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The Villain #4
The Damsel
The Damsel is a standalone sequel to The Villain Duology, a Dark Regency Erotic Romance series.
The Honourable Mr. Robert Stanley is heartbroken …
After losing the love of his life to another man, he stumbles into a public house looking to drown his sorrows. The last thing he expects is to be approached with a scandalous proposition. When Lady Cassandra Lane offers him one night in an upstairs room with her, he leaps at the chance despite her stipulation that he submit to her every whim. He wants nothing more than to lose himself and forget his pain; allowing someone else control seems a small price to pay for it. Little does he know that one night will have the power to change everything.
Lady Cassandra Lane is in a constant state of rage…
After her brutal assault at the hands of a lord, she’s had her name and reputation dragged through the mud. Her family and friends have turned their back on her, and she’s become a social outcast. In the midst of it all, the anger and fear caused by the theft of her innocence rules her existence, and Cassandra has had enough. Deciding to take control of her circumstances, she sets out to find a man with whom she can overcome her anxiety over physical intimacy. Robert Stanley seems like an ideal choice—someone she can use for her own ends and discard once she is done. However, she never anticipates that their one encounter will lead to a craving for more.
Even when she fights him, all he wants is to save her from herself …
Robert cannot understand why he responds so readily to Cassandra’s dominant nature, or the cruelty fueled by her anger. Nevertheless, he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame—despite the possibility that she will only hurt him in the end. As he falls rapidly under her spell, he begins to uncover Cassandra’s deep, dark secrets, as well as her hidden pain. Even though she pushes him away at every turn, he finds himself unable to walk away—especially when it becomes clear that one of her secrets might just be the death of her.
She doesn’t need a hero … but if she’d let him, he might just be her saving grace.
The Honourable Mr. Robert Stanley is heartbroken …
After losing the love of his life to another man, he stumbles into a public house looking to drown his sorrows. The last thing he expects is to be approached with a scandalous proposition. When Lady Cassandra Lane offers him one night in an upstairs room with her, he leaps at the chance despite her stipulation that he submit to her every whim. He wants nothing more than to lose himself and forget his pain; allowing someone else control seems a small price to pay for it. Little does he know that one night will have the power to change everything.
Lady Cassandra Lane is in a constant state of rage…
After her brutal assault at the hands of a lord, she’s had her name and reputation dragged through the mud. Her family and friends have turned their back on her, and she’s become a social outcast. In the midst of it all, the anger and fear caused by the theft of her innocence rules her existence, and Cassandra has had enough. Deciding to take control of her circumstances, she sets out to find a man with whom she can overcome her anxiety over physical intimacy. Robert Stanley seems like an ideal choice—someone she can use for her own ends and discard once she is done. However, she never anticipates that their one encounter will lead to a craving for more.
Even when she fights him, all he wants is to save her from herself …
Robert cannot understand why he responds so readily to Cassandra’s dominant nature, or the cruelty fueled by her anger. Nevertheless, he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame—despite the possibility that she will only hurt him in the end. As he falls rapidly under her spell, he begins to uncover Cassandra’s deep, dark secrets, as well as her hidden pain. Even though she pushes him away at every turn, he finds himself unable to walk away—especially when it becomes clear that one of her secrets might just be the death of her.
She doesn’t need a hero … but if she’d let him, he might just be her saving grace.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2019
60 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Vale
37 books576 followersVictoria Vale writes erotic romance that refuses to stay in its lane. She hops between history and suspense, blending danger with desire until the edges blur. Her stories are marked by bold heroines, irresistible heroes, and heat that never behaves the way it should. Love Me Darkly (2025) proves passion is always at its best when it misbehaves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 24, 2019
Audio - 5+++ Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
I am officially a diehard fan of Victoria Vale!!
I loved the role reversal in this story.
The heroine in this story is a shunned rape victim turned vigilante. She's also a too tall "plain jane" and the hero is a pretty boy. The heroine is the brooder, the alpha, the dirty talker, the one who growls, the one who smirks and makes the hero stammer and blush! Underneath is all, she is vulnerable, and the hero's patience wins her over.
I really wish this wasn't the end of the series.
Story - 4.5 Stars
I am officially a diehard fan of Victoria Vale!!
I loved the role reversal in this story.
The heroine in this story is a shunned rape victim turned vigilante. She's also a too tall "plain jane" and the hero is a pretty boy. The heroine is the brooder, the alpha, the dirty talker, the one who growls, the one who smirks and makes the hero stammer and blush! Underneath is all, she is vulnerable, and the hero's patience wins her over.
I really wish this wasn't the end of the series.
February 28, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋💋
A stunning conclusion to the The Villain series. I can honestly say I haven’t read anything like this before, but love it.
The author writes with such passion and feeling , it takes your breath away .
Cassandra is one of Bertram’s victims of rape from the first book ,( Bertram now having been executed for his crimes) , she now has to pull her life back together, all the time dealing with her anger and inadequacies relating to that attack .
Robert is Daphne’s ex ,(from the Villain) , he’s still dealing with the fact she doesn’t return his affection and wants Hartmoor instead , after meeting one day by chance at an inn , Cass uses Robert to release her frustrations.
Robert discovers a world and a woman he can’t live without .
Refreshing, tense and emotional, this book is one you will not want to miss , especially if you’ve read the others in the series .
If you haven’t , then I suggest you begin with book 1 , The Villain .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋💋💋
A stunning conclusion to the The Villain series. I can honestly say I haven’t read anything like this before, but love it.
The author writes with such passion and feeling , it takes your breath away .
Cassandra is one of Bertram’s victims of rape from the first book ,( Bertram now having been executed for his crimes) , she now has to pull her life back together, all the time dealing with her anger and inadequacies relating to that attack .
Robert is Daphne’s ex ,(from the Villain) , he’s still dealing with the fact she doesn’t return his affection and wants Hartmoor instead , after meeting one day by chance at an inn , Cass uses Robert to release her frustrations.
Robert discovers a world and a woman he can’t live without .
Refreshing, tense and emotional, this book is one you will not want to miss , especially if you’ve read the others in the series .
If you haven’t , then I suggest you begin with book 1 , The Villain .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
January 5, 2022
A BOLD, INTENSE journey that somehow I did not expect...Holy cannoli what a story...I'm still reeling!
I enjoyed this...a rollercoaster-ride of dark and gritty historical romance.
Lots going on here: A vigilante heroine. Sexual awakening. Revenge. Domination and submission. Violence. Overcoming trauma.The quest for deep love and understanding...all the angst...yearning...Wow. WOW!
What a RIDE
...A fit ending to a very unique and powerful series.
I enjoyed this...a rollercoaster-ride of dark and gritty historical romance.
Lots going on here: A vigilante heroine. Sexual awakening. Revenge. Domination and submission. Violence. Overcoming trauma.The quest for deep love and understanding...all the angst...yearning...Wow. WOW!
What a RIDE
...A fit ending to a very unique and powerful series.
March 9, 2019
When I finished the ARC of this book, I realized this was going to be a tough one for me to review. I'd originally thought that this was a sequel of The Villain Duology that I enjoyed so much. But that wasn't it at all. This book was a lot more - and calling it a sequel to anything is not doing the book justice. Justice. That's a word that applies to the heroine of this story - Cassandra. And the word I would use to describe Robert Stanley, our hero, is steadfast. But that's enough of that for now, I will come back to them later.
