Review: Mistress by Mistake (Courtesan Court Trilogy #1) by Maggie Robinson

Synopsis (via Goodreads):

Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once-and she's paid dearly for it ever since. She swore she'd never succumb to men's desires again. But even a village spinster's life miles from temptation can't save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever. Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost...

Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress. He'd fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance. But he didn't expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms. Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them...

A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime. Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society's judgments. Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love...

My Thoughts: This was one of those books that is a totally fluffy diversion.  The characters are fun, especially Charlotte who doesn't bother to reign in her temper on the best of days, and the plot is just full of ridiculous amounts of sexy silliness.  I mean that in a good way.

Although the initial plot borders on implausible (much-sought after mistress cons her older, repressed sister into taking her place in her soon-to-be lover's bed so she can run off and get married), the roller coaster of emotions that Charlotte experiences when she's with Bay has a ring of truth.  Charlotte gave her innocence to the man she was planning on marrying, the man she thought she loved until he dropped her like a hot potato and left her disgraced.  With a sister who is a professional courtesan and her own past as a guide, she's aware of what transpires between a man and a woman.  Add to that the fact that she's lonely and has resigned herself to her boring life in a small town and then toss her into the bed of a man who is renowned for his way with the ladies and you end up with a woman who decides to throw caution to the wind and enjoy herself.  Complaining about it the entire time.

Overall, I enjoyed the book although I did think the resolution with Anne was almost too easy.  After everything she'd done, I wanted her to get something a little more gruesome than everything she ultimately wanted.  However, I can overlook that and just enjoy the book and Charlotte's violent tendencies.

More books by Maggie Robinson

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