3.85

3

Mar 13, 2017

The Mistress by Danielle Steel is a 2017 Delacorte Press publication.


Wow, it’s been decades since I read a Danielle Steel novel. Back in the 80’s I read them regularly. But, as I am wont to do, I did a segue into other genres, and am always introducing myself to new authors. I lost touch with DS over time, but it wasn’t intentional. However, as I was browsing through the overdrive library books, I noticed quite a few DS novels were available, and was suddenly struck by the urge to reacquaint The Mistress by Danielle Steel is a 2017 Delacorte Press publication.


Wow, it’s been decades since I read a Danielle Steel novel. Back in the 80’s I read them regularly. But, as I am wont to do, I did a segue into other genres, and am always introducing myself to new authors. I lost touch with DS over time, but it wasn’t intentional. However, as I was browsing through the overdrive library books, I noticed quite a few DS novels were available, and was suddenly struck by the urge to reacquaint myself with her work.

This story is centered around Natasha, a young woman ‘rescued’ by a very wealthy older man from the cold streets of Moscow. She has spent her life as his mistress, wanting for nothing, allowing herself to be used as a trophy, but never really living life to her fullest potential.

When her path crosses with Theo, the son of a famous artist, Theo, a talented artist in his own right is so taken with her, he paints her portrait from memory. As time passes the two will encounter one another, time and again, but Natasha is owned by her powerful Russian billionaire, so Theo can only worship her from a distance.

While this book still employs the same style of writing and storytelling I recall from this author, this story lacks some of the sparkle I remember. While it is mildly interesting, and is a fast, easy read, it doesn’t seem to have much depth. It’s okay, but is a little dull and flat, and more than a little predictable.

I saw a video clip of Danielle Steel recently after she appeared on one of the morning news shows. She says she writes, on average, six books a year, and has a new book coming out soon that is a political thriller. So, the author has a wealth of material I can catch up on and of course new books to anticipate, so while this one didn’t dazzle me, it still whetted my appetite for more DS novels. If anyone has a suggestion or would like to share what their favorite DS novel is, I’ll be sure to check it out.

This one gets 3 stars
...more

2

Oct 31, 2018

This was a standard fare Danielle Steel novel which always fills the spot at the right time and place for this reader. I flew through it in a couple of days. A young woman, saved from near death in Russia becomes a beautiful mistress to the richest man in the country. She lives a decadent life of extreme wealth and haute couture gowns on the most extremely over the top ocean liner that she calls home. Is this a life of love that she is leading? Throw in some gorgeous art and well to do people This was a standard fare Danielle Steel novel which always fills the spot at the right time and place for this reader. I flew through it in a couple of days. A young woman, saved from near death in Russia becomes a beautiful mistress to the richest man in the country. She lives a decadent life of extreme wealth and haute couture gowns on the most extremely over the top ocean liner that she calls home. Is this a life of love that she is leading? Throw in some gorgeous art and well to do people and you have a tried and true formula. Quite unrealistic plot twists but I still love to read DS. ...more

1

Jan 11, 2017

A hodge-podge of paragraphs.

I occasionally pick up a Danielle Steele book when I'm traveling. Despite wading through run-on sentences and mind-numbing repetition, I can pass the time by reading an uncomplicated, often formulaic, tale while surrounded by typical airport hubbub.

The Mistress is a new low for Ms. Steele. I found myself re-reading complete paragraphs previously encountered earlier in the book. Even more peculiar were incidents described in minute detail before they had even occurred A hodge-podge of paragraphs.

I occasionally pick up a Danielle Steele book when I'm traveling. Despite wading through run-on sentences and mind-numbing repetition, I can pass the time by reading an uncomplicated, often formulaic, tale while surrounded by typical airport hubbub.

The Mistress is a new low for Ms. Steele. I found myself re-reading complete paragraphs previously encountered earlier in the book. Even more peculiar were incidents described in minute detail before they had even occurred in the chronology.

My only conclusion is that Danielle Steele overused the copy/cut and paste feature of her word processor. I envisioned her using a collection of paragraphs much like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Her problem was that the pieces did not quite fit together.

At the hefty price tag for this book, she and her publisher are insulting her readers. The story itself is mundane and uninteresting. She could have told it in a novella. After slogging through chapter after chapter, I finally reached the unsatisfactory conclusion.

