The Perfect Mistress
Victoria Alexander
Reviewed by: Angels
Format:Paperback
Published by: Zebra
Source: Purchased Copy
Genre: Historical Romance
Blurb
Let #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander sweep you away with her dazzling new romance, in which one otherwise proper lady discovers that passion is her legacy. . .
Widowed Julia, Lady Winterset, has inherited a book—a very shocking book—that every gentleman in London seems to want. For a charismatic businessman, it's a chance to build an empire. For a dashing novelist, it could guarantee fame. But to a proud, domineering earl, it means everything. . .
Harrison Landingham, Earl of Mountdale, can't let the obstinate Julia release the shameless memoir that could ruin his family's name. But the only way to stop her may be equally sordid—if far more pleasurable. For his rivals are intent on seducing the captivating woman to acquire the book. And Harrison isn't the sort to back away from a competition with the stakes this high. Now the winner will claim both the scandalous memoirs and the heart of their lovely owner. .
The Perfect Mistress by Vitoria Alexander offers a captivating blend of historical romance with a dash of paranormal intrigue, centered around Harrison Landingham, the Earl of Mountdale, and the fiercely independent widow Lady Julia Winterset. This novel stands out for its refreshing take on the traditional romance trope of a nobleman seeking a proper wife, only to find himself entangled with a woman who defies every expectation.
The story shines in its richly drawn characters. Harrison’s initial desire for a perfect, conventional spouse is challenged by Julia’s sharp wit, independence, and bold spirit. Julia is a breath of fresh air—smart, sassy, and unapologetically herself—which injects vibrant energy into the narrative. The contrast between Harrison’s rigid social expectations and Julia’s rebellious nature creates a dynamic and engaging tension that propels the story forward.
One of the most delightful aspects of the novel is the inventive use of Julia’s great-grandmother Lady Hermione Middlebury’s diary, filled with scandalous memoirs that threaten to upend reputations. This element introduces a layered narrative that is both humorous and poignant, especially with the charming inclusion of Hermione’s ghost, who visits Julia. Their spirited banter adds warmth and an unexpected paranormal twist that enriches the plot without overshadowing the romance.
The novel also excels in portraying the camaraderie among Julia’s circle of friends and the gentle teasing between the widows, which adds depth and heart to the story. The author’s skillful layering of multiple storylines — from family secrets to societal pressures to personal redemption — keeps readers hooked with several surprising twists.
While the theme of scandal and reputation is central, what resonates most is the story’s exploration of second chances and the complexities of love beyond perfection. Harrison’s journey from a man bound by duty to one who embraces the imperfect yet deeply captivating Julia feels authentic and satisfying. The novel thoughtfully balances humor, romance, and emotional insight, making it more than just a typical historical love story.
In conclusion, The Perfect Mistress is an engaging, witty, and heartwarming read for anyone who enjoys historical romance with strong female leads and a sprinkle of the supernatural. Fans of character-driven stories that challenge societal norms will find much to appreciate here. The book leaves you rooting for the characters’ happiness and curious about the promise of healing old wounds—reminding us that love often defies expectations and thrives in imperfection.
About the author
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. Find a complete list on her website http://www.victoriaalexander.com and chat with her on facebook https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaAlexandersPlace
The Perfect Wife--originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008--hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON'T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She's interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor's helicopter. She's covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II's historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter's school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She's never looked back.
Victoria is a former president of the Omaha Press Club and in 2009 was named an OPC Face on the Barroom Floor. A caricature portrait of her joined previous faces including presidents, sports figures and politicians in a tradition that began in 1971.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed! Now he's been joined by Reggie, king of the lilacs.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal--she has to.
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