A very nice book with a good storyline and well developed characters. Well done. I will read more by this writer.

This was a decent story and I somewhat enjoyed both the hero and the heroine, Violet and Tristan. I do enjoy a good mistress romance. However, nothing really stood out making it a great book.

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.
This book was ok. The characters were kind of run of the mill. There were a few things that didn’t really make sense to me, but not so bad that I couldn’t finish it. I’m not sure if I’ll read any more from this author.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I have to say that I didn't really care for Violet very much. I like my heroines to be strong female leads and I just didn't get that from Violet. But I didn't like Tristan that much better. I did like the storyline, so had Violet and Tristan been much stronger characters I think I would have like it a whole lot more.

ONLY A MISTRESS WILL DO is the 3rd book in the House of Pleasure series. I haven't read the previous books and I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone. It's also my first Jenna Jaxon novel.
I'm finding it very hard to write a review for this book. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. It kind of left me flat. The characters were likable enough and the story was ok. The romance was ok. You definitely didn't know what kind of drama was going to hit them next. It kinda has a Regency feel even though it's set in 1761.
It really pains me to write a review like this because I know authors put blood, sweat and tears into their writing. Not to mention the hours of writing and editing. I will definitely try another book by this author because I'm all for 2nd chances.

I haven't read a story by Ms Jaxon before. I liked the concept of the story, a gently bred woman facing starvation so she lowers her pride to go to a house to become a courtesan. Lucky for Violet that her first customer Tristan recognizes that she doesn't belong there. He brings her to the house where he kept his mistresses. They are attracted to each other, but he is an honorable man who intends to honor his wedding vows. There are a lot of twists in the story and I even liked Tristan's fiance. The story pace was a little uneven at times, but it was solidly written.

struggled with this one. not sure I'd care to read another by this author.

It can be tempting, when you read hundreds of books a year, to confine yourself to picking up titles by authors whose work you know you are going to enjoy. But when it comes to reviewing, I make a point of sampling books by some of the newer names in historical romance, and sometimes I’m lucky and I find a new author to add to my ‘’must read’ list. Sadly, however, it’s been my experience that the ‘finds’ are in the minority.

Jenna Jaxon’s Only a Mistress Will Do is most definitely NOT a find; in fact I now wish I’d lost it before I even started. Its overly contrived plot relies heavily on coincidence and consists of one cliché after another; no sooner have our hero and heroine emerged unscathed from one melodramatic development than they are thrust into another. The protagonists are barely two-dimensional, their behaviour is inconsistent and frequently contradictory, and the big reveal before the halfway point is no surprise whatsoever. And worst of all, this is a ‘romance’ in which readers are repeatedly told the hero and heroine love each other but are never shown the relationship progressing. By a quarter of the way through the novel, we’re meant to believe they’re desperately in love, but there is no chemistry and no romantic development; honestly, had I not been reading the book for review, I’d have abandoned it well before the halfway point.

Violet Carlton has been left destitute following the recent death of her grandmother and has reached the point where the only thing of value she has left to sell is herself. Remembering the name of a brothel once mentioned by her deceased brother (who was killed more than a year earlier in a duel) Violet makes her way there and asks the madam to employ her. A lovely, well-bred virgin will fetch a high price, so the woman is quite happy to accommodate Violet, and five days later, she is sent her first client, the man who has bought and paid for her virtue.

Violet, expecting an elderly roué, is surprised when a darkly handsome young man arrives, but even as she finds herself responding to his caresses, she can’t forget how low she has fallen and is unable to stop herself from crying. Fortunately for her, this ‘Lord John’ is sympathetic to her plight and, on being told the truth behind her need to earn her living on her back, immediately makes plans to remove Violet from the brothel. He takes her to the house that was, until recently, occupied by his mistress, promising Violet that he expects nothing in return, and explaining that he knew her brother slightly and is doing his gentlemanly duty by rescuing a damsel in distress. He also tells her that he is betrothed and has no designs on her; he believes in fidelity in marriage, having seen his parents’ relationship torn asunder by his father’s unfaithfulness, and has no intention of walking the same path.

