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Scandalous Ballroom Encounters #1
Masquerade
Margaret Seymour is bored by the stifling constraints of society dictating her behavior as a debutante in search of a husband. Her prospects are promising by the standards of London society, yet, not one of them causes her heart to flutter, or her head to fill with scintillating, forbidden fantasies. Those feelings are reserved for Camden Rycroft, Duke of Avonleah—a man who isn’t even aware of her existence.
While attending a scandalous Vauxhall Gardens masquerade, Margaret finds herself in the duke’s arms. His promise of a night of pleasure is tempting, but is it worth it when Avonleah is a known rake notorious for his short attention span and avoidance of marriage?
Camden Rycroft is intrigued by the masked vixen he encounters in the Gardens. After one night with her leaves him hungry for more, his desire for her turns into a fiery obsession. Despite the scandal that could ensue from their affair, he finds himself unable to extract himself from a situation destined to end in pain. When faced with losing Margaret to a potential husband, will he rise to the occasion, or risk living without her?
While attending a scandalous Vauxhall Gardens masquerade, Margaret finds herself in the duke’s arms. His promise of a night of pleasure is tempting, but is it worth it when Avonleah is a known rake notorious for his short attention span and avoidance of marriage?
Camden Rycroft is intrigued by the masked vixen he encounters in the Gardens. After one night with her leaves him hungry for more, his desire for her turns into a fiery obsession. Despite the scandal that could ensue from their affair, he finds himself unable to extract himself from a situation destined to end in pain. When faced with losing Margaret to a potential husband, will he rise to the occasion, or risk living without her?
124 pages, ebook
First published February 14, 2015
817 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Vale
37 books577 followersVictoria Vale writes erotic romance that refuses to stay in its lane. She hops between history and suspense, blending danger with desire until the edges blur. Her stories are marked by bold heroines, irresistible heroes, and heat that never behaves the way it should. Love Me Darkly (2025) proves passion is always at its best when it misbehaves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
July 1, 2019
Virginal debutante's one-night stand with a rakish duke extends to an illicit affair, but how can she have a happily ever after if he's not a marrying man?
Okay, I'll have what Maggie's having because it was hot and frequent!
Aside from the sizzling smut I liked how the author addressed the plausibility of a rake being attracted to a virgin—a common trope in Romancelandia, but how often is the believability of such a pairing addressed? Well, the concept worked because Maggie proved to be an atypical virgin who didn't possess an ounce of prudishness in her body. Naturally passionate and curious she's heard enough to be comfortable with her burgeoning sexuality. Combine this sexuality with her desires for love, freedom and happiness, and you have a character who engages in some risky behavior. And, mmm, she finds all of it with Camden Rycroft who is the smokin' hot man of her dreams.
Steam was not something in short supply between Maggie and Camden. Their passion and longing for each other leapt off the pages, making it very easy for me to see how they fell for each other in AND out of the bedroom. It also helped that we had access to both of their point of views.
For such a determined bachelor I loved how Camden officially claimed his woman in a simultaneously romantic, yet dickhole-ish move. His sweet declaration of love was a welcome addition to the prevalent eroticism.
I talked about what I liked, but what didn't I like? I felt the narrative could have used more conflict. Maggie could have suffered more consequences for her daring behavior (after all, it's not every day a debutante of good breeding breaks the rules in Regency England), while Camden's realization that he loved Maggie seemed too sudden (after all, it seemingly took only one day for this playboy rake to drop his determined stance against marriage).
With that said, this was still a well-written, erotic historical romance which hit all the right spots, containing equal amounts of cumbustible sex and romance!
Okay, I'll have what Maggie's having because it was hot and frequent!
Aside from the sizzling smut I liked how the author addressed the plausibility of a rake being attracted to a virgin—a common trope in Romancelandia, but how often is the believability of such a pairing addressed? Well, the concept worked because Maggie proved to be an atypical virgin who didn't possess an ounce of prudishness in her body. Naturally passionate and curious she's heard enough to be comfortable with her burgeoning sexuality. Combine this sexuality with her desires for love, freedom and happiness, and you have a character who engages in some risky behavior. And, mmm, she finds all of it with Camden Rycroft who is the smokin' hot man of her dreams.
