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Scandalous Seductions #3
Phantasmagoria
1800 – Three years after she escaped to London with her bisexual lovers, Vaughan, Marquis of Pennerley and Viscount Lucerne Marlinscar, Bella Rushdale wakes to find Vaughan missing and their decadent ménage a trois in ruins. Determined to reclaim Vaughan and repair the damage, Bella pursues him to his family seat on the Welsh Border, where she finds herself embroiled in his preparations for a diabolical gothic celebration on All Hallows Eve – a phantasmagoria.
Here, amidst the shadows and phantoms, Bella and her lovers peel away the deceits and desires of past and future to expose the heart of their volatile relationship and what they truly mean to one another.
Here, amidst the shadows and phantoms, Bella and her lovers peel away the deceits and desires of past and future to expose the heart of their volatile relationship and what they truly mean to one another.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Madelynne Ellis
79 books403 followersMadelynne Ellis is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of over 50 erotic romance novels.
Madelynne lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner, family, & assorted pets. She is currently sipping rapidly cooling decaf coffee, listening to loud music, & indulging her obsession for tattooed bad boys.
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Madelynne lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner, family, & assorted pets. She is currently sipping rapidly cooling decaf coffee, listening to loud music, & indulging her obsession for tattooed bad boys.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 16, 2013
Fantastic Dark Romance
Phantasmagoria is the sequel to a Gentlemen's Wager and takes place three years after Bella ran off with her two lovers. Bella Rushdale lives a decadent lifestyle with her two lovers, the Viscount Lucerne Marlinscar and Vaughan, the Marquis of Pennerley. Lucerne is the more considerate of the two men whereas Vaughan is the brooding type who likes things rough and his way. Everything is about to change when Vaughan simply walks away from them both without any reason.
The trio's scandalous relationship has long since gone past the point of everything that is considered to be normal in the eyes of society. Lucerne wants Bella to be his wife but lusts after Vaughan with a passion. Vaughan is obsessed with Lucerne, the only person he truly loves; even so, he can't let go of Bella. Bella's soul belongs to Vaughan and is willing to do whatever she can to keep him even if that means sacrificing her relationship with Lucerne in the process.
Phantasmagoria pushes the envelope in so many ways. Madelynne Ellis has written a dark gothic tale where sexual perversions are out in the open. This may sound like an uncomfortable read, but I was enthralled and lost in this tale of three people who live for vice but truly do not know what they want or even if they can love one another.
Vaughan may seem to be the villain of the piece, but he is so tortured because his love for Lucerne will never be reciprocated. He knows he can have Bella eating out of the palm of his hand, but he wants what he can't have, and because of that, he almost ruins himself in the process. Bella is the one woman who understands Vaughan and sacrifices herself. She is willing to do whatever she can to make Vaughan happy just so he will give her a piece of his heart. Seems cruel right? But when you figure out what Vaughan is trying to accomplish, his so-called revenge comes together like pieces in a puzzle. Almost every page is filled with talks of sex and the actual sex acts seem a bit depraved in a way.
Phantasmagoria is erotic, tantalizing and one of the best ménage a trois stories I have read in a long time. This story had me hooked from the very first page. Ellis and her skill at writing about taboo topics are really amazing. She really does deserve kudos for writing an erotic gothic that I won't soon forget.
Phantasmagoria is the sequel to a Gentlemen's Wager and takes place three years after Bella ran off with her two lovers. Bella Rushdale lives a decadent lifestyle with her two lovers, the Viscount Lucerne Marlinscar and Vaughan, the Marquis of Pennerley. Lucerne is the more considerate of the two men whereas Vaughan is the brooding type who likes things rough and his way. Everything is about to change when Vaughan simply walks away from them both without any reason.
The trio's scandalous relationship has long since gone past the point of everything that is considered to be normal in the eyes of society. Lucerne wants Bella to be his wife but lusts after Vaughan with a passion. Vaughan is obsessed with Lucerne, the only person he truly loves; even so, he can't let go of Bella. Bella's soul belongs to Vaughan and is willing to do whatever she can to keep him even if that means sacrificing her relationship with Lucerne in the process.
Phantasmagoria pushes the envelope in so many ways. Madelynne Ellis has written a dark gothic tale where sexual perversions are out in the open. This may sound like an uncomfortable read, but I was enthralled and lost in this tale of three people who live for vice but truly do not know what they want or even if they can love one another.
Vaughan may seem to be the villain of the piece, but he is so tortured because his love for Lucerne will never be reciprocated. He knows he can have Bella eating out of the palm of his hand, but he wants what he can't have, and because of that, he almost ruins himself in the process. Bella is the one woman who understands Vaughan and sacrifices herself. She is willing to do whatever she can to make Vaughan happy just so he will give her a piece of his heart. Seems cruel right? But when you figure out what Vaughan is trying to accomplish, his so-called revenge comes together like pieces in a puzzle. Almost every page is filled with talks of sex and the actual sex acts seem a bit depraved in a way.
Phantasmagoria is erotic, tantalizing and one of the best ménage a trois stories I have read in a long time. This story had me hooked from the very first page. Ellis and her skill at writing about taboo topics are really amazing. She really does deserve kudos for writing an erotic gothic that I won't soon forget.
March 21, 2021
I am truly enjoying this series. It's like a very dirty romp through a historical romance. This trouple has become close to my heart and I'm just hoping they can find their way to happy.
July 19, 2024
OH MY FUCKING GOD!!!! THIS WAS INTENSE! Watching their relationship deteriorate was gut wrenching. This was deeply emotional and finally watching all that growth throughout all that destruction and grief was addictive!!! I am absolutely hooked to this series! The writing is just gorgeous!
March 11, 2025
I'll be honest, I was not expecting to get as hooked as I did with this. Quite a fun and weird ride.
May 19, 2009
Bella Rushdale lives a decadent lifestyle with her two lovers, the Viscount Lucerne Marlinscar and Vaughan, the Marquis of Pennerley. All three have been lovers for over three years, and they throw caution to the wind, enjoying ferocious lovemaking every chance they can get. Lucerne is the more considerate of the two men. He treats Bella like precious gold, whereas Vaughan is the brooding type and likes it rough. Bella could not ask for anything more. But that is all about to change when Vaughan simply walks away from them both without any reason.
The trio's scandalous relationship has long since gone past the point of everything that is considered to be normal in the eyes of society. Lucerne wants Bella to be his wife but lusts after Vaughan with a passion no man should feel for another. Vaughan is obsessed with Lucerne, the only person he truly loves; even so, he can’t let go of Bella. Bella is caught between the two men, she adores Lucerne, but her soul belongs to Vaughan. She can’t let him go and will chase him to the pits of hell to get him back even if that means sacrificing her relationship with Lucerne in the process.
Weeks go by and neither Bella nor Lucerne knows where Vaughan has gone. Vaughan is tired of the way things are between his lovers and sets a plan into motion where Bella and Lucerne must choose whom they want to be with. He invites them to his family home at Pennerley where he will hold an All Hallows Eve party called a Phantasmagoria. There his guests will experience their darkest fears and desires. He hopes Lucerne will come rushing to him and proclaim his love and, of course, Bella will be right behind him. But Lucerne makes no appearance, only Bella arrives. She’s willing to do anything to make Vaughan love her, even if it means degrading herself.
PHANTASMAGORIA pushes the envelope in so many ways. Madelynne Ellis has written a dark gothic tale where sexual perversions are out in the open and lust and sex is all about power. This may sound like an uncomfortable read, which it may be to some, but I was enthralled and lost in this tale of three people who live for vice but truly do not know what they want or even if they can love one another.
Vaughan may seem to be the villain of the piece, but he is so tortured because his love for Lucerne will never be reciprocated. He knows he can have Bella eating out of the palm of his hand, but he wants what he can’t have, and because of that, he almost ruins himself in the process. Bella is the one woman who understands Vaughan and sacrifices herself. She is willing to do whatever she can to make Vaughan happy just so he will give her a piece of his heart. Seems cruel right? But when you figure out what Vaughan is trying to accomplish, his so-called revenge comes together like pieces in a puzzle. Almost every page is filled with talks of sex and the actual sex acts seem a bit depraved in a way. One such scene where Vaughan enjoys Bella in the kitchen pantry should raise some eyebrows. And when the time for the Phantasmagoria comes, well, everything before is really child’s play.
The other characters besides our threesome are an interesting set. There is Vaughan’s sister, Niamh, who is sweet but has some relationship problems of her own. She’s also Bella’s confidante. Henry is a friend of Bella’s who wouldn’t mind becoming one of her lovers, but he's also a good friend to her as she tries to figure out where she stands with Vaughan. There is the Frenchman, Vicomte de Maresi, who comes across as a pig at first glance but quickly falls for Bella and wants to take her away from the madness that Vaughan has thrust her into.
PHANTASMAGORIA is erotic, tantalizing and one of the best ménage a trois stories I have read in a long time. This story had me hooked from the very first page. Ellis and her skill at writing about taboo topics are really amazing.
The trio's scandalous relationship has long since gone past the point of everything that is considered to be normal in the eyes of society. Lucerne wants Bella to be his wife but lusts after Vaughan with a passion no man should feel for another. Vaughan is obsessed with Lucerne, the only person he truly loves; even so, he can’t let go of Bella. Bella is caught between the two men, she adores Lucerne, but her soul belongs to Vaughan. She can’t let him go and will chase him to the pits of hell to get him back even if that means sacrificing her relationship with Lucerne in the process.
Weeks go by and neither Bella nor Lucerne knows where Vaughan has gone. Vaughan is tired of the way things are between his lovers and sets a plan into motion where Bella and Lucerne must choose whom they want to be with. He invites them to his family home at Pennerley where he will hold an All Hallows Eve party called a Phantasmagoria. There his guests will experience their darkest fears and desires. He hopes Lucerne will come rushing to him and proclaim his love and, of course, Bella will be right behind him. But Lucerne makes no appearance, only Bella arrives. She’s willing to do anything to make Vaughan love her, even if it means degrading herself.
PHANTASMAGORIA pushes the envelope in so many ways. Madelynne Ellis has written a dark gothic tale where sexual perversions are out in the open and lust and sex is all about power. This may sound like an uncomfortable read, which it may be to some, but I was enthralled and lost in this tale of three people who live for vice but truly do not know what they want or even if they can love one another.
Vaughan may seem to be the villain of the piece, but he is so tortured because his love for Lucerne will never be reciprocated. He knows he can have Bella eating out of the palm of his hand, but he wants what he can’t have, and because of that, he almost ruins himself in the process. Bella is the one woman who understands Vaughan and sacrifices herself. She is willing to do whatever she can to make Vaughan happy just so he will give her a piece of his heart. Seems cruel right? But when you figure out what Vaughan is trying to accomplish, his so-called revenge comes together like pieces in a puzzle. Almost every page is filled with talks of sex and the actual sex acts seem a bit depraved in a way. One such scene where Vaughan enjoys Bella in the kitchen pantry should raise some eyebrows. And when the time for the Phantasmagoria comes, well, everything before is really child’s play.
The other characters besides our threesome are an interesting set. There is Vaughan’s sister, Niamh, who is sweet but has some relationship problems of her own. She’s also Bella’s confidante. Henry is a friend of Bella’s who wouldn’t mind becoming one of her lovers, but he's also a good friend to her as she tries to figure out where she stands with Vaughan. There is the Frenchman, Vicomte de Maresi, who comes across as a pig at first glance but quickly falls for Bella and wants to take her away from the madness that Vaughan has thrust her into.
PHANTASMAGORIA is erotic, tantalizing and one of the best ménage a trois stories I have read in a long time. This story had me hooked from the very first page. Ellis and her skill at writing about taboo topics are really amazing.
February 4, 2011
This sequel to A Gentleman's Wager is both darkly erotic and deeply emotional. Madelynne Ellis truly is a mistress of ménage à trois writing. She deftly explores the emotional entanglements of this kind of relationship and her attention to setting and period detail is superb, delivering a gritty historical read that fascinates and satisfies. I'll be looking out for more!
February 16, 2021
Oh boy. This book is a little hard to come by: not in any libraries I'm a member of, and only available full price via ebooksellers. I think I can guess why - Post-#MeToo and the circa 2010 incest ban for erotica, I really don't think it could be successfully marketed today. But wait! Before you give up on this book, I did still like it. First, if you're invested in the Bella-Lucerne-Vaughan ménage love story (and I am) it's an indispensable chapter, and second, Ellis continues to explore ménage dynamics that you don't often see out there. It's what edged this book up from a 2.5 for me.
Okay, the bad stuff first: I don't often do this, but consider this a GIANT CONTENT WARNING for questionable consent. Nearly every freaking sex scene in this book is questionable consent. I mean, Bella and Vaughan's whole sexual dynamic skates this line anyway since they are forever doing things the other doesn't quite want but ends up liking anyway, but in this particularly book it really stands out. Because there are MANY scenes like that. As if that isn't enough, Bella gains another potential suitor (seems too polite to call him that) in Raffe Devonshire who is the epitome of leering, pushy guy who keeps coming on "because you'll like it." Ugh. And the worse thing is, Bella actually does! And Raffe is also portrayed as not too bad in end! Wooowww. Just so problematic.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Why am I talking about some guy Raffe when it should be Lucerne? Well, some important news: while it's the third book in a series that (mostly) centers on the ménage relationship between Bella, Lucerne and Vaughan, this is Bella and Vaughan's book. Lucerne is only barely in it, and mainly to serve as a foil for either Bella or Lucerne. And when he is in it, he comes off like a thoughtless jerk. (It's too bad - we get more of a window into Lucerne's motivations in the novella just before this book than this entire novel-length story.)
If you're a Lucerne fan, sorry, this is not your book. But tbh I wasn't mad we spent the whole time with Bella and Vaughan, because this is the story we really need to see, right? These two have been circling each other and facing off for what Ellis tells us is three years now in their relationship, and now that Lucerne is absent, they have to actually grapple with who they are to each other, if anything. From early in the book it's clear that Bella wants to be more to Vaughan, and she starts off great by pursuing him to his countryside manor once he takes his leave of their cozy setup in London. But then once there she seems to lose her sense of purpose and just let Vaughan toy with her nearly the whole time. She gains her senses toward the end, but it sure takes some of the wind out of the sails of the story.
Okay also, the "phantasmagoria" of the title. The story is set around Halloween and Vaughan is planning a big theatrical scare, which comes at the climax of the book of course, but I think Ellis was also trying to maybe create a parallel between the horrors of the show and the horrors of Vaughan's struggle with his feelings? Or something?? This part did not work for me. It seemed more than anything else an excuse for Vaughan to engage in a bunch of really terrible behavior - even more than he had in the book preceding this section. Side note, Vaughan has a sister, Niamh; she is entirely unnecessary, as is every plot element that concerns her, including their weird incest-lite vibe (note re: "incest-lite", ).
So. I obviously have quite a few critiques. And yet. And yet. You certainly will not read anything else like this. I am still invested in the Bella-Lucerne-Vaughan ménage because it's one of the more interesting ones out there despite (because of?) flaws, but Ellis has a lot of character work to do in the next book or this is going to end up flat.
Okay, the bad stuff first: I don't often do this, but consider this a GIANT CONTENT WARNING for questionable consent. Nearly every freaking sex scene in this book is questionable consent. I mean, Bella and Vaughan's whole sexual dynamic skates this line anyway since they are forever doing things the other doesn't quite want but ends up liking anyway, but in this particularly book it really stands out. Because there are MANY scenes like that. As if that isn't enough, Bella gains another potential suitor (seems too polite to call him that) in Raffe Devonshire who is the epitome of leering, pushy guy who keeps coming on "because you'll like it." Ugh. And the worse thing is, Bella actually does! And Raffe is also portrayed as not too bad in end! Wooowww. Just so problematic.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Why am I talking about some guy Raffe when it should be Lucerne? Well, some important news: while it's the third book in a series that (mostly) centers on the ménage relationship between Bella, Lucerne and Vaughan, this is Bella and Vaughan's book. Lucerne is only barely in it, and mainly to serve as a foil for either Bella or Lucerne. And when he is in it, he comes off like a thoughtless jerk. (It's too bad - we get more of a window into Lucerne's motivations in the novella just before this book than this entire novel-length story.)
If you're a Lucerne fan, sorry, this is not your book. But tbh I wasn't mad we spent the whole time with Bella and Vaughan, because this is the story we really need to see, right? These two have been circling each other and facing off for what Ellis tells us is three years now in their relationship, and now that Lucerne is absent, they have to actually grapple with who they are to each other, if anything. From early in the book it's clear that Bella wants to be more to Vaughan, and she starts off great by pursuing him to his countryside manor once he takes his leave of their cozy setup in London. But then once there she seems to lose her sense of purpose and just let Vaughan toy with her nearly the whole time. She gains her senses toward the end, but it sure takes some of the wind out of the sails of the story.
Okay also, the "phantasmagoria" of the title. The story is set around Halloween and Vaughan is planning a big theatrical scare, which comes at the climax of the book of course, but I think Ellis was also trying to maybe create a parallel between the horrors of the show and the horrors of Vaughan's struggle with his feelings? Or something?? This part did not work for me. It seemed more than anything else an excuse for Vaughan to engage in a bunch of really terrible behavior - even more than he had in the book preceding this section. Side note, Vaughan has a sister, Niamh; she is entirely unnecessary, as is every plot element that concerns her, including their weird incest-lite vibe (note re: "incest-lite", ).
So. I obviously have quite a few critiques. And yet. And yet. You certainly will not read anything else like this. I am still invested in the Bella-Lucerne-Vaughan ménage because it's one of the more interesting ones out there despite (because of?) flaws, but Ellis has a lot of character work to do in the next book or this is going to end up flat.
May 4, 2019
Aside from too much of Niamh, who was a character I found rather dull, this book was a delight to read! It was intriguing to read a book based on the fallout of an established threesome, and how each character took to dealing with it.
Probably not one for the faint of heart in terms of sexual vices. This book had a few ‘did I just read the right?’ moments, but it was all stuff that fit the characters performing the acts.
As for Vaughn and Bella, they were very interesting leads and the dynamic of their relationship and what exactly it was to them was the star of this book for me. This book wasn’t afraid to get ugly, and felt much more believable because of it. I loved reading an erotica with substance in the plot.
Probably not one for the faint of heart in terms of sexual vices. This book had a few ‘did I just read the right?’ moments, but it was all stuff that fit the characters performing the acts.
As for Vaughn and Bella, they were very interesting leads and the dynamic of their relationship and what exactly it was to them was the star of this book for me. This book wasn’t afraid to get ugly, and felt much more believable because of it. I loved reading an erotica with substance in the plot.
May 21, 2017
Love forbidden, emotions scattered. In the period of this story, only the boring stuff was permitted within the bedroom. It was a hanging offence to be in a ménage trios or better yet m/m, m/f/m, f/f, you get the idea. Here we concentrate a lot on Vaughan and what he is struggling with. A love so deep, but for whom. Again, not a spoiler, but if you decide to read this, firstly do not be faint hearted and there is a lot of frolicking that may not suit some readers. A tad complex at times within the storyline yet interesting. The ending left a little to be desired, I assume there is a follow up book.
February 14, 2018
Slightly weird but OK :)
April 24, 2016
Sex and lust are such integral parts of this story - not because of their sheer abundance but because of how they propel the characters and form that hazy, frenzied atmosphere - which leaves me feeling quite conflicted regarding this book. So many scenes I had to skip due to boredom from repetedness and frankly, disgust. But that main energy which dominates the story intertwines with nightmarish debauchery of phantasmagoria and create magnificent outlet of gothic romance reenacted. Again, the author has proven herself a very capable writer who can set the stage and create that 'atmosphere', a talent I so seldom encountered among HR writers. She drew from every resources available, from explosive characters, resulting volatile dynamics among them, a gothic castle to whirling phantasms , and captured that muddled state of a relationship bound to fall apart. I didn't like how the story ends (and wholeheartedly disapproved the way wind was blowing, from the beginning of the book. disliked him in the first book and still a bit disturbed by him) but as many great writers do, the author somehow managed to convince me that this is how it was supposed to be, no other way around. Hate to say this of an author who is evidently enjoying her works and I don't wish to sound prejudiced against a certain genre, but I have to say her potential is wasted writing for a genre not many would appreciate. But then, without employing taboos, indiscriminating lust and over-the-top anti-hero, could this story have functioned? Hmm. + some scenes, especially the last scene from the first book and several from this one felt very cinematic and not in the cliched way. quite notable.
August 12, 2015
In Phantasmagoria Lucern's, Bella's and Vaughan's saga gets its ending. It wasn't exactly the ending I would have expected, but at the same time it was most logical ending.
So Vaughan leaves Bella and Lucern to London to sort out their relationship without him. What Bella does not know is that Lucern has already given up on her, so Bella still hopes and rushes after Vaughan to bring him back or to make Lucern to come to them.
Vaughan has gone to his his family's estate and organizes there a Halloween party that no one will forget. True to Madelynne Ellis books, turning those few days before the party and at the party, Vaughan has some sort of sexual encounter with almost every guest in his house (including his sister). In one word, he is fucking Lucern and Bella out of his mind. But it does not work, since Bella and Lucern are also the ones he satisfies his needs with. So he has to make a decision.
Lucern actually makes the decision for Bella and Vaughan, what those two make with it is already up to them and it's up to you to find out ;).
In some ways it was good story, in others it was jumpy and rushed and forced together. Good Vibrator Book Club book.
So Vaughan leaves Bella and Lucern to London to sort out their relationship without him. What Bella does not know is that Lucern has already given up on her, so Bella still hopes and rushes after Vaughan to bring him back or to make Lucern to come to them.
Vaughan has gone to his his family's estate and organizes there a Halloween party that no one will forget. True to Madelynne Ellis books, turning those few days before the party and at the party, Vaughan has some sort of sexual encounter with almost every guest in his house (including his sister). In one word, he is fucking Lucern and Bella out of his mind. But it does not work, since Bella and Lucern are also the ones he satisfies his needs with. So he has to make a decision.
Lucern actually makes the decision for Bella and Vaughan, what those two make with it is already up to them and it's up to you to find out ;).
In some ways it was good story, in others it was jumpy and rushed and forced together. Good Vibrator Book Club book.
August 7, 2014
Only 4-stars because I wanted a different ending! I love these characters and Ellis's sensual writing.
October 10, 2018
It was difficult to discern the male characters and what they wanted.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews