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Mistress Trio #1
The Perfect Mistress
Let #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander sweep you away with her dazzling new romance, in which one otherwise proper lady discovers that passion is her legacy. . .
Widowed Julia, Lady Winterset, has inherited a book--a very shocking book--that every gentleman in London seems to want. For a charismatic businessman, it's a chance to build an empire. For a dashing novelist, it could guarantee fame. But to a proud, domineering earl, it means everything. . .
Harrison Landingham, Earl of Mountdale, can't let the obstinate Julia release the shameless memoir that could ruin his family's name. But the only way to stop her may be equally sordid--if far more pleasurable. For his rivals are intent on seducing the captivating woman to acquire the book. And Harrison isn't the sort to back away from a competition with the stakes this high. Now the winner will claim both the scandalous memoirs and the heart of their lovely owner. . .
Widowed Julia, Lady Winterset, has inherited a book--a very shocking book--that every gentleman in London seems to want. For a charismatic businessman, it's a chance to build an empire. For a dashing novelist, it could guarantee fame. But to a proud, domineering earl, it means everything. . .
Harrison Landingham, Earl of Mountdale, can't let the obstinate Julia release the shameless memoir that could ruin his family's name. But the only way to stop her may be equally sordid--if far more pleasurable. For his rivals are intent on seducing the captivating woman to acquire the book. And Harrison isn't the sort to back away from a competition with the stakes this high. Now the winner will claim both the scandalous memoirs and the heart of their lovely owner. . .
395 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
149 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Alexander
65 books1,327 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
July 31, 2016
Fuck this shit! I'm done with this book.
I am not going to waste my time with a misogynistic, condescending asshole as the male mc. I have better things to do. Here are a few excerpts to give you a taste of how the book goes:
She says: "Because a woman is unable to take care of herself?"
He says: "Even to a capable woman of independent nature I don't think that can be debated"
And stuff like: "Women, my dear Lady Winterset, no matter how competent, are still merely women."
& "A woman needs a guiding hand as it were from a husband or father or brother or-"
Fucking asshole.
And the female mc's response is to 'be friends'. Now I realize that was the opinion at the time, but if I'm to like a HR I don't want the male mc spouting such bullshit, and if he does the female mc should definitely not react by becoming his friend when he makes those statements and falling in love.
The rest of the book was pretty boring, there was a ghost around which could have been interesting, but the fucking insta-love ruined even that - and in this case the insta-love is soo fucking unbelievable; she only knows him because he is stodgy and wants to destroy her great-grandmother's memoirs, while trying to buy them from her he spouts misogynistic crap all the time...
Then there is the mistakes, I don't know if it's only in the kindle version, but every fifth name or so was written like Winter-set, even in the middle of the page, which was horribly annoying.
All in all I would not recommend this book, unless you want to wade through mounds of bullshit, insta-love and bad spelling.
This is how pretty much every dialogue between them goes:
She says: "You don't like intelligent women, do you?"
He says: "I admit intelligence is not something I seek in a woman."
So she responds: "Hey, let's be friends."
And he commands: "All right, but you can't do that anymore, you need a firm, guiding, male hand!!"
*sigh
I am not going to waste my time with a misogynistic, condescending asshole as the male mc. I have better things to do. Here are a few excerpts to give you a taste of how the book goes:
She says: "Because a woman is unable to take care of herself?"
He says: "Even to a capable woman of independent nature I don't think that can be debated"
And stuff like: "Women, my dear Lady Winterset, no matter how competent, are still merely women."
& "A woman needs a guiding hand as it were from a husband or father or brother or-"
Fucking asshole.
And the female mc's response is to 'be friends'. Now I realize that was the opinion at the time, but if I'm to like a HR I don't want the male mc spouting such bullshit, and if he does the female mc should definitely not react by becoming his friend when he makes those statements and falling in love.
The rest of the book was pretty boring, there was a ghost around which could have been interesting, but the fucking insta-love ruined even that - and in this case the insta-love is soo fucking unbelievable; she only knows him because he is stodgy and wants to destroy her great-grandmother's memoirs, while trying to buy them from her he spouts misogynistic crap all the time...
Then there is the mistakes, I don't know if it's only in the kindle version, but every fifth name or so was written like Winter-set, even in the middle of the page, which was horribly annoying.
All in all I would not recommend this book, unless you want to wade through mounds of bullshit, insta-love and bad spelling.
This is how pretty much every dialogue between them goes:
She says: "You don't like intelligent women, do you?"
He says: "I admit intelligence is not something I seek in a woman."
So she responds: "Hey, let's be friends."
And he commands: "All right, but you can't do that anymore, you need a firm, guiding, male hand!!"
*sigh
July 5, 2025
Harrison did not have the best intentions but fell into it anyways 😍Julia was hoping for the best. When he got her a fluffy puppy😘 when he surrenders it is so satisfying. But it was frequently silly. I liked the feels along the way and writing was a heck of lot better than most all of the 2025 tainted bot written books
February 19, 2022
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : De perfecte maîtresse - Candlelight Historische roman 977 .
Verhaallijn overgenomen van achterkant kaft :
Julia Winterset is de wanhoop nabij als haar geld opraakt . Gelukkig erft ze de memoires van haar overgrootmoeder Hermione Middlebury . Als Julia dit manuscript aan een uitgever verkoopt zullen haar financiele problemen voorbij zijn . De prijs is wèl dat er talrijke schandalen in de openbaarheid worden gebracht .
Voor dat laatste wil Lord Harrison Landingham , de uiterst fatsoenlijke graaf van Mountdale , een stokje steken . Hij vreest voor de goede naam van zijn familie en biedt Julia daarom een flink bedrag om de publicatie tegen te houden .
Als blijkt dat dat zij zich niet zomaar laat omkopen , weet Harrison dat hij voor een andere aanpak moet kiezen . Bovendien zijn er meer kapers op de kust , die niet alleen in het manuscript , maar ook in Julia geinteresseerd zijn . En dat wekt de jaloezie van Harrison ...
Lekker vlot geschreven verhaal met leuke dialogen waarin verrassend genoeg de al lang overleden Hermione toch nog een zeer grote rol speelt .
Verhaallijn overgenomen van achterkant kaft :
Julia Winterset is de wanhoop nabij als haar geld opraakt . Gelukkig erft ze de memoires van haar overgrootmoeder Hermione Middlebury . Als Julia dit manuscript aan een uitgever verkoopt zullen haar financiele problemen voorbij zijn . De prijs is wèl dat er talrijke schandalen in de openbaarheid worden gebracht .
