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The Masqueraders #3
The Bastard
An alternative cover edition can be found here
His was a face that women carried with them into their nightmares, not their fantasies...
John Fielding is not a gentleman. His brutal past has left him scarred, mind and body. But the scars are a valuable reminder of what's truly important.
Revenge.
And John will have his vengeance on the man who abandoned him when he was just a child. In fact, he'll make the entire bloodline pay for the sins of his father. No one can stop him.
Except maybe Cordelia.
She's everything John is not—kind and generous and loving. A good person. She deserves so much better than living in the shadow of her cruel sister.
And she certainly deserves better than a beast like him.
But that doesn't stop John from wanting her.
Cordelia shines a light into the darkest corners of his soul, making him question what he's been living for all these years. Now, he's only sure of one thing.
Her love could save him...but only if his quest for revenge doesn't destroy them both first.
His was a face that women carried with them into their nightmares, not their fantasies...
John Fielding is not a gentleman. His brutal past has left him scarred, mind and body. But the scars are a valuable reminder of what's truly important.
Revenge.
And John will have his vengeance on the man who abandoned him when he was just a child. In fact, he'll make the entire bloodline pay for the sins of his father. No one can stop him.
Except maybe Cordelia.
She's everything John is not—kind and generous and loving. A good person. She deserves so much better than living in the shadow of her cruel sister.
And she certainly deserves better than a beast like him.
But that doesn't stop John from wanting her.
Cordelia shines a light into the darkest corners of his soul, making him question what he's been living for all these years. Now, he's only sure of one thing.
Her love could save him...but only if his quest for revenge doesn't destroy them both first.
***DISCLAIMER: This book deals with sensitive subject matters that may be upsetting for some readers.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2022
221 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
S.M. LaViolette
37 books623 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 105 reviews
January 11, 2024
Ok I am going to be a contrarian here as I was merely ok with the plot. LaViolette/Spencer has been one of my go to authors but recently I have not "loved" her books as much as I had in the past. This is probably a case of me being a mood reader. So that being said.....I dislike dual timelines. The plot seemed to be uneven as the author went into great detail about the background of John and what made him the man he is today (which came across as the muscle not the brains of the organization) versus Cordellia who is everything kind and loving we are told (saving the dog) not shown. I figured out the bad guy early on and the story that starting out gripping me just sort of petered out. 3.5*
August 13, 2022
The blurb sounded so interesting that I snatched it up on the day that it was published. I'm a sucker for beauty and the beast trope. I also remember really enjoying the 1st book in this series, The Footman so I'm hoping to re-create the same experience and I wasn't disapointed.
I think Ms. Spencer books just keep getting better. The writing is simply excellent. In my opinion, some of her books suffer from pacing issue and I'm happy to say that it isn't the case with this book. I love the hero, John. Despite his atrocious background and his scarred face, he turned out to be a really decent guy. He reminds me of Michael Oher from The Blind Side movie with his protective instincts. I also loved the fact the he fell in love with Cordelia not because of her beauty, but due to her kindness. That was a nice departure from the cliched storyline where the hero fell instantly in love due to the heroine's beauty. Cordelia's is a wee bit too nice, IMO. She didn't have a lot of conflicts in her life, but I guess John's story is grim enough to balance things out.
I didn't expect the final twist at the end so that was a nice surprise. A solid 4.5 star. Well done, Ms. Spencer! I am looking forward to your next book.
Steam factor: Mid-high. Explicit. However, the intimate scenes between the hero and heroine started after the 50% mark so a bit of a slow burn. There was a scene earlier in the book, but between the hero and a couple of prostitutes - not detailed or lengthy though.
I think Ms. Spencer books just keep getting better. The writing is simply excellent. In my opinion, some of her books suffer from pacing issue and I'm happy to say that it isn't the case with this book. I love the hero, John. Despite his atrocious background and his scarred face, he turned out to be a really decent guy. He reminds me of Michael Oher from The Blind Side movie with his protective instincts. I also loved the fact the he fell in love with Cordelia not because of her beauty, but due to her kindness. That was a nice departure from the cliched storyline where the hero fell instantly in love due to the heroine's beauty. Cordelia's is a wee bit too nice, IMO. She didn't have a lot of conflicts in her life, but I guess John's story is grim enough to balance things out.
I didn't expect the final twist at the end so that was a nice surprise. A solid 4.5 star. Well done, Ms. Spencer! I am looking forward to your next book.
Steam factor: Mid-high. Explicit. However, the intimate scenes between the hero and heroine started after the 50% mark so a bit of a slow burn. There was a scene earlier in the book, but between the hero and a couple of prostitutes - not detailed or lengthy though.
March 21, 2022
I just started reading S.M. LaViolette/Minerva Spencer last year and I have read 9 of her as S.M. LaViolette and I have read 11 books as Minvera Spencer.
