Their Master

Victorian Decadence #5

by S.M. LaViolette

Mr. Smith has lived his entire adult life with one goal in mind: Revenge.

Thanks to the wealth and power he has amassed over the years, that goal is almost within reach.

The only other thing that Smith has ever wanted is a family of his own. But with his lifelong plans finally coming to fruition, now would be a terrible time to have a child …

Besides, finding a woman willing to tolerate his voracious and adventurous appetites would be impossible.

Until Moira Dunsmore enters Smith's life.

It might be bad timing, but striking a bargain with the mysterious and intriguing courtesan to bear his child is too appealing an opportunity to pass up.

Smith never imagined that Moira would be so accepting of his unconventional lifestyle—or his live-in male lover. And he certainly never expected to feel anything for her.

But she is…
And he does …

Love is something Smith has had precious little experience with in his life. Can he trust in love—and in Moira—if the price of their happily ever after is his long-awaited revenge?

Their Master, book 5 in the VICTORIAN DECADENCE series, is a sensual and emotional historical romance featuring a mysterious, bisexual hero, a heroine who is far more than she claims to be, a gorgeous and oh-so-eager body servant, and a polyamorous HEA that none of them ever saw coming.

Get ready to fall in love with the most unconventional lovers that Victorian England has ever known.

THEIR MASTER contain f/m, f/m/m, m/m, ménage action with lots of spicy bedroom scenes. This book is for adult readers who are not easily triggered or offended.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Erotica, Historical, Menage, M M Romance, BDSM

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2022

About the author

Who 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.

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really don't have much to say about this book just be sure to read the intro as this is not a simple romance. The first 40% of the book is sex and a LOT of it and the plot was a bit slow moving. Smith was my favorite character in the series, and I have looked forward to finding out his back story. I did not feel a connection between the main characters, so the book ends up with a 3.75*

[Nabilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I was more interested in the plot than the smut. The book is smutty as hell, and you can find many types of...sexual congress. After a while, fuckin' becomes well...fuckin'. There's not enough emotional connection between the lovers because Smith is simply a first-rate manwhore.

The plot is very compelling, though. It kept me reading. I wanted to know Smith's background, why Moira tried to take revenge on Smith, and the lies Moira's parents gave her. The plot became a tad complicated, but I pegged it down to the author's style.

I do have a minor quibble. I realised that Ms Spencer could be better at maintaining the climactic scene's momentum. This scene is supposed to be exciting, but it just fell flat in this book. I noticed the same thing in her other book, The Boxing Baroness, which I read two weeks ago.

I don't know if I can recommend this book to everyone. If you have read Kate Pearce Simply series and liked it, this book would be a good fit for you (with a better plot!). I picked this one up because I saw someone on my FB group raved about this book, and I have enjoyed a few of this author's works in the past. Then again, your mileage may vary.

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheers to you Smith, you lucky dog.

5 stars
4.5 on the spice scale

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smith's childhood trauma is horrible, but it undoubtedly holds us as readers. Many times, I'd rather read the book to unravel his past than read about the romance between the MCs (it's a love triangle or ménage).

After unfolding the hero's past and his first vengeance, I didn't want to read about more drama and more bad guys. The beginning of the trio seemed a little awkward and forced, so instead of more action, I would rather read a few more pages of flirting between Luke and Moira. Moira-Smith's chemistry also needed some polishing to be credible to me. So yeah, overall, I don't think this is a credible trio. I understand that the author is outside her comfort zone in this series, so I value her effort anyway.

As always, the book is very well written and flows very well. I'll definitely read more books by the author!