Voor dat laatste wil Lord Harrison Landingham , de uiterst fatsoenlijke graaf van Mountdale , een stokje steken . Hij vreest voor de goede naam van zijn familie en biedt Julia daarom een flink bedrag om de publicatie tegen te houden .
Als blijkt dat dat zij zich niet zomaar laat omkopen , weet Harrison dat hij voor een andere aanpak moet kiezen . Bovendien zijn er meer kapers op de kust , die niet alleen in het manuscript , maar ook in Julia geinteresseerd zijn . En dat wekt de jaloezie van Harrison ...
Lekker vlot geschreven verhaal met leuke dialogen waarin verrassend genoeg de al lang overleden Hermione toch nog een zeer grote rol speelt .
May 17, 2017
3.5/5. Heroine, Julia (Lady Winterset), was left almost destitute following the death of her husband 3 years ago. Forced to consider the sale of her grandmother's scandalous memoir, she attracted the attention of numerous potential buyers including that of the starchy, oh-so-proper hero, Harrison, the Earl of Mountdale, who wanted to buy then burn the racy book to protect the reputation of his family. There were some funny dialogue, especially from the exceedingly witty Veronique, who was way too clever for Harrison, and really, despite his misplaced sense of superiority over women, he was intellectually swamped by Veronique and Julia, which might explain his discomfort around clever females. There was a bit of a supernatural side plot, which I'm usually not too keen on, but it didn't bother me and added a bit to the story. Harrison bothered me. Unfortunately, he just never evolved from the cave-man attitude, although credit to Julia for not allowing herself to be dragged around by her hair.
November 22, 2010
Disclaimer- I am a historical romance virgin. I've read only a few and thus, I have only a few to compare this book to. End of silly disclaimer.
I liked this book. I didn't love it and frankly, I became bored with all the witty banter back and forth between the two main characters- Julia and Harrison. It was cute for the first 3 or 4 chapters, but after that I wanted them to shut up and get their clothes off already. In addition, the plot was lost in all the silly banter back and forth and was easy to figure out once Julia is given a particular item. How obvious can it be that this item would solve all Julia's problems?
Furthermore, there is the addition of not only the great-grandmother ghost but also random male ghosts along the way in the book. They seemed so out of place and I love paranormal elements.
Nevertheless, (I am sounding excessively formal in this review), I still smiled often when reading the book and I did finish it. Because of that, I am giving it 2.5 stars out of 5.
I liked this book. I didn't love it and frankly, I became bored with all the witty banter back and forth between the two main characters- Julia and Harrison. It was cute for the first 3 or 4 chapters, but after that I wanted them to shut up and get their clothes off already. In addition, the plot was lost in all the silly banter back and forth and was easy to figure out once Julia is given a particular item. How obvious can it be that this item would solve all Julia's problems?
Furthermore, there is the addition of not only the great-grandmother ghost but also random male ghosts along the way in the book. They seemed so out of place and I love paranormal elements.
Nevertheless, (I am sounding excessively formal in this review), I still smiled often when reading the book and I did finish it. Because of that, I am giving it 2.5 stars out of 5.
August 29, 2019
The Perfect Mistress had a different twist than most historical reads do. Not only does this book revolve around 3 widowers that are a bit more open minded than a lot of women were during the Regency period but there's the little issue with Julia's dead aunt popping up at random times.
Julia's husband died and pretty much left her in dire financial straits. His family didn't do the noble thing and step in to care for her so she's left trying to find a way to continuing living as she does without marrying a man just for the size of his bank account. When she finds that she's inherited her great-grandmother's memoirs it gives her the best idea. You see her great-grandma was quite the loose woman during her time and her sordid tales would solve all of Julia's financial burdens if she would just publish the book.
Harrison was the stereotypical stuffy English gentleman. And when he found out about the memoirs and that his father was one of the many men mentioned in them he was appalled. He couldn't let Julia publish the book and bring scandal to his family.
Although, Julia and Harrison eventually called somewhat of a truce and tried out being friends, their relationship was pretty explosive. They argued over just about everything. They did eventually figure out that all of that explosive energy translated into passion hotter than either of them could've imagined, but it took a while. Julia's relatives cracked me up, even her dead great-grandma. She was quite the fiery tart and so entertaining.
Julia's husband died and pretty much left her in dire financial straits. His family didn't do the noble thing and step in to care for her so she's left trying to find a way to continuing living as she does without marrying a man just for the size of his bank account. When she finds that she's inherited her great-grandmother's memoirs it gives her the best idea. You see her great-grandma was quite the loose woman during her time and her sordid tales would solve all of Julia's financial burdens if she would just publish the book.
Harrison was the stereotypical stuffy English gentleman. And when he found out about the memoirs and that his father was one of the many men mentioned in them he was appalled. He couldn't let Julia publish the book and bring scandal to his family.
Although, Julia and Harrison eventually called somewhat of a truce and tried out being friends, their relationship was pretty explosive. They argued over just about everything. They did eventually figure out that all of that explosive energy translated into passion hotter than either of them could've imagined, but it took a while. Julia's relatives cracked me up, even her dead great-grandma. She was quite the fiery tart and so entertaining.
Read
April 27, 2023Archived: can't remember plot
February 20, 2025
A spicy scene earlier than 300 pages in would’ve been greatly appreciated but still a cute Bridgerton-esque story with a paranormal twist that I loved!
August 11, 2016
Yakety Yak...don't Talk Back!!
The Perfect Mistress, by Victoria Alexander, is what appears to be the first in a series of books about three friends, Julia, Portia, and Veronica. All widows (although, I couldn't find anything confirming my assumption at her website). This is the story of Julia and Harrison and it's full of Victoria Alexander's trademark humor... and I do mean full of! Now, how you feel about the abundance of said humor may determine whether you like the book or not.
C-a-u-s-e, let me tell you there is lots and lots of talking, bantering, discussing, consulting, chattering, conversing and let's not forget "perfecting plans." It all starts when Julia is conversing with the ghost of her dead great-grandmother Hermione about publishing said g-grandmother's racy memoirs. Of course Julia needs to discuss this with Portia and Veronica; what are friends for if not to confer with? Then Veronica must tell Harrison, because his father is mentioned in the book (Harrison is Veronica's brother-in-law.) Well, of course, Harrison must stop the publication. No scandal in his family is allowed, so he pontificates to Julia, they fight, he comes up with a plan. He talks Veronica into a dinner party where people can sit around and talk. She plans a party, talk follows. Another author speaks to Julia, they discuss the book with Harrison, Harrison and Julia fight, Harrison makes another plan, Harrison's father advises him, Julia chats with her grandmother, then her publisher, then her friends, then Harrison, they argue again. He makes another plan...and, we have now arrived at the middle of the book.