I have loved her from book one. Her stories are so different from the usual Regency ton. She puts so much detail into her stories, but not unnecessary details. You feel like you are "watching/reading" a movie. She also gets such wonderful depth of characters.
I have to say of my 400/books a year I read and have read almost 2300 books in 6 years, I don’t think I have every read a book that had such depth in a character. Cordelia was a great character but you knew what kind of person she was but John….WOW! I felt his life. And what a life it was. Incredible. It needed to be told in such depth. So damn good.
I just loved this book. Great read and definitely would recommend.
I have loved her from book one. Her stories are so different from the usual Regency ton. She puts so much detail into her stories, but not unnecessary details. You feel like you are "watching/reading" a movie. She also gets such wonderful depth of characters.
I have to say of my 400/books a year I read and have read almost 2300 books in 6 years, I don’t think I have every read a book that had such depth in a character. Cordelia was a great character but you knew what kind of person she was but John….WOW! I felt his life. And what a life it was. Incredible. It needed to be told in such depth. So damn good.
I just loved this book. Great read and definitely would recommend.
June 13, 2022
The Beast Finds True Love💘
An abandoned , illegitimate, and scarred son of a Duke makes good, but wants to get revenge.
I got this with Kindle Unlimited.
Great book for lovers of Historical Regency or Victorian Romance💕.
An abandoned , illegitimate, and scarred son of a Duke makes good, but wants to get revenge.
I got this with Kindle Unlimited.
Great book for lovers of Historical Regency or Victorian Romance💕.
April 18, 2023
2.5.
I didn’t read the chapters with the flashbacks. I was in no mood to read about hero’s dark past. I just wanted the romance. I thought the H/h were good together and they had some cute moments.
I didn’t read the chapters with the flashbacks. I was in no mood to read about hero’s dark past. I just wanted the romance. I thought the H/h were good together and they had some cute moments.
March 18, 2022
One of my favorite troupes is a revenge plot. That ending was a surprise for sure, I don't know why I didn't pick up on it. Wonderful series and I am glad to see we might have one more....maybe. Loved John, he wanted to be so mean and hard and he just couldn't. If you haven't read SML, then pick this one up because it was lovely!
March 15, 2022
DNF
And that makes the 3rd S.M. LaViolette book I have not finished. It's a shame because I look forward to her books and the blurbs always interest me. Unfortunately, the writing just isn't that great. I have read one or two of her books that I did enjoy, but for the most part they always bore me to tears. I tell myself once the steam starts the book will pick up, but the sex is always gratuitous…not a bad thing IF you have a good plot and satisfactory writing. This was just sex with bad writing…meh.
And that makes the 3rd S.M. LaViolette book I have not finished. It's a shame because I look forward to her books and the blurbs always interest me. Unfortunately, the writing just isn't that great. I have read one or two of her books that I did enjoy, but for the most part they always bore me to tears. I tell myself once the steam starts the book will pick up, but the sex is always gratuitous…not a bad thing IF you have a good plot and satisfactory writing. This was just sex with bad writing…meh.
December 9, 2023
Out of the series, this book was my favorite.
So many times to chuckle and laugh.
But it was also very very dark. And so sad for the hero and the life he had lived. Flash backs of the past and then back to the present day worked well. I was always in suspense and wanting to know what happened. Towards the end I figured out who the villain was. Can’t believe it took me that long. Hahaha.
Steamy book, and I loved the romance between the h and H.
So many times to chuckle and laugh.
But it was also very very dark. And so sad for the hero and the life he had lived. Flash backs of the past and then back to the present day worked well. I was always in suspense and wanting to know what happened. Towards the end I figured out who the villain was. Can’t believe it took me that long. Hahaha.
Steamy book, and I loved the romance between the h and H.
March 17, 2022
The Bastard, by S. M. LaViolette. If you haven’t read this book from “The Masqueraders” series as of yet, then you need to run out, get the book, and read it now. This book was off the hook. Wickedly good, and oh so delicious. You can bet the bank on my review.
There was so much packed into this story… it was like, where do I begin?! Well I can tell you that S.M. is a fantastic writer. Her amazing ability to take a love story and turn into a novella with surprises, drama, action, suspense, mystery, murder and romance is unbelievably out of this world. The background stories to John and Cordelia’s life, just kept hitting me left and right with the excitement from the shock of vindictive betrayals, and secrets that were only meant for certain ears. Johns grandma tried to shield him from all the cruelties of the world, but the devil decided to pay a visit to John and his grandmother when her defenses were down. Needless to say things didn’t go to well for no one that night. Trying to stay committed to the values Johns grandmother wanted him to live by, he embarked on his own in the streets of London for survival. That’s when his whole world went dark. And it’s right here at this moment I was committed to finishing this book and one sitting. The things that John went through from the fights, being beat up, stabbed, shot and lied to.
