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School of Gallantry #1
Mistress of Pleasure
REAL PLEASURE CAN'T BE TAKEN.
Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother's school in London where gentlemen receive instruction—in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent, free from men and the shackles of marriage. But when Maybelle lays eyes on Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, at a soir e, and hears of his scandalous reputation, she decides he's the perfect person for her to have a tryst with no strings attached.
IT MUST BE GIVEN.
Unbridled passion has again muddied Edmund Worthington's family name. After his very public dalliance with the strikingly beautiful and sensual Maybelle, his mother insists he marry her. But much to the Duke's surprise, Maybelle scoffs at his proposal. Never has he encountered such a brazen—and maddeningly irresistible—woman. But when Maybelle's grandmother falls ill, forcing Maybelle to take over the operation of her school, Edmund devises a plan to make her his. He enrolls in the school, where no one other than Maybelle must give him expert lessons in carnal pleasure.
Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother's school in London where gentlemen receive instruction—in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent, free from men and the shackles of marriage. But when Maybelle lays eyes on Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, at a soir e, and hears of his scandalous reputation, she decides he's the perfect person for her to have a tryst with no strings attached.
IT MUST BE GIVEN.
Unbridled passion has again muddied Edmund Worthington's family name. After his very public dalliance with the strikingly beautiful and sensual Maybelle, his mother insists he marry her. But much to the Duke's surprise, Maybelle scoffs at his proposal. Never has he encountered such a brazen—and maddeningly irresistible—woman. But when Maybelle's grandmother falls ill, forcing Maybelle to take over the operation of her school, Edmund devises a plan to make her his. He enrolls in the school, where no one other than Maybelle must give him expert lessons in carnal pleasure.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
261 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Delilah Marvelle
38 books522 followersI spent my youth studying various languages, reading voraciously, and playing the pianoforte. I confess that here ends the extent of my gentle breeding. I was a naughty child who was forever torturing her parents with countless adventures that they did not deem respectable. Confined to my room on many occasions due to these misadventures, I soon discovered the quill and its amazing power. I scribed endless stories that almost invariably surrounded the topic of love, for I felt an inane need to be rescued from a family that did not understand my lust for life. In my mind, King Arthur became my true love and I waited for the day when he would come riding upon his steed and invite me to sit at his round table, not as his queen, but as his knight. To my distress, King Arthur was never to be found anywhere except for in the tip of my quill. And so I led an imaginary life for many, many years. When I finally came of age, my family was further horrified to discover that I had fallen in love with an American. An American King Arthur who became my knight, my husband, my all. I have been blessed beyond reason and am grateful for each day I have with him. What is equally amazing is that I now have the opportunity to share my passion for stories with the public. The reason why I write romance is because it allows me to touch upon the subject of love on a much deeper, more intimate level. Many of the stories I write, many of the stories I will continue to write, will always evolve around love. And yes, gentle readers, it will also evolve around sex as I have no intention of becoming my parents and restraining my characters from what it is they truly desire to do. I challenge you, my readers, to let loose of those corsets that have been strung too tightly due to convention and enjoy 1830 to its fullest."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
June 3, 2024
My second Delilah Marvelle story, and unfortunately this one didn't come close to the magic I felt in her book Forever a Lord.
It was interesting enough that I kept surprising myself at how far I had read in each sitting, but I was CONSTANTLY telling myself how absurd the story line was. I really don't think that I have had the word 'absurd' cross thru my thoughts as much as while reading this story.
The heroine, for one, was an inconsistent crank. One minute she wants to be immediately seduced by the hero in the garden at a party (how would they both NOT realize she would get grass stains on her gown and cause a scandal walking back into the ballroom?).... then she would switch over to become a cold fish.
A cold, virgin'ish fish that now needs to work at this school and teach gentlemen how to be more seductive in the bedroom. Once the props (a bucket of dildos) came out in the first class, the story lost all credibility for me. I honestly could not imagine any of the "lessons" happening in real history (and I am not a history nut). And it just wasn’t cute.
I just felt that the hero needed to chase this heroine around way too much and I couldn't for the life of me understand what he saw in her (because she wasn't friendly to him at all). It seemed overall that the story was trying to push more erotic, kinky dildo'esque scenes than actual love. 😤
It was interesting enough that I kept surprising myself at how far I had read in each sitting, but I was CONSTANTLY telling myself how absurd the story line was. I really don't think that I have had the word 'absurd' cross thru my thoughts as much as while reading this story.
The heroine, for one, was an inconsistent crank. One minute she wants to be immediately seduced by the hero in the garden at a party (how would they both NOT realize she would get grass stains on her gown and cause a scandal walking back into the ballroom?).... then she would switch over to become a cold fish.
A cold, virgin'ish fish that now needs to work at this school and teach gentlemen how to be more seductive in the bedroom. Once the props (a bucket of dildos) came out in the first class, the story lost all credibility for me. I honestly could not imagine any of the "lessons" happening in real history (and I am not a history nut). And it just wasn’t cute.
I just felt that the hero needed to chase this heroine around way too much and I couldn't for the life of me understand what he saw in her (because she wasn't friendly to him at all). It seemed overall that the story was trying to push more erotic, kinky dildo'esque scenes than actual love. 😤
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July 2, 2015My dearest Reader,
Having recently acquired the rights back to this playful, naughty book, I decided to do far more than slap a new cover on it. Even if you've read Mistress of Pleasure, you'll find since its original publication back in 2008, this book has undergone a metamorphosis.
This revamped second edition has countless new scenes, both romantic and hilarious in nature, which were added throughout the book in an effort to make you feel like you're reading it for the first time. What's changed? Almost everything. I dare you to revisit a book that started it all. This new, revamped edition will be available in all digital stores starting July 3rd.
Much love,
Delilah Marvelle
Having recently acquired the rights back to this playful, naughty book, I decided to do far more than slap a new cover on it. Even if you've read Mistress of Pleasure, you'll find since its original publication back in 2008, this book has undergone a metamorphosis.
This revamped second edition has countless new scenes, both romantic and hilarious in nature, which were added throughout the book in an effort to make you feel like you're reading it for the first time. What's changed? Almost everything. I dare you to revisit a book that started it all. This new, revamped edition will be available in all digital stores starting July 3rd.
