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The Seducers #3
Hugo and the Maiden
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
He thought he had it all—until she showed him exactly what he’d been missing…
Hugo Buckingham was perfectly happy with the life he’d built for himself. With his steady clientele and co-ownership stake in the most exclusive brothel in London, he had everything he needed. But that was before. Before he was falsely convicted of a crime and tossed onto a ship to New South Wales. Before the ship went down and stranded him on the tiny island of Stroma.
Before her.
Miss Martha Pringle is everything he’s not—virginal, kind, and sweet. A good person. She deserves so much better than the likes of him. But that doesn’t stop him from wanting her, needing her, with an urgency that borders on terrifying.
Now, Hugo has a choice to make. Should he go home, clear his name, and return to his old life—or stay with Martha and build a new one?
But more importantly…will Martha even want him once she discovers what kind of man he really is?
Hugo and the Maiden, book 3 in THE SEDUCERS series, is a sexy, angsty, historical romance featuring a hero who doesn’t believe in true love and the innocent heroine who proves him wrong.
Happily ever after guaranteed!
He thought he had it all—until she showed him exactly what he’d been missing…
Hugo Buckingham was perfectly happy with the life he’d built for himself. With his steady clientele and co-ownership stake in the most exclusive brothel in London, he had everything he needed. But that was before. Before he was falsely convicted of a crime and tossed onto a ship to New South Wales. Before the ship went down and stranded him on the tiny island of Stroma.
Before her.
Miss Martha Pringle is everything he’s not—virginal, kind, and sweet. A good person. She deserves so much better than the likes of him. But that doesn’t stop him from wanting her, needing her, with an urgency that borders on terrifying.
Now, Hugo has a choice to make. Should he go home, clear his name, and return to his old life—or stay with Martha and build a new one?
But more importantly…will Martha even want him once she discovers what kind of man he really is?
Hugo and the Maiden, book 3 in THE SEDUCERS series, is a sexy, angsty, historical romance featuring a hero who doesn’t believe in true love and the innocent heroine who proves him wrong.
Happily ever after guaranteed!
324 pages, ebook
First published May 29, 2021
243 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
S.M. LaViolette
37 books622 followersWho is S.M. LaViolette?
S.M. (that’s short for Shantal Marie) writes super spicy historical romance and historical erotic romance. S.M. likes to write about heroes and heroines who don't fit the mold--that means heroes who aren't always dukes and heroines who aren't always virgins.
People have described S.M.'s style as dark, angsty, and dryly witty.
S.M. also writes historical romance under the pen name Minerva Spencer, and historical mystery under S.M. Goodwin.
S.M. has been a criminal prosecutor, college history teacher, B&B operator, dock worker, ice cream manufacturer, reader for the blind, motel maid, and bounty hunter.
Okay, so the part about being a bounty hunter is a lie.
S.M. does, however, know how to hypnotize a Dungeness crab, sew her own Regency Era clothing, knit a frog hat, juggle, rebuild a 1959 American Rambler, and gain control of Asia (and hold on to it) in the game of RISK.
S.M. (that’s short for Shantal Marie) writes super spicy historical romance and historical erotic romance. S.M. likes to write about heroes and heroines who don't fit the mold--that means heroes who aren't always dukes and heroines who aren't always virgins.
People have described S.M.'s style as dark, angsty, and dryly witty.
S.M. also writes historical romance under the pen name Minerva Spencer, and historical mystery under S.M. Goodwin.
S.M. has been a criminal prosecutor, college history teacher, B&B operator, dock worker, ice cream manufacturer, reader for the blind, motel maid, and bounty hunter.
Okay, so the part about being a bounty hunter is a lie.
S.M. does, however, know how to hypnotize a Dungeness crab, sew her own Regency Era clothing, knit a frog hat, juggle, rebuild a 1959 American Rambler, and gain control of Asia (and hold on to it) in the game of RISK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 10, 2023
Unusual plot and I really enjoyed it. If you read Spencer (LaViolette) she usually has a lot of sex. So for the first half of the book there is almost none and I am ok with that as I am enjoying the book so much. This is the last of the series and Hugo was an unfeeling character in the previous books. I am enjoying the growth and the feelings he has for his new friends. The second half was good dealing with living a double life and the resolution of the story.
January 9, 2023
My new favorite series! Devoured this last book, third in the series. Guaranteed you've never met a Hero like Hugo before in your typical historical romance...and that's what makes this story even more compelling and the HEA hard won.
Lush and steamy, adventurous and interesting, a passionate romance with exceptionally vivid characters and descriptive writing that keeps you hooked. It's got some really funny and touching moments too. This is the book that will get you out of your book slump; it's unique, fresh, and all kinds of hot🔥
... Gets ya straight in the ❤️
Lush and steamy, adventurous and interesting, a passionate romance with exceptionally vivid characters and descriptive writing that keeps you hooked. It's got some really funny and touching moments too. This is the book that will get you out of your book slump; it's unique, fresh, and all kinds of hot🔥
... Gets ya straight in the ❤️
May 29, 2021
Hugo and the Maiden, by S.M. LaViolette. I never had so much fun reading a book as I have reading this one. First I need to address Hugo’s character. I don’t think that there is a more intriguing, entertaining, very handsome, sensual, seductive and very arousing man. All the other male leading characters in the historical romance novels better catch up; in order to match Hugo’s swagger.
