MISTRESS OF SCANDAL

Author: Sara Bennett ISBN: 0060796499 4/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Victorian 1849

"We all must be true to our natures..." Madame Aphrodite Proper, reserved Francesca detests chaotic London and one of its most infamous inhabitants: her birth mother, the notorious courtesan Madame Aphrodite. Lovingly raised by the devoted Lady Greentree, she's content to remain in Yorkshire, far from the scandalous parent whose life and profession shocks . . . yet intrigues her. But a dark, dangerous stranger she rescues on the moors is awakening a most improper desire—causing Francesca to question whether she is more her mother's daughter than she ever wished to be. When Sebastian Thorne agrees to protect Aphrodite's estranged daughter from a dire threat emerging from her past, the fallen lord is unexpectedly seduced by Francesca's beauty. But a vigilante living on the shadowy edge of society has little hope to own such a prize—and unless he reclaims his abandoned title and lost honor, Sebastian will never get close enough to the bewitching lady to save her life . . .. or win her passion.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Sara Bennett wraps up her Greentree Sisters trilogy with the very romantic and wonderfully written MISTRESS OF SCANDAL. This is the first historical I have read by Sara Bennet, but it definitely won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed MISTRESS OF SCANDAL, and if you're a regency reader, you will, too.

Sara Bennett tells Francesca Greentree's story in MISTRESS OF SCANDAL. Francesca, whose mother is the infamous Madame Aphrodite, was stolen along with her two sisters from their mother when they were very young. Now a young lady, Francesca is determined not to grow up to be like her mother, but instead live alone as a spinster. Her plan was going well until she rescued Sebastian Thorne and started to fall in lust with him.

Sebastian is not who he appears to be, and is hired by Aphrodite to find the person who kidnapped her children years ago. While in Yorkshire, he gets trapped in the moors and rescued by Francesca. Immediately smitten with her, he sees that behind her proper upbringing, is a passionate and sensual young woman.

Danger lurks behind every corner when Francesca and the woman she calls mother visit London. However, for Francesca, the danger lies in Sebastian, the man that makes her yearn for more, emotionally and physically. Francesca must come to terms with her past and present before she can face her future. For Sebastian, he must solve Aphrodite's case and find the real truth about the kidnappings.

Sebastian and Francesca are perfect for each other. Sebastian is one of those heroes that knows what he wants and will do anything to get it. Francesca is a strong and sensual young woman and deeply cares about the people around her. I love reading a story where I adore both the hero and heroine!

Sara Bennett wrote a fantastic romance. The story flowed smoothly from one passage to the next—there was suspense, drama, humor and most of all a wonderful story about two people falling in love!

I would definitely recommend reading MISTRESS OF SCANDAL. It already has a permanent place on my bookshelf.

Julie Kornhausl