Much love,
Delilah Marvelle
August 19, 2016
MISTRESS OF PLEASURE
RATING: 4½ Stars
What a deliciously saucy book Mistress of Pleasure was! It was refreshingly different, uproariously funny, wickedly sexy, and peopled with a wonderful array of richly drawn characters. I didn’t even mind that the plot veered towards the implausible at times because overall it was a fun read.
Here are some of my favourite moments ~
Maybelle has decided to ensure her independence by losing her virginity and thereby making herself unmarriageable. All she has to do now is find the right man! I love her reaction when she first sees Edmund…
Maybelle’s heart skipped as her eyes unwittingly followed him. Now there was a chariot worth riding into hell on.
I SECOND THAT!
Having compromised Maybelle, Edmund’s honour requires that he offer her marriage but the independent minded lady is certainly not impressed by his ducal arrogance or his attempts to persuade her using other wiles…
That good-for-nothing bastard. He couldn’t get her to flip up her skirts in his parlour or be his pot-flesh wife, so he went and used the only thing he did have. His title. Well, she might not have a title, or a reputation for that matter but she would ultimately win this battle. Not him.
LET BATTLE BEGIN!
Maybelle is forced to take on the role of headmistress of the School of Gallantry when her grandmother is taken ill. For her first lesson she will be addressing bedside manners and has asked the students to bring their nightshirts along and she must comment on each one. The first nightshirt selected belongs to Lord Hawksford (he has a bad reputation even by her grandmother’s standards!). It’s in somewhat of a disreputable state…
”Lord Hawksworth, the only pleasant aspect of your nightshirt is the way it is scented. It is wrinkled, disturbingly tattered, and has unidentifiable stains. How do you think a lady will respond when she sees you in this? “
Hawksford smirked. “Unfortunately, love, I am unable to keep up with all the demands. As for the stains, I think they speak for themselves.”
DON’T YOU JUST LOVE AN UTTER ROGUE!
Maybelle then moves on to a subject close to a man’s heart. SEX!
I’d love to share a moment but this scene is deliciously wicked, so no spoilers. If you want to know more, you’ll have to read the book!
SPOILSPORT!!
Things between Maybelle and Edmund definitely heat up…
”Do what you will,” she whispered. “I am certain I will enjoy every moment of it.”
He growled down at her as his other hand came up. His hold on the front of her gown tightened and, in one swift motion, he ripped the front of her bodice and kept ripping his way down until he had enough room for it to slip off her arms and waist and onto the floor.
Maybelle stood only in a petticoat, chemise, corset, stockings, and of course, her slippers. A shiver shot through her as the cool air around her flecked goose bumps across the exposed skin of her arms. She could feel herself growing wet, anticipating more.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!!
Unfortunately, the course of true love doesn’t exactly run smoothly with misunderstandings all round…
How about I equip you with a new face!” Edmund snapped up his right hand and smashed his fist into Hawksford’s face, sending Hawksford stumbling back into the waiter who stood by the decanter.
The fight continues and some minutes later…
“Cease this nonsense! Cease this at once! Maybelle rushed toward Edmund and Hawksford as they continued to thrash blow after blow at each other’s’ heads, chins, guts, and God knows what else. “Edmund! Hawksford! Enough!
WELL SAID MAYBELLE! MEN CAN BE SUCH IDIOTS
Thank goodness, the Happy Ending is on the horizon…
“He drew back his hand and cleared his voice in a theatrical manner. “Miss Maitenon, granddaughter of Madame de Maitenon, better known as the headmistress of the School of Gallantry, at least for the time being, will you give me the honor of becoming my wife, my duchess, my one true love?”
She sighed as if it were the best ever given in the history of England’s courtship. “Yes, Edmund. Yes.” She reached up and traced a loving finger alongside his face.
NOTE
Apparently, this should have been a series of five books, Mistress of Pleasure, Lord of Pleasure (Hawksford’s story) and three other books featuring the other three Lords enrolled in the School of Gallantry. I was disappointed to discover that Kensington Publishing discontinued the series after the second book, citing lack of sales as the reason, despite the fact that Mistress of Pleasure sold out its first run!
Update as at 17 March 2013
*jumps up with joy* I'm thrilled that Delilah has been able to continue this series and those other 'students' are to get their stories!
RATING: 4½ Stars
What a deliciously saucy book Mistress of Pleasure was! It was refreshingly different, uproariously funny, wickedly sexy, and peopled with a wonderful array of richly drawn characters. I didn’t even mind that the plot veered towards the implausible at times because overall it was a fun read.
Here are some of my favourite moments ~
Maybelle has decided to ensure her independence by losing her virginity and thereby making herself unmarriageable. All she has to do now is find the right man! I love her reaction when she first sees Edmund…
Maybelle’s heart skipped as her eyes unwittingly followed him. Now there was a chariot worth riding into hell on.
I SECOND THAT!
Having compromised Maybelle, Edmund’s honour requires that he offer her marriage but the independent minded lady is certainly not impressed by his ducal arrogance or his attempts to persuade her using other wiles…
That good-for-nothing bastard. He couldn’t get her to flip up her skirts in his parlour or be his pot-flesh wife, so he went and used the only thing he did have. His title. Well, she might not have a title, or a reputation for that matter but she would ultimately win this battle. Not him.
LET BATTLE BEGIN!
Maybelle is forced to take on the role of headmistress of the School of Gallantry when her grandmother is taken ill. For her first lesson she will be addressing bedside manners and has asked the students to bring their nightshirts along and she must comment on each one. The first nightshirt selected belongs to Lord Hawksford (he has a bad reputation even by her grandmother’s standards!). It’s in somewhat of a disreputable state…
”Lord Hawksworth, the only pleasant aspect of your nightshirt is the way it is scented. It is wrinkled, disturbingly tattered, and has unidentifiable stains. How do you think a lady will respond when she sees you in this? “
Hawksford smirked. “Unfortunately, love, I am unable to keep up with all the demands. As for the stains, I think they speak for themselves.”
DON’T YOU JUST LOVE AN UTTER ROGUE!
Maybelle then moves on to a subject close to a man’s heart. SEX!
I’d love to share a moment but this scene is deliciously wicked, so no spoilers. If you want to know more, you’ll have to read the book!
SPOILSPORT!!
Things between Maybelle and Edmund definitely heat up…
”Do what you will,” she whispered. “I am certain I will enjoy every moment of it.”