[Smutty19 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smith has been built up from book one. The man is sexually fluid and loves variety. He is also hung like a horse. He wants a wife and kids but knows he could never be faithful to one person. He meets Moira at a brothel and becomes obsessed with her. Little does he know she’s been sent to destroy him. We also get Luke. Luke is a servant at Smith’s house and is in love with him.
To say I was let down would be an understatement. Based on the name and the first couple chapters I thought for sure I was getting an MMF breeding romance. Which is the ultimate💦for me. So I’m here getting real built up. The smut gets a bit repetitive and I’m like no worries it will all be worth it. Then I get to the climax and shit pretty much just falls of the rails. It does come back together with Luke and Moira living together. Train wreck Charles gets us back on track and then-epilogue. I had my hopes WAY too high on this one. It was probably just as good as the others but I came in too excited. This is the problem with going into books blind.
Overall book ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Natasha Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t quite know where to begin! This book, this story is beyond anything I could have ever imagined! If you have read the previous books in this series and like me have formed an attachment to Smith, you know how perilous his book could have been, and how easy it would have been to f-it up!
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But this author absolutely knows what she’s doing and you can tell how much these characters and these stories mean to her! I really didn’t know what to expect, how dark or fun or emotional this story would be! Nothing would have prepared me for this!
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Smiths history had me crying my eyes out! I felt emotionally vulnerable after reading that part! But I’m doing so you understand just so much of why he is the way he is!
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Moira also has experienced such a horrible life, in a way it’s not surprising that things turned out the way they did! And Luke, part of me feels this sense of heartache for him, despite how it ends.
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The dynamic and set up between them all is nothing like anything I have ever read before, and I’m sure for many won’t exactly be their cup of tea. But to me, that’s what makes them just so damn good!
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There were multiple times when reading, that I was brought out of my comfort zone but I think that’s so refreshing to happen as a reader! I could write pages and pages on this book and how it made me feel and what I think about it, but I don’t think it would do it justice. This story, this whole series as a matter of fact is an experience. And one that I would advise any and everyone to go through. If I ever were to recommend a series it would be this one!!

[Chels · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really appreciate that S.M. LaViolette seems to be one of the few (along with Sierra Simone) historical romance authors that understands that kink is kind of inextricable with queerness. I will read this series until it stops, but this one did nothing for me.

Mr. Smith, the main character of this book, had a much more compelling romance with Jo from His Valet, and the fact that he has two love interests in this book and neither of them come close to reaching that level of emotional intimacy made for a pretty blah polyamorous romance.

[Dyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read this series you’re already familiar with the enigma that is Smith and that he is a sexually fluid character that enjoys the delights of both men and women somewhat equally. He’s also a somewhat, shall I say, sinister character from previous books
Not in a villainous way, but not even his closest friend and business partners really know him. Even the on going joke about guessing what his first name leaves the reader of the previous books asking, what is the big mystery behind Smith. Well, in this book we finally find out and it’s a bit convoluted but for me a satisfying reason for why he is the kind of person he is today. We also meet a new character Moria, a whore working at one of Smith’s favorite brothels. She has her own shitty history that has been manipulated by her parents and is inextricably tied up with Smith. And then there’s Luke, sweet puppy dog Luke who I feel is the innocent bystander but then becomes the hero of the story. This book was everything I was hoping for and a bit more then I needed, but a great plot wove between the erotic scenes you’ve come to expect of this series. But in the end this is a book about Smith and how he finally comes to terms with his past (and mortality) and finds contentment in the end.
***I was glad to read in the author’s notes that this is not an end to the series and look forward to what should be the next book about the Earl of Selkirk, which is a new character introduced in this book***

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last Smith’s story & boy what a story it was!
This is the fifth book in the series & Smith has appeared throughout but has been an enigma, there when needed but even his first name isn’t known. In his forties he meets Moira Dunsmore, a far too mysterious and intriguing courtesan & he can't get her out of his mind. His business associates have become friends & all of then are happily married & starting families. Smith starts to feel broody! So he strikes a bargain with Moira to bear his child. But Moira has secrets of her own.
I love this series, it’s steamy, it's different, the characters leap out of the page at you, the pace is fast, there are surprises & of course there's lovely love stories. I've been intrigued by Smith from book one & was engrossed in his story, he's unconventional - to say the least, a superb businessman who works hard & plays hard, I loved how more & more of his story was revealed & I grew to like him more & more. Moira also had an unconventional childhood & she’d been manipulated by her family. I loved how these two came together & how their relationship grew. Then there was the lovely Luke who grew in confidence throughout the book. Not a quick read at over 400 pages but the pages flew by & I read it in two sittings. A wonderful read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smith's secrets are finally revealed. A powerful and rich man, he has a wide field of connections. A complicated man, he isn't known to be monogamous. His lovers are both men and women. Moira Dunsmuir was trained to work in the family business, prostitution. Smith is her mark for revenge by her family. Her goal is to get close enough to get his attention to become his mistress. It's not an easy task. Signing a contract to be his lover has one interesting clause, she must become pregnant. From there it's an agonizing story of love, rejection and hope for forgiveness. Be aware Smith is a first class jerk and you wonder if he can get any redemption. This book is almost too hot to handle! Multiple sex scenes with mm/mf/mfm. Loads of steam and very explicit.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+

[Chelsea Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was almost a 5 star but I got bored by the plot and I think at 70% in Moira and Smith needed to get back together quicker. Plus considering this is a ménage there needed to be more scenes with Moira, Luke and Smith altogether. This was very sexual though and all the scenes were extremely well done.

[Unapologetic_Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of steamy scenes sandwiched between a growing love and tangled love story. I've never really focused on reading a romance set in the Victorian era. I was looking for more MMF menage romance after reading Joyless. I actually enjoyed the setting and the way the story was told. I'd say the FMC (Moira) and MMC (Smith) were the main focus and how their lives crossed paths. It was definitely a story of revenge and betrayal, and we got lots of hunky goodness along the way. There was a good dose of BDSM too! Gotta love old school morality and the right to be decadent. Overall, a very tasty treat. I look forward to more from this author, and more f MMF menage set in the Victorian era.

[Sally Jask-eh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Smith through the series but the truth of Smith might have been too much for me. Like the cute boy you wanted to _____ and took home one fateful night only to discover he pads the crotch of his buckskins. naw I still love Smith but it is tainted with copious amounts of lavender oil and day old shave stubble

[Elizajane40 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major spoiler alert! This is a throuple HEA and somehow Spencer totally sold me on it. I really loved the way this was handled. Kudos!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes, have been waiting on this bad boy for what feels like forever. We finally get some answers about the incredibly intense, interesting, intriguing Smith, including his real name.

The story is completely awash with his brand of sexual decadence so expect multiple partners, of either gender, and definitely BDSM, and lots of withholding emotional expression and affection to the point of cruelty at times as Smith just cannot let himself be open to the pain and frailty of love. But we finally learn a bit about his past and what drives him.

But Smith has been such a wonderfully drawn out, intriguing character that has been so interwoven into the previous novels that it would just not have been right to leave his story untold. This gave me some satisfaction about him... though there is still a lot of secrets about his past that will likely never come to light.

There are a few loose ends that concern me.... such as Marie Bardot and the remaining bits of her clan, and any further potential danger because of her twisted sense of loyalty and hatred of Smith. Also, what about Charles?

But Smith gets some of his secrets revealed, achieves some of his life's goals, learns to trust and love, even if it is outside of socially acceptable boundaries of the time (but to be expected considering the other books in the series), and finds his/their HEA.

My only quibble was the HEA ending was a bit sweeter and sentimental in tone than I expected... kind of not Smith-y enough for me I guess.

There is also writing about rape, brutality outside of consensual BDSM, and murder/gun violence so warning to those who are triggered by this.

4.75 stars out of 5

SO happy with the new character of Selkirk and to hear the series has not ended with Smith's story

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since 2015, I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but I only have 31 authors that I consider my favorites and have read all their books (in my genre). S.M. LaViolette is one of those authors. For those of you who don’t know, she also writes as, Minerva Spencer. I have read 13 books of Minerva Spencer’s and this is my 11th book by S.M. LaViolette all just since 2021.

I have been loving this series. I just love how S.M. LaViolette writes. I'm torn about this book though. I loved the hot sex but hoped for Moira and Smith to be "just them" at the end. For him to see the light...but I could see where it was going towards the end and read quickly to finish. I see as an author she wrote what would make the character happy and Have a happy ending for him but..

