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Order of Solace #3
Selfish is the Heart
The national bestselling author of No Greater Pleasure delivers a new novel featuring a reluctant student of seduction.
To escape an arranged marriage, Annalise Marony decides to become a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace. But she is thwarted at every turn by Cassian, a teacher of the faith, who must test her dedication. Older than most of the girls, Annalise knows that she will be expected to please a patron in pleasures of the flesh-and she is not shy about teasing Cassian. And as they both play out the game of master and student, the secrets in their souls will either tear them apart-or bind them together forever.
To escape an arranged marriage, Annalise Marony decides to become a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace. But she is thwarted at every turn by Cassian, a teacher of the faith, who must test her dedication. Older than most of the girls, Annalise knows that she will be expected to please a patron in pleasures of the flesh-and she is not shy about teasing Cassian. And as they both play out the game of master and student, the secrets in their souls will either tear them apart-or bind them together forever.
307 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2010
5 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Megan Hart
265 books4,058 followersMegan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here
--from the author's website
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 22, 2011
3.5 stars
I’ve been on a mission to read all of Megan Hart’s books, in a quest to find one that comes close to the excellence of Broken. Sadly, I have yet to find any success, and her Order of Solace series seems unlikely to take me any further toward my goal.
Selfish is the Heart, the third book in the series, was a mixed bit of a mixed bag for me. I found the first half of the book very slow going, then received glimpses of the author’s excellence in the second half. Unfortunately, those glimpses weren’t enough to save the book.
I did appreciate that Selfish is the Heart took a different approach to the previous books. Rather than tell the story of a Handmaiden and her patron, Selfish is the Heart provided us with the missing detail on the process of becoming a Handmaiden in the Order of Solace.
Annalise Marony is betrothed to a long-time friend and there is genuine affection between the pair; but when she discovers his secret, she is unable to go through with the marriage. Determined not to bring shame or disadvantage upon her family, herself, or her betrothed, Annalise devises a plan to keep the betrothal intact but ensure that the nuptials cannot take place. She will join the Order of Solace.
Annalise is different to most of the novitiates she encounters in the Order. She is older, wiser, and inclined to speak her opinion no matter the consequences. She is also not there with a genuine desire to serve or a strong belief in the faith. She will face many tests and challenges during her time in the mother house, but the biggest comes from her attraction to the ex-priest who teaches classes on the faith.
Cassian is a very complex man, and Hart does an excellent job on his characterisation and employs her considerable talent in slowly revealing the circumstances leading to him becoming the shuttered, unapproachable man that he is today. Annalise challenges him and refuses to allow his intimidation, something he uses to great affect on all others.
Although drawn to Annalise, he refuses to allow her in, yet she gradually erodes his defences until his control shatters in one of the very few but incredibly sexy scenes in the book. But Cassian has had a long time to perfect control of his emotions, and he is not the man that Annalise believes him to be.
I’m really at a loss as to how to rate this one. If the first half of the book had captured my attention, this would be a solid four-star read. But it was too much of a slow build up to the powerfully emotional second half. I think I shall have to settle for 3.5 stars. I see that there is a fourth book coming out in September – hopefully that will be the one that makes this series thoroughly worthwhile.
I’ve been on a mission to read all of Megan Hart’s books, in a quest to find one that comes close to the excellence of Broken. Sadly, I have yet to find any success, and her Order of Solace series seems unlikely to take me any further toward my goal.
Selfish is the Heart, the third book in the series, was a mixed bit of a mixed bag for me. I found the first half of the book very slow going, then received glimpses of the author’s excellence in the second half. Unfortunately, those glimpses weren’t enough to save the book.
I did appreciate that Selfish is the Heart took a different approach to the previous books. Rather than tell the story of a Handmaiden and her patron, Selfish is the Heart provided us with the missing detail on the process of becoming a Handmaiden in the Order of Solace.
