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The Mistress' House
Three beautifully intertwined love stories...
The rules are made to be broken...
When the handsome, rakish Earl of Hawthorne buys the charming house across the back garden from his town home, he never expects the lovely lady he installs there to ensnare him completely.
Again...
After Lady Anne Keighley marries the earl, it seems a shame to leave the house empty, so she offers it to her childhood friend, Felicity Mercer, who discovers that the earl's gorgeous cousin is precisely the man she's been waiting for.
And again...
Finally, feisty Georgiana Baxter moves into the house to escape an arranged marriage, and encounters the earl's friend, Lord Julian Silsby, late one night in the back garden. The handsome soldier is more than willing to give her the lessons she asks for...
The house's ownership, proximity to the earl's townhouse and the beauty of its successive inhabitants leads to plenty of gossip, scandal and torrid speculation, while behind closed doors, passions blaze.
The rules are made to be broken...
When the handsome, rakish Earl of Hawthorne buys the charming house across the back garden from his town home, he never expects the lovely lady he installs there to ensnare him completely.
Again...
After Lady Anne Keighley marries the earl, it seems a shame to leave the house empty, so she offers it to her childhood friend, Felicity Mercer, who discovers that the earl's gorgeous cousin is precisely the man she's been waiting for.
And again...
Finally, feisty Georgiana Baxter moves into the house to escape an arranged marriage, and encounters the earl's friend, Lord Julian Silsby, late one night in the back garden. The handsome soldier is more than willing to give her the lessons she asks for...
The house's ownership, proximity to the earl's townhouse and the beauty of its successive inhabitants leads to plenty of gossip, scandal and torrid speculation, while behind closed doors, passions blaze.
316 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2011
30 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Michaels
351 books173 followersLeigh Michaels is the pseudonym used by LeAnn Lemberger (b. July 27 in Iowa, United States), a popular United States writer of over 85 romance novels. She has published with Harlequin, Sourcebooks, Montlake Romance, Writers Digest Books, and Arcadia Publishing. She teaches romance writing at Gotham Writers' Workshop (www.writingclasses.com) She is the author of On Writing Romance.
When Leigh was fifteen she wrote her first romance novel and burned it. She burned five more complete manuscripts before submitting to a publisher. The first submission was accepted by Harlequin, the only publisher to look at it, and was published in 1984.
Michaels was born in Iowa, United States. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, after three years of study and maintained a 3.93 grade-point average. She received the Robert Bliss Award as top-ranking senior in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and won a national William Randolph Hearst Award for feature-writing as an undergraduate.
She is married to Michael W. Lemberger, an artist-photographer.
When Leigh was fifteen she wrote her first romance novel and burned it. She burned five more complete manuscripts before submitting to a publisher. The first submission was accepted by Harlequin, the only publisher to look at it, and was published in 1984.
Michaels was born in Iowa, United States. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, after three years of study and maintained a 3.93 grade-point average. She received the Robert Bliss Award as top-ranking senior in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and won a national William Randolph Hearst Award for feature-writing as an undergraduate.
She is married to Michael W. Lemberger, an artist-photographer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 8, 2021
Bir kont düşünün. Çapkın ve hovardalık yapmak için yan evi satın almış biri. Bu ev nasıl bir evse her içine gelen aşık oluyor 😂
ilk çiftimiz kont Hawkthorne ve Anne. Anne daha önce evlilik yapmış ve bu evlilik yüzünden bir daha evlenmek istemeyip konta giden bir kadın. En sonunda birbirlerine aşık oluyorlar ve ev boşa çıkıyor. Bu sayede Anne evi arkadaşı Felicity'e kısa süreliğine kiralıyor.
2. Çiftimiz Robert ve Felicity. Felicity bir değirmen sahibinin kızı. Babası öldükten sonra iş için Londra'ya geliyor. Robert da bir kont. Aynı zamanda Hawkthorne'un kuzeni. Tabi tanışıklık bu kadar değil, Felicity faha önce bizim Robertın kardeşi Roger'a aşıkmış. Robertide Rogera benziyor diye istiyor ilk başta. Hatta adamın evli olduğunu düşünmesi bile onu engellemiyor... Bu biraz rahatsız etti beni açıkcası. Hem kardeşiyle daha önce sevgili olmaları hem de adamın evli olduğunu düşünmesine rağmen adamla yatması biraz sinir bozucuydu. Ama sonra bunlarda aşık olup evlendiler tabi ki. Ve tekrar ev boşa çıktı :)
Üçüncü çiftimiz daha miniminnacık bir kız olan, 18 yaşına yeni girmiş Georgiana. Amcası bunu zorla evlendirmek istedğği için kaçıp Hawkthorne'a sığınıyor. Hawkthorne da onu başta metres evi olarak aldığı eve yerleştiriyor. Georgi burada kalırken Thorne'un kuzeni ve evlenmesi gereken adam olan binbaşı Julian'la tanışıyor. Tabi tahmin edersiniz ki ikiside birbirleriyle evlenmeleri gerektiğini bilmeden tanışıp aşık oluyor. Tabi kızımız adamı baştan çıkarıyor desek yeridir. Neyse sonunda bunlarda aşkı buluyor.
Kitabımızdaki üç çiftte bu ev sayesinde aşkı buluyor.
Tabi insan bir yatak örtülerini değiştirir demek istiyorum 😂 zümrüt yeşili bir yatak örtüsünü o kadar çift gelip gitmişken aynı tutmak, diğer çiftlerle aynı yatakta yatmak biraz garip gelse de okutuyor... 300 sayfacık kısa bir roman. Boş vakti olan okuyabilir ama çok bir beklentiye girmemek gerekir :)
ilk çiftimiz kont Hawkthorne ve Anne. Anne daha önce evlilik yapmış ve bu evlilik yüzünden bir daha evlenmek istemeyip konta giden bir kadın. En sonunda birbirlerine aşık oluyorlar ve ev boşa çıkıyor. Bu sayede Anne evi arkadaşı Felicity'e kısa süreliğine kiralıyor.
2. Çiftimiz Robert ve Felicity. Felicity bir değirmen sahibinin kızı. Babası öldükten sonra iş için Londra'ya geliyor. Robert da bir kont. Aynı zamanda Hawkthorne'un kuzeni. Tabi tanışıklık bu kadar değil, Felicity faha önce bizim Robertın kardeşi Roger'a aşıkmış. Robertide Rogera benziyor diye istiyor ilk başta. Hatta adamın evli olduğunu düşünmesi bile onu engellemiyor... Bu biraz rahatsız etti beni açıkcası. Hem kardeşiyle daha önce sevgili olmaları hem de adamın evli olduğunu düşünmesine rağmen adamla yatması biraz sinir bozucuydu. Ama sonra bunlarda aşık olup evlendiler tabi ki. Ve tekrar ev boşa çıktı :)
Üçüncü çiftimiz daha miniminnacık bir kız olan, 18 yaşına yeni girmiş Georgiana. Amcası bunu zorla evlendirmek istedğği için kaçıp Hawkthorne'a sığınıyor. Hawkthorne da onu başta metres evi olarak aldığı eve yerleştiriyor. Georgi burada kalırken Thorne'un kuzeni ve evlenmesi gereken adam olan binbaşı Julian'la tanışıyor. Tabi tahmin edersiniz ki ikiside birbirleriyle evlenmeleri gerektiğini bilmeden tanışıp aşık oluyor. Tabi kızımız adamı baştan çıkarıyor desek yeridir. Neyse sonunda bunlarda aşkı buluyor.
Kitabımızdaki üç çiftte bu ev sayesinde aşkı buluyor.
