His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander

His Mistress by Christmas
by Victoria Alexander

Genre: Historical Romance

For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow—and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.

Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks-if his family deems him responsible enough. There’s no better way to prove his worthiness than with a home and a wife. But though the lovely Veronica will share his bed, she steadfastly refuses to marry.

But Sebastian has never been one to take no for an answer. Not when it comes to something he wants. And an intimate Christmas sojourn at his new country house will surely change Veronica’s mind. But he doesn’t count on unexpected visitors, meddling relatives and a few innocent deceptions gone horribly awry.

Still, and one way or another, this will be a Christmas to remember.

My Dear Friend,

Forgive me for the hasty nature of this Christmas letter but life has taken an unexpected turn and I scarcely have time to think.

I know you are well aware of my views on marriage. Having experienced it once, I see no need to do so again. And I did think I had the perfect plan to avoid the encumbrances of marital bliss. I quite carefully selected the right man, one whose history would seem to indicate a dire dread of marriage and, indeed, commitment of any sort. Why, the man never stayed in one place for any length of time and instead has spent his life in pursuit of adventure in the far flung reaches of the world. Beyond that, he had a, well, shall we say extensive reputation with the fairer sex. Such qualities would not be at all attractive if one was looking for a husband but if one simply wanted a man in one’s life he did seem eminently qualified for the position. To all appearances he was the logical and, admittedly, exciting, choice for my purposes. Did I mention he was dashing and handsome as well?

Little did I know, the gentleman in question has decided to reform and mend his wicked ways. He now wishes to be respectable and proper. He is curtailing his travel and has purchased a grand, if somewhat neglected, house in the country. Now, all he needs to complete this transformation is a an appropriate wife. Not at all what I have in mind.

This will certainly be a Christmas to remember. Lord help us all.

With warmest felicitations of the season
I remain yours affectionately,
Veronica, Lady

Delightful and entertaining; this book truly played a fun game between the sexes and their mannerism toward marriage. Veronica was head-strong and determined to get what she wants - blissful nights in bed with a handsome man and no strings attached. Yet, the man she picked has other long-term plans in mind, thus making it difficult for her to compromise their arrangement. The Christmas setting in this tale was charming, tender, and full of family devotion. Overall, this story was oddly different from most romance books because of the fact that it: 1. had the 'tables were turned' theme and 2. not all the characters were so innocent & naive about love, so expect something unexpected when picking up this tale -- Enjoy!

Likes: The crafty plotting between Veronica and Sebastiano in the beginning parts of their relationship was amusing.

Dislikes: Veronica could come off as almost TOO stubborn at times and that was somewhat off-putting.

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