Annalise Marony is betrothed to a long-time friend and there is genuine affection between the pair; but when she discovers his secret, she is unable to go through with the marriage. Determined not to bring shame or disadvantage upon her family, herself, or her betrothed, Annalise devises a plan to keep the betrothal intact but ensure that the nuptials cannot take place. She will join the Order of Solace.
Annalise is different to most of the novitiates she encounters in the Order. She is older, wiser, and inclined to speak her opinion no matter the consequences. She is also not there with a genuine desire to serve or a strong belief in the faith. She will face many tests and challenges during her time in the mother house, but the biggest comes from her attraction to the ex-priest who teaches classes on the faith.
Cassian is a very complex man, and Hart does an excellent job on his characterisation and employs her considerable talent in slowly revealing the circumstances leading to him becoming the shuttered, unapproachable man that he is today. Annalise challenges him and refuses to allow his intimidation, something he uses to great affect on all others.
Although drawn to Annalise, he refuses to allow her in, yet she gradually erodes his defences until his control shatters in one of the very few but incredibly sexy scenes in the book. But Cassian has had a long time to perfect control of his emotions, and he is not the man that Annalise believes him to be.
I’m really at a loss as to how to rate this one. If the first half of the book had captured my attention, this would be a solid four-star read. But it was too much of a slow build up to the powerfully emotional second half. I think I shall have to settle for 3.5 stars. I see that there is a fourth book coming out in September – hopefully that will be the one that makes this series thoroughly worthwhile.
November 19, 2010
(This was originally posted on Book Lovers Inc)
This is the first book I read in the Order of Solace series and I didn't really know what to expect. Actually, to be honest I thought it was erotica and I made Susi (@Susi_Sunshine) laugh when after 100 pages I (frustrated) asked her when the Smex was coming. lol She then (slowly) explained to me that it was a romance not erotica. When I digested that fact it was far easier to read the book. I stopped expecting smex every other page and I really got into the story.
Annalise decides to become a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace to escape a marriage that would leave both her and her future husband very unhappy. She is betrothed to her childhood friend, but she knows he can't give her what she needs. He loves her very much but he is physically attracted to men and she wants a real relationship and the hope of building a family. In Annalise's world, Handmaidens dedicate their life to bringing solace to their patrons. Annalise realize feigning a Calling could be the solution to escape this marriage without anyone loosing face.
She travels to the Motherhouse where she will become a novice and study until she is ready for her first patron. Annalise knows it could take years before she is ready for a patron, which suits her perfectly. She doesn't really want to go through with it, only spend a few years away before she can finally call off the engagement. I was very curious about this 'school' for handmaiden. Like Annalise, I didn't know exactly what it would entail. A handmaiden has to please her patron any way needed, which also mean in the pleasures of the flesh. Annalise thinks she will learn about how to please a man with her body there, but she is very surprised to discover this is not what she will learn in class.
Cassian is a teacher of the Faith, he has a burden and a past that very few know about. He lives surrounded by hundreds of women but he's never let anyone get close to him. He feels guilty about something in his past and won't let it go. He is feared and respected, and there is a lot of stories associated with him. From the very first time he and Annalise meet there are sparkles going everywhere. Annalise is not like the other girls, she is older and bolder than most. I wasn't always happy with her, she is often too daring for me but I ended up liking her anyway. She doesn't accept his cool demeanor, she doesn't fear flirting with him even when he is pushing her away. Each time they meet they fight and while it could have been frustrating, in fact it built up the chemistry until the end. I loved how they always fight, I love the passion that is building slowly until it's too much for either of them to bear.
I really like Cassian and I loved the flashbacks giving us hints about his past and how he became who he is now. There is a lot of talk about religion and spirituality, but it never became too much even for me who is a non-believer.
This was a very unusual romance that left me smiling from ear to ear. I really like Megan Hart's writing, the words flow very easily and you can't stop once you started reading. I was happy with the HEA and altogether very pleased about this book.
I give Selfish is the Heart 4 1/2 bookies.
