His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander {review-giveaway}

His Mistress by Christmas
by Victoria Alexander
Series: Sinful Family Secrets #1
Publisher: Kensington
Publication date: Sept 25, 2012
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow—and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him. Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks—if his family deems him responsible enough. There's no better way to prove his maturity than with a home and a wife. But though the lovely Veronica will share his bed, she steadfastly refuses to marry. However, Sebastian has a plan.An intimate sojourn at his new country house will surely change Veronica's mind. For Sebastian never takes no for an answer. And even in the midst of mischief-making relatives and unexpected complications, he intends to persuade his Christmas mistress that they belong together—in this, and every season to come...

As many of you know I love holiday themed tales. His Mistress by Christmas grabbed my attention with its lovely cover and teaser synopsis. Author Victoria Alexander delighted me with this tale, its colorful characters, humor and twists. I quickly consumed this and closed the book with a smile. This is the perfect Regency romance to get you in the mood for the holidays.

The tale begins when we meet the widowed Lady Veronica Smithson. She and her friend Portia are watching a speech presented by the dashingly handsome Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater. He is a renowned explorer, published writer and a reported rogue. While Veronica is financially independent and enjoys her freedom and collecting hats something is missing from her life. She misses the passion one experiences with a man, and decides upon meeting Sebastian that she will offer to be his mistress. Sebastian cannot help but noticing the striking redhead in attendance with his sister and is quite taken with her. While Veronica plots to become his mistress by Christmas, Sebastian is determined to have her as his wife by Christmas and the tale that unfolds is hilarious, heartwarming, romantic and captivating.

I love a good strong, feisty, witty heroine who thinks she knows her own mind, but hasn't a clue when it comes to matters of the heart. Veronica was positively delightful and I laughed and giggled at the outlandish things she did. Sebastian is gifted when it comes to words and his novels and speeches have men’s admiration and woman swooning. Yet he muddles things with Veronica, she completely throws him off his game and I loved it. As she peeled back his layers I feel more in love with this poetic man. The banter between them was positively delicious and at times humorous. As they each plot their next move, they find their families tossed into the mix and it was all quite smashing. Even the secondary characters added to the tale and had me in stitches. I adored Portia and Julia the three of them together were a hoot. I liked Sebastian’s American friend Sinclair and so want to read his story. *hint*

The tale Alexander spun was such fun and the characters brought the tale to life for me. I truly became wrapped up in this fast paced tale and could not put it down. I loved all the complications and family meddling and loved sharing their holiday with them. Even the servants made me laugh. The romance was filled with sexual tension, wicked banter and sweetness. There is only one sexual encounter but it’s detailed and spicy. The tale is heartwarming and leaves you filled with that gooey-mushy-Christmassy kind of happy as you close the book.

For those looking for a fun romantic holiday read I recommend His Mistress by Christmas. Victoria Alexander has over thirty-six published works and I will definitely be reading more. I was also delighted to discover she lives in my town.

I want to thank Kensington Publishing for sending me this finished copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this novel 4.5 coffee cups out of 5

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