Now, the interesting thing about all of this chittery-chattery racket was I found a lot of it to be terribly amusing, especially the discussion/arguments between Julia and Harrison. And let me tell you, Harrison (our hero) doesn't have the slightest idea what one should say to a woman. He is constantly putting his foot in his mouth. I found that amusing: nothing better than a man who can't communicate with a woman.
The drawback to the plethora of conversation was that it left little room for romance.
Oh yes, the ghost of the great-grandmother. I found her to be a bit of a distraction from the rest of the story. I am not bothered when paranormal is thrown into a story-line, but I started to grow a little tired of her popping up, giving advice and leaving with some vague reference to something that either happened or was about to.
If you like Victoria Alexander, you're going to like this book. I would have liked this tale better if there had been more romance and less talk; however, I'm not sure what I would have left out. Well, maybe when Hermione pops in after a robust knee-knocking episode...which she implies she has watched. Wink wink.
The Perfect Mistress, by Victoria Alexander, is what appears to be the first in a series of books about three friends, Julia, Portia, and Veronica. All widows (although, I couldn't find anything confirming my assumption at her website). This is the story of Julia and Harrison and it's full of Victoria Alexander's trademark humor... and I do mean full of! Now, how you feel about the abundance of said humor may determine whether you like the book or not.
C-a-u-s-e, let me tell you there is lots and lots of talking, bantering, discussing, consulting, chattering, conversing and let's not forget "perfecting plans." It all starts when Julia is conversing with the ghost of her dead great-grandmother Hermione about publishing said g-grandmother's racy memoirs. Of course Julia needs to discuss this with Portia and Veronica; what are friends for if not to confer with? Then Veronica must tell Harrison, because his father is mentioned in the book (Harrison is Veronica's brother-in-law.) Well, of course, Harrison must stop the publication. No scandal in his family is allowed, so he pontificates to Julia, they fight, he comes up with a plan. He talks Veronica into a dinner party where people can sit around and talk. She plans a party, talk follows. Another author speaks to Julia, they discuss the book with Harrison, Harrison and Julia fight, Harrison makes another plan, Harrison's father advises him, Julia chats with her grandmother, then her publisher, then her friends, then Harrison, they argue again. He makes another plan...and, we have now arrived at the middle of the book.
Now, the interesting thing about all of this chittery-chattery racket was I found a lot of it to be terribly amusing, especially the discussion/arguments between Julia and Harrison. And let me tell you, Harrison (our hero) doesn't have the slightest idea what one should say to a woman. He is constantly putting his foot in his mouth. I found that amusing: nothing better than a man who can't communicate with a woman.
The drawback to the plethora of conversation was that it left little room for romance.
Oh yes, the ghost of the great-grandmother. I found her to be a bit of a distraction from the rest of the story. I am not bothered when paranormal is thrown into a story-line, but I started to grow a little tired of her popping up, giving advice and leaving with some vague reference to something that either happened or was about to.
If you like Victoria Alexander, you're going to like this book. I would have liked this tale better if there had been more romance and less talk; however, I'm not sure what I would have left out. Well, maybe when Hermione pops in after a robust knee-knocking episode...which she implies she has watched. Wink wink.
April 12, 2016
Widowed Lady Julia Winterset is in posession of her late great-grandmother’s memoir. She’s looking for a publisher who’ll publish it. She’s in desperate need of funds and that’s how she meets the hero, Harrison Landingham, Lord Mountdale. He’s trying to buy the memoir from her because it contains scandalous information about his father.
That pretty much sums up the whole story. I’m sorry to say I didn’t like this novel at all. I found it to be very tedious and long-winded. I felt indifferent toward all the characters, including hero and heroine. I especially didn’t care for the heroes ex sister-in-law, Veronica. She was in this story way too much for my liking. I suspect she’ll get her own story, if she hasn’t already. I didn’t see this as a love story in any way, shape or form. Julia and Harrison’s love didn’t seem genuine to me at all. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them.
I also didn’t like the touch of paranormal that ran throughout the entire book, right up until the last page. The heroine’s great-grandmother, Hermione, writer of the memoir, who has been dead for years, would show up and have chats with her. I don’t like or read paranormals and didn’t appreciate that being in a historical romance novel.
The only thing I did like about this novel were the scandalous memoir excerpts that were at the end of some chapters. Those, I did find interesting.
I grade this novel 3 stars/C.
That pretty much sums up the whole story. I’m sorry to say I didn’t like this novel at all. I found it to be very tedious and long-winded. I felt indifferent toward all the characters, including hero and heroine. I especially didn’t care for the heroes ex sister-in-law, Veronica. She was in this story way too much for my liking. I suspect she’ll get her own story, if she hasn’t already. I didn’t see this as a love story in any way, shape or form. Julia and Harrison’s love didn’t seem genuine to me at all. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them.
I also didn’t like the touch of paranormal that ran throughout the entire book, right up until the last page. The heroine’s great-grandmother, Hermione, writer of the memoir, who has been dead for years, would show up and have chats with her. I don’t like or read paranormals and didn’t appreciate that being in a historical romance novel.
The only thing I did like about this novel were the scandalous memoir excerpts that were at the end of some chapters. Those, I did find interesting.
I grade this novel 3 stars/C.
May 9, 2015
When I am besieged by dnfs, the only thing to do is to read a HR. And so I did, and I enjoyed it.
Julia is a widow in need of money. She is sweet and proper. And then she gets the memoir of her notorious great grandmother. A woman of many affairs.
Harrison is a proper gentleman, and if I called Julia proper then she is wild next to this one. He is rather stiff and wants to find a wife by looking at a list of proper things a wife should be. Oh I like the proper ones, they always loose their heads. Oh I totally forgot, so the reason these two meets is that Harrison's dad is mentioned in the memoir! OMG, NOOOOOO! Scandal has never touched this family, the horror.
The story is then, he wants her to not publish the book. She needs money. He has plans. She has alternatives. He starts to have feelings.
It was fun, and I enjoyed it :)
Julia is a widow in need of money. She is sweet and proper. And then she gets the memoir of her notorious great grandmother. A woman of many affairs.
