HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS - Victoria Alexander
Kensington (Hardcover Holiday Edition)
ISBN: 978-0-7582-5567-9
October 2011
Historical Romance

England - 1885

Lady Veronica Smithson has been a widow for three years. While hers was not an unhappy marriage, she has thoroughly enjoyed the freedom of the past few years, making her own decisions, living independently. Marriage is not an option for her, but she is missing something, and perhaps being someone's mistress would fill that void while leaving her in charge of her life and her money. Searching for just the right man, Veronica narrows her choice down to one very interesting gentleman, Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, famed explorer, author, and rake. He fits the bill completely. Veronica is certain that his own independent nature will allow for them to have an affair without any entanglements.

Life has been good for Sebastian. He's traveled all over the world, had the freedom to come and go as he pleased, and now he is ready to settle down. With the added pressure of his large family to impress, he thinks he's found the perfect wife . . . Lady Veronica Smithson. She's beautiful; she's intelligent, and she seems to have what Sebastian wants and needs in a spouse. But when he proposes to her, he is stunned when she flatly turns him down. And then she proposes to be his mistress instead. Life has suddenly gotten very complicated for Sebastian. He knows his family will not approve, and his older brothers have the decision-making power over his inheritance. What if they decide this situation with Veronica is not proper?

A “deal” is made between Sebastian and Veronica; she will go to his newly purchased country estate for Christmas as his mistress, and he won't pressure her any more. Both have their own thoughts about how this idea will work out. But neither plans on the sudden onslaught of Sebastian's family to the house, because they think he IS married. How will the two of them handle this situation?

I totally enjoyed HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS. Sebastian and Veronica are ideally suited for one another, and they both know it. But the odd fact that he wants to be married and she wants to be his mistress makes for plenty of humor. Once Sebastian's family gets involved, things get really hilarious! All of the characters are well rounded, and witty dialogue abounds.

Victoria Alexander always entertains, and HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS is one of the best. It is pure fun.

Jani Brooks