I was saying to myself, there’s is no way that he could survive from this. I mean some of the things were unimaginable for a human being to go through. One day a the sun brought some light to Johns vision and Cordelia was the salve that John needed to heal his wounds. Unlike her sister, Cordelia is a smart woman , who only wanted to please and make those happy around her. Her compassion and love for John was strong.
Her character was very believable. I thought that she was perfect for him. Johns character was like a magnet for Cordelia. His instant attraction was nothing but lust. John and Cordelia were simply amazing in this story.
I was giddy and very pleased with their romantic love story. On a number of occasions when John And Cordelia’s passion began to burn for each other it was like the words were a flame with desire. These two, romance was hot! I mean, “let’s get freaky between the sheets”! I don’t think they came up for air in one of the intimate scenes. I loved everything that was involved with the writing of this book.
You will not be bored. The dialogue and narrative stayed focused to the plot, which made the entertainment more believable for me the reader. I give this book two snaps and a kiss. Oh Ophelia. You naughty, naughty girl. What have you done? Until next time my my fellow readers… read on!
There was so much packed into this story… it was like, where do I begin?! Well I can tell you that S.M. is a fantastic writer. Her amazing ability to take a love story and turn into a novella with surprises, drama, action, suspense, mystery, murder and romance is unbelievably out of this world. The background stories to John and Cordelia’s life, just kept hitting me left and right with the excitement from the shock of vindictive betrayals, and secrets that were only meant for certain ears. Johns grandma tried to shield him from all the cruelties of the world, but the devil decided to pay a visit to John and his grandmother when her defenses were down. Needless to say things didn’t go to well for no one that night. Trying to stay committed to the values Johns grandmother wanted him to live by, he embarked on his own in the streets of London for survival. That’s when his whole world went dark. And it’s right here at this moment I was committed to finishing this book and one sitting. The things that John went through from the fights, being beat up, stabbed, shot and lied to.
I was saying to myself, there’s is no way that he could survive from this. I mean some of the things were unimaginable for a human being to go through. One day a the sun brought some light to Johns vision and Cordelia was the salve that John needed to heal his wounds. Unlike her sister, Cordelia is a smart woman , who only wanted to please and make those happy around her. Her compassion and love for John was strong.
Her character was very believable. I thought that she was perfect for him. Johns character was like a magnet for Cordelia. His instant attraction was nothing but lust. John and Cordelia were simply amazing in this story.
I was giddy and very pleased with their romantic love story. On a number of occasions when John And Cordelia’s passion began to burn for each other it was like the words were a flame with desire. These two, romance was hot! I mean, “let’s get freaky between the sheets”! I don’t think they came up for air in one of the intimate scenes. I loved everything that was involved with the writing of this book.
You will not be bored. The dialogue and narrative stayed focused to the plot, which made the entertainment more believable for me the reader. I give this book two snaps and a kiss. Oh Ophelia. You naughty, naughty girl. What have you done? Until next time my my fellow readers… read on!
December 6, 2022
Oh I loved this book! I’ve been so excited to read Johns story, as the little snippets you get about him in the other books were so intriguing! But this book was above and beyond what I could have expected!
.
I think it’s my favourite out of the 3! My god poor John really did have a horrific life! The awful and heart wrenching things he went through were truly horrible! To me he was never even a real villain, the “bad” stuff he did I fully understood why!
.
Cordelia reminded me of a fairytale princess. She was so sweet, kind, loyal and honest! Her sister on the other hand was a complete and utter evil witch!
.
The 🌶🌶 and tension in this book was great, the storyline was great, although at times heartbreaking. I love the way all the loose ends got tied up, both from the past and the present. It wasn’t the usual beauty and the beast story, there was so much more to it!!!
.
I think it’s my favourite out of the 3! My god poor John really did have a horrific life! The awful and heart wrenching things he went through were truly horrible! To me he was never even a real villain, the “bad” stuff he did I fully understood why!
.
Cordelia reminded me of a fairytale princess. She was so sweet, kind, loyal and honest! Her sister on the other hand was a complete and utter evil witch!
.
The 🌶🌶 and tension in this book was great, the storyline was great, although at times heartbreaking. I love the way all the loose ends got tied up, both from the past and the present. It wasn’t the usual beauty and the beast story, there was so much more to it!!!
March 7, 2022
John Fielding is not a gentleman. His brutal past has left him scarred, mind and body. But the scars are a valuable reminder of what's truly important. Revenge. And John will have his vengeance on the man who abandoned him when he was just a child. In fact, he'll make the entire bloodline pay for the sins of his father. No one can stop him. Except maybe Cordelia Page. She's everything John is not—kind and generous and loving. A good person. She deserves so much better than living in the shadow of her sister.
