Mistress: A Novel

When Iphigenia Bright decides to masquerade as the mistress of Marcus Valerie’s Cloud, the Earl of Masters, it’s is in an attempt to unmask a blackmailer intent on getting money from her aunt.Under the mistaken impression that Masters is dead, Iphigenia is rather surprised to discover that is not the case.Marcus is intrigued by his new “mistress-in-name-only” and when a close friend also finds herself blackmailed, he joins forces with Iphigenia to unmask the villain, and maybe make her his mistress in truth…This is an enjoyable story, with Quick’s trademark humour and whit (you can find it under her Krentz and Castle names too). Iphigenia is an intelligent, if a little naïve heroine, while Marcus is a solid and trustworthy hero. The mystery gives the book a little gothic flair, with a few giggle worthy moments, and some romance to round it off.An enjoyable historical romance, for Quick fans, as well as fans of historical romances with a little gothic flavour.

I don't know why Amanda Quick makes her supposedly very smart heroines do really stupid things, like meeting a blackmailer alone at midnight in a cemetery, without telling anyone about it. The heroine's modern views on sex are not at all believable for Victorian times. This story was also lacking humor

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.

This was a very satisfying read. Both the hero and heroine were likeable and the mystery was intriguing and served to move the plot forward.We start out with the heroine, Iphiginia, masquerading as the hero, Marcus' former mistress in an attempt to flush out a blackmailer. She's been led to believe that Marcus was killed by the blackmailer so she thinks she's safe in her charade. For a time her plan works and she insinuates herself into the most exclusive circles in the ton with her outrageous behavior and singularly eye-catching style of dress. Everything is going fine until Marcus shows up alive and wanting to know just who she is and why she's pretending to be his mistress.After that Marcus joins her in the search for the blackmailer and there's enough action to keep things moving. Iphiginia didn't fall into the trap of being TSTL like so many romance novel heroines so that was good. And it was refreshing to read a Regency novel where the subject of protecting the heroine's reputation was never an issue. Since she's masquerading as a widow, not to mention Marcus' mistress, Iphiginia's reputation is more or less bulletproof.My only real complaint was that, as usual, AQ/JAK ruined the initial sex scene. I don't know why JAK is so in love with the idea of making the couple's first time together be a disaster. It happens in almost all her books. The hero doesn't find out until it's too late that the heroine is a virgin and all the heroine experiences is pain while the hero loses control and emasculates himself after a maximum of 30 seconds. Why on earth would anyone think that's the sort of thing that needs to go in ANY romance novel, let alone every single one she writes? It's mystifying.Other than that, it was a solid and enjoyable read.

I had to stop reading to review this book! Absolutely hilarious! I laughed so hard that my husband and dogs became concerned. What a wonderful book and truly a fine example of the authors writing! The scene I found so delightful and funny is where the main male character finds himself questioning his own sanity after a quick funny love scene where he discovers the female is a virgin. Never have I laughed so hard and would heartily recommend this book and all of Quick's books! Just wonderful and so happy to be reading it. Now back to finish this book! Thanks to the author for the light hearted escape from reality!

I really loved this book, it had a great story line and equally great characters. I loved the humour that ran through this and the little interactions between the characters. Amelia was a good character who I really feel could have had her own book, one of my favourite scenes with her is when she's trying to stop Marcus and Iphiginia from bickering, good comedic fun.Iphiginia was a strong female character who stayed true to herself no matter what. Marcus was wonderful, he had so many good scenes, from their first meeting in the ballroom to the one at the 'Drs', and so many fabulous lines which gave you an insight to him; his sense of humour and desires. My favourite line of his: "You have taught me to break most of my other rules, Iphiginia, teach me to break this one, too", gorgeous!

I only discovered these early books by Amanda Quick last year, and I have been happily reading my way through them!Once again this is a romance and an adventure, set in the Regency period and written with verve and style. There is the bright and intelligent heroine, and the strong and somewhat dour hero - and sparks fly when they come into conflict.I would thoroughly recommend this book, with its original story line. It may be difficult to access as it seems to be out of print and not in e book format but it would definitely be worth the effort to get a copy.

I have only recently discovered Amanda Quick and have been working my way through as many as I can get hold of. This book was particularly enjoyable.

Just great fun, brilliant characters. Exasperated men, feisty women and dastardly baddies. Just what I'm after in entertaining reading!!

Can't compare at all with Dangerous or Ravished, some other books from the same writer.