My Only Love by Cheryl Holt

Romantic and dramatic love story

5 stars

Maggie Brown, daughter to a courtesan, has struggled much during her short life, especially since her mother’s recent death. When she and her friend Anne, herself a former courtesan, visit the seaside to decide what they are going to do to survive, Maggie is delighted to meet a handsome stranger and embark on her first, but brief, love affair.

When she returns to London, she is forced to try to become a rich man’s mistress and is more than stunned when her mysterious stranger returns and is the highest bidder. Adam St Clair, Marquis of Belmont never wanted and mistress but he can’t help but want Maggie. Leaving her once was bad enough and he never wants to do so again. But duty, family and life are all conspiring to keep the pair apart and with every day their love will be truly tested.

Unlike many other of Cheryl Holt’s novels, this one really isn’t very erotic but that isn’t a complaint as this book is filled with love, passion, betrayal, murder, romance – it has it all.

The story, while not being complex, manages to keep you gripped as there is constantly something happening that makes you want to keep turning the pages. It also manages to continually surprise with a multitude of twists and turns.

All the characters, from Maggie and Adam to the more minor characters are well drawn and very interesting. The way that Adam seamlessly changes and grows throughout the book is a delight to watch as we realise he has become the perfect tortured hero!

There are so many facets to this book that it really is a joy to read. And despite all the drama, it still manages to be wonderfully romantic with an ending that will leave you smiling. Definitely recommended - 5 stars.