Harrison is a proper gentleman, and if I called Julia proper then she is wild next to this one. He is rather stiff and wants to find a wife by looking at a list of proper things a wife should be. Oh I like the proper ones, they always loose their heads. Oh I totally forgot, so the reason these two meets is that Harrison's dad is mentioned in the memoir! OMG, NOOOOOO! Scandal has never touched this family, the horror.
The story is then, he wants her to not publish the book. She needs money. He has plans. She has alternatives. He starts to have feelings.
It was fun, and I enjoyed it :)
February 20, 2018
Very cute light read with a most lovely great-grandma ghost.
Hermione has lived an adventurous (and scandalous) life after her beloved husband’s passing and wrote her memories in a book that ended up being inherited by her great-granddaughter Julia.
Julia is a widow herself and is in dire straights and considering selling her great grandma’s memoirs to be published.
Three different gentleman are interested in the memoirs, one of them an Earl (Harrison) that does not want his father’s “relationship” with Hermione (detailed in the memoirs) to bring scandal to his family.
Harrison is stiff and proper and clashes against the spirited and independent Julia.
Cute story.
Hermione has lived an adventurous (and scandalous) life after her beloved husband’s passing and wrote her memories in a book that ended up being inherited by her great-granddaughter Julia.
Julia is a widow herself and is in dire straights and considering selling her great grandma’s memoirs to be published.
Three different gentleman are interested in the memoirs, one of them an Earl (Harrison) that does not want his father’s “relationship” with Hermione (detailed in the memoirs) to bring scandal to his family.
Harrison is stiff and proper and clashes against the spirited and independent Julia.
Cute story.
April 6, 2019
I have actually read this book before , but it was before I was logging books into Goodreads. As soon as I started, I realized I had read it but I remembered liking it so much that I decided to keep on reading. Awesome characters. Sweet story. I also really liked the premise of her great grandmother and the ghost. Definitely want to read the rest of this trilogy.
May 31, 2023
Not bad. Had a few funny moments.
October 10, 2016
He will proclaimed his love to you. They're all do.
It's part historical romance!! With ghosts! And the ghosts are flirting to each other. And there's a guy too... he's a stiffy stuffy asshole but cute. And also there's a diary of many illicit affairs from a Lady whose ghost is haunting the heroine.
What... what the fuck am I reading??
First of all, I don't see why ghost is a good plot device here. They come more like a deus ex machina. Spoiling the fun too.
Second, I can't sympathize with Lady Hermione sex adventure as a something to be proud of. I can't imagine the risk of STD and unwanted baby in that period of time. Irresponsible bitch.
Third, one of Lady Hermione's many lovers is a young lord whom later has a romantic relationship with her own daughter. NIIIIIIICCCEE... awkward moment ensues. Imagine him explained 'how I met your mother and fucked the shit out of her.' Good luck trying, Sir!
Fourth, the pace is stagering in the third act I'm so bored waiting for the climax.
So... long story short. LAAAAAAMEEEEEEEEEEEE!
It's part historical romance!! With ghosts! And the ghosts are flirting to each other. And there's a guy too... he's a stiffy stuffy asshole but cute. And also there's a diary of many illicit affairs from a Lady whose ghost is haunting the heroine.
What... what the fuck am I reading??
First of all, I don't see why ghost is a good plot device here. They come more like a deus ex machina. Spoiling the fun too.
Second, I can't sympathize with Lady Hermione sex adventure as a something to be proud of. I can't imagine the risk of STD and unwanted baby in that period of time. Irresponsible bitch.
Third, one of Lady Hermione's many lovers is a young lord whom later has a romantic relationship with her own daughter. NIIIIIIICCCEE... awkward moment ensues. Imagine him explained 'how I met your mother and fucked the shit out of her.' Good luck trying, Sir!
Fourth, the pace is stagering in the third act I'm so bored waiting for the climax.
So... long story short. LAAAAAAMEEEEEEEEEEEE!
January 29, 2011
2.5/5 (C-)
The biggest problem with this book was the H/H and their romance. To put it plainly: the characters were boring ^_^; Harrison was too pompous and stuffy. In this kind of storyline, you expect the hero to change, that his dynamics with the heroine will bring out the more boyish or relaxed side of him... Open his eyes to his life and what it could be and usually, this is all done through fun stuff. However, it wasn't the case in The Perfect Mistress. There were many mentions about how Harrison changed, how his behaviors were surprising... but I don't think it was change in his personality, it wasn't Harrison being less pompous and stuffy ^_^ If it was, he wouldn't have blundered every time he opened his mouth. Yes, he was acting out of the ordinary for him, most probably because he was attracted to Julia, but that doesn't mean it was a permanent change in his personality. As for Julia, I just didn't connect with her and thought she was boring. Yes, she was smart and striving to be more independent - no real choice given her situation, but it didn't make her interesting. Actually, it is exactly as one of the character said:
"Lady Winterset (Julia) is perhaps as intelligent as Lady Smithson although I don't think she completely trusts that intelligence. She has been taken care of, you see, proper marriage and all that. I think she is still realizing she can indeed take care of herself although I'm not sure she wants to."
This passage describes Julia to a T. I think what makes Julia uninteresting is her indecisiveness - not really knowing what she wants (except solving her financial trouble) and where she's going. Have she known or at least been a bit more confident, she would have been a better heroine.