He growled down at her as his other hand came up. His hold on the front of her gown tightened and, in one swift motion, he ripped the front of her bodice and kept ripping his way down until he had enough room for it to slip off her arms and waist and onto the floor.
Maybelle stood only in a petticoat, chemise, corset, stockings, and of course, her slippers. A shiver shot through her as the cool air around her flecked goose bumps across the exposed skin of her arms. She could feel herself growing wet, anticipating more.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!!
Unfortunately, the course of true love doesn’t exactly run smoothly with misunderstandings all round…
How about I equip you with a new face!” Edmund snapped up his right hand and smashed his fist into Hawksford’s face, sending Hawksford stumbling back into the waiter who stood by the decanter.
The fight continues and some minutes later…
“Cease this nonsense! Cease this at once! Maybelle rushed toward Edmund and Hawksford as they continued to thrash blow after blow at each other’s’ heads, chins, guts, and God knows what else. “Edmund! Hawksford! Enough!
WELL SAID MAYBELLE! MEN CAN BE SUCH IDIOTS
Thank goodness, the Happy Ending is on the horizon…
“He drew back his hand and cleared his voice in a theatrical manner. “Miss Maitenon, granddaughter of Madame de Maitenon, better known as the headmistress of the School of Gallantry, at least for the time being, will you give me the honor of becoming my wife, my duchess, my one true love?”
She sighed as if it were the best ever given in the history of England’s courtship. “Yes, Edmund. Yes.” She reached up and traced a loving finger alongside his face.
NOTE
Apparently, this should have been a series of five books, Mistress of Pleasure, Lord of Pleasure (Hawksford’s story) and three other books featuring the other three Lords enrolled in the School of Gallantry. I was disappointed to discover that Kensington Publishing discontinued the series after the second book, citing lack of sales as the reason, despite the fact that Mistress of Pleasure sold out its first run!
Update as at 17 March 2013
*jumps up with joy* I'm thrilled that Delilah has been able to continue this series and those other 'students' are to get their stories!
April 28, 2015
**4 School of Seduction Stars!**
Another enjoyable read by DM.
Review to come!
Another enjoyable read by DM.
Review to come!
June 3, 2024
The writing isn’t horrible, although this needed proofreading very, very badly.
Throw a few facts about the Regency era, the film “Animal House,” and some porn in a blender, hit the pulse button, and voila! Here you go. It was so sophomoric. The school scenes alone earned this a 1-star rating but the drunken frat house antics toward the end sealed it.
First and last book by this author unless someone can convince me another is actually worth reading.
Throw a few facts about the Regency era, the film “Animal House,” and some porn in a blender, hit the pulse button, and voila! Here you go. It was so sophomoric. The school scenes alone earned this a 1-star rating but the drunken frat house antics toward the end sealed it.
First and last book by this author unless someone can convince me another is actually worth reading.
March 11, 2021
I really liked this one, and I needed to read something good after 1 starring and DNF-ing a book, which is rare for me. I was afraid I was entering a book slump or something. I also got this free on Amazon & I noticed that it's still free, so snatch it up while you can!
This was quite an unconventional Regency historical romance. First off, our heroine Maybelle is the granddaughter of a famous courtesan. Her grandmother, who she called grandmére, was my favorite character in the novel. At a ball, Maybelle seems a very striking man. She approaches him outside in the garden, they talk and the conversation was interesting and unconventional too, then she asks him to kiss her and have sex with her. (Her grandmother had been encouraging her to finally lose her virginity, but she hadn't found a man she was that attracted to yet.) That's another rare thing in a regency romance--to have a love scene right at the start. However, it's an aborted love scene. (Maybelle was unprepared for the pain of losing her virginity and demanded he pull out, lol, so they never finished it.)
We actually didn't get another love scene till many pages later. For all appearances, the book seemed to me to have more talk of sex than actual sex, which was a tad disappointing.
The classes Maybelle taught at the School of Gallantry were also interesting & I was wondering what she was going to teach the five men. The epilogue was also really nice.
I wonder who Book 2 is about, but I think I might check out the rest of the series!
This was quite an unconventional Regency historical romance. First off, our heroine Maybelle is the granddaughter of a famous courtesan. Her grandmother, who she called grandmére, was my favorite character in the novel. At a ball, Maybelle seems a very striking man. She approaches him outside in the garden, they talk and the conversation was interesting and unconventional too, then she asks him to kiss her and have sex with her. (Her grandmother had been encouraging her to finally lose her virginity, but she hadn't found a man she was that attracted to yet.) That's another rare thing in a regency romance--to have a love scene right at the start. However, it's an aborted love scene. (Maybelle was unprepared for the pain of losing her virginity and demanded he pull out, lol, so they never finished it.)
We actually didn't get another love scene till many pages later. For all appearances, the book seemed to me to have more talk of sex than actual sex, which was a tad disappointing.
The classes Maybelle taught at the School of Gallantry were also interesting & I was wondering what she was going to teach the five men. The epilogue was also really nice.
I wonder who Book 2 is about, but I think I might check out the rest of the series!
August 9, 2014
Too unrealistic. It is hard to believe that the heroine would actually be the (temporary) headmistress of such a school even if she was the granddaughter of a courtesan.
I can't understand how they grow to love each other. To me the whole book is full of sex, sex, and alas, sex. There is no doubt that they love each other's body and appearance.
But hey, it's a HR, shouldn't there be love?
When I read their saying "love", what I could feel was nothing but LUST. It's okay to start their encounter with physical attraction but then you need to add some more, something deeper into the story.
I have a bunch of questions in my head.
Why would the hero care for the heroine when he barely knows her?
Why would he fall in love with her when she doesn't seem to care for him at all?
Why would the hero want to marry her with his heart eventually in spite of his mother's will?
(Oh I would marry her because I want to bed her every day - HELL NO, THIS IS NOT WORKING)
Why would the heroine be willing to marry him and discard independence - the ONE thing that she valued so much?
(Oh I finally realize that I want him to make love to me all the time more than to be independent)
So did you really value independence or were you just afraid of not being able to marry properly and made up an excuse to feel better for your virginity/celibacy?
I am impressed that I could manage to finish the whole book. Well I finished it only because I PAID for it.
This is my first DM book and I am not sure if I would try another.
I can't understand how they grow to love each other. To me the whole book is full of sex, sex, and alas, sex. There is no doubt that they love each other's body and appearance.
But hey, it's a HR, shouldn't there be love?