This is the first book I read in the Order of Solace series and I didn't really know what to expect. Actually, to be honest I thought it was erotica and I made Susi (@Susi_Sunshine) laugh when after 100 pages I (frustrated) asked her when the Smex was coming. lol She then (slowly) explained to me that it was a romance not erotica. When I digested that fact it was far easier to read the book. I stopped expecting smex every other page and I really got into the story.
Annalise decides to become a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace to escape a marriage that would leave both her and her future husband very unhappy. She is betrothed to her childhood friend, but she knows he can't give her what she needs. He loves her very much but he is physically attracted to men and she wants a real relationship and the hope of building a family. In Annalise's world, Handmaidens dedicate their life to bringing solace to their patrons. Annalise realize feigning a Calling could be the solution to escape this marriage without anyone loosing face.
She travels to the Motherhouse where she will become a novice and study until she is ready for her first patron. Annalise knows it could take years before she is ready for a patron, which suits her perfectly. She doesn't really want to go through with it, only spend a few years away before she can finally call off the engagement. I was very curious about this 'school' for handmaiden. Like Annalise, I didn't know exactly what it would entail. A handmaiden has to please her patron any way needed, which also mean in the pleasures of the flesh. Annalise thinks she will learn about how to please a man with her body there, but she is very surprised to discover this is not what she will learn in class.
Cassian is a teacher of the Faith, he has a burden and a past that very few know about. He lives surrounded by hundreds of women but he's never let anyone get close to him. He feels guilty about something in his past and won't let it go. He is feared and respected, and there is a lot of stories associated with him. From the very first time he and Annalise meet there are sparkles going everywhere. Annalise is not like the other girls, she is older and bolder than most. I wasn't always happy with her, she is often too daring for me but I ended up liking her anyway. She doesn't accept his cool demeanor, she doesn't fear flirting with him even when he is pushing her away. Each time they meet they fight and while it could have been frustrating, in fact it built up the chemistry until the end. I loved how they always fight, I love the passion that is building slowly until it's too much for either of them to bear.
I really like Cassian and I loved the flashbacks giving us hints about his past and how he became who he is now. There is a lot of talk about religion and spirituality, but it never became too much even for me who is a non-believer.
This was a very unusual romance that left me smiling from ear to ear. I really like Megan Hart's writing, the words flow very easily and you can't stop once you started reading. I was happy with the HEA and altogether very pleased about this book.
I give Selfish is the Heart 4 1/2 bookies.
October 15, 2010
Before I start this review I have to give a shout out to pattepoilue. She is one of the nicest and loveliest persons I ever met and without her I wouldn't have had the opportunity to read this book. Thank you! And thanks to Megan Hart too, for being such a wonderful writer and person.
Megan Hart did it again- she wrote a romance novel different from anything I ever read before. Sure we have the romance and the usual struggle till we get to our Happily Ever After but the way we get there is again something so unique, it will catch you flat-footed.
I enjoyed the first 2 books in The Order of Solace Series and I was always curious how these Handmaiden studied their profession before their first patron. I think I had many things in common with Annalise there, we both were full of prejudices and false ideas about how naughty this education would be.
Annalise went to the Motherhouse for the wrong reasons. She wanted to escape an arranged marriage. She is bethroted to her gay best friend but she knows with all her heart that they both will be unhappy in an union like this. She had to find a way out of this without making their lives even harder as they already are. So she
feigned a vision and ventured to the Order to become a Handmaiden. She is a strong heroine with a will of steel. She never backs down or is not once afraid to say what she thinks. She's not one of those cold hearted woman though, she is full of compassion and understanding for others. She stands up for what she believes and seems to be fearless in her actions. On her her journey to the motherhouse she meets the dark and broooding Cassian and he leads her astray. Later she discovers that he's her teacher and not only this first meeting makes them clash together more than ones. They don't often agree about anything and their attraction to each other isn't helping them either.
Cassian has his own struggles to live through. He worked hard to become the hard looking and untouchable teacher he is now. He likes to be on his own, unbothered by the rest of the world. He likes to bath in his guilt without interruptions. And Annalise just won't let him hide behind his cold mask- she always picks at him without mercy but still he just can't bring himself to not care for her even though she's a nuisance.