Once again, the Queen of Regency Smut has written a book that combines every single technical point that can be included in a novel, and then she put the icing on the cake by adding the scenes that she loves so well, the hot, steamy, erotic scenes between Cassandra and Robert. Victoria Vale writes erotic scenes as if she were born to it. She holds nothing back, and whether you liked the idea of domination and submission when you began reading this book, the story will convince you that you should like them a little, maybe a lot, in fact you should love them. And then it goes beyond that. If you appreciate GOOD erotica, this book brings it all home. By GOOD erotica I mean honest, earthy, downright hot sex, written with emotion and charm. Because if the emotion isn't there, then all it is, is sex. And erotica isn't "just sex". And erotica isn't easy to write. That said, Mistress Vale makes it look like this is something anyone can do. Nope. Not happenin'.
Now, to the book, because I don't need to make the author's head swell any more than I already do when I write these reviews.
The book is a continuation of The Villain Duology, which consisted of The Villain and The Dove and the book that followed, The Butterfly. At the end of The Dove, we see the foundation upon which this book, The Damsel, was built. And in The Butterfly, we see more and more of the background of the book. But when we open the pages of The Damsel, we discover that there is far more to Cassandra Lane than we knew already. She carries the guilt, the angst, the hatred, and the PTSD (although they wouldn't have used that term then) from the attack that we read about in The Duology. And we also met Robert Stanley there as Daphne's boyhood admirer, and a man who believed himself in love with Daphne until he helps her chase after Hartmoor in The Dove and actually delivers her to him, despite his love for her.
Stanley is still in the throes of heartbreak (he thinks) over Daphne when he is approached by Cassandra in a pub, aptly named, The White Cock. ;-) It is then that Robert discovers what Cassandra wants from him, and we find out that he is more than willing to give it to her. But there's much more to this story. It is a story of a man who has suffered more pain from loss than any one person should have to suffer. It is a story of a woman's struggle to accept her past and accept the love of a man, despite thinking that she isn't deserving. One of the reasons I have been enamored of Victoria Vale's writing is that she hates weak women almost as much as me. And if a woman starts out weak in one of her books, she won't stay that way for long. Her women are fierce, warriors if you will. Cassandra starts out strong and gets stronger. I loved her in this book. Absolutely loved this character. And Robert Stanley is the perfect foil for that strong woman.
I don't cry when I read books. It takes a powerful story and powerful characters to make me tear up. And you'll never get me to actually cry out loud. Nope. Not happening. I love it when I'm wrong. This is the second book in two weeks that has managed to wring me out and hang me out to dry while I'm reading. The characters have gone through so much in this story that it was impossible not to feel sad when they recounted their past. So from now on, I guess I have to keep tissues nearby for Mistress Vale books also.
This book, technically, contains every single thing that a book should. It has an interesting plot which, while it isn't going to keep you guessing as in a mystery, it will be certain to entertain you, which is why we all read books, correct? I've never seen a Vale character that wasn't fleshed out well and this book is no exception. The pace was perfect for the story. I couldn't find anything that I would complain about.
If you are a lover of Regency erotica, this book will be perfect in your collection. Read the entire Duology Set because this will be like adding the perfect Devon cream to the dessert when you get to this book. They are on my "read over and over again" list.
This woman is one of my favorite authors, not because of the erotica, which I've been reading since I was an older teen, but because she writes a story like my grandmother used to crochet. Not a stitch is missing and the final product is a masterpiece.
Once again, the Queen of Regency Smut has written a book that combines every single technical point that can be included in a novel, and then she put the icing on the cake by adding the scenes that she loves so well, the hot, steamy, erotic scenes between Cassandra and Robert. Victoria Vale writes erotic scenes as if she were born to it. She holds nothing back, and whether you liked the idea of domination and submission when you began reading this book, the story will convince you that you should like them a little, maybe a lot, in fact you should love them. And then it goes beyond that. If you appreciate GOOD erotica, this book brings it all home. By GOOD erotica I mean honest, earthy, downright hot sex, written with emotion and charm. Because if the emotion isn't there, then all it is, is sex. And erotica isn't "just sex". And erotica isn't easy to write. That said, Mistress Vale makes it look like this is something anyone can do. Nope. Not happenin'.
Now, to the book, because I don't need to make the author's head swell any more than I already do when I write these reviews.
The book is a continuation of The Villain Duology, which consisted of The Villain and The Dove and the book that followed, The Butterfly. At the end of The Dove, we see the foundation upon which this book, The Damsel, was built. And in The Butterfly, we see more and more of the background of the book. But when we open the pages of The Damsel, we discover that there is far more to Cassandra Lane than we knew already. She carries the guilt, the angst, the hatred, and the PTSD (although they wouldn't have used that term then) from the attack that we read about in The Duology. And we also met Robert Stanley there as Daphne's boyhood admirer, and a man who believed himself in love with Daphne until he helps her chase after Hartmoor in The Dove and actually delivers her to him, despite his love for her.
Stanley is still in the throes of heartbreak (he thinks) over Daphne when he is approached by Cassandra in a pub, aptly named, The White Cock. ;-) It is then that Robert discovers what Cassandra wants from him, and we find out that he is more than willing to give it to her. But there's much more to this story. It is a story of a man who has suffered more pain from loss than any one person should have to suffer. It is a story of a woman's struggle to accept her past and accept the love of a man, despite thinking that she isn't deserving. One of the reasons I have been enamored of Victoria Vale's writing is that she hates weak women almost as much as me. And if a woman starts out weak in one of her books, she won't stay that way for long. Her women are fierce, warriors if you will. Cassandra starts out strong and gets stronger. I loved her in this book. Absolutely loved this character. And Robert Stanley is the perfect foil for that strong woman.
I don't cry when I read books. It takes a powerful story and powerful characters to make me tear up. And you'll never get me to actually cry out loud. Nope. Not happening. I love it when I'm wrong. This is the second book in two weeks that has managed to wring me out and hang me out to dry while I'm reading. The characters have gone through so much in this story that it was impossible not to feel sad when they recounted their past. So from now on, I guess I have to keep tissues nearby for Mistress Vale books also.
This book, technically, contains every single thing that a book should. It has an interesting plot which, while it isn't going to keep you guessing as in a mystery, it will be certain to entertain you, which is why we all read books, correct? I've never seen a Vale character that wasn't fleshed out well and this book is no exception. The pace was perfect for the story. I couldn't find anything that I would complain about.
If you are a lover of Regency erotica, this book will be perfect in your collection. Read the entire Duology Set because this will be like adding the perfect Devon cream to the dessert when you get to this book. They are on my "read over and over again" list.
This woman is one of my favorite authors, not because of the erotica, which I've been reading since I was an older teen, but because she writes a story like my grandmother used to crochet. Not a stitch is missing and the final product is a masterpiece.
March 6, 2019
I was gifted this amazing book by the talented Ms. Victoria Vale! I new I was going to love this book when I read about Robert and Cassandra! I would highly recommend reading the first 3 books in The Villan, even though each book has it's own awesome storyline.
The handsome Mr. Stanley is heartbroken over his childhood sweetheart marrying someone else. He has had his own tragedies, being the youngest of 4 brother to survive untimely deaths. So his his parents become overprotective of their only living son.
Meanwhile Lady Cassandra, daughter to a Duke, was tragically brutalized as a debutante. Instead of supporting her and standing up for her, her mother and sisters, including the ton, isolate and berate her.