Tabi insan bir yatak örtülerini değiştirir demek istiyorum 😂 zümrüt yeşili bir yatak örtüsünü o kadar çift gelip gitmişken aynı tutmak, diğer çiftlerle aynı yatakta yatmak biraz garip gelse de okutuyor... 300 sayfacık kısa bir roman. Boş vakti olan okuyabilir ama çok bir beklentiye girmemek gerekir :)
May 23, 2012
malum 3 hikaye vardı kitapta...
vahşi,tutkulu ve ateşli leydileri konu alıyordu :D
hatunlar cidden coşmuşlar ya...
neyse lafı uzatmayalım..ben o kadar güzel hist.lerden sonra bunu oldukça basit ve seksapelitesini fazla buldum..
okumasanızda olur yani..pek bişey kaybetmezsiniz bence..
vahşi,tutkulu ve ateşli leydileri konu alıyordu :D
hatunlar cidden coşmuşlar ya...
neyse lafı uzatmayalım..ben o kadar güzel hist.lerden sonra bunu oldukça basit ve seksapelitesini fazla buldum..
okumasanızda olur yani..pek bişey kaybetmezsiniz bence..
July 29, 2011
I only read the first story in this 3 story anthology because I actually wasn't interested in the storyline of the others. The first one was okay if you like fluffy cotton candy romance. I have to be in the mood for it so I was happy the first one came to an end about 30% in. It wasn't horrible but not spectacular either. I've yet to read one of these short stories that I really loved. They just don't have enough time to be believable as a romance where the leads fall in love and get married. Maybe one day if the mood strikes me I'll go back and read the other 2 but I doubt it will be anytime soon.
July 1, 2011
This is my first time reading Leigh Michaels, and I have to say this is such a delightful story that I know I’m more than likely going to be glomming her backlist when I can. I enjoyed everything about this book, the characters, the storyline, and, of course, the writing. What makes it the most fun is how Ms. Michaels has woven three heroes and heroines together into one book, giving them their own story while threading it around and through one charming inanimate object - a house that turns mistresses into something much more than they ever thought they’d be.
First up is Anne, Lady Wilde. She’s a widow with an unsatisfying marriage behind her and doesn’t want to go through it all again. Therefore, she seeks out the Earl of Hawthorne, the scandalous rake of London, asking him to ruin her so she can retain her freedom and do as she pleases. At first Hawthorne refuses her request, but he can’t get the woman out of his head and has second thoughts. Deciding to put his recent acquisition of Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, which adjoins his own home, to good use, he very thoroughly ruins Anne there for any other man.
Becoming Hawthorne’s mistress is not what Anne has in mind when she begins this plan of hers, but suddenly if that’s the only way she can have him, she’s perfectly happy to be at his beck and call as Mrs. Wilde, the name and cover story Hawthorne gives her for their assignations. I like the notes and/or verbal messages he gives her for each of their meetings; fun and suggestive and so very vague that no one would guess the players if the missives fell into the wrong hands or were overheard.
Next we meet Felicity, Lady Desire. She’s Anne’s best friend and has come to visit her in London to leave some sad and unsettling memories behind. That doesn’t happen, however, when she meets Lord Colford, a cousin of Hawthorne’s and brother to the man who broke her heart. As a last-minute decision, Felicity reveals her identity and demands satisfaction from Richard for his brother’s behavior - she wants a child and believes Richard will do just fine since she can’t have his deceased brother. Anne has given her access to Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, what better place for this spot of business.
Not sure why he takes the lady up on her offer, Richard doesn’t just have sex with Felicity, he makes love to her and they’re both deeply affected by the emotion that goes through them during and after. So much so Richard suggests they meet several more times to make sure all goes as planned and Felicity certainly agrees, both wanting to be in the other’s arms once again. They have a beautiful but short affair before Felicity begins to think of the future and how having no father nor his name will affect her child. But calling it all off doesn’t sit well with Richard, he won’t allow her to walk out of his life after what they’ve shared and what he’s learned about his brother’s actions.
Finally there’s Georgianna, Lady Flame. She’s young and a whirlwind who flies into Hawthorne’s life, exclaiming she’s his ward and he has to help her with her current dilemma - escaping the arranged marriage her uncle has decided is best for her. Promising to talk to the man, Hawthorne ensconces Georgie in Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, and she makes use of the earl’s gardens late night after the servants are abed.
There she meets Julian, a soldier and another cousin of Hawthorne’s. He’s been summoned home by their grandfather to take over the family duty after the current heir has died. Not wanting to bow down to the old man’s ultimatums, Julian is staying with Hawthorne until he can figure out what to do. Teaching an innocent how to become a mistress is not what he had in mind, but there’s something about the minx in the garden that draws possessiveness out in Julian. Better he teach her than some other man not worthy of her.
Each of these stories is filled with fun, witty banter, heartache and emotion, a little mystery, romance, and twists that you don’t see coming. These heroes don’t see themselves as men giving in to marriage; the heroines never see themselves as anything but mistresses. I enjoyed Richard and Felicity the most, there’s more emotion involved in their story, but all three are well worth the read. Ms. Michaels does a wonderful job of seamlessly connecting the characters and the storylines.
A unique way of presenting all of these elements, and it works beautifully.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
First up is Anne, Lady Wilde. She’s a widow with an unsatisfying marriage behind her and doesn’t want to go through it all again. Therefore, she seeks out the Earl of Hawthorne, the scandalous rake of London, asking him to ruin her so she can retain her freedom and do as she pleases. At first Hawthorne refuses her request, but he can’t get the woman out of his head and has second thoughts. Deciding to put his recent acquisition of Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, which adjoins his own home, to good use, he very thoroughly ruins Anne there for any other man.
Becoming Hawthorne’s mistress is not what Anne has in mind when she begins this plan of hers, but suddenly if that’s the only way she can have him, she’s perfectly happy to be at his beck and call as Mrs. Wilde, the name and cover story Hawthorne gives her for their assignations. I like the notes and/or verbal messages he gives her for each of their meetings; fun and suggestive and so very vague that no one would guess the players if the missives fell into the wrong hands or were overheard.
Next we meet Felicity, Lady Desire. She’s Anne’s best friend and has come to visit her in London to leave some sad and unsettling memories behind. That doesn’t happen, however, when she meets Lord Colford, a cousin of Hawthorne’s and brother to the man who broke her heart. As a last-minute decision, Felicity reveals her identity and demands satisfaction from Richard for his brother’s behavior - she wants a child and believes Richard will do just fine since she can’t have his deceased brother. Anne has given her access to Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, what better place for this spot of business.
Not sure why he takes the lady up on her offer, Richard doesn’t just have sex with Felicity, he makes love to her and they’re both deeply affected by the emotion that goes through them during and after. So much so Richard suggests they meet several more times to make sure all goes as planned and Felicity certainly agrees, both wanting to be in the other’s arms once again. They have a beautiful but short affair before Felicity begins to think of the future and how having no father nor his name will affect her child. But calling it all off doesn’t sit well with Richard, he won’t allow her to walk out of his life after what they’ve shared and what he’s learned about his brother’s actions.
Finally there’s Georgianna, Lady Flame. She’s young and a whirlwind who flies into Hawthorne’s life, exclaiming she’s his ward and he has to help her with her current dilemma - escaping the arranged marriage her uncle has decided is best for her. Promising to talk to the man, Hawthorne ensconces Georgie in Number 5 Upper Seymour Street, and she makes use of the earl’s gardens late night after the servants are abed.
There she meets Julian, a soldier and another cousin of Hawthorne’s. He’s been summoned home by their grandfather to take over the family duty after the current heir has died. Not wanting to bow down to the old man’s ultimatums, Julian is staying with Hawthorne until he can figure out what to do. Teaching an innocent how to become a mistress is not what he had in mind, but there’s something about the minx in the garden that draws possessiveness out in Julian. Better he teach her than some other man not worthy of her.
Each of these stories is filled with fun, witty banter, heartache and emotion, a little mystery, romance, and twists that you don’t see coming. These heroes don’t see themselves as men giving in to marriage; the heroines never see themselves as anything but mistresses. I enjoyed Richard and Felicity the most, there’s more emotion involved in their story, but all three are well worth the read. Ms. Michaels does a wonderful job of seamlessly connecting the characters and the storylines.
A unique way of presenting all of these elements, and it works beautifully.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
February 10, 2011
At first, I didn't realize that this book was actually three interconnected short stories instead of one long story. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the author wove the stories together.