When I read their saying "love", what I could feel was nothing but LUST. It's okay to start their encounter with physical attraction but then you need to add some more, something deeper into the story.
I have a bunch of questions in my head.
Why would the hero care for the heroine when he barely knows her?
Why would he fall in love with her when she doesn't seem to care for him at all?
Why would the hero want to marry her with his heart eventually in spite of his mother's will?
(Oh I would marry her because I want to bed her every day - HELL NO, THIS IS NOT WORKING)
Why would the heroine be willing to marry him and discard independence - the ONE thing that she valued so much?
(Oh I finally realize that I want him to make love to me all the time more than to be independent)
So did you really value independence or were you just afraid of not being able to marry properly and made up an excuse to feel better for your virginity/celibacy?
I am impressed that I could manage to finish the whole book. Well I finished it only because I PAID for it.
This is my first DM book and I am not sure if I would try another.
November 2, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. It was a sweet,light hearted story which actually made me laugh out loud a few times. There was passion and heat between the H & h and of course there is struggle and conflict keeping them apart. I loved the characters--all of them were really well developed and stayed true to their personalities and nature.
Although I put this as a bodice ripper, I would think die hard erotic readers may think it tame.
This is not reccommended for those who are into clean reads, there are references to sex toys and other topics which some may not care for.
I would have rated this higher but I have to admit, the editing was really atrocious. I also felt the h not caving to the H after their time in the townhouse was a bit unbelievable. But I understand how the author wanted to add more conflict and perhaps prolong the story so chose this path for the h in order to do so. I admit that I am glad she did because I love the drunken fight scene between H and "the lord of pleasure" that occurrs after.
I still liked it and would read it again one day.
Although I put this as a bodice ripper, I would think die hard erotic readers may think it tame.
This is not reccommended for those who are into clean reads, there are references to sex toys and other topics which some may not care for.
I would have rated this higher but I have to admit, the editing was really atrocious. I also felt the h not caving to the H after their time in the townhouse was a bit unbelievable. But I understand how the author wanted to add more conflict and perhaps prolong the story so chose this path for the h in order to do so. I admit that I am glad she did because I love the drunken fight scene between H and "the lord of pleasure" that occurrs after.
I still liked it and would read it again one day.
December 8, 2008
Maybelle de Maitenon was raised by her grandmother. Nothing special you would think but – Maybelle´s grandmother was a famous former French courtesan and so her upbringing was rather unconventional. Meaning? Maybelle knows more a about sex than a girl her age or even a respectable married woman in that era should know but only – and that is the crux of the problem - in theory. To rectify this situation and to get rid of her innocence she decides (under the approval of her grandmother I may add - such a granny is priceless..lol) to seduce a gentleman at a soirée at Lord Hughes house. There she meets Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford whom she is attracted to at first sight and she´s sure she has found the one...
When her grandmother falls ill Maybelle is forced to take over her grandmother´s "School of Gallantry", a school for gentlemen to learn how to seduce and woo a lady and of course how to pleasure her properly. To her surprise there she meets Edmund again who has every intention to marry her because of their little tryst in the garden of the Lord ...
I really liked this book. Maybe some storylines were not really ringing true – why should a handsome young man who even happens to be a Duke and not to forget very wealthy not be able to find a wife? This is explained because of a scandal in his family and this seemed a bit too far-fetched for me, even a scandal wouldn´t have deterred mothers with daughters of marriageable age to hunt the poor man down! But okay, good for us and Maybelle because we got to read an entertaining book and Maybelle got a hell of a suitor. All could be well by now you think but what does Maybelle do? She wants to have her freedom to live the life SHE wants to live (that was the reason she wanted to get rid of her innocence, a "fallen girl" isn ´t really marriage material) and that doesn´t include the duties of a Duke´s wife. Not to mention her heritage, of course.
I loved to read about Edmund´s tries to convince Maybelle otherwise and Maybelle´s tries to escape. Of course there is misunderstanding, miscommunication and mistrust and their boat of love bobs dangerously up and down on the ocean of passion but in the end safe harbor is in sight (okay okay I admit I watched "Pirates of the Carribean" lately on DVD).
I´ve read on the author´s website that there is a second book in this series "Lord of Pleasure" due August 2009. I´m really looking forward to read that one too....
Website of the author: http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/
When her grandmother falls ill Maybelle is forced to take over her grandmother´s "School of Gallantry", a school for gentlemen to learn how to seduce and woo a lady and of course how to pleasure her properly. To her surprise there she meets Edmund again who has every intention to marry her because of their little tryst in the garden of the Lord ...
I really liked this book. Maybe some storylines were not really ringing true – why should a handsome young man who even happens to be a Duke and not to forget very wealthy not be able to find a wife? This is explained because of a scandal in his family and this seemed a bit too far-fetched for me, even a scandal wouldn´t have deterred mothers with daughters of marriageable age to hunt the poor man down! But okay, good for us and Maybelle because we got to read an entertaining book and Maybelle got a hell of a suitor. All could be well by now you think but what does Maybelle do? She wants to have her freedom to live the life SHE wants to live (that was the reason she wanted to get rid of her innocence, a "fallen girl" isn ´t really marriage material) and that doesn´t include the duties of a Duke´s wife. Not to mention her heritage, of course.
I loved to read about Edmund´s tries to convince Maybelle otherwise and Maybelle´s tries to escape. Of course there is misunderstanding, miscommunication and mistrust and their boat of love bobs dangerously up and down on the ocean of passion but in the end safe harbor is in sight (okay okay I admit I watched "Pirates of the Carribean" lately on DVD).
I´ve read on the author´s website that there is a second book in this series "Lord of Pleasure" due August 2009. I´m really looking forward to read that one too....
Website of the author: http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/
February 27, 2011
Delilah Marvelle is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
This is the second book I have read by her and was her debut novel and knowing this I can see the promise of a great writer.
The book starts off in a very unconventional mannor and doesn't let up from there. The characters are a joy to read and you keep hoping that the hero and heroine come to there sense and realise that they are meant to be together.
The sex scenes are fantastic and I found myself lost in the full book. So much so I read it in a day, which most of you who follow my reviews, know is a rarity.
I'm glad to know that the next book in this very short series is about Hawkford, who was a standout supporting character in this book.
Read it and enjoy!!!
This is the second book I have read by her and was her debut novel and knowing this I can see the promise of a great writer.