The third book in the series & its easily read on its own. We met John in the first book in the series – Stephen’s story & I hoped then that he’d have his HEA. It’s been a while coming but was well worth the wait as the author knocked it out of the ball park. Wonderful characters that oozed depth, a fast paced story. It’s gritty & draws a vivid picture of how the other half lived, there’s violence, treachery, secrets, surprises & a romance that will curl your toes. The villain is manipulative, cold bloodied & ruthless – I did work out who it was but their motives came as a surprise. Then there’s John & Cordelia who were a delight & a shining light in this often dark book, their attraction was electric & I loved how they fell in love. I loved it & finished at 4am after continually saying I’ll read just one more chapter but then I couldn’t put it down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third book in the series & its easily read on its own. We met John in the first book in the series – Stephen’s story & I hoped then that he’d have his HEA. It’s been a while coming but was well worth the wait as the author knocked it out of the ball park. Wonderful characters that oozed depth, a fast paced story. It’s gritty & draws a vivid picture of how the other half lived, there’s violence, treachery, secrets, surprises & a romance that will curl your toes. The villain is manipulative, cold bloodied & ruthless – I did work out who it was but their motives came as a surprise. Then there’s John & Cordelia who were a delight & a shining light in this often dark book, their attraction was electric & I loved how they fell in love. I loved it & finished at 4am after continually saying I’ll read just one more chapter but then I couldn’t put it down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 3, 2026
Great book, great love story
I especially liked the inner monologue of our quiet John about what he should say in certain situations.
“He is very gentle and eager to please,” she observed once he'd gone. That was the type of befuddling comment people were forever making in John's presence. What the devil was he supposed to say? Yes, he is? He looked up from his plate to find her staring at him. “Yes, he is.”
I especially liked the inner monologue of our quiet John about what he should say in certain situations.
“He is very gentle and eager to please,” she observed once he'd gone. That was the type of befuddling comment people were forever making in John's presence. What the devil was he supposed to say? Yes, he is? He looked up from his plate to find her staring at him. “Yes, he is.”
November 3, 2022
A great story
What a powerful story. This was definitely a long story but it was so worth it. And its one of the many reasons why I love this author. The stories are so well written and done with details.
I definitely look forward to more
What a powerful story. This was definitely a long story but it was so worth it. And its one of the many reasons why I love this author. The stories are so well written and done with details.
I definitely look forward to more
March 17, 2022
The truth of who you are
John has survived more than any human should have and remain just that a human with a huge dose of savagery when crossed! John is an ex-convict who has been shot, beaten, stabbed and had more sex than a brothel! He is a huge 6 fingered man ruthless to his core and has seen Cordelia!
Cordelia is a sweet, sheltered unwordly spinster who has the care of her nieces and a nephew like a Cinderella! She knows there's evil but she can not fathom it being done against John she cried all night just hearing a piece of his story!
Cordelia although sheltered stood up for a innocent dog against bullies and John didn't know what hit him! John's real father is a Duke and he has plotted revenge for many years to drain this prolific bastards coffers for his gross neglect of John yet he took care of all of his other illigitamate spawns!
Revenge is complete when John marries Cordelia to save her family from financial ruin!
Poor Cordelia does NOT know the viper her sister is or the murders she would commit and has committed to secure her position! This is a wild ride! The Bastard who is John is anything but! Will he and Cordelia survive this love they have found! When the truth is more shocking than the lies of Johns past who will survive? Unputtadownable!!! Bravo!!!
John has survived more than any human should have and remain just that a human with a huge dose of savagery when crossed! John is an ex-convict who has been shot, beaten, stabbed and had more sex than a brothel! He is a huge 6 fingered man ruthless to his core and has seen Cordelia!
Cordelia is a sweet, sheltered unwordly spinster who has the care of her nieces and a nephew like a Cinderella! She knows there's evil but she can not fathom it being done against John she cried all night just hearing a piece of his story!
Cordelia although sheltered stood up for a innocent dog against bullies and John didn't know what hit him! John's real father is a Duke and he has plotted revenge for many years to drain this prolific bastards coffers for his gross neglect of John yet he took care of all of his other illigitamate spawns!
Revenge is complete when John marries Cordelia to save her family from financial ruin!
Poor Cordelia does NOT know the viper her sister is or the murders she would commit and has committed to secure her position! This is a wild ride! The Bastard who is John is anything but! Will he and Cordelia survive this love they have found! When the truth is more shocking than the lies of Johns past who will survive? Unputtadownable!!! Bravo!!!
March 19, 2022
Not the worst book I have read by this author, but not the best either.
December 28, 2022
4.5 stars. This is some good historical romance here. Perfect meld of old school bonkers with modern writing. The first third starts off a little slow in the romance part (hence the half star deduction) - there’s a lot of John’s sad backstory. Then we get the courtship and finally the payoff at the end was perfect. I LOVED the villain! And together this couple is hot hot hot.
Definitely the best of this series and maybe best of what I’ve read from this author. Can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Definitely the best of this series and maybe best of what I’ve read from this author. Can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
April 28, 2025
John Fielding. Goodness gracious, what a man. We’ve known him as Stephen Worth’s fixer for two books, but Miss Spencer has created such a story for him. I cried and cried and cried. Cordelia seems to be completely wrong for him. Small, sheltered, compassionate, sister of a duchess. Yet she proves herself his match and more. I loved it. This series is going to be on my shelves. Fair warning, this is hard to read. There is murder and rape and violence and shenanigans and it’s rough. But it’s worth it.
January 8, 2026
I’m surprised I didn’t like this more. It was really John’s story which was tragic and heroic. But I hated the constant references to other women. Cordelia was sweet but no real backbone nor growth which I found frustrating.
April 11, 2024
3.5? The first half was kind of a bore tbh and I almost dnf, all the flashback chapters got annoying. The second half started to pick up even though I had already figured everything out.
July 10, 2025
3.5/5 overall and like a good 8/10 bonkers rating for a histro. i’m sorry but the duchess throwing herself out a window and dying by shard of glass through the neck took me out. otherwise pretty sexy
October 18, 2024
A lovely fairy tale. Vintage Minerva Spencer
May 12, 2023
Satisfactory, but lacking emotional depth. The author lavishes her hero, John Fielding, with time and attention and creates a vivid, memorable character, and I loved the wry humor and no-nonsense abruptness in his interactions with the other characters and his collection of misfit household servants. Cordelia was, unfortunately, given less time and attention: she’s the generic poor relation whose kindness to spoiled nieces and bedraggled dogs is supposed to tell the reader all they need to know about her. There was an interesting plotline, but I would rather have had it unveiled in the present day instead of time jumps back and forth. As usual for this author, the romance is highly sexualized but at least this time the couple waited for marriage and there was a nod to the heroine’s inexperience, i.e., she didn’t immediately start talking and acting like an East End prostitute.
This writer has so much talent, but her novels feel rushed and more about sex than love.
This writer has so much talent, but her novels feel rushed and more about sex than love.
April 20, 2024
Read this if you're in the mood for:
- a beauty and the beast dynamic
- an older hero and heroine
- a hero with a lot of scars, mentally and physically
- something a lil spicy
There was a lot to like about this book. It was interesting seeing the heroes story from the present and then scattered through the book, his life as a child living under the thumb of a sadistic gangster and the lengths he went to escape. It really allowed you to see the trauma John, our hero, experienced. Making the fact that although stoic and taciturn, he has a deep vein of compassion running through him. And that showed not only in his actions toward the heroine, but also in other aspects of his life. Like hiring too many servant, especially those that he knows will struggle getting work elsewhere. Like the elderly butler and the footman with a child like mind.
Cordelia was like memorable, but still likeable, a spinster who tends her older sister's children. She has a tender heart and an almost immediate attraction to John.
Okay, so the love story was great and I really enjoyed it. So let's talk about what annoyed me: the villainess of the piece.
***SPOILERS***
It was boring and very route one. She was a maniacal murderess only out for her own ambitions, and had been from the beginning. Okay fine. What could have been more interesting is the picture of a woman forced to live with a cold and proud husband. A husband who has countless mistresses and affairs and then places his illegitimate kids in her home and is slowly driven to extreme action. That is more interesting then the "Oh she was always evil, it doesn't matter about her husbands disgusting behaviour over the last 20 years" vibe that I got by the end of the book.
It left me with a really sour taste in my mouth at the end.
- a beauty and the beast dynamic
- an older hero and heroine
- a hero with a lot of scars, mentally and physically
- something a lil spicy
There was a lot to like about this book. It was interesting seeing the heroes story from the present and then scattered through the book, his life as a child living under the thumb of a sadistic gangster and the lengths he went to escape. It really allowed you to see the trauma John, our hero, experienced. Making the fact that although stoic and taciturn, he has a deep vein of compassion running through him. And that showed not only in his actions toward the heroine, but also in other aspects of his life. Like hiring too many servant, especially those that he knows will struggle getting work elsewhere. Like the elderly butler and the footman with a child like mind.
Cordelia was like memorable, but still likeable, a spinster who tends her older sister's children. She has a tender heart and an almost immediate attraction to John.
Okay, so the love story was great and I really enjoyed it. So let's talk about what annoyed me: the villainess of the piece.
***SPOILERS***
It was boring and very route one. She was a maniacal murderess only out for her own ambitions, and had been from the beginning. Okay fine. What could have been more interesting is the picture of a woman forced to live with a cold and proud husband. A husband who has countless mistresses and affairs and then places his illegitimate kids in her home and is slowly driven to extreme action. That is more interesting then the "Oh she was always evil, it doesn't matter about her husbands disgusting behaviour over the last 20 years" vibe that I got by the end of the book.
It left me with a really sour taste in my mouth at the end.
September 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the third book of the series but I read it as a stand alone and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. We open the book with a young John Fielding watching over his grandmother who is dying. Things go poorly for John though and his life takes a dark turn.