As for the romance, my biggest problem is that the characters "fell in love" too quickly. See, I'm not convinced it was love. Yes, there was something between them from the beginning - they annoyed each other. Sure, they rubbed each other wrong and that could be due to attraction... but after a few meetings, to say that it was love? Not buying it, because they really didn't know each other well enough for it. Also, I didn't feel the chemistry. It's fun sometimes to see characters argue, best each other with words... but in this case, it was mostly Harrison saying the wrong thing... and may I say, stupid thing ^_^; So yeah, the romance didn't work for me... and that's a big problem when reading romance ^_^;
The rest of the book though was great. The writing was actually excellent ^_^; and I enjoyed the secondary characters a lot. I wouldn't mind if Ms Alexander was planning books for Portia and Veronica, I'm actually hoping for it, because Julia's two friends had something about them. A vivacity that Julia was lacking. The storyline was interesting and could have been better with different H/H. My favorite parts of the book though were definitively the interactions between Harrison and his father. It's rare in historical romances that the hero's father is still alive (because otherwise, how would he have a title?) and most of the time, the relationship is not good. In this case, even though Harrison and Lord Kingsbury are complete opposite, they respect and love each other. It was great to read about a sane father/son relationship :) It was also fun to hear Lord Kingsbury's input about Harrison's life :)
It was hard choosing my grade for The Perfect Mistress, because my first reaction was that this book was okay only, therefore a D. However, I think that if I had the chance to read it in one sitting instead of a few pages here and there, I do think I would have enjoyed this book more. Also, despite the fact that the characterization and romance, two major components, were weak, the writing was great and I love all the rest :P Plus, I'm still looking forward to Ms Alexander next book :) So I think C- is a good grade :)
The biggest problem with this book was the H/H and their romance. To put it plainly: the characters were boring ^_^; Harrison was too pompous and stuffy. In this kind of storyline, you expect the hero to change, that his dynamics with the heroine will bring out the more boyish or relaxed side of him... Open his eyes to his life and what it could be and usually, this is all done through fun stuff. However, it wasn't the case in The Perfect Mistress. There were many mentions about how Harrison changed, how his behaviors were surprising... but I don't think it was change in his personality, it wasn't Harrison being less pompous and stuffy ^_^ If it was, he wouldn't have blundered every time he opened his mouth. Yes, he was acting out of the ordinary for him, most probably because he was attracted to Julia, but that doesn't mean it was a permanent change in his personality. As for Julia, I just didn't connect with her and thought she was boring. Yes, she was smart and striving to be more independent - no real choice given her situation, but it didn't make her interesting. Actually, it is exactly as one of the character said:
"Lady Winterset (Julia) is perhaps as intelligent as Lady Smithson although I don't think she completely trusts that intelligence. She has been taken care of, you see, proper marriage and all that. I think she is still realizing she can indeed take care of herself although I'm not sure she wants to."
This passage describes Julia to a T. I think what makes Julia uninteresting is her indecisiveness - not really knowing what she wants (except solving her financial trouble) and where she's going. Have she known or at least been a bit more confident, she would have been a better heroine.
As for the romance, my biggest problem is that the characters "fell in love" too quickly. See, I'm not convinced it was love. Yes, there was something between them from the beginning - they annoyed each other. Sure, they rubbed each other wrong and that could be due to attraction... but after a few meetings, to say that it was love? Not buying it, because they really didn't know each other well enough for it. Also, I didn't feel the chemistry. It's fun sometimes to see characters argue, best each other with words... but in this case, it was mostly Harrison saying the wrong thing... and may I say, stupid thing ^_^; So yeah, the romance didn't work for me... and that's a big problem when reading romance ^_^;
The rest of the book though was great. The writing was actually excellent ^_^; and I enjoyed the secondary characters a lot. I wouldn't mind if Ms Alexander was planning books for Portia and Veronica, I'm actually hoping for it, because Julia's two friends had something about them. A vivacity that Julia was lacking. The storyline was interesting and could have been better with different H/H. My favorite parts of the book though were definitively the interactions between Harrison and his father. It's rare in historical romances that the hero's father is still alive (because otherwise, how would he have a title?) and most of the time, the relationship is not good. In this case, even though Harrison and Lord Kingsbury are complete opposite, they respect and love each other. It was great to read about a sane father/son relationship :) It was also fun to hear Lord Kingsbury's input about Harrison's life :)
It was hard choosing my grade for The Perfect Mistress, because my first reaction was that this book was okay only, therefore a D. However, I think that if I had the chance to read it in one sitting instead of a few pages here and there, I do think I would have enjoyed this book more. Also, despite the fact that the characterization and romance, two major components, were weak, the writing was great and I love all the rest :P Plus, I'm still looking forward to Ms Alexander next book :) So I think C- is a good grade :)
April 6, 2011
Harrison Landingham, the Earl of Mountdale, was making plans. He is ready to settle down and fulfill his obligations to his family and his title by marrying a woman suitable to his station and wants heirs.He has a list of qualifications in a wife She would be well-bred and of impeccable family background.She would have a pleasing appearance and look well on his arm at social functions.She must be a perfect hostess and social affairs .She would make sure his household was well run and his meals would be served according to his time schedule etc.And most assuredly, his wife would never, ever court gossip or bring discredit to his family nor create scandal.
But , then he meets the lovely widow Lady Julia Winterset who is not in line with his qualifications she is fiercely independent , smart,sassy,outspoken,intelligent and about to court scandal. But,after three years of being a window and nearly broke her Uncle leaves a diary containing her great-grandmother, Lady Hermione Middlebury's shocking memoirs on how to be The Perfect Mistress.Julia's resolved to ignore convention and polite society and have the scandalous memoirs published. She's been assured that scandal does, indeed, sell a lot of books. So she's quite determined to sell the memoirs, even if those memoirs would reveal wickedly naughty indiscretions and the intimate details of her great-grandmother's affairs with various gentlemen. Secrets, perhaps, best left untold and allowed to remain in the past.
But,Julia must take a risk she needs the income that this book would bring to support herself and little family she has left.The Earl of Mountdale shows up on her door step demanding that she forget this nonsense as he has work hard to preserve and improve is family's reputation .He insists she not seek to publish this diary as it includes details of his now 76 year old father's amorous dalliances from his rakish past.Harrison insists she sell it to him so he can destroy it but she flatly refuses him. He must come up with a plans to seduce the lovely widow so she does not have these memories published that will bring shame to his family. Harrison sets forth a plan and lays it in place in order to acquire this book. There are others posing a threat to the Earls plan to so he must use what ever he can at his disposal to win her and the book.What a enjoyed most of about this book is that it has the hint of a paranormal theme transfixed within a love story of not so perfect wife but, indeed the wife he now wants and never thought he wanted. Loved Juliet's quick wit , sharp tongue and her amazing strong personality.
Loved Juliet's great-grandmother she was thoroughly engaging , funny and what a lovely idea to come up with to compose one trysts in a book of passed loved ones . The way Hermione (Lady Middleton) wrote her story was a hoot ! The camaraderie between Juliet's friends and gentle teasing shared between the widows was heartwarming to say the least .Loved the aspect of Juliet's great-grandmothers friendly ghost visiting her and talking to her about her past love interests and helping to guide her to make the decisions on weather to publish these memories or not and enjoying there upbeat bantering between the two so cute.The book was plotted with several surprising twists and turns that made for a thoroughly engaging lovely story. One can only hope there will be some good that will come out with the bad if the memories are publish. You will root for second chances of a long lost love being reunited and one hope at repairing a hurtful past between mother and daughter we will just see what happens. I am standing rooting in the sidelines for all parties involved as I love happy endings after all..