That has made her angry and bitter and hard hearted. I love how a chance encounter with Lady Cassandra and Mr. Stanley at the White Cock Tavern brings them together for a healing for her and memorable for him!
I love the way Mr. Stanley never gives up on Lady Cassandra and how she, even after all the suffering she has endured, she allows a passionate and patient Mr. Stanley break down her protective barriers. I love, love towards the end of the story Mr. Stanley is on his way to propose to Cassandra and how she thanks him for saving her! That was so emotional for me!
Ms. Vale attention to details is perfect, her story line is captivating, the narration is perfect. Her love scenes sizzling hot!!
I highly recommend this book and all her books. I have read all her amazing 5 stars books!
The handsome Mr. Stanley is heartbroken over his childhood sweetheart marrying someone else. He has had his own tragedies, being the youngest of 4 brother to survive untimely deaths. So his his parents become overprotective of their only living son.
Meanwhile Lady Cassandra, daughter to a Duke, was tragically brutalized as a debutante. Instead of supporting her and standing up for her, her mother and sisters, including the ton, isolate and berate her.
That has made her angry and bitter and hard hearted. I love how a chance encounter with Lady Cassandra and Mr. Stanley at the White Cock Tavern brings them together for a healing for her and memorable for him!
I love the way Mr. Stanley never gives up on Lady Cassandra and how she, even after all the suffering she has endured, she allows a passionate and patient Mr. Stanley break down her protective barriers. I love, love towards the end of the story Mr. Stanley is on his way to propose to Cassandra and how she thanks him for saving her! That was so emotional for me!
Ms. Vale attention to details is perfect, her story line is captivating, the narration is perfect. Her love scenes sizzling hot!!
I highly recommend this book and all her books. I have read all her amazing 5 stars books!
September 6, 2024
I love revenge justice themes. And Lady Cassandra Lane is a bad A$$. wow there are some intense violent parts to this book. Baron Robert Stanley is that blond cute waif smiley gentleman begging to be taken advantage of. the bdsm parts were mildly kinky. Characters were interesting and plot moved fast. Kindle and audible together was a good deal. especially since Darcy Stark is a new favorite narrator.
March 6, 2019
After losing the love of his life to another man, Robert Lord Stanley stumbles into a public house looking to drown his sorrows. The last thing he expects is to be approached with a scandalous proposition. When Lady Cassandra Lane offers him one night in an upstairs room with her, he leaps at the chance despite her stipulation that he submit to her every whim.
After her brutal assault at the hands of Bertram, Cass’ had her name and reputation dragged through the mud. Her family and friends have turned their back on her, and she’s become a social outcast. In the midst of it all, the anger and fear caused by the theft of her innocence rules her existence, and Cassandra has had enough. Deciding to take control of her circumstances, she sets out to find a man with whom she can overcome her anxiety over physical intimacy. Robert cannot understand why he responds so readily to Cassandra’s dominant nature, or the cruelty fueled by her anger.
This is the final book in the series & what a series, absorbing, enthralling & powerfully written. I’ve loved all four books. Yes the sex is hot but there is so much more to the author’s books. There is a story & there are strong characters who are very well portrayed. Both Robert & Cassandra have suffered in different ways & how they coped & survived, very differently, has shaped who they are. I loved that Millie featured & so hope that she has her own story as more of her past was revealed. A fitting finale to a stunning series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
After her brutal assault at the hands of Bertram, Cass’ had her name and reputation dragged through the mud. Her family and friends have turned their back on her, and she’s become a social outcast. In the midst of it all, the anger and fear caused by the theft of her innocence rules her existence, and Cassandra has had enough. Deciding to take control of her circumstances, she sets out to find a man with whom she can overcome her anxiety over physical intimacy. Robert cannot understand why he responds so readily to Cassandra’s dominant nature, or the cruelty fueled by her anger.
This is the final book in the series & what a series, absorbing, enthralling & powerfully written. I’ve loved all four books. Yes the sex is hot but there is so much more to the author’s books. There is a story & there are strong characters who are very well portrayed. Both Robert & Cassandra have suffered in different ways & how they coped & survived, very differently, has shaped who they are. I loved that Millie featured & so hope that she has her own story as more of her past was revealed. A fitting finale to a stunning series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 18, 2023
4 stars. Sad how much history repeats some of its elements that shouldn’t continue.
Great book about the injustices of life.
Not completely my taste, but I can appreciate the story.
Great book about the injustices of life.
Not completely my taste, but I can appreciate the story.
July 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this add-on to the series! It was great to see Robert get his happy ending and find someone who could love him back. The FMC is a female dom, and check trigger warnings on this one! I thought it was a great read!
April 22, 2019
First Cut🔪Is the Deepest💔
Robert is the only child of a Baron to survive to adulthood out of Seven, and he is the last one born to his aging parents. He knows loss, he knows pain, and he knows his mother is terrified he will sicken and die or be killed in an accident. He tries to placate her, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her.
Cassandra is one of the debutantes raped by Lord Fairchild,, the evil brother of Daphne, from the book "Villain". At The beginning of this book Fairchild has been hung for his numerous crimes. Cassandra is so enraged, she becomes a vigilante to try to get her revenge, over and over.
She is a social pariah, an outcast, because as a member of The ton, she is now ruined. Even her family is against her, they feel somehow she encouraged the rape, and her situation reflects badly on them! She has only one friend, another woman who was terribly mistreated and abused by her late husband.
Cassandra has it in her head that all men are evil users and abusers who will say anything or do anything to take advantage of women. To her, there are no honest or decent men, especially among the nobility.
Robert becomes her pawn, and Cassandra becomes the abuser in a terribly misguided attempt to seek her revenge against all men. People with mental problems from trauma like Cassandra has, will never be right again, but Robert never gives up, he knows she is broken but he keeps coming back for more of her cold hearted and cruel abuse.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱.
The book was $3.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
This is a strange, very intense book and I felt bad for what happened to both characters but I didn't much care for the person that Cassandra became. Her character is very unlikable. But as in real life, there are people that can never mentally recover from mental or physical damage done to them. So the book mirrors real life in that respect. For some people there is no happy ending, they just can't deal with the bad things that can happen in real life.
This is a very good book, but it's a very different book. It is unlike any adult romance I have read. Cassandra has a thing for knives, so there is quite a bit of violence and blood in the book.
Robert is the only child of a Baron to survive to adulthood out of Seven, and he is the last one born to his aging parents. He knows loss, he knows pain, and he knows his mother is terrified he will sicken and die or be killed in an accident. He tries to placate her, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her.
Cassandra is one of the debutantes raped by Lord Fairchild,, the evil brother of Daphne, from the book "Villain". At The beginning of this book Fairchild has been hung for his numerous crimes. Cassandra is so enraged, she becomes a vigilante to try to get her revenge, over and over.
She is a social pariah, an outcast, because as a member of The ton, she is now ruined. Even her family is against her, they feel somehow she encouraged the rape, and her situation reflects badly on them! She has only one friend, another woman who was terribly mistreated and abused by her late husband.
Cassandra has it in her head that all men are evil users and abusers who will say anything or do anything to take advantage of women. To her, there are no honest or decent men, especially among the nobility.