The book starts off in a very unconventional mannor and doesn't let up from there. The characters are a joy to read and you keep hoping that the hero and heroine come to there sense and realise that they are meant to be together.
The sex scenes are fantastic and I found myself lost in the full book. So much so I read it in a day, which most of you who follow my reviews, know is a rarity.
I'm glad to know that the next book in this very short series is about Hawkford, who was a standout supporting character in this book.
Read it and enjoy!!!
January 12, 2016
Sexy! One of the best erotic historical romances I've ever read.
I loved how this story was so different from what we usually see in the genre. Delilah Marvelle's voice is very fluid, and her characters captivating. I could really relate to the main characters and can't wait to read more about the supporting ones!
This title is first in a series but can be read as a standalone as it doesn't have a cliffhanger.
I loved how this story was so different from what we usually see in the genre. Delilah Marvelle's voice is very fluid, and her characters captivating. I could really relate to the main characters and can't wait to read more about the supporting ones!
This title is first in a series but can be read as a standalone as it doesn't have a cliffhanger.
August 11, 2016
Light, funny and entertaining. A nice break after some of the heavy books I've been reading.
Some parts read more like a contemporary romance than a historical romance. But it was still very entertaining and enjoyable.
Some parts read more like a contemporary romance than a historical romance. But it was still very entertaining and enjoyable.
October 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, even after reading the previous edition i still found it hard to put down. 4.5 STARS
October 11, 2020
Exquisite
A dashing and exciting historical romance. Excellent characters full of personality and laughs and tears aplenty trying to get these two mismatched lovers together.
A dashing and exciting historical romance. Excellent characters full of personality and laughs and tears aplenty trying to get these two mismatched lovers together.
January 20, 2016
“Whoever thought one could be so popular and yet so equally despised? It made no sense. But then that was the ton for you. They set rules even they had trouble following.” Quote from Mistress of Pleasure
What better way for a man to know he’s pleasuring a woman in the ways that count except by taking lessons from a demimondaine at The School of Gallantry? Maybelle’s grand-mére was going to ruin them totally. When the great and well-known demimondaine starts the school, she has many applicants. Duke Rutherford, rounding the number to five class members, had his own agenda in getting admitted.
With the knowledge her grandmother was to start a school, Maybelle was astounded. Why would she do that? Their names around town were already teetering into the gutter. Maybelle was painted with the same brush as her grand-mére.
“Our reputation is already limp. Why on earth do you feel the need to flog it to death?”
Her grandmother thought the school an excellent idea and quite profitable since she was in need of funds (Maybelle had no idea of this). She’d be making women very happy. Maybelle saw it otherwise. She saw men used women to pleasure only themselves.
“Her grandmother tsked, puckering her lips. “Ma chѐre. If a man knows nothing about seduction, the courtship becomes merely poom-poom. Animal copulation. It is the woman who suffers, for a man can always find pleasure. But a woman? Not so. We cannot keep men from the conquests they seek, but we can educate the lust-ridden fools and in turn benefit, oui?”
Maybelle wants to travel, dreams of visiting Egypt, but every time she brings up the issue, her grandmother comes ready with another reason not to.
Maybelle was afraid to make any attachments. That is, of the male sort. She’d seen what happened to her father when her mother died. He lived on the verge of insanity, his love so strong. That kind of loved scared Maybelle. After her father left this world, when she was but 12, she was thrust into her grand-mére’s world.
“Her grandmother sighed. “I do not understand. You have no intentions on ever marrying, and yet you hold onto your virginity as if it were worth a dowry. A woman’s innocence is only valued by men. The moment you dispose of it, you take your first step toward freedom. Your first step toward ensuring you do not belong to anyone but yourself.”
Maybelle is a mix of innocence, brashness and passionate nature. When armed with her grandmother’s words, she acts impulsively in finding her freedom through losing her virginity.
“Where there is a will to conquer a man, there is most certainly a way to conquer a man.”
I love the tone and the humorous style author Marvelle sets in this nice and naughty story. There is plenty to laugh at as Maybelle, armed with all her grand-mére has taught her about men, yet hasn’t experienced any of it—not even a kiss, preceded to seduce Lord Palmer. the duke of Rutherford. When Maybelle sees him for the first time across a ballroom, she wants to meet him, so uses some of the tactics learnt from her grand-mѐre.
Her words when seeing him — “is a chariot worth riding into hell on”. She goes about mastering the ride creating funny and embarrassing scenes keeping the reader highly entertained.
Viscount Edmund Palmer was known as the duke who did everything right. Never a misstep. When he meets Maybelle, he is bowled over. Literally! A woman hardly suitable for any titled gentlemen let alone a duke, interests him on every level. Maybelle is hard to win. She’s hot and then cold, frustrating the duke beyond frustrated. She doesn’t believe she’s duchess material and knows well enough that his relationship with her will bring his family ruin as well. So how much will someone give up for love, the all-encompassing kind where nothing else matters?
Secondary characters, his classmates in the art of seduction, were great additions to this love story. Each had strong personalities and lively imaginations only creating more havoc in Viscount Palmer’s life. I was also impressed by Edmund’s mother’s attitude and her determination to see Edmund married to someone he’s excited about.
What better way for a man to know he’s pleasuring a woman in the ways that count except by taking lessons from a demimondaine at The School of Gallantry? Maybelle’s grand-mére was going to ruin them totally. When the great and well-known demimondaine starts the school, she has many applicants. Duke Rutherford, rounding the number to five class members, had his own agenda in getting admitted.
With the knowledge her grandmother was to start a school, Maybelle was astounded. Why would she do that? Their names around town were already teetering into the gutter. Maybelle was painted with the same brush as her grand-mére.
“Our reputation is already limp. Why on earth do you feel the need to flog it to death?”
Her grandmother thought the school an excellent idea and quite profitable since she was in need of funds (Maybelle had no idea of this). She’d be making women very happy. Maybelle saw it otherwise. She saw men used women to pleasure only themselves.
“Her grandmother tsked, puckering her lips. “Ma chѐre. If a man knows nothing about seduction, the courtship becomes merely poom-poom. Animal copulation. It is the woman who suffers, for a man can always find pleasure. But a woman? Not so. We cannot keep men from the conquests they seek, but we can educate the lust-ridden fools and in turn benefit, oui?”