I loved the first story about Thorne and Anne. Their affair was fun and tender at the same time. The scenes where they were keeping their affair a secret were really cute to read about. I loved Thorne's lazy confidence and how he really cared about Anne's feelings. I loved Thorne so much in the first story that sometimes I didn't like the way his character and their romance played out in the later two stories.
The second story, about Richard and Felicity was definitely a cute tale. I really liked that Felicity had been in love with Richard's brother. It created jealousy as well a complex feelings toward each other.
The last story, Julian and Georgette's romance, fell a little short for me. I appreciated the unexpected twist, but I just didn't think they had as much spark as the other couples.
This is a great collection of romances to read when you're in the mood for some fun regency era short stories!
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I loved the first story about Thorne and Anne. Their affair was fun and tender at the same time. The scenes where they were keeping their affair a secret were really cute to read about. I loved Thorne's lazy confidence and how he really cared about Anne's feelings. I loved Thorne so much in the first story that sometimes I didn't like the way his character and their romance played out in the later two stories.
The second story, about Richard and Felicity was definitely a cute tale. I really liked that Felicity had been in love with Richard's brother. It created jealousy as well a complex feelings toward each other.
The last story, Julian and Georgette's romance, fell a little short for me. I appreciated the unexpected twist, but I just didn't think they had as much spark as the other couples.
This is a great collection of romances to read when you're in the mood for some fun regency era short stories!
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
September 26, 2015
çok sıkıcıydı be.
November 2, 2018
Okay
One outa' three ain't bad!
That pretty well sums up how I feel about this book of three stories surrounding a house purchased for the purpose of an English lord to keep a mistress. The first story was really good. The dialogue was great and the plot well done. The book could have ended there and been a whole five stars.
There are two more stories that just got less interesting as I continued reading. By the last one I was totally bored. So I had to rate the book as a whole.
I would recommend to readers of historical romance novels, but after the first story don't expect much.
One outa' three ain't bad!
That pretty well sums up how I feel about this book of three stories surrounding a house purchased for the purpose of an English lord to keep a mistress. The first story was really good. The dialogue was great and the plot well done. The book could have ended there and been a whole five stars.
There are two more stories that just got less interesting as I continued reading. By the last one I was totally bored. So I had to rate the book as a whole.
I would recommend to readers of historical romance novels, but after the first story don't expect much.
June 25, 2018
Ce romans est composé de 3 histoires distinctes, avec un lieu identique comme fil conducteur. Les histoires sont mignonnes mais un peu niaises. J'ai préféré les 2 autres livres historiques de l'auteur.
July 12, 2023
2.75 meh stars.
January 26, 2011
Plot:
This is not just one story, they all connect, but it is actually three stories. In the first we meet Hawthorne who meets a mysterious woman, who wants a lover. But he ends up falling in love with his Lady Anne. In the next story Anne rents out their former love nest (that is just behind their own house) to a friend who meets the Earl's cousin. And then at last Hawthorne gets a ward who causes a bit of scandal of her own in the house.
My thoughts:
After my last book that I could not focus on I was happy to see that this was not the case with this one. It had me reading the three different stories quickly.
How to review it then, since there are three love stories...I must focus on one at a time. The first one is about Lady Anne who is a widow, and does not want a husband, but a lover might do the trick. I liked her, she was aware of things, but a bit broken too, and then there was Hawthorne, yes we do all love a rake. Since the story about the affair is 100 pages long things do happen quickly. And this is an affair so that works well. This was my fave story of the three, and we do see more of them in the two other stories.
The next one surprised me a bit, I thought Felicity was crazy at first, and so thought Colford. That made this story a bit different. There was a broken heart, and lies from the past. She owned a mill up north, he was of noble birth. And then there was something she wanted that I shall not mention. But again she knew what she wanted, and I liked that about her. And he, well he could not believe his luck. So I liked this one too.
To the third story, not so keen about this one. Georgiana was just too young, naive and innocent, and honestly silly. The other two women knew what they were doing but Georgie, no, and cos of that I just thought Julian should have shown a little more (ok a lot more restraint.) But there was one thing I liked about this one and that was the end. Good solid ending. I liked how Michaels kept surprising me.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
In the end, there was two good stories, and one where I was a bit annoyed at the couple. But I still read the story quickly. A nice romance, and lots of passion, because this is a book about mistresses and they have 100 pages to fill so they filled a lot of that time in bed. I was certainly in the mood for a historical romance. If you want some passion with your romance then this one might be for you.
Reason for reading:
Sounded interesting.
This is not just one story, they all connect, but it is actually three stories. In the first we meet Hawthorne who meets a mysterious woman, who wants a lover. But he ends up falling in love with his Lady Anne. In the next story Anne rents out their former love nest (that is just behind their own house) to a friend who meets the Earl's cousin. And then at last Hawthorne gets a ward who causes a bit of scandal of her own in the house.
My thoughts:
After my last book that I could not focus on I was happy to see that this was not the case with this one. It had me reading the three different stories quickly.
How to review it then, since there are three love stories...I must focus on one at a time. The first one is about Lady Anne who is a widow, and does not want a husband, but a lover might do the trick. I liked her, she was aware of things, but a bit broken too, and then there was Hawthorne, yes we do all love a rake. Since the story about the affair is 100 pages long things do happen quickly. And this is an affair so that works well. This was my fave story of the three, and we do see more of them in the two other stories.
The next one surprised me a bit, I thought Felicity was crazy at first, and so thought Colford. That made this story a bit different. There was a broken heart, and lies from the past. She owned a mill up north, he was of noble birth. And then there was something she wanted that I shall not mention. But again she knew what she wanted, and I liked that about her. And he, well he could not believe his luck. So I liked this one too.
To the third story, not so keen about this one. Georgiana was just too young, naive and innocent, and honestly silly. The other two women knew what they were doing but Georgie, no, and cos of that I just thought Julian should have shown a little more (ok a lot more restraint.) But there was one thing I liked about this one and that was the end. Good solid ending. I liked how Michaels kept surprising me.
Recommendation and final thoughts:
In the end, there was two good stories, and one where I was a bit annoyed at the couple. But I still read the story quickly. A nice romance, and lots of passion, because this is a book about mistresses and they have 100 pages to fill so they filled a lot of that time in bed. I was certainly in the mood for a historical romance. If you want some passion with your romance then this one might be for you.
Reason for reading:
Sounded interesting.
March 4, 2011
The Mistress’ House by Leigh Michaels
Historical Romance – Feb. 1st, 2011
3 1/2 stars
The Mistress’s House contains 3 romance novellas set in the same place - Number Five Upper Seymour street. It is the house right behind the Earl of Hawthorne’s townhouse, bought specifically for him to keep his mistresses within reach.
In the very first novella, the Earl of Hawthorne unwittingly finds true love in his mistress’s house. Widowed and in possession of a small fortune, Lady Anne Keighly wants to avoid remarrying, and what better way to make herself unmarriageable by becoming the mistress of the notorious rake - the Earl of Hawthorne? But what she didn’t expect was falling in love with him...
-Poignant and romantic, this couple is my favorite out of the entire book. I wish that Leigh Michaels had devoted a whole book to this story instead of writing it as a novella.
In the second novella, Anne’s childhood friend Felicity Mercer decides to move to London. Anne kindly offers to let her stay in Number Five Upper Seymour Street for the time being. When Felicity meets Hawthorne’s cousin Richard Colford, she realizes that she wants more out of life than books...
-Richard Colford is very sweet towards Felicity. I like how he ignores the social gap between them and pursues Felicity irregardless. This is a charming story with interesting characters.
In the last novella, Georgiana Baxter fled to London, trying to escape an arranged marriage. Seeking the protection of her guardian, the Earl of Hawthorne, she meets a mysterious soldier named Julian. Soon they start an affair while she stays at the house until the day when she learns that Julian is actually Lord Julian Silsby...
-Georgie is an entertaining and spunky character. She really brought life to this third story. Humorous and surprising, this is a delightful story.