Robert becomes her pawn, and Cassandra becomes the abuser in a terribly misguided attempt to seek her revenge against all men. People with mental problems from trauma like Cassandra has, will never be right again, but Robert never gives up, he knows she is broken but he keeps coming back for more of her cold hearted and cruel abuse.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱.
The book was $3.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
This is a strange, very intense book and I felt bad for what happened to both characters but I didn't much care for the person that Cassandra became. Her character is very unlikable. But as in real life, there are people that can never mentally recover from mental or physical damage done to them. So the book mirrors real life in that respect. For some people there is no happy ending, they just can't deal with the bad things that can happen in real life.
This is a very good book, but it's a very different book. It is unlike any adult romance I have read. Cassandra has a thing for knives, so there is quite a bit of violence and blood in the book.
March 3, 2019
Review of “The Damsel” by Victoria Vale
Omg! What a story! What a drama! And what a brilliant book! I couldn’t put it down!
Cassandra Lane was everything I hadn’t expected, but she grew on me quickly, especially as I could recognise the whole priggly outer layer of protection against the world. Cass showed herself to be a strong and independent woman, with some familiar traits within the world of thé boudoir. Cass showed a softening of personality during the story, due to her past history, and the help of Robert. Cass also showed herself to be a very complex character.
And Robert turned into a true hero, with a spine and a stubbornness of mind, and not just the pretty boy I had thought he was, in the earlier chapters of The Villain, The Dove and The Butterfly. Robert turned out to have several layers of unknown personality which was revealed inch by slow inch of reading. He turned out to be every inch a gentleman, and yet a man worthy of a strong and loving woman’s affections.
Once again Mistress Vale has done it, written a masterpiece of drama, the evolution of a strong couple with more than a hint of sensuality and yet with a happy ending. The best kind of reading, a book you don’t want to put down, once you start. If I have to rate it, then ten stars wouldn’t be enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations Mistress Vale!
Omg! What a story! What a drama! And what a brilliant book! I couldn’t put it down!
Cassandra Lane was everything I hadn’t expected, but she grew on me quickly, especially as I could recognise the whole priggly outer layer of protection against the world. Cass showed herself to be a strong and independent woman, with some familiar traits within the world of thé boudoir. Cass showed a softening of personality during the story, due to her past history, and the help of Robert. Cass also showed herself to be a very complex character.
And Robert turned into a true hero, with a spine and a stubbornness of mind, and not just the pretty boy I had thought he was, in the earlier chapters of The Villain, The Dove and The Butterfly. Robert turned out to have several layers of unknown personality which was revealed inch by slow inch of reading. He turned out to be every inch a gentleman, and yet a man worthy of a strong and loving woman’s affections.
Once again Mistress Vale has done it, written a masterpiece of drama, the evolution of a strong couple with more than a hint of sensuality and yet with a happy ending. The best kind of reading, a book you don’t want to put down, once you start. If I have to rate it, then ten stars wouldn’t be enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Congratulations Mistress Vale!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2019
It was a great book. I struggled with Robert at first and not standing up for himself.
The book was heart wrenching and sexy and thrilling.
I want her lousy mother and sisters to suffer greatly...
It was fitting end to this series.
The book was heart wrenching and sexy and thrilling.
I want her lousy mother and sisters to suffer greatly...
It was fitting end to this series.
June 17, 2019
Duration: 10 hrs 13 mins.
🔥Steamy Content!🔥
The Damsel: A Dark Regency Erotic Novel, The Villain Duology Book 4 by Victoria Vale is a sultry, BDSM romance which peers into the shadows usually ignored by a Regency and delights in the things that it finds there.
The Damsel was my first 'Dark Regency', and I wasn't sure what to expect. I have always listened to Regency stories when I want lightweight, predictable, easy-listening, but I was intrigued by the prospect of exploring another facet of the period. I'm glad I took the chance, as it was very entertaining and a fresh - though some may feel a rather sacrilegious - take on the genre.
In Vale's Regency world, society etiquette is dramatically subverted at many a turn, though mainly behind closed doors. The villains are brutal, the intimacy graphic, and the characters' torturous experiences are not all of the BDSM variety. The Damsel features a D/s relationship with the heroine in the Dominant role, and I enjoyed having both Robert's and Cassandra's pleasures articulated during the steamier scenes. Many books of a similar genre focus on one partner's experience and the result is often a little lacklustre. Vale gives us Robert's burgeoning desire and follows it to its release, building with Cassandra's own and binding them to each other with its intensity. In this audiobook there was great balance between the two perspectives; neither Cassandra's nor Robert's characters are neglected and their wants and needs are explored fairly equally. I was glad that, despite Cassandra's Dominance, we were not excluded from Robert's desire.
This audiobook was the best blend of romance and BDSM of any I've heard, thus far. So often the affection in similar novels feels tacked-on to justify or soften other behaviours, but the tenderness between Lady Cassandra and Mr Stanley felt as sincere as their passion.
Before discussing other themes from the book, I feel that I should include a content warning. This story contains references to pregnancy loss, child loss, rape, and violence. Though a certain element of reproductive tragedy is common in historical novels (as it was to the era), there is a great deal of focus on pain and loss at the start of this book. The heroine is also the survivor of a brutal sexual assault, and her traumatic experiences influence much of this audiobook.
The first hour or so of this novel is almost relentlessly bleak, to the point that it did feel a little gratuitous. A rich backstory is helpful for developing a solid understanding of a character's motivations, but I would have preferred it to be woven into the novel rather than delivered like an Oscars 'People We Lost This Year' montage at the start.
While I enjoyed this unusual approach to the traditionally-fluffy Regency romance, and admired the author's determination to tackle some difficult subjects, it felt at times that it was a little heavy-handed. The book aims to be staunchly feminist, repeatedly calling out the injustice of victim blaming, but highlights this fact using attitudes that would have been anathema at the time. To a cynical eye it almost feels as though the main characters go a little overboard on this point to excuse using rape as a plot device. The 'Rape for Empowerment' trope is almost as common as the 'Vengeful Rampage' to which it inevitably leads, but it is handled relatively sensitively and the fallout from Cassandra's torment is demonstrably vast and layered.
I generally enjoyed getting to know Cassandra and Robert, and was captivated by their fascination with each other. Their needs met in such a variety of ways that they indeed felt like "two sides of the same coin", as Robert asserted.
There were several clumsy passages which would have benefitted from tightening, such as sentences like, "ever since knowledge of Bertram's misdeeds had become common knowledge", "we are connected by our connection", and "I thought to wake you and order breakfast but I didn't want to wake you". A little tweaking would have helped it flow better and feel more sophisticated, which I find important to the language of the period.
Upon the same note, Cassandra's description of her new residence's meaningful occupancy as "bloody fantastic" was glaring. Such modern usage of the word 'fantastic' felt anachronistic, as it did not come into commonly recorded usage in that sense until over a century later. Cassandra's attitudes may be ahead of their time, but not by one-hundred years.
Overall I was sorry to part from the characters and was pleased that their story ended on a positive note, especially after such a grim start. Whilst this audiobook has rather little in common with a traditional Regency romance, its HEA was a welcome nod to the classic format.
The narrator, Darcy Stark, was new to me but very enjoyable. Stark's reading was very dramatic with the occasional unusual inflection toward the beginning, but he brought each character to life very nicely. His voice was passionate and emotive, coping well with tragedy and intimacy. Though much of the story involves Cassandra's perspective, I was glad to have a male-sounding narrator. With stories of this nature where it is imperative to develop a bond with the hero who grounds the story, I find that much easier with an authentic male voice. It depends on the narrator, of course, and personal preference.
