At the Logical Men’s Society—an exclusive bachelor’s club—brandy flows like water, bawdy stories abound, and a gentleman tempted to marry is always persuaded to reconsider . . .
Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a decade later, Brandon is a leading member … Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men’s Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him.
To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. A chance encounter may have brought Brandon back into her life, but that doesn’t mean Kate will ever forgive him. She’s vowed to make him pay—even as she realizes the promises of the young love they once shared are still etched upon her heart . . .
Loving her exiled him.
Trusting him ruined her.
And now, a clash of passions threatens everything each of them ever desired.
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4.5 stars rounded up.
Kate Addison and Brandon “Bran” Balfour have a history, fifteen years ago they were in love and shared an amazing night of passion, but the very next day everything changes when they each believe the other betrayed them. But fate isn’t done with this duo and they meet again in the small town of Maidenshop.
Bran left England after Kate betrayed him for a man with money and a title, he made a fortune and became a well-respected architect, he returned to England when he learned of his brother in law’s passing and became guardian to his nephew – Christopher, the new Duke of Winderton. The dukedom was nearly bankrupt and Bran has worked hard for these past years restoring his nephew’s legacy. He is back in Maidenshop licking his wounds after a bridge design project he has been working on for a year is suddenly looking at other designs. He joins his friends Dr. Ned Thurlowe and “ Mars” the Earl of Marsden at the local tavern – the Garland – they have a club – The Logical Men’s Society – for bachelors only, a state that all three are happy to maintain. Bran was enjoying a drink with his friends when he gets an urgent summons from his sister – Lucy, the widowed Duchess. Lucy is beside herself – Christopher has announced he is in love with an actress and is going to marry her! Bran brushes aside her concerns until he learns the actress’ name – Kate Addison!
Kate’s life has gone through many changes since her affair with Bran, the man she loved who cruelly betrayed her. She left London not long after that night, returned home and buried her parents, then her brother inherited a dukedom, and Kate returned to acting, starting her own small troupe and performing plays she has written herself. She is working towards her goal – to perform in London again and she is so close! If not for a broken wagon, she would be on her way right now, but instead she is in Maidenshop, fending off the lovesick Duke of Winderton and trying not to lose her patience with him, she believes she has everything under control until HE shows up, she is surprised at her reaction and how angry she is – but she pretends to not know him. However when he acts like he was the injured party and threatens to have her run out of town, Kate fights back!
It is not long before our lovers talk and the truth comes out – they were both betrayed and both assumed the worst about the other. Can they rekindle the love they once shared or has too much time passed?
I really enjoyed this book, it was well written and flowed nicely. It had likeable lead characters, a believable scenario that torn them apart, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, a lot of emotion, some laughs, some tears, even some anger and healing. The ending was not what I was expecting and at first I didn’t think it was going to work, but it was perfect and exactly what the story needed. This is the first book in a new series, but you may recognize Kate as Matthew’s sister from The Duke That I Marry, if you liked her in that book – you are going to love her in this one! I am happy to recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next book! Please note – the edition I read was an Uncorrected Proof, so my review is based on the assumption that the title errors and other mistakes will be corrected prior to publication.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected e-arc that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*
Brandon Balfour and Kate Addison have a history. Fifteen years ago they were young, in love, and shared a magical night together. The very next afternoon, she abandoned him for a man with riches and a title. Or did she? You’ll just have to read the story to find out.
Imagine Brandon’s surprise when his sister summons him from London demanding that he do something about her son who has declared his intention to marry an actress whose acting troupe has broken down on the edge of their lands. As guardian to his nephew, the Duke of Winderton, it is his responsibility to see to the boy, except he isn’t a boy anymore. When Brandon’s sister, Lucy, mentions the actress’s name – Brandon is shocked – it can’t be the same Kate Addison!
Kate and Brandon had parted with huge misunderstandings between them. Each thought the other had betrayed them and both were still extremely angry to this day. Can they put aside their anger and find peace with each other? Can they find their way back to love?
One thing that I loved about the story was that the two main characters were older – he was thirty-six and he was thirty-five.
The first fifty(ish) percent of the book covers only one day in the story – it was a very busy day for Brandon. The story moves along well enough, but it is a bit slow and in a few places, I found myself skimming.
This is an excellently written, well-plotted, and very modern contemporary story appearing in period dress. It fits in perfectly with the current “women’s rights” trend in historical romance – even though women didn’t have any rights in the Regency period. I’m giving it a 4-star rating because it is well written, but for my own reading preferences, I wouldn’t give it above a 3-star rating. I might try the next book in the series to see if it is more of the same, and if it is, I’ll discontinue reading the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars rounded up
Brandon Balfour once engaged in a night of passion with a beautiful actress, Kate Addison, before that mistake saw his heart broken by her infidelity. Ten years later, Bran is a successful and wealthy architect and engineer, lately returned to England from India and serving as guardian for his nephew, Christopher, the Duke of Winderton. Bran has remained a bachelor all this time and is fairly content with his life and his role in the Logical Men’s Society, which he runs with his two closest friends. That is, until Kate and her traveling acting troupe breakdown in his idyllic village on their way to London and his nephew declares himself in love with the beautiful Kate and states his intention to marry her, leaving Bran with all sorts of trouble to deal with.