Maybelle wants to travel, dreams of visiting Egypt, but every time she brings up the issue, her grandmother comes ready with another reason not to.
Maybelle was afraid to make any attachments. That is, of the male sort. She’d seen what happened to her father when her mother died. He lived on the verge of insanity, his love so strong. That kind of loved scared Maybelle. After her father left this world, when she was but 12, she was thrust into her grand-mére’s world.
“Her grandmother sighed. “I do not understand. You have no intentions on ever marrying, and yet you hold onto your virginity as if it were worth a dowry. A woman’s innocence is only valued by men. The moment you dispose of it, you take your first step toward freedom. Your first step toward ensuring you do not belong to anyone but yourself.”
Maybelle is a mix of innocence, brashness and passionate nature. When armed with her grandmother’s words, she acts impulsively in finding her freedom through losing her virginity.
“Where there is a will to conquer a man, there is most certainly a way to conquer a man.”
I love the tone and the humorous style author Marvelle sets in this nice and naughty story. There is plenty to laugh at as Maybelle, armed with all her grand-mére has taught her about men, yet hasn’t experienced any of it—not even a kiss, preceded to seduce Lord Palmer. the duke of Rutherford. When Maybelle sees him for the first time across a ballroom, she wants to meet him, so uses some of the tactics learnt from her grand-mѐre.
Her words when seeing him — “is a chariot worth riding into hell on”. She goes about mastering the ride creating funny and embarrassing scenes keeping the reader highly entertained.
Viscount Edmund Palmer was known as the duke who did everything right. Never a misstep. When he meets Maybelle, he is bowled over. Literally! A woman hardly suitable for any titled gentlemen let alone a duke, interests him on every level. Maybelle is hard to win. She’s hot and then cold, frustrating the duke beyond frustrated. She doesn’t believe she’s duchess material and knows well enough that his relationship with her will bring his family ruin as well. So how much will someone give up for love, the all-encompassing kind where nothing else matters?
Secondary characters, his classmates in the art of seduction, were great additions to this love story. Each had strong personalities and lively imaginations only creating more havoc in Viscount Palmer’s life. I was also impressed by Edmund’s mother’s attitude and her determination to see Edmund married to someone he’s excited about.
August 18, 2015
I jumped into the School of Gallantry series with book 3 and I absolutely loved it. I followed along through the end of the series and am only just now seeing where it all began. I read this as a second edition re-release, which I understand has some differences from the original, so you may want to keep that in mind.
One of the things I really like about this series is that the books all take place in the same period of time. So even though I didn’t start with book one, with all of the events taking place concurrently, I didn’t feel like I missed anything. The series surrounds a special school for gentlemen, run by a former French courtesan. She helps them learn the art of romance and seduction. Each man needs her help for different reasons, but each ends up a hero of his own story. This book not only features one of the students, but the courtesan’s own granddaughter, Maybelle.
Growing up under the shadow of her infamous grandmother, Maybelle has never been accepted by society. She has been exposed to far more than any gently bred lady should be, yet she has never wished to exercise the sexual liberation her grandmother has fostered… until now. When she spies Edmund, the Duke of Rutherford, at a ball, she has finally found a man she actually wants to put her hands upon. She makes the first move, having no idea that Edmund is a man bound to propriety and determined to live as a gentlemen beyond temptation. Maybelle tears his resolve to ribbons.
From their very first encounter, they begin a dysfunctional dance, fueled in parts by unbridled attraction, insecurities, and emotions. There are times this really works. It’s easy to believe in the pull between them. I really felt the way Edmund warred with himself between his desire for Maybelle and his commitment to gentlemanly behavior. I also really understood Maybelle’s pain at her rejection by society and her fear that a relationship with a duke could make her more vulnerable than ever.
There were other times, though, that did not ring as true. Like how Edmund’s behavior turned on a dime, not once, but twice: first when he went from wanting nothing to do with Maybelle to wanting to marry her. Then back again. Or how a story about her grandfather’s lineage could change Maybelle’s entire outlook on the relationship. Or what they did behind a screen at a ball.
Those issues kept me from loving this one entirely –and a couple of typos pulled me out of the story once or twice. But I enjoyed this one overall, largely because I like Delilah Marvelle’s storytelling voice. The sexy times are hot and there are some good romantic moments. Lady of Pleasure is still my favorite in this series, but I am glad I picked this one up.
Rating: B/B-
*Book provided by author for review
One of the things I really like about this series is that the books all take place in the same period of time. So even though I didn’t start with book one, with all of the events taking place concurrently, I didn’t feel like I missed anything. The series surrounds a special school for gentlemen, run by a former French courtesan. She helps them learn the art of romance and seduction. Each man needs her help for different reasons, but each ends up a hero of his own story. This book not only features one of the students, but the courtesan’s own granddaughter, Maybelle.
Growing up under the shadow of her infamous grandmother, Maybelle has never been accepted by society. She has been exposed to far more than any gently bred lady should be, yet she has never wished to exercise the sexual liberation her grandmother has fostered… until now. When she spies Edmund, the Duke of Rutherford, at a ball, she has finally found a man she actually wants to put her hands upon. She makes the first move, having no idea that Edmund is a man bound to propriety and determined to live as a gentlemen beyond temptation. Maybelle tears his resolve to ribbons.
From their very first encounter, they begin a dysfunctional dance, fueled in parts by unbridled attraction, insecurities, and emotions. There are times this really works. It’s easy to believe in the pull between them. I really felt the way Edmund warred with himself between his desire for Maybelle and his commitment to gentlemanly behavior. I also really understood Maybelle’s pain at her rejection by society and her fear that a relationship with a duke could make her more vulnerable than ever.
There were other times, though, that did not ring as true. Like how Edmund’s behavior turned on a dime, not once, but twice: first when he went from wanting nothing to do with Maybelle to wanting to marry her. Then back again. Or how a story about her grandfather’s lineage could change Maybelle’s entire outlook on the relationship. Or what they did behind a screen at a ball.
Those issues kept me from loving this one entirely –and a couple of typos pulled me out of the story once or twice. But I enjoyed this one overall, largely because I like Delilah Marvelle’s storytelling voice. The sexy times are hot and there are some good romantic moments. Lady of Pleasure is still my favorite in this series, but I am glad I picked this one up.
