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Aug292011
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Mistress by Midnight’ by Nicola Cornick
by Carolyn • Posted in 4 Star Reviews, Authors A-D, Book Reviews, Historical Romance, Mira UK, Nicola Cornick, Reviews by Carolyn
Title: Mistress by Midnight (The Scandalous Women of the Ton #3)
Author: Nicola Cornick
Publisher: Mira (UK) | Harlequin (US)
Publication Date: Aug 2011 (UK) | Nov 2010 (US)
Paperback: 379 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Review copy from publisher
Reviewed by: Carolyn
RATING: 8/10 – brilliant, couldn’t put it down!
SUMMARY:
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 Farrick Northesk. Her family name had been tarnished at his hands, her life destroyed. And now she intends to return the favour – 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.
REVIEW:
“Mistress by Midnight” is the third book in the ‘The Scandalous Women of the Ton’ series by Nicola Cornick, and the best so far in my opinion. Although the format is very much the same with each novel I really enjoy Cornick’s style of writing, it’s very easy to read and her stories seem to suck me in from the first chapter. She is fast becoming one of my favourite historical romance authors.
Our heroine is Merryn Fenner, a young woman in her early twenties who is quite different from the other ladies of the ton. Merryn isn’t much into fashion and grand balls and thinks being a debutante is a tedious business. She would rather curl up with a good book, go to the theatre or attend lectures to broaden her mind.
Merryn is an intellectual, educated woman and is working secretly for an inquiry agency as a working woman, which is not the done thing in high society. Her main aim is taking revenge on the Duke of Farne for the death of her brother and the pain he caused ten years before.
At five feet tall, she maybe small, but she’s feisty and smart. I loved the way that when she became angry, and this usually happened when around Garrick, she lifts her chin and marches off in the opposite direction to show her displeasure. She is just so cute. I can totally understand why Garrick would be utterly taken with her.
Garrick Northesk, the Duke of Farne is our hero and he’s one of my all time favourites. I just fell hook line and sinker for this particular gentleman. He’s strong and gorgeous, but sweet and caring with a touch of vulnerability, a great combination. He has a dark past which is revealed slowly and the outcome surprises all, especially Merryn…
Both Merryn and Garrick are wonderful characters. I fell in love with both of them. They are so lonely and yet don’t want to admit it. They both have a past that continues to weave its way into their present and prevents them from giving in to their feelings. But this restraint is what gives their relationship so much fire and passion. Their dialogue is wonderful, at times very witty and at other times intense and tender. Their relationship takes time to grow, which made the happy ending so much more satisfying.
VERDICT:
Another wonderful historical romance from Ms Cornick. If you haven’t read this author before then I recommend you do – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, especially if you love historical romance. “Mistress by Midnight” is a fabulous read and I would recommend it just for the jail scene alone *fans self*
You can find out more about the author here:
Books in Series Order:
3. Mistress by Midnight
4. Notorious
This book counts towards the following BCC Reading Challenges:
Book #49 100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
Book #6 Summer Romance Reading Challenge 2011
Book #49 100+ Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011
Book #6 Summer Romance Reading Challenge 2011
3 Comments
great review. Not normally my cup of tea but I've just downloaded it on to my kindle as a result of your review!
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Fab review. You've enjoyed everyone of her books so far, so I must give one a try
Reply
BigBookLittleBook – Thanks, I'm glad you liked the review enough to download the book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did – let me know what you think!
Laura – I have enjoyed all her books, of course some are better than others but I do enjoy her writing style. I would definitely recommend reading one and seeing what you think
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