Assigning a book only one star is rare for me. If The Mistress had been written by a first-time author, I might be more forgiving. Danielle Steele, on the other hand, knows exactly what she is doing.

...more

3

Jan 12, 2017

3.5 stars

This is my first Danielle Steel book. The blurb sounded really interesting so I decided to pick it up. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, I was intrigued by the characters and loved their story. However my biggest dislike was the development in the relationship of the two main characters. It was a bit of a letdown because they didn't see a lot of each other. They were apart most of the story. For me the story wasn't finished, I was really looking forward to seeing their

3.5 stars

This is my first Danielle Steel book. The blurb sounded really interesting so I decided to pick it up. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, I was intrigued by the characters and loved their story. However my biggest dislike was the development in the relationship of the two main characters. It was a bit of a letdown because they didn't see a lot of each other. They were apart most of the story. For me the story wasn't finished, I was really looking forward to seeing their relationship grow. Maybe the author does this in all her books but for me it wasn't satisfactory. But the writing was really good and I loved the personality of the characters. This book could've been so much better. ...more

2

Feb 01, 2017

Oh my! My mother taught me that if I have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all! So I am going to listen to that advice and just say it was a quick read!

3

Oct 23, 2018

While parts of this story were interesting, it’s definitely nowhere near Steele’s best work. I found it quite dry, almost like a robot was dictating the story. I felt no emotion in the writing and no connection to the characters and that made it really hard to fully enjoy this book. I thought the idea was interesting but it lacked spark and emotion to make it a great story.

1

Feb 01, 2017

I have read every Danielle Steel book and used to love them. However her latest books have numerous run-on sentences and mind-numbing repetition. Some of her paragraphs are one page long. After reading similar reviews and disappoinments on the ending, I decided to stop reading it and move on to something else. The quality of this book is why I get Danielle Steel books from the library vs buying them. It is very unusual for me to not complete a book but there are too many books and too little I have read every Danielle Steel book and used to love them. However her latest books have numerous run-on sentences and mind-numbing repetition. Some of her paragraphs are one page long. After reading similar reviews and disappoinments on the ending, I decided to stop reading it and move on to something else. The quality of this book is why I get Danielle Steel books from the library vs buying them. It is very unusual for me to not complete a book but there are too many books and too little time to read something I am just not enjoying. ...more

5

Dec 04, 2019

This is the most romantic Danielle Steel novel I've ever read. I was amazed at how much I cared about the characters, and the understated ending is so beautiful!

Still, now that I have time to write an extended review, I want to say up front that this book is not for everyone. The heroine isn't even a trophy wife -- she's a trophy mistress. And a lot of women hate that kind of heroine. On the other hand, if you're looking for a book with a ton of hot sex, that's not really here either. Whenever This is the most romantic Danielle Steel novel I've ever read. I was amazed at how much I cared about the characters, and the understated ending is so beautiful!

Still, now that I have time to write an extended review, I want to say up front that this book is not for everyone. The heroine isn't even a trophy wife -- she's a trophy mistress. And a lot of women hate that kind of heroine. On the other hand, if you're looking for a book with a ton of hot sex, that's not really here either. Whenever the Russian and his mistress have sex it's very discreet and described without much detail. Danielle Steel describes how the heroine feels about the evil Russian's cigars and his wine more often than she describes how the girl actually enjoys the sex!

But yet I just fell in love with the characters. It's so clear that the mistress of the title is not much more than a child when she's abducted off the street by the Russian. She's never known a real family, real parents, or real values. She's being exploited, but keeps saying over and over how "lucky" she is not to be starving or freezing in the slums of Moscow. You really understand after a while how brave she is, and when she takes the simplest and most basic steps to start a new life for herself at the end you want to sob your heart out and cheer at the same time.

The hero of the book, Theo, was even more amazing. Not because he was tough, or sexy. But because he was an actual, *real* human being. Like, his father was a great artist, a Picasso type. And Theo is a good artist. But he's not great. And he's okay with that, because he knows who he is. At the same time, he knows tons of women find him attractive, but when he paints the picture of the Russian's mistress you can see that he's never felt anything like what he feels for her.