Hugo is a mess. He had me giggling and laughing from the start. The humor is a welcoming calmness to the heavy moments of the story.The writer gave her readers a historical romance novel like no other. I give praise for the writing that was edgy and carnal.
The drama was so raw. The plot that surrounds the drama really touched the humanity of ones soul. I believe that the lust and passion comes second to the drama of this story. I was on an emotional high that didn’t come down during the whole book. The book holds excitement in each chapter.
The book has realism that makes reading the book so enjoyable. I found the characters very entertaining, witty and charming. Cailean is my favorite besides Hugo. The friendship between Hugo and Cailean was very touching. Hugo and Martha romance was on fire.
Their love affair kept intrigued from beginning to end. I will ask that the writer, for when it comes to love scenes add more details, erotic dialogue or dirty talk and extend the scenes. Until next time my fellow readers... read on!
Hugo is a mess. He had me giggling and laughing from the start. The humor is a welcoming calmness to the heavy moments of the story.The writer gave her readers a historical romance novel like no other. I give praise for the writing that was edgy and carnal.
The drama was so raw. The plot that surrounds the drama really touched the humanity of ones soul. I believe that the lust and passion comes second to the drama of this story. I was on an emotional high that didn’t come down during the whole book. The book holds excitement in each chapter.
The book has realism that makes reading the book so enjoyable. I found the characters very entertaining, witty and charming. Cailean is my favorite besides Hugo. The friendship between Hugo and Cailean was very touching. Hugo and Martha romance was on fire.
Their love affair kept intrigued from beginning to end. I will ask that the writer, for when it comes to love scenes add more details, erotic dialogue or dirty talk and extend the scenes. Until next time my fellow readers... read on!
January 11, 2022
So, Hugo was the most frustrating of the 3 prostitutes of Solange... but... his HEA was still beautiful and I loved how Martha fell for him and never wavered.
Also.. loved that his previous client helped him out of a tight spot.
4/5 stars
Also.. loved that his previous client helped him out of a tight spot.
4/5 stars
June 19, 2021
This was a pleasant surprise. She's a new-to-me author and I didn't know what to expect. It features quite an unusual premise with the hero, Hugo being a male prostitute and the heroine, Martha being a vicar's daughter.
They met when the convict ship that bore Hugo was shipwrecked on an island called Stroma. He was falsely accused by his business partner, Laura at a brothel called Solange. After Martha father's death, they got married and Hugo brought Martha to London together with a gentle giant that he somehow adopted at the island called Cailean. Hugo thought that he can keep his marriage life and his job managing the brothel apart (he didn't take any clients after his marriage and he told Martha that he worked at the Exchange) but inadvertently, the two worlds collided.
Hugo thought that he was a selfish bastard, but he was actually capable of caring and a lot more. He protected Cailean whom the islanders thought to be daft, but he wasn't. He was just someone who didn't speak as much and because he was huge, there were boys on the island who bullied him. He also helped Albert, another falsely accused convict, with his patents and gave him a place to stay and money in London. Hugo always thought that having lots of money would make him happy, but in the end, he realised that having money without Martha wasn't worth it.
Martha was a young, innocent, sheltered woman. She had never been outside of Stroma. Underneath her innocence, she was actually a vibrant and a passionate woman. Hugo actually brought out this side of her. She was able to accept Hugo's pasts (although she struggled with it, which person in his/her right mind wouldn't) but she didn't judge his pasts and most importantly, it was Hugo's present and future that concerned her.
What I like most about this book would be the character growth mentioned above - Hugo's redemption and Martha's acceptance. The characters were fleshed out and I also enjoyed the side characters as well. The pace was good and the writing was quite lovely as well.
In terms of steaminess, I initially thought it would be more explicit, but if you have read Grace Callaway's books, this book is pretty much on par with Ms. Callaway's books. I would rate the steaminess as 4 out of 5.
Overall, an entertaining read and a solid 4 stars.
They met when the convict ship that bore Hugo was shipwrecked on an island called Stroma. He was falsely accused by his business partner, Laura at a brothel called Solange. After Martha father's death, they got married and Hugo brought Martha to London together with a gentle giant that he somehow adopted at the island called Cailean. Hugo thought that he can keep his marriage life and his job managing the brothel apart (he didn't take any clients after his marriage and he told Martha that he worked at the Exchange) but inadvertently, the two worlds collided.
Hugo thought that he was a selfish bastard, but he was actually capable of caring and a lot more. He protected Cailean whom the islanders thought to be daft, but he wasn't. He was just someone who didn't speak as much and because he was huge, there were boys on the island who bullied him. He also helped Albert, another falsely accused convict, with his patents and gave him a place to stay and money in London. Hugo always thought that having lots of money would make him happy, but in the end, he realised that having money without Martha wasn't worth it.