If you like your romance light and bite-sized, The Mistress’ House is just the book for you. Fans and new readers will all enjoy the breezy and sweet romances from Leigh Michaels.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club
Historical Romance – Feb. 1st, 2011
3 1/2 stars
The Mistress’s House contains 3 romance novellas set in the same place - Number Five Upper Seymour street. It is the house right behind the Earl of Hawthorne’s townhouse, bought specifically for him to keep his mistresses within reach.
In the very first novella, the Earl of Hawthorne unwittingly finds true love in his mistress’s house. Widowed and in possession of a small fortune, Lady Anne Keighly wants to avoid remarrying, and what better way to make herself unmarriageable by becoming the mistress of the notorious rake - the Earl of Hawthorne? But what she didn’t expect was falling in love with him...
-Poignant and romantic, this couple is my favorite out of the entire book. I wish that Leigh Michaels had devoted a whole book to this story instead of writing it as a novella.
In the second novella, Anne’s childhood friend Felicity Mercer decides to move to London. Anne kindly offers to let her stay in Number Five Upper Seymour Street for the time being. When Felicity meets Hawthorne’s cousin Richard Colford, she realizes that she wants more out of life than books...
-Richard Colford is very sweet towards Felicity. I like how he ignores the social gap between them and pursues Felicity irregardless. This is a charming story with interesting characters.
In the last novella, Georgiana Baxter fled to London, trying to escape an arranged marriage. Seeking the protection of her guardian, the Earl of Hawthorne, she meets a mysterious soldier named Julian. Soon they start an affair while she stays at the house until the day when she learns that Julian is actually Lord Julian Silsby...
-Georgie is an entertaining and spunky character. She really brought life to this third story. Humorous and surprising, this is a delightful story.
If you like your romance light and bite-sized, The Mistress’ House is just the book for you. Fans and new readers will all enjoy the breezy and sweet romances from Leigh Michaels.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Club
July 12, 2011
THIS WAS MARVELOUS!!! Can I give it TEN stars? No? Dang....
This was free at Amazon this week...
This is actually three books in one...each one leading from the first.
Thorne, the Earl of Hawthorne, buys a house at the end of his garden thinking it might be a nice place to put a mistress...then Anne asks him to "ruin" her...she's a widow and wants to be free to do her own thing, but her brother keeps throwing men at her...trying to find her a husband.
He moves Anne into the house and she moves into his heart.
Then Anne offers the house to her friend, Felicity. Felicity has been wronged and hurt in the past. The man that did the deed has died but his brother is the Earl's cousin. She asks him for the baby that his brother didn't give her. She gets much more than that from Richard.
A "ward" appears on Thorne's doorstep with a tale of woe. Thorne hides her out in the MISTRESS house...and another cousin, just back from war stumbles across her. They are both trying to avoid a distasteful marriage...She feels that if she's a mistress, she won't have to marry. I loved Julian's body telling him to GO FOR IT...Georgie is quite willing...something about HIM really just draws her close...
What I love about Leigh Michaels story telling is that she has her characters TALK! There is no running off to Alaska to avoid pitfalls, there is no leaving the other to keep them safe, there is no ANGST just to drag the sucker out!!!
There's just enough worry to WONDER if one or the other is going to run, avoid, act stupid...but then she has them come clean with each other....IT'S LIKE READING A BREATH OF FRESH AIR...yes, shouty caps...truly wonderful...
Yes, I will be searching out ALL of her books...oh my...my KINDLE is going to enjoy having LM's books on it...and I'll enjoy reading them over and over...
WELL DONE!!!
This was free at Amazon this week...
This is actually three books in one...each one leading from the first.
Thorne, the Earl of Hawthorne, buys a house at the end of his garden thinking it might be a nice place to put a mistress...then Anne asks him to "ruin" her...she's a widow and wants to be free to do her own thing, but her brother keeps throwing men at her...trying to find her a husband.
He moves Anne into the house and she moves into his heart.
Then Anne offers the house to her friend, Felicity. Felicity has been wronged and hurt in the past. The man that did the deed has died but his brother is the Earl's cousin. She asks him for the baby that his brother didn't give her. She gets much more than that from Richard.
A "ward" appears on Thorne's doorstep with a tale of woe. Thorne hides her out in the MISTRESS house...and another cousin, just back from war stumbles across her. They are both trying to avoid a distasteful marriage...She feels that if she's a mistress, she won't have to marry. I loved Julian's body telling him to GO FOR IT...Georgie is quite willing...something about HIM really just draws her close...
What I love about Leigh Michaels story telling is that she has her characters TALK! There is no running off to Alaska to avoid pitfalls, there is no leaving the other to keep them safe, there is no ANGST just to drag the sucker out!!!
There's just enough worry to WONDER if one or the other is going to run, avoid, act stupid...but then she has them come clean with each other....IT'S LIKE READING A BREATH OF FRESH AIR...yes, shouty caps...truly wonderful...
Yes, I will be searching out ALL of her books...oh my...my KINDLE is going to enjoy having LM's books on it...and I'll enjoy reading them over and over...
WELL DONE!!!
Read
September 5, 20110 stars.
I wasted my time so you won't have to.
This was my "waiting room" read, a free Kindle download.
Why can't Regency romances be like they used to? Snappy dialogue, hero and/or heroine with a "past" or circumstances beyond their control, and lots of meddling titled peeps?
The Mistress' House contains three short novellas each featuring a different heroine who happens to find herself in said house. But wait a minute, they're good girls, they really are...
Heroine number one is Anne, a brunette. In the second story, it's Felicity, a blonde. And in the third, Georgiana, a redhead. What is this--Petticoat Junction??
Sorry, but even dim bulb Bobbie Jo Bradley of PJ has a lot more going on upstairs than these not so bright heroines, who aren't able to figure out the story twist, even though it's heavily telegraphed in the narrative!
I wasted my time so you won't have to.
This was my "waiting room" read, a free Kindle download.
Why can't Regency romances be like they used to? Snappy dialogue, hero and/or heroine with a "past" or circumstances beyond their control, and lots of meddling titled peeps?
The Mistress' House contains three short novellas each featuring a different heroine who happens to find herself in said house. But wait a minute, they're good girls, they really are...
Heroine number one is Anne, a brunette. In the second story, it's Felicity, a blonde. And in the third, Georgiana, a redhead. What is this--Petticoat Junction??
Sorry, but even dim bulb Bobbie Jo Bradley of PJ has a lot more going on upstairs than these not so bright heroines, who aren't able to figure out the story twist, even though it's heavily telegraphed in the narrative!
October 11, 2011
This is a light and very sexy read comprised of 3 connected novellas that all take place in a house Lord Hawthorne buys for his presumed mistress. I won't go into the individual plots but suffice to say they all involve steamy seduction (It is a mistress house, after all!) The stories also stand alone, so it's easy to break this into three separate reads although the chapters actually run together.
Although the author has 80+ books in (and out of) print this is her frist foray into historical romance. You would never know this by reading it as she has nailed the Regency without taking it over the top as many are wont to do. I found this a thoroughly enjoyable "bedtime" book (wink).
Although the author has 80+ books in (and out of) print this is her frist foray into historical romance. You would never know this by reading it as she has nailed the Regency without taking it over the top as many are wont to do. I found this a thoroughly enjoyable "bedtime" book (wink).
July 14, 2011
Three romances revolving around a house: Anne and Thorne, Richard and Felicity, and the forgettable couple. The first one was great - and original in the genre, I think. The second one was beyond awful. The heroine's motivations are absurd beyond absurd and the hero's reactions match. The third was quite forgettable.
July 11, 2019
A Story of a House and The romances within
A very good read to relax with over a cup of tea. Couldn’t put it down. The first two stories I felt were the best. The third seemed to mimic the other two in some ways. However I enjoy the strong women and the strong men they seduced.
A very good read to relax with over a cup of tea. Couldn’t put it down. The first two stories I felt were the best. The third seemed to mimic the other two in some ways. However I enjoy the strong women and the strong men they seduced.