Kate has never forgotten her night with Bran or the shocking betrayal that so swiftly followed. Bran’s re-entrance into her life means nothing and she certainly won’t be forgiving him, rather she wants a taste of revenge. But as she gets a taste of the comeuppance she longed for, it soon becomes clear that both Bran and Kate were wrong about each other and the fledgling love between them is still very strong, if only they can get their timing right this time.
I enjoyed this book overall, but I’ve definitely got some mixed feelings. Brandon struck me as much too weak at times and unwilling to stand up to his ludicrous, air-headed sister or to his arrogant, punkish nephew. This weakness didn’t come off as beta hero charm or sweetness to me, it just registered as lack of backbone. At times Kate was just spiteful to Bran for no reason, which did make some sense given her past trauma, but the continuance of this behavior after she learned the truth just seemed immature for a 35 year old woman. I think the secrecy between Bran and his nephew went on a bit too long and I would’ve liked to see some more of a reckoning and development of some maturity or growth in him, but maybe that’s for a later book. To be fair, Kate and Brandon did have to deal with some fairly horrid side characters, so I think that also feeds some of my frustration towards them and the book as a whole.
On the whole, I appreciated the originality of this storyline, and the fact that the main characters are older, even if I didn’t connect with the characters all that much. This was a new to me author but I liked her writing and will read more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cathy Maxwell always delivers! Great characters and an unusual storyline make this book a must read.
A second chance romance that hits all the buttons and is an enjoyable read.
Brandon and Kate had met fifteen years ago and had one night together, when everything fell apart the next day. He thought she betrayed him and she married a man for money.. Or so it seemed.
Years later they meet again as Bradon’s sister summons him to her place to help get her son away from an actress. Who should he find but Kate!
Both are now older in their mid thirties and loved seeing how they came back together and how all was revealed.
Good second chance story. Fifteen years earlier, Bran and Kate were in love. He was an engineering student, and she was a young actress – not precisely an approved relationship. They had just shared one passion-filled night together when Fate tore them apart. Each believed the other betrayed them. Bran left for India and buried his heartbreak in work, becoming a respected architect and engineer. There he stayed until the death of his brother-in-law forced him home to be the guardian of his nephew. Kate suffered terribly because of what happened. She eventually left London and resumed her work as an actress, forming her own company. Her goal is to return to London and produce her plays there.
However, Fate is not done with Bran and Kate. Bran receives a frantic message from his sister, claiming that his nephew plans to marry an actress he just met. Bran is stunned at the identity of said actress because surely it can’t be the same Kate. Furious, he tears off to save his nephew from the clutches of a gold-digger. Kate is frustrated. The troupe’s wagon broke down in a small town, and it will take days to repair it. Meanwhile, the local young nobleman is making a nuisance of himself, pledging his undying love and interfering in her rehearsals. She can’t be rude to him for fear of reprisals, but she just wants him to go away.
I loved the first meeting between Bran and Kate. He comes tearing in, full of righteous fury, and she takes the wind out of his sails by pretending she doesn’t recognize him. I loved watching her stand up to him. She does go a little overboard though in her determination to get back at him. The events at that night’s dance are both amusing and heartbreaking as Kate lives down to Bran’s expectations. Their confrontation after the dance was emotional as they discover the truth about that night so long ago. It also becomes clear that the attraction between them has not died.
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Kate and Bran. Neither can deny the sparks that still fly between them, but can they overcome the past to be together? In addition to that past, they must also deal with the smitten Duke, judgmental neighbors, and a drama queen sister. The interactions between Kate and Bran are witty and fun, with underlying passion during their private encounters. I liked Bran’s support of Kate’s dream and his realization that he still loved her and dreams of a future with her. Kate also accepts that she still loves Bran. But trouble rears its head when Bran jumps to conclusions over his nephew’s actions and says some terrible things to Kate. After responding with some pointed remarks of her own, it’s no surprise when she refuses his apology. I ached for them both as they parted once again.
I loved seeing Kate continue to pursue her dream despite her heartbreak. The details of the process were fascinating, and I enjoyed watching it come together. I hurt for her over the betrayal by one of her troupe members and liked her determination to succeed. Opening night of her play was a nail-biter. I liked her surprise and pleasure at Bran’s arrival, and that both of them admitted their mistakes. I was glued to the pages during the play, as Kate faced down those who tried to destroy her. Bran’s words were just what she needed, and I loved the effect they had. The ending was awesome, and I loved the unexpected twist.
The secondary characters were great. Bran’s fellow Society members are intriguing, and I look forward to their stories. I have my suspicions about the direction of the engagement between Ned and Miss Taylor and can’t wait to see if I am right. I adored Miss Taylor’s actions at the dance. Bran’s nephew, Christopher, Duke of Winderton, is a spoiled brat. However, he isn’t entirely to blame for it. His mother has indulged him, and even Bran hasn’t done anything to wake him up to his responsibilities. Bran’s sister is a pain in the butt drama queen. She refuses to let her son out from under her thumb. She insists on keeping the truth about the estate’s finances from him. Everything Christopher or Bran do is a disaster in the making, in her opinion. I wanted to shake her many times. I was also frustrated that Bran caved into her wishes every time. If he had stood up to her more often, Christopher might not have been as much of a brat.
This was a wonderful story! I wondered if there really could be love left after the circumstances of the betrayal became known, but the author created a phenomenal and believable ending to this emotional roller coaster of a happily ever after!! Thank you Cathy Maxwell, you always make me fall in love with your characters!!
His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell is book #1 of the Logical Man’s Guide To Dangerous women series. It is a second-chance romance about two people, Brandon Balfour and Kate Addison, who very much in love but were horribly betrayed that sent him into exile and her to ruination. A decade later, Brandon, a bachelor but now a prominent member of the Logical Men’s Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him. To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. Brandon and Kate, now in their mid-thirties, have move on with their lives but unable to forget that one night they spent in each other’s arms. A chance meeting reunites them, and much to their dismay, the chemistry between them still burns—but so does the anger. The dark truth of what really happened that night shocks them both. Question is can they rekindle the love they once had?
The plot and characterization of His Secret Mistress flows with likable lead characters, their verbal sparring and well-matched wits hide their deep emotional vulnerability and steamy love scenes—all brings out healing and forgiveness. Kate comes back stronger with ambition to fulfil her dream. Brandon finally figures out what he really wanted. Cathy Maxwell writes a wonderful second-chance love story and forgiveness along with delightful secondary characters of Maidenshop. I had the opportunity to meet Cathy Maxwell and to receive His Secret Mistress at the book signing convention.
His Secret Mistress by Cathy Maxwell is the First book in the A Logical Man’s Guide to Dangerous Women Series. This is the story of Kate Addison and Brandon ‘Bran’ Balfour.
Kate and Brandon were young and in love they even got physical with their love. But then they ended up breaking up after a each thought the other betrayed them. Now several years later, neither had forgotten the other but they still have the thoughts of the other betraying them. When Brandon comes to ‘save’ his nephew from being in love with an actress he finds that actress is Kate.
This is their second chance to clear the air and find that they still have those same feelings.
Enjoyed their story.
3.5 Stars
Brandon Balfour made the mistake of trusting his heart to the exquisite, strong-willed actress, Kate Addison, with whom he shared one intimate night before fate intervened. Now a fifteen years later, Brandon is a leading member of the Logical Men’s Society—for no woman since Kate has managed to captivate him. To Kate, the memory of that night still burns strongly, because it was followed by a stunning betrayal. Brandon receives an urgent message from his widowed sister that her son the young Duke of Winderton has sworn to marry an actress. Brandon travels from London to Maidenshop to see what fuss his sister Lucy is making about Christopher, afterall he’s still the boy’s guardian for a few more months. Brandon is floored when he discovers the actress is Kate.
A well written book that had strong characters. Overall it flowed well & held my interest. I liked both Brandon & Kate but I found that there wasn’t much chemistry between them & apart from attraction, I found it hard to believe that they actually loved each other. Both Christopher & especially Lucy grated on me, he was a spoilt brat & she was whiny & whingy. I really liked Clarissa & look forward to her story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Fifteen years ago they shared a night of unforgettable passion that leads them both to believe they have found something special, but the next day it all comes crumbling around them. So Kate and Bran go their separate ways with no plans to ever reunite, knowing they will never be able to forgive the betrayal of the other.
But fate has other plans for this couple, these two are about to be reunited… and it is certain that no good can possibly come from it, or can it?
His Secret Mistress is a story of forgiveness, second chances, and finding love after heartache. This one had me stepping out of my comfort zone as I am not normally a historical romance reader, but I will admit I enjoyed it, it was an interesting read to take a chance on. The story line had a nice flow to it, the characters were easy to connect to, and the words were engaging enough to keep me turning the pages. I really enjoyed watching these two find their way back to one another, their little journey was riddled with drama, emotion, and of course sweet heartwarming romance! If you are a historical romance lover I am certain you will enjoy what the pages hold here, it’s words are destined to sweep you away, and leave your heart happy!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.