Martha was a young, innocent, sheltered woman. She had never been outside of Stroma. Underneath her innocence, she was actually a vibrant and a passionate woman. Hugo actually brought out this side of her. She was able to accept Hugo's pasts (although she struggled with it, which person in his/her right mind wouldn't) but she didn't judge his pasts and most importantly, it was Hugo's present and future that concerned her.
What I like most about this book would be the character growth mentioned above - Hugo's redemption and Martha's acceptance. The characters were fleshed out and I also enjoyed the side characters as well. The pace was good and the writing was quite lovely as well.
In terms of steaminess, I initially thought it would be more explicit, but if you have read Grace Callaway's books, this book is pretty much on par with Ms. Callaway's books. I would rate the steaminess as 4 out of 5.
Overall, an entertaining read and a solid 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
This book is five stars for me. Let me count the ways:
1. A really fascinating male main character. He’s a man with a complex past of (off page) trauma and does sex work now. The characterization of his sexuality and inner life is nuanced and engaging.
2. The book is incredibly steamy. If you have any question about that, just read the first paragraph. (!!)
3. The story spans two landscapes; one a rural island and the second London in the early 19th century. Both settings pop off the page. The author easily set my mind in the world she created.
4. I love reading about non heteronormative characters in historic romance novels. It just pleases me to no end, to read something besides the usual heteronormative alpha male hero (not that I don’t enjoy reading that as well). It really just makes the story so much more dynamic, and importantly, lets us see varied aspects of English society.
I just loved this.
1. A really fascinating male main character. He’s a man with a complex past of (off page) trauma and does sex work now. The characterization of his sexuality and inner life is nuanced and engaging.
2. The book is incredibly steamy. If you have any question about that, just read the first paragraph. (!!)
3. The story spans two landscapes; one a rural island and the second London in the early 19th century. Both settings pop off the page. The author easily set my mind in the world she created.
4. I love reading about non heteronormative characters in historic romance novels. It just pleases me to no end, to read something besides the usual heteronormative alpha male hero (not that I don’t enjoy reading that as well). It really just makes the story so much more dynamic, and importantly, lets us see varied aspects of English society.
I just loved this.
January 31, 2025
Great S.M Laviolette book. Did not think I will like this Hugo but he grew on me.
May 30, 2021
I don't even know how to categorize this book... I can just tell you that I loved it and that it was a good end to the series.
Hugo was introduced in Melissa's book, the 1st in the series. He was an ambitious prostitute who fucked both male and female clients. Well, in this book, when he was thinking that he was close to getting everything he wanted the unexpected happened. Hugo is bludgeoned over the head and wakes up in prison and he's being deported for 7 years, and for a crime he hasn't committed too. We can say that luck is with him and the ship that carries him and other people veers off course, there's a mutiny, and some of the people on it are saved and end up on Stroma island in Scotland.
Martha is the daughter of the vicar of Stroma island. She and the people of the island save the prisoners of the capsized boat, they tend to them, they feed them and they wait for the sheriff to come from the mainland. Hugo acts like a complete bastard, but he doesn't notice when he starts to change. The life and the people of the island are changing him, and, miraculously, he's also falling in love(though he doesn't understand what's happening to him). The only thing he wants is to get back to London, to recuperate his business and for life to go back to normal.
Hugo is a bastard, he's selfish and he only thinks of his profits, but underneath this all, he's also a good man who starts to make connections. He finds out how it feels to be respected for his work ethic and all the hours he spends at his job. He's a really complicated guy and I liked seeing him change by small increments.
Martha comes off as sheltered and virtuous, and she is that, but that's not everything she is. She's adventurous, she sees the good in people and she fights for what she wants and what she believes in. She's open minded and doesn't judge people for how they had to live or what they had to to to survive.
As it can be seen, I really liked both Hugo and Martha, together and apart. There are also secondary characters that were lovely, but the spotlight was always on those 2.
This has been a perfect ending to the series and I can't wait to see what Ms. LaViolette comes up with next.
Hugo was introduced in Melissa's book, the 1st in the series. He was an ambitious prostitute who fucked both male and female clients. Well, in this book, when he was thinking that he was close to getting everything he wanted the unexpected happened. Hugo is bludgeoned over the head and wakes up in prison and he's being deported for 7 years, and for a crime he hasn't committed too. We can say that luck is with him and the ship that carries him and other people veers off course, there's a mutiny, and some of the people on it are saved and end up on Stroma island in Scotland.
Martha is the daughter of the vicar of Stroma island. She and the people of the island save the prisoners of the capsized boat, they tend to them, they feed them and they wait for the sheriff to come from the mainland. Hugo acts like a complete bastard, but he doesn't notice when he starts to change. The life and the people of the island are changing him, and, miraculously, he's also falling in love(though he doesn't understand what's happening to him). The only thing he wants is to get back to London, to recuperate his business and for life to go back to normal.
Hugo is a bastard, he's selfish and he only thinks of his profits, but underneath this all, he's also a good man who starts to make connections. He finds out how it feels to be respected for his work ethic and all the hours he spends at his job. He's a really complicated guy and I liked seeing him change by small increments.
