Mistress

I can be quite picky when doing a review of a romance novel and I am not going to do that with this book because I finally got almost everything I have asked for in the past from authors. (Is it being picky to say that the heroines name was almost impossible for me to pronounce? I gave her the nickname of Ginny and moved on.) This is a book where the hero (Marcus) actually talked to the heroine (Iphiginia). What a concept. See, authors, I told you it would work. These two characters discussed their problems, situations and feelings. Perhaps it was somewhat of a departure from what might have happened during the Regency period of English history but I'm not living during that time and the book was not written during that time. Mistress was written in 1994 and I now understand what other reviewers mean when they suggest reading the Amanda Quick books which were published a while back. It was written as a romance novel, not a sexual how-to manual. Many modern romance books are so sexually explicit I feel embarassed reading them. Perhaps that is old fashioned but I happen to be an old fashioned woman (and I like it that way!). The two main characters were interesting, intelligent, charming, and realistic in their interaction with each other. They discussed things with each other. They solved the mystery by working together. No, he did not believe her at first, why should he? But, after only a short time he understood her motives and they worked together. Was the blackmailer easy to spot? Yes, but only if you are like me and have read hundreds and hundreds of mystery stories. Ms. Quick actually did a very good job of continuing the mystery throughout the story. I highly recommend this book. Iphiginia is such a vivacious character that she turns Marcus' world upside down. One of the most compelling parts of this story (for me) takes place during a conversation between Marcus and his brother Bennet. Bennet does not know that Mrs Bright is a mistress-in-name-only. She has done such a good job convincing the ton, and Marcus does not contradict her, so everyone believes that there is a physical relationship between Marcus and Iphiginia. Bennet is absolutely appaled that his brother would countenance a marriage with a woman who, according to the standards of the day, is a totally unworthy person. He asks Marcus why he would want to marry her. Marcus replies, "When I am with her I do not feel as though I am made of gears and springs." Marcus had invented a clockwork man, an automaton which could function but could never feel emotions, whether joy or sorrow. He realised he did not want to be that type of man any longer and that this one woman held the key to a different life for him. I loved that comparison. Could I be picky? Of course. But then, I can't write a book. Amanda Quick can and I don't want to pick this apart because it offers me all the things I enjoy so much in romantic fiction.

Rules were made to be broken, and Iphiginia Bright teaches Marcus, Earl of Masters, to break all of his in this lovely book by Amanda Quick. As always, Ms. Quick delivered a sound story with wonderfully three dimensional characters who brought the plot to vivid life. The premise of the story was unique and refreshing, even for Amanda Quick who is the Queen of new and invigorating ideas. But, what made this story so spectacular were the characters. Marcus and Iphiginia are both forthright, stubborn, obstinate and highly intelligent and watching them try to outwit one another is a riot! They have so much in common and draw from the same sorts of life experiences. It's a joy to see Marcus grow throughout the book from a hard, unloving automaton to a man who loves Iphiginia to distraction. It is a touching change and by the end of the book you'll love Marcus even more than you did at the beginning. Iphiginia is one of the best historical heroines I've ever seen. She is bold, daring, and audacious while being quite caring and feminine. She accomplishes what every woman wants -- to be the equal of a man while retaining the very things that make her a woman. The banter between Iphiginia and Marcus is some of the best dialogue Ms. Quick has ever written -- *very* entertaining! Once again, the mystery becomes the driving force for the story. Just when you think you have everything figured out -- think again! There are many twists and turns to this plot that will keep you guessing and riveted on the edge of your seat. I laughed, cried and cheered aloud! I'm sure people must have thought me daft! This is quite possibly my favorite book by Ms. Quick, which is saying a lot -- I've loved everything I've ever read by her. If you read only one book by Ms. Quick, make it this one -- you won't be disappointed.

