Dominating Mr. Darling

Scandalous Ballroom Encounters #5

by Victoria Vale

Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam is approaching her thirtieth year, and her umpteenth Season without selecting a husband. Her elder brother is so concerned over this state of affairs that he’s tripled her already obscene dowry in hopes that the coming Season will finally see her leg-shackled. Opposed to the establishment of marriage to begin with, Amelia has no intention of giving up her freedom—or the taboo predilections she engages in behind closed doors. After all, what lord of the ton would submit himself to a woman who enjoys subjecting her bedmates to pain and domination for life? Since she has yet to meet such a man, Amelia contents herself with the long life of spinsterhood stretching out before her. Michael Darling is a simple gentleman farmer, satisfied to live out his days rusticating in the country. He has no reason to run off to London searching for a bride—except for the matter of his dire financial straits. Debt has bled his coffers dry, leaving him with only one quickly find and wed a woman with an enormous dowry. When he encounters Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam in a gaming hell, the lady’s reputation precedes her. A wager made over a card game will put her within his grasp, but the discovery of her peculiar tastes in the bedroom has him wondering if they could ever make a good match. Soon, Michael will realize that Amelia’s domination appeals to him more than he would have ever dreamed, causing him to fall rapidly under her spell. However, a dark past comes with Amelia’s tendencies, making her hard to woo and even harder to love. Never one to back down from a challenge, Michael sets out to untangle the convoluted puzzle Amelia presents and, hopefully, win her heart.

Genres: BDSM, Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Erotica, Erotic Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2017

About the author

Victoria 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.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this was quite a different storyline for me I did wonder if I would enjoy it but I certainly did! Michael Darling was such a lovely character, the way he coped with Amelia was endearing. Some of the statements towards the end I found heart wrenching. Amelia’s behaviour was defined by her background and she needed a very special man. It was good to catch up with Simon and Sophie as well.
I received a copy and I voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. A joy to read. Lots of hot sex!
Michael and Amelia are great together, in and out of bed.
5☆

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good read, I loved it and have already read the book twice. The characters are well developed and believable.

Michael Darling comes from a close and loving family, whereas Amelia has never experienced the love of a mother and father and along with her brother has been psychologically damaged. Michael and Amelia's differing childhoods define them. Michael is a strong, confident and loving character. Amelia is shuttered, secretive and doesn't know how to love or trust. At this point in the novel the only person she has ever trusted and loved (in her own way) is her brother Simon.

Michael seeks Amelia out and pursues her as he needs to marry an heiress with a large dowry to save his estate - Amelia is an heiress with a huge dowry, but has no intention of marrying as she has a fear of being dominated by a man.
Michael locates Amelia in a gaming hell and enters into a wager over a card game which he allows her to win. Amelia requires Michael to allow her to command him for an evening. Amelia has very particular tastes in the bedroom and although Michael is surprised he willingly submits to her. He loses his wagers on purpose. Amelia finds her times with Michael to be different from any man with whom she has previously conducted an affair. Although he submits to her in the bedroom he is a strong character and his submission does not translate to any other aspect of his life or their encounters. Unknown to her she is falling in love and starting to 'depend' on Michael and his strength.
When they make the final wager of the story he insists that she signs a 'contract' saying that he doesn't believe that, if he wins, she will allow him the same freedoms that he has allowed her - he wins. So when she loses that wager she realises that she has misinterpreted his contract - she only thought he would insist that she submit to him (which petrifies her). However, Michael informs her the contract only states that she has to allow him what he wants and he announces that what he want is to marry her.
He admits he has tricked her and asks her if she would have accepted a traditional marriage proposal - she admits that she would not. Amelia is furious but after some turns in the plot - eventually they do marry.

Michael soon realises that Amelia is hiding a secret and taking refuge behind her wish to have him continually submit to her in the bedroom. He is strong enough in character to submit to her as he realises that is what she needs in a relationship. However, after many 'ups and downs' he refuses to submit and this is when he discovers her secret.

There is a HEA and eventually Amelia learns to trust and love. This is a really fantastic story and once begun is very hard to put down.

Although this can be read as a stand-alone novel it is much better to read book 4 'Submitting to the Marquis' first. It is in this novel that Simon and Amelia's upbringing is tackled, and this makes book 5 so much more understandable.