Martha comes off as sheltered and virtuous, and she is that, but that's not everything she is. She's adventurous, she sees the good in people and she fights for what she wants and what she believes in. She's open minded and doesn't judge people for how they had to live or what they had to to to survive.
As it can be seen, I really liked both Hugo and Martha, together and apart. There are also secondary characters that were lovely, but the spotlight was always on those 2.
This has been a perfect ending to the series and I can't wait to see what Ms. LaViolette comes up with next.
May 28, 2021
Hugo Buckingham was perfectly happy with the life he’d built for himself. With his steady clientele and co-ownership stake in Solange’s the most exclusive brothel in London, he had everything he needed. Then he was attacked, falsely convicted of a crime and tossed onto a ship to New South Wales but the ship went down and stranded him on the tiny island of Stroma. Miss Martha Pringle is everything he’s not—virginal, kind, and sweet. A good person. She deserves so much better than the likes of him.
The third book in the series but it’s very easily read on its won. A very well written book, which drew me in from the first page & I was left smiling at the lovely epilogue. This fast paced book never lagged & I found it to be unputdownable. I hadn’t particularly like Hugo in previous books but he came into his own in this book & I quickly fell for him. I loved Martha who was strong, kind with a wicked side & willing to fight for her man. The road to their HEA was anything but easy but it made for an absorbing read. The characters were very well portrayed with lots of depth, I also loved Little Cailean & Albert. The villains were evil but did get their just desserts & I loved that someone was redeemed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third book in the series but it’s very easily read on its won. A very well written book, which drew me in from the first page & I was left smiling at the lovely epilogue. This fast paced book never lagged & I found it to be unputdownable. I hadn’t particularly like Hugo in previous books but he came into his own in this book & I quickly fell for him. I loved Martha who was strong, kind with a wicked side & willing to fight for her man. The road to their HEA was anything but easy but it made for an absorbing read. The characters were very well portrayed with lots of depth, I also loved Little Cailean & Albert. The villains were evil but did get their just desserts & I loved that someone was redeemed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 12, 2022
This was the best in the series.
I just love S.M. LaViolette.
I just love S.M. LaViolette.
June 4, 2021
I am surprised at how much I loved this book! I really didn't like the character Hugo in the 1st two books and I wondered what a book about him could possibly be like.
This book did not disappoint! It made me laugh and cry. It was probably my favorite of the series.
This book did not disappoint! It made me laugh and cry. It was probably my favorite of the series.
March 3, 2022
I DNF this one.
I struggled! I didn't feel any chemistry between the two MCs...
I struggled! I didn't feel any chemistry between the two MCs...
May 24, 2025
What a surprise! After the first two books I was biased against Hugo, but this is my favorite of the three. Clever, intriguing, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and so sexy (though strangely clean compared to some of her other books.) Orkney Island? Seriously? Fascinating! Goodness gracious! I wouldn’t have thought she could write a better character than Joss but she has outdone herself with Hugo. I cried. Several times. But mostly I laughed. He is so extraordinary. Yet he is eclipsed by Martha, the supposedly naive, sheltered, unworldly vicar’s daughter who delivers so much unconditional love and courage it broke me completely. She manages to make peace with his lies, his past, and his present behavior while hanging onto her faith, her innocence, and her deep love for her husband. I love this couple so much. The ending is absolutely epic and the epilogue is worth an extra star. The found family they build is also just wonderful. This story has so much heart! I highly recommend the whole series, including the audiobooks. Very well done. Next I’m reading the Victorian Decadence series, which some fans don’t like, so we’ll see.
June 15, 2021
Hugo is just your regular old not-handsome-but-deeply-compelling brothel owner, who gets captured, charged falsely with a crime he didn't commit (how lowering! there are crimes he did commit they could have chosen from, surely), and gets shipped off to Australia to serve his sentence. He gets shipwrecked in a Scottish town that is all craggy wind and backbreaking labor, nothing like the idyllic rolling-hilled Scotland we tend to think of. It's there he meets Martha Pringle - a vicar's daughter - and someone who's utterly wrong for him.
When Hugo and Martha get together at her father's urging (he basically just wants her off the island and to live a more fulfilling life), Hugo decides that the best way to maintain his relationship with Martha is to lie to her face about what his job is while simultaneously winning back his brothel empire.
It's so clear that Hugo will never be able to have his cake and eat it too, so the back half of the book drags a bit as he ever so slowly starts to realize the obvious.
When Hugo and Martha get together at her father's urging (he basically just wants her off the island and to live a more fulfilling life), Hugo decides that the best way to maintain his relationship with Martha is to lie to her face about what his job is while simultaneously winning back his brothel empire.
It's so clear that Hugo will never be able to have his cake and eat it too, so the back half of the book drags a bit as he ever so slowly starts to realize the obvious.
June 1, 2021
I adored this book! More heros/heroines and characters like this if you please. Historical romance authors take note! There is drama, action and entertaining scenes with good historical details. Hugo has been featured briefly in the two previous books in the series, but you can read this one as a stand alone re the back story and the HEA. Several characters from the other books appear briefly as well. Spoilers being that you know those characters ended up together in the other books - big surprise. LOL.