Tristan, Viscount Trevor, installs Violet in the house and offers to try to find her respectable employment as a companion or governess. Over the next few weeks, they spend time together in the evenings, talking and getting to know each other, until – bam! – they’re in love and desperately trying to hide it from each other. Tristan’s enquiries as to a situation for Violet are unsuccessful so he decides that there is only one other option; he must find her a husband. He can’t marry her himself, but he can at least make sure she weds someone who will treat her well. Although of course, he is eaten up with jealousy at the thought of her in another man’s arms, and practically snarls when any other man comes within three feet of her.

But naturally, the passion they feel for one another will not be contained and the inevitable happens – they shag each other’s brains out and Tristan decides that he cannot go through with his marriage to the sweet Miss Harper, whom he had only agreed to marry in order to fulfil his father’s dying wish of gaining possession of the land that marches alongside Tristan’s Yorkshire estate. But hold – Violet cannot allow him to go back on his word and besmirch his gentlemanly honour! No, he must not sacrifice his good name for her and taint any children they might have with scandal – he must marry his innocent debutante and be happy! Hmmm. ‘I will not allow you to sacrifice yourself’ is one of my least favourite tropes in the genre; it’s patronising and implies that the person making the sacrifice is not capable of making their own decisions. But there is worse to come, although anyone in possession of more than half a braincell will have already worked out exactly why Tristan has been prepared to go to such lengths to help a complete stranger. After that big reveal, Violet naturally goes from ‘woe is we, doomed to love but can’t be together’ to ‘OMG I will hate you forever!’.

I normally try to avoid spoilers when writing a review, but sometimes they’re unavoidable if one wants to give an accurate picture of exactly what is wrong with a book. Anyone who has made it to this point and is STILL thinking of reading this novel, look away now.

After the reveal, Violet runs back to the brothel where Tristan found her – and when he finds her there again, she’s just received proposal of marriage from one of his friends. I started to wonder if it was a bordello or a dating agency, because nobody in this book gets any action there! Then I was hit by a massive sense of déjà-vu when the prospective groom turns up the next morning to tell Violet he can’t marry her after all because of… er… another… er… thing. Or something. I never found out what. So. Bloke number 1 (Tristan) rescues Violet from a brothel without shagging her, wants to marry her but can’t owing to another obligation. And bloke number 2 (Tristan’s friend) rescues Violet from a brothel without shagging her, wants to marry her but can’t because… I’ve heard of authors recycling plots, but have never come across it in the same book!

Not content with repeating herself, Ms. Jaxon rummages around in her big ol’ bag of clichés in order to put Violet in yet another tricky situation before finally engineering the ending of Tristan’s betrothal and an HEA for this insipid and unengaging couple. Only a Mistress Will Do suffers from the cardinal sin of too much telling and not enough showing, and the author has thrown in far too many hackneyed plot devices and failed to develop the romance to even the most basic degree. Tristan is a walking erection around Violet; fire erupts at the apex of her thighs whenever he touches her (I think she should probably get some ointment for that!) … but exploding loins do not a romance make. This is the third book in a series, and if you want to subject yourself to it, it can be read as a standalone. But I really don’t recommend it.

It's 1761, and for a woman who has lost everything, sold every possession, and hasn't eaten for three days - there's only one option available. Violet only has her body left, and she's desperate enough to seek employment at the House of Pleasure. It's a familiar story to Madame Vestry, who knows she'll fetch a fine price for Violet's virginity. Tristan, Viscount Trevor, is about to become engaged, and only wants one more night of illicit pleasure before he becomes a faithful husband. When Tristan comes to Violet, who is understandably shaken, he learns that his actions in the past played a part in bringing her to this point. He decides instead to take her away and find her honorable employment or a husband.