We jump 20 years ahead with John having returned to England where he’s been working on a plan to take down his father, a duke, whom John is the illegitimate son of. John has been watching his half siblings and learns of their aunt, Cordelia and is immediately smitten with her. She is a “spinster” in her 30’s and living of the good will of her sisters and the duke.
We get flashbacks to John’s childhood and it was a rough one. There was a lot of violence involved, and reading about the things that were done to John was hard. It’s those events that shaped John into the man he is currently. I liked how taken he was with Cordelia though, and ignores the societal norms when it comes to courting her. I really liked that once they were married John saw to Cordelia’s pleasure in the bedroom, and took care of her. Those spicy scenes were great!
Cordelia’s sister the duchess was a piece of work though and I didn’t like her from the get. There is an ongoing plot of someone trying to kill John and it all comes to a head in the third act. I won’t give away anything that happens though. It was a good book with a satisfying ending.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Violence
Historical Romance
We jump 20 years ahead with John having returned to England where he’s been working on a plan to take down his father, a duke, whom John is the illegitimate son of. John has been watching his half siblings and learns of their aunt, Cordelia and is immediately smitten with her. She is a “spinster” in her 30’s and living of the good will of her sisters and the duke.
We get flashbacks to John’s childhood and it was a rough one. There was a lot of violence involved, and reading about the things that were done to John was hard. It’s those events that shaped John into the man he is currently. I liked how taken he was with Cordelia though, and ignores the societal norms when it comes to courting her. I really liked that once they were married John saw to Cordelia’s pleasure in the bedroom, and took care of her. Those spicy scenes were great!
Cordelia’s sister the duchess was a piece of work though and I didn’t like her from the get. There is an ongoing plot of someone trying to kill John and it all comes to a head in the third act. I won’t give away anything that happens though. It was a good book with a satisfying ending.
No third act breakup
4/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/F
Violence
Historical Romance
February 7, 2024
Good plot
I had a hard time rating this book. Overall, the book was good. The story was complex and we learned A LOT about John and how he came to be who he is. John grew up as the by blow of a duke. His life was hard as he grew up in the seedy part of London and was forced to use his size and fists to survive. Years later, he is finally his own man and free to seek his revenge on the father that never cared. In his search, he finds Cordelia who captures his heart with her kindness. This is the main idea of the plot.
However, I felt that it took forever to get to the point. It took around a third of the book (maybe more) for the couple to be on page together regularly. The backstory and lead up to their meeting was extensive and detailed.
When they were finally together, their relationship was moving and lovely. I love how Cordelia saw that this scarred, brutish man had kindness in his heart and sought to draw him out of his shell little by little. It was great to see how John willingly tried to be more conversational for Cordelia. (It’s the small things that can be huge, right?)
There was also a subplot of intrigue with a villain who was surprising and not surprising at the same time. It was interesting and I had to keep reading to find out for sure how things worked out.
Overall, a good story, but for me, it was a bit too detailed and drawn out. I would still say give it a go.
I had a hard time rating this book. Overall, the book was good. The story was complex and we learned A LOT about John and how he came to be who he is. John grew up as the by blow of a duke. His life was hard as he grew up in the seedy part of London and was forced to use his size and fists to survive. Years later, he is finally his own man and free to seek his revenge on the father that never cared. In his search, he finds Cordelia who captures his heart with her kindness. This is the main idea of the plot.
However, I felt that it took forever to get to the point. It took around a third of the book (maybe more) for the couple to be on page together regularly. The backstory and lead up to their meeting was extensive and detailed.
When they were finally together, their relationship was moving and lovely. I love how Cordelia saw that this scarred, brutish man had kindness in his heart and sought to draw him out of his shell little by little. It was great to see how John willingly tried to be more conversational for Cordelia. (It’s the small things that can be huge, right?)
There was also a subplot of intrigue with a villain who was surprising and not surprising at the same time. It was interesting and I had to keep reading to find out for sure how things worked out.
Overall, a good story, but for me, it was a bit too detailed and drawn out. I would still say give it a go.
July 2, 2025
This might be my favorite SM LaViolette book I have read so far!!! It was perfect. I LOVED that they didn’t have any miscommunication. She asked if he intended to ruin the Duke and he straight up said yes. He wasn’t keeping secrets. Cordelia and John’s dynamic was so good. John was a huge guy with a very shady past and Cordelia was a spinster on the shelf (but also she had had a somewhat fulfilling life chaperoning her nieces - which I thought was so important). LOVE LOVE when a spinster gets snapped up! Cordelia wasn’t overly sweet and saccharine which I totally appreciated. She was a kind and good person but not necessarily to her detriment. I loved that the tension was a cozy mystery of sorts and not the whole ‘she’s too good for me’ plot line. Even though the author could have understandably gone that route - because John had a TOUGH and sad life. (I hope and expect he will be completely open about his past with Cordelia at some point in the future). Again, love how LaViolette isn’t afraid to be gritty in the details and plot lines. I just felt like every scenario was so well written. I don’t always love dual timelines but I really liked how we got to know John through his chapters from the past. It just worked! As usual LaViolette includes some trademark very steam scenes. ;) Overall, this was so fantastic and I’m annoyed that I let this book sit unread on my kindle for 2 years. Haha!
