Captain Xavier Grey and Jane Downing are great characters they had me laughing and almost crying at times with their antics. Xavier just wants to be left alone in his cabin but Jane has other ideas but neither one gets what they want at first. Jane eventually wears down the war hero to her side so all he can think about is her. I would recommend this book to anyone who adores historical romance.

I will always read whatever Erica Ridley writes. Whether it is a Captain, a Duke or a "man about town",her books are always fantastic. This book was fun.with a strong heroine who.knows what she wants.

Erica ALWAYS delivers a good story, full of fun and emotion and just enough heat to make things interesting. She never disappoints and does regency romance quite well.

The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress was a fun read, where the heroine used everything she could to try to seduce the good captain… who would do anything in his power not to ruin her.

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Captain Xavier Grey’s body is back amongst the beau monde, but his mind cannot break free from the horrors of war. His friends try to help him find peace. He knows he doesn’t deserve it. Just like he doesn't deserve the attentions of the sultry bluestocking intent on seducing him into bed...
Spinster Jane Downing wants off the shelf and into the arms of a hot-blooded man. Specifically, the dark and dangerous Captain Grey. She may not be destined to be his wife, but nothing will stop her from being his mistress. She could quote classical Greek by the age of four. How hard can it be to learn the language of love?

I have given this book three stars - but I am quite a bit disappointed. I have read some of the earlier novels and short stories and quite enjoyed them. This one, however, seemed to have been written by either someone in a hurry - or a different person altogether.

The reason for the three stars is this - it was quite a good story, and I have always found that to be the case with these books.

The downside was the writing itself - so very different to what I am used to in this series. The "romance" was more suggestive, rather than actual (not to mention the sex) but the thing that really got me (and a few reviewers) was why the constant need to point out the "plumpness" of the heroine? I lost count at half a dozen times when she was referred to as "plump". So unnecessary. Hopefully, the author will get out of this shallowness before the next one I read.


Paul
ARH

I ended up pleasantly surprised by this one. In the beginning, I wasn't overly impressed by the premise or my first glimpse of the main characters. As the story went on, I grew to like Captain Xavier Grey and Jane Downing and enjoyed their interaction. I found the book to be interesting and entertaining.

This was a pleasant read, realistic events, and well developed characters. The plot moved along at an enjoyable pace.

The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress by Erica Ridley - Historical Romance

Jane Dowling is intelligent by book reading but naive in experience. She believes she will be an overlooked, spinster. She is alright with that but just once she wants to be noticed, desired and loved. Wanting the passion once in her life will be enough. She has her eyes set on handsome Captain Xavier Grey. Xavier deals with his heavy conscience. The things he had to do during the war weighs very heavy on him. While her brother is away on business, Jane goes to Captain Grey's cottage to seduce him, bringing her brother's wild cat with her.

I love the outrageous remarks Jane makes in the hope someone will notice but people seem to be oblivious. A noble Captain that is endearing! A wild mischievous cat! I enjoyed this book. It was humorous, charming and touching. A really good short read.

Really enjoyed this book. Jane did not want to get married, but wanted to experience "passion". The Captain was nobly resistant, but passion won out in the end. It was an expected outcome, but the journey was very entertaining. Will definitely look for more books by this author.