There were a few mispronunciations in his performance but nothing that was too irksome or would have warranted re-recording. Only "eccentric" was repeatedly frustrating.
Whilst very different to my usual, lightweight Regency fare, I'm looking forward to listening to similar audiobooks by Victoria Vale. I think the earlier books in the Villain Duology will be next on my wishlist, even though this was a stand-alone novel.
I would recommend this audiobook to people who usually find Regency romances a little too sweet, and to those who would like to explore Dominance and submission against the safe, ordered backdrop of Regency England.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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🔥Steamy Content!🔥
The Damsel: A Dark Regency Erotic Novel, The Villain Duology Book 4 by Victoria Vale is a sultry, BDSM romance which peers into the shadows usually ignored by a Regency and delights in the things that it finds there.
The Damsel was my first 'Dark Regency', and I wasn't sure what to expect. I have always listened to Regency stories when I want lightweight, predictable, easy-listening, but I was intrigued by the prospect of exploring another facet of the period. I'm glad I took the chance, as it was very entertaining and a fresh - though some may feel a rather sacrilegious - take on the genre.
In Vale's Regency world, society etiquette is dramatically subverted at many a turn, though mainly behind closed doors. The villains are brutal, the intimacy graphic, and the characters' torturous experiences are not all of the BDSM variety. The Damsel features a D/s relationship with the heroine in the Dominant role, and I enjoyed having both Robert's and Cassandra's pleasures articulated during the steamier scenes. Many books of a similar genre focus on one partner's experience and the result is often a little lacklustre. Vale gives us Robert's burgeoning desire and follows it to its release, building with Cassandra's own and binding them to each other with its intensity. In this audiobook there was great balance between the two perspectives; neither Cassandra's nor Robert's characters are neglected and their wants and needs are explored fairly equally. I was glad that, despite Cassandra's Dominance, we were not excluded from Robert's desire.
This audiobook was the best blend of romance and BDSM of any I've heard, thus far. So often the affection in similar novels feels tacked-on to justify or soften other behaviours, but the tenderness between Lady Cassandra and Mr Stanley felt as sincere as their passion.
Before discussing other themes from the book, I feel that I should include a content warning. This story contains references to pregnancy loss, child loss, rape, and violence. Though a certain element of reproductive tragedy is common in historical novels (as it was to the era), there is a great deal of focus on pain and loss at the start of this book. The heroine is also the survivor of a brutal sexual assault, and her traumatic experiences influence much of this audiobook.
The first hour or so of this novel is almost relentlessly bleak, to the point that it did feel a little gratuitous. A rich backstory is helpful for developing a solid understanding of a character's motivations, but I would have preferred it to be woven into the novel rather than delivered like an Oscars 'People We Lost This Year' montage at the start.
While I enjoyed this unusual approach to the traditionally-fluffy Regency romance, and admired the author's determination to tackle some difficult subjects, it felt at times that it was a little heavy-handed. The book aims to be staunchly feminist, repeatedly calling out the injustice of victim blaming, but highlights this fact using attitudes that would have been anathema at the time. To a cynical eye it almost feels as though the main characters go a little overboard on this point to excuse using rape as a plot device. The 'Rape for Empowerment' trope is almost as common as the 'Vengeful Rampage' to which it inevitably leads, but it is handled relatively sensitively and the fallout from Cassandra's torment is demonstrably vast and layered.
I generally enjoyed getting to know Cassandra and Robert, and was captivated by their fascination with each other. Their needs met in such a variety of ways that they indeed felt like "two sides of the same coin", as Robert asserted.
There were several clumsy passages which would have benefitted from tightening, such as sentences like, "ever since knowledge of Bertram's misdeeds had become common knowledge", "we are connected by our connection", and "I thought to wake you and order breakfast but I didn't want to wake you". A little tweaking would have helped it flow better and feel more sophisticated, which I find important to the language of the period.
Upon the same note, Cassandra's description of her new residence's meaningful occupancy as "bloody fantastic" was glaring. Such modern usage of the word 'fantastic' felt anachronistic, as it did not come into commonly recorded usage in that sense until over a century later. Cassandra's attitudes may be ahead of their time, but not by one-hundred years.
Overall I was sorry to part from the characters and was pleased that their story ended on a positive note, especially after such a grim start. Whilst this audiobook has rather little in common with a traditional Regency romance, its HEA was a welcome nod to the classic format.
The narrator, Darcy Stark, was new to me but very enjoyable. Stark's reading was very dramatic with the occasional unusual inflection toward the beginning, but he brought each character to life very nicely. His voice was passionate and emotive, coping well with tragedy and intimacy. Though much of the story involves Cassandra's perspective, I was glad to have a male-sounding narrator. With stories of this nature where it is imperative to develop a bond with the hero who grounds the story, I find that much easier with an authentic male voice. It depends on the narrator, of course, and personal preference.
There were a few mispronunciations in his performance but nothing that was too irksome or would have warranted re-recording. Only "eccentric" was repeatedly frustrating.
Whilst very different to my usual, lightweight Regency fare, I'm looking forward to listening to similar audiobooks by Victoria Vale. I think the earlier books in the Villain Duology will be next on my wishlist, even though this was a stand-alone novel.
I would recommend this audiobook to people who usually find Regency romances a little too sweet, and to those who would like to explore Dominance and submission against the safe, ordered backdrop of Regency England.
*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
If you liked this review then please join me for more!
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March 4, 2019
10 stars and a standing ovation for the final book in the series. I've read them all and may be my favorite of the series. Cassandra has gone through SO MUCH! And Robert has had his heart broken when he realizes Daphne loves Hart not him and to find out in the beginning how much pain his family has been through. I loved that she asked for what she wanted when she went up to him in the public place (love the name of it too). Her family is a NIGHTMARE and I was so happy when Robert told her mother what he thought of her. The storyline is so good you won't want to put the book down because you really want to find out what happens next. Of course Victoria gives you awesome plot, great characters, chemistry from the start and a great push and pull between them. I really don't want to ruin anything but when he said there was no him without her..awww. And when Cassandra tells him why she goes to the swimming hole...que tears along with when she's with his mom at the end! I really didn't want this book to end. And again because I don't want to ruin anything...I enjoyed how the solved the problem of the Masked Menance. BRAVO Victoria Vale!!!!
March 14, 2019
I loved The Damsel. It is part of the Villain Duology Sequel. Robert, Lord Stanley, a very handsome man has had his heart broken by a girl he grew up with. He had hoped to marry her one day, but it was not meant to be as she loved someone else. Lady Cassandra was ruined by a member of the ton. Lord Bertram forced Cassandra and other ladies of the ton. When she and the other women got together to accuse him, she thought it would get better. With her name ruined and mad at herself for not fighting hard enough to stop her being raped, she decides to learn to save herself. Lady Cassandra with her friend Millicent, go to a public house. Cassandra is ready to live life on her own terms. She rents a room and now she needs someone that is willing to be dominated. Robert is at the inn drowning his sorrows over his broken heart. He is intrigued that Lady Cassandra would ask him to go to her room. She tells him exactly what she wants. He agrees and it is the best thing to ever happen to him. One night with Lady Cassandra opens a new world to him. He has pain from his past, but she helps him to heal. Cassandra has a deep, dark secret. Will Robert be able to save her from herself? This is a great book of love and erotica. I loved that the woman is dominant and makes no apologies for it. I received this book from the author for a honest review.