Rating: B/B-
*Book provided by author for review
January 11, 2011
The book started out very promising and kind of went down hill from there for me. The heroine seemed so bold in the begininig. Upon seeing the hero she immediately wanted him and proceeded to have him, but it seem like right after their encounter she becaome a prude. Her change in demeanor started to annoy me a little. I also found the love scenes to be a little lackluster and at times felt like there wasn't really much heat between the hero and the heroine. I felt like I was watching the author try to hook this couple up with each other knowing that they really didn't care for each other. I think the heroine would have been better off paired with the other character in the story, Hawksford. Also, the heroines reason for wanting to be independent was so thin. Because her father was so in love with her deceased mother that he didn't want anyone else and died happy knowing that he was going to see her again. The heroine felt her father was weak for his feelings and vowed never to be that preoccupied with a person. I'm not going to give up on the author but I hope Ms. Marvelle second book in the series is much stronger read.
July 6, 2015
Maybelle and the Duke make for an unconventional couple. I like strong heroines and Maybelle certainly does not fit into a mold. The story was good. There were unique aspects that made it more interesting. I felt there was potential for more. I don't know that it is quite an "erotica" and much as a steamy romance. I'm glad I read it :)
May 23, 2012
Totally unbelievable....unrealistic. Sure, we all know that these romances are pure fantasy, but they come across as "could happen," BUT no way could this happen. Too many things in this book just didn't follow the etiquette of those days. Just strange and a big stretch for me.
February 5, 2016
Light and fun read. I enjoyed that Maybelle wasn't the typical woman from that time mainly due to being raised by a French courtesan. I liked the chemistry between Maybelle and the Duke of Rutherford. I'm am interested in reading some of the other characters books in the series.
October 29, 2017
Franchement, je ne lirai pas la suite. Je n'ai absolument pas accroché. Pourtant il y a des moments drôles et émouvants .
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June 10, 2010
Maybelle de Maitenon is the granddaughter of a famous courtesan and went to live with her after her father's death when she was twelve-years-old. It has been her grandmother's dream to open up a school to teach men the art of pleasing a woman. Finally, that dream is made a reality but she needs Maybelle's help after suffering a stroke. Maybelle might be knowledgeable about sex, but her experience comes from books, not the actual act of participating in it. She doesn't want to have anything to do with the school. She would much rather be exploring the pyramids of Egypt or traveling the world, but out of obligation to her grandmother she gives in to her cajoling.
Maybelle decides it is time for her to loose her virginity and notices a very handsome, regal man at a soiree. She sets her sites on the Duke of Rutherford and promptly proceeds to seduce him. Things don't go according to plan and their encounter is made public. Edmond worried about the scandal that will befall Maybelle offers her marriage. Maybelle fears loosing her independence and refuses. The Duke left with no other choice decides to enroll in The School of Gallantry and sets his sites on changing Maybelle's mind.
I think the best word to sum up my experience with Mistress of Pleasure is fun. This story is just an all around entertaining, pleasant read. The tone is much more light-hearted than I am used to when reading historicals and made for a refreshing change. Maybelle and Edmond are fighting a battle of wills. The intending battle has a few mishaps that end in folly and mayhem. Maybelle thinks they are too different, he being a Duke and she the daughter of a bastard. Edmond sees things a little differently. At this point, what is one more scandal in his eyes? His father already alienated his family from the ton. He has no love for society and he would be happy to thumb up his nose at the lot of the pretentious morons.
There some great scenes in Mistress of Pleasure. One of them is when Maybelle is hosting her first class at The School of Gallantry. Aside from Edmond, she meets four other interesting men and they each have a different reason for attending. Maybelle assigns them homework and her and the students reactions are laughable. There is just a lot of fun material in the book. The only thing I would warn readers about is that some suspension of disbelief will be needed when reading this book. Maybelle does not read like a typical heroine of this time period. She has very modern thinking. It fits with her upbringing, but it would be hard to imagine a woman of that time doing some of the things she does. The whole idea for The School of Gallantry is pretty far fetched in of itself, even though is does make for rather entertaining fodder.
Maybelle decides it is time for her to loose her virginity and notices a very handsome, regal man at a soiree. She sets her sites on the Duke of Rutherford and promptly proceeds to seduce him. Things don't go according to plan and their encounter is made public. Edmond worried about the scandal that will befall Maybelle offers her marriage. Maybelle fears loosing her independence and refuses. The Duke left with no other choice decides to enroll in The School of Gallantry and sets his sites on changing Maybelle's mind.
I think the best word to sum up my experience with Mistress of Pleasure is fun. This story is just an all around entertaining, pleasant read. The tone is much more light-hearted than I am used to when reading historicals and made for a refreshing change. Maybelle and Edmond are fighting a battle of wills. The intending battle has a few mishaps that end in folly and mayhem. Maybelle thinks they are too different, he being a Duke and she the daughter of a bastard. Edmond sees things a little differently. At this point, what is one more scandal in his eyes? His father already alienated his family from the ton. He has no love for society and he would be happy to thumb up his nose at the lot of the pretentious morons.
There some great scenes in Mistress of Pleasure. One of them is when Maybelle is hosting her first class at The School of Gallantry. Aside from Edmond, she meets four other interesting men and they each have a different reason for attending. Maybelle assigns them homework and her and the students reactions are laughable. There is just a lot of fun material in the book. The only thing I would warn readers about is that some suspension of disbelief will be needed when reading this book. Maybelle does not read like a typical heroine of this time period. She has very modern thinking. It fits with her upbringing, but it would be hard to imagine a woman of that time doing some of the things she does. The whole idea for The School of Gallantry is pretty far fetched in of itself, even though is does make for rather entertaining fodder.
August 22, 2015
And here is where the School of Gallantry saga begins with a grand entrance with Delilah Marvelle's expertise.
Well known courtesan, Madame de Maitenon's beloved granddaughter, Maybelle would like no part of her grandmother's latest venture of a school for gentleman who wish to learn the art of pleasuring their women. Maybelle wants to travel to Egypt, which has endlessly held her fascination, but leaving her grandmother to her own devices may not be possible.
Maybelle assures Madame de Maitenon that she has no interest in marriage and wishes to remain free, but when Maybelle spies Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford across the ballroom floor, her interest is piqued. When Maybelle follows the gentleman out to the garden she has no idea what she's in for other than a tryst.