Hugo is a brash whore with a potty mouth. He is not handsome, but he has other - attributes - that the ladies (and men) that visit him love... At the beginning Hugo is assaulted after leaving his room at the bawdy house. He wakes up later in chains, then is charged with a crime and sentenced to seven years prison and flung onto a convict vessel headed to New South Wales. It shipwrecks and Hugo and some others are rescued. He begins to fall in lust with the virginal daughter of the local vicar who live on this tiny, rocky and isolated island. I'll stop it there, because everything that happens should be a surprise to readers.
It's excellent writing, the characters are well drawn, it's a slow burn romance, very entertaining with steamy and beautifully written sex scenes when they finally happen. The only issue I had was that there were several typos. eg - an odd small word missing or an extra one appearing where it shouldn't. I'm mentioning this so if the publisher reads this review it can be fixed. There was nothing that detracted from the story. 5 stars. 😍💖
Hugo is a brash whore with a potty mouth. He is not handsome, but he has other - attributes - that the ladies (and men) that visit him love... At the beginning Hugo is assaulted after leaving his room at the bawdy house. He wakes up later in chains, then is charged with a crime and sentenced to seven years prison and flung onto a convict vessel headed to New South Wales. It shipwrecks and Hugo and some others are rescued. He begins to fall in lust with the virginal daughter of the local vicar who live on this tiny, rocky and isolated island. I'll stop it there, because everything that happens should be a surprise to readers.
It's excellent writing, the characters are well drawn, it's a slow burn romance, very entertaining with steamy and beautifully written sex scenes when they finally happen. The only issue I had was that there were several typos. eg - an odd small word missing or an extra one appearing where it shouldn't. I'm mentioning this so if the publisher reads this review it can be fixed. There was nothing that detracted from the story. 5 stars. 😍💖
May 3, 2024
A fun read, but definitely my least favorite of this 3-book series. I can get behind the "love changes a person" theme, but Hugo's change in personality from the other books was a bit too comprehensive to work for me. I liked this Hugo, he just did not make sense to me. I was also a little confused as to why Joss (the MMC from the book before) offered Hugo so much assistance when his dislike for Hugo was made so clear in this book and in the earlier ones. I do like that the author took on the inhumanity and corruption in England's prisoner transportation system and I thought she did it well (in the romance context, this was not a dissertation.) The epilogue in this was a little treacly for me, even for romance, but otherwise I generally enjoyed the journey and look forward to the next series from this author under whatever pen name.
July 20, 2024
“Good afternoon, Mistress Pringle.” His lids lowered and the smile that curved his thin lips made something low in her belly—something beneath her belly, truth be told—tighten, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through her body.
His nostrils flared as he watched her, almost as if he were scenting something.
Martha suddenly knew—she just knew—that he was aware of what his suggestive, naughty looks did to a woman. Did to her.
Hugo and the Maiden by S.M. LaViolette, the third installment in The Seducers series, is a story I pinned a lot of high hopes on given the nature of the male protagonist in the story. Irrespective of whether those expectations were met, it was still a compelling and provocative romance, as is the norm by almost any novel that Minerva Spencer aka Ms. LaViolette brings to her readers. Featuring Hugo Buckingham as the hero and Martha Jane Pringle as the heroine, this novel delves into the gritty realities of 19th-century London and the isolated life far removed in the island of Stroma, the harsh lived realities of life for most, and to some extent, class difference.
Hugo, a bisexual courtesan, is a hero with a colorful past and a wealth of scars that he hides behind the facade that he presents to the rest of the world. He is an ambitious man, made so by the abject poverty that he had been subjected to when he had been sold by his father at the age of fourteen. His current status as the co-owner of London’s most expensive brothel marks a hard-won success that is abruptly shattered when he is betrayed by his business partner. Hugo finds himself aboard a ship as a convict, bound to the desolate island of Stroma, where his life takes a 180-degree turn.
On the island, Hugo meets the virginal daughter of the island’s vicar, Martha Jane Pringle bringing him face to face with the woman who would be his undoing. The island’s harsh climate and its isolation from the rest of the world provides a stark contrast to Hugo’ previous life, where material wealth had put Hugo in the midst of opulence, his heart never full for his need of material wants and desires, even as his heart and soul had become encrusted in reinforced steel over time.
Martha, with her no-nonsense attitude, compassionate nature, and plain looks is the direct opposite of Hugo in every sense and not the kind of woman who would make Hugo sit up and take notice. However, none of that stops Martha’s dormant senses from awakening in Hugo’s presence, and Hugo from sensing his own vulnerabilities in the face of Martha, to his annoyance. Martha, who is on the verge of being betrothed to a man who brings her no joy, finds herself enamored by Hugo, even as she fights the attraction with every weapon in her arsenal, until she realizes that there is no stopping the tide when it comes to what fate has in store for her.
