The Mistress

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

Incomparable storyteller Danielle Steel illuminates rarely glimpsed precincts of unimaginable wealth and power, where love and freedom are the most dangerous desires of all.

Natasha Leonova's beauty saved her life. Discovered on a freezing Moscow street by a Russian billionaire, she has lived for seven years under his protection, immersed in rarefied luxury, while he pursues his activities in a dark world that she guesses at but never sees. Her home is the world, often on one of Vladimir Stanislas's spectacular yachts manned by scores of heavily armed crew members. Natasha's job is to keep Vladimir happy, ask no questions, and be discreet. She knows her place, and the rules. She feels fortunate to be spoiled and protected, and is careful not to dwell on Vladimir's ruthlessness or the deadly circles he moves in. She experiences only his kindness and generosity and believes he will always keep her safe. She is unfailingly loyal to him in exchange.

Theo Luca is the son of a brilliant, world famous, and difficult artist, Lorenzo Luca, who left his wife and son with a fortune in artwork they refuse to sell. Lorenzo's widow, Maylis, has transformed their home in St. Paul de Vence into a celebrated restaurant decorated with her late husband's paintings, and treats it as a museum. There, on a warm June evening, Theo first encounters Natasha, the most exquisite woman he has ever seen. And there, Vladimir lays eyes on Luca's artwork. Two dangerous obsessions begin.

Theo, a gifted artist in his own right, finds himself feverishly painting Natasha's image for weeks after their first meeting. Vladimir, enraged that Lorenzo's works are not for sale, is determined to secure a painting at any price. And Natasha, who knows that she cannot afford to make even one false move, nevertheless begins to think of the freedom she can never have as Vladimir's mistress. She cannot risk her safety for another man, or even a conversation with him, as Theo longs for a woman he can never have.

From Moscow to the Riviera, Paris, and London, The Mistress is a riveting tale of vast fortune, cruelty, creative genius, and daring courage, as uncompromising individuals chart a course for collision.

©2017 Danielle Steel. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

A New Life

Good story line. I very much enjoyed it. She was lucky to have been left anything. At least it gave her a new start in life.

Good Escape Listen

Good mental escape. The narrator's female voices were a little distracting. Otherwise, his reading style was pleasant.

Outstanding!

Lovely story in beautiful settings of Paris & St. Paul de Vence. An enjoyable read.

Left me hanging..

I wish the story had been finished so we know what happened to Natasha... it just sort of ends with no ending

Not a classic Danielle Steele novel

This novel is predictable and a little boring. Being back the "Message from Naam" Danielle.

Mistress

Narrators voice was soothing. This was a good read. Liked the ending glad she was able to be free.

A little flat

Story was okay. Writer spent way too much time describing the material things and surroundings. A little disappointed.

Narrator stoic

Narrator told the story like a news reporter. This was why the overall rating was low

Over too soon

Always enjoy Danielle Steel's books. Just wish the stories didn't end so soon. Great characters, very good story line.

Well written, mwah ending

Danielle Steel always keeps me entertained and this book is no exception. The premise of the book is a bit hokey, but she makes it work. The whole thing is believable and a bit suspenseful. I like the characters. I found it current and fascinating.

Unfortunately the ending was so unsatisfying I'll probably never buy another Danielle Steel book again. You can't just end a book without letting the reader/listener know what happens to the characters, Danielle! C'mon, I spend 7 hours and 36 minutes with these people I wants to have a sense of where they go from here.