Mistress by Contract (Harlequin Presents, No. 2201)

Rating:
Summary: I thought this one was terrible...
Review: ...but gave it 3 stars for the romantic scenes; otherwise the formula was everything I hate -- wimpy heroine; father-gets-himself-in-trouble-so-heroine-must-sacrifice-herself plot line; unbelieveable dialogues between the hero & heroine. Generally, I like this writer but this book was not a keeper.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly enjoyable
Review: 5 Stars for a book of its kind, restricted to a limited format to be part of a series

Wouldn't have imagined myself liking this kind of book, but this was very enjoyable. (On the strength of this, I bought another of hers, much earlier, and it was terrible - - so she must be improving like fine wine.)

The characters were fun; they grow and change and develop in very interesting ways. There were times you wish she'd expand or develop a bit more, but the requirements were obviously very exact - to fit the size of this series of books.

The situation that get things started is nicely thought out - - not easy to make the principal male into a villain. So the set-up is put in place, and you have sympathy for both the characters. Fun sparks fly, very amusing for reading in planes, waiting rooms, doing laundry, etc. -- above the usual standard.

Rating:
Summary: Good but with some flaws...
Review: Indecent proposal

There was only one way for Mikayla to clear her father's debt to powerful tycoon Rafael Velez-Aguilera: by offering herself in exchange! It was crazy; she knew that. Rafael had his pick of glamorous women, and Mikayla was a virgin...

Rafael was intrigued by Mikayla's proposal and immediately presented her with a contract specifying her duties as his mistress for a year! Top of the list was sharing his bed. What had Mikayla let herself in for?

Rafael was an intensely sensual man, and once he'd made love to Mikayla he might never let her go...

This is a good book. I guess it's the writer's skills that blindsided me to the flaws of the story until the end. I liked that the hero had a degree of aggresiveness and I don't fault him for taking what was offered. However, the story never explains what exactly draws the two people to each other emotionally. It just says that they fell in love. We never really hear about what makes Mikayla attractive to Rafael and vice versa. Like her bravado? Or his unexpected gentleness?

The old girlfriend is also an annoying plotline and I could have done with more interaction between the two other than sex-wise but still the story is well written and I enjoyed it to a degree.

Rating:
Summary: Not a Disappointing Read !!
Review: Mikayla was willing to give herself to Rafael Velez-Aquilera, as long as Rafael was willing to drop the debts her father owe him. And Rafael did drop the charges against her father, when Mikayla agreed to be his mistress for 15 months. But how was Mikayla going to be his mistress, when she doesn't even know how to be one and since she's also a virgin!

This was one Helen Bianchin book that wasn't a disappointment! I read some of her other works and it really sucked but this one was the bomb. I think what got to me was the caring side that Rafael showed to Mikayla when Mikayla was having some problems. Mikayla was a gem for Rafael because Rafael was too cynic and she wasn't the standard women he used to go out with. I recommend this book to readers that normally enjoy Helen Bianchin's books and trust me, MISTRESS BY CONTRACT is very enjoyable and sweet.

^_^ ~ Izzy

Rating:
Summary: A Keeper for sure
Review: This was the second book that I had read from this author and I sure was not disappointed. If you like men that are strong, in control, extremely rich and skillful lovers and women who are sassy, independent but vulnerable you will love this story.

Although the two characters get together because of a contract, they quickly become attracted to each other and are a extremely suited couple. I love a story where the feisty woman is pitted against a man who likes having his commands followed without question. I have read book at least 15 times and I always enjoyed myself.

The love scences are wonderful too!!!!

Rating:
Summary: "I can only offer myself"
Review: To repay her father's embezzling debt and to prevent her dying father from going to prison during his last few days, Mikayla offers herself as mistress to the man embezzeled: Rafael Velez-Aguilera.

She really did not expect him to accept her offer, but he did. Mistress for 15 months. Problem is, she is a virgin.

At first Rafael seems a rat for going though with the contract, since he knows her father only embezzled to pay for her mothers medical bills. Her father was caught because he was trying to pay the money back. And now her father is dying and he wants to put her father in jail?

As the time goes on though, we not only is he a good lover (hot!), but that a good percent of the time, he takes her needs into consideration. Helping her through difficult times.

"Mistress By Contract" is a good book to curl up with and dream. If you can sleep that is after all the hot scenes (grin).