February 16, 2018
Loved it
Three books in one...romance...intrigue...love....funny at times... at times somehow sad... It was hard to put it down until I finished the book...Loved it.
Three books in one...romance...intrigue...love....funny at times... at times somehow sad... It was hard to put it down until I finished the book...Loved it.
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August 13, 2024And now Leigh Michaels is writing historicals!
March 1, 2011
This is the first book that I’ve read by Leigh Michaels. I was drawn to the concept of the three romance stories revolving around a house...kind of a “if the walls could talk” kind of intrigue.
The first of the three novellas is the story of Anne, a widowed woman who wants to safeguard herself from ever having to marry again by setting out to completely ruin her reputation. So she approaches the Earl of Hawthorne to put her in a compromising situation thus ultimately gaining the freedom she desires. Predictably they fall in love and marry despite their initial intentions, and the reader moves on to the next novella in this collection.
Felicity is the second and most interesting of all of the three heroines. As a young and impressionable woman she met a man with whom she fell in love, who seduced her then abandoned her despite his protestations of love stating that they could not marry because his family did not approve of her. She comes to London to visit her childhood friend in hopes of gaining the one thing that she feels will help her cope with the loss of the man she loved....only to find out about his lies and deception, while falling in love with his brother...the man she’s blackmailed to gain her heart’s desire. But not to worry it all works out rather easily to everyone’s ultimate happiness.
The third and final mistress of the house is Georgiana, who is the youngest and most rebellious of the three heroines. She runs away from her guardian because of an arranged marriage to a man she’s never met and does not wish to marry. She finds herself attracted to a man she finds in the garden next to the house and decides that she wants him to teach her how to be a mistress. They are wildly attracted to each other, thus less than careful and are discovered in a compromising position. Little did either of them know that what they were dreading or avoiding is exactly what they inadvertently find with each other. What are the odds?
While each of the stories in this book was slightly different, they are all similar which creates continuity between them. The heroines proposition the hero, they become intimate, they fall in love, and they marry and live happily ever after. One of the things that I enjoyed about the circumstances the heroines found themselves in was that each of them approached their hero for seduction for their own reasons. They took control of their destinies, at least to the extent that they could in the world and society that they lived in.
The stories in The Mistress House were very likeable with sweet heroines, sexy heroes who each easily fall for each other with no great obstacles to overcome, no villains, nor unfortunately any significant character growth, and therein lays the biggest issue that I had with Leigh Michael’s latest historical romance. I love romances that involve a little more heart and emotional connection, that pull the heartstrings and makes me sigh, cheer for them, cry with them, or laugh with them and I just didn’t get as much of that as what I would have liked from this book. It's possible that if each of these stories would have been it's own book instead of a novella that the characters and their emotions would have been able to be explored to a more satisfying conclusion. As it was I felt that you barely got to know them before the story ended. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t come away loving it with the desire to read it over again. That being said, The Mistress House has a pleasing style, and interesting plots that I am sure many readers will find to their liking. If you are looking for a light romantic diversion then you might find that Leigh Michael’s The Mistress House will appeal to your romance lovers heart.
Ratings:
Overall: 3.5 stars
Sensuality level: 2.75
The first of the three novellas is the story of Anne, a widowed woman who wants to safeguard herself from ever having to marry again by setting out to completely ruin her reputation. So she approaches the Earl of Hawthorne to put her in a compromising situation thus ultimately gaining the freedom she desires. Predictably they fall in love and marry despite their initial intentions, and the reader moves on to the next novella in this collection.
Felicity is the second and most interesting of all of the three heroines. As a young and impressionable woman she met a man with whom she fell in love, who seduced her then abandoned her despite his protestations of love stating that they could not marry because his family did not approve of her. She comes to London to visit her childhood friend in hopes of gaining the one thing that she feels will help her cope with the loss of the man she loved....only to find out about his lies and deception, while falling in love with his brother...the man she’s blackmailed to gain her heart’s desire. But not to worry it all works out rather easily to everyone’s ultimate happiness.
The third and final mistress of the house is Georgiana, who is the youngest and most rebellious of the three heroines. She runs away from her guardian because of an arranged marriage to a man she’s never met and does not wish to marry. She finds herself attracted to a man she finds in the garden next to the house and decides that she wants him to teach her how to be a mistress. They are wildly attracted to each other, thus less than careful and are discovered in a compromising position. Little did either of them know that what they were dreading or avoiding is exactly what they inadvertently find with each other. What are the odds?
While each of the stories in this book was slightly different, they are all similar which creates continuity between them. The heroines proposition the hero, they become intimate, they fall in love, and they marry and live happily ever after. One of the things that I enjoyed about the circumstances the heroines found themselves in was that each of them approached their hero for seduction for their own reasons. They took control of their destinies, at least to the extent that they could in the world and society that they lived in.
The stories in The Mistress House were very likeable with sweet heroines, sexy heroes who each easily fall for each other with no great obstacles to overcome, no villains, nor unfortunately any significant character growth, and therein lays the biggest issue that I had with Leigh Michael’s latest historical romance. I love romances that involve a little more heart and emotional connection, that pull the heartstrings and makes me sigh, cheer for them, cry with them, or laugh with them and I just didn’t get as much of that as what I would have liked from this book. It's possible that if each of these stories would have been it's own book instead of a novella that the characters and their emotions would have been able to be explored to a more satisfying conclusion. As it was I felt that you barely got to know them before the story ended. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t come away loving it with the desire to read it over again. That being said, The Mistress House has a pleasing style, and interesting plots that I am sure many readers will find to their liking. If you are looking for a light romantic diversion then you might find that Leigh Michael’s The Mistress House will appeal to your romance lovers heart.
Ratings:
Overall: 3.5 stars
Sensuality level: 2.75
April 12, 2011
Michaels pens a captivating read with "The Mistress' House." Set in historical England during the hey day of the ton, the novel revolves around three couples who are equally ensnared and enthralled by the power of love.
What I found intriguing was Michaels use of the Number Five Upper Seymour Street. The House is quiet and unassuming, yet behind its doors many passions are unleashed, equal to that of turbulent waves crashing on a sandy shore.
In the first vignette, Lord Hawthorne (Thorne) buys Number Five Upper Seymour Street on the recommendation of his butler, Perkins. Thorne is adamant about retaining his bachelorhood. Enter Lady Anne Keighley. She accepts Thorne for what he is and asks that he ruin her anyway. The request is maddening to Thorne, but he agrees to fulfill it. Anne is not only beautiful, but enchanting. Will their nights of passion give way to love?
Once Anne no longer needs Number Five Upper Seymour Street, she invites her childhood friend, Felicity Mercer to stay in the house. Felicity agrees. Soon she meets Lord Richard Colford. Richard is the brother of her deceased lover, Roger, and Felicity has a bold request for Richard: give her a child. Richard finds Felicity a challenge and vows to brand her as his own. Felicity doesn't want to fall in love, but will Richard's lovemaking prove her undoing?
When Felicity leave the mistress' house, it almost immediately receives another occupant - Thorne's ward, Miss Georgina Baxter, an heiress who her uncle arranges a marriage for. Georgina does not want the arranged marriage. Enter Thorne's cousin, Julian Hampton. The dashing army officer is returning from war to claim his inheritance. After meeting Georgina, she asks him to teach her the ways of love. Julian is all too willing to oblige the beautiful young lady, but when they are caught, will they be forced into a loveless marriage?
Michael's writing is sharp, capturing the feel and authenticity of historical London. Her descriptions easily transport the reader to another time and place. The dialogue was crisp and engaging. I chuckled when Anne told Thorne to ruin her.
The characterization is the richest part of the novel. Each heroine has their reasons for what motivates them. Each hero is set in his ways and is deliciously undone by the circumstances they find themselves in.
The novel is intense for romance readers. Michaels' loves scenes are tasteful and sensual. She excels at sexual tension. Michaels had me as soon as Anne told Thorne to ruin her. I simply did not want to put this book down.