Steam was not something in short supply between Maggie and Camden. Their passion and longing for each other leapt off the pages, making it very easy for me to see how they fell for each other in AND out of the bedroom. It also helped that we had access to both of their point of views.
For such a determined bachelor I loved how Camden officially claimed his woman in a simultaneously romantic, yet dickhole-ish move. His sweet declaration of love was a welcome addition to the prevalent eroticism.
I talked about what I liked, but what didn't I like? I felt the narrative could have used more conflict. Maggie could have suffered more consequences for her daring behavior (after all, it's not every day a debutante of good breeding breaks the rules in Regency England), while Camden's realization that he loved Maggie seemed too sudden (after all, it seemingly took only one day for this playboy rake to drop his determined stance against marriage).
With that said, this was still a well-written, erotic historical romance which hit all the right spots, containing equal amounts of cumbustible sex and romance!
October 31, 2018
2.5 stars
I like erotica, but the hero was just a little too promiscuous for me. Not only could he and did he sleep with most of the ton, he also hired whores to fill the time in between, and he had absolutely no second thoughts about taking a debutante's virginity. Maybe I could have accepted the storyline better in a contemporary. No more books by this author for me.
I like erotica, but the hero was just a little too promiscuous for me. Not only could he and did he sleep with most of the ton, he also hired whores to fill the time in between, and he had absolutely no second thoughts about taking a debutante's virginity. Maybe I could have accepted the storyline better in a contemporary. No more books by this author for me.
April 20, 2018
HOT DAYYYUUUMMMM
THIS BOOK WAS jUST SIZZLING
a fun, hot read, very short and low key
THAT
might just be the ugliest cover of all time
really not feeling it,
but i have a feeling im gonna like this book lol, in the mood for some smut lately!lol i think its hormonal
and i think this book is more like
THIS BOOK WAS jUST SIZZLING
a fun, hot read, very short and low key
THAT
might just be the ugliest cover of all time
really not feeling it,
but i have a feeling im gonna like this book lol, in the mood for some smut lately!lol i think its hormonal
and i think this book is more like
October 3, 2018
Wow! I didn't think I was going to love this one as much as I did. The main reason why: this is a Kindle freebie. But omg this is a Kindle freebie that everyone should grab!!
Masquerade actually reminded me a bit of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean. Masquerade is undeniably steamier and raunchier though. Margaret has a huge crush on Camden, the Duke of Avonlea, an infamous rake. Margaret is not exactly a wallflower - she is quite popular - but she's never been noticed by Camden because she's only a debutante. We get to experience Margaret's sexual awakening and her strong sexual attraction to Camden. Before her family can thrust her into a loveless and passionless marriage, Margaret decides to be bold and sneak to a masquerade party in Vauxhall Gardens. Camden finally notices her and their relationship starts and builds from thereon.
Ms. Vale's writing is excellent and I'm wondering why this is my first time reading her! She has a strong grasp of the historical setting - this is no wallpaper historical romance. The love scenes are steamy, the hero and heroine are both likable 3 dimensional characters, and the chemistry is sizzling!! I love the relationship development - it is really well done considering that this is a novella and an erotic romance! Ms. Vale manages to write a convincing love story with a sigh-worthy HEA in such a short number of pages and this is not something that many authors can accomplish.
My only complaint has to do with the quick resolution with Margaret's suitor at the end. Sheridan was quite possessive of her so it felt a little odd that he easily accepted defeat. But I didn't really mind because I appreciated the low angst in the story.
I really enjoyed Masquerade and I'll definitely be reading more from this author!
Masquerade actually reminded me a bit of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean. Masquerade is undeniably steamier and raunchier though. Margaret has a huge crush on Camden, the Duke of Avonlea, an infamous rake. Margaret is not exactly a wallflower - she is quite popular - but she's never been noticed by Camden because she's only a debutante. We get to experience Margaret's sexual awakening and her strong sexual attraction to Camden. Before her family can thrust her into a loveless and passionless marriage, Margaret decides to be bold and sneak to a masquerade party in Vauxhall Gardens. Camden finally notices her and their relationship starts and builds from thereon.