Their relationship as it develops therefore, is not an easy one. Hugo who at first, tries to use his skills as a seducer to his advantage to get off the godforsaken island, finds himself in the position of feeling ashamed for the very first time in his adult life, as a result of which, his innate kindness and the reluctant hero that resides in him starts to emerge. Martha who understand Hugo perhaps better than he does himself, finds in Hugo a man worthy of her unending love, and the weight of that love is what Hugo shies away from, a man who has never understood what it is like to be accepted for who he is.
As the story moves deeper into exploring the complexities of Hugo, who is a fascinating character of contrasts, his struggles to open up emotionally to Martha was indicative of his deep vulnerabilities that he hides so well. Martha, who is the beacon of strength, love, acceptance, and kindness is the balm to every ache in Hugo’s soul, and when Hugo and Martha finally accept that there is no stopping the tide of desire and want between them, it opens up Martha to a world of sensuality and desire that allows her to finally break free from the shackles that has bound her.
While I expected this to be a five-star read because of Hugo, him being the kind of hero that would give a romance its weight in gold, I found that the story failed to fully explore the potential of Hugo. I understood why for a character like Hugo, who switches his roles so effectively when it comes to sex that is meaningless, it had to be different with Martha. But at the same time, I wanted Hugo to embrace the full extent of his reserves of sensuality with Martha and for their union to reach new heights in passion which would have given greater meaning to their bond.
I also found that while the story excels in character development and themes explored, some plot resolutions were a bit too convenient. The story’s pacing occasionally stumbled, particularly when it comes to the resolution of Hugo’s past and his abrupt realization of love for Martha which I wanted more out of.
One of the best aspects of the novel was its rich tapestry of secondary characters, from the adorable Celubion to the antagonistic Robert Clark, each adding depth to the narrative. Martha’s father, the vicar, embodies kindness and moral steadfastness, and becomes pivotal in shaping Hugo’s journey towards redemption and finding in Martha the salvation he had been searching for, even without realizing it himself.
Recommended for fans of Ms. LaViolette, fans of historical romances, and fans of richly textured romances that navigates the complexities of love and redemption in all its glory.
Final Verdict: Fans of historical romance will find much to admire in LaViolette’s nuanced characterization and the evocative setting explored in Hugo and the Maiden, making this a page-turner.
Rating = 4/5
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December 11, 2022
For some reason I’ve skipped over this series in my previous Spencer binges. And now I’ve started with the ending. I think the covers threw me off. But wow this book was absolutely adorable and close to perfect.
Hugo is a sex worker and brothel co-owner who is double-crossed and wrongfully transported. He ends up shipwrecked on a harsh Scottish island and falls hard for the vicar's daughter. Hugo is smart, sexy, driven and lovably oblivious to the fact that he has the softest heart imaginable. It’s got a fairly tale vibe, but Hugo is the princess in this scenario — saved from loneliness and an emotionally bleak existence by the love of a more uncomplicated partner. Martha is darling and relatable, lovely and big hearted. You can’t help but root for their love.
Hugo is a sex worker and brothel co-owner who is double-crossed and wrongfully transported. He ends up shipwrecked on a harsh Scottish island and falls hard for the vicar's daughter. Hugo is smart, sexy, driven and lovably oblivious to the fact that he has the softest heart imaginable. It’s got a fairly tale vibe, but Hugo is the princess in this scenario — saved from loneliness and an emotionally bleak existence by the love of a more uncomplicated partner. Martha is darling and relatable, lovely and big hearted. You can’t help but root for their love.
May 22, 2021
I really enjoyed Hugo and the Maiden. Their story is very unique in the circumstances that find them together and the unlikelihood of getting together. Hugo and Martha’s love journey is twisty and filled with really good hearted people doing the right thing for them. A great read in this series!
** I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
** I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **
February 3, 2023
Well pretty much the same song and dance as book 1, I skipped book 2. This just is not my cup of tea. Parts where good, parts I didn’t like. Plot 4(1-10) steaminess 7(1-10)
I rate steaminess because one of my Goodreads buddies (M.G.)does it on her reviews and I find the additional information very helpful. I read reviews mostly from the individuals that I am “friends” with because we tend to like similar books. However a very high rating is not just what all they did in the book, but how well that was written.
I rate steaminess because one of my Goodreads buddies (M.G.)does it on her reviews and I find the additional information very helpful. I read reviews mostly from the individuals that I am “friends” with because we tend to like similar books. However a very high rating is not just what all they did in the book, but how well that was written.
Read
January 2, 2022The journey really is the destination with this one hoo buddy
May 30, 2021
A prosperous male prostitute in London is beaten and kidnapped. Ending up on a ship full of criminals, Hugo is saved from a ship wreck by the islanders of an isolated island. Martha, the daughter of the vicar, tends his wounds and softens his hard edges. The islanders come to respect him for his honest work. Hugo starts to change. Returning to London, Hugo faces a threat from an unscrupulous criminal. This may be the downfall of everything he holds close to his heart. Unexpected help comes from surprising sources to turn his life around.
Putting this book down for any reason was very hard to do. A nice change reading about people who didn't come from money and had to find their own way in having a good honest life.
Very explicit sex!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
Putting this book down for any reason was very hard to do. A nice change reading about people who didn't come from money and had to find their own way in having a good honest life.
