This one charmed the pants off me, Caroline Besford has always been an obedient girl, when her father forced her into a marriage and her husband isn't pleased, in fact he leaves on the wedding day. Caroline, frustrated with the situation and with all the pressure being brought to bear from all sides absconds and goes to her friend who has been disowned by her family and is now a very successful courtesan. Her husband mistakes her for a courtesan as well, not recognising her, when her friend suggests she plays along she realises that she just might have a chance at love.

It's an interesting mistaken identity piece, probably stretches credulity a little occasionally but I did like the characters and Caroline's growth through the book. Her realisation that she had to be more herself and both of their realisations of their depth of feelings for each other were what made the book for me, that and Lady Samphire, a hoot.

But where's the red-head male for the cover? Sheesh, there have to be some lurking in stock photos somewhere. ( )

A wife fools her husband into taking her as a mistress - this should have been much more fun than it actually is. The language is forced, the characters bland, and fearsome old ladies intervene at every moment of danger and solve everything. ( )