March 9, 2019
I received ARC and once I started reading it i just couldn't put it down.
The Damsel gives us the story of two characters from THE VILLAIN duology - Robert and Cassandra.
Here we learn more about his background and the pain that he went through in his early years, which explains his nature .
Also we learn of the consequences of her rape and the aftermath of Bertram's trial, that forms her character and her want for justice.
All they went through forms their characters and their nature. It turns out that what one gives is what the other one needs, and it's thrilling, addictive even.
And what are you ready to do for the one you love - give the desired justice or even take someone's life?
Really good written story, strong characters, and the sex scenes are...well scorching.
As is usual for Victoria Vale you through all kind of emotions while reading.
Every Victoria Vale book I read is better than the last one. And so far this is the best of her!
Keep the good writing coming!
The Damsel gives us the story of two characters from THE VILLAIN duology - Robert and Cassandra.
Here we learn more about his background and the pain that he went through in his early years, which explains his nature .
Also we learn of the consequences of her rape and the aftermath of Bertram's trial, that forms her character and her want for justice.
All they went through forms their characters and their nature. It turns out that what one gives is what the other one needs, and it's thrilling, addictive even.
And what are you ready to do for the one you love - give the desired justice or even take someone's life?
Really good written story, strong characters, and the sex scenes are...well scorching.
As is usual for Victoria Vale you through all kind of emotions while reading.
Every Victoria Vale book I read is better than the last one. And so far this is the best of her!
Keep the good writing coming!
March 10, 2019
I have enjoyed all of the Victoria Vale books that I have read. She is the queen of regency erotica. Her books have so much emotion in them. They are not just all about the sexy times. She writes about characters that need each other to feel whole again. Cassandra had a traumatic event happen in her life and we feel her anger. Robert has also had some traumatic events in his life and we feel his sadness. Cassandra has built up a wall and does not trust men at all and Robert is trying to break down that wall and show her it is okay to have someone to help you. This was a very emotional story. I teared up at the end.
Quotes I highlighted: "You cannot allow the past to rule your present. You cannot let it destroy your future."
"We are two sides of the same coin, and no amount of denial on your part will change that. So, do your worst. I want it all...your anger, your pain, your sadness. I can take it."
Quotes I highlighted: "You cannot allow the past to rule your present. You cannot let it destroy your future."
"We are two sides of the same coin, and no amount of denial on your part will change that. So, do your worst. I want it all...your anger, your pain, your sadness. I can take it."
March 11, 2019
4.5 stars
Cassandra and Robert. They do not seem like a good match on the surface. Cass appears to be prickly, standoffish and ruined to boot. Robert is the good-natured momma’s boy who doesn’t appear to have a care in the world. Neither are completely as they appear to most people and I loved diving into their story. Cassandra’s need to dominate and Robert’s need for pain made them the perfect match in the bedroom. It was quite a journey to see that they also were the perfect match in all other areas as well. If you’ve read the other books in the series, you’ve come to expect plenty of heat with plenty of heart and that is no exception here. This book is a complete standalone, but I encourage you to read the other books. Just do yourself a favor and read ALL the VV books. You’re welcome!
Cassandra and Robert. They do not seem like a good match on the surface. Cass appears to be prickly, standoffish and ruined to boot. Robert is the good-natured momma’s boy who doesn’t appear to have a care in the world. Neither are completely as they appear to most people and I loved diving into their story. Cassandra’s need to dominate and Robert’s need for pain made them the perfect match in the bedroom. It was quite a journey to see that they also were the perfect match in all other areas as well. If you’ve read the other books in the series, you’ve come to expect plenty of heat with plenty of heart and that is no exception here. This book is a complete standalone, but I encourage you to read the other books. Just do yourself a favor and read ALL the VV books. You’re welcome!
March 9, 2019
I have read all of Ms. Vale’s stories and a lot of them rip out your heart and leave you in happy tears (some sad tears) and joy that comes with reading the story. I thought that would be in the case in this story with the subject matter that is so intense but that did not happen. Oh yes, there were tears but I feel the real story lies in Robert. He has endured so much and has so much love to give and when the right woman came along he was more than willing, even compelled, to love Cassandra with all of his heart. I would call Robert a beta hero and you know even romance readers sometimes need a beta hero to hold onto and root for and love. Robert you are that person.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
March 10, 2019
Oh my! What a rollercoaster of emotions I went through while reading this story! I had always liked Robert from the previous book. He was strong enough to put others first regardless of his own feelings. Robert had experienced his own share of loss and I really felt for Cassandra, to have suffered and not to have the support of her family. Little wonder she wanted to have control over her own destiny. Robert and Cassandra were just right for each other but could Cassandra let go of her demons to realise this? This story has some very tense moments, danger and passion. An excellent read that fulfills all I could want in a story.
March 11, 2019
She is looking for redemption.. He is looking to erase his pain...... But they both got more than they bargained for.......
This book took me through so many emotions. I experienced the hurt, pain and love of Cassandra and Robert. Victoria pulls you into the story with very explicit descriptions of what is going on in the story. I love that this story highlights a strong dominant female character but isn't afraid to let a man be a man when she needs him to be. I love that Robert caters to her needs and in return discovers what he needs in return.
I received ARC for this awesome, powerful story.
This is a must read and reread.
This book took me through so many emotions. I experienced the hurt, pain and love of Cassandra and Robert. Victoria pulls you into the story with very explicit descriptions of what is going on in the story. I love that this story highlights a strong dominant female character but isn't afraid to let a man be a man when she needs him to be. I love that Robert caters to her needs and in return discovers what he needs in return.
I received ARC for this awesome, powerful story.
This is a must read and reread.
March 10, 2019
Amazing book. It's a story of a strong woman who has survived a terrible abuse. She thinks herself plain.she is anything but plain. I liked the main characters first encounter. Very unusual for a historical romance. I liked how Robert was drawn towards Cassandra. Their love n trust blossomed slowly. Robert convinced Cassandra of his love n her worthiness. I loved Robert upon his introduction. He is not your typical alpha male kind but rather thoughtful n supportive. A winner by Ms vale. This book is my favourite among the series.
March 1, 2019
Bertram has finally paid with the forfeiture of his life after numerous young women came forward to testify to the sexual abuse he afflicted upon them. Cassandra, the daughter of a Duke, was one of those women and now she is trying to regain control of her life and at the same time she is seeking revenge on men of the ton who have abused women. Along the way she meets Robert and feelings she does not want to feel starts to form and she fights against them as much as she can. This is a great story and a great addition to this series. It is well written, holds your attention, keeps you wondering his long she can continue on the dangerous path she has started. There is a HEA but a lot happens before this comes about. I would highly recommend this book as a great read as you will not be disappointed.
March 4, 2019
Ms Vale did it again! If you thought that The Butterfly ripped your guts out with the angst and longing, this one will leave you destroyed. The pain and anger that Lady Cassandra Lane has in her heart makes you wonder if she could ever look at the male species without total disgust. But there is one man who ends up saving her as she saves him. This one is a definitely her best work so far, which is saying something since even her first book was amazing.
December 15, 2022
A well written HR erotica that features a good story, a lot of good humour, and two very likable and highly entertaining main characters.
Regarding how well implemented the bdsm aspect of their relationship is: The author understood the assignment perfectly. As someone who is in a constant state of disappointment over how dom ladies and sub gentlemen have been written in most romance novels, this, right here, is gentle femdom at its finest 🌻
Regarding how well implemented the bdsm aspect of their relationship is: The author understood the assignment perfectly. As someone who is in a constant state of disappointment over how dom ladies and sub gentlemen have been written in most romance novels, this, right here, is gentle femdom at its finest 🌻
March 9, 2019
Wow! This was a wonderful conclusion to the Villain series. Two previous minor characters are revisited to work their way to their own much deserved HEA. Cassandra is a tortured soul that finds her perfect compliment in Robert. I highly recommend reading all of Ms. Vale’s books!
September 29, 2023
Heroine was raped and is basically an outcast, hate that part. I do love that she is making disgusting men pay for their crimes.
December 26, 2021
A couple things before I start. One, when I finish a book I write a little quick review just for myself, which I'll then clean up if I decide to post. This time I've done no cleanup, it's unedited stream-of-thought, right off the dome. Please forgive the chaos/typos.
And two, so you know where I'm coming from: after a long absence from romance, I just got a couple dozen titles and dove back in. This is #21. Of the 20 I picked up before this, I had to DNF seventeen in frustrated disgust, and another two were only finished out of sheer determination. IOW I was having a very bad run. So when I picked this up I was… not hopeful.
So. That said, on to the review.
⋱⋱⋱
OH THANK FUCK. An actual romance omg I’m like, about to cry. This one takes its time, but damn it’s worth it. Rock solid characterization, a totally believable relationship, an engaging subplot that doesn’t fizzle out pointlessly, enjoyable sex scenes, a blessed lack of Romance Novel Shenanigans, and best of all, VISIBLE ROMANCE. Am… am I dreaming? Because this feels like a dream.
After a lengthy prologue that pulled me right in with lovely writing, the story proper starts in my favorite way: our MCs meet, and are not instantly overwhelmed with lust. She’s semi-plain, he’s man-beautiful, and that’s not news— they’ve been distantly aware of each other for years since they live in the same town, but neither ever really had reason to give the other a second thought.
There are no magical electric sparks when they shake hands. He doesn’t hear a voice chanting “mine” in his head. She doesn’t flood her knickers at the sight of him (in fact his golden-boy beauty mildly annoys her). They act like normal fucking adults— and that’s despite the reason they’re meeting. Major kudos to the author for not doing the obvious cliche thing there.
And when things gets going, they’re not just suddenly in love for some unknown reason. He’s certainly intrigued by her right away as she’s not what he expected, but it takes her quite a while to even consider that he might not be exactly what she expected: an active, enthusiastic asshole. And so he has to basically wear her down (with a combo of devotion and unwavering decency). Nice.
Again, this is a full-length read at 350 pages, and the author takes full advantage of that; the pacing and attention to characterization are just… *chef’s kiss.* I absolutely reveled in it. Felt like I knew everything I needed to know about these people, so everything they did made sense to me.
The conflict is one I usually hate (“I mustn’t love him!”) but here it’s done right— I fully understood and believed Cassandra’s resistance.
Oh and for once it was genuine resistance, not that constant harebrained flip-flopping that makes me lose respect for FMCs. And thank god, because this character is way too disciplined for that nonsense; I wouldn’t have been able to handle that from her. She holds Robert at arm’s length from the start… over time they slowly grow closer… then due to Events she realizes she really can’t allow that and very firmly pushes him back. (So, only one flip.) She’s not kidding or testing him or playing hard to get, she truly gives up the relationship. At that point it’s up to him to somehow get past her extremely formidable walls in a way that matters to her.
I don’t know how historically accurate this is, but as a non-expert the environment felt believable, with no glaring anachronisms. A few people are a bit more progressive than the norm, but only slightly. Propriety and its restrictions (for women), and the danger of scandal (for women) are major themes, and women’s precariousness and dependence on men is subtly but persistently apparent. For example our heroine and her BFF are unusually independent… but it’s made clear that it is unusual, that it’s only possible because of men (heroine is supported by an unusually sympathetic male relative, and BFF is a very wealthy widow), and that they’re both frowned upon for it. The patriarchy is thick. Gossip is rampant. “Ruined” women are strictly shunned, regardless of fault. Powerful men routinely abuse their status and get away with it.
The one thing I wonder about is the idea of an earl being tried, convicted, and hanged for serial rape. Not sure if that was a thing, historically. At any rate it’s framed as a very rare outcome that only happened because of an influential man’s string-pulling, a substantial bribe, and the social status of the victims (ie, of their families), so I had no trouble suspending disbelief.
About the sex… very nice work! There aren’t a ton of intimate scenes, but they’re hot, they contribute to the plot/chars, and the F/m vibe is at just the right level WHICH IS SO HARD TO DO. Especially since she’s clearly a bit of a sadist, heh. Loved that neither was some High Dungeon BDSM expert beforehand, instead they take on the roles for concrete plot/char reasons and find to their surprise that they enjoy the dynamic on its own merits. I especially appreciated that she’s into it for sexual-pleasure reasons— not because she’s damaged, or hates men and wants revenge, or whatever gross Standard Explanation. (She does hate men and want revenge, but that’s not what drives her kink.) The explanation is: she does it that way with Robert for specific reasons, and it turns out she likes it like that, with him. Same for hero: he’s not into it because he’s weak or worships her as a goddess or considers himself a pathetic worm. He does it that way the first time because of his own reasons, and it turns out he loves it like that, from her. IOW it just turns them on, the end. Imagine that!! Not only that, that’s not a single shred of oh-noez-I-keenk angst. Their sexual dynamic is not a problem that has to be cured. It’s not a problem AT ALL. And holy shit I cannot overstate how refreshing that is.
Also very much appreciated the lack of switcheroo, which I was starting to think was required by law in books with any hint of a not-abjectly-submissive heroine. Robert’s definitely not a doormat, but there’s no scene where he pointedly takes control just cuz, no throwing her around and “one brutal thrust”ing it in bed, no Dom-Sub-Turn from the heroine all “actually yes, just pound me like a selfish animal/hurt me/choke me because inexplicably but predictably that’s the only way I can get off!”— none of that. Again, kudos upon kudos to the author for avoiding this all-too-common trope. For once they don’t turn into completely different people in bed and it’s fucking awesome.
Lastly, I enjoyed the ending. The evolution and eventual resolution of the mysterious-highwayman subplot was unexpected and satisfying. The long-awaited ILY scene was perfect and made me grin— it’s just as unorthodox as the characters, and I loved that; it’s sweet in a way that only makes sense for this particular couple. In the end Cassandra’s reputation is improved but not entirely repaired, which felt good yet realistic. You’re left with the sense that in time it will fully recover. Related, there’s a brief passage regarding her relationship with Robert’s hovering, disapproving, propriety-bound mother that brought a completely unexpected tear to my eye. An actual tear!! It’s a little thing, but it’s just the thing for those particular characters. (I love when chars get what they need, and in this case you don’t really realize these two needed this until boom, they get it. Then you realize they needed it all along. Really nice work.) And as a final bit of unexpected, the book ends with a slightly unusual epilogue… that left me sighing in sweet comfy fuzzies. All together, best HEA I’ve read in YEARS.
The only real demerit: there are suddenly a ton of typos in the last 25% or so. Mostly switched pronouns— “she” when it should be “he” and vice-versa. Weird. Also several words missing their last letter. Not sure what happened, but it’s clearly a technical thing and not on the author. Anyway, it’s not hard to look past.
Verdict, 4½ deeply grateful stars.
I was starting to think I might never romance again, but my faith is RESTORED.
I need more books like this in my life.
Check that.
I need ONLY books like this in my life.
And two, so you know where I'm coming from: after a long absence from romance, I just got a couple dozen titles and dove back in. This is #21. Of the 20 I picked up before this, I had to DNF seventeen in frustrated disgust, and another two were only finished out of sheer determination. IOW I was having a very bad run. So when I picked this up I was… not hopeful.
So. That said, on to the review.
⋱⋱⋱
OH THANK FUCK. An actual romance omg I’m like, about to cry. This one takes its time, but damn it’s worth it. Rock solid characterization, a totally believable relationship, an engaging subplot that doesn’t fizzle out pointlessly, enjoyable sex scenes, a blessed lack of Romance Novel Shenanigans, and best of all, VISIBLE ROMANCE. Am… am I dreaming? Because this feels like a dream.
After a lengthy prologue that pulled me right in with lovely writing, the story proper starts in my favorite way: our MCs meet, and are not instantly overwhelmed with lust. She’s semi-plain, he’s man-beautiful, and that’s not news— they’ve been distantly aware of each other for years since they live in the same town, but neither ever really had reason to give the other a second thought.
There are no magical electric sparks when they shake hands. He doesn’t hear a voice chanting “mine” in his head. She doesn’t flood her knickers at the sight of him (in fact his golden-boy beauty mildly annoys her). They act like normal fucking adults— and that’s despite the reason they’re meeting. Major kudos to the author for not doing the obvious cliche thing there.
And when things gets going, they’re not just suddenly in love for some unknown reason. He’s certainly intrigued by her right away as she’s not what he expected, but it takes her quite a while to even consider that he might not be exactly what she expected: an active, enthusiastic asshole. And so he has to basically wear her down (with a combo of devotion and unwavering decency). Nice.
Again, this is a full-length read at 350 pages, and the author takes full advantage of that; the pacing and attention to characterization are just… *chef’s kiss.* I absolutely reveled in it. Felt like I knew everything I needed to know about these people, so everything they did made sense to me.
The conflict is one I usually hate (“I mustn’t love him!”) but here it’s done right— I fully understood and believed Cassandra’s resistance.
Oh and for once it was genuine resistance, not that constant harebrained flip-flopping that makes me lose respect for FMCs. And thank god, because this character is way too disciplined for that nonsense; I wouldn’t have been able to handle that from her. She holds Robert at arm’s length from the start… over time they slowly grow closer… then due to Events she realizes she really can’t allow that and very firmly pushes him back. (So, only one flip.) She’s not kidding or testing him or playing hard to get, she truly gives up the relationship. At that point it’s up to him to somehow get past her extremely formidable walls in a way that matters to her.
I don’t know how historically accurate this is, but as a non-expert the environment felt believable, with no glaring anachronisms. A few people are a bit more progressive than the norm, but only slightly. Propriety and its restrictions (for women), and the danger of scandal (for women) are major themes, and women’s precariousness and dependence on men is subtly but persistently apparent. For example our heroine and her BFF are unusually independent… but it’s made clear that it is unusual, that it’s only possible because of men (heroine is supported by an unusually sympathetic male relative, and BFF is a very wealthy widow), and that they’re both frowned upon for it. The patriarchy is thick. Gossip is rampant. “Ruined” women are strictly shunned, regardless of fault. Powerful men routinely abuse their status and get away with it.
The one thing I wonder about is the idea of an earl being tried, convicted, and hanged for serial rape. Not sure if that was a thing, historically. At any rate it’s framed as a very rare outcome that only happened because of an influential man’s string-pulling, a substantial bribe, and the social status of the victims (ie, of their families), so I had no trouble suspending disbelief.
About the sex… very nice work! There aren’t a ton of intimate scenes, but they’re hot, they contribute to the plot/chars, and the F/m vibe is at just the right level WHICH IS SO HARD TO DO. Especially since she’s clearly a bit of a sadist, heh. Loved that neither was some High Dungeon BDSM expert beforehand, instead they take on the roles for concrete plot/char reasons and find to their surprise that they enjoy the dynamic on its own merits. I especially appreciated that she’s into it for sexual-pleasure reasons— not because she’s damaged, or hates men and wants revenge, or whatever gross Standard Explanation. (She does hate men and want revenge, but that’s not what drives her kink.) The explanation is: she does it that way with Robert for specific reasons, and it turns out she likes it like that, with him. Same for hero: he’s not into it because he’s weak or worships her as a goddess or considers himself a pathetic worm. He does it that way the first time because of his own reasons, and it turns out he loves it like that, from her. IOW it just turns them on, the end. Imagine that!! Not only that, that’s not a single shred of oh-noez-I-keenk angst. Their sexual dynamic is not a problem that has to be cured. It’s not a problem AT ALL. And holy shit I cannot overstate how refreshing that is.
Also very much appreciated the lack of switcheroo, which I was starting to think was required by law in books with any hint of a not-abjectly-submissive heroine. Robert’s definitely not a doormat, but there’s no scene where he pointedly takes control just cuz, no throwing her around and “one brutal thrust”ing it in bed, no Dom-Sub-Turn from the heroine all “actually yes, just pound me like a selfish animal/hurt me/choke me because inexplicably but predictably that’s the only way I can get off!”— none of that. Again, kudos upon kudos to the author for avoiding this all-too-common trope. For once they don’t turn into completely different people in bed and it’s fucking awesome.
Lastly, I enjoyed the ending. The evolution and eventual resolution of the mysterious-highwayman subplot was unexpected and satisfying. The long-awaited ILY scene was perfect and made me grin— it’s just as unorthodox as the characters, and I loved that; it’s sweet in a way that only makes sense for this particular couple. In the end Cassandra’s reputation is improved but not entirely repaired, which felt good yet realistic. You’re left with the sense that in time it will fully recover. Related, there’s a brief passage regarding her relationship with Robert’s hovering, disapproving, propriety-bound mother that brought a completely unexpected tear to my eye. An actual tear!! It’s a little thing, but it’s just the thing for those particular characters. (I love when chars get what they need, and in this case you don’t really realize these two needed this until boom, they get it. Then you realize they needed it all along. Really nice work.) And as a final bit of unexpected, the book ends with a slightly unusual epilogue… that left me sighing in sweet comfy fuzzies. All together, best HEA I’ve read in YEARS.
The only real demerit: there are suddenly a ton of typos in the last 25% or so. Mostly switched pronouns— “she” when it should be “he” and vice-versa. Weird. Also several words missing their last letter. Not sure what happened, but it’s clearly a technical thing and not on the author. Anyway, it’s not hard to look past.
Verdict, 4½ deeply grateful stars.
I was starting to think I might never romance again, but my faith is RESTORED.
I need more books like this in my life.
Check that.
I need ONLY books like this in my life.
February 22, 2020
This book was incredibly well written. This has to be one of my favorite heroines of all time. She is one of the strongest women I have read about. She was a badass! The hero is also the most understanding male character I’ve read about in a while. There are so many other things to say about this book. But I don’t have the right words. Take a chance and read this book.
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