Very explicit sex!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
May 30, 2021
Great Story
I love these books: good storyline and excellent interesting characters. I wanted Hugo to have his own story and title was lovely to see him fall in love with such an unlikely partner !
I love these books: good storyline and excellent interesting characters. I wanted Hugo to have his own story and title was lovely to see him fall in love with such an unlikely partner !
May 31, 2021
Hugo and the Maiden is the third in S. M. LaViolette’s “The Seducers” series. Our hero is Hugo Buckingham (from the first two books), a male sex worker and co-owner of Solange’s A high class brothel. Someone wants his share of the business; they kidnap him and toss him on a boat to New South Wales. But it never makes it there; instead it ends up in Stroma (an island in Northern Scotland) where he meets Martha Pringle. And we’re off to the races from there.
Hugo is one of my favorite background characters from the series. I always hoped he’d get his HEA and I’m so glad that he did. To steal a movie phrase, “He’s a hooker with a heart of gold.” I love how he describes himself:
“They could beat him with birch switches and ride him as hard as a willful hack;
they could have him beat them; they could dress up in a nappy and call him Papa,
Hugo didn’t give a damn. He only drew the line at anything involving children and
animals.
Yes, even a soulless, damned-to-hell whore like Hugo had his limits.”
He’s also a big dummy and falls top over tea-kettle for Martha. In short, I love Hugo.
Martha is the typical vicar’s daughter. She’s kind, compassionate, sheltered, and of course, for some reason, is really intrigued by Hugo. They have chemistry from the get-go, and it’s so fun to watch their relationship evolve. Add in more background characters (Daniel) and it makes more fun in fantabulous read.
And the steam… Oh my goodness, the steam. You could cook a twelve course meal of dim sum from the amount of steam in this book. My favorite one? Hugo’s solo in the meeting hall… Oh, damn…
The story is pretty excellent. The writing is great, just what I expect from Ms. Laviolette. It’s engaging from the first paragraph. I loved getting Hugo’s backstory. The dialogue is witty, powerful, and moving. The big misunderstanding (because there’s always a big misunderstanding) broke my heart. I was growling a the screen, “You big dummy!” Followed by the big grovel, which was also very sweet.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the banter, I loved the sex. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Hugo is one of my favorite background characters from the series. I always hoped he’d get his HEA and I’m so glad that he did. To steal a movie phrase, “He’s a hooker with a heart of gold.” I love how he describes himself:
“They could beat him with birch switches and ride him as hard as a willful hack;
they could have him beat them; they could dress up in a nappy and call him Papa,
Hugo didn’t give a damn. He only drew the line at anything involving children and
animals.
Yes, even a soulless, damned-to-hell whore like Hugo had his limits.”
He’s also a big dummy and falls top over tea-kettle for Martha. In short, I love Hugo.
Martha is the typical vicar’s daughter. She’s kind, compassionate, sheltered, and of course, for some reason, is really intrigued by Hugo. They have chemistry from the get-go, and it’s so fun to watch their relationship evolve. Add in more background characters (Daniel) and it makes more fun in fantabulous read.
And the steam… Oh my goodness, the steam. You could cook a twelve course meal of dim sum from the amount of steam in this book. My favorite one? Hugo’s solo in the meeting hall… Oh, damn…
The story is pretty excellent. The writing is great, just what I expect from Ms. Laviolette. It’s engaging from the first paragraph. I loved getting Hugo’s backstory. The dialogue is witty, powerful, and moving. The big misunderstanding (because there’s always a big misunderstanding) broke my heart. I was growling a the screen, “You big dummy!” Followed by the big grovel, which was also very sweet.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the banter, I loved the sex. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
May 31, 2021
Whew where do I start? I received an ARC copy so I am very happy to report swoon worthy!
I didn’t like Hugo in Melissa story! I didn’t like him period! It’s like Dr. Seus Green eggs and ham! Until I tried him on this book!
Hugo is complex. His life has been shaped at such a young age he really didn’t know who he was or who he was supposed to be!!??
Quite simply sex=money and that’s it! It didn’t matter what kind or with whom. It was a job he was very good and it was also the only job that kept him from starving!
Martha is a Vicars daughter working and living on a tiny island. Destined to live in a tiny home and marry Clark the handsomest man there and have a bunch of babies!
Then Hugo shows up, he saved several lives so he’s not just the loud obnoxious sexy well endowed brute he appears. He has been tasked to take of Martha and Calliean one special young man that holds him in high regard and saved Hugo life!
When marriage and Hugo do not appear to mix Hugo makes a decision and it’s not clear what decision he has made until Martha confronts him and gets involved!
There are many pieces to this puzzle but Hugo lies catch up with him and his worst fears are realized but are they? Can a virgin who has never known sex have a future with a male whore who has witnessed and been involved in every sort of debauchery known to man? Talk about opposites!!
But Laura has a conscience and well let’s just say a woman scorned.....
If you don’t have a time set to thoroughly inhale this book well I feel sorry for you because you will literally take it to the potty with you!!