Still love her.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m wondering at all the five star reviews for this one. While like others I was anxiously awaiting Smith’s story this just fell flat for me. Moira was just such a dishrag, I didn’t get Smith’s attachment to her especially after her betrayal which felt weak to me. This just lacked the emotional pull of Edward and Nora’s or Stephen and Leather’s stories. I actively wanted them not to get back together. And I’m over the pattern of long separations before a reconciliation. This would have been a two star if I didn’t still like Smith so much. Smith deserved better

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally got Smith's story. Not gonna lie but at about 63% of the way through the book, I thought I had figured out the ending. I was dreading finishing the story just to find out I was right. I was wrong. We got our HEA even though it isn't a traditional HEA. I've been wanting his story since he managed to get involved in all of the other members of the syndicate's love lives. Not gonna put any spoilers in this review but I enjoyed every second of the book (minus the part where I thought I had figured it out but was pleasantly surprised and was wrong).

[Dana Delamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unconventional romance with three very interesting leads, buckets of steam, and several twists. I could hardly put it down. Well done!

[Gogo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

We finally get Smith's story (if this is your first book in the series, put it down and got back to book 1 and 2; 3 and 4 are less necessary for Smith's background, however I recommend reading all of them for the full effect).

The plot was fun and twisty. Moira gets to experience a grueling twist, and her regret is unmitigated by convenient timing (thank you to the author for taking the harder route in the storytelling). The spice was varied, from bdsm switching, to exhibitionism, to breeding, a smidge of pain... But I'm sad that, although this was a menage story, we don't get to experience the fully formed trio-dynamic until the epilogue. Boo.

What makes these stories so compelling is the exploration of intimacy in conjunction with the seggs. The intimate dynamics were exceptional, forming and breaking and rearranging in a way I found fascinating to read.

The editing was fairly ok (not great). Some connecting words were missing ("to" or "her") and the formatting occasionally changed the font colors and the indent measurements throughout the book. I won't take any stars away, though, because the writing in and of itself was fantastic.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful, unconventional love story! This is a fantastic book, finally giving us insight into Smith, the mysterious man whom no one really knows. The characters from previous books in this series have a significant role in the book, so it would help to read the other books before this one.

Smith and Moira have a relationship built on lies, deception and plans of betrayal, though one of them isn't aware of that. Regardless, true feelings develop, though one of them isn't aware of that.

This story is not your typical Victorian romance novel. This is a wonderful love story with characters who didn't have love in their early lives to base a healthy relationship on, yet they prevail. Living through all of that made these characters fallible, beautiful, unique and wonderfully addicting to this reader. Fantastic book!

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mille-feuille]

When we started getting the pov of Luke I was really concerned he would end up leaving in the same way Silber and Jackson. Unrequited love was always a very sad thing for me whenever I read a romance novel even if it was for a side character. I'm glad they decided to go for the poly option instead.

The kidnapping was very confusing, not sure either entirely understood all the moving parts. I wish there was more foreshadowing or a bit more information throughout the book. When we finally got Smith's story it felt like trauma dumping so it was very uncomfortable to read. I mostly skimmed it. I think it would have built up more anticipation and dread if there was more foreshadowing. The whole kidnapping and emperor thing seemed to come out of nowhere. I honestly would have been content with the book if the revenge was not there at all.

Overall Moira, Smith and Luke were a good trio that worked well together. I enjoyed the book overall.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to sit and think on this one for a while. First it took me days to read it. I kept putting it down thinking it might get better later. My favorite of this series, Her Beast, was so good and I was looking forward to this book. We have been teased with Smith throughout the series and I was anxious for his story. Well, I was disappointed. The story seemed to bounce all over the place. No rhyme or reason. I loved Moira and she is the only person I can say that about in this book. I was so annoyed with Smith and Luke. Misogynistic asses. There was no growth from the male characters. Okay, I’ve said enough. If you want to read a great book in this series, read Her Beast. Oh, and Minerva said she cut out eight sex scenes - maybe they should have been put back in because the last half of the book was boring and slow. I read this as part of KU.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one first in the series because it was MMF - my favorite - and now after staying up late nights for a week power reading the rest, I’m going back to this again after getting all the back story. I adored all three MCs in “Their Master” and the plot was fast paced and interesting. This is my favorite series I’ve read since Sierra Simone’s Thornchapel, and like that one I will be rereading for years to come. This series is utterly devastatingly hot, with gorgeous bdsm scenes and atypical, well developed MCs, interesting secondaries, and well researched background. On top of all this, the writing is excellent. All of this is rare in romance and basically unheard of in niche erotica. I’m so glad to have taken a chance on this series, and recommend it to readers who enjoy this niche. My ranking of the series is 1. Master 2. Beast 3. Countess 4. Harlot 5. Valet