I really enjoyed who these characters were, more than what they did. And again, if you are looking for tons of hot sex when they get together at the end, it's not there. Not a spoiler, I am just telling you this isn't that kind of book. Oddly enough, the sexiest character in the book was a very minor character. It was a sexy French police woman who has to interrogate both the hero and the heroine. I have never seen Danielle Steel write about cops before, let alone French cops, let alone lady cops. I didn't even know the French let women be police detectives! Long story short, this was a tough, smart, sexy woman with tons of allure and brain power and a kind heart. And I wish she could have had a book of her own! ...more

1

Jan 17, 2017

So I ended up getting a free copy of a Danielle Steel book. Fine, I thought, it'll just be a fluff book.

But people. This isn't fluff; this is terribly, terribly, terribly written torture.

The book involves very little plot: A mostly characterless beautiful woman is the sugarbaby of a rich Russian crime lord. (He's Russian with a Greek last name. Oops.) They meet an artist, who instantly becomes in love with her. There's a side plot about the artist's parents, but that's about it.

If you read So I ended up getting a free copy of a Danielle Steel book. Fine, I thought, it'll just be a fluff book.

But people. This isn't fluff; this is terribly, terribly, terribly written torture.

The book involves very little plot: A mostly characterless beautiful woman is the sugarbaby of a rich Russian crime lord. (He's Russian with a Greek last name. Oops.) They meet an artist, who instantly becomes in love with her. There's a side plot about the artist's parents, but that's about it.

If you read fluff, you read to enjoy the moment--the humor, the romance, the characters, etc. But this book has none of that. The only character I can picture is the sugarbaby, because we're told often she's blond. None of them have a specific characterization. And the instant-love is so ridiculous that I couldn't even roll my eyes. Finally, the writing is desperately in need of improvement. In a matter of a couple pages, a police woman is said to have "flashed her leg" three different times--that exact same phrasing, again and again, as if nobody had bothered to edit the book.

All in all, I'm glad I got this book for free, because it really isn't worth any great expenditure. What I'll remember from it is only that the Danielle Steel book factory needs to take a break and either hire better ghost writers or get Danielle herself a serious editor. ...more

2

Jan 16, 2017

Like other readers, I'm thinking it might be time to take a break from Danielle Steel (though I know I won't). I guess I just like the ease of the read, and am a sucker for a sappy romance. When the main characters who have so much money that they order a second yacht, more luxurious than a cruise ship and the current one is perfectly, it gets a bit much for me and is hard to fathom. I did like that the main female character was really down to earth when all was said and done. Just OK for me -- Like other readers, I'm thinking it might be time to take a break from Danielle Steel (though I know I won't). I guess I just like the ease of the read, and am a sucker for a sappy romance. When the main characters who have so much money that they order a second yacht, more luxurious than a cruise ship and the current one is perfectly, it gets a bit much for me and is hard to fathom. I did like that the main female character was really down to earth when all was said and done. Just OK for me -- 3 out of 10. ...more

3

Mar 20, 2017

Typical Ms. Steel, only a bit more interesting than many. 5 of 10 stars

3

Jan 20, 2017

Normally I would not choose to read Danielle Steel's formulaic novels. This was a gift, however, and that is hard to turn your back on. So onward I proceeded. It wasn't much of a surprise when I found an uncomplicated, often redundant wording and phrasing in a so-so story. Readers tend to expect more from a seasoned author.

I was hopeful that the Russian Mafia mistress of a strong and jealous kingpin, fighting for a forbidden love and a way to escape her situation plotline would interest me. It Normally I would not choose to read Danielle Steel's formulaic novels. This was a gift, however, and that is hard to turn your back on. So onward I proceeded. It wasn't much of a surprise when I found an uncomplicated, often redundant wording and phrasing in a so-so story. Readers tend to expect more from a seasoned author.

I was hopeful that the Russian Mafia mistress of a strong and jealous kingpin, fighting for a forbidden love and a way to escape her situation plotline would interest me. It was intriguing at times, and because of the influx of Russian news these days, I thought maybe there might be a bit more depth and original material contained within. It was not too complicated, at times a bit boring, and the ending was rushed and nothing unexpected.

