The Virgin Huntress

The Devil DeVere #2

by Victoria Vane

The Devil DeVere Series - Library Journal Best E-book Romance 2012

All's Fair in Love and Abduction

Coddled and pampered, since her mother's death, Vesta Chambers is preparing for her come-out only to have her father return from London with a bride of his own! With her world turned upside down, Vesta accompanies her godmother to London, where she is smitten the instant she lays eyes on Captain Hewett DeVere of the Seventeenth Light Dragoons.

Captain Hew DeVere, younger brother to Vesta’s godfather, Viscount Ludovic "The Devil" DeVere, has returned from the American war scarred, disillusioned, and looking forward to settling down to a quiet and respectable life. When Hew turns his eyes toward the widowed Diana, Vesta is prepared to take extreme measures to prove just how wrong he is. But, Hew didn't survive the worst of the war only to succumb to Vesta's wayward wiles.

Proving the adage that opposites attract, this hilarious romantic romp pits a would-be huntress against a gallant hero in an epic war of wills.

Library Journal Best E-Book Romance, 2013 RONE nominee
The Devil DeVere Series
A Wild Night's Bride #1
The Virgin Huntress #2
The Devil You Know #3
The Devil's Match #4
A Devil's Touch #4.5
Jewel Of the East #5

Prequel Vignettes
Devil in the Making #1
The Trouble with Sin #2
Ned's Folly - coming late 2014

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Erotica, Novella, Erotic Romance, Short Stories

First published May 24, 2012

About the author

ABOUT VICTORIA VANE

Victoria Vane is a bestselling award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her books have received many accolades to include the 2016 Red Carpet Award for Jewel of the East, 2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Temptations as well as Library Journal Best E-Book romance of 2012 for The Devil DeVere series. Victoria also writes romantic historical fiction as Emery Lee. Look for her new Highland saga coming summer of 2017.


Contact info:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com Website: www.victoriavane.com
Blog: www.embracingromance.com
Blog:https://wildandwickedcowboys.wordpres...
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YVeXrf
Twitter: @authorvictoriav Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1vONQZh
Amazon: http://amzn.to/10QMKT5 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1sccsM4
YOU TUBE : http://bit.ly/1yNtEMP

AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for ROUGH RIDER
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for JEWEL OF THE EAST
2015 Red Carpet Finals for SLOW HAND
2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Tempatations
2014 Rone Nomination for The Sheik Retold also LASR Best Book 2013 Nominee
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012, LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
A Wild Night's Bride
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
•IRC Reader's Choice historical romance nominee
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Virgin Huntress
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil You Know
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance Nominee
• LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil's Match
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
• LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
A Devil's Touch
Swept Away by Romance Best Novella 2013 nominee
A Breach of Promise , December 2011 Ellora's Cave
• Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
• Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
• TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
• LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
• The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
• TRS CAPA Nominee 2012

Reviews

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Updated to add: The Virgin Huntress is a Kindle Freebie! Not sure how long the price cut will last, so grab it now!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E...


The Virgin Huntress is the second book in Victoria Vane’s The Devil DeVere series and another fun, sexy romp through Georgian England!

Desperate times call for devilish measures…

Coddled and pampered, since her mother's death, Lady Vesta Chambers is beside herself when her father goes to London to prepare for her come-out and returns with a young bride of his own. With her world turned upside down, Vesta accompanies her godmother, Diana, to town, where she is smitten the moment she lays eyes on a certain captain of the Seventeenth Light Dragoons.

But when the object of her passion has eyes for another…

Captain Hewett DeVere, younger brother and heir to Viscount Ludovic "The Devil" DeVere, has returned from the American war scarred, disillusioned, and looking forward to settling down to a quiet and respectable life. But when the handsome and straight-laced captain turns his eyes toward the widowed Diana, Vesta is prepared to take devilish measures to prove she is no longer a little girl, but a woman with the passion of… a huntress.

This story begins right on the heels of the first book, A Wild Night's Bride, and is written with the same detail to period dialog, dress and social routines and rituals which is one of the things I most love about Ms. Vane's stories. I found myself laughing at some of the situations Hew was caught in, thanks to Lady Vesta's plotting, while on the other hand there were times I found myself not liking her so much because of the plotting. What can I say? I'm forever on the side of hero and Hew is one sexy man!

The bottom line: I always enjoy Victoria Vane’s tales. Her characters are funny, sexy, and sometimes too full of themselves for their own good! But one thing we can be sure of, they’re always entertaining!