But , then he meets the lovely widow Lady Julia Winterset who is not in line with his qualifications she is fiercely independent , smart,sassy,outspoken,intelligent and about to court scandal. But,after three years of being a window and nearly broke her Uncle leaves a diary containing her great-grandmother, Lady Hermione Middlebury's shocking memoirs on how to be The Perfect Mistress.Julia's resolved to ignore convention and polite society and have the scandalous memoirs published. She's been assured that scandal does, indeed, sell a lot of books. So she's quite determined to sell the memoirs, even if those memoirs would reveal wickedly naughty indiscretions and the intimate details of her great-grandmother's affairs with various gentlemen. Secrets, perhaps, best left untold and allowed to remain in the past.
But,Julia must take a risk she needs the income that this book would bring to support herself and little family she has left.The Earl of Mountdale shows up on her door step demanding that she forget this nonsense as he has work hard to preserve and improve is family's reputation .He insists she not seek to publish this diary as it includes details of his now 76 year old father's amorous dalliances from his rakish past.Harrison insists she sell it to him so he can destroy it but she flatly refuses him. He must come up with a plans to seduce the lovely widow so she does not have these memories published that will bring shame to his family. Harrison sets forth a plan and lays it in place in order to acquire this book. There are others posing a threat to the Earls plan to so he must use what ever he can at his disposal to win her and the book.What a enjoyed most of about this book is that it has the hint of a paranormal theme transfixed within a love story of not so perfect wife but, indeed the wife he now wants and never thought he wanted. Loved Juliet's quick wit , sharp tongue and her amazing strong personality.
Loved Juliet's great-grandmother she was thoroughly engaging , funny and what a lovely idea to come up with to compose one trysts in a book of passed loved ones . The way Hermione (Lady Middleton) wrote her story was a hoot ! The camaraderie between Juliet's friends and gentle teasing shared between the widows was heartwarming to say the least .Loved the aspect of Juliet's great-grandmothers friendly ghost visiting her and talking to her about her past love interests and helping to guide her to make the decisions on weather to publish these memories or not and enjoying there upbeat bantering between the two so cute.The book was plotted with several surprising twists and turns that made for a thoroughly engaging lovely story. One can only hope there will be some good that will come out with the bad if the memories are publish. You will root for second chances of a long lost love being reunited and one hope at repairing a hurtful past between mother and daughter we will just see what happens. I am standing rooting in the sidelines for all parties involved as I love happy endings after all..
September 17, 2011
This #1 New York Times Bestselling author has proven many a time that her amazing intelligence and wonderful wit appeals to millions and millions of readers. This newest offering is no exception. With the thousands upon thousands of romance, historical, and British novels, Ms. Alexander is still the only writer that can weave all the genres together to form a perfect literary quilt.
In this new novel we're introduced first to Lady Hermione Middlebury, who is penning her memoirs in order to leave the slightly scandalous story of her life to the generations coming up behind her. She knows for a fact that her own children will not be interested in hearing about their Mom. After all, she was a bit too free with her love and laughter in a time when women were supposed to be quiet, calm, and the perfect wife for a well-to-do Lord. Lady Hermione, however, makes no apologies for the life she's led. In fact, she's grateful and somewhat triumphant with the choices she's made and the life of romance and adventure she's led.
Thirty years later Hermione's great Granddaughter, Lady Julia Winterset, finds herself with full ownership of Lady Middlebury's memoirs. Julia is a lovely woman whose beloved husband passed on at an early age and, unfortunately, didn't leave any finances behind to support Julia and the household staff. So Julia embarks on trying with all her might to get her great grandmother's memoirs published. In that way, she can receive royalties for the rest of her days and support herself without taking a husband for purely financial reasons. Her best friends are Portia and Veronica, two other widows who, unlike Julia, are women with money and want to give her some to keep her head above water. But Julia refuses. she has been told by the handsome publisher that the old memoirs are extremely scandalous and will definitely sell big.
However, Veronica's brother-in-law Harrison, a very strait-laced man who reminds the reader of Mr. Darcy, does not want the book on the market. His father is mentioned in one of Lady Middlebury's slightly...hot chapters, and he wants to spare his father and the family any embarrassment or pain. When he enlists the help of his annoying sister-in-law to get him "in" with Lady Julia so he can find a way to keep her from publishing, the fun and romance really begin.
The conversations between the characters are extremely charming, and watching Harrison turn from a pompous, egocentric, dull man to one who engages in sarcasm and jokes when he's around Lady Julia is beyond entertaining. Add in a ghost who wants nothing more than to set Julia up with Harrison, and a grandmother who pretends to be insane so that others will leave her be, and the story takes off in all different directions keeping the reader on their toes the whole way.
This romance is a book that will appeal to everyone...Victoria Alexander has, most definitely, struck gold again!
In this new novel we're introduced first to Lady Hermione Middlebury, who is penning her memoirs in order to leave the slightly scandalous story of her life to the generations coming up behind her. She knows for a fact that her own children will not be interested in hearing about their Mom. After all, she was a bit too free with her love and laughter in a time when women were supposed to be quiet, calm, and the perfect wife for a well-to-do Lord. Lady Hermione, however, makes no apologies for the life she's led. In fact, she's grateful and somewhat triumphant with the choices she's made and the life of romance and adventure she's led.
Thirty years later Hermione's great Granddaughter, Lady Julia Winterset, finds herself with full ownership of Lady Middlebury's memoirs. Julia is a lovely woman whose beloved husband passed on at an early age and, unfortunately, didn't leave any finances behind to support Julia and the household staff. So Julia embarks on trying with all her might to get her great grandmother's memoirs published. In that way, she can receive royalties for the rest of her days and support herself without taking a husband for purely financial reasons. Her best friends are Portia and Veronica, two other widows who, unlike Julia, are women with money and want to give her some to keep her head above water. But Julia refuses. she has been told by the handsome publisher that the old memoirs are extremely scandalous and will definitely sell big.
However, Veronica's brother-in-law Harrison, a very strait-laced man who reminds the reader of Mr. Darcy, does not want the book on the market. His father is mentioned in one of Lady Middlebury's slightly...hot chapters, and he wants to spare his father and the family any embarrassment or pain. When he enlists the help of his annoying sister-in-law to get him "in" with Lady Julia so he can find a way to keep her from publishing, the fun and romance really begin.
The conversations between the characters are extremely charming, and watching Harrison turn from a pompous, egocentric, dull man to one who engages in sarcasm and jokes when he's around Lady Julia is beyond entertaining. Add in a ghost who wants nothing more than to set Julia up with Harrison, and a grandmother who pretends to be insane so that others will leave her be, and the story takes off in all different directions keeping the reader on their toes the whole way.
