Midnight Mistress

Rarely does a romance combine all the necessary elements for a satisfying read as successfully as MIDNIGHT MISTRESS does. Our capable heroine, Juliana Dare, drives the story, evolving from the pampered toast of the ton to savvy business woman. Her intelligence and determination urges the reader to follow her on one adventure after another. Some are emotional, some professional and some, physically hazardous. Connor Reed, a complex mix of danger, mystery and tenderness challenges Juliana to face their past and ponder their present. From page to page, the reader's opinion of him shifts: is he a traitor or a hero? Author Ruth Owen paints a rich tapestry of Regency England, with the sea merchanting business and the war with Napoleon as set pieces. To the fore, however, is the romance between Juliana and Connor. Their love for each other is never in doubt by the reader, but the journey they make finding their way back to each other is a real pleasure to watch. The sex is loving and warm. Unlike many romances, which begin with a premise, end with a climax, and are filled in the middle with non-events, each chapter in MIDNIGHT MISTRESS brings exciting twists. Never has the hook at the end of each chapter been used to such great effect. All loose ends are tied up very nicely and logically, with unexpected happy endings for even secondary characters. A highly recommended read, MIDNIGHT MISTRESS will not disappoint.

I'm always wary of stories that drag out the Big Misunderstanding premise. I mean, honey, if one can't talk over lil' matters even before the honeymoon, what will happen when the brats pop out along with the bills?Hence, I'm very delighted to say that "Midnight Mistress" is one jolly fun read with plenty of exciting adventures and yes, the romance's great too! The two main characters are perfect for each other despite her tendency to see every woman as his mistress and his tendency to pull an "I'm Not Worthy" act - indeed they have great chemistry and wonderful passion.Great plot, great characters, and a wonderful read all through the night. Now, if only the silly Big Misunderstanding is cleared earlier...

Everything a reader could ask for in an historical romance--page-turning adventure, a to-die-for hero, and a smart, independent heroine. Ruth Owen is a terrific writer.

The clock has just struck midnight symbolizing the beginning of the new century when Connor Evans rescues Julianna Dare after she accidentally fell into the Thames. Her appreciative father, Lord Albany, brings the orphaned ruffian into his home. Over the next eight years, Julianna's hero worship turns into love, but Connor fails his adopted family when he steals money from them.Four years later, though Albany is missing, a sad Julianna looks forward to meeting the renowned privateer Archangel, who has driven Napoleon crazy. To her shock the hero of England is none other than her betrayer Connor. She loathes the man and plans to expose him as the villain she believes he is. He has always loved her, but cannot allow his feelings to interfere with his mission of exposing a murderer who would not mind eliminating Julianna from running the family business.The latest "Meet Me at Midnight" tale is a wonderful Regency romance that will excite readers with its action-packed plot. Though the story line follows the boundaries of the sub-genre, MIDNIGHT MISTRESS shows how talented a spin teller is Ruth Owen as she provides non-stop action and engaging characters. This novel is electrifying because of Connor and Julianna. That, along with the exhilarating plot, will send the audience scampering for other works by Ms. Owen (see the award winning TAMING THE PIRATE) as well as other works in the sub-series (see A KISS AT MIDNIGHT by Shana Abe and JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT by Suzanne Robinson).Harriet Klausner