My thanks to the author and Breathless Press for providing me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review posted at: http://sweptawaybyromance.blogspot.com/

5 Stars!! The fun continues in this deliciously sexy, amusing installment in The Devil DeVere series!!

As the saga continues Vesta Chambers, Ned’s daughter, is accompanied by her godmother and surrogate mother, Lady Diana, to London to prepare for the upcoming season. This is her coming out, but Vesta has other plans and he goes by the name of Captain Hewett DeVere! She has her sights set on him and nothing, not even her own godmother is going to get in her way.

Hew is Vic DeVere’s younger brother. He is charming, debonair and always the gentlemen. Vic offers Hew a proposal; find himself a wife and produce an heir. Vic has no desire to marry, and due to his reputation as the “Devil” he doesn’t feel he’s fit to be a father, or produce any offspring at all.

Vesta is a spoiled brat, but she’s also determined, witty, and a very naughty girl. When her godfather, Vic, gets wind of the fact that she is taken with Hew and determined to win his heart, he schemes with her to get him away from London and Diana who Hew’s taken a shine too. Vesta and Vic are two peas in a pod, neither has any shame and they cracked me up. The Virgin Huntress has marked her prey and hunt is on!!

I loved the pairing of Hew and Vesta. I adored him, such an admirable sweetheart of a man. She was a character that initially annoyed me because she was childish, but that played nicely and made for some very funny moments when Hew and her got their sexy on!! She was innocent, eager, and a very willing student. Her sexual knowledge was limited to what went on in the breeding sheds and gave me quite the chuckle.

“Yes. It is common for a man to awaken thus.” “May I touch it?” she asked.
“Bloody hell!” he cried. “No! You may not touch it!”
“But I know how. I saw you only yesterday. Is that what you do to make it go away?”
“It is one of several methods,” he replied. “Another is just to ignore it.”
“But it is so large and swollen. Is it painful?”
“No, just uncomfortable. Now, may we stop discussing my...” The appropriate word for feminine ears failed him.
“Phallus?” she offered. “That is what the grooms call it.”
“Why are you eavesdropping on grooms?”
“I used to watch the stallions mounting the mares.”
“You what!” Hew almost choked.

Sweet, steamy, sexy, and loads of fun!! Even as quick as these two get together, the affection and desire they feel for one another is quite evident. When Hew reveals a secret to Vesta, it made their intimacy that much more exciting, sensual and SMOKIN’ HOT!

Wonderfully written and highly entertaining, I can’t recommend this series enough. Novellas that read like full length books and one flows seamlessly into the next. The Devil You Know is up next and I can’t wait to get to know him better!!

**I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another sexy, witty and fun read from Victoria Vane.

Lady Vesta Chambers an 18yr old rather "spoilt" girl who confesses her undying love to Captain Hewett DeVere. Only to find out he doesn't return the sentiments quite as much as she would like. She along with her godfather Lord Ludovic DeVere, Hewett's older brother, cook up a scheme to get them together. And what a scheme!

Lady Vesta Chambers



Captain Hewett DeVere, a soldier who comes home scarred from war, just wants a quiet life. He's a gentleman, and a sweetheart. But underneath that exterior he's a sexy, sizzling alpha, brimming with sexual tension that's just waiting to be unleashed. Oh wow, does he sizzle! Grrrrrr!

Captain Hewett DeVere



I thoroughly enjoyed this little romp and looking forward to reading the next installment in this great series!

ARC generously provided by Victoria Vane.

[Victoria Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second title in the Devil DeVere series and a delightfully light-hearted romantic romp!

One of my Favorite Scenes between Hew and Vesta:

"But it is so large and swollen, is it painful?
"No, just uncomfortable. Now, may we stop discussing my..." the appropriate word for feminine ears failed him.
"Phallus?" she offered. "That is what the grooms call it."
"Why are you eavesdropping on grooms?"
"I used to watch the stallions leaping the mares."
"You what!" Hew almost choked.
"Well, how else is a girl with no mother supposed to get any education? Although I doubt Mama would have told me very much. So there's really no reason to be timid, Hew. I already know all about the mating process. And to the best of my knowledge, the stallions never 'ignored it until it went away.' Please feel free to relieve yourself of it. I would even help you if you would like. I'm not the least afraid for I have seen much larger ones."