This romance is a book that will appeal to everyone...Victoria Alexander has, most definitely, struck gold again!
February 8, 2023
Widowed and left in dire financial straits, the heroine plans to publish the memoirs of her ancestor in a bid to make some money. The hero, who's own father is mentioned in the diary as one of the woman's sexual conquests, vows to stop the thing from being published. The hero has always been a stiff, law abiding man whose oppression with being the picture of a gentleman but from the first instant he meets the heroine he is immediately changed. In her presence he is passionate. First, it's with anger and irrational because she denies his offer to buy the memories. Then it's the desire to befriend her and use that new friendship as leverage to gain the memories so he can destroy them. Then it's jealousy because his meddling puts her into the paths of over suitors. And finally, it's confusion about how to deal with all these new emotions and what he's supposed to do when he realizes he loves her.
The heroine readily admits to being a frivolous ninny before the death of her husband but her financial responsibilities have morphed her into an independent intelligent woman who's able to stand on her own two feet. When she meets the hero, she's suddenly bombarded with a new development of alarming characteristics she didn't have before. She's short tempered with him, irritated at his arrogance and the fact that he's oblivious as to what not to say to a woman. But underneath the irritation is passion. She feels alive when she's with him and she's a braver more self-aware woman with him she ever was with her husband. It was much in part to her ancestor’s diary and the ghost of the woman who haunts her that has awakened something deep inside. She learns to trust her heart rather than her head to take life's opportunities when they are presented else lose them forever. The banter between the two characters was a joy to read as they spend more time pissing each other off then anything. But under lining it is the deep love for one another, a love that neither of them really knew about until they stopped to think about it.
The heroine readily admits to being a frivolous ninny before the death of her husband but her financial responsibilities have morphed her into an independent intelligent woman who's able to stand on her own two feet. When she meets the hero, she's suddenly bombarded with a new development of alarming characteristics she didn't have before. She's short tempered with him, irritated at his arrogance and the fact that he's oblivious as to what not to say to a woman. But underneath the irritation is passion. She feels alive when she's with him and she's a braver more self-aware woman with him she ever was with her husband. It was much in part to her ancestor’s diary and the ghost of the woman who haunts her that has awakened something deep inside. She learns to trust her heart rather than her head to take life's opportunities when they are presented else lose them forever. The banter between the two characters was a joy to read as they spend more time pissing each other off then anything. But under lining it is the deep love for one another, a love that neither of them really knew about until they stopped to think about it.
July 2, 2015
I totally enjoyed this book and can't wait to find the others in the series. The Hero is funny although he doesn't mean to be, he keeps coming up with brilliant plans that never work out! The heroine is a young widow in dire financial straits who is going to sell her great grandmothers memoirs, "The Perfect Mistress" of the title. Every character was w3ell thought out and the story was actually pretty unique as far as romance novels go, with discussions of the state of publishing, ghosts, 3 clever women, and more to make this quite an enjoyable read!
April 23, 2012
This story didn't go quite as I thought it would before I began. It was a good story but the "fighting and resisting" between the hero & heroine went on too long in my opinion. I know the resisting is what makes the story but it gets tiresome after a while. There were a couple of very good places where it could have stopped but instead the author gave them a happy moment and then had them back at odds again. Not sure if I'll read this author again. Maybe.
August 28, 2012
Laugh out loud funny! I was not expecting the characters to be so likable (not to mention funny!). I actually did laugh out loud on several occasions. Absurd,(I mean, there are ghosts!), fun, and thoroughly enjoyable. It was believable to watch these two characters fall in love and for once, both of these people had brains and actually used them!
August 14, 2014
In spite of a slow beginning I really enjoyed this latest book from Victoria Alexander. Again, her clever characters and their witty dialogue bring laugh-out-loud humor to this story. Julia and Harrison were a fun couple and "the scene" was very well done.
October 16, 2012
This was a fun read. The very proper hero had major adjustments to make with the heroine and her best friend, but his change was gradual, believable and delightful. Conflict was little light, certainly not edge of seat, but the story kept my interest and I would recommend it.
January 20, 2015
Fun book. Julia is selling her great-grandmother's memoirs and Harrison doesn't want her to publish them. Harrison thinks he knows everything, she proves him wrong!
May 14, 2023
This is a truly charming story.
Julia is a widow who is poor. She is figuring out how to make ends meet. And surprise, surprise, she finds the memoirs of her great – grandmother, Hermione.
Hermione was a beautiful widow who decided to have adventures. She did and she wrote about the adventures and who shared those adventures with her. She names names. Along the way, she dispenses advice about relationships between men and women.
She also appears to Julia on a regular basis. They must be dreams, because Julia does not believe in ghosts.
Julia decides that if she publishes the memoirs she will make money and be able to support herself as well as her grandmother. Things are looking up.
Then Harrison appears. His father is one of the men mentioned in the memoirs. And Harrison is absolutely certain that he can not permit his family to be shamed by the publication of these terrible stories.
Harrison is a man who knows what is the right thing to do, and he will always do it. He also will always tell others what right things they should be doing.
When Julia and Harrison meet, they automatically clash. He is a stupid man. She does not listen to what she is told. He knows what is best for her. She knows he has no right to tell her anything.
They are perfect for one another.
This book has humor and a general sense of fun.
The conversations are perfect. The things that Julia and Harrison say to one another are exactly what needs to be said. And they are always wrong but very funny.
Julia never lost her temper before she met Harrison. She certainly never shouted at anyone. Later in the story there is even a kick to a shin.
Harrison is a man who has always been in control of any situation. And he never speaks without thinking. He certainly would never say anything except exactly what he means.
Since he is often wrong about things, he inevitably must make up for his errors. Harrison is a man who has “brilliant ideas”. And most of them make every situation much, much worse.
All in all, this is a terrific book. I am a fan of Ms Alexander, and I do believe this is one of her very best.
The book is about people who are not perfect. They are human beings. Human beings who are fallible, but always trying to do what they believe to be the best thing.
And it is a story of two people who find another person who is perfect for them. The journey to true perfection is very funny.
Thank the Lord for that.
Julia is a widow who is poor. She is figuring out how to make ends meet. And surprise, surprise, she finds the memoirs of her great – grandmother, Hermione.
Hermione was a beautiful widow who decided to have adventures. She did and she wrote about the adventures and who shared those adventures with her. She names names. Along the way, she dispenses advice about relationships between men and women.
She also appears to Julia on a regular basis. They must be dreams, because Julia does not believe in ghosts.
Julia decides that if she publishes the memoirs she will make money and be able to support herself as well as her grandmother. Things are looking up.
Then Harrison appears. His father is one of the men mentioned in the memoirs. And Harrison is absolutely certain that he can not permit his family to be shamed by the publication of these terrible stories.
Harrison is a man who knows what is the right thing to do, and he will always do it. He also will always tell others what right things they should be doing.
When Julia and Harrison meet, they automatically clash. He is a stupid man. She does not listen to what she is told. He knows what is best for her. She knows he has no right to tell her anything.
They are perfect for one another.
This book has humor and a general sense of fun.
The conversations are perfect. The things that Julia and Harrison say to one another are exactly what needs to be said. And they are always wrong but very funny.
Julia never lost her temper before she met Harrison. She certainly never shouted at anyone. Later in the story there is even a kick to a shin.
Harrison is a man who has always been in control of any situation. And he never speaks without thinking. He certainly would never say anything except exactly what he means.
Since he is often wrong about things, he inevitably must make up for his errors. Harrison is a man who has “brilliant ideas”. And most of them make every situation much, much worse.
All in all, this is a terrific book. I am a fan of Ms Alexander, and I do believe this is one of her very best.
The book is about people who are not perfect. They are human beings. Human beings who are fallible, but always trying to do what they believe to be the best thing.
And it is a story of two people who find another person who is perfect for them. The journey to true perfection is very funny.
Thank the Lord for that.
February 25, 2024
The Perfect Mistress, though funny, was just okay to me. Nothing to run home and tell Mama about, TBH. I like the banter and the spark between Julia and Harrison, the ghost thing was fun, and the parts in between chapters with the words Hermione wrote were fun to read. But the one thing that irked me and got on my last nerve was the writer who kept going along with Harrison's plan to take the memoir and write a very terrible book about it.
Julia has to be one of my favorite characters of all time. Yes, she is trying to save money, and the only way she can get money is if she sells her great-grandmother's memoir called The Perfect Mistress. Everyone is giving her an offer to purchase it-Mr. Cadweller, the author Mr. Ellsworth, and Harrison. At first, Harrison devises a plan to try and get her to see reason to NOT publish it-a story of his father is in the book, and he doesn't want scandal to touch the family. Well, it didn't go well, and then Harrison came up with another scheme to get her to not publish the book, which is both very smart and also very stupid of him: be her friend and then get her to not publish the book.
Sounds fun, right?
Nah. It doesn't sound fun at all.
Because after kissing her on the terrace at a poetry reading, that's when Harrison realizes that he's in love with her, and now he's warning her about men who might take advantage of her and all of that. And each time he and Julia are in a room, they are fighting and nearly ready to kill each other. Harrison even saved her before she was kissed by Ellsworth. I was happy that they got together, but then at the end it was just them arguing until they forgave one another--which was fine, and that was it.
I did enjoy myself, it was funny at some parts, but other than that it was okay, nothing to run home and tell mama about TBH.
Julia has to be one of my favorite characters of all time. Yes, she is trying to save money, and the only way she can get money is if she sells her great-grandmother's memoir called The Perfect Mistress. Everyone is giving her an offer to purchase it-Mr. Cadweller, the author Mr. Ellsworth, and Harrison. At first, Harrison devises a plan to try and get her to see reason to NOT publish it-a story of his father is in the book, and he doesn't want scandal to touch the family. Well, it didn't go well, and then Harrison came up with another scheme to get her to not publish the book, which is both very smart and also very stupid of him: be her friend and then get her to not publish the book.
Sounds fun, right?
Nah. It doesn't sound fun at all.
Because after kissing her on the terrace at a poetry reading, that's when Harrison realizes that he's in love with her, and now he's warning her about men who might take advantage of her and all of that. And each time he and Julia are in a room, they are fighting and nearly ready to kill each other. Harrison even saved her before she was kissed by Ellsworth. I was happy that they got together, but then at the end it was just them arguing until they forgave one another--which was fine, and that was it.
I did enjoy myself, it was funny at some parts, but other than that it was okay, nothing to run home and tell mama about TBH.
March 22, 2018
In Victoria Alexander's The Perfect Mistress, the first installment in the Mistress Trio historical romance series, this novel would scintillate and entice you to a fiery red hot romance about a well-suited couple. For Lady Julia Winterset, she's widowed and downed in her luck with her finances. And with her great-grandmother's memoirs, it would help her make a most fitting profit. But since it's so scandalous and talked about in town, there would be people who would wish not to see it surface in print. And one of them is Lord Harrison Landingham of Mountdale, since his own father's name were brought up into the mess. And for him, he had proposed an ill-wise plan to get those memoirs out of her hands. But there was something about her that had changed him for the better, though she set out to become her friend and nothing more. As more people became interested in publishing those books with red-hot offers on the table, and a chemistry brewed between Julia and Harrison after that kiss. From there, when she learned on how he deceived her, he would do better to woo her and win her heart to make her his own.
April 4, 2018
I listed to the audiobook version of this. It was horrible. The reason I choose audiobooks is so I can get through books since I have migraines and can't always read them. The voice was so high pitched it was painful. Even without the headaches it would have been painful to listen to, the migraine on top of it made it worse. All the voices were so irritating. Apart from this audio version, the book itself was so boring. The characters were all so dull. The storyline was so boring and that's to even say there was one. It dragged on and on and on. It could have been cut in half and saved me some of my frustration at this book and author. This was my first book by this author and I'm pretty sure it will be my last
October 3, 2022
Edited 10/2/2022 - I really enjoyed the story. However, when I originally wrote this review, I apparently only decided to comment on the narration. So I’ll have to read it again to recall the story and see if I knew what I was talking about! Lol
A lot of reviews complained about the narratorJennifer Dixon, but I liked her. I thought it was more 'realistic' a reading than all the voice changes others do. When reading a book in my head, I do not have voice changes, per sey, but read in one voice, and just know that it's a change. Hard to explain. lol. However, there were some times, that it took a second or two to realized that the character had changed, but being an audio book, I don't think that is out of the normal.
A lot of reviews complained about the narratorJennifer Dixon, but I liked her. I thought it was more 'realistic' a reading than all the voice changes others do. When reading a book in my head, I do not have voice changes, per sey, but read in one voice, and just know that it's a change. Hard to explain. lol. However, there were some times, that it took a second or two to realized that the character had changed, but being an audio book, I don't think that is out of the normal.
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