I received a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam is approaching thirty, and her umpteenth Season without selecting a husband. Her elder brother Simon is so concerned over this state of affairs that he’s tripled her already obscene dowry to £60000 in hopes that the coming Season will finally see her leg-shackled. Opposed to the establishment of marriage to begin with, Amelia has no intention of giving up her freedom or the taboo predilections she engages in behind closed doors.
Michael Darling is just a gentleman farmer, satisfied to live out his days in the country at his beloved home but failed crops & other disasters are crippling him in debt so he’s left with one option become a fortune hunter. When he encounters Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam in a gaming hell, the lady’s reputation precedes her. A wager made over a card game will put her within his grasp, but the discovery of her peculiar tastes in the bedroom has him wondering if they could ever make a good match.
I’m a fan of the author & love her books they are so much more than BDSM novels, yes they are naughty but there’s also a very good story & outstanding characterisation. Amelia has suffered abuse & hides her feelings behind her predilections, Michael is a very strong character & his willingness to submit to Amelia is a strength not a weakness. This is the fifth in the series & could be read as a stand-alone book, the whole series is very good but this is my one of my favourites. The path Michael & Amelia travel is not conventional but it’s very moving to see the way they both save each other. I found it very hard to put down & read it in under a day.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this for honest review. It was a slow burn for me. As I didn't think I would like female dominate. Like the character Michael I thought he would come across as a pansy but oh no not him.. I loved this book and the emotion they went through. I can't wait for Lydia maybe to have her own book.

[Bklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia is a woman with a secret. On the outside fun loving, free, and domineering, she holds dark secrets inside that no one, not even her devoted brother know anything about.

Michael Darling is a man who is desperate. Gentry with more land than most noblemen, land takes money and that he is short of, he need an heiress, immediately, to save his land and his people.

The instant attraction that comes forth when they meet is powerful, but is that attracting a precursor for love and is love enough to save Amelia from her past and Michael from his debt.

Well the answer is YES.

We meet Amelia in her brother Simon's book and we know their upbringing was not an easy one, it was hellish. What we didn't know is that Amelia suffers at the hands of her uncle when Simon is away.

Michael has never been involved in submission, but he is willing to try for Amelia, the Incomprable Lady A, because there is just something about her that makes him want to, makes him need to give in to her. This however does not translate outside the bedroom. Outside, Michael is strong, forceful and knows his own mind and his own desires.

Yes Michael tricks her into marriage, but it was the only way Amelia would be saved, and when she goes one step too far, Michael tells her no, and that is how it should be. Amelia submits, and in my opinion, she does so in order to be forced to tell the secrets she holds so close.

We all know there will be a HEA, no need in saying that. What I will say is that this is book is thoughtout, non-cliched and a joy to read as the man, just because he is submissive is NOT weak and that makes a difference. He is strong, as he has to be strong enough to accept and carry the pain that consumes her.

Amelia learns to love and accept love and how to accept gentleness and kindness and that is just as important, and she recognizes the strength in the man she loves.

Can't wait for Lucy's story.

I received this book at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenniekenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Darling needs money to keep his family home running. Simon wants his sister Amelia to get married. What happens next is some yummy competition between the 2. I usually am not a fan of "Dommes" but Victoria did this really well. Michael is so strong and he sees at first he must be open to this if he wants her and wow does it heat up!!!! I loved his family and they were so open and affectionate with her. She had such a horrible upbrining so it was nice to see them so warm to her. As with Simons book...this had a tough storyline for them and a few times it broke my heart what Amelia went thru...especially when she was with Michael visiting the families on the land and then when she had to reveal her secret...heartbreaking. But Victoria does this so well. I love that Simon and Sophie were back as well. I cannot wait for more from Victoria Vale!!!! I received an ARC for an honest review! I think you really will like this book.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read 19 books by Victoria Vale and have loved all of them.
I love her writing and her stories. The sex is yummy.

I really liked this book a lot. I wasn't sure if I was going to because I wasn't a fan of Amelia in book 1. So wasn't expecting to like it. I only have about 4 more books of Victoria's to read and I will have read all the ones I want so just thought I'd be reading to finish it.

But WOW!!! You know what they say. Never judge a book by it's cover. Hahaha
I loved Amelia and Michael. Great story.
Just a great read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam has never wanted to marry. As she approaches her thirtieth year, her older brother Simon has tripped her dowry. Amelia does not want to give up her freedom.

Michael Darling is a gentleman farmer with a dire financial need. He has come to London to find a bride with a large dowry. Michael meets Amelia in a gaming hell. After a wager over a card game, Amelia starts to realize that Michael may be the one that she can reach a marriage of domination.

I am a big fan of this series. I liked Amelia when she was introduced in Simon's book. She has so many layers to her personality. Michael was the perfect match for what Amelia needed. This was such a great book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of this author's work. She does her research and then some. I've read a few erotic historicals where it was put tab A into slot B. This book is so much more than that. There are real feelings and emotions intermingled with some really hot sex scenes including those which feature BDSM (so pass if that isn't your cup of tea, but give a try, you might be surprised). Amelia isn't an easy heroine to root for unless you know her backstory which we knew part of from reading her brother, Simon's book. She is bold, daring, and does what she wants. This is looked down upon by the ton, but she is still very much sought out as a potential wife because of her connections to her brother. Michael is not titled, but he does have all of the qualities that I love in a hero; kind, but not a pushover, loving, and very sexy. He was just what Amelia needed first for her need to be a mistress and a sexual dominant, and then for someone to come to love and care for her. I just loved this book and can't wait to read more books by Ms. Vale. I did receive this book free to review, but these thoughts and words are my own.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another smoldering, powerful, well-written story in this series! I was really looking forward to reading Amelia’s story after being introduced to her in the last book and this exceeded expectations. I highly recommend this whole series if you enjoy regency erotica. Now, to patiently wait for the next book to release!

[Debbie Human · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I always like Victoria Vale's books, but this one certainly had a different twist. Very exciting to read about a dominate female. Loved it.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first story that I have from the Author Victoria, it’s not your usual historical Regency one. I especially liked how there was a naughty side to the story that most authors are afraid to write about .
Lady Amelia is a sister to a marquee (Simon ) she has had many seasons but no make is offering for her. Her brother ups her dowry hoping a gentleman will offer
You meet Michael in a gaming hell. He needs money for his land Everything is failing .
Amelia and Michael make a wager .
Michael learns what Amelia secret is. Not even her brother knows her secret you need to grab it and see

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: Childhood physical and emotional abuse to the heroine, mentions of witnessing childhood sexual abuse, PTSD

I wanted to love this book because it is about a young female domme in a historical setting learning about her desires and exploring her sexuality in a time when women were encouraged to be quiet and demure. That plot is something that should have been a home run for me. But the hero in this story was awful: he kept intentionally coercing and forcing the heroine to do things she didn't want to including tricking her into marrying him, exposing her childhood trauma despite her deliberately and explicitly setting boundaries regarding it, and then he never felt remorse for causing her this pain and distress even when she leaves him as a result of his actions.

The ending was sweet and compelling but I could never fully forgive the hero for the pain he forced the heroine to endure and the trauma she was forced to face without the proper support.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a favourite historical although it does have a gap in the plot. The H is a landowner, needs money so decided to marry an heiress. She's a Domme, has specific needs as a result of childhood trauma, like her brother. She doesn't believe she can trust a man, and he is huge, kind and willing to submit to her. He actually cherishes her, but has to fight for her trust. Their love was never in doubt. The plot issue is annoying, he needs to marry for money and we don't learn what happened to cause this. It seemed as if his land was a never ending money pit, and I couldn't see a good future for them long term. Very annoying

[LOU71 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominating Mr. Darling is the fifth book in the Scandalous Ballroom Encounters series. Prologue set in 1809. The story starts in London ten years later in 1819. This erotic historical romance actually gets quite emotionally deep. I don’t usually choose storylines that have child abuse or incest in them, so this book is for the discerning reader.

(1)Masquerade: 5 stars: Camden & Margaret
(4)Submitting to the Marquis: 5 stars:Simon & Sophie
(5)Dominating Mr. Darling: 5 stars: Michael & Amelia

Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam enjoys masculine pursuits such as hunting, shooting, and fencing - all while wearing breeches. She is a restless Heroine, as if her very soul vibrates from a need to be in constant motion. Approaching her thirtieth year, Amelia hates being told what she must do. She is the younger sister of Simon, the Marquis of Ashton. Simon is so concerned for his sister’s future welfare and lack of a husband, that he has just tripled her dowry in the hopes that the coming Season will finally see her leg-shackled.

Michael Darling, a gentleman farmer, has rushed to London to find a bride. A fortune-hunter of the most desperate kind, he needs a wealthy heiress and her substantial dowry to save Oakmoor Manor, his family estate in Norfolk. After reading the gossip columns, Michael pinpoints a woman known as The Incomparable Lady A, and determines that it is she, he will marry.

Michael and Amelia’s relationship was just so believable and honest and fun, despite Amelia’s dark past. There are real feelings of torment and struggle to be overcome, and Michael handles it quite competently in his manly stride. They are both strong characters that suit each other well.

I enjoyed a peek into the continuation of Simon and Sophie’s story too.

Sometimes I wish for a more unique name for a Hero than the one name that’s been overused, like Michael. Authors need to become a bit more inventive when choosing names in this genre.

I recommend this book. I highly recommend this series.
I have chosen not to read books two and three in this series.

