The Mysterious Miss M
- Author: Diane Gaston
- Publisher: Harlequin
- Year: 2005
- Setting: Regency England
- Amazon Listing - The Mysterious Miss M
Madeleine, the Miss M of the title, has been reduced to working as a prostitute. Each night, patrons of the gaming hell run by her evil patron vie for the honor of seducing her. Hidden behind a mask, she manages to keep her soul separate from what's happening to her body until she's won by Devlin Steele, a soldier. Devlin returns to Continent and war; three years later, he returns to find Madeleine. This time, he saves her from her tortured life -- only to discover that she comes with more baggage (including a child and servant) and scars than he expected.
Gaston's story features unusual circumstances, including a heroine who is responsible for her own downfall. While the villains are a bit stock, the author's risk-taking elevates the story.