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Author Reviews
The Mistress Diaries
Julianne MacLean
ISBN-10: 0061456845
ISBN-13: 978-0061456848
Avon, July 2008, 384 pages
Pembroke Palace Series Book #2
Victorian Era
$6.99 US $7.99 Canada
Reviewed by Teresa
June 2008
He is Lord Vincent Sinclair, a notorious libertine who remains emotionally unavailable to the many women who have fallen for his seductive charms. She is Lady Cassandra Montrose, a widow recently out of mourning, who has never experienced sexual fulfillment. Brought together seemingly by fate, the two share a night of perfect ecstasy.
One year later, they are reunited by unforeseen circumstances. Cassandra feels only bitterness upon seeing Vincent again. Vincent on the other hand, is in emotional turmoil when the only lover he could not forget walks back into his life. To complicate matters further there's Vincent's shallow and manipulative fiancee and a family curse to deal with.
I must admit that at first I disliked Vincent and I wondered if it was possible to like him. As the novel progressed, I, along with Cassandra gradually started to fall for him and eventually fell in love with him. Cassandra is a fabulous heroine and I felt for her so much because of everything she had to endure. It was wonderfully refreshing to read a novel where the protagonists are able to grow emotionally and think rationally. There was no jumping to conclusions or the over used 'big misunderstanding' plot device. We are able to witness two people falling in love and the sacrifices they are willing to make to be together. It was lovely to see Vincent open himself up to love again, and as a result he was able to heal the relationship with his brother which had been soured by a past tragedy. Julianne MacLean has a way of making you believe that love can truly conquer all.
With THE MISTRESS DIARIES, Julianne MacLean has penned an emotionally satisfying, deftly written, wholly evocative novel. I could clearly see when Vincent's cold resolve started to melt and my own heart was deeply moved by this thoroughly, touchingly romantic read. A fantastic novel by a superb author.