[Neshia (SpokeninPages) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Valet and was excited to read more in this series. This book was not at the level of The Valet. The author did not show why Smith was attracted to Moira. They did not have any interesting conversations or do anything outside of sex. I felt a certain way about Luke and Smith. It felt like Smith was abusing the Master and Servant relationship. There were way too many scenes with Smith alone with Moira or Luke. I would have liked to see more with the 3 of them. Lastly, the "conflict" was not satisfying. Moira was not very bright. She seemed like a one-dimensional character. It would have been better if the author focused more on building the connections between the characters and by making them have more character development.

[Storm]

DNF some weeks ago and forgot to leave a review:

Shame, cos I was looking forward to reading Simon's story. I'm disappointed. I really liked his character in the previous books and the story sounded interesting.

All this fluidity is just not my thing, I've decided.
I kind of like reading about BSDM, though, and the author writes so very well. I've never experienced it myself and I can't say it intrigues me enough to try it out. But, I can get how others might enjoy it. However, the opening scene in the first chapter put me right off. I can't imagine that being comfortable AT ALL! It made me cringe and tighten all my muscles down there to hold my internal bits away from the onslaught. I just can't ... Uuugggh!

No stars, as I didn't read enough to give a justified rating.

[Karen Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEIR MASTER by S. M. LaViolette, The Victorian Decadence Series, book 5 (printed version)

This steamy novel is about love and revenge, featuring the mysterious Mr. Smith, a complex character, a woman with a hidden agenda that could cost his life, and a gorgeous and oh-so-eager body servant.

Fair warning: THEIR MASTER contains plenty of hot f/m, f/m/m, m/m, ménage action with lots of spicy bedroom scenes and for adult readers who are NOT easily triggered or offended. S. M. LaViolette’s Victorian Decadence series is filled with intriguing plots, strong and complex characters, fiery exchanges, dry wit, hot sex scenes, and dangerous enemies.

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot (as expected) and heartwarming

I've been counting down the days til Their Master released, and it exceeded my expectations in every way.

Smith is so. Much. More than I thought he'd be - hints of his deeper self are in the earlier books, but here he really came into his own. And Moira and Luke are more than able to handle him, in all his dark, complex glory.

The sex is PHEW *fans self*, but not gratuitous, but the love story really made me well up.

All in all, five glorious stars, and a reread of the whole series :)

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many people I've been waiting for this book for a long time. I'm pleased to say it exceeded my expectations. I loved the romance and I loved the intrigue.

The writing is just so damned good. I wish this book were twice as long and I'm delighted that the author mentioned more additions to this series. I've read almost everything she has written and these books are some of my favorites. Smart, daring, honest, and as hot as hell.

5 unequivocal stars!

Bring on Selkirk's story, pretty please.

[Sisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A trama e Boa, não consigo entender direito, para mim falta emocional e exagera no sexo, mas mesmo assim a autora me prende.
Minha impressão da série e q a autora evolui muito durante a escrita.
Em nenhum dos livros consigo entender "a descoberta do amor" nem e paixão a primeira vista nem tem um desenrolar nesse eu amo loucamente, simplesmente em algum momento o herói se vê amando o objeto da obsessão, enfim.
Qdo a autora conseguir equilibrar esse monte de sexo (que eu adoro) com mais sentimento acho q ela será estupenda.
Adorei o tribal.