Edmund Worthington has been trying to repair the poor reputation his family suffered with the antics of his now deceased father. Edmund strives to perfection, but the very forward Maybelle de Maitenon is the epitome of temptation that Edmund cannot resist. With her ruination complete and public humiliation evident, Maybelle's exit is thwarted by her grandmother's collapse at the ball and the only person willing to aid is Edmund. Now his mother insists on him taking Maybelle to wife and even though it's absurd to him as she not in his class, he accepts what must be done and proposes... um, well not really well and Maybelle refuses.
With every passing hour Maybelle seems to be getting under Edmund's very skin and now he is determined to marry her. He enrolls and is accepted in the School for Gallantry, which Maybelle has taken over teaching while her grandmother recovers for her apoplexy, and the hunt is on to make the woman who would rather run from a respectable marriage than be a duchess.
MISTRESS OF PLEASURE by the indomitable Delilah Marvelle is perfection wrapped up in this passionate tale. Edmund Worthington's seemingly over-arrogant persona is quickly quashed when he meets his match with the hard-headed but desirable Maybelle. The attraction between them is so passionate, it threatens to ignite. Ms. Marvelle's secondary characters are so interesting and add so much to this tale. Delilah Marvelle is never afraid to shock one's sensibilities and push the reader to the very edge. I adore this about her. Her writing is brilliant and Ms. Marvelle has an insight that few authors have. If you have never picked up a novel by Delilah Marvelle before, this is a great place to start.
~KIMBERLY~
November 29, 2015
My thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
I gave this a 7/10. I have to admit that I have read some of this series out of sync as I have already read and reviewed ~ The Duke of Andelot.
In this first story in the series we are introduced to Maybelle de Maitenon and Edmund Worthington aka the Duke of Rutherford. As Maybelle is attracted to Edmund, she learns of his scandalous past and sees him as the ideal man to strike up an illicit no strings attached affair. After their very public encounter, his Mother tells him that he must make an honest woman of Maybelle, but she has a mind of her own and spurns his offer.
Fate however has other plans for them both. As Maybelle's grandmother is taken ill, it's left to Maybelle to take over her grandmother's role in the School of Gallantry where gentleman are taught how to treat ladies and learn how to seduce them. As Edmund realises he has no other option than to enrol in the School, he pursues her relentlessly and it becomes apparent that it is down to Maybelle to teach him.
This is an erotic romance that will titillate the reader from time to time, the explicit passages are not gratuitous and add to the storyline rather well. I loved the relationship between Maybelle and Edward, I really wanted them to end up together as a couple.
If you're looking for an erotic romantic series to start reading then look no further, thoroughly recommended.
I gave this a 7/10. I have to admit that I have read some of this series out of sync as I have already read and reviewed ~ The Duke of Andelot.
In this first story in the series we are introduced to Maybelle de Maitenon and Edmund Worthington aka the Duke of Rutherford. As Maybelle is attracted to Edmund, she learns of his scandalous past and sees him as the ideal man to strike up an illicit no strings attached affair. After their very public encounter, his Mother tells him that he must make an honest woman of Maybelle, but she has a mind of her own and spurns his offer.
Fate however has other plans for them both. As Maybelle's grandmother is taken ill, it's left to Maybelle to take over her grandmother's role in the School of Gallantry where gentleman are taught how to treat ladies and learn how to seduce them. As Edmund realises he has no other option than to enrol in the School, he pursues her relentlessly and it becomes apparent that it is down to Maybelle to teach him.
This is an erotic romance that will titillate the reader from time to time, the explicit passages are not gratuitous and add to the storyline rather well. I loved the relationship between Maybelle and Edward, I really wanted them to end up together as a couple.
If you're looking for an erotic romantic series to start reading then look no further, thoroughly recommended.
February 13, 2016
This is actually the first book in the series "School of Gallantry" buy Delilah Marvelle. Also I will make note that this was first released around 2013, which is the first time I read this book. I did find that this book for its "re-release", it has been overhaul somewhat and not just the cover has changed. I found that the story had more "scenes" .. and somewhat changed. Not to overly much, but enough to make it better. The heroine, Maybelle Maitenon grandmother is a very popular courtesan. Maybelle had not thoughts to go forward in her grandmothers shoes , but had been thinking of having tryst. Maybelle wants nothing more than that. The hero, Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, finds things are hard to stick with in his own rules. This sets the tone for their love story. This book can be read as a stand alone book so, don't worry if you are reading them out of order. I find that I really like Delilah Marvelle books and I think she writes not just the story well, but makes the love scene really good!.
July 20, 2015
As the granddaughter to a famous demimonde, Maybelle isn´t interested in being married. She knows everything there is about the relationship between men and women, and she´s more interested in traveling to Egypt and exploring the pyramids.
Persuaded to stay and help with the School of Gallantry, she takes a note from the family and sets out to experience a fling, just to see what it´s about.
The Duke of Rutherford lived through a scandal when his father died, and giving in to lust or women is the last thing he´s about to do. Until Maybelle happens.
Two opposites with a flammable lust, can they come to an understanding, despite everything that´s against them?
Regency Romance and smutty fluff in a great combo, and the start to a series where you can´t wait to see how the other students of the school fares =D
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Persuaded to stay and help with the School of Gallantry, she takes a note from the family and sets out to experience a fling, just to see what it´s about.
The Duke of Rutherford lived through a scandal when his father died, and giving in to lust or women is the last thing he´s about to do. Until Maybelle happens.
Two opposites with a flammable lust, can they come to an understanding, despite everything that´s against them?
Regency Romance and smutty fluff in a great combo, and the start to a series where you can´t wait to see how the other students of the school fares =D
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2015
I read this series out of order, but reading the later books and then this one shed a lot of light on what was between the duke and Maybelle. Actually, this series can be read out of order, due to the fact all events with secondary characters are happening simultaneously, which I felt was like putting a puzzle together. I enjoyed Maybelle, she wasn't conventional and a lot of stigma was placed on because of what her grandmother was a courtesan. I loved how she overcame the stigma and how Edmund made her realize she's more than what people think of her. Edmund also grew because of Maybelle. Overall beautiful, angst lite, and just overall lovely.
April 20, 2012
I loved this book. Right from the beginning the heroine cracked me up with her unique blend of scandalous book knowledge and complete lack of experience in reality. She was a breath of fresh air in a genre where heroines take themselves way too seriously sometimes. I didn't feel quite as connected to the hero, and my attention sort of wandered about 3/4ths of the way through, but overall it was a fantastic read.
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