There are no plain Janes on Jane Street. It’s the exclusive enclave of twelve erotically exotic women. Just a dozen jewel-box houses, each one holds a rich man’s mistress. Deeds to these properties are difficult to come by, passing only through death, deals, and perhaps a dirty trick or two. Known by those in the ton as “Courtesan Court,” three very unlikely women find themselves installed there most unwillingly.

Charlotte Fallon let her guarded virtue fall once—and she’s paid dearly for it ever since. She swore she’d never succumb to men’s desires again. But even a village spinster’s life miles from temptation can’t save her from a sister with no shame whatsoever. Or a heart that longs for more, whatever the cost…

Sir Michael Bayard found more than he expected in his bed when he finally joined his new mistress. He’d fantasized about her dewy skin and luscious curves, assured her understanding that what passed between them was mere dalliance. But he didn’t expect the innocence and heat of her response in his arms. Nor her surprisingly sharp tongue once she was out of them…

A few days of abandon cannot undo the hard-learned lessons of a lifetime. Nor can an honest passion burn away the restraints of society’s judgments. Unless, of course, one believes in nonsense like true love…

Title: Mistress by Mistake
Author: Maggie Robinson
Series: Courtesan Court Trilogy, book 1
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Brava Kensington
Year of release: 2010
Format: Trade Size Paperback
Source: Won in Twitter contest held by author
First line: Honestly, Charlie! You're ruined anyway! What difference does it make?"

QnD-review:
Summary: Charlie takes her foolish and selfish sister's place in the bed of Sir Michael Bayard when Deborah carries out one of her impulsive stunts and breaks the courtesan contract she had with him to elope with another man. Bay arrives home to find his new mistress waiting for him in bed and doesn't hesitate to finally seal the deal only to find out it's not his mistress but her sister. When it appears Deborah took a priceless heirloom with her, Bay forces Charlie to stay his mistress as leverage until Deborah returns the necklace.
Hero: Michael Xavier "Bay" Bayard. Wonderfully blunt and direct. A bit gruff but oh so charming when he wants to be
Heroine: Charlotte "Charlie" Fallon. Sharp-tongued and passionate. Self-declared spinster
Writing: Maggie Robinson has a lovely writing style. I loved the pacing that was fast without too much descriptions. The pace kept it moving forward, however it never felt rushed. The book was well-written, entertaining, humorous and moving.
Likes:

• Slow but sure development of the feelings between Bay and Charlie. They go from animosity to unadulterated lust to genuine love and affection
• The chemistry and verbal sparring between Charlie and Bay
• The charming way Bay went in pursuit of Charlie when she went home to Little Hyssop

Dislikes:

• The story line with Bay's ex-wife

Verdict: This book put a smile on my face from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh new voice in the historical romance scene and with  MISTRESS BY MISTAKE Maggie Robinson brings humor and fiery passion to the courtesan themed romances. She is a gifted writer who has made a great first impression on me with her debut historical romance. I am looking forward to the other installments in this installments. Especially now that I've found out who the next 2 mistresses will be.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10