While the attraction that sizzles between this couple is instantaneous, the love that happens almost as quickly seems somewhat unbelievable. Tristan admits that Violet has captured his heart, yet continues on with his betrothal, which is strictly for convenience. First Violet wishes Tristan wanted to marry her, then when he's actually willing, she refuses. Their indecisiveness and waffling was frustrating to me, as was their concern about scandal, when Violet's past was already dogged with it. While I eventually came to believe in their love for each other, I also found myself not truly caring for this couple.

There are two previous books in this House of Pleasure series, which I haven't read, so I admit that some of the characters, relationships, and situations were confusing to me. These weren't a major part of the book, but enough to somewhat diminish my enjoyment. ONLY A MISTRESS WILL DO provides many enjoyable steamy scenes, and has a well written solution to arrive at the hard won happily-ever-after.

I really liked this historical read. After the death of her brother Violet has no one else to turn to and decides to sell the only thing she has left, her body. Tristan goes to the House of Pleasure for one last night of fun before he becomes a married man. When Tristan recognizes Violet, he knows he must rescue her from this fate. I liked both Tristan and Violet they are great characters with a wonderful chemistry. The story is fast paced with plenty of drama. An enjoyable read.

Violet Carlton has nowhere else to turn her dead brother has left her in a desperation. Violet is a virgin so she seeks employment at the House of Pleasure after all her first should bring significant amount of money. Before getting betrothed Tristan, Viscount Trevor, decides to have a bit of fun before he becomes the faithful husband. He gone to the House of Pleasure for a last bit of fun and he recognizes the woman in his bed. Instead of ruining her like his body demands he becomes determined to save her instead. Violet is shocked her first customer decides to rescues her instead of ravishing her. Tristan wants her for his mistress and decide to find her proper employment or a husband. Violet and Tristan’s attraction grows into something neither expected, but Tristan can't imagine marrying her off to another man and it would be a disaster to call of his own betrothal. Violet and Tristan has a fiery passionate romance and a captivating story that had me laughing and crying as these two find their HEA. I know you’ll fall in love with. Great book Jenna!!!

Only a Mistress will Do by Joanna Jaxon
House of Pleasure #3

This standalone historical novel set in 1761 deals with marriage, mistresses, societal and family expectations. It is also about where in the scheme of life love has a part – if it has a part at all. In the past women were commodities and as wives might have less affection from her husband than the same man’s mistress. When Violet Carlton reaches the point where she must choose to live or die she chooses to live and to do so she offers herself to brothel madam in exchange for food, clothing and a roof over her head. Tristan, Viscount Trevor, is to be her first and is set to deflower her only to hear something that changes his mind and instead puts her under his protection even though he is nearly affianced to a young woman that will bring him a great deal of property. Breaking and engagement can ruin both parties of the agreement, lead to a duel or…worse. There are other threads to the story that impact the characters in more ways than one but all in all it is a love story.

What I liked:
*The idea that Tristan wanted to remain true to his marriage if/when he married
*The idea that Violet was strong enough to choose life over death even if it meant besmirching her reputation
*The adherence to the fact that marriages were not born from love but instead were contracts – business contracts – and even being a mistress was contractual in nature
*That eventually love won out

What I didn’t like:
*Tristan’s wishy-washiness regarding the women in his life
*The ease with which a duel could be requested and the ease with which a man’s life could be taken
*That Dora, a girl I ended up admiring, was a pawn. But then, most women were.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington – Lyrical Shine for the ARC – This is my honest review.

NOTE: I would like to find out who Dora, Manning and a few others end up with if there are more books in the series.

4 Stars

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. . .




Review:




Lots of things do try to keep this couple apart in this story!