I think I'm spoiled by newer authors who are releasing well-written books containing edgy, thought-provoking and extremely emotional scenarios with characters who are well defined -- and far less expensive.

...more

5

Apr 11, 2017

I loved this book so much because it shows no matter what happens in your life . you can over come by learning to trust yourself and do not let anyone control your life or who you are . Danielle steel is a great author who i love to read for years now . i have almost read all of her books because that is how much i love her as author. this book made me do a lot of thinking about my own life and how i need to trust myself when it comes to making changes in my life . i am trying to make a lot of I loved this book so much because it shows no matter what happens in your life . you can over come by learning to trust yourself and do not let anyone control your life or who you are . Danielle steel is a great author who i love to read for years now . i have almost read all of her books because that is how much i love her as author. this book made me do a lot of thinking about my own life and how i need to trust myself when it comes to making changes in my life . i am trying to make a lot of changes in my own life and this books gives the courage to do it and believe in myself again after many years of having other people believe in things and i would believe in to make them happy . but i am going to be my own person now . so thanks Danielle steel for making believe in myself . ...more

4

Mar 09, 2017

Always good to come back to a Danielle Steel book after not reading one in awhile. Yes, they're always predictable, but the story was refreshing and very easy to keep reading. I would of like to see Natasha run into Vladimir one last time, and I would've like to known what the sale of the paintings actually were, but oh well....that is what my imagination is for.

1

Jan 12, 2017

So Boring

I love Danielle Steel books, but, unfortunately, this book was beyond boring. Characters, story....boring! So disappointed!!! Please come back to us@

2

Jan 18, 2017

This novel is the typical Danielle Steel of years past when the heroine is extremely wealthy. Those are my least favorite. The book was an easy read, so I finished. I loved the last 50 pages when she lost all of her money and learned how to live with less and found out who she really was.

3

Mar 09, 2017

I'm hovering between 3 and 4 stars for this particular book. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with it, per se. I think I was just expecting more than what I was given. The blurb is kind of misleading, in a sense.

We follow the life of Natasha Leonova. She is a mistress to a super wealthy Russian named Vladimir Stanislas. She doesn't know exactly what Vladimir does. All she knows that he saved her from almost certain death in Russia. In exchange for her unfailing loyalty and access to her I'm hovering between 3 and 4 stars for this particular book. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with it, per se. I think I was just expecting more than what I was given. The blurb is kind of misleading, in a sense.

We follow the life of Natasha Leonova. She is a mistress to a super wealthy Russian named Vladimir Stanislas. She doesn't know exactly what Vladimir does. All she knows that he saved her from almost certain death in Russia. In exchange for her unfailing loyalty and access to her whenever he wants, Natasha leads a golden life. She is taken care of in ways that would make anyone jealous.

We also follow the life of Theo Luca, an artist and the son of a famous artist. He lives as a struggling artist, even though he is far from it. He becomes pretty obsessed with Natasha, knowing full well that he cannot have her.

The blurb made it sound like Natasha was going to have to chose between Vladimir and Theo and that choosing wrong was dangerous. That really wasn't the case at all. It was really just anticlimactic.

The book itself was kind of slow. During Natasha's view, we were basically told about how she shops everyday, doesn't question Vladimir and are constantly reminded about how lucky she was that Vladimir saved her. During Theo's, we were regaled with tales of his obsession with Natasha, how often he paints and how his mother is a pain in the butt.

I was really excited for this book but in the end it just kind of fell flat for me. Oh well. There is always another book. I won't give up on Danielle Steel yet! ...more

5

Feb 11, 2017

This is my first Danielle Steele novel in years and I quite liked it! I do not want to get into too much detail, however the book is a story about a Russian Billionaire, Vladimir Stanislas, and his mistress of 7 years, Natasha Leonova, which he found dying on the streets of Moscow at 18 years old. At first her pride demanded she make it on her own, but after getting pneumonia and almost dying, Vladimir took matters in his own hands and took her off the streets and nursed her back to health This is my first Danielle Steele novel in years and I quite liked it! I do not want to get into too much detail, however the book is a story about a Russian Billionaire, Vladimir Stanislas, and his mistress of 7 years, Natasha Leonova, which he found dying on the streets of Moscow at 18 years old. At first her pride demanded she make it on her own, but after getting pneumonia and almost dying, Vladimir took matters in his own hands and took her off the streets and nursed her back to health himself. Vladimir is 49 years old and thinks Natasha is the most beautiful young woman he has ever seen and lavishes her in things only billionaires can afford to do.