It was totally refreshing to read about those two. It's really not your typical romance. Most of the time they are fighting and you always think now they will make up. *wink* I loved how Annalise was never afraid to tell Cassian and everyone else what she thinks but never was too much. I loved that she knew how to push his buttons and it was wonderful to watch them grow closer with every single fight. I think this is one of the facts why I love Megan Hart's books so much. She never goes the traditional way and so it never gets boring for us as the reader. I think Ms. Hart describes it wonderfully in this book:
Selfish is the Heart is by far my favorite Order of Solace novel. The heroine is wonderful independent and strong- I could completely relate to her. The hero is just wonderful broody and dark and both together made my heart ache. This series is so different to every thing else I read in this genre so far. As always I adore Ms. Hart's writing and her words just enthrall me from the first page.
Wonderful exotic fantasy romance- you won't be able to put it down and it won't leave your thoughts long after you closed it.
Megan Hart did it again- she wrote a romance novel different from anything I ever read before. Sure we have the romance and the usual struggle till we get to our Happily Ever After but the way we get there is again something so unique, it will catch you flat-footed.
I enjoyed the first 2 books in The Order of Solace Series and I was always curious how these Handmaiden studied their profession before their first patron. I think I had many things in common with Annalise there, we both were full of prejudices and false ideas about how naughty this education would be.
Annalise went to the Motherhouse for the wrong reasons. She wanted to escape an arranged marriage. She is bethroted to her gay best friend but she knows with all her heart that they both will be unhappy in an union like this. She had to find a way out of this without making their lives even harder as they already are. So she
feigned a vision and ventured to the Order to become a Handmaiden. She is a strong heroine with a will of steel. She never backs down or is not once afraid to say what she thinks. She's not one of those cold hearted woman though, she is full of compassion and understanding for others. She stands up for what she believes and seems to be fearless in her actions. On her her journey to the motherhouse she meets the dark and broooding Cassian and he leads her astray. Later she discovers that he's her teacher and not only this first meeting makes them clash together more than ones. They don't often agree about anything and their attraction to each other isn't helping them either.
Cassian has his own struggles to live through. He worked hard to become the hard looking and untouchable teacher he is now. He likes to be on his own, unbothered by the rest of the world. He likes to bath in his guilt without interruptions. And Annalise just won't let him hide behind his cold mask- she always picks at him without mercy but still he just can't bring himself to not care for her even though she's a nuisance.
It was totally refreshing to read about those two. It's really not your typical romance. Most of the time they are fighting and you always think now they will make up. *wink* I loved how Annalise was never afraid to tell Cassian and everyone else what she thinks but never was too much. I loved that she knew how to push his buttons and it was wonderful to watch them grow closer with every single fight. I think this is one of the facts why I love Megan Hart's books so much. She never goes the traditional way and so it never gets boring for us as the reader. I think Ms. Hart describes it wonderfully in this book:
"In her dreams, in the fae stories, such a declaration was always met with a kiss and an embrace, with mingled laughter and tears and followed by a wedding.
This was not a fae story."
Selfish is the Heart is by far my favorite Order of Solace novel. The heroine is wonderful independent and strong- I could completely relate to her. The hero is just wonderful broody and dark and both together made my heart ache. This series is so different to every thing else I read in this genre so far. As always I adore Ms. Hart's writing and her words just enthrall me from the first page.
Wonderful exotic fantasy romance- you won't be able to put it down and it won't leave your thoughts long after you closed it.
September 3, 2016
This is probably my favorite of the Order of Solace stories. For those who haven't read the previous stories in the series, this is a stand alone book. It will broaden your understanding of this world if you've read the two previous Order of Solace stories, but it's not necessary. These stories are set in a world similar to Earth but with a completely different religion. In terms of speech, dress and customs, this world is more typical of our medieval times, but without all the prudishness and conservatism of our world.
What I liked: The heroine is witty, spunky, clever and funny without being too tough or too independent. The hero is intense and clever. Their relationship is a push and pull. Oil and water. The chemistry is palpable from their first meeting. About a third of the way in, I figured out what his secret was. It still moved me to hear him explain that part of his past. There's a lot of clever quick conversation and much of the story moves through conversation. I like it when an author shows instead of tells.
What I didn't like: The secondary characters remind me so much of the characters in No Greater Pleasure, the second order of the solace book. You have the arrogant brother, the malevolent female, the housekeeper woman who doesn't like the heroine, the adorable little boy, not to mention some of the same plot such as
Since this is a Megan Hart book, I wasn't sure if the ending would be inconclusive as it is in some of her other books. The ending like so many of her books comes quickly and without much buildup. This author can work more on her endings. It was a quick resolution to a dilemma that built up over the entire book.
What I liked: The heroine is witty, spunky, clever and funny without being too tough or too independent. The hero is intense and clever. Their relationship is a push and pull. Oil and water. The chemistry is palpable from their first meeting. About a third of the way in, I figured out what his secret was. It still moved me to hear him explain that part of his past. There's a lot of clever quick conversation and much of the story moves through conversation. I like it when an author shows instead of tells.
What I didn't like: The secondary characters remind me so much of the characters in No Greater Pleasure, the second order of the solace book. You have the arrogant brother, the malevolent female, the housekeeper woman who doesn't like the heroine, the adorable little boy, not to mention some of the same plot such as
Since this is a Megan Hart book, I wasn't sure if the ending would be inconclusive as it is in some of her other books. The ending like so many of her books comes quickly and without much buildup. This author can work more on her endings. It was a quick resolution to a dilemma that built up over the entire book.
November 6, 2010
This book doesn't really seem to fit in with the other books. In the past books we had established Handmaidens, the books seemed to deal with their journey to find solace for their patrons. While in this book we meet Annalise who is just at the start of being a handmaiden, making the decision to become one on the spur of the moment. The story follows her journey, slowly following for all the beliefs. Along the way she seems to find solace herself and helps someone else find it as well.
One thing that I did enjoy with this book was the insiders view of the Order and just exactly what it takes to become a Handmaiden.
One thing that I did enjoy with this book was the insiders view of the Order and just exactly what it takes to become a Handmaiden.
September 25, 2015
i liked this story and for the first half it was in the 4* + range, but then somehow it lost its hold.
I love Megan Hart's books as she never seizes to rattle me emotionally. :)
I love Megan Hart's books as she never seizes to rattle me emotionally. :)
January 10, 2018
Selfish is the Heart (Order of Solace, #3) by Megan Hart was fiery and fierce. I read the first book in the series last year and decided to indulge on Hart's timeless descriptions of the Order and human nature. Set nearly 500 years ago, Annalise decides the best way to escape her arranged marriage is by returning to the faith and becoming a Handmaiden. She enters the Order and has Master Cassian Toquin as one of her teachers. Friction and sparks complicate this student teacher relationship...
June 16, 2018
A change of pace from the first two books in this series, Selfish is the Heart was ultimately more satisfying. In this story the heroine is also searching for her own solace, and for her place in the world. The world-building and language that go along with it give this series a fantasy feeling, although there are no supernatural aspects other than religion.
July 9, 2017
2.75 stars
The concept for this series is good but it's just a little lackluster for me.
The concept for this series is good but it's just a little lackluster for me.
May 22, 2018
Avoiding a marriage Annallise pretends to join the Order of Solace and finds more than she bargained for. While not as complicated as some of Hart's books, it was an enjoyable read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2010
Pleasure and purpose. This is the ultimate goal of a Handmaiden who serves in the religious Order of Solace. A Handmaiden's greatest desire is to provide absolute solace to the Order's patrons - satisfying the needs of the mind, spirit, and body. Selfish is the Heart by Megan Hart is the third installment of the Order of Solace series and one that explores the story of a Handmaiden in training and a callous man who teaches the art of solace, but can't seem to find it himself.