October 20, 2025
I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Book 2, but I enjoyed it more than Book 1. The MMC is such an interesting character to read. Although, the FMC was not as appealing as much as the FMC in Book 2. The things the MMC went through quite shocked me, especially the prologue, because of how intense and cruel it got, that I almost felt that the intensity was unnecessary - however, I am not the author and I guess it did make a good character out of this series. The one thing that highlighted here for me was how straightforward the romance is (how they talked and acted towards each other). There's not much miscommunication, or any other relationship mess - and its refreshing to see. There's no sugarcoating, and the boldness is appealing, even though it seemed boring at first.
I like how this story made his anger and thirst for revenge valid, and it also portrayed correctly how he finally was able to let it go because of the love that's surrounding him. I do like how he was written as a wholesome person underneath all that cruelness he believes himself to be. Though I didn't like how his physical attributes are often described as someone who is not human, referencing to how huge he is lol.
I do love that ending though. Him finally letting go and surrendering to his wife and the love he's receiving. I'm happy to read a HEA for a character such as his.
I like how this story made his anger and thirst for revenge valid, and it also portrayed correctly how he finally was able to let it go because of the love that's surrounding him. I do like how he was written as a wholesome person underneath all that cruelness he believes himself to be. Though I didn't like how his physical attributes are often described as someone who is not human, referencing to how huge he is lol.
I do love that ending though. Him finally letting go and surrendering to his wife and the love he's receiving. I'm happy to read a HEA for a character such as his.
March 20, 2022
John Fielding has risen from the gutter to became a very rich man and to exact revenge on the father who abandoned him to a life of violence and horror. But when he meets Cordelia he knows he has to have her. She may well be the only one who can withstand his scarred face and heal his scarred soul…
A very powerful book, with the right dose of angst, mystery and romance and the added bonus of an interesting journey through the London slums at the beginning of the 19th century. The author masterfully depicted a series of Dickensian villains and their young victims, and the descriptions of places and people are very vivid. It was tough to read about the things John suffered, and I confess to having wanted to skim those parts, but they helped define his character. John is a man who suffered and did horrific things, but who didn’t let this tough life change his kind heart and his willingness to help people in need. I loved to see him find sweet Cordelia and fall in love with her. He deserved it. I’m sorry I didn’t read the previous books of the series, but this books works well as a standalone all the same. Undoubtedly a five star read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A very powerful book, with the right dose of angst, mystery and romance and the added bonus of an interesting journey through the London slums at the beginning of the 19th century. The author masterfully depicted a series of Dickensian villains and their young victims, and the descriptions of places and people are very vivid. It was tough to read about the things John suffered, and I confess to having wanted to skim those parts, but they helped define his character. John is a man who suffered and did horrific things, but who didn’t let this tough life change his kind heart and his willingness to help people in need. I loved to see him find sweet Cordelia and fall in love with her. He deserved it. I’m sorry I didn’t read the previous books of the series, but this books works well as a standalone all the same. Undoubtedly a five star read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2023
„Ein Gentleman für Miss Cordelia“ von S. M. LaViolette oder auch Minerva Spencer ist der dritte Band ihrer spannenden Regency Revenge Reihe.
John Fielding kennt die dunkelsten Abgründe und war durch seine imposante Erscheinung schon immer der Mann fürs Grobe. Auch mit seiner Ausbildung als Gentleman kann er seinen wahren Kern nicht verbergen. Seit Jahren treibt ihn der Rachedurst, denn endlich will er den Mann zur Strecke bringen, dem er sein Schicksal verdankt. Doch auf seiner Mission entdeckt er Cordelia, die John mit ihrer Güte und liebenswerten Art sofort verzaubert. Niemals hätte John eine Frau wie sie für sich in Betracht gezogen, aber als er die Chance erhält, tut John alles, um Cordelia für sich zu gewinnen.
Die Geschichte des düsteren und vernarbten Mister Fielding, der bei den meisten Menschen automatisch eine Gänsehaut verursacht, hat mich schon seit dem ersten Teil interessiert. Auch er ist, wie alle Helden dieser Reihe, von der Sehnsucht nach Rache getrieben, die ihn aber wahrscheinlich nicht unbedingt glücklicher machen wird. Der Schreibstil von Minerva Spencer liest sich wie immer leicht und flüssig und Fans werden vielleicht bekannte Figuren aus ihren anderen Reihen entdecken.