Previously a schoolmistress, Iphiginia Bright has spent the last year fulfilling a dream by touring the classical ruins of Italy and Greece. Upon her return to England, she discovers that a notorious blackmailer, who is taking advantage of members of the ton, is now harassing her beloved Aunt Zoe. In an attempt to assist her aunt, Iphiginia decides to flush out the blackmailer by posing as a widow, and the paramour of Marcus Cloud, Earl of Masters. Marcus has a well-earned reputation as a master of seduction among the ladies, but Iphiginia believes him to be dead by the hand of the blackmailer. Iphiginia takes London by storm, enchanting everyone she meets, and manages to collect a whole host of admirers. She even captures the attention of a certain man, who is very much alive at his country estate, and much to her surprise, Marcus makes an appearance at a ball to meet his newest mistress. She explains her reason for the deception, and although he's suspicious of her, he decides to play along. They together conduct an investigation, but Marcus has ulterior motives for not exposing her lie. He finds Iphiginia quite the enchantress, and sets out to make her his mistress in earnest, although he becomes suspicious whether there's been a Mr. Bright. Marcus has three rules he lives by: he steers clear of virgins, has vowed never to remarry, and he doesn't talk about his past. Iphiginia will end up testing all three of his rules, and after all, rules are made to be broken.I have read a total of four books by this author, and this one remains my favorite. Her heroines tend to be very intelligent women, who are involved in some type of scientific study or intellectual endeavors, which is a unique angle in a historical romance. The only thing is, sometimes too much time is spent on the studies and endeavors, and the romance portion suffers. That is not true here. I felt this was an interesting, smart, sexy, and hilarious story with witty dialogue. There is a memorable scene that takes place in a hall of naughty statuary, which was quite steamy and funny at the same time. And who can forget "Dr. Hardstaff's Museum of the Goddesses of Manly Vigor"? To put that name on an establishment is too funny! This book is not to be missed!

"Mistress" is one of Amanda Quick's best books. The storyline is interesting and original: a young woman masquerading as the mistress of one of the ton's most notorious earls, whom she believes to be dead (he's not!), because of a blackmail scheme. The real charm of the book, however, is in the funny and poignant developing relationship between Iphiginia and Marcus: the first romantic interlude between the two is one of the funniest passages I've ever read. Iphiginia's courage and energy leap off the page to make her a very endearing heroine, and Marcus - as a farmer turned earl - is both sexy and vulnerable. Though some of the improbable plot twists could have been left out, this book is still very much worth reading after a long, frustrating day at work (or with the kids).

I loved this book to bits! With every Amanda Quick book I read, I get more and more amazed at her creativity, but Mistriss is the most creative book I think I have ever read. If I could, I would have given it a million stars. Oddly enough, that line fits in perfectly with the book...Iphiginia Bright's aunt is getting blackmailed. He knows a nasty secret from Aunt Zoe's past and threaten's to kill her like he has done with the missing Earl of Masters. Iphiginia is determined to find out who the blackmailer is, so she decides to play the part of Masters's mistriss so that she can get to know people in Society. Besides, Masters is supposed to be dead. But, the world stops spinning for Iphiginia when Masters stepps into a glittering ballroom one night. It turns out that he was only staying in his country house. He is intrigued and flattered by Iphiginia's deception and agrees to go a long with her scheme. Little does Masters know that Iphiginia has been in love with him ever since she has gathered information enough to play his mistriss. And Masters is starting to fall for Iphiginia and the part of mistriss is starting not to be a game. And, the blackmailer's threats hit closer to home. Will Masters and Iphiginia find out who it is before it's too late?Marcus (Masters) is my favorite hero of all time. Of course that usually changes each month, but I think I will love him for a very long time. The rules that he lived by were often infuriating, but that's what made him so lovable. You can see that he and Iphiginia are meant for each other and you want to go in to the book and throw his rules into the fire so that he can realize it too. Also, he said the most heartmelting things to Iphiginia. When he told her, "You were born to walk in starlight," I almost died! Goodness I wish I had a guy like that! Iphiginia was an extremly lovely character to read about, and it was a wonderful experience to do so. The fact that she dressed in white all the time was really clever and a nice change from the usual Quick herione dresses which are bright. Although that is nice, I really loved the change. The name Lady Starlight really suited Iphiginia. All of Iphiginia's moves in Society really played with the imagination and it was very ingenius. All in all, this book is spectacular and shines as bright as the stars.