Annalise Marony is betrothed to her childhood friend Jacquin Kirkol and she is looking for an escape. While their love is mutual for one another as friends, Annalise feels no passion for Jacquin and he is far from being sexually attracted to her. Due to their engagement being arranged by both fathers, Annalise knows that she must find a clever way to remove herself from the impending nuptials and therefore decides to become a Handmaiden in training of the Order of Solace. Annalise is intelligent, feisty, bold both in thought and action, and well versed in the faith, but has not put it to practice in many years. However, she is certain she can play the part required long enough to be able to end her pending engagement. Former Priest, now master teacher in the Order, Cassian Toquin is a man living with many demons. The greatest being the death of his twin brother, Calvis. Words unspoken. Forgiveness unsought. These are the emotions that drive Cassian to carry on with life and also shield him from allowing anyone near his mind or his heart. During her travels to the Order, Annalise encounters a man in the forest to whom she asks direction. Thinking her a privileged fool, the man purposefully sends her on the wrong path. After finally arriving and settling into the Order's Motherhouse, Annalise soon discovers that Cassian, the man who mislead her in the woods is her assigned teacher at the Order. Both her intelligence and boldness to speak up and challenge Cassian in class infuriates and ignites him beyond reason. And, Annalise soon discovers a tortured soul in Cassian which fuels her to know him better and furthers a simmering attraction between the two. Once the attraction is finally acknowledged, both of their pasts come back to haunt them.
Megan Hart creates an imaginative, mythological world in her Order of Solace series and while the beautiful covers imply the erotica genre, it is not always the dominant tone in this fantasy/historical series. Though I have not yet read any of Ms. Hart's contemporary novels, I can see the allure of her style of writing. Rich in emotion and depth of character, Selfish is the Heart is my favorite of the three books in the series. The intense zeal and furry that is evoked from Annalise and Cassian's interaction caused me to feel like a third wheel who should not be privy to their heated exchanges. I was, at times, emotionally overwhelmed with Cassian's lack of self worth and Annalise's pursuit of tearing down his emotional blockade. But once they succumb to an intimate union, it's as if a dam breaks and they become uninhibited in their passion for one another. The strength of Selfish is the Heart is built upon its memorable characters which makes for an intriguing and emotional read.
Favorite Quote:
"He was a discontented man. He was a brooding puzzle. He was, Annalise thought, watching him through the fringe of her lashes, delicious."
3.5/5 stars
September 30, 2010
Selfish is the Heart (Order of Solace) by Megan Hart
Paranormal Romance -Oct. 5th, 2010
4 stars
Selfish is the Heart is the 3rd Order of Solace novel by Megan Hart. This series is set in a fantasy/historical–like setting where special Handmaiden’s of the Order provide ‘solace’ to their patrons. (Usually men!) On their journey to provide their patrons comfort and peace they often find themselves submitting and giving them sexual comfort. However, in this story we are treated to a new look into the Order. Selfish is the Heart focuses on a novitiate who enters to train to become a Handmaiden.
Annalise is smart and bold. But she is attempting to join the Order with an ulterior motive. She wants to avoid an arranged marriage. Although she cares for her fiancé she does not love him and to complicate matters further he is gay! Annalise respects herself and realizes her marriage would be a lie and she wants a relationship that is real and filled with love if she does marry. She plans to stay a novitiate until she is no longer eligible (pressured by her family) to marry. On her way to the Order she meets a mysterious and handsome if brooding stranger who points her in the wrong direction. Frustrated and irritated with him she is shocked to discover he is one of her assigned teachers at the Order, named Cassian. They soon challenge each other and their heated and often repressed attraction for each other flares. But Cassian has secrets of his own and staying in the Order has allowed him to hide his pain behind a cold and indifferent mask. However, Annalise is determined to befriend him because this tortured man fascinates her. But just when a relationship between them may blossom their fragile relationship is jeopardized as their past relationships return to haunt them.
