No Man’s Mistress by Mary Balogh
Publisher & Release: Dell, December 10, 2008
Time and setting: Regency period, Engand
Genre: Historical Romance/Regency
Length: 353 Pages
Heat Level: 2 Flames
Rating: 5 Gold Crowns
Book Description:
The dark, devastating stranger rode into the village fair and wagered twenty pounds at the throwing booth — for a chance to win the daisies in Viola Thornhill’s hair. The Gypsy fortune teller had warned: “Beware of a tall, dark, handsome stranger. He can destroy you — if you do not first snare his heart.”
Recklessly Viola flirted, then danced with him around the Maypole. And then came his delicate, delicious kiss. Viola did not regret that she had let down her guard — until the next morning, when he appeared at her door to claim her beloved Pinewood Manor.
Lord Ferdinand Dudley won her home in a game of cards!
Viola hated him for trying to take everything, including her soul. She was mistress of Pinewood Manor. Yet Dudley refused to leave, even as his conscience rebelled at compromising this beautiful innocent whose only proof of ownership was a dead earl’s promise. Dudley held the deed, but at what cost?
Each day under the same roof brought its share of temptation, intimacy, and guilt. But Viola knew it was a battle she could not afford to lose. Marriage was out of the question, and she would be no man’s mistress. Even as Dudley’s unnerving presence, his knowing smile, threatened to melt her resolve.
Against his better judgment, Lord Ferdinand Dudley was beguiled. This maddening beauty had stirred him as no woman had before. And he was bound and determined to make her his own.
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Vikki’s Musings
It is always such a pleasure to revisit an old friend! No Man’s Mistress definitely fits that description. It is one of my favorite books written by the supremely talented Mary Balogh. Her ability to bring the regency period to life never ceases to amaze me.
Since there is such an amazing book description, I am not going to include mine. No Man’s Mistress pulled me in from the first page and kept me in its thrall all the way to the end. I love Ms. Balogh’s writing style. It is so smooth and flowing, making this book a joy to read.
Viola Thornhill is such a deliciously complex character. Her unique mixture of innocence and seductress is amazing and makes for an enthralling reading experience. She is truly an endearing character, and I fell in love with her loyalty to family, a family she so fiercely protected, she went to work for a vile man.
Lord Ferdinand Dudley’s character is a wonderful mix of worldly man and boyish charm. His true nature came as a huge surprise. Again, I’m being vague, so you will have to read No Man’s Mistress to discover what I mean.
I listened to the audio version performed by the mazing Rosalyn Lander. I know I am always in for a treat when she is the narrator. Her rich, mellow voice is perfectly suited for novels set in the Regency period.
While I adore Ms. Balogh’s new releases, her older books are always a joy. They are books that will forever remain on my keeper shelf. No Man’s Mistress is at the top of my list, and it is a long list indeed. If you have not read her wonderful romances, I highly recommend them, and No Man’s Mistress is definitely a great one to read first, along with More Than a Mistress, the first book in this trilogy. Happy reading!
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