"The Mistress' House" is a page-turner!
What I found intriguing was Michaels use of the Number Five Upper Seymour Street. The House is quiet and unassuming, yet behind its doors many passions are unleashed, equal to that of turbulent waves crashing on a sandy shore.
In the first vignette, Lord Hawthorne (Thorne) buys Number Five Upper Seymour Street on the recommendation of his butler, Perkins. Thorne is adamant about retaining his bachelorhood. Enter Lady Anne Keighley. She accepts Thorne for what he is and asks that he ruin her anyway. The request is maddening to Thorne, but he agrees to fulfill it. Anne is not only beautiful, but enchanting. Will their nights of passion give way to love?
Once Anne no longer needs Number Five Upper Seymour Street, she invites her childhood friend, Felicity Mercer to stay in the house. Felicity agrees. Soon she meets Lord Richard Colford. Richard is the brother of her deceased lover, Roger, and Felicity has a bold request for Richard: give her a child. Richard finds Felicity a challenge and vows to brand her as his own. Felicity doesn't want to fall in love, but will Richard's lovemaking prove her undoing?
When Felicity leave the mistress' house, it almost immediately receives another occupant - Thorne's ward, Miss Georgina Baxter, an heiress who her uncle arranges a marriage for. Georgina does not want the arranged marriage. Enter Thorne's cousin, Julian Hampton. The dashing army officer is returning from war to claim his inheritance. After meeting Georgina, she asks him to teach her the ways of love. Julian is all too willing to oblige the beautiful young lady, but when they are caught, will they be forced into a loveless marriage?
Michael's writing is sharp, capturing the feel and authenticity of historical London. Her descriptions easily transport the reader to another time and place. The dialogue was crisp and engaging. I chuckled when Anne told Thorne to ruin her.
The characterization is the richest part of the novel. Each heroine has their reasons for what motivates them. Each hero is set in his ways and is deliciously undone by the circumstances they find themselves in.
The novel is intense for romance readers. Michaels' loves scenes are tasteful and sensual. She excels at sexual tension. Michaels had me as soon as Anne told Thorne to ruin her. I simply did not want to put this book down.
"The Mistress' House" is a page-turner!
September 10, 2016
What a delight! I've only just discovered Leigh Michaels, and with how many books she's published, I feel amazed that I've gone without knowing her work this far, and also robbed; I could have read everything she's ever written already, and be waiting for the next one, rather than having all this catching up to do!
But if this book is representative, Michaels is definitely one of those writers that hooks you. The book is entirely satisfying, yet I'm already craving the next one--how is that? The Mistress' House is unique in that it's 3 stories in one, and all the stories center on a snug little home, Number 5 Upper Seymour Street in Regency London, that becomes the love nest for a series of surprising couples. Lord Hawthorne, on his secretary's advice, buys the house near his own, and shortly thereafter, when he is propositioned by the widowed Lady Keighley, he has a handy place for her ruination. But something other than ruining takes place when these two get together . . .
The second story, introducing Anne's friend Felicity, is entirely different; Felicity has come to London with a proposition of her own, and again finds No. 5 Upper Seymour an appropriate place for her dalliances. Unlike Anne, Felicity is more wounded by the recent death of her lover, and demands that his brother make things up to her. But naturally, once her plans start to unfold, she wonders if she began with the wrong brother in the first place . . .
The theme of seducing females continues and concludes with Georgie, Lord Hawthorne's impetuous ward, who is running away from the man her uncle has arranged for her to marry and decides to set herself up as a mistress in, you guessed it, No. 5 Upper Seymour Street. Fortunately, it is already appropriately furnished for her aims. But little does she know that the war-weary soldier she finds while wandering in Hawthorne's garden and chooses to seduce will turn out to mean far more to her than just her introduction to the arts of love . . .
It's not a spoiler, I don't think, to suggest that the mistress' house of the title does more for its heroines than damage their reputations; this is historical romance, after all, and it closely follows the formulas that we readers demand. But Michaels makes her characters enterprising, individual, and surprising, and their banter is often humorous and fun. Michaels' writing is tight and polished, tumbling the characters along quickly into their many adventures. If the variety and interest of these three stories is a good indication of her work as a whole--and I suspect it is--I've got many, many hours of guaranteed reading pleasure ahead of me. How wonderful!
But if this book is representative, Michaels is definitely one of those writers that hooks you. The book is entirely satisfying, yet I'm already craving the next one--how is that? The Mistress' House is unique in that it's 3 stories in one, and all the stories center on a snug little home, Number 5 Upper Seymour Street in Regency London, that becomes the love nest for a series of surprising couples. Lord Hawthorne, on his secretary's advice, buys the house near his own, and shortly thereafter, when he is propositioned by the widowed Lady Keighley, he has a handy place for her ruination. But something other than ruining takes place when these two get together . . .
The second story, introducing Anne's friend Felicity, is entirely different; Felicity has come to London with a proposition of her own, and again finds No. 5 Upper Seymour an appropriate place for her dalliances. Unlike Anne, Felicity is more wounded by the recent death of her lover, and demands that his brother make things up to her. But naturally, once her plans start to unfold, she wonders if she began with the wrong brother in the first place . . .
The theme of seducing females continues and concludes with Georgie, Lord Hawthorne's impetuous ward, who is running away from the man her uncle has arranged for her to marry and decides to set herself up as a mistress in, you guessed it, No. 5 Upper Seymour Street. Fortunately, it is already appropriately furnished for her aims. But little does she know that the war-weary soldier she finds while wandering in Hawthorne's garden and chooses to seduce will turn out to mean far more to her than just her introduction to the arts of love . . .
It's not a spoiler, I don't think, to suggest that the mistress' house of the title does more for its heroines than damage their reputations; this is historical romance, after all, and it closely follows the formulas that we readers demand. But Michaels makes her characters enterprising, individual, and surprising, and their banter is often humorous and fun. Michaels' writing is tight and polished, tumbling the characters along quickly into their many adventures. If the variety and interest of these three stories is a good indication of her work as a whole--and I suspect it is--I've got many, many hours of guaranteed reading pleasure ahead of me. How wonderful!
February 8, 2011
THE MISTRESS’ HOUSE by Leigh Michaels is a delightful historical romance set in Regency England. It is well written with depth, details, twists, turns and is fast paced. It has romance, sensuality, love, witty dialog, mystery, secrets, and did I mention love stories. This is a story with three intertwined love stories. First, we have the sexy, handsome rakish Earl of Hawthorne, Thorne, who just happens to buy a charming little house across the garden from his town. He sets this up to be “The Mistress House.” Enter Lady Anne Keighley who is widowed, sexy, beautiful and need a lover, so she propositions Thorne and love blooms. Next, Felicity, who is a delectable country girl, and childhood friend of Lady Anne, has come to visit her dear friend in London. But she also has a plan; she wants to have a child by Lord Colford. Lord Colford’s brother, Roger, claimed to love Felicity, but was unable to marry her after he deflowered her. Then Roger died, so Felicity decides to have a child by his brother, Richard, who she believes is married… but secrets will be revealed and love blooms. During Felicity’s, visit she will stay at “The Mistress House.” Last, but not least enter Thorne’s ward, Georgiana, who is eighteen, beautiful, feisty, trying to escape an arranged marriage by her uncle. So she goes to Thorne, who sets her up in “The Mistress House.” Enter, Thorne’s cousin, Major Julian Hampton, who is just home from the war. A new Lord, he is sexy, handsome and his grandfather has arranged a marriage for him. When he first meets Georgiana, she asks him to show her how to be a “mistress.” What a challenge this will be, but Julian is the man for the job. As secrets are revealed, love will once again bloom. Apparently, “The Mistress House” is more than just a house for anyone who enters it seems to find love and happiness. This is a wonderful, enchanting story of love, magic of love, and happiness. It is a fast paced story with a few twists and turns. It will leave you longing for more. I would highly recommend this story especially if you enjoy fast paced, love inspired, sensuality, the magic of love, finding your true love. This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca.
February 8, 2011
The Mistress’ House is a regency romance novel that centers on the passion inspired by one house, the mistress’ house. Instead of focusing on one love story, The Mistress’ House centers on three different couples that are brought together by the one house. The Mistress’ House is a “hot” romance with plenty of scandalous happenings at the mistress’ house. It’s a good way to warm up a cold and snowy winter night!
The Earl of Hawthorne, Thorne, is convinced to buy a house that neighbors his garden by his man of business, Perkins. Perkins notes that the Earl would be able to keep down the gossip about his adventures by installing his latest mistress at Number Five Upper Seymour Street. Thorne agrees to the plan and before he knows it, a mysterious widow, Lady Anne Keighley, is asking him to “ruin” her so that she can lead a life of independence and not be forced to remarry by her brother.
Thorne’s cousin Richard, Lord Colfax, has met a beautiful lady who is staying at Number Five Upper Seymour Street. Anne’s friend, Felicity is beautiful and longs for the man who could not marry her due to familial obligations, Roger. Roger has passed away, but his brother Richard is a handsome man and just might make Felicity able to forget her past love.
Thorne’s ward, Goergiana Baxter, is trying to hide from her uncle and a forced marriage by staying at Number Five Upper Seymour Street. One evening she meets Thorne’s cousin Julian Silsby in the garden. Julian has just returned from fighting Napolean and is also trying to escape an arranged marriage. Sparks fly between the two, especially after Georginia ask Julian to teach her how to be a mistress.
The Mistress’ House is not high literature, but it is a good, fun romance novel to read. I sometimes just want something light and entertaining to read that I don’t have to think too much about, and this book fit the bill. I liked that it was three romance stories in one novel.
Overall, The Mistress’ House is a unique regency romance novel that is full of hot romance, great characters, and fun stories.
The Earl of Hawthorne, Thorne, is convinced to buy a house that neighbors his garden by his man of business, Perkins. Perkins notes that the Earl would be able to keep down the gossip about his adventures by installing his latest mistress at Number Five Upper Seymour Street. Thorne agrees to the plan and before he knows it, a mysterious widow, Lady Anne Keighley, is asking him to “ruin” her so that she can lead a life of independence and not be forced to remarry by her brother.
Thorne’s cousin Richard, Lord Colfax, has met a beautiful lady who is staying at Number Five Upper Seymour Street. Anne’s friend, Felicity is beautiful and longs for the man who could not marry her due to familial obligations, Roger. Roger has passed away, but his brother Richard is a handsome man and just might make Felicity able to forget her past love.
Thorne’s ward, Goergiana Baxter, is trying to hide from her uncle and a forced marriage by staying at Number Five Upper Seymour Street. One evening she meets Thorne’s cousin Julian Silsby in the garden. Julian has just returned from fighting Napolean and is also trying to escape an arranged marriage. Sparks fly between the two, especially after Georginia ask Julian to teach her how to be a mistress.
The Mistress’ House is not high literature, but it is a good, fun romance novel to read. I sometimes just want something light and entertaining to read that I don’t have to think too much about, and this book fit the bill. I liked that it was three romance stories in one novel.
Overall, The Mistress’ House is a unique regency romance novel that is full of hot romance, great characters, and fun stories.
July 26, 2011
4.5 out of 5. A truly delightful historical that reads like a novel but is really three stories in one. It is really the story of a house that forms the backdrop of the love stories of three women, all of whom are ensconced in the house for varying reasons, the first being to house a mistress in close proximity to the home of the earl--the gardens adjoin so slipping off to visit the mistress is far easier than having to travel a distance or worry about being seen by one of the London gossips. In all three cases, the women are in unusual circumstances and while they have always wanted to be married with a family, they have either given up on that eventuality, are looking at a potential marriage they don't want, or are hoping to avoid some situation they view as untenable. In all three cases, the house figures prominently and I, for one, think the idea of linking all three stories with the house to be a very inventive one. All three women are also linked through the Earl--either as a distant relative or ward, or in the case of the first lady, a woman who is a widow, who has had a very unhappy and lonely first marriage, and who is now seeking to "learn to be a mistress" and thus be unwanted as a wife, thus avoiding the London marriage mart and living her remaining years on her own terms. Lots of very witty characters--I love the old dowagers who hang around the balls and soirees and who love to interfere in people's lives and gossip non-stop. Most of them are real carmudgeons but some are quite funny. Excellent writing and a really fun set of stories. I don't usually like anthologies all that well, but this book is put together thoughtfully and the stories move seamlessly from one to the next. A very satisfying read!
June 2, 2013
The Earl of Hawthorne, Thorne, is a notorious rake. So when the house across his back garden comes on the market, he buys it. It will be perfect to stow a mistress and with his own backyard hugging it, no one will know of his comings and goings.
Lady Anne Keighley is a young and beautiful widow, who was left with a large inheritance that is bringing out all of the fortune hunters. Anne has no desire to marry again, so she beseeches Thorne to ruin her so she can be alone and have control of her own money.
What she didn't count on, nor him, was falling in love with one another. So, Anne moves in with Thorne, and with the house empty, Anne offers it to her childhood friend, Felicity.
Felicity is determined to have a child with Lord Colford, whose brother had ruined her and then passed away. Even though she believes Richard is married, she has set her cap on him to give her a child. But passion sizzles and love blooms, marriage or no marriage.
Thorne's eighteen year old ward, Georgiana, is trying to escape an arranged marriage. Thorne puts her at the Mistress House. With the arrival of Thorne's cousin, Lord Julian Silsby, who is also trying to escape an arranged marriage, things heat up. Especially when Georgiana approaches him about schooling her in how to become a mistress.
The Mistress House is a delightful regency romance, with the Mistress House the common denominator for all three connected romances. Leigh's characters are vibrant, fresh, and feisty, with her Lords handsome and brimming with sexuality. The love scenes are sizzling hot!! Your dance card will be full with these sensual stories, but you will be extremely satisfied. A highly recommended romantic read!
Lady Anne Keighley is a young and beautiful widow, who was left with a large inheritance that is bringing out all of the fortune hunters. Anne has no desire to marry again, so she beseeches Thorne to ruin her so she can be alone and have control of her own money.
What she didn't count on, nor him, was falling in love with one another. So, Anne moves in with Thorne, and with the house empty, Anne offers it to her childhood friend, Felicity.
Felicity is determined to have a child with Lord Colford, whose brother had ruined her and then passed away. Even though she believes Richard is married, she has set her cap on him to give her a child. But passion sizzles and love blooms, marriage or no marriage.
Thorne's eighteen year old ward, Georgiana, is trying to escape an arranged marriage. Thorne puts her at the Mistress House. With the arrival of Thorne's cousin, Lord Julian Silsby, who is also trying to escape an arranged marriage, things heat up. Especially when Georgiana approaches him about schooling her in how to become a mistress.
The Mistress House is a delightful regency romance, with the Mistress House the common denominator for all three connected romances. Leigh's characters are vibrant, fresh, and feisty, with her Lords handsome and brimming with sexuality. The love scenes are sizzling hot!! Your dance card will be full with these sensual stories, but you will be extremely satisfied. A highly recommended romantic read!
February 27, 2011
This is a wonderful book of what love at first sight can bring about. Three stories interwoven as one large one doesn't deter from how deliciously vivid each interaction is.
The story starts out with Lady Anne Keighley who just wants to have lessons on how to be a mistress. After having been married to an old man with one foot in the grave for a number of years she is in no way ready, willing or wanting of marriage again anytime soon. Little does she know she is about to get more than she bargained for.
The next candidate for the Mistress House is Felicity Mercer who decides she just wants to have a child no matter what. Her best childhood friend Lady Anne invites her to stay at the hotter than hot love trap in Mistress House and it doesn't take long for Felicity to find that she will get her wish plus some.
Our last candidate is a very young and lively Georgiana Baster who is the ward of the Earl of Hawthorne who just happens to put her up at the Mistress House to protect her virtue. Haha, yah right! Georgiana trying her best to escape an arranged marriage throws her into the arms of a returning soldier who is friends with the Earl. The code of honor is pushed to the limits and both our innocent characters are drawn into something that will surprise them mightily at the end. This is just too cute.