This was my favorite in the Order of Solace series because I simply loved the feisty heroine. Annalise treasures her independence and is very strong-willed but not spoiled or bratty. Although Annalise learns a great deal about herself in the story she is kindhearted, spirited, and confident. I really get tired of the always self-doubting heroine, it was nice to have a heroine who was not put down upon or had low self–esteem. I especially liked her intelligence and her ability to catch Cassian off guard. (Which made their scenes together intense!) Cassian was a somewhat dark and brooding character. I enjoyed how he couldn’t help his attraction to Annalise and how Annalise was able to tease him and bring him to life again. This was a slow moving relationship that really built upon itself and made me yearn for them to be together. But while there is a lot of longing in this story but not as much ‘sex’ as I expected for an erotic story.
Fascinating, sensual, and surprisingly touching and this is a heart warming story fans of Megan Hart will definitely enjoy.
Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance -Oct. 5th, 2010
4 stars
Selfish is the Heart is the 3rd Order of Solace novel by Megan Hart. This series is set in a fantasy/historical–like setting where special Handmaiden’s of the Order provide ‘solace’ to their patrons. (Usually men!) On their journey to provide their patrons comfort and peace they often find themselves submitting and giving them sexual comfort. However, in this story we are treated to a new look into the Order. Selfish is the Heart focuses on a novitiate who enters to train to become a Handmaiden.
Annalise is smart and bold. But she is attempting to join the Order with an ulterior motive. She wants to avoid an arranged marriage. Although she cares for her fiancé she does not love him and to complicate matters further he is gay! Annalise respects herself and realizes her marriage would be a lie and she wants a relationship that is real and filled with love if she does marry. She plans to stay a novitiate until she is no longer eligible (pressured by her family) to marry. On her way to the Order she meets a mysterious and handsome if brooding stranger who points her in the wrong direction. Frustrated and irritated with him she is shocked to discover he is one of her assigned teachers at the Order, named Cassian. They soon challenge each other and their heated and often repressed attraction for each other flares. But Cassian has secrets of his own and staying in the Order has allowed him to hide his pain behind a cold and indifferent mask. However, Annalise is determined to befriend him because this tortured man fascinates her. But just when a relationship between them may blossom their fragile relationship is jeopardized as their past relationships return to haunt them.
This was my favorite in the Order of Solace series because I simply loved the feisty heroine. Annalise treasures her independence and is very strong-willed but not spoiled or bratty. Although Annalise learns a great deal about herself in the story she is kindhearted, spirited, and confident. I really get tired of the always self-doubting heroine, it was nice to have a heroine who was not put down upon or had low self–esteem. I especially liked her intelligence and her ability to catch Cassian off guard. (Which made their scenes together intense!) Cassian was a somewhat dark and brooding character. I enjoyed how he couldn’t help his attraction to Annalise and how Annalise was able to tease him and bring him to life again. This was a slow moving relationship that really built upon itself and made me yearn for them to be together. But while there is a lot of longing in this story but not as much ‘sex’ as I expected for an erotic story.
Fascinating, sensual, and surprisingly touching and this is a heart warming story fans of Megan Hart will definitely enjoy.
Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
February 10, 2012
This review was posted at Under The Covers
"Selfish is the heart that thinks first of itself."
I had completely forgotten about this series and that I had to catch up reading it. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book it is my favorite in the series so far! If you haven't heard of the Order of Solace then let me tell you quickly. A group of women decide to offer their lives to bring solace to others. In whatever way it's required. They become Handmaidens for this purpose. Their lives are supposed to be selfless and devoted to others. Most people on the outside see them as whores.
In the previous books we've encountered a handmaiden sent to a patron who has gone off the deep end and they have to turn their lives around. This book was different. We actually get a glimpse of the life of a Handmaiden. It was a refreshing and different twist in the series.
Annalise, such a pretty name (very close to my mom's), discovers that her fiance might be attracted to other things instead of her (mainly boys not girls) and creates a plan to get out of the weddng without major complications by saying she had a vision and that she is to become a Handmaiden. Of course without the true desire to service, when she gets there, a lot of what is required of her seems difficult to understand.
But she adapts well and learns a lot about herself. In this journey she also meets a man. Cassian is a professor at the Order, he used to be a priest and he has had a lot of heartache in his past that for the most part he has not gotten over.