Ms. Vale's writing is excellent and I'm wondering why this is my first time reading her! She has a strong grasp of the historical setting - this is no wallpaper historical romance. The love scenes are steamy, the hero and heroine are both likable 3 dimensional characters, and the chemistry is sizzling!! I love the relationship development - it is really well done considering that this is a novella and an erotic romance! Ms. Vale manages to write a convincing love story with a sigh-worthy HEA in such a short number of pages and this is not something that many authors can accomplish.
My only complaint has to do with the quick resolution with Margaret's suitor at the end. Sheridan was quite possessive of her so it felt a little odd that he easily accepted defeat. But I didn't really mind because I appreciated the low angst in the story.
I really enjoyed Masquerade and I'll definitely be reading more from this author!
March 29, 2018
Well the virgin found herself a hot,hot, hot night and then some more sex!! Whoa! This was a hot story.
March 3, 2022
I liked the h's honesty, she wanted a romantic adventure before she accepts a 'ton marriage'. The H appeared spoiled, really he's grieving and lonely. She's kind to him and he gives her what she wants. I liked that she gave him some of her courage, but I didn't like him not considering marriage with her. Only 4 stars because that's not romantic.
May 11, 2015
What started as a one night stand and a liaison became so much more once Camden realizes he might lose Maggie. A hot fun regency romance.
July 1, 2019
A well written historical erotica.
September 28, 2021
A captivating and lush red-hot treat!!🔥
Highly engaging, short, sweet, bold, exciting, erotic, dynamic, smoldering...lovely writing.
Definitely recommend.
Highly engaging, short, sweet, bold, exciting, erotic, dynamic, smoldering...lovely writing.
Definitely recommend.
Want to read
May 22, 2017
April 29, 2020
thoroughly delicious!
October 16, 2020
I'm starting to like this author a lot!
Historical romance erotica at its best!
Historical romance erotica at its best!
September 28, 2017
Sex! I was looking for a good titillating read, and this story filled the void. There was also a good bit to the hero and heroine's relationship beyond sex, which made me really want these two crazy kids to have their happily ever after. The one thing I think could have been explained better is why he doesn't offer to marry her sooner. Is it because she's lower down the ranks of nobility? Is it because he doesn't want to get married yet? It is because he's so used to having affairs it didn't occur to him that they could make this party permanent? I'm not sure. I am sure that it was a fun read and while I'm generally not into the menage thing, I'm willing to give it a try with books two and three. Because sex! Recommended if you like SEX!
September 15, 2015
I was looking for a change-of-pace read (something short, spicy, historical and cheap) and found this little nugget. I was completely surprised I liked it so much. The plot is devoted to the developing romance between Maggie and Camden in Regency London. Victoria Vale is very talented at drawing characters attracted to the special attributes they see in each other. The novella is erotic, and there is little else in the plot to distract. However, it was well written with fully fleshed out characters and more than cursory detail related to the period and location. Maggie and Camden do spend *some* time out of bed, and off the table, and not against a wall....
July 5, 2018
This one ended up being quite romantic. Maggie has watched Camden for a while and has wanted him. She decides going to a masquerade might be the best way to get his attention, as she will not have to be the prim and proper lady she has to be around her family. She just wants some fun before she has to marry by the end of the season. Camden has no problem having an affair with her before she marries. Unfortunately neither one of them think they will fall in love, and then what? I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
January 12, 2019
3.5 stars
I finished this book the same day I started. Easy, quick, and a fun read full of raw hot steam. To be honest, I didn't know this was a erotica to begin with and I didn't think I would like but I did. I liked the heroine, and loved how she snuck off to the masquerade. She quickly won the attention of the hero and then became his duchess. He is a stubborn man, and is set on keeping her. He doesn't think about marriage until another man ask for hand. Then he realizes he loves her and will lose her soon. So he marries her and the have their happy ending.
I finished this book the same day I started. Easy, quick, and a fun read full of raw hot steam. To be honest, I didn't know this was a erotica to begin with and I didn't think I would like but I did. I liked the heroine, and loved how she snuck off to the masquerade. She quickly won the attention of the hero and then became his duchess. He is a stubborn man, and is set on keeping her. He doesn't think about marriage until another man ask for hand. Then he realizes he loves her and will lose her soon. So he marries her and the have their happy ending.
November 5, 2018
Sexy and playful
Victoria Bar's books have become some of my favorite reads. Weather a sexy romp with a Duke as this story or a threesom in a ranch in cattle country, I always enjoy the story.
Victoria Bar's books have become some of my favorite reads. Weather a sexy romp with a Duke as this story or a threesom in a ranch in cattle country, I always enjoy the story.
March 25, 2024
mmm fast read, pretty smutty, will read more from this author but need to adjust expectations. Not a meaty full bodied story. Hoping tempting the rake makes it to kindle unlimited
May 15, 2017
Not impressive
If there was more of an actual storyline to this it would be better. Yes, it is an erotic novel but it just didn't have anything else going on.
The heroine had fantasies about the hero for quite awhile and finally decided to live one out before accepting another man's offer of marriage. The hero was quite the jaded character, and I didn't see much about him to be attracted to. The couple carried on for weeks before the heroine realized she seemed to be little more than his playmate. Her parents expected her to accept an honorable offer. What if the man she married realized she wasn't a virgin?
There is a tearful confrontation, and that is when the hero realized he loved her.
Lots of sex but nothing else.
If there was more of an actual storyline to this it would be better. Yes, it is an erotic novel but it just didn't have anything else going on.
The heroine had fantasies about the hero for quite awhile and finally decided to live one out before accepting another man's offer of marriage. The hero was quite the jaded character, and I didn't see much about him to be attracted to. The couple carried on for weeks before the heroine realized she seemed to be little more than his playmate. Her parents expected her to accept an honorable offer. What if the man she married realized she wasn't a virgin?
There is a tearful confrontation, and that is when the hero realized he loved her.
Lots of sex but nothing else.
February 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this first book in the Scandalous Ballroom Encounter Series. It is a bold and thrilling tale of finding one’s own way through life and not allowing anyone to make decisions for them. Maggie is a fierce and sassy heroine I liked a lot. Camden endeared himself to me with his rakish and charming ways. I loved these characters together, the smoldering passion that leapt off the pages and the excitement that there will be more to this series soon!!
October 4, 2016
A young debutante doesn't want to be married off to the highest bidder. She doesn't want to be chase and dull like all the other girls her age. She wants adventure, excitement, and of course, an older devilishly handsome Duke.
I adored this book! I mean, obviously an 18 year old girl is going to fall in love with the man she's been fantasizing about, but that didn't ruin it for me. I enjoyed the characters and I loved their little secrets meetings.
I adored this book! I mean, obviously an 18 year old girl is going to fall in love with the man she's been fantasizing about, but that didn't ruin it for me. I enjoyed the characters and I loved their little secrets meetings.
February 15, 2015
Very good book
I liked this book very much! I liked the fact that Maggie was bold enough to approach Camden and self confident enough to tell him exactly what she wanted! I think that's what made him fall in love with her. Very well written erotica.
I liked this book very much! I liked the fact that Maggie was bold enough to approach Camden and self confident enough to tell him exactly what she wanted! I think that's what made him fall in love with her. Very well written erotica.
March 26, 2015
Camden and Maggie stole my heart in a few pages. Deliciously hot romance that hit just the right notes between steamy and romantic. I've always loved to read about rakes and the women who turn their life around. This is one such example. Can't wait for the next one...:)
June 20, 2018
I found this on my kindle - apparently I bought and read it over a year ago. No recollection at all. Re-read it and still have no recollection. So it's fine if you are into sexy dukes without a lot of historical verisimilitude but not remotely memorable.
September 17, 2021
This was a pretty short read. I'm not sure how to rate this. I'm not very fond of the storyline. I thought the plot was very thin. However, beautiful writing as always. I came across this couple from Ms. Vale's Gentleman Courtesan Series and was curious enough to read about them.
April 25, 2015
I loved this sexy short story. It was really hot! Camden & Maggie couldn't get enough of one another.
Lovely read - the sex didn't obscure the storyline.
Lovely read - the sex didn't obscure the storyline.
December 9, 2016
Awesome
Loved it! I can't wait to read all of her other books now! I'm hooked. I couldn't put it down!
Loved it! I can't wait to read all of her other books now! I'm hooked. I couldn't put it down!
December 14, 2016
This passionate and steamy romance kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the tension in this story. A really good read.
October 7, 2019
review to come
May 23, 2017
Short, historical read, filled with passion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews