Even with a few lacking things....
Its a buy buy buy buy book!
From the first page you will be captured as well as swept into this riveting read. The characters as well as the way the plot line was done really made it into a good read. There are a few minor lacking things that made it 4 stars instead of five but .... This is a good read! For this type of book it took some surprising turns and twists. I will be watching for more from this author! I read the entire book in one go for I really did not wish to put it down. So buy and enjoy! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

This was a well written historical romance, a good read for a rainy day!

Violet Carlton’s year had gone from bad to worse, first her cousin Kit is killed in a duel & Jamie, her brother who was acting as a second is also killed, then her only other relative her grandmother dies. 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. 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 lady. 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.
Tris & Violet seem to be doomed to be separated but help comes from an unlikely source. A very enjoyable read, the characters are well portrayed & the plot is brisk. Tris & Violet are likeable but it’s Susan who steals the book for me with her down to earth advice. As well as romance there’s attempted rape & a duel before they reach their HEA. This is the first book I’ve read by the author & I’ll certainly be reading the rest of the series.

This book started with a really interesting plot but very soon it started going downhill. Underdeveloped and uninteresting characters made me stop reading this book after being about thirty percent in it. I didn't like the hero who was engaged to another woman and kept talking about how he didn't want to ruin the heroine but still made her his mistress. Then when he talked about marrying her, because he had ruined her, she refused because she was worried about his reputation because of a broken engagement. Seriously??!! I could not read any further than that and would not recommend this book. Please save your time and weekend for a better book.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC. Thoroughly enjoyable well written story. Great, though sometimes misguided, characters in a good plot. Be sure to add th is to you TBR list

Loved the book. The romance between Tris and Violet is like a toller coaster, highs and lows, slow and fast points. The story was a great read and I would highly recommend the book.

I wasn't sure I'd like this book. Really, another lady has to lower herself to working in a brothel? Rescued by a knight in shining armor. Again he's betrothed to another? Again they fall in love and can't marry? It just seemed I'd read it before, but yet I liked the book, I liked the H and h, and I wanted them to have their HEA. The story was well written and developed, the characters compelling, though since I hadn't read the other books in the series, I was a little confused by their back stories. But I plan to read them if they are as good as this one. I do hope the author eventually writes a story for Dora, she deserves a good man and a great story. Maybe the bow runner? Really enjoyed the story and highly recommend!

This story grabbed my attention from the first few pages, and kept me riveted enough to stay up late to finish reading it. There was a depth to these characters that I enjoyed immensely, and the circumstances that led Violet to her position was nothing less than heartbreaking. I adored the interactions between Tristian and Violet, and I must admit to rooting for them throughout the novel.

I also have to say that I really enjoyed Dora as a secondary character, and I really hope we get to experience her finding her own happily-ever-after at some point. She was a strong character that possessed a certain "something" that showed through despite her own circumstances. I'm not sure many young women of that time would have done what she did.

Overall, I am sure this story will still appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Only a Mistress will Do by Jenna Jaxon started off ok...but honestly I just didn't feel a connection between the two main characters and felt Tris was self centered and frankly kind of dull. I like a strong alpha male in most historical romances and he just fell short of the mark for me, I actually liked Violets potential suitors character more than the hero in this story. At 35%, I threw in the towel because it was going south fast. I appreciate the opportunity to read the book though. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books Publishing for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

"Only a Mistress Will Do" by Jenna Jaxon is a book that grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. The book had its flaws, but I liked it.
Violet's circumstances are greatly reduced, her brother and her cousin were killed in a duel about a year ago and she just lost her grandmother. She has no one to turn to, and decides that she wants to live and not starve to death, so she ends up on the front steps of a brothel, ready to sell herself to the highest bidder.
Tristan has gone to the brothel for the distinct purpose of deflowering a virgin (ick), but he can't go through with it when he learns who Violet really is. Tristan actually wants to help her and offers her the position of mistress in name only. He sets her up in his former mistress's house and treats her like a mistress except for the sex.
The chemistry is pretty explosive between Violet and Tristan and the reader knows they will not be able to hold out for long. Tristan got engaged and wants to be faithful to his fiancé/future wife. Violet either wants a respectable position or to find a nice man to marry. The conflict in the story - engagement, Violet's circumstances (no spoilers) - didn't feel contrived. The conflicts added to the story and moved it along nicely.
There are some not so palatable aspects to this story. Tristan going to deflower a virgin, and mentions he has done it before, so he is prepared for his virgin bride - not wanting to hurt her too much. He also considers tupping the maid in an inn because it had been like three days since he had Violet and she was furious with him. Also, him trying to woo his future wife - Dora - and kissing her and thinking that maybe they will have a good marriage. Dora and her family situation were actually interesting - maybe the author should consider Dora for a heroine??
All in all, I enjoyed the book, it moved along quickly and I was interested in the story. Loved Violet, didn't love Tristan as much (keep it in your pants, man).