love story explored in greater depth and given more room to grow. Overall, I just wish the story had been longer, as I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go.
While I enjoyed the journey, I do believe the story could have gone further, especially during the more intense moments, which sometimes felt like they faded too quickly. I would have loved to see their love story explored in greater depth and given more room to grow. Overall, I just wish the story had been longer, as I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go.
February 6, 2019
Another read on my quest to find books, particularly romance, with characters who are sex workers who don't fall in love with their clients. This little novella satisfied that to some degree with an age-gap romance set in a very well established brothel. It was certainly an enjoyable read, but did feel a bit brief as the romance/lust between the two main women didn't start till about a quarter of the way through the short book. Recommened for people looking for vaguely Victorian historicals featuring a F/F couple.
May 24, 2023
Well, neither historical nor romance per se actually ;) ;) But was it highly enjoyable? You bet. Short but so well written, the author hadnt bothered with things unnecessary in order to gain pages, which is highly appreciative, at least by me. Short, on point, to the point and ending as well as the rest of this short novel.
Many other writers should really take a point from this author on how to write well.
Many other writers should really take a point from this author on how to write well.
January 19, 2022
3 stars. This was incredibly hot. I thought the writing was really good, the smut was tastefully written, and Valerie and Miranda had good chemistry. This is a super short historical novella and I’m glad that I picked it up because it was a lot of fun.
September 12, 2021
Brothels were ripe with this kind of tryst. I expected something more though.
3 stars for Miranda's derriere
3 stars for Miranda's derriere
February 16, 2025
For a short story, it's not bad.
February 17, 2025
Sweet short story!
Valerie & Miranda’s story has so much potential. Could have been longer, but anyway I was happy I read this one.
Valerie & Miranda’s story has so much potential. Could have been longer, but anyway I was happy I read this one.
June 27, 2015
Reviewed by Jay Chase for QUEERcentric Books
3.8 Stars
How did women in the past deal with their forbidden desires? In Her Most Secret Affair, Jesalin Creswell gives us an intimate look into the lives of two women and a historical brothel that brings them together—and leaves them forever changed.
As the Madam of Crimson Manor, a prosperous brothel, Valerie Wilde must fill a vacancy within her exclusive world. The ideal candidate will serve the elite of her time so she must have several important qualifications. Valerie interviews a few ladies for the position, but it isn’t until Miranda Dashwood that she finds someone who lives up to the high standards of her demanding clientele.
Formerly wealthy, Miranda has been forced into the world’s oldest profession due to her father’s gambling debts and the unscrupulous actions of a suitor. She is bitter at the fate that she has been dealt but preservers for the sake of her family.
Read the entire review on QUEERcentric Books
3.8 Stars
How did women in the past deal with their forbidden desires? In Her Most Secret Affair, Jesalin Creswell gives us an intimate look into the lives of two women and a historical brothel that brings them together—and leaves them forever changed.
As the Madam of Crimson Manor, a prosperous brothel, Valerie Wilde must fill a vacancy within her exclusive world. The ideal candidate will serve the elite of her time so she must have several important qualifications. Valerie interviews a few ladies for the position, but it isn’t until Miranda Dashwood that she finds someone who lives up to the high standards of her demanding clientele.
Formerly wealthy, Miranda has been forced into the world’s oldest profession due to her father’s gambling debts and the unscrupulous actions of a suitor. She is bitter at the fate that she has been dealt but preservers for the sake of her family.
Read the entire review on QUEERcentric Books
February 2, 2017
Copy/pasted from my review for one of Creswell's other books because, really, my thoughts are exactly the same.
Sarah Waters this is not. But that's okay. Sometimes you just want to kick back and read a trashy romance story with instalust love. Sometimes you just want to read about two Victorian ladies kissing and that's that.
I give it 3 stars because it met my expectations for what kind of book I knew it was going to be. I just wish it wasn't so rushed; I think the author could have drawn things out a bit better. But, again: girls kissing. It was silly and kept me entertained for an hour, which is exactly what I wanted.
Sarah Waters this is not. But that's okay. Sometimes you just want to kick back and read a trashy romance story with insta
I give it 3 stars because it met my expectations for what kind of book I knew it was going to be. I just wish it wasn't so rushed; I think the author could have drawn things out a bit better. But, again: girls kissing. It was silly and kept me entertained for an hour, which is exactly what I wanted.
September 28, 2015
My interest was piqued when I saw a f/f historical romance with such good reviews on sale for mere pennies. I had expectations of quality, but they were not met. I ended up skimming much of this short novella. Kudos to the author for writing a f/f historical romance, however, as there aren't many of those. Rating upgraded to 2 for that reason alone.
May 2, 2023
For a short story, it's not bad.
Did Not Finish
December 19, 2017Bored, bored, bored.
DNF at ~52%, skimmed to 58% tho.
Just bored by the whole thing.
DNF at ~52%, skimmed to 58% tho.
Just bored by the whole thing.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews