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Compromising Liaisons
Can a book tell a prim and proper virgin what will happen between herself and her husband on their wedding night? Three Victorian couples related by family, friendship or marriage, all have something in common. Something not discussed in polite society or approved by high society. A The Duke’s Mistress. Follow their journey and adventure as they each search for their happily-ever-after. Publisher’s This steamy Victorian romance contains elements of power exchange and is intended for mature audiences.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2009
59 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Barron
128 books210 followersMelinda Barron loves to explore Egyptian tombs and temples, discover Mayan ruins, play in castles towers, and explore new cities and countries. She generally does it all from the comfort of her home by opening a book.
Melinda loves to lose herself between the pages of a book. The only thing she loves more is creating stories from the wonderful heroes and heroines that haunt her dreams and crowd her head. She believes love is for everyone, not just those who are a size 2. Her books are full of magic, suspense and love, in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Mel currently lives in the Texas Panhandle, with two cats, and a file stuffed with new ideas to keep her typing fingers busy, and your heart engaged.
Mel also writes as Maura McMann
Email: bast_writer@yahoo.com
Melinda loves to lose herself between the pages of a book. The only thing she loves more is creating stories from the wonderful heroes and heroines that haunt her dreams and crowd her head. She believes love is for everyone, not just those who are a size 2. Her books are full of magic, suspense and love, in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Mel currently lives in the Texas Panhandle, with two cats, and a file stuffed with new ideas to keep her typing fingers busy, and your heart engaged.
Mel also writes as Maura McMann
Email: bast_writer@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 17, 2019
THE DUKE’S MISTRESS INSTALLMENTS
What a fun and clever story that revolves around several people and a titillating publication, ‘The Duke’s Mistress.’ The story will involve the people in the publication, and then several couples that will each have a section in this tale, plus they all interact together.
“The Duke’s Mistress is not about lovemaking; it is about erotic sex. There is a difference.”
The first part will be young Vesta, engaged to marry the Duke of Waterford. Vesta wants to know more about relations between a husband and wife and pesters her widowed companion for information. When Margaret acquiesces to Vesta, she will share her five chapters of The Duke’s Mistress. But what happens when Vesta’s brother and his friend, Ethan, overhear the ladies discussing bedroom activities? What will happen if the Duke learns of this turn of events and calls off the engagement?
“Good things come to those who wait, my dear. You will see.”
The second part will have Ethan so angry at Margaret that he dismisses her without reference, but his friend, Ethan, will insist she come to his home located in Bath. It doesn’t take long before the conversation turns to activities in the bedroom. Margaret isn’t of the same class as Ethan, even though he is a second son, she has never wanted to become a mistress. What happens when Vesta leaves her brother’s home to go to Bath and visit Margaret? What will happen when the Duke finds out, and he follows her?
The third part will be the Duke catching up with his naughty fiancé and taking matters into his own hands and the devil with society. He is determined to have his girl, and marriage will take place, and then he will bed her. When he learns of her reading, he isn’t upset; in fact, he is thrilled at her excitement and enthusiasm for bedroom sports.
“You are an unexpected treasure,” he said. “You can be my Duchess in the main house, and my little whore in the bedroom. Would you like that?”
The fourth part will have Calvin and his widowed lady, Beatrice. He wants to marry her, and she keeps putting him off—but that is because she is hiding a nasty little secret. When he corners her and makes her confess, with the aid of his friends, they will end this problem.
What a fun and clever story that revolves around several people and a titillating publication, ‘The Duke’s Mistress.’ The story will involve the people in the publication, and then several couples that will each have a section in this tale, plus they all interact together.
“The Duke’s Mistress is not about lovemaking; it is about erotic sex. There is a difference.”
The first part will be young Vesta, engaged to marry the Duke of Waterford. Vesta wants to know more about relations between a husband and wife and pesters her widowed companion for information. When Margaret acquiesces to Vesta, she will share her five chapters of The Duke’s Mistress. But what happens when Vesta’s brother and his friend, Ethan, overhear the ladies discussing bedroom activities? What will happen if the Duke learns of this turn of events and calls off the engagement?
“Good things come to those who wait, my dear. You will see.”
The second part will have Ethan so angry at Margaret that he dismisses her without reference, but his friend, Ethan, will insist she come to his home located in Bath. It doesn’t take long before the conversation turns to activities in the bedroom. Margaret isn’t of the same class as Ethan, even though he is a second son, she has never wanted to become a mistress. What happens when Vesta leaves her brother’s home to go to Bath and visit Margaret? What will happen when the Duke finds out, and he follows her?
The third part will be the Duke catching up with his naughty fiancé and taking matters into his own hands and the devil with society. He is determined to have his girl, and marriage will take place, and then he will bed her. When he learns of her reading, he isn’t upset; in fact, he is thrilled at her excitement and enthusiasm for bedroom sports.
“You are an unexpected treasure,” he said. “You can be my Duchess in the main house, and my little whore in the bedroom. Would you like that?”
The fourth part will have Calvin and his widowed lady, Beatrice. He wants to marry her, and she keeps putting him off—but that is because she is hiding a nasty little secret. When he corners her and makes her confess, with the aid of his friends, they will end this problem.
June 12, 2019
So very naughty!
I will be honest when I see an arc for a book by Melinda Barron I know I have to pick it up. I find her writing so entertaining and such fun to read. I loved “The Duke’s Mistress” a lovely addition to the story. This wicked little gem was a joy to read with wonderful characters woven into a story that will have you visiting Victorian England and perhaps not wanting to leave. I know you will love the ending it was so very naughty! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I will be honest when I see an arc for a book by Melinda Barron I know I have to pick it up. I find her writing so entertaining and such fun to read. I loved “The Duke’s Mistress” a lovely addition to the story. This wicked little gem was a joy to read with wonderful characters woven into a story that will have you visiting Victorian England and perhaps not wanting to leave. I know you will love the ending it was so very naughty! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 14, 2019
Vista is engaged to a Duke, Sterling, but is concerned that he has not even kiss her yet. She asks her companion Margaret, a widow, what to expect on their wedding night and Margaret gives her a copy of the Duke’s Mistress to read. Vista has questions and when they are discussing it, her brother, Calvin and his friend Lord Ethan overhear. Lord Calvin is furious and fires Margaret, Lord Ethan comes to the rescue taking Margaret to live with him until Vista is married. Meanwhile, Lord Calvin has been trying to get Beatrice, a widow, to marry him. Sounds complicated, well it is three love stories in one book.
Wow, this was a fast paced conglomeration of steam scenes, romance and love stories of three very different couples all linked to the erotic writings in The Duke’s Mistress. The characters are wonderful and full of surprises and spirit. They make you want see them happy. The author expertly weaves the stories together and throws in obstacles and a few twists and turns. It is a great book that has you invested in the characters due to the great dialogue and wonderful historical references. If you like steamy romances, if you like historical romances with some heat or simply want to read a good book, try this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this was a fast paced conglomeration of steam scenes, romance and love stories of three very different couples all linked to the erotic writings in The Duke’s Mistress. The characters are wonderful and full of surprises and spirit. They make you want see them happy. The author expertly weaves the stories together and throws in obstacles and a few twists and turns. It is a great book that has you invested in the characters due to the great dialogue and wonderful historical references. If you like steamy romances, if you like historical romances with some heat or simply want to read a good book, try this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2019
Degree of enjoyment depends on ability to suspend reality, ignore errors. 2.5 Stars
On one hand, this is an entertaining erotic story. On the other, it has some inconsistancies and historical blunders. Readers enjoyment will depend on whether they can ignore errors.
-The Earl...is a Duke already?
-Collecting for gentleman's markers is illegal but supported by high parliamemt members, who were considered bkackmailers since they also had gambling debts?*
*Note- Per Research, as of 1854 courts were removed from questions of gambling debts, i.e. could not enforce payment. However nobility considered it dishonorable to renege on such. As to court action, one could risk scandel to prove notes of debt were provided for a gambling loss. However this would only stop the courts from enforcing payment, it would not necessarily ensure collectors did not pursue the matter in another fashion.
As to Parliament members being guilty of blackmail because they were indebted for gambling? Seems like nonsense.
On one hand, this is an entertaining erotic story. On the other, it has some inconsistancies and historical blunders. Readers enjoyment will depend on whether they can ignore errors.
-The Earl...is a Duke already?
-Collecting for gentleman's markers is illegal but supported by high parliamemt members, who were considered bkackmailers since they also had gambling debts?*
*Note- Per Research, as of 1854 courts were removed from questions of gambling debts, i.e. could not enforce payment. However nobility considered it dishonorable to renege on such. As to court action, one could risk scandel to prove notes of debt were provided for a gambling loss. However this would only stop the courts from enforcing payment, it would not necessarily ensure collectors did not pursue the matter in another fashion.
As to Parliament members being guilty of blackmail because they were indebted for gambling? Seems like nonsense.
June 12, 2019
A Happy Ending
This book takes place in Great Britain during the Victorian age a time when any discussing or describing intimate details was frowned upon and considered scandalous.
Never the less three virgins want to know what to expect, and a widow recommends a book of letters written by a dukes mistress to her cousin. These letters contain incredibly intimate details for their time.
Follow this short historical romance as it describes three couples trying to live their lives and find happy endings.
This book is hard to put down, and I recommend it to anyone who loves these types of books.
This book takes place in Great Britain during the Victorian age a time when any discussing or describing intimate details was frowned upon and considered scandalous.
Never the less three virgins want to know what to expect, and a widow recommends a book of letters written by a dukes mistress to her cousin. These letters contain incredibly intimate details for their time.
Follow this short historical romance as it describes three couples trying to live their lives and find happy endings.
This book is hard to put down, and I recommend it to anyone who loves these types of books.
June 6, 2019
This was a different kind of book. It starts with a young woman who is nervous about sex with her future husband. Society kept women ignorant at this time. She has a companion who was a widow and she explains about the pleasure to be found. She introduces her to a book called The Duke's Mistress which was scandalous and kept very quiet. Vesta's brother finds out and all hell starts to break. There are three different couples intertwined around this story and it is very well written. There is very little domination, more just what was considered scandalous pleasure.
June 8, 2019
This story delighted me the whole time. One book, three couples, tension and sexy times. Ms. Barron’s historicals are so much fun to read. I enjoyed reading about how a book affected three couples and was happy with each story. Once you start reading it is very hard to put down. I did have a favorite couple, Ethan and Margaret. Even though the two couples were very nice stories, Ethan and Margaret stood out to me and I thought their characters (as with the others) were well written.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
June 10, 2019
This is a well-written, short but convincing erotic historical that uses a fictional Victorian sexy novel of letter as a framing device for three connecting couples in the story. The first of the couples (Margaret & Ethan) were the most affecting to me but everything moved together seamlessly. This was a quick read, and a fun read, and makes me feel less cynical about life.
My only complaint is we don't get an ending for the meta-fictional Duchess of the framing device.
My only complaint is we don't get an ending for the meta-fictional Duchess of the framing device.
June 12, 2019
The Duke's Mistress, a fictional book in the Victorian era, causes a ruckus in the household. This was a well-written book featuring three couples whose lives are affected by the novel. I really like the characters in this story and enjoyed seeing each couple get their HEA. There are also some 'scandalous' scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2019
Book starts out with a letter written to a cousin. She's getting ready to have an affair with a Duke. Then it switches to a young Lady wanting to find out about what happens between a man and a women. I stories were ok but I thought it would be about on women's journey to find love again. It was an interesting book. I liked the characters and how each approached their lives and the difference in each.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2019
This story was just okay. It switched between the book and real life couples that found themselves in compromising positions and how they maneuvered each and every one of their situations. This story was just okay.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2019
A short quick story to read. It deals with the reading of a fictional sexy Victorian novel,based on a letter, from a mistress, to her cousin. As the couples read it they learn what the writer's deepest feelings are and how to apply some of the things in the book to their own life. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. It's different and full of fun. All the characters are human and very rounded. There are plenty of hot spicy sexy scenes. I felt sorry for the letter writer. I loved Vesta, she is sassy and spicy, I was delighted how the story unfolded. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I highly recommend it. This is an entertaining victorian sexy fun read.
June 10, 2019
Compromising Liaisons is a wonderfully written book about the life of three couples. It is set in the Victorian era and contains stern gentlemen and sassy women who are in need of some loving discipline. There were also some very steamy scenes and I loved reading the book.
June 12, 2019
I really liked this steamy read. The story revolves around three couples and a book called the Duke’s Mistress. Each of the stories is steamy, sweet with intriguing characters. A fun and entertaining read. A good read!
June 22, 2019
Naughty!
A well put together story intertwining 3 couples and the sensual journeys and discoveries they make. All three couples are linked thru reading one naughty book!
A well put together story intertwining 3 couples and the sensual journeys and discoveries they make. All three couples are linked thru reading one naughty book!
May 6, 2021
I liked the multiple stories in one book. Also liked the “letters” between sections.
October 8, 2011
Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/revie...
Headstrong Lady Vesta Richmond isn’t about to enter into her marriage to the Duke of Waterford ignorant of what goes on in the marriage bed. She’s determined to learn about sex, so she asks the one person she can trust: her companion and closest friend, Margaret Compton. Though she’s been a widow for three years, Margaret remembers well the pleasures of love making, and the more erotic side of passion. Margaret takes a risk and gives Vesta The Duke’s Mistress, a racy epistolary novel that should tell Vesta everything she needs to know – and then some. But when Vesta’s brother, Calvin, the Earl of Melbrook, discovers what Margaret has done, he’s beyond furious and turns Margaret out of his house without a reference. Luckily Calvin’s best friend, Ethan Cromwell, is willing to take the lovely widow in until Vesta marries and can bring Margaret into her new household.
Will the duke still want to marry Vesta now that she’s been compromised by her introduction to carnal knowledge? Can the attraction between Ethan and a widowed woman beneath his station go anywhere? And what about Calvin? Can he convince his lover to become his wife or will the secrets she’s keeping from him destroy their chance at happiness?
A wicked book of illicit encounters between a nameless duke and his mistress paves the way for romance in the utterly charming Compromising Liaisons. Melinda Barron masterfully weaves together three tales of lust and love as six people navigate over, around, and through social mores to find happiness.
Part of what captivated me about Compromising Liaisons was how the three romances intertwined with the bonds of friendship and family. I was even more enamored with the sensual love stories. Each was different, yet bound together by the naughty novel that’s the cause of all their trouble and joy. Vesta is the innocent young daughter of the Marquess of Brightly. She’s an inquisitive, unstoppable force of nature, and she doesn’t want to go to her marriage bed frightened and unknowledgeable. It takes a confident, worldly man to be a match for her; good thing Sterling, her fiancé, is every bit up for the task. Sterling is everything a hero should be. He’s sexy, honest, understanding, and appreciative of the woman he’s to marry. Reading his and Vesta’s romance, I’ll admit it wasn’t only Vesta who melted over the duke.
The other two romances in Compromising Liaisons feature widows, though Margaret and Beatrice are worlds apart in terms of economics and social station. Margaret is a vicar’s widow and she’s a forthright, honest soul who doesn’t back down. I loved her openness and I love that Ethan saw her immediately for who she really was and fell hard and fast. He isn’t one to be cowed into accepting society’s opinion of who would make a proper wife for him, and for that I was glad. As for Beatrice, Lady Morset, her secrets I will not reveal, but I understood her reticence to marry Calvin, even though she loves him. Once Calvin stopped growling over his sister’s behavior, I cheered him on in his quest to win Beatrice’s hand in marriage.
Compromising Liaisons is a sinfully pleasurable romance. I reveled in each person’s journey, from Vesta to Calvin to the duke’s mistress who started it all. Ms. Barron succeeded in sweeping me away to Victorian England for hours of erotic delight and I look forward to re-visiting these lovers again very soon.
Headstrong Lady Vesta Richmond isn’t about to enter into her marriage to the Duke of Waterford ignorant of what goes on in the marriage bed. She’s determined to learn about sex, so she asks the one person she can trust: her companion and closest friend, Margaret Compton. Though she’s been a widow for three years, Margaret remembers well the pleasures of love making, and the more erotic side of passion. Margaret takes a risk and gives Vesta The Duke’s Mistress, a racy epistolary novel that should tell Vesta everything she needs to know – and then some. But when Vesta’s brother, Calvin, the Earl of Melbrook, discovers what Margaret has done, he’s beyond furious and turns Margaret out of his house without a reference. Luckily Calvin’s best friend, Ethan Cromwell, is willing to take the lovely widow in until Vesta marries and can bring Margaret into her new household.
Will the duke still want to marry Vesta now that she’s been compromised by her introduction to carnal knowledge? Can the attraction between Ethan and a widowed woman beneath his station go anywhere? And what about Calvin? Can he convince his lover to become his wife or will the secrets she’s keeping from him destroy their chance at happiness?
A wicked book of illicit encounters between a nameless duke and his mistress paves the way for romance in the utterly charming Compromising Liaisons. Melinda Barron masterfully weaves together three tales of lust and love as six people navigate over, around, and through social mores to find happiness.
Part of what captivated me about Compromising Liaisons was how the three romances intertwined with the bonds of friendship and family. I was even more enamored with the sensual love stories. Each was different, yet bound together by the naughty novel that’s the cause of all their trouble and joy. Vesta is the innocent young daughter of the Marquess of Brightly. She’s an inquisitive, unstoppable force of nature, and she doesn’t want to go to her marriage bed frightened and unknowledgeable. It takes a confident, worldly man to be a match for her; good thing Sterling, her fiancé, is every bit up for the task. Sterling is everything a hero should be. He’s sexy, honest, understanding, and appreciative of the woman he’s to marry. Reading his and Vesta’s romance, I’ll admit it wasn’t only Vesta who melted over the duke.
The other two romances in Compromising Liaisons feature widows, though Margaret and Beatrice are worlds apart in terms of economics and social station. Margaret is a vicar’s widow and she’s a forthright, honest soul who doesn’t back down. I loved her openness and I love that Ethan saw her immediately for who she really was and fell hard and fast. He isn’t one to be cowed into accepting society’s opinion of who would make a proper wife for him, and for that I was glad. As for Beatrice, Lady Morset, her secrets I will not reveal, but I understood her reticence to marry Calvin, even though she loves him. Once Calvin stopped growling over his sister’s behavior, I cheered him on in his quest to win Beatrice’s hand in marriage.
Compromising Liaisons is a sinfully pleasurable romance. I reveled in each person’s journey, from Vesta to Calvin to the duke’s mistress who started it all. Ms. Barron succeeded in sweeping me away to Victorian England for hours of erotic delight and I look forward to re-visiting these lovers again very soon.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews