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The Seducers #1
Melissa and the Vicar
Melissa Griffin is quite literally sick and tired. She's the owner of one of London's most exclusive brothels, but her failing health is telling her she can't continue to keep working at her current pace. A relaxing stay in the country is exactly what she needs. Falling for the small town's gorgeous young vicar—a virgin, no less—was never part of her plan. Their love is scandalous, forbidden...and everything Melissa never knew she wanted. Denying her feelings is unthinkable. Avoiding devastation when her past inevitably drives them apart? Impossible.
Magnus Stanwyck never resented his vow of celibacy...until meeting Melissa. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, the mysterious woman captures his heart in a way he never could've anticipated. No matter what stands between them, no matter the cost, he'll do whatever it takes to possess her—heart, body, and soul.
By day, they're opposites who were never supposed to be together. By night, their passion threatens to overtake them. When all is said and done, can Melissa and Magnus overcome the obstacles (and enemies) that stand between them? Or will fate deny them their happily ever after?
Magnus Stanwyck never resented his vow of celibacy...until meeting Melissa. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, the mysterious woman captures his heart in a way he never could've anticipated. No matter what stands between them, no matter the cost, he'll do whatever it takes to possess her—heart, body, and soul.
By day, they're opposites who were never supposed to be together. By night, their passion threatens to overtake them. When all is said and done, can Melissa and Magnus overcome the obstacles (and enemies) that stand between them? Or will fate deny them their happily ever after?
291 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2020
446 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
S.M. LaViolette
37 books623 followersWho is S.M. LaViolette?
S.M. (that’s short for Shantal Marie) writes super spicy historical romance and historical erotic romance. S.M. likes to write about heroes and heroines who don't fit the mold--that means heroes who aren't always dukes and heroines who aren't always virgins.
People have described S.M.'s style as dark, angsty, and dryly witty.
S.M. also writes historical romance under the pen name Minerva Spencer, and historical mystery under S.M. Goodwin.
S.M. has been a criminal prosecutor, college history teacher, B&B operator, dock worker, ice cream manufacturer, reader for the blind, motel maid, and bounty hunter.
Okay, so the part about being a bounty hunter is a lie.
S.M. does, however, know how to hypnotize a Dungeness crab, sew her own Regency Era clothing, knit a frog hat, juggle, rebuild a 1959 American Rambler, and gain control of Asia (and hold on to it) in the game of RISK.
S.M. (that’s short for Shantal Marie) writes super spicy historical romance and historical erotic romance. S.M. likes to write about heroes and heroines who don't fit the mold--that means heroes who aren't always dukes and heroines who aren't always virgins.
People have described S.M.'s style as dark, angsty, and dryly witty.
S.M. also writes historical romance under the pen name Minerva Spencer, and historical mystery under S.M. Goodwin.
S.M. has been a criminal prosecutor, college history teacher, B&B operator, dock worker, ice cream manufacturer, reader for the blind, motel maid, and bounty hunter.
Okay, so the part about being a bounty hunter is a lie.
S.M. does, however, know how to hypnotize a Dungeness crab, sew her own Regency Era clothing, knit a frog hat, juggle, rebuild a 1959 American Rambler, and gain control of Asia (and hold on to it) in the game of RISK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
September 23, 2022
OK....My thoughts. The book is written more from a world the writer would like it to be rather than a historical perspective. Magnus was really too perfect and unworldly at times. I found Magnus to be everything a reader wants from a hero....strong and forceful at the right time....loving gentle and him against the world at others. The beginning was a bit slow but once the storyline picked up it went into overdrive and was HOT. This is very steamy. Some of Mel's actions I found to be cruel but more realistic and grounded. I enjoy this author and read her under all her names. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 21, 2025
A saint and a sinner. This was the best story with this particular trope I have ever read. It is intelligent, there is beautiful build up between MCs, there is hot and creative crash between them and very deeply thoughtful resolution.
I have particularly enjoyed the resolution, it didn’t come without a loss but it was very genuine.
Even thought this is HEA historical romance, there was no cheese here (with exception of how out of the world handsome Magnus, our main character, was but I believed that as well, and I definitely didn’t picture him like a man on the cover)
Everyone needs to read this book. It’s like a perfect romance dessert, it has a slow build up with few words and walks sneaked in between, it has virgin hero and very creative sex scenes, it has good villain, mischievous pet rooster, great two main characters and what I loved the most is this idea of perspective.
Author played with an idea of viewing an issue from various different perspectives. She portrayed it so well how our privilege can blind us from the struggles of others and bad deeds of others.
I loved Magnus, he was good, strong, shy, passionate, principled and leveled headed. Melissa was pragmatic, down to earth, but on the inside just a girl looking for love and goodness.
I also loved creative storytelling style, sense of humor and care with which all character were written.
I would read it again but there are other great books by this author so I’m on to the next in the series.
I have particularly enjoyed the resolution, it didn’t come without a loss but it was very genuine.
Even thought this is HEA historical romance, there was no cheese here (with exception of how out of the world handsome Magnus, our main character, was but I believed that as well, and I definitely didn’t picture him like a man on the cover)
Everyone needs to read this book. It’s like a perfect romance dessert, it has a slow build up with few words and walks sneaked in between, it has virgin hero and very creative sex scenes, it has good villain, mischievous pet rooster, great two main characters and what I loved the most is this idea of perspective.
Author played with an idea of viewing an issue from various different perspectives. She portrayed it so well how our privilege can blind us from the struggles of others and bad deeds of others.
I loved Magnus, he was good, strong, shy, passionate, principled and leveled headed. Melissa was pragmatic, down to earth, but on the inside just a girl looking for love and goodness.
I also loved creative storytelling style, sense of humor and care with which all character were written.
I would read it again but there are other great books by this author so I’m on to the next in the series.
May 25, 2020
A little bit unbelievable but still sweet story!
Unbelievable because I just couldn't give credit to an aristocrat marrying a madame, just as the same Melissa couldn't! But I appreciated Magnus' will to defend her and his choice, even if it is unbelievable!
He was realy sweet, but very naive. In one word: he was too good to be true!
Melissa was excellent! She knows how the world works and what would happen if she marries Magnus - and she's right!
But I loved that Magnus was stubborn enough to overcome everything to be with with her!
This is romance, so I welcomed the HEA! :)
Unbelievable because I just couldn't give credit to an aristocrat marrying a madame, just as the same Melissa couldn't! But I appreciated Magnus' will to defend her and his choice, even if it is unbelievable!
He was realy sweet, but very naive. In one word: he was too good to be true!
Melissa was excellent! She knows how the world works and what would happen if she marries Magnus - and she's right!
But I loved that Magnus was stubborn enough to overcome everything to be with with her!
This is romance, so I welcomed the HEA! :)
September 26, 2022
This book was NOT what I expected but turned out to be very good. Honestly I thought this book was going to be mostly smut, I mean, it’s about a brothel madam and a curate (though the title says vicar, he isn’t one). Don’t get me wrong, there was a significant amount of smut in this book, and it was quite racy and descriptive, but mostly this was a love story. A reverse age gap, virgin hero/experienced heroine, this was a combination of dark and sad and sweet and uplifting.
The book started out a little rough, and it does take a bit of time to get in to, but if you bear with it, it gets good. The hero in this book was EVERYTHING I’ve been searching for in a book hero for a long time. He was sweet, and strong in body and convictions, he was loyal and goofy and endearing af. At 23 years old he is a bit naive and has a very optimistic outlook on life. The heroine was cool, she has a hella tragic backstory, so brace yourself for many rape triggers there. She’s a 30 year old madam of a brothel and struggles with the ethics of earning her money in such a way. She’s beautiful and sex positive and empowered despite how cruel the world is to her and to women in general. I love that she is bisexual and found peace in being able to choose her female partners, where her male ones were forced upon her or taken for monetary purposes. She does push the hero away quite a bit during the book but she has a very good reason…he is a man of the church and the son of the nobility. Being with her will ultimately ruin his life (or change it drastically).
But the hero will not hear or tolerate any of her efforts to keep them apart. He fights for her over and over, my friends, and it is EPIC. I won’t give details as it’s spoilery but there is a twist in this that I did not see coming and it’s shocking and the resolution is satisfying. This naive hero gets his eyes opened to the truths of the world in huge ways but he ALWAYS takes his lady’s side, and always believes in her and them.
It doesn’t get a full five stars from me because of the beginning, which needs edited down, it’s slightly too anachronistic for my liking in HR and the spelling errors and typos were considerable. I think this just needs a better editor as do many self-pubs. Regardless, I am definitely going to see what other offerings this author has, she states that she does non-traditional characters, so I will go see what else she has on her backlist.
That’s all I’m going to say. This is a good one. If you can get past the slow moving beginning, I promise you it is worth it.
The book started out a little rough, and it does take a bit of time to get in to, but if you bear with it, it gets good. The hero in this book was EVERYTHING I’ve been searching for in a book hero for a long time. He was sweet, and strong in body and convictions, he was loyal and goofy and endearing af. At 23 years old he is a bit naive and has a very optimistic outlook on life. The heroine was cool, she has a hella tragic backstory, so brace yourself for many rape triggers there. She’s a 30 year old madam of a brothel and struggles with the ethics of earning her money in such a way. She’s beautiful and sex positive and empowered despite how cruel the world is to her and to women in general. I love that she is bisexual and found peace in being able to choose her female partners, where her male ones were forced upon her or taken for monetary purposes. She does push the hero away quite a bit during the book but she has a very good reason…he is a man of the church and the son of the nobility. Being with her will ultimately ruin his life (or change it drastically).
But the hero will not hear or tolerate any of her efforts to keep them apart. He fights for her over and over, my friends, and it is EPIC. I won’t give details as it’s spoilery but there is a twist in this that I did not see coming and it’s shocking and the resolution is satisfying. This naive hero gets his eyes opened to the truths of the world in huge ways but he ALWAYS takes his lady’s side, and always believes in her and them.
It doesn’t get a full five stars from me because of the beginning, which needs edited down, it’s slightly too anachronistic for my liking in HR and the spelling errors and typos were considerable. I think this just needs a better editor as do many self-pubs. Regardless, I am definitely going to see what other offerings this author has, she states that she does non-traditional characters, so I will go see what else she has on her backlist.
That’s all I’m going to say. This is a good one. If you can get past the slow moving beginning, I promise you it is worth it.
August 24, 2020
*4.5 stars*
I'm the biggest S.M. LaViolette/Minerva Spencer fan, and she hit it out of the park again with Melissa and The Vicar.
Melissa and The Vicar is a raw, sexual, angsty historical romance with a bisexual female MC and a virgin male MC. There was so much to love in this story, and though the plot was messy at times, I couldn't put it down.
There is a lot to unpack with this book, and S.M. LaViolette never lets us have it easy. This isn't a simple story with a titled man falling in love with a Madame and then they all live happily ever after. There are lies, there is waffling back and forth, and the path to this marriage and HEA is not at all easy. It felt real to me, honestly, and I'm glad the author put these characters through so much to get that authentic feeling.
The highlights of the story for me was the scorching hot sex scenes in this story. Magnus is a very studious pupil, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how sex-positive the story ended up being. The chemistry between these two MCs is electric and their sex life is no missionary-only, that's for sure. Fire.
My one complaint is that the plot felt overly complicated at times, but I often see that with this author. Truly, I didn't mind it much because all of the pieces fell into place, and it was almost beautifully messy. This author has such a way with words that she wins me over, every time.
Erotic, painful, difficult, and lovely, Melissa and The Vicar captures the whole range of emotions and shows the true depth of S.M. LaViolette's talent. I couldn't get enough.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I'm the biggest S.M. LaViolette/Minerva Spencer fan, and she hit it out of the park again with Melissa and The Vicar.
Melissa and The Vicar is a raw, sexual, angsty historical romance with a bisexual female MC and a virgin male MC. There was so much to love in this story, and though the plot was messy at times, I couldn't put it down.
There is a lot to unpack with this book, and S.M. LaViolette never lets us have it easy. This isn't a simple story with a titled man falling in love with a Madame and then they all live happily ever after. There are lies, there is waffling back and forth, and the path to this marriage and HEA is not at all easy. It felt real to me, honestly, and I'm glad the author put these characters through so much to get that authentic feeling.
The highlights of the story for me was the scorching hot sex scenes in this story. Magnus is a very studious pupil, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how sex-positive the story ended up being. The chemistry between these two MCs is electric and their sex life is no missionary-only, that's for sure. Fire.
My one complaint is that the plot felt overly complicated at times, but I often see that with this author. Truly, I didn't mind it much because all of the pieces fell into place, and it was almost beautifully messy. This author has such a way with words that she wins me over, every time.
Erotic, painful, difficult, and lovely, Melissa and The Vicar captures the whole range of emotions and shows the true depth of S.M. LaViolette's talent. I couldn't get enough.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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July 1, 2022
A strong 3.5! RTC.
*Full Review*
I had read S.M. LaViolette's His Harlot, a frustrating read that didn't make me hot to check out her other works, but I heard good things about this series. I very much enjoyed the writing style, very smooth to read, with a lovely rhythm to the words. I hadn't finished a historical romance in a while and I've been struggling with finishing any romances in general.
Tropes: Vicar and the tart, otherwise the Good Man and the Bad Girl. Age gap (23 yr old hero with 30 yr old heroine). Virgin hero.
I adore this pairing. I think a lot of authors overlook the dimension to a Good Man. I think Henry Tilney from Northhanger Abbey is my favourite hero because he is such a good-tempered flirt. Magnus the vicar isn't as charming as Henry (who can!), but he is kind, pleasant, and understanding. Romanceland is littered with the Good Man but only ever as the milquetoast man that checks out on paper but doesn't quite stir the old loins like the brooding stranger in the corner, or when the Good Man is the hero, he's usually the popular man-about-town that is usually depressed/frustrated at his aimless life. Based on my reading track record, I find it's rare to come across a good egg that is also the hero.
Magnus, also by virtue of being young and nice, has all the women in New Bickford fawning over him. And out of all the yellow haired heroes, he has white-blonde hair, which is close to my favourite of all the yellow haired heroes, which is the silver haired hero. And that's my not so subtle ask for some recs on silver haired heroes :)
Anyways. Melissa is the owner of a popular London brothel who is renting a home in the countryside in order to convalesce, after she keeps coughing up blood. They meet one eventful afternoon when she runs straight into his arms to flee a belligerent rooster...
The age gap was clever, otherwise Magnus would be too naive. The point is, yes he is a little idealistic but he has also been cushioned from reality by his status and age.
What I found most interesting was the angst and pettiness that ensued after Magnus and Melissa are together. This occurring as Melissa can hold a grudge (she's a Scorpio FOR SURE), and not wanting to give in. I'm kind of hoping the author writes an estranged couple/second chances story, as I live for the angst, the distance between the couple.
While this novel is written for our modern sensibility, I did eye-roll a little at Magnus having to say to Melissa that he hopes that she won't take it against him that he may feel jealous or frustrated at his lack of experience, at one point. It felt very much for the reader, not very much for the character. I liked Magnus when he was idealistic, when he was a puppy dog, and I didn't very much buy his switch into an autocratic figure, as much as I wanted him to pull it off.
I think I might read Hugo's story!
*Full Review*
I had read S.M. LaViolette's His Harlot, a frustrating read that didn't make me hot to check out her other works, but I heard good things about this series. I very much enjoyed the writing style, very smooth to read, with a lovely rhythm to the words. I hadn't finished a historical romance in a while and I've been struggling with finishing any romances in general.
Tropes: Vicar and the tart, otherwise the Good Man and the Bad Girl. Age gap (23 yr old hero with 30 yr old heroine). Virgin hero.
I adore this pairing. I think a lot of authors overlook the dimension to a Good Man. I think Henry Tilney from Northhanger Abbey is my favourite hero because he is such a good-tempered flirt. Magnus the vicar isn't as charming as Henry (who can!), but he is kind, pleasant, and understanding. Romanceland is littered with the Good Man but only ever as the milquetoast man that checks out on paper but doesn't quite stir the old loins like the brooding stranger in the corner, or when the Good Man is the hero, he's usually the popular man-about-town that is usually depressed/frustrated at his aimless life. Based on my reading track record, I find it's rare to come across a good egg that is also the hero.
Magnus, also by virtue of being young and nice, has all the women in New Bickford fawning over him. And out of all the yellow haired heroes, he has white-blonde hair, which is close to my favourite of all the yellow haired heroes, which is the silver haired hero. And that's my not so subtle ask for some recs on silver haired heroes :)
Anyways. Melissa is the owner of a popular London brothel who is renting a home in the countryside in order to convalesce, after she keeps coughing up blood. They meet one eventful afternoon when she runs straight into his arms to flee a belligerent rooster...
The age gap was clever, otherwise Magnus would be too naive. The point is, yes he is a little idealistic but he has also been cushioned from reality by his status and age.
What I found most interesting was the angst and pettiness that ensued after Magnus and Melissa are together. This occurring as Melissa can hold a grudge (she's a Scorpio FOR SURE), and not wanting to give in. I'm kind of hoping the author writes an estranged couple/second chances story, as I live for the angst, the distance between the couple.
While this novel is written for our modern sensibility, I did eye-roll a little at Magnus having to say to Melissa that he hopes that she won't take it against him that he may feel jealous or frustrated at his lack of experience, at one point. It felt very much for the reader, not very much for the character. I liked Magnus when he was idealistic, when he was a puppy dog, and I didn't very much buy his switch into an autocratic figure, as much as I wanted him to pull it off.
I think I might read Hugo's story!
January 10, 2025
Melissa, weary from a life of secrets and sacrifices, seeks solace in the countryside, but love finds her in the most unexpected place.
Their chemistry is undeniable, yet their relationship is wrought with tension as societal expectations, personal guilt, and dangerous enemies threaten to tear them apart.
Even though I think this book was not for me , I can see other readers enjoying it, and I do what to read other books by this author.
🎶 "Take Me to Church" – Hozier
🎶 "Criminal" – Fiona Apple
Their chemistry is undeniable, yet their relationship is wrought with tension as societal expectations, personal guilt, and dangerous enemies threaten to tear them apart.
Even though I think this book was not for me , I can see other readers enjoying it, and I do what to read other books by this author.
🎶 "Take Me to Church" – Hozier
🎶 "Criminal" – Fiona Apple
April 14, 2020
My absolutely favorite trope is an older experienced heroine and a younger virgin hero and boy did this deliver. Not only is the heroine experienced, she’s a madam at a brothel and the hero is a vicar. The hero was so sweet and the book was extremely well written. I’m looking forward to the stories of the secondary characters.
July 5, 2021
One word - melodramatic! Not in a bad way. The plot is a tad complicated at times. Magnus, the hero of the story happens to be the youngest son of a marquess and decided to become a curate. He is kind, good looking and very naive, unfortunately. I'm not sure how he lived until his 20 odd years and maintained his naivete. Has he been living under the rocks? He met Melissa, who happens to be a brothel madam who came to his village to convalesce. Well, sparks fly. He totally thinks that his parents will be able to accept her when they marry (like never). Melissa is of course being older and wiser and pragmatic definitely doesn't think so. There is a surprise villain at the end, which totally came out of nowhere (I didn't think that the villain would be who he is).
Melissa is a sad story. She was sold by her mother to a pedophile at the age of 13 and when she was 16, she was let go as she became too old for the his tastes. And she has become a prostitute since then until she was able to procure a stake at the brothel that she worked. For her, it's always about survival. It's understandable that she kept trying to run away from Magnus.
Not a comfortable read at times. Loved Magnus for not giving up on Melissa even though it was a struggle for him. They totally deserved their HEA (especially Melissa).
On a side note, I feel that the author doesn't really care for religious figures. There are a couple of characters being depicted as religiously devout (including the surprise villain) but are weak, selfish and perverted. I think there are always people trying to take advantage anywhere (not necessarily on religion matter alone). However, it's the author's story and she's entitled to her opinion.
Melissa is a sad story. She was sold by her mother to a pedophile at the age of 13 and when she was 16, she was let go as she became too old for the his tastes. And she has become a prostitute since then until she was able to procure a stake at the brothel that she worked. For her, it's always about survival. It's understandable that she kept trying to run away from Magnus.
Not a comfortable read at times. Loved Magnus for not giving up on Melissa even though it was a struggle for him. They totally deserved their HEA (especially Melissa).
On a side note, I feel that the author doesn't really care for religious figures. There are a couple of characters being depicted as religiously devout (including the surprise villain) but are weak, selfish and perverted. I think there are always people trying to take advantage anywhere (not necessarily on religion matter alone). However, it's the author's story and she's entitled to her opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2022
Sexy, unique, deliciously engrossing story with characters that stay with you. I love the vicar meets prostitute storyline which is unusual in HR. More people should be reading this author; her writing is addictive.
December 8, 2021
This was a Redeeming Love retelling. I said what I said. And I like it so much.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
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July 13, 2020The beginning was really humorous but the excess use of italics made me a wee bit uncomfortable. The troupe isn’t one I’ve really thought on -older courtesan and younger virgin male (vicar). It definitely caught my attention and excited me. However I was scared there’d be some blasphemy or mockery of Christianity in it.
The sexual references (besides the usual attraction between H&H) were a bit too much for me.
When Melissa started writing to Joss I became so nervous that someone would be stealing her letters! It was funny to read Magnus’s Reasons for becoming a curate. I do wonder if the author knows anything about Christianity 🤔 I didn’t really see much of the “religiousness” in him. His actions often seemed “kind” but when in his mind, he seemed like every other impatient hero.
Weird as it may seem, I connected to Mel’s character more in the first half. Probably because her inner monologue was so direct, it felt like we were close friends. However the mistake I kept making was getting so carried away with her sweet side, that I forgot she was the owner of a brothel; so whenever she had crude thoughts, it often felt jarring to me.
Stopped reading at 48% as it turns out the book is an erotica, which is quite surprising considering the cover and the title. In all, I like the author’s writing style as it’s engaging and fun to read.
The sexual references (besides the usual attraction between H&H) were a bit too much for me.
When Melissa started writing to Joss I became so nervous that someone would be stealing her letters! It was funny to read Magnus’s Reasons for becoming a curate. I do wonder if the author knows anything about Christianity 🤔 I didn’t really see much of the “religiousness” in him. His actions often seemed “kind” but when in his mind, he seemed like every other impatient hero.
Weird as it may seem, I connected to Mel’s character more in the first half. Probably because her inner monologue was so direct, it felt like we were close friends. However the mistake I kept making was getting so carried away with her sweet side, that I forgot she was the owner of a brothel; so whenever she had crude thoughts, it often felt jarring to me.
Stopped reading at 48% as it turns out the book is an erotica, which is quite surprising considering the cover and the title. In all, I like the author’s writing style as it’s engaging and fun to read.
August 15, 2020
I like the 'virgin hero/more experienced heroine' trope but this was so unrealistic and unbelievable that I ended up skimming it.
Melissa is not simply the Madam of a Brothel, she is a very, very experienced, (in her own words) whore.
Marcus is a virginal vicar. They fall in love. She seduces him. She leaves. He finds her. She puts him off by staging a scene between her and Hugo - one of her male prostitutes which shows how very much more experienced she is and how sex for her is nothing about love and that she cares nothing for him. She is beyond cruel.
By this time, I had had enough. The idea that Marcus would still want to marry her was so ridiculously unbelievable that I just gave up.
I know we have to suspend disbelief in romantic fiction, but this was so utterly implausible for the historical period that I was just catapulted right out of the story. The scene where Marcus heard his friends talking about Melissa's brothel and their experiences there made it totally obvious what he would have had to face in terms of humiliation and mockery from his peers.
The ending where they had to live in France was an indication of the reality of their siutation.
It's quite well written although the constant intrusion of 21st-century attitudes into a period piece was frustrating. I am clearly in a minority. C'est la vie!
Melissa is not simply the Madam of a Brothel, she is a very, very experienced, (in her own words) whore.
Marcus is a virginal vicar. They fall in love. She seduces him. She leaves. He finds her. She puts him off by staging a scene between her and Hugo - one of her male prostitutes which shows how very much more experienced she is and how sex for her is nothing about love and that she cares nothing for him. She is beyond cruel.
By this time, I had had enough. The idea that Marcus would still want to marry her was so ridiculously unbelievable that I just gave up.
I know we have to suspend disbelief in romantic fiction, but this was so utterly implausible for the historical period that I was just catapulted right out of the story. The scene where Marcus heard his friends talking about Melissa's brothel and their experiences there made it totally obvious what he would have had to face in terms of humiliation and mockery from his peers.
The ending where they had to live in France was an indication of the reality of their siutation.
It's quite well written although the constant intrusion of 21st-century attitudes into a period piece was frustrating. I am clearly in a minority. C'est la vie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
This book is going to stay with me a long time. Melissa at first was a hard character to like and then you get her backstory. *BOOM* Melissa was sold by her mother to a procuress when she was a young girl. Needless to say it was a hellish way to live for 3 years until she was too "old" for this devil, we will call him John. When John was through with her, she decided to go in business with a brothel owner and eventually she ended up with it. 10 years later, she is throwing up blood due to an ulcer and looking to get well in the country. She just doesn't expect to meet a man of god, who also looks like a god as well and 7 years younger than she is. Oh and did I mention he is a virgin saving himself for marriage. There is your set up now go and read this book!
PS Trigger warnings of rape of young girls (not graphic and mostly off page) anal play, physical abuse. Also warn you there will be tears over some scenes.
PS Trigger warnings of rape of young girls (not graphic and mostly off page) anal play, physical abuse. Also warn you there will be tears over some scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
1.5
This book had so much potential, and I enjoyed parts of it a lot, but some major plot points left me so disappointed. On the surface, this book ticked so many of my usual boxes - the inclusion of older characters, the abundant queerness, the handling of topics such as , the great sex, and the subversion of usual patriarchal stereotypes with the protagonists being a virginal man and an experienced sex worker woman.
Sadly, I did feel as if a few of those things only were surface deep. Starting with
This book had so much potential, and I enjoyed parts of it a lot, but some major plot points left me so disappointed. On the surface, this book ticked so many of my usual boxes - the inclusion of older characters, the abundant queerness, the handling of topics such as , the great sex, and the subversion of usual patriarchal stereotypes with the protagonists being a virginal man and an experienced sex worker woman.
Sadly, I did feel as if a few of those things only were surface deep. Starting with
May 3, 2020
Melissa and The Vicar
The Seducers Series #1
S.M. LaViolette
https://www.facebook.com/MinervaSpenc...
Release date 05/12/2020
Publisher Crooked Sixpence Press
Blurb :
Melissa Griffin is quite literally sick and tired. She’s the owner of one of London’s most exclusive brothels, but her failing health is telling her she can’t continue to keep working at her current pace. A relaxing stay in the country is exactly what she needs. Falling for the small town’s gorgeous young vicar—a virgin, no less—was never part of her plan. Their love is scandalous, forbidden…and everything Melissa never knew she wanted. Denying her feelings is unthinkable. Avoiding devastation when her past inevitably drives them apart? Impossible.
Magnus Stanwyck never resented his vow of celibacy…until meeting Melissa. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, the mysterious woman captures his heart in a way he never could’ve anticipated. No matter what stands between them, no matter the cost, he'll do whatever it takes to possess her—heart, body, and soul.
By day, they’re opposites who were never supposed to be together. By night, their passion threatens to overtake them. When all is said and done, can Melissa and Magnus overcome the obstacles (and enemies) that stand between them? Or will fate deny them their happily ever after?
My review :
Will the prim and proper vicar be her redemption or her loss ...
Mrs Minerva Spencer or S.M. LaViolette like here has a way to enroll me out of my confort zone. I prefer my romance to be light and funny, while her stories are everything except that but they are so much more.
And here, it is exactly that, she brings two people that everything opposes together for a fabulous story of love and resilience where innocence faces sin and duels so show love is the best cure.
Be warned it deals with sexual slavery and abuse.
Melissa known has the Ice Maiden is the Madam of a well known brothel, but in order to recover from an illness, she rusticated in the country with a cohort of savoring people.
Her denied courtship with Magnus was sweet as the man is, still she knows her past and renown will always come between them.
I was angry at her for choosing to run away but after what she went through, and as a woman, she had even less option than a man.
She tried to explain Magnus that whom ever she is, it will only be her past that will identify her.
Magnus, what to say about him, such a loving and compassionate, but also very naive of the way of life. He is an innocent and accept people whatever their past. Maybe one of the reason he was attracted to Melissa, so very far away from his usual flock.
Still, he becomes even more outstanding when he refuses to give up on her. He knows his feelings and they make him accept the whole package that is Melissa and her history.
And even iris sad to watch him loose a part of his naivety, he also grows to a stronger man, one who will do anything for the woman he loves.
While the first third of the story is quite light and sometime amusing, the more her past is revealed, the more darker forces seem to close on them, until the last part culmination I did not see coming.
I would have loved the big villain to get a different ending, a humiliation to make up for Melissa’s suffering and all the other girls. But I understand it was also the logical conclusion for such a scum.
5 stars again for this incredible love story of acceptance.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Seducers Series #1
S.M. LaViolette
https://www.facebook.com/MinervaSpenc...
Release date 05/12/2020
Publisher Crooked Sixpence Press
Blurb :
Melissa Griffin is quite literally sick and tired. She’s the owner of one of London’s most exclusive brothels, but her failing health is telling her she can’t continue to keep working at her current pace. A relaxing stay in the country is exactly what she needs. Falling for the small town’s gorgeous young vicar—a virgin, no less—was never part of her plan. Their love is scandalous, forbidden…and everything Melissa never knew she wanted. Denying her feelings is unthinkable. Avoiding devastation when her past inevitably drives them apart? Impossible.
Magnus Stanwyck never resented his vow of celibacy…until meeting Melissa. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, the mysterious woman captures his heart in a way he never could’ve anticipated. No matter what stands between them, no matter the cost, he'll do whatever it takes to possess her—heart, body, and soul.
By day, they’re opposites who were never supposed to be together. By night, their passion threatens to overtake them. When all is said and done, can Melissa and Magnus overcome the obstacles (and enemies) that stand between them? Or will fate deny them their happily ever after?
My review :
Will the prim and proper vicar be her redemption or her loss ...
Mrs Minerva Spencer or S.M. LaViolette like here has a way to enroll me out of my confort zone. I prefer my romance to be light and funny, while her stories are everything except that but they are so much more.
And here, it is exactly that, she brings two people that everything opposes together for a fabulous story of love and resilience where innocence faces sin and duels so show love is the best cure.
Be warned it deals with sexual slavery and abuse.
Melissa known has the Ice Maiden is the Madam of a well known brothel, but in order to recover from an illness, she rusticated in the country with a cohort of savoring people.
Her denied courtship with Magnus was sweet as the man is, still she knows her past and renown will always come between them.
I was angry at her for choosing to run away but after what she went through, and as a woman, she had even less option than a man.
She tried to explain Magnus that whom ever she is, it will only be her past that will identify her.
Magnus, what to say about him, such a loving and compassionate, but also very naive of the way of life. He is an innocent and accept people whatever their past. Maybe one of the reason he was attracted to Melissa, so very far away from his usual flock.
Still, he becomes even more outstanding when he refuses to give up on her. He knows his feelings and they make him accept the whole package that is Melissa and her history.
And even iris sad to watch him loose a part of his naivety, he also grows to a stronger man, one who will do anything for the woman he loves.
While the first third of the story is quite light and sometime amusing, the more her past is revealed, the more darker forces seem to close on them, until the last part culmination I did not see coming.
I would have loved the big villain to get a different ending, a humiliation to make up for Melissa’s suffering and all the other girls. But I understand it was also the logical conclusion for such a scum.
5 stars again for this incredible love story of acceptance.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
May 9, 2020
Melissa Griffin is the owner of one of London’s most exclusive brothels, The White House, but her failing health is telling her she can’t continue to keep working at her current pace. A relaxing stay in the country is exactly what she needs. So she rents a home in the village of New Bickford where she meets the villagers & the curate. Magnus Stanwyck is the youngest son of a marquis & found his calling as a curate after being present at a funeral. He also vowed to be celibate until he married & never resented this vow until meeting Melissa. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, the mysterious woman captures his heart in a way he never could’ve anticipated.
Another novel from the author that packs a punch, the first half is a lovely story of two people falling in love in the idyllic setting of an English village but then Melissa’s past comes to haunt them & the mood of the book changes & becomes even more riveting. The characters have depth with the good guys being very likeable & the villains being vile. The pace is very good & never lags. I adored Magnus who was a truly lovely man, non-judgemental, loyal, caring & more than a bit naïve. I also loved Melissa who was such a strong woman to have survived all that was thrown at her & to have emerged stronger & resilient, no wonder she earned the name the Ice Maiden, together the pair were soul mates but their budding romance seemed doomed to fail because of all the secrets. The book took me on a roller coaster of emotions & I found it very hard to put down. The author has written a book that whilst a lovely romance also has a darker side delves into the multi layers of Regency society & highlights the hypocrisy, which was rife. I'm glad the villains received their just desserts (personally I would have liked them to have suffered more) & the epilogue rounded the story beautifully & gave an insight into the next book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another novel from the author that packs a punch, the first half is a lovely story of two people falling in love in the idyllic setting of an English village but then Melissa’s past comes to haunt them & the mood of the book changes & becomes even more riveting. The characters have depth with the good guys being very likeable & the villains being vile. The pace is very good & never lags. I adored Magnus who was a truly lovely man, non-judgemental, loyal, caring & more than a bit naïve. I also loved Melissa who was such a strong woman to have survived all that was thrown at her & to have emerged stronger & resilient, no wonder she earned the name the Ice Maiden, together the pair were soul mates but their budding romance seemed doomed to fail because of all the secrets. The book took me on a roller coaster of emotions & I found it very hard to put down. The author has written a book that whilst a lovely romance also has a darker side delves into the multi layers of Regency society & highlights the hypocrisy, which was rife. I'm glad the villains received their just desserts (personally I would have liked them to have suffered more) & the epilogue rounded the story beautifully & gave an insight into the next book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 13, 2020
They say don’t judge a book by its cover but do I ever listen??? I checked author’s other books and saw that she actually writes erotica. This book could have been great, had the potential and I definitely see why other readers love it so much but I also saw how much the author just wanted to write about sex. It took much away from what could have been an amazing, emotionally gripping story. I really wanted to like Mel but after she returned to London, she just seemed beyond redemption for me. I didn’t like Magnus as he was a “good man” because he was said to be so, not because his actions showed that he was.
I’m giving two stars because I enjoyed the writing style and I really wished it could have been different so I could explore and enjoy the troupe. Anyway, I’ll definitely keep my eyes out for any similar.
I’m giving two stars because I enjoyed the writing style and I really wished it could have been different so I could explore and enjoy the troupe. Anyway, I’ll definitely keep my eyes out for any similar.
November 27, 2025
I don't know how Ms LaViolette does it but I love every book she has written, be it under this name or her other pen-name...
Melissa is such a layered character and I loved her from the start, the same with Magnus. At first they seem a bit stereotypical, but the more you read, the more they seem real! I just wanted to root for them from the start and I hated that Melissa's predictions of how the world would react came true. I ached for Magnus and for the way he discovered that the world actually sucks...
Off to book 2 now :D
Melissa is such a layered character and I loved her from the start, the same with Magnus. At first they seem a bit stereotypical, but the more you read, the more they seem real! I just wanted to root for them from the start and I hated that Melissa's predictions of how the world would react came true. I ached for Magnus and for the way he discovered that the world actually sucks...
Off to book 2 now :D
June 23, 2022
Maybe 3.5 stars?
I always enjoy morally grey characters, and not only was Melissa one, but I love that Magnus became the same once he fell in love with Melissa and made some questionable choices to keep her in his life.
While I was a bit bored during the first 35% and Magnus and Melissa fell in love way too quickly IMO, I really liked the direction the plot went in around the 40% mark and I thought the pacing improved at that point as well. This book definitely could’ve been edited down a bit, but I also think this romance has a unique feel to it and I look forward to checking out the other 2 books in this series bc I’m intrigued by Joss and Hugo’s characters.
PS Okay, that epilogue was really sweet 🥰🥰🥰
I always enjoy morally grey characters, and not only was Melissa one, but I love that Magnus became the same once he fell in love with Melissa and made some questionable choices to keep her in his life.
While I was a bit bored during the first 35% and Magnus and Melissa fell in love way too quickly IMO, I really liked the direction the plot went in around the 40% mark and I thought the pacing improved at that point as well. This book definitely could’ve been edited down a bit, but I also think this romance has a unique feel to it and I look forward to checking out the other 2 books in this series bc I’m intrigued by Joss and Hugo’s characters.
PS Okay, that epilogue was really sweet 🥰🥰🥰
January 30, 2023
Well this is my very first book by this author. I am not sure how to describe it. It was good in spots? And Slightly shady in spots. I feel like the writing had lots of potential, but a tad corny, not exactly the plot, but some of the H’s thinking and reactions. He was EXTREMELY naive for 24! But I will read more from this author. Plot ??? 5(1-10) steaminess 9(1-10)
August 24, 2020
Melissa Griffin has tried to make the most of a difficult life and is now the successful owner of an exclusive London brothel. She’s become fairly wealthy, but stress has taken its toll on her health, leading to the necessity of a stay in the country to convalesce. Developing real feelings for the village curate was never her intention. It’s forbidden and she knows they can’t have a future together, but neither can she deny her feelings.
Magnus Stanwyck has never felt much temptation to forsake his vow to remain celibate until marriage, but meeting Melissa stirs all kinds of thoughts he’d rather not have. The woman is both beautiful and kind and all too soon Magnus’ heart is fully engaged. Though a simple curate, Magnus was raised the son of a marquess and is used to getting what he wants, which now includes Melissa. But with everything standing between them, their future happiness seems increasingly unlikely.
I have a lot of feelings about this book and not all of them necessarily good. Melissa’s struggles and the box society put her in made her very pitiable, especially given how much she truly enjoyed a simple life with Magnus. Despite that though, I couldn’t bring myself to like her and she got on my nerves more and more as the book went on. I know she was trying to protect Magnus, but he obviously didn’t want or need her protection, and a lot of what she kept from him and especially the ways in which she manipulated him were just unforgiveable for me. Magnus was no gem either, but rather spoiled and naïve, but he readily admitted to those weaknesses and owned them and I felt he deserved that same sort of honesty from Melissa. All that said, I did find this to be very well-written and extremely steamy and I will read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Magnus Stanwyck has never felt much temptation to forsake his vow to remain celibate until marriage, but meeting Melissa stirs all kinds of thoughts he’d rather not have. The woman is both beautiful and kind and all too soon Magnus’ heart is fully engaged. Though a simple curate, Magnus was raised the son of a marquess and is used to getting what he wants, which now includes Melissa. But with everything standing between them, their future happiness seems increasingly unlikely.
I have a lot of feelings about this book and not all of them necessarily good. Melissa’s struggles and the box society put her in made her very pitiable, especially given how much she truly enjoyed a simple life with Magnus. Despite that though, I couldn’t bring myself to like her and she got on my nerves more and more as the book went on. I know she was trying to protect Magnus, but he obviously didn’t want or need her protection, and a lot of what she kept from him and especially the ways in which she manipulated him were just unforgiveable for me. Magnus was no gem either, but rather spoiled and naïve, but he readily admitted to those weaknesses and owned them and I felt he deserved that same sort of honesty from Melissa. All that said, I did find this to be very well-written and extremely steamy and I will read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
May 4, 2023
Honestly, after reading the author’s filthy Victorian erotica, this Minerva Spencer historical seems fairly tame. It’s got plenty of sex, but idk, I felt like I was waiting around for it a lot of the time, haha. It’s nowhere near as intense as her S.M. LaViolette series for sure, though this one would have more broad appeal.
It does address the double standards of how women are slut-shamed and ruined whereas men can be cruel/abusive and allowed free reign in society, as well as progressive sex-positive, feminist views, particularly from our virgin vicar. The first third of the book with its endless parade of other characters dragged, however, and later on the story asks that you overlook or leap over many details.
I liked it overall, but I think it needed more development and editing. Not sure if I’ll continue the Minerva Spencer books, or whether I’ll just enjoy the S.M. LaViolette ones. (I think she uses the latter pseudonym for books leaning more towards historical romance, while the LaV ones are hardcore historical erotica. A bit confusing since both names are listed now on many of the Spencer books.)
It does address the double standards of how women are slut-shamed and ruined whereas men can be cruel/abusive and allowed free reign in society, as well as progressive sex-positive, feminist views, particularly from our virgin vicar. The first third of the book with its endless parade of other characters dragged, however, and later on the story asks that you overlook or leap over many details.
I liked it overall, but I think it needed more development and editing. Not sure if I’ll continue the Minerva Spencer books, or whether I’ll just enjoy the S.M. LaViolette ones. (I think she uses the latter pseudonym for books leaning more towards historical romance, while the LaV ones are hardcore historical erotica. A bit confusing since both names are listed now on many of the Spencer books.)
July 6, 2020
This is prevented from being a 4 by the excessive amount of angst and character stupidity that starts roughly halfway through and doesn't let up until the end. It's absolutely true that Magnus' family would object to him marrying a madam, and yes, Melissa has every right to be scared and make contingency plans, but they're literally one actual conversation away from solving everything for about 150 pages, and that gets old fast. I do appreciate that , but on the whole, there was just too much angst for me.
January 26, 2023
WOW!!! LaViolett/Spencer never disappoints. Her characters are always developed to give a well-rounded story. Emotional and enthralling, her hero is a curate with a warmth and positive outlook on life. The woman he loves has a dark past and is the owner of a well-known and private brothel in London. Love changes both their lives, but it's not an easy road to travel. Includes explicit sex, which you may not be looking for in a romance. I was gifted a copy of this book.
April 22, 2020
What do you get when you cross a vicar with London’s most notorious madam? A match of biblical proportions! In Melissa and the Vicar, author S.M. LaViolette introduces two unconventional lead characters who break the historical romance stereotype mold.
Melissa Griffin was not your innocent little dewdrop heroine, nor was she a virtuous maiden pretending to be a prostitute. Some may be disturbed by that kind of heroine while others may find it refreshing. When she meets vicar Magnus Stanwyck, a kind, clever, caring man, and beautiful enough to send the local female population in a frenzy, she can’t help but be attracted. He made her experience feelings she’d not had since a young girl. And for Magnus, who’d vowed to remain chaste until marriage, Melissa brought thoughts of a carnal nature. He’d avoided thinking about the sexual acts fairly well until now. Her beauty and seductive sensuality called to him. Made him aware he was a man with a man’s needs. From the start, it was obvious this mutual attraction could lead to nothing but disappointment. Especially since Melissa was hiding so many secrets. If Magnus were to find out who she really was, he would be disgraced. And for a madam as well- known as Mel, exposure was only a matter of time.
As unconventional as these two characters were, I couldn’t help but love them. This author knows how to reach readers hearts and suck them into a story so they can’t put it down. They were the most unlikely pair yet I wanted to see them together. I wanted Mel to find love and happiness. Something pure, not sullied. And Magnus, who was so kind and understanding. A man who only wanted to serve others. No one was more deserving of love than him.
I adored these characters even when they frustrated me to no end. Magnus was so non-judgemental and accepting. He thought others would follow suit. As Mel revealed her life to him, he was horrified for her but never judged. He was filled with a tumult of emotions and fought to control them, thinking only of protecting her. Mel wanted so badly to be able to give her heart to Magnus but refused to damage him, his family, or his profession with her past. Though she shared so much of her past with Magnus, she still harbored a couple of secrets that bothered me. Not the secrets themselves, but the fact that she kept them from Magnus. Her attempts to protect him only made things worse, in my opinion. Still, though I can’t comprehend the life she led, I identified with her and wanted her to finally have happiness in her life.
This was a complex and emotional read. The characters were deeply layered and the plot was unique. There was the perfect mix of emotion, humor, and passion. Lots of steam but it wasn’t just sex. You learned a lot about the characters and really got into their heads.
The clashing perceptions people have are so accurately portrayed in the hypocrisy and double standards of the era. The poor judgements, bad decisions, and mistakes the characters make are so life like. So real. It showed the humanness of man.
This is a gripping tale of love conquering all with lots of twists, turns, and revelations, All told by a master storyteller.
Melissa Griffin was not your innocent little dewdrop heroine, nor was she a virtuous maiden pretending to be a prostitute. Some may be disturbed by that kind of heroine while others may find it refreshing. When she meets vicar Magnus Stanwyck, a kind, clever, caring man, and beautiful enough to send the local female population in a frenzy, she can’t help but be attracted. He made her experience feelings she’d not had since a young girl. And for Magnus, who’d vowed to remain chaste until marriage, Melissa brought thoughts of a carnal nature. He’d avoided thinking about the sexual acts fairly well until now. Her beauty and seductive sensuality called to him. Made him aware he was a man with a man’s needs. From the start, it was obvious this mutual attraction could lead to nothing but disappointment. Especially since Melissa was hiding so many secrets. If Magnus were to find out who she really was, he would be disgraced. And for a madam as well- known as Mel, exposure was only a matter of time.
As unconventional as these two characters were, I couldn’t help but love them. This author knows how to reach readers hearts and suck them into a story so they can’t put it down. They were the most unlikely pair yet I wanted to see them together. I wanted Mel to find love and happiness. Something pure, not sullied. And Magnus, who was so kind and understanding. A man who only wanted to serve others. No one was more deserving of love than him.
I adored these characters even when they frustrated me to no end. Magnus was so non-judgemental and accepting. He thought others would follow suit. As Mel revealed her life to him, he was horrified for her but never judged. He was filled with a tumult of emotions and fought to control them, thinking only of protecting her. Mel wanted so badly to be able to give her heart to Magnus but refused to damage him, his family, or his profession with her past. Though she shared so much of her past with Magnus, she still harbored a couple of secrets that bothered me. Not the secrets themselves, but the fact that she kept them from Magnus. Her attempts to protect him only made things worse, in my opinion. Still, though I can’t comprehend the life she led, I identified with her and wanted her to finally have happiness in her life.
This was a complex and emotional read. The characters were deeply layered and the plot was unique. There was the perfect mix of emotion, humor, and passion. Lots of steam but it wasn’t just sex. You learned a lot about the characters and really got into their heads.
The clashing perceptions people have are so accurately portrayed in the hypocrisy and double standards of the era. The poor judgements, bad decisions, and mistakes the characters make are so life like. So real. It showed the humanness of man.
This is a gripping tale of love conquering all with lots of twists, turns, and revelations, All told by a master storyteller.
July 14, 2022
A roller coaster of emotions, drama and action. Not a comfort read.
At first I was enjoying the witty playfulness between the h & H. It eventually became difficult in some parts for me to get through. The constant lying and secrets of the h put me off. I went from liking the h to not liking her. I felt so bad for The H (Magnus). He was so kind and understanding. Non judgmental. He was also protective and manly. The h angered me a lot even though she thought was doing things to protect him. It made no sense why they just didn't leave the country (like they ended up doing in the end anyway) earlier on. They both had a tremendous amount of money and he had power, being from a noble family.
It made no sense to me as to why she was constantly trying to run away from him. It was also annoying that their marriage, in the end, never got corrected
Too much sex! Dare I say! It was done well, very well, but I prefer more sweetness in my romances.
The ending was rushed and felt like the reader got short changed.
On a good note: Well written, good conflict and good antagonists.
Content concerns:
At first I was enjoying the witty playfulness between the h & H. It eventually became difficult in some parts for me to get through. The constant lying and secrets of the h put me off. I went from liking the h to not liking her. I felt so bad for The H (Magnus). He was so kind and understanding. Non judgmental. He was also protective and manly. The h angered me a lot even though she thought was doing things to protect him. It made no sense why they just didn't leave the country (like they ended up doing in the end anyway) earlier on. They both had a tremendous amount of money and he had power, being from a noble family.
It made no sense to me as to why she was constantly trying to run away from him. It was also annoying that their marriage, in the end, never got corrected
Too much sex! Dare I say! It was done well, very well, but I prefer more sweetness in my romances.
The ending was rushed and felt like the reader got short changed.
On a good note: Well written, good conflict and good antagonists.
Content concerns:
January 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn’t at all what I expected. Magnus is truly a paragon. His devotion to Melissa and naïveté to the consequences of his marriage were hard to read at times. Melissa’s backstory was truly tragic. I was glad to read that the evildoers got their comeuppance. I was happy she got her HEA. I deducted a star because I felt the ending was abrupt and the author glossed over how they actually resolved their problems to get to the HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
Melissa ist inkognito unterwegs als sie mit ihrer "Tante" in dem beschaulichen Örtchen New Bickford ein Anwesen anmietet. Melissa will sich dort von einem Leiden kurieren und trifft dort auf den schneidigen, jungen Kaplan. Magnus ist hilfsbereit, galant und stets höflich. Als Gentleman, aber vor allem als Mann Gottes ist er für Melissa absolut tabu, denn sie ist die berüchtigte eisige Madame - Londons Edelbordellbetreiberin Nummer eins.
Ich muss sagen, dass mich das Cover ein wenig abgeschreckt hat, denn es mutet sehr altmodisch an, eben wie die berühmten "Nackenbeißer" von damals. Ich finde, das hat der LYX-Verlag seinerzeit besser, moderner und ansprechender hinbekommen. Allerdings wollte ich die Geschichte unbedingt lesen, da die Figurenkonstellation einfach so spannungsgeladen ist. So ein Kontrast ist mir in dem Genre noch nicht begegnet und daher war ich neugierig.
Das erste Aufeinandertreffen der beiden ist unfreiwillig komisch, denn Magnus muss Melissa vor Hector retten. Hector ist ein Hahn, der seine Hennen eisern bewacht und eine Nulltoleranzpolitik gegenüber Fremden fährt.
Es herrschte also von Anfang an eine lockere Vertrautheit zwischen Magnus und Melissa. Er ist weder der steife Kirchenmann, noch ist sie die harte, gefühlskalte Puffmutter. Ich mochte beide Protagonisten unglaublich gerne und sie überraschten mich in so vielen Momenten der Geschichte.
Melissa, die mit ihrer Vergangenheit zu kämpfen hat, da ihr Einstieg in das Gewerbe nicht freiwillig war. Sie muss erkennen, dass sie einen so reinen Mann lieben darf und ihn nicht vor sich beschützen muss.
Magnus war ein wahrer Goldschatz, der für alle da ist und sehr unschuldig und rein erscheint, aber auch eine harte und unnachgiebige Seite besitzt.
Die Handlung war zu keiner Zeit langweilig und es gab einige Punkte, die ich nicht vorhersah. Es freut mich ja immer, wenn ich während des Lesens noch mal überrascht werden kann. Die Autorin war in diesem Genre daher definitiv eine Entdeckung für mich, die ich weiterhin auf dem Schirm behalten werde. Es ist sogar schon ein weiteres Buch von ihr auf meine Kindle gewandert.
"Ihr unbändiges Verlangen" von S.M. La Violette war für mich eine überraschende Entdeckung des Genres. Hier passiert ganz großes Gefühlskino, denn zwischen den Protagonisten herrscht ganz viel Spannung. Der Kontrast hätte mit Kirche und horizontalem Gewerbe aber auch nicht größer sein können. Ich freue mich auf die weiteren Teile der Reihe, wenn wir Melissas Kollegen näher kennenlernen werden!
Ich muss sagen, dass mich das Cover ein wenig abgeschreckt hat, denn es mutet sehr altmodisch an, eben wie die berühmten "Nackenbeißer" von damals. Ich finde, das hat der LYX-Verlag seinerzeit besser, moderner und ansprechender hinbekommen. Allerdings wollte ich die Geschichte unbedingt lesen, da die Figurenkonstellation einfach so spannungsgeladen ist. So ein Kontrast ist mir in dem Genre noch nicht begegnet und daher war ich neugierig.
Das erste Aufeinandertreffen der beiden ist unfreiwillig komisch, denn Magnus muss Melissa vor Hector retten. Hector ist ein Hahn, der seine Hennen eisern bewacht und eine Nulltoleranzpolitik gegenüber Fremden fährt.
Es herrschte also von Anfang an eine lockere Vertrautheit zwischen Magnus und Melissa. Er ist weder der steife Kirchenmann, noch ist sie die harte, gefühlskalte Puffmutter. Ich mochte beide Protagonisten unglaublich gerne und sie überraschten mich in so vielen Momenten der Geschichte.
Melissa, die mit ihrer Vergangenheit zu kämpfen hat, da ihr Einstieg in das Gewerbe nicht freiwillig war. Sie muss erkennen, dass sie einen so reinen Mann lieben darf und ihn nicht vor sich beschützen muss.
Magnus war ein wahrer Goldschatz, der für alle da ist und sehr unschuldig und rein erscheint, aber auch eine harte und unnachgiebige Seite besitzt.
Die Handlung war zu keiner Zeit langweilig und es gab einige Punkte, die ich nicht vorhersah. Es freut mich ja immer, wenn ich während des Lesens noch mal überrascht werden kann. Die Autorin war in diesem Genre daher definitiv eine Entdeckung für mich, die ich weiterhin auf dem Schirm behalten werde. Es ist sogar schon ein weiteres Buch von ihr auf meine Kindle gewandert.
"Ihr unbändiges Verlangen" von S.M. La Violette war für mich eine überraschende Entdeckung des Genres. Hier passiert ganz großes Gefühlskino, denn zwischen den Protagonisten herrscht ganz viel Spannung. Der Kontrast hätte mit Kirche und horizontalem Gewerbe aber auch nicht größer sein können. Ich freue mich auf die weiteren Teile der Reihe, wenn wir Melissas Kollegen näher kennenlernen werden!
August 30, 2020
Mlelissa and the Vicar, by S.M. LaViolette is a smashing good book. The drama in this story will leave your head spinning. The authors writing yet again, traps her readers in historical times where love, honor, justification, betrayal and the will to survive comes into play. I was on a world wind of an emotional roller coaster with our leading characters, Magnus and Melissa. The writer choice of plot to the story, squeezed all what she could take from her characters background stories and through it out there on the field for the drama and the plot to soak up.
I say field because that’s how this story took place, as if it was on the battlefield. Melissa’s enemies played like soldiers who came to fight on that battlefield. But there was one weapon that Melissa had and her enemies didn’t. She had Magnus. The authors writing was articulate and simple.
Everything was explained for the reader to keep track of the stories flow. The author’s readers will enjoy how she is able to provide details that will play on the readers imagination at each turn of the page. You will be so caught up in the drama that your left wondering, Well what the heck do they do now? As the reader you find yourself rooting for both characters, hoping that they will survive their tragedies in the end. Could Magnus and Melissa rely on their friends and family.
Will the betrayal of key players have such a powerful impact too where Magnus and Melissa consider the possibility of giving up on love? These things are what will nibble at the readers curiosity to read that one more page, because you’ve got to know what’s going to happen next. Melissa an independent woman who runs a brothel, has just been informed by her doctor to take a Holiday. Melissa takes a trip to the country where she meets the ever so pleasing to every available woman’s eye Vicar Magnus. The two have no plan of courting each other.
Secretly they tell themselves this because of the lives that they lead. A Vicar and a madam who runs a brothel courting each other? Parish the thought! And yet, this little thing called respect that leads to admiration, which then leads to friendship that grows to warm fuzzy feelings and then explodes with hot passion for each other. These things come colliding together on the beach.
Please read the beach scene. Oh my GOD! I know the readers would faint if they saw a man with a body built for claiming a woman, surface from the water bare as the day he was born. Yes please lay down in the sand bare to the world to see, with that glistening golden body of yours. That’s right close your eyes and let me just look at you from top to- Oh my.
God has been so kind to you. Melissa you little minx. Jump that man right there on the beach. Ride that Vicar to no return! Whew!
The drama, the suspense, the betrayal just heightens this romance story. And its the love and romance between Magnus and Melissa that ignites the wonderfully wicked passion that the readers are looking for. Yes I recommend this book with two snaps and a hello Joss, what’s your story? Until Next time my fellow readers... read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
I say field because that’s how this story took place, as if it was on the battlefield. Melissa’s enemies played like soldiers who came to fight on that battlefield. But there was one weapon that Melissa had and her enemies didn’t. She had Magnus. The authors writing was articulate and simple.
Everything was explained for the reader to keep track of the stories flow. The author’s readers will enjoy how she is able to provide details that will play on the readers imagination at each turn of the page. You will be so caught up in the drama that your left wondering, Well what the heck do they do now? As the reader you find yourself rooting for both characters, hoping that they will survive their tragedies in the end. Could Magnus and Melissa rely on their friends and family.
Will the betrayal of key players have such a powerful impact too where Magnus and Melissa consider the possibility of giving up on love? These things are what will nibble at the readers curiosity to read that one more page, because you’ve got to know what’s going to happen next. Melissa an independent woman who runs a brothel, has just been informed by her doctor to take a Holiday. Melissa takes a trip to the country where she meets the ever so pleasing to every available woman’s eye Vicar Magnus. The two have no plan of courting each other.
Secretly they tell themselves this because of the lives that they lead. A Vicar and a madam who runs a brothel courting each other? Parish the thought! And yet, this little thing called respect that leads to admiration, which then leads to friendship that grows to warm fuzzy feelings and then explodes with hot passion for each other. These things come colliding together on the beach.
Please read the beach scene. Oh my GOD! I know the readers would faint if they saw a man with a body built for claiming a woman, surface from the water bare as the day he was born. Yes please lay down in the sand bare to the world to see, with that glistening golden body of yours. That’s right close your eyes and let me just look at you from top to- Oh my.
God has been so kind to you. Melissa you little minx. Jump that man right there on the beach. Ride that Vicar to no return! Whew!
The drama, the suspense, the betrayal just heightens this romance story. And its the love and romance between Magnus and Melissa that ignites the wonderfully wicked passion that the readers are looking for. Yes I recommend this book with two snaps and a hello Joss, what’s your story? Until Next time my fellow readers... read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
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