Review

His Mistress by Christmas is a delightful holiday romance, perfect for a cold winter night.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Lady Veronica Smithson is a widow who is tired of being alone and has made the decision to become someone’s mistress. She isn’t willing to give up her independence, but does want companionship and someone to warm her nights. She isn’t sure who the right man is until she meets Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater. He is the perfect man for her. His reputation proves that he lives for pleasure and his life of adventure proves that he won’t want to be tied down.  There is chemistry between them at first sight. However, Sir Sebastian isn’t the carefree bachelor that Veronica thinks he is. Sebastian is ready to settle down and he believes that the perfect wife for him is Lady Veronica Smithson.

These two characters remain at cross-purposes throughout the book - Veronica firmly wanting to only be a mistress and not a wife, while Sebastian stands by his promise not to seduce the woman he wants to marry. Things only get more confusing and complicated when they agree to spend Christmas together and Sebastian’s family shows up thinking that Veronica and Sebastian are married, when they are not.

My favorite thing about His Mistress by Christmas is the chemistry and sizzle between Veronica and Sebastian. From the moment they meet, they challenge and debate with each other in a way that increases the tension between them in a way that makes for a fantastic reading experience. For example:

“And luck, Lady Smithson…” He met her gaze firmly. “Luck is what makes your favorite cousin become fast friends with the lady who is going to change your life.”

Her heart leapt, which made no sense at all. This was not to be an affair of the heart. There would be affection, certainly, but nothing more. Apparently, her heart wasn’t aware of her plans. Odd, she’d never known it to be rebellious before.

She sniffed. “What utter nonsense.”

“I’m very good at utter nonsense,” he said in a sober manner. “As well as infernal nonsense, splendid nonsense, and that’s quite enough nonsense, if you please.”

The other thing I loved about this book is the romantic things Sebastian says about and to Lady Veronica. There are some of the sweetest lines in his dialogue. Like this scene when he is talking about his feelings to his best friend:

“If I had met her a decade ago, in the middle of the Sahara, when all I wanted was to wander the world, she would have been my adventure. I would have married her then.” He smiled. “And now I would still want to marry her if she were completely unsuitable. If I had to choose between my family and Veronica, I would choose her.”

The American stared.

“I want her as my wife because I want her in my life forever. I will settle for nothing less.” He shook his head. “I am under no illusions that it will be easy, but I look forward as much to debate and disagreement with her as I do joy and laughter.” He shrugged. “I want her hand in mine on the day I die.”

“Good God.” Sinclair shook his head. “You are in love.”

The only thing about this book that I didn’t love was that it ended.  His Mistress by Christmas is the perfect holiday romance.

Reviewed by Carrie