[♡Karlyn P♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vesta Chambers, Ned’s pampered and spoiled 18 y/o daughter from book 1 in this series, is now in London for her come out in hopes of finding a husband. She is accompanied by her godmother Lady Diana, a beautiful widow who once thought she might marry Ned. Since Lord DeVere, Ned's best friend and enemy to Diana, decides to avoid/delay his responsibility as Godfather to Vesta, his younger brother, Captain Hewett DeVere, takes on the role of seeing these two ladies about town. And while Hew sets his eyes on Diana, Vesta wants him all for herself and will go to great lengths to have him.

My Thoughts:
I am enjoying this series quite a bit, and will continue through (can't wait to get to Lord DeVere and Diana's story!), but I had some trouble with this one. Namely, the heroine and her plot to secure Hew as her husband was a bit much for me. I am not a big fan of spoiled and naive heroines, especially when it includes irresponsible machinations to secure her love interest. The difference between Vesta and Hew were huge, and I simply didn't see them as a plausible romantic couple.

However, there was still a lot of fun and delicious aspects to this story. The writing is stellar, and despite the crazy fast plotting of the lead romance, I couldn't help but stay glued to the story. I really liked Hew as a character, but I wish he would have pursued a lady more mature minded like Diana. I also enjoyed the bit of time we get between Lord DeVere and Diana. Oh, their story promises to be good.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story Rating 5 Stars
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating 5 Stars

WEEEEE, I LOVED this one. What a fun and wicked book this was. Once I started reading I could NOT stop and I enjoyed EVERYTHING about it :-) I also loved the characters in this book. What a great job Victoria Vane did coming up with them. The heroine Lady Vesta was a very childish and spoiled, usually those types of heroine's are annoying but NOT this one. I absolutely adored her and the things she did. I also liked how she mature during this short story. Hew the hero being a virgin also in this book was an excellent add to the story line. When these two finally hit the sheets, IIIIIIIEEEEEEE, it was off the charts HOT I tell you. The epilogue added one VERY wicked scene and once again I LOVED IT!!! So now what? Off to start on book three for me of course.

Thank You Karla for recommending this series to me.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Vane has done it again! Well-written, entertaining, witty, inventive and sexy, I loved every moment of this novella!

Let me introduce you to the protagonists….

Lady Vesta Chambers



~ 18 years old, wilful, spirited, clever, conniving, petulant, pampered

Captain Hewett (Hew) DeVere



~ 28 years old, handsome, dashing, brave, good, honourable, straight-laced

The minute Vesta sees Hew, she falls head over heels in love, but he seems to be smitten with her godmother, Lady Diana. So convinced she can persuade Hew that she is the perfect woman for him, Vesta decides to take drastic action. KIDNAP HIM!!

What transpires is a mad-cap romp involving…

A cup of tea with a generous amount of lemon juice and copious amounts of honey in it



A ship’s crows nest



A conveniently positioned shaving mirror



The perfect punishment



culminating in…

A sizzling hot love scene with an unusual surprise



and Vesta getting her man…

“He twined a curl around his finger and kissed it. “Taken as a whole, my love, you are infinitely greater than the sum of your parts—and everything I didn’t know I needed.”

DeVere is his usual manipulative self and I’m really intrigued by the underlying tension between him and Diana. I can’t wait to read their story.

Among the secondary characters, I really like Polly, Vesta’s Abigail, with her no-nonsense bluntness which made me laugh on more than one occasion.

“Took a faint, my sweet arse!” Polly mumbled once Diana and the others had departed. “Now, young lady, you tell me what this ruckus is all about,” she began her diatribe. “You may have fooled the rest wi’ yer damsel in distress act, but don’t think to bamboozle ol’ Polly.”

There was also Pratt, DeVere’s groom, who gets entangled in all the various shenanigans.

I have one small gripe. I thought Vesta did seem a little too young for Hew but it's only a minor criticism and it certainly didn't spoil the story for me. I also appreciate that in the 18th century, gentlemen did marry ladies much younger than themselves.

I’ll finish with one of my favourite quotes.

"I have found only one effective way of dealing with a recalcitrant mount,” he said, dipping his head so his deep blue eyes bored into hers. Vesta forced her breath out slowly even as her heart rate accelerated. She swallowed hard. “And that is?”
“By riding it to exhaustion.”
“Then, Captain Hewett DeVere,” she whispered. “Do your worst.”

VERDICT: WICKEDLY FUN READ

RATING: ★★★★★


This ebook was provided by the author Victoria Vane in exchange for an honest review.

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I was wondering what could possibly happen to make Vesta tolerable. I mean, people have continued with the series after the first book. The answer is: over-the-top everything.

After the first couple of pages I remembered how annoying Vesta was in the first book, but this book showed me that she isn't the only one. While I could see that a spoiled girl could change or be made interesting as opposed to annoying, I still fail to see why on Earth would Ludovic DeVere want anything to do with self-righteous Diana. I don't doubt I'll get more on that in future books, but I really don't like Diana now.

So, Ludovic DeVere gets five stars because he doesn't give a damn or even if he does, he doesn't stoop to begging or acting differently all of a sudden. The last scene showed that at least.

The rest is just a filler as far as I am concerned. Although, what Vesta did was pretty bold and funny. She kind of redeemed herself. No need for her in future books though.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Vesta Chambers has had everything and anything she could every want and is floored when her father returns from London, where he was preparing for her coming out, with a young bride. It brings her spoiledness to the for front and she is even more anxious to get to London and debut and be a young woman in society. So when her Aunt Diana volunteers to take Vesta in her fathers place, Vesta is relieved. After all, her godfather, Viscount DeVere, will be available to help her in any matter, should that need arise. Upon riding early one morning, Vesta spots the man of her dreams and falls head over heels. When it becomes know that this is her godfathers brother, she is ecstatic....only to become jealous of the attention he is paying her aunt! Calling upon her godfather to help pull off a lavish undertaking to secure the heart of the dashing Captain Hewett DeVere, Hew does not stand a chance against Vesta.

The novella was pure fun! Vesta was spoiled and childish at times but when she set her heart on something, she did whatever it took to secure it--even if it meant taking a drastic measure that will leave you going 'she didn't!' And Hew turned out to be a delicious man with a surprise that made me love him all the more. Falling for Vesta was not in his plans but when he does, he falls hard and gives her his whole heart in the most beautiful way! Sigh. As two polar opposites, Hew with his strength and steadfastness and Vesta with her petulant and impulsive nature, these two were sure to combust together and they certainly did! Victoria Vane once again drew me into the Georgian time period with wonderful details to dialect, mannerism and surroundings. Being a novella, I always want more and in this case I did as well. I would have loved seeing Vesta and Hew butt heads longer but it still worked well with the length. This novella made me laugh, sigh and spend a couple delicious hours away from reality to end with a smile on my face! Highly recommended for fans of enjoyable, sexy, emotional, fell good stories! I can not wait for more in this series! 4 1/2 stars

Thanks so much to Victoria Vane for providing me with a copy of this ebook!

[(Nat) Reading Romances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too fantastic to forget!

The Virgin Huntress is an eccentric and risky title, and just as adventurous as The Virgin Huntress.

This new sequel for The Devil DeVere series has a fun atmosphere of adventure. Hewett and Vesta are one of a kind, they make such a cute couple together! You get the feeling that they were truly meant to be, like they’d be lost and labeled as insane without one another!

Vesta got to my nerves far too many times, but in the end we get to see how she really is and start to cheer for a happy ending. In the beginning I didn’t know where the characters were going and their true intentions, but the book got more enjoyable, funny and absurd every page I’d turn. Still, I didn’t believe that the characters fell in so love that quickly and how Vesta just knew he’d be the one.

Overall, I was surprised by Victoria Vane’s bold and fun writing, always coming up with exciting details for her stories. I don’t even know what to expect from DeVere’s book!

[Arial Burnz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book! The heroine took a little getting used to at first, but she quickly grew on me and I enjoyed her ambition to pursue the man she loved at first sight. Cute story!

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is short and then there is too short and this ebook was too short to accomplish what it needed to. Vesta was a spoiled, immature brat and the book wasn't long enough for me to buy into her maturity. Especially since she took one look at Hew deVere and decided that she was in Love! As mature ladies we know it is bad form to kidnap your intended by drugging him and putting out to sea for three days to ensure that he has good and truly "ruined" you. Hew for his part was like heck no, you aren't getting me and then the next day it is well ok, since you are so darn hot I just can't resist, but only if you agree to marry me. Then my eyes goggle out as Vesta says no, I won't marry you unless you tell me you love me! Really???? After a day and 1/2 you expect he to be in love with you? So I had to suspend my belief A LOT in order to like this book. A couple of real good points about the book was the love scenes were scorching hawt and I loved that little twist that we found out about Hew. I also of course am in love with the Devil DeVere and can't wait to see Diana tie him in knots...he needs it bad. So looking forward to the next one in the series. I know that these little ebooks are spanning an overall story arc, but wish this could have been one long book instead of these shorts. That way more time could have been built in for Vesta and Hew relationship and I could have bought into to their romance more. So if you haven't started the series, start the first one, because these books are tightly woven together for the entire story arc.

[CaroleDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought a Wild Night's Bride was great, but, WOW, The Virgin Huntress was wonderful! There is nothing I love more than a fantastic romance with a huge dose of humor and Ms. Vane delivered.

What's a blossoming 'lady' to do with then man who has caught her eye is looking to another? Why, use every bit of trickery she can muster to make him see things her way, of course. Vesta's antics range everywhere from touting her Aunt as a lush to kidnapping Hew.

The Virgin Huntress is role reversal at it's best. In romance, especially historical, the aggressor is almost always the man, but not here. If you're looking for a timid country mouse you're not going to find it in Vesta. She sees Hew, wants him, and knows she will do anything to have him.

If you're in the mood for a lighthearted romantic romp look no further than The Virgin Huntress. You're bound to laugh the night away :)

*originally posted at http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance....

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I knew that I wouldn't love Vesta. She showed her childish nature during Ned's book, when he brings home her new step momma. (Ned is her father, and the 'hero' from the first in the Devil Devere series.)

But I must say that I think Vesta and Hew are wonderful together. Hew DeVere is Ludovic's younger brother. He takes life seriously...as I don't imagine Ludovic ever could. By the way, I mention Ludovic often because his story is being told simultaneously throughout the Devere mini-novels. He plays a major role in trapping his young brother into a compromising position in The Virgin Huntress. It just goes to show another playful, la-di-da side of him.

Vesta has come to London for her coming out. She's only 18 years old, which I'm sure contributed to my inability to relate to her. She just seems so very young and spoiled. I think, though, that this is exactly what the author was trying to put out there. She's a very different kind of heroine. She sees what she wants (Hew) and basically bowls the world over to get to him. When she thinks that Hew has an interest in her godmother Diana, she simply changes the location of...well, her and Hew. With a little help from the Devil DeVere.

This was a nice installment to the series but I must say that I'm so intrigued by Diana and Ludovic that they are overshadowing everything else at this point.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

An explosive, beguiling and witty romp!

What a delightful wickedly witty read. I immediately fell in love with Vesta and Hew from the very beginning. The chemistry between them ignites from their first meeting, especially on Vesta's part.

Vesta is eighteen, just arriving in London to participate in her first season. Once she sees Hew in all his military finery, she falls hard. Hew doesn't see her as alluring, so she sets out to get him to notice her.

This story takes the reader on a exciting and humorous ride, where Vesta kidnaps Hew and takes him out on the high seas, so she can convince him that she's the right woman for him.

All I'll say is the ending sizzles with passion and has a very surprising climax, which caught me unaware. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance. Ms. Vane is a master at building the historical background and setting. I think this story is even better than A Wild Night's Bride!

[A.R. Von · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and unexpected (I love surprises) continuation to The Devil DeVere #1. Love the humor, spontaneity, characters and the sensual touch that's just Victoria Vane :)

The antics between Hew and Vic were a hoot! It's refreshing that DeVere shows his absolute true colors to his brother (he does not hide much from anyone) but it's a real relationship that's had between the two. Vesta's antics are the icing on the cake! She has so much gusto and does what she feels is best to get what she wants with no regards of the consequences (ouch). I find she has learned a lot by the end and has matured in a much needed way that will please many. The (I guess I will call it) "relationship" with DeVere and Di is hysterical. Neither has any fear of the other and you feel a chemistry brewing between them. I cannot wait to see where it goes from here!

[Beebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun fast paced novella, I really enjoyed it though sadly not as much as I enjoyed the first in the series. The hero Hew was utterly delicious but IMHO the heroine, Vesta was just too immature. I would like to have seen her grow up a little although given the novella format, I'm probably expecting a bit too much.

I love Victoria's writing and really enjoyed the little glimpses of the Devil deVere, I cannot wait to read his story. I'm eagerly awaiting the other books in this series :)


*I received my copy from the author.

[KatLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! The second installment in Victoria Vane's The Devil DeVere series.

After doing a re-read of this series, I have adjusted my review to include my thoughts on the series as a whole....2/20/2013

After reading the entire series I found this to be the weakest link. The heroine was very immature and I had a hard time relating to her antics. There was character growth and maturity, just not enough.

Saying that, I still enjoyed the story. Victoria Vane is a very talented writer and I highly recommend this series!

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just plain fun...I'm enjoying this new author and this series. Looking forward to book #3.

[Kristin Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil DeVere series rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



The Virgin Huntress is novella #2 in this novella series and is best enjoyed when read in order, but can be read as a stand alone novel.



Novella #1, A Wild Night's Bride, will be sold for .99 cents from June 22 - June 29 on Amazon and at Breathless Press.


How are the sex scenes?

Sweet, surprising and sexy. This is a novella so there aren't many, but they are well written and have comedic flare.


How are the story lines?

You'd think a novella would give you one single-minded plot, but that is not so with this series. The Virgin Huntress follows the hero and heroine on a *truly* one-of-a-kind adventure while introducing the story for the next novella.


Would you read it again?


Yes, I think so.



Review


"The Virgin Huntress" by Victoria Vane is a historical romance novel set in 1783 London.

Sir Edward Chambers and Phoebe Scott (A Wild Night's Bride's hero and heroine) just returned home to Yorkshire and Sir Edward's daughter, Lady Vesta, throws a hissy fit all the way to London because she is no longer the sole receiver of her father's affections.

Lady Vesta is the most irritating, spoiled, closed-minded, sheltered and selfish brat most readers will ever encounter. I loathe her...and thank Vane with every hateful thought. Lady Vesta acts like any other 18-year-old girl would act when her father brings home...(more)

[Daisy Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Victoria Vane has done an amazing job! I love the Devil DeVere and the predicaments those around him get into. Vesta is an impetuous girl (woman) who is about to have her coming out season. She is now a woman of marriageable age. She sees Hew DeVere and immediately decides he’s the one for her. Hew, on the other hand wants a calm, proper wife. Whatever will Vesta do?
I found myself alternating between amusement and frustration at Vesta’s antics. One moment she was pulling outlandish stunts to get Hew’s attention and then the next she was acting like a spoiled brat. Even though I found her frustrating at times, she simply acting like a young woman who just needs a little more time to grow up. She is, through it all very loveable and I found myself cheering her on in her pursuit of Hew.
Hew was old before his time. He desperately needs someone like Vesta. Someone with passion for life and a no holds barred attitude. I found Hew’s plight to be comical as he fought his feelings for Vesta. He’s a war hero who needs to lighten up!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Virgin Huntress. This novella is quick read as the story flows nicely and keeps the reader flipping pages to find out what happens next. I am ready for the next Devil DeVere book and can’t wait to see what those around him get into next. I am most eagerly awaiting for Devil himself to get ensnared and find out how hard he falls!

I received a copy of this book from author in exchange for an honest review.

[Emery Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

**NOW AVAILABLE**
I wrote this novella under my erotic romance pseudonym, Victoria Vane. This is the second title in the Devil DeVere series and a delightfully light-hearted romantic romp!

One of my Favorite Scenes between Hew and Vesta:

"But it is so large and swollen, is it painful?
"No, just uncomfortable. Now, may we stop discussing my …" the appropriate word for feminine ears failed him.
"Phallus?" she offered. "That is what the grooms call it."
"Why are you eavesdropping on grooms?"
"I used to watch the stallions leaping the mares."
"You what!" Hew almost choked.
"Well, how else is a girl with no mother supposed to get any education? Although I doubt Mama would have told me very much. So there's really no reason to be timid, Hew. I already know all about the mating process. And to the best of my knowledge, the stallions never 'ignored it until it went away.' Please feel free to relieve yourself of it. I would even help you if you would like. I'm not the least afraid for I have seen much larger ones."

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, sexy little story. A very young Vesta Chambers has her sights set on Captain Hewett DeVere after seeing him once riding his horse in the park. She said it was love and set out to make him hers at any cost. So with a little help from Hew’s brother she drugs Hew, traps him on a ship with her and convinces him he is “the one”.

To be honest I had a hard time with this one, I found Vesta spoiled, immature, manipulative, she was not a character i warmed up to. I did admire her feistiness and sense of purpose impressive, considering the time frame of this story her aggressiveness was impressive.

But the I did like Hew and the idea of this story was fun and the sex was red hot. So I decided to take it for what it was and enjoyed this little story.

[~V~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3 1/2 stars**

I will agree with what a few others have said. Not overly believable that Hew would fall in love with Vesta just because she trapped him on a ship for a few days and forced him to do so, especially since he wasn't "on board" with the idea from the very start. Had they stayed on land, i don't know that the outcome would have been the same. HOWEVER, Hew was quite yummy and although Vesta was a still a spoiled brat, i liked the two of them together. It was definitely another sweet and sexy story. Looking forward to DeVere and Diana's books!! :)

[Kelly22 · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.50 Stars - Historical Erotic Romance.

[Cynthia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The ridiculousness of this story drove me nuts. I found I was forcing myself to read and I just didn't care anymore.

[Letitia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: A- ... Heat: Hot

What do you get when you combine one willful and pampered young miss with a commanding and upright older second son and put them on the high seas in a locked cabin? You get The Virgin Huntress—a novella filled with laughs and lust aplenty.

I will admit, I really didn't expect to like Vesta. She is very spoiled and bratty and her thoughts are sometimes unkind... but, despite myself, I do like her. Beneath her haughtiness and sense of entitlement, there is something vulnerable about her.

And, thankfully, there was always Polly the lady’s maid to put Vesta in her place. I adored Polly, always looked forward to the wise and honest words that would come out of her mouth. She never failed to make me laugh.

"Tis you who be blind, missy. The captain is a gentleman of the first order and a war hero to boot. One of his stamp would never allow anyone to be endangered. Can't ye see, the captain is not for a young chit like yerself. He's a man been to hell and back in the war and no likely to dally wi' some silly young miss."
"Silly!"
"Aye!" said Polly. "Keep it up, and ye'll only make a fool of yerself and spoil any chance for a suitable young man."
"But I love him, Polly!"
"Pshaw! The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean."
Vesta scrunched her face. "Must you always speak in riddles?"

And we can’t forget Hew. I immediately fell for him just like Vesta. I would’ve stolen him for myself too! He is quite the alluring virgin hero. Yum, yum. I really wasn't expecting a dominant side to come out of him, but oh, I am glad it did. Delish.

I also loved the banter between the DeVere brothers. Ludovic, being the orgy-loving rakehell, and Hew, with his upstanding and straight-laced ways, it was fun to watch them bicker back and forth. And even though they seem so vastly different from each other, it was still clear how much they cared for each other. There was a real sense of brotherly love between them.

And, of course, once again that Devil DeVere was in the thick of it, causing mischief. Which is exactly where I like him! I’m excited to read the next installment, since it focuses on the Devil himself!

Favorite Quote:

"We will be at sea together and in this very cabin for the next three days."
"The devil we will! We will be turning back once!"
"No, we won't." Vesta crossed her arms over her chest. "We will not return unless I am convinced that you don't love me."
"Then we can resolve that question right now! I don't love you, Vesta!"
"But you will!" she insisted. "You only need time to know it."
Hew rose. "Where are my clothes?"
"I had them taken away."
"You conniving creature!"

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.

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[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second novella length story in the Devil DeVere series and I was really eager to read more escapades of the Devil after his entanglements in the last book. The foreshadowing of a mysterious past history between Diana and Ludovic intrigued me too. So I read on with anticipation.

The plot involved Diana bringing her petulant and willful charge, Vesta (who is Ned from the first book's daughter) up to London to prepare for her first Season in society for the purpose of finding a good husband for her. Ned insists that Diana accept the aid of his friend DeVere since he is in London and because he is Vesta's godfather. Diana is reluctant for her own reasons, but agrees and off they go to London.

In London, DeVere has come to the frightful conclusion that something must be done to perpetuate his family line, but he has no intentions of changing his ways. No problem! He has a newly arrived in town younger brother who has fought in the war and now is in the mood to settle down. DeVere sweetens the pot for Hew to agree to be the one to marry and carry on the family line. Hew is not adverse to this, but he does look askance when his brother has no intentions of doing his duty by calling on and attending his goddaughter and her duenna around Town.

Hew takes it upon himself to take care of duty and instantly decides that Diana would make a great wife for him. Unbeknownst to Hew, Vesta has decided that Hew will make a wonderful husband for her- love at first sight appeals to her. Vesta starts plotting when she discovers that Her Hew barely notices her and has only eyes for Diana. Vesta's plotting appeals to DeVere so he provides the means for her to execute her plans for Hew. And from there the fun begins!

Now what did I think? I really wanted to like this story because I loved the general idea of the plot and I thought it hilarious that DeVere would plot with Vesta against his own brother. I am still really intrigued to discover what is between DeVere and Diana.
But-

I didn't like Vesta. I know Vesta's character was meant to be young and impetuous- cute even, but I did not find her machinations as such. I was angry right along with Hew and even Diana at Vesta's antics. I struggled to see her as a woman in love (which she claimed to be) and not just a spoiled brat. There were moments when she seemed to realize that she might have gone to far, but I wasn't convinced that she had learned from the experience. I do get that Hew might have needed a little impetuosity in his life and Vesta did have that in spades. There is redemption in the end because there is a feeling that they can both give each other something that the other one needs (stronger together etc).

So, while I wasn't fond of Vesta, I did really enjoy the story and look forward to the next installment. I recommend to those who like there historical romances light and fun.

[Lady Wesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll repeat what I said in my review of A Wild Night's Bride, Book One in The Devil DeVere series:

Victoria Vane must have lived a previous life in Georgian England. She gets the setting, the people, and the clothes just right. Most of all, though, she has the dialogue down to a tee. These people sound like they've stepped out of a novel actually written in the late 18th century.

In the first book DeVere's widowed friend Sir Edward Chambers comes to London to prepare for his daughter's come out and winds up a week later blissfully married to Phoebe Scott, an aspiring actress. Back home in Yorkshire his daughter, Lady Vesta, is not amused to watch her father play the besotted fool, so she flounces off to London in the company of her godmother, Lady Diana Palmerston-Wriothesley.

In London, Lady Vesta disobeys her godmother's warning to steer clear of Lord DeVere. He is, after all, her godfather. She meets and instantly is smitten by his younger brother, Captain Hewett DeVere, who has returned from the war in America wanting nothing more than to settle into a quiet life with a quiet wife. Coddled, impetuous Lady Vesta is not his idea of the perfect wife. When Hew begins to show interest in Lady Diana, Vesta decides to take desperate measures to capture Hew's attentions. In this she is aided by her godfather, who more than lives up to his nickname.

I won't spoil the rest by relating Hew and Vesta's adventure. Let me just say that my spectacles steamed up reading about it. Victoria Vane has a decided talent for hot, steamy sex scenes.

I could not, however, like this book as well as the first, primarily because I despised Vesta. At one point, Hew says to her, "You conniving creature! How can you possibly think I could ever love such a spoiled, petulant, self-absorbed, and scheming little wretch?" Of course, his attitude changes later, but alas mine did not. It is a tribute to Ms Vane's writing skills, however, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about a heroine whom I disliked so much.

During the course of this story we learn that Lord DeVere and Lady Diana have a history and I can't wait to read about that in
The Devil You Know, coming up in July. Many thanks to Victoria Vane for offering me an advance read of this story in return for an honest review.

[Jenny Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first novella in this series, A Wild Night's Bride, and The Virgin Huntress picks up pretty much where that story left off, although the focus has shifted to Ned's daughter, Vesta. Vesta is very young and inexperienced, but when she decides she wants something, she lets nothing stand in her way. She wants to go to London for her coming-out season. She wants to experience all that life has to offer. She wants to find a good husband. And after one look at Captain Hew DeVere, she decides he's going to be the one. Small problem, though. Well, actually two. One, he's a much older man. Two, he's trying to win the heart of Vesta's chaperone, her lovely but untouchable godmother Diana. He's gallant, respectful, honorable, and completely blind to Vesta's attempts to catch his eye . . . poor thing. He hasn't a clue what's about to hit him. Hurricane Vesta has come to town.

Orchestrating damsel-in-distress rescues? Kidnapping? Imprisonment? Blackmailing her godfather into helping her? None of these are too much if it means Vesta gets what she wants, and she's determined to have Captain Hew. The plan she sets in motion and the tactics she employs are outrageous and over-the-top, but they are so undeniably true to her character that I couldn't help but be swept right along with Hew, a smile on my face the whole way. And of course, her plans bear fruit. At first understandably angry and appalled, it doesn't take Hew long to realize that a woman who would go to such lengths to prove her loyalty and undying affection to a man may be a woman worth keeping. And when passions ignite in one of the sweetest (and hottest) love scenes I've read in quite a while, Hew realizes that Vesta is what he really needed all along.

The next two installments in the series are finally going to focus on the man who got the whole thing started, the Devil DeVere, and I can't wait to read about the history between him and Diana and how they will work past their seemingly insurmountable differences toward a happily ever after!