[Cerise · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot wrong with this book. The author keeps calling the FMC’s brother a marquis when he should be a marquess; there are frequent references to past child abuse, including CSA; anachronisms and inaccuracies galore; heavy reliance on the tropes of past trauma leading to an enjoyment of BDSM and having a terrible secret one refuses to divulge that turns out not to be that bad.

And yet I had a ton of fun reading this, although the story drags a bit around the 80% breakup and I thought the epilogue should have been placed further out than two weeks from the previous chapter. I really wanted to see Amelia heavily pregnant, domming Michael for the last time before she gives birth, or anything else that shows their long-term success as a couple.

With a couple of passes from a diligent editor this could have been a 5 star read. Normally I’d give it 3 stars but I really enjoyed this book despite its many flaws.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mixed bag for me. There's a betrayal fairly early on and it was something that just can't sit right with me, and also, I don't think it could really hold any water at all, but they all just go with it like it's semi-reasonable. So that was a mark against it on both counts. And then their relationship was interesting for a while, but eventually the walls up between them just refused to fall already, and started to become irritating and tiresome. And finally, the way one of them tries to force the walls down- just seemed like a terrible idea and I'm not sure it would have a prayer of actually succeeding. But of course everything works out in the end. So it was kind of back and forth between interest and annoyance overall.

[Ruchika Mahajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more winner from Ms vale. It should be read in continuation with Submitting to the marquee. It's the story of lady Amelia n Mr. Michael darling. This is the only book i have read till date in which a lady is dominating n a man is happily submitting that too a man like Michael. I fell in love with both the leading characters. Amelia is a force of nature. A strong independent woman with a history of Child Abuse. Michael is a comparatively simpler character which can only be found in book universe. Big sigh... This book has a solid story with many steamy scenes which I loved thoroughly. All in all a good read

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five in the Scandalous Ballroom Encounters series. Some secondary characters from the previous book but can be read and enjoyed as stand-alone. Full length told in dual POV with HEA. Lady Amelia is happy to be on the shelf and enjoys the freedoms of being a spinster. Michael will do anything to win Amelia’s dowry that he needs to restore his family estate. I loved their chemistry! Michael was patient and understanding, and his family was so welcoming. Great adult historical romance, I highly recommend!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia Fitzwilliam does as she pleases. Dressing as a man, attending the most disreputable gaming hell in London and taking many men as their Mistress.
Michael Darling is just a mister, but he needs a wife with a large dowry to save his home. There is only one woman he wants, Amelia Fitzwilliam.
Michael knows only one way to capture her is with a bet. There is only one way to keep her, is submit.
Until he needs her to reveal her secrets. Nothing to the extreme. It's just a love story outside normal boundaries.
Bondage/Discipline, Dominance /Submission.
(References of child abuse.)

[Bookgeekinscrubs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fitzwilliam siblings are among fav siblings to read, their dark past lead to indulge BDSM escapades, continuing from the previous book. Amelia is such a bad S with baggage & heartbreaking past (if you read Simon’s book you know what happened to this siblings but Amelia’s has different scars) but she can be annoying!
However, Michael Darling is a gem, countrymen with a reason why he wanted a rich wife, but unlock a fetish & admiration with Amelia.
In this book, Simon + Sophie & Michael takes the 🎂 but Amelia, as i said can be annoying!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I loved Michael, I did not like Amelia. Michael is loving and kind and a bit naughty but nice and his pursuit of Amelia is wonderful. He is not easily dominated. I felt sorry for Amelia but she came across as too cynical and absolutely no emotion until close to the end of the book. The pain she suffered is portrayed very realistically and I will say that her telling her story is very hard to read. The overall story was good.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Sisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michel Darling e Amélia irmã de Simon do livro anterior.
Profundo e excitante, Mas o final e "segredo" de Amélia ficou bem chatinho, enfim gosto da autora mas vejo uma"receita de bolo" q força um drama do "vai me abandonar" antes do epílogo mesmo qdo a história não precisa disso p crescer.
Michel é apaixonante

[Lostintime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a steamy read wishing that the sex was not boring and was plot driven. This book accomplished all this.
A painfully flawed h and a genuinely too good to be true H (but I am reading a romance so sometimes I just want to dream 😁) engage in a story of passion, acceptance, romance, redemption which had kept me glued to its pages (luckily I am on holiday!)

[Karen Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book consist of mostly sex, nothing much else.

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I'm absolute!y in love with this story. Amazing read. Two of the strongest characters, the Ds relationship is so perfect.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the normal read for me but had a good story line and characters.

[Donna Nalbandian Woerner Homschek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and Sensual

Liked the way the scenes are depicted as if they had actually been experienced. It makes one understand why people engage in this type of sex play.

[Kaelie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF