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Kimberly's Book Reviews
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Mistress By Midnight
Publisher: HQN Books
ISBN: 0373774885
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Recently, for a change of pace, I’ve been reading historical novels. I love the richness of detail inherent in a well-written historical romance novel and I was lucky enough to find two I really enjoyed so I’m sharing.

The Blurb: Merryn Fenner is on a mission to ruin the Duke of Farne. A beautiful bluestocking with a penchant for justice, Merryn has waited ten years to satisfy her revenge against sensual, mysterious Garrick Northesk. Her family name had been tarnished at his hands, her life destroyed. And now she intends to return the favor—by finding the true heir to the duke’s title and disinheriting Garrick.

Yet when a disaster traps Merryn and Garrick together, white-hot desire stirs between the two sworn enemies. Her reputation utterly compromised, Merryn is forced to do the one thing she cannot bear: accept the scandalous marriage proposal of the man she has vowed to ruin.

My Take: This is a great, fun historical romance filled with exactly the elements I enjoy: a smart heroine, a slightly damaged hero with lots of personal angst about situations out of his control, set against a rich palette filled with aristocratic privilege. I will tell you, what stood out most? The wonderful language. For the first time since I can remember, I actually had to dig out the dictionary. And I was tickled. Not only did I learn a new word, I enjoyed a fabulous journey between two characters that were simply entertaining. If you’re looking for a new historical author, check out Nicola Cornick. She’s one to watch.

Kimberly Van Meter, romance novelist, offers reviews (her opinion) on current fiction-length, traditionally published novels that catch her fancy.