Review: Only a Mistress Will Do (House of Pleasure) by Jenna Jaxon

Print Length:

Publisher: Lyrical Press (April 4, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: The man of her dreams . . . belongs to another woman. 

Destitute and without friends, Violet Carlton is forced to seek employment at the House of Pleasure in London. She steels herself for her first customer and is shocked when the man rescues her instead of ravishing her. A grateful Violet cannot help but admire the handsome Viscount Trevor. But she must curb her desire for the dashing nobleman she can never have because he is already betrothed to another . . .

Tristan had gone to the House of Pleasure for a last bit of fun before he became a faithful married man. But when he recognizes the woman in his bed, he becomes determined to save her instead. Now, his heart wars with his head as he falls for the vulnerable courtesan. Unable to break his betrothal without a scandal, Tris resolves to find Violet proper employment or a husband of her own. Still, his arms ache for Violet, urging him to abandon propriety and sacrifice everything to be with the woman he loves. . . .

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This story grabbed my attention from the first few pages, and kept me riveted enough to stay up late to finish reading it. There was a depth to these characters that I enjoyed immensely, and the circumstances that led Violet to her position was nothing less than heartbreaking. I adored the interactions between Tristian and Violet, and I must admit to rooting for them throughout the novel. 

I also have to say that I really enjoyed Dora as a secondary character, and I really hope we get to experience her finding her own happily-ever-after at some point. She was a strong character that possessed a certain "something" that showed through despite her own circumstances. I'm not sure many young women of that time would have done what she did. 

Overall, I am sure this story will still appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                         Only a Mistress Will Do is available from Amazon.com