I liked that it was not an easy road for these two. I thought it was different in that she is willingly to become his mistress to keep him and he is the one not willing to hurt his intended spouse. I liked both Violet and Tris, both are strong, independent, with high moral character and really just the kind of characters you could see yourself being friends with. They do have an extremely hot chemistry and the scenes where they are together are at times hot, passionate, tender and sweet. Like I said before they had soooo many obstacles on their way to their HEA that I kept waiting for the next shoe to drop at every turn of the page. This is book three in the series and again I had not read the others before reading this one and I was never lost for not reading them in order.




This is a new-to-me Author. I liked her style and thought she did a good job portraying the period and writing interesting characters. I would definitely read more written by her.




If you are looking for a lot of twists, turns, and sexiness in your historical romance, then I would pick up this book.




4Stars




*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

'Only a Mistress Will Do' by Jenna Jaxon is book Three in the "House of Pleasure" series. This is the story of Violet and Tristan. I have not yet read the other books yet in this series, so this was a standalone book for me.
Violet has hit on hard times since the death of her brother, his friend and her grandmother. Now with nothing left she turns to Madame Vestry house of pleasure for a job. There she trains to be one of the ladies of the night. Madame Vestry puts her to one of her special clients with the information that she is a virgin. The night she is to meet her first customer she finds it is Tristan and she learns that he had known her brother. This moves Tristan to save her and not go forward with their 'night'.
Tristan tells her he will find her a decent job or possible a husband....something better than this life at Madame Vestry. But will Tristan be able to let her go?
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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There was plenty of potential in this book but it failed to capitalize on some aspects of the hero and heroine. I was hoping that Violet, having resorted to selling herself at a brothel, would show more fortitude once she got out of those circumstances. Once in Tristan' s care she seemed to turn to weeping or seeking other men to take care of her while foolishly denying what Tristan was willing to give up for her. Tristan on the other hand had the rake part down. I lost respect for him after realizing he knowingly sought out a virgin (seemed more like a cad than hero). Tristan was also too easily swayed by the opinions of others. An alpha hero needs more backbone for my liking. With all of that and the melodrama involved, I didn't quite believe their love story.

When the book starts out you can really feel the desperation of Violet's situation, with her being destitute and without anyone to help her, and quickly bond with the character. Tristan, however, was harder to like or relate to. For the first half of the book, he seems to be purposefully disregarding reason, by somewhat courting Violet while still being committed to his fiance and by not revealing a crucial detail of his past to her as they become closer. The plot had enough heft to keep me reading, though at times the conflict became a little repetitive in the first half of the book (Tristan wants Violet, but is committed to another women), I ended up enjoying the emotional angst of the story.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well, the story was good but not great. I mean it wasn't something I just couldn't put down. Also, I didn't really feel a connection between the two main characters.

I am just giving this 3 out of 5 stars.

This is the first book that I have read by Jenna Jaxon and I am sure that it won’t be the last. "Only a Mistress Will Do" had me hooked from the start, with quite a dramatic first chapter. Violet Carlton finds herself destitute after her brother died, acting as a second in a duel. She is forced to find employment at the House of Pleasure in London. Her first customer is Tristan, Viscount Trevor saves her after her recognises her name. However, Tristan finds himself drawn to Violet, whilst already betrothed to another. His visit to the House of Pleasure was his last escapade before his wedding and this was a part that I found went totally against his nature. Tristan attempts to set Violet up as his mistress but in name only. The intense chemistry between the pair is difficult to hide and this is the crux of the story where Tristan wants to be faithful and Violet wants to marry respectfully but they find themselves attracted. A great read and I am sure it will be enjoyed by all.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

liked from start to finish, good read

3 1/2 stars

Interesting plot and very twisty. For the era in history we certainly have lusty particapents in the story.

I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. I did get slightly irritated with both the hero and heroine. The drama keeping them apart....oh my...sigh...what a scarafice. It got a tad repetitive and at times I just wanted it to move on and solve the problems already.

It was enjoyable kinda light read.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.