I think Laura gets a story next..does she deserve one? Sure she doesn’t but does she try to right her horrible wrongs? Yes she does but she’s successful but at a cost. I love Hugo and Martha she is good for him and he goes from nauseating to just naughty!! Well done!!
I didn’t like Hugo in Melissa story! I didn’t like him period! It’s like Dr. Seus Green eggs and ham! Until I tried him on this book!
Hugo is complex. His life has been shaped at such a young age he really didn’t know who he was or who he was supposed to be!!??
Quite simply sex=money and that’s it! It didn’t matter what kind or with whom. It was a job he was very good and it was also the only job that kept him from starving!
Martha is a Vicars daughter working and living on a tiny island. Destined to live in a tiny home and marry Clark the handsomest man there and have a bunch of babies!
Then Hugo shows up, he saved several lives so he’s not just the loud obnoxious sexy well endowed brute he appears. He has been tasked to take of Martha and Calliean one special young man that holds him in high regard and saved Hugo life!
When marriage and Hugo do not appear to mix Hugo makes a decision and it’s not clear what decision he has made until Martha confronts him and gets involved!
There are many pieces to this puzzle but Hugo lies catch up with him and his worst fears are realized but are they? Can a virgin who has never known sex have a future with a male whore who has witnessed and been involved in every sort of debauchery known to man? Talk about opposites!!
But Laura has a conscience and well let’s just say a woman scorned.....
If you don’t have a time set to thoroughly inhale this book well I feel sorry for you because you will literally take it to the potty with you!!
I think Laura gets a story next..does she deserve one? Sure she doesn’t but does she try to right her horrible wrongs? Yes she does but she’s successful but at a cost. I love Hugo and Martha she is good for him and he goes from nauseating to just naughty!! Well done!!
May 29, 2021
Hugo and the maiden is next in series of The seducers. Although it is stand alone, few characters from previous books are featured or mentioned.also our main protagonist Hugo is shown in a different light.
In this book he takes centrestage .Hugo is very different from all the historical protagonists I have read till date .mostly heroes are alpha jerks too sure of their masculinity.
Hugo is aware of his background, his strengths ,his weaknesses etc,he is no good doer but his interactions with young Cailen were heart warming.
His character undergoes so many changes for the better.ftom a young age he had fended for himself. He thought himself incapable of love .
Martha changes all that.both of them are completely different in all aspects.
Martha invades his heart bit by bit and takes over completely.
She is all giving and believes in Hugo.
The chemistry between them was off charts.lots of steamy scenes.
So happy to read through happy ever after.
In this book he takes centrestage .Hugo is very different from all the historical protagonists I have read till date .mostly heroes are alpha jerks too sure of their masculinity.
Hugo is aware of his background, his strengths ,his weaknesses etc,he is no good doer but his interactions with young Cailen were heart warming.
His character undergoes so many changes for the better.ftom a young age he had fended for himself. He thought himself incapable of love .
Martha changes all that.both of them are completely different in all aspects.
Martha invades his heart bit by bit and takes over completely.
She is all giving and believes in Hugo.
The chemistry between them was off charts.lots of steamy scenes.
So happy to read through happy ever after.
March 1, 2022
Ich durfte bereits ein Rezensionsexemplar über digital publishing lesen!Hugo Buckingham ist Miteigentümer und Sexarbeiter, wie man heute sagen würde, in einem sehr exklusiven Bordell in London.Doch irgendwann wird er gefangen genommen und auf ein Schiff verfrachtet, das dann an der Insel Stroma strandet. Martha, eine Pfarrerstochter hilft ihm, beide verlieben sich und heiraten.Doch damit fangen die Probleme erst an!Hugo hat Angst, dass Martha erfährt, was er vorher getan hat und verlässt sie.Aber Martha will ihn zurück und kann es so nicht akzeptieren!Sie setzt sich dann trotz allem für ihn ein und verhindert mit ihm zusammen sogar ein politisches Attentat!Alles in allem wieder ein sehr schöner Liebesroman mit außergewöhnlichem Setting!Absolute Leseempfehlung!
November 11, 2023
I didn’t *dislike* these characters, but I just didn’t buy into them either. Their relationship seemed like 95% sex and attraction, and only a sliver of actual connection beyond that. The hero also did something, until almost the very end, so it just felt like it cut their potential off at the knees. Then his actions near the end felt like drama just for the sake of it and if not for a third party they wouldn't have managed a HEA at all, which is a little disappointing. It wasn’t terrible, but it was more miss than hit unfortunately.
January 17, 2023
The trend I've noticed with this author is that she writes a GREAT first half of a book. The setup is always intriguing and the characters and interesting. And then the second half rolls in and everything interesting just kind of floats away like dandelion fluff and we get a standard cardboard cut out villain, poor communication between our leads, and a mediocre resolution. I'm never mad I read it, just always disappointed it never ends as strong as it begins.
July 16, 2022
I read this one twice now. Hugo makes me cry eyes out every time. Great complex characters, fast moving story and unique location. I put off reading this one at first because I did not care for the plotline summary. Glad I gave it a chance because now it is one of my favorites.
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