MORE THAN A MISTRESS by Mary Balogh is a Regency romance that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster like none other. With damaged characters comes high drama that any lover of historical fiction will enjoy, even on the third read through. Mary Balogh paints Regency here like no other, with bold colors and careful details. I give this novel five stars.
In MORE THAN A MISTRESS, Lady Sara Jane Illingsworth runs from her home after an attempted assault by her second cousin, the son of the current Earl of Durbury. A couple days after gaining employment as Jane Ingleby, she interrupts a duel, causing Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, to be injured. The duke drafts her as his nurse, claiming that since she is responsible for his injury, she will nurse him back to health. As his nurse, Jane is kept abreast of the gossip surrounding her cousin.
Once Jocelyn has recovered, Jane announces her intention to leave, but given what has passed between them, Jocelyn has a difficult time letting her go. So Jocelyn persuades her to become his mistress. The only problem, though, is that they fall in love. Jocelyn has a hard time dealing with his feelings, and after bearing his soul to Jane, he is terribly hurt when he discovers her true identity. Can these two learn to trust each other and make their relationship work?
I really enjoyed this novel. I have actually read it at least three times. It is definitely a keeper. The plotline is simple, but the characters are definitely not. The character development is well-illustrated, with depth and nuance. The characters' motives are clear and credible. Especially well done are the parts where Jocelyn feels hurt or insecure and lashes out at Jane. While this scenario can be typical in a Regency romance, indeed romance in general, the artistry here draws readers into the characters and makes them feel as if it were happening to them.
The pacing is just right, not too fast or too slow, keeping the reader interested and the plot moving forward.
The romantic development is also well done, clearly illustrating the difference between physical and emotional intimacy and the difficulties attaining and sustaining the emotional. The romance here is on the more detailed side, making this novel appropriate for those 18 and older.
If you are a historical fiction lover, this is not a novel to be missed. MORE THAN A MISTRESS will not disappoint.
**Review shared with The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=11061.