I loved the book and the stories of the three lovely ladies but I just feel the interchange between one set of characters and the next could have been a wee bit smoother. This however doesn't deter from the book and you will still enjoy it with a delicious appetite.
The story starts out with Lady Anne Keighley who just wants to have lessons on how to be a mistress. After having been married to an old man with one foot in the grave for a number of years she is in no way ready, willing or wanting of marriage again anytime soon. Little does she know she is about to get more than she bargained for.
The next candidate for the Mistress House is Felicity Mercer who decides she just wants to have a child no matter what. Her best childhood friend Lady Anne invites her to stay at the hotter than hot love trap in Mistress House and it doesn't take long for Felicity to find that she will get her wish plus some.
Our last candidate is a very young and lively Georgiana Baster who is the ward of the Earl of Hawthorne who just happens to put her up at the Mistress House to protect her virtue. Haha, yah right! Georgiana trying her best to escape an arranged marriage throws her into the arms of a returning soldier who is friends with the Earl. The code of honor is pushed to the limits and both our innocent characters are drawn into something that will surprise them mightily at the end. This is just too cute.
I loved the book and the stories of the three lovely ladies but I just feel the interchange between one set of characters and the next could have been a wee bit smoother. This however doesn't deter from the book and you will still enjoy it with a delicious appetite.
June 20, 2012
A good story, actually three romances in one. The story starts with the rakish Earl of Hawthorne as he purchases the town house right behind his in order to more easily visit any mistress he decides to install there. He meets the widow Anne who wants to take a lover, thereby ruining her reputation so her brother will stop pushing her to marry again. Things don’t turn out as Anne thought they would, but certainly how they should. Then her good friend Felicity comes to visit and is installed in the house where she threatens the brother of the man who deserted her before realizing he’s nothing like his brother and they were meant for each other. Once that story concludes satisfactorily, we meet Georgiana, who has run away from her guardian to the care of her trustee the Earl of Hawthorne. She's trying to escape from an unwanted marriage, and Hawthorne sets her up in the house until he can resolve the situation. She then meets a handsome soldier in the garden who is trying to avoid the very same thing, his grandfather's plans for him to marry. I liked the way the tales concluded, but then ran into the next one with all the characters having a part to play in succeeding parts of the story. The Mistress’ House is actually the focus as each couple interacts within the house and then goes on with their lives and the next couple comes along. I was a bit dismayed by the actions and/or morals of some of the characters, but once all was explained and it all worked out satisfactorily, I was happy with the stories as a whole. I enjoyed the first tale of Hawthorne and Anne the most and we continue to see them throughout, which was a treat.
February 23, 2012
I feel I need to preface this review by letting it be known that I don’t like books under 100 pages, known characters from a series in a novella excluded. And while this book is just over 300 pages, it is actually 3 separate stories independent of each other. I just don’t think it gives the author enough time to build the characters, and I like my books to have a good plot.
That being said, The Mistress' House fell short on a lot of points I am very adamant about. I didn’t really get to know the characters like I would have liked. Each story had a plot – sort of – but the intimate scenes were obviously the focal point of the stories. And, the characters’ decisions and actions weren’t believable, especially for the era.
On the good side, I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They had so much potential. I was able to connect with them, even in the short timeframe. I also really liked how each story flowed into the next. The characters’ interactions and relationships, not just the romantic ones, are often my favorite part of a book.
If you’re looking for a steamy little summer read, this is just the ticket. However, if you like your books with depth and a driving, intricate plot, you might want to skip this one. I really wish Leigh, the author, would have separated each story into its own book so the characters had the opportunity to grow, and things didn’t seem so rushed. With strong personalities like these, I just know they would have come to life right off the page.
Reviewed by Cheeky Girl L.A. on Cheeky Reads
That being said, The Mistress' House fell short on a lot of points I am very adamant about. I didn’t really get to know the characters like I would have liked. Each story had a plot – sort of – but the intimate scenes were obviously the focal point of the stories. And, the characters’ decisions and actions weren’t believable, especially for the era.
On the good side, I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They had so much potential. I was able to connect with them, even in the short timeframe. I also really liked how each story flowed into the next. The characters’ interactions and relationships, not just the romantic ones, are often my favorite part of a book.
If you’re looking for a steamy little summer read, this is just the ticket. However, if you like your books with depth and a driving, intricate plot, you might want to skip this one. I really wish Leigh, the author, would have separated each story into its own book so the characters had the opportunity to grow, and things didn’t seem so rushed. With strong personalities like these, I just know they would have come to life right off the page.
Reviewed by Cheeky Girl L.A. on Cheeky Reads
March 2, 2012
Freebie, I think?
I was at first baffled by this one. I liked how it started, and I liked the characters, but I couldn't figure out why it seemed to fly — the story was going too fast, wrapping up too quickly, but I could see that I wasn't even a third of the way into the book; there just wasn't enough conflict to last through the length of the book. I honestly couldn't figure out why that was.
And then I realized it was three books in one — it's essentially a trilogy featuring three different couples, and their stories are built around the house first mentioned in the very first chapter, the Mistress' House, the charming little house situated perfectly behind the Earl's own house to allow for privacy and illicit encounters.
Once I realized that, I really enjoyed the stories. I loved how the characters were all somehow related by friendship or some other tie, so you'd see them all throughout each others' stories — and it felt natural. I also like how different they were and distinctive. As short as each of their stories were, I felt they were well enough developed to get a real sense of them.
I've discovered I really like this format — I love how the author has laid this all out. The high point for me is that I have an entire series in one book. The only drawback for me was that each section was so short. I really wanted to savor each couple's story.
All in all, nicely done!
I was at first baffled by this one. I liked how it started, and I liked the characters, but I couldn't figure out why it seemed to fly — the story was going too fast, wrapping up too quickly, but I could see that I wasn't even a third of the way into the book; there just wasn't enough conflict to last through the length of the book. I honestly couldn't figure out why that was.
And then I realized it was three books in one — it's essentially a trilogy featuring three different couples, and their stories are built around the house first mentioned in the very first chapter, the Mistress' House, the charming little house situated perfectly behind the Earl's own house to allow for privacy and illicit encounters.
Once I realized that, I really enjoyed the stories. I loved how the characters were all somehow related by friendship or some other tie, so you'd see them all throughout each others' stories — and it felt natural. I also like how different they were and distinctive. As short as each of their stories were, I felt they were well enough developed to get a real sense of them.
I've discovered I really like this format — I love how the author has laid this all out. The high point for me is that I have an entire series in one book. The only drawback for me was that each section was so short. I really wanted to savor each couple's story.
All in all, nicely done!
February 28, 2011
When the Earl of Hawthorne buys a second London townhouse whose garden connects with his own, he has no idea his purchase will become a trysting place. In a trio of connected tales in Leigh Michaels's delicious THE MISTRESS' HOUSE, three noble cousins find their matches in their mistresses.
First is the Earl of Hawthorne himself. Thorne meets the widowed Anne, who wants the not-as-rakish-as-he-appears earl to ruin her so she won't have to marry again. Second is Richard, the Earl of Colford, whom mill-owner's daughter Felicty shocks when she demands he stand in for his older brother, the previous earl, who betrayed her. And lastly, virginal miss Georgiana and returning soldier Julian, both fleeing arranged marriages, find each other.
I liked Richard's and Felicity's tale the best. This touching story of the wronged cit's daughter and the former spare, who must yet again clean up one of his brother's messes, catches at our heartstrings as their devil's bargain blossoms into love. A tale to remember and savor.
With deft storytelling, abundant humor (laugh at the hilarious asides from Julian's body, which pants "Yes, yes, yes!" when the vivacious Georgiana asks Julian to seduce her, even as his mind shouts "No, no, no!"), and tenderness in all the right places, THE MISTRESS' HOUSE will remain with you for a long time to come.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
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