John war stets ein Bauer auf dem Schachbrett für zwielichtige Verbrecher, die seine Stärke und vor allem seine Schwäche für die Menschen, die er liebt, ausgenutzt haben. Eigentlich könnte er sich zurücklehnen, denn seine Rache an seinem Vater hat er bereits gehabt und mittlerweile schwimmt John in Geld. Er ist eine tragische Figur, wie auch in den vielen Rückblenden deutlich wird, die seine Vergangenheit beleuchten.
Cordelia ist zwar wesentlich privilegierter, aber genauso ein Spielball ihrer Familie. Sie fühlt sich zu John hingezogen, auch als er ihr sein wahres Ich offenbart. Cordelia ist oft zu vertrauensselig und naiv, aber sie sieht eben nur das Gute im Menschen.
Minerva Spencer erzählt gefühlvoll, wie John sein abgeschottetes Herz öffnet, welches er zum Schutz von sich und anderen tief verschlossen hatte. Die Handlung hat vor allem gegen Ende jede Menge überraschende Wendungen, die es noch einmal richtig spannend machen. Dadurch wird es nie langweilig und man wird sehr gut unterhalten.
Mein Fazit:
Von mir gibt es sehr gern eine Leseempfehlung!
John Fielding kennt die dunkelsten Abgründe und war durch seine imposante Erscheinung schon immer der Mann fürs Grobe. Auch mit seiner Ausbildung als Gentleman kann er seinen wahren Kern nicht verbergen. Seit Jahren treibt ihn der Rachedurst, denn endlich will er den Mann zur Strecke bringen, dem er sein Schicksal verdankt. Doch auf seiner Mission entdeckt er Cordelia, die John mit ihrer Güte und liebenswerten Art sofort verzaubert. Niemals hätte John eine Frau wie sie für sich in Betracht gezogen, aber als er die Chance erhält, tut John alles, um Cordelia für sich zu gewinnen.
Die Geschichte des düsteren und vernarbten Mister Fielding, der bei den meisten Menschen automatisch eine Gänsehaut verursacht, hat mich schon seit dem ersten Teil interessiert. Auch er ist, wie alle Helden dieser Reihe, von der Sehnsucht nach Rache getrieben, die ihn aber wahrscheinlich nicht unbedingt glücklicher machen wird. Der Schreibstil von Minerva Spencer liest sich wie immer leicht und flüssig und Fans werden vielleicht bekannte Figuren aus ihren anderen Reihen entdecken.
John war stets ein Bauer auf dem Schachbrett für zwielichtige Verbrecher, die seine Stärke und vor allem seine Schwäche für die Menschen, die er liebt, ausgenutzt haben. Eigentlich könnte er sich zurücklehnen, denn seine Rache an seinem Vater hat er bereits gehabt und mittlerweile schwimmt John in Geld. Er ist eine tragische Figur, wie auch in den vielen Rückblenden deutlich wird, die seine Vergangenheit beleuchten.
Cordelia ist zwar wesentlich privilegierter, aber genauso ein Spielball ihrer Familie. Sie fühlt sich zu John hingezogen, auch als er ihr sein wahres Ich offenbart. Cordelia ist oft zu vertrauensselig und naiv, aber sie sieht eben nur das Gute im Menschen.
Minerva Spencer erzählt gefühlvoll, wie John sein abgeschottetes Herz öffnet, welches er zum Schutz von sich und anderen tief verschlossen hatte. Die Handlung hat vor allem gegen Ende jede Menge überraschende Wendungen, die es noch einmal richtig spannend machen. Dadurch wird es nie langweilig und man wird sehr gut unterhalten.
Mein Fazit:
Von mir gibt es sehr gern eine Leseempfehlung!
April 18, 2022
This is my first book by this writer and while the story is all right, I absolutely hate the switching back and forth between timelines. Prologue started 1794, then on to 1818, then back and forth between 1802 and 1818 with a dash of 1812 between.
I prefer linearity. So I gave myself the added 'trouble' and read 1794, then on to all of 1802, 1812 then all of 1818 ending with the Epilogue in 1819. For me, that makes absolutely better reading sense.
I know many, many writers do this but I just could never see the sense in it. It's like swivelling my neck at a speed that will eventually 'pop' it.
It seems the other 2 books in the series and some other titles are the same format so I'll give those a pass and likely keep this reading experience as the only one for this writer.
Pity, as I did like this story.
I prefer linearity. So I gave myself the added 'trouble' and read 1794, then on to all of 1802, 1812 then all of 1818 ending with the Epilogue in 1819. For me, that makes absolutely better reading sense.
I know many, many writers do this but I just could never see the sense in it. It's like swivelling my neck at a speed that will eventually 'pop' it.
It seems the other 2 books in the series and some other titles are the same format so I'll give those a pass and likely keep this reading experience as the only one for this writer.
Pity, as I did like this story.
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