In return, Natasha learns her place as his mistress, seen but not be heard, and never pay attention to his business. For 7 years she does this, and remains innocent of everything, then fate throws a wrench into their lives, in the form of a young artist, his stubborn mother who owns a restaurant more like a shrine to her late husband, and fuels Vladimir's rage, when the mother won't sell the paintings; then her son paints from memory a painting of Natasha!

Read this book to find out what happens! This book is full of angst, secrets, unfulfilled love and new beginnings! It takes place all over the world, and on the seas.

I gave this book 5*****stars and loved it~! ...more

5

May 03, 2017

Oh Danielle, this is probably one of your better stories of love. Artist sees an unattainable beauty that he can not forget. They eventually have a moment for a conversation and he drinks in her beauty to recreated on his canvas. But alas, she belongs to another but he can not forget her and stays on the sidelines until events allow. Such a good story of unwilling to let go. Sigh

3

Nov 07, 2017

Pretty people in fancy surroundings feel feelings and remember memories.

5

Jun 24, 2017

I really like this story - here was a woman "owned" by a man who made some decisions to better her life. More people in "real Life" ought to do the same thing. Don't let someone own you - you can always make it on your own.

Beautifully written, Spell binding, suspenseful, deep emotions and a lesson for us all about people no matter who or what they are. I loved every minute of the story. I wished it did not have to end.

2

Jun 22, 2018

Very disappointed by this book. Danielle Steel used to be my favorite author. I have read almost all her books.This one is a new low for her. The story is just so descriptive and dry. Very little dialogue. Run-on sentences that may take up a whole page. There is absolutely no dialogue exchange in the first three chapters of the book. The characters are very poorly depicted and are not believable. The story-line is choppy and it takes some weird and abrupt turns that make you scream Very disappointed by this book. Danielle Steel used to be my favorite author. I have read almost all her books.This one is a new low for her. The story is just so descriptive and dry. Very little dialogue. Run-on sentences that may take up a whole page. There is absolutely no dialogue exchange in the first three chapters of the book. The characters are very poorly depicted and are not believable. The story-line is choppy and it takes some weird and abrupt turns that make you scream "Wait!...What?! ...What just happened?"
Sometimes I feel like Ms. Steel is completely detached from reality and has forgotten how things "work" in real life. She publishes a book every two months but their quality goes further down with each one. How I wish she would write just one DECENT book per year, instead. ...more

5

Jan 07, 2017

Loved it

I read mostly mysteries but occasionally want a change. And Danielle Steel is one of my first choices when I feel in the mood for a novel about women and the choices they make in their lives. This novel has a great protagonist, and a strong plot. I loved it.

4

Dec 15, 2017

Another easy to listen to story by Danielle Steel - its about Natasha who has been a Mistress to Vladimir for 8 years. He took her in after he found her freezing on the streets in Russia and she has become his mistress ever since. She has lived a life of luxury with Vladimir giving her jewels, clothing and treating her like a princess in exchange for her devotion. They dine at a restaurant in France and the waiter there is mesmerized by her beauty. He is the son of a once famous painter, and his Another easy to listen to story by Danielle Steel - its about Natasha who has been a Mistress to Vladimir for 8 years. He took her in after he found her freezing on the streets in Russia and she has become his mistress ever since. She has lived a life of luxury with Vladimir giving her jewels, clothing and treating her like a princess in exchange for her devotion. They dine at a restaurant in France and the waiter there is mesmerized by her beauty. He is the son of a once famous painter, and his mother was also his father's mistress. He is besotted with Natasha and paints her portrait. Where this leads you will have to read this book to find out. Danielle Steel novels are always good and it was also expertly narrated. ...more

1

Oct 06, 2019

Aaargh..... why do I continue to do this? Why do I keep trying to find the Danielle Steele books/stories I loved?? What has happened to her?? She must use ghost writers who try to follow her stories but they are not up to her previous high writing standards. Whoever is writing these books now has to stop as they have already ruined her reputation among many of her fans.