I loved both characters and how they helped each other grow and understand each other. I was waiting for a resolution to their issues and Ms. Hart leaves us waiting until the last possible second. The writing? As always superb! Delicate and beautiful, it flows and transports you to the story. I can't wait to read the next book!
"Selfish is the heart that thinks first of itself."
I had completely forgotten about this series and that I had to catch up reading it. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book it is my favorite in the series so far! If you haven't heard of the Order of Solace then let me tell you quickly. A group of women decide to offer their lives to bring solace to others. In whatever way it's required. They become Handmaidens for this purpose. Their lives are supposed to be selfless and devoted to others. Most people on the outside see them as whores.
In the previous books we've encountered a handmaiden sent to a patron who has gone off the deep end and they have to turn their lives around. This book was different. We actually get a glimpse of the life of a Handmaiden. It was a refreshing and different twist in the series.
Annalise, such a pretty name (very close to my mom's), discovers that her fiance might be attracted to other things instead of her (mainly boys not girls) and creates a plan to get out of the weddng without major complications by saying she had a vision and that she is to become a Handmaiden. Of course without the true desire to service, when she gets there, a lot of what is required of her seems difficult to understand.
But she adapts well and learns a lot about herself. In this journey she also meets a man. Cassian is a professor at the Order, he used to be a priest and he has had a lot of heartache in his past that for the most part he has not gotten over.
I loved both characters and how they helped each other grow and understand each other. I was waiting for a resolution to their issues and Ms. Hart leaves us waiting until the last possible second. The writing? As always superb! Delicate and beautiful, it flows and transports you to the story. I can't wait to read the next book!
January 29, 2013
Annalise Marony seems to have the perfect life. A life where she has wanted for nothing, even her future marriage has been taken care of. Not that she can complain, for at least her fiance is someone whom she has known since childhood. All seems well on its way to the planned success and stability that she has always known. The perfect life, the perfect future family, a wonderful friend and companion in her future husband. Until the day of her betrothal, when reality crashes in and Annalise is slapped in the face with the true color of her world. No longer able to look through "rose colored glasses," Anna makes a fateful decision that will change all of their lives forever.
The Order of Solace appears to be the perfect opportunity to escape a life and marriage of nothing but duty, without the love and warmth she imagined it would always be. Although she is older than most of the incoming novitiates, Anna is determined to learn what she must to be accepted into the Order. However, she has been an intelligent, independent woman for much too long, and accepting the role of student oft times does not sit well, especially when the ex-priest, turned-teacher, Cassian, deigns to teach her the lessons he feels she so deservedly needs.
Another very compelling story by Megan Hart in her Order of Solace Trilogy. A thought-provoking read with characters that again break the mold of the typical romance hero and heroine. This is what makes the story so refreshing to read. Again, this second book dances on the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable, but ironically within a very fanatical code of its own. This is a book sure to please, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary.
The Order of Solace appears to be the perfect opportunity to escape a life and marriage of nothing but duty, without the love and warmth she imagined it would always be. Although she is older than most of the incoming novitiates, Anna is determined to learn what she must to be accepted into the Order. However, she has been an intelligent, independent woman for much too long, and accepting the role of student oft times does not sit well, especially when the ex-priest, turned-teacher, Cassian, deigns to teach her the lessons he feels she so deservedly needs.
Another very compelling story by Megan Hart in her Order of Solace Trilogy. A thought-provoking read with characters that again break the mold of the typical romance hero and heroine. This is what makes the story so refreshing to read. Again, this second book dances on the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable, but ironically within a very fanatical code of its own. This is a book sure to please, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary.
June 6, 2012
I have to say I liked this book in this series the best. I am not sure if I liked Annalise better than the other heroines or I just like the whole story better. But, it was great!
Annalise goes into the Order of Solace, because she decides she does not want to marry the man she is engaged to. She loves him but as a best friend and when she sees him embracing and kissing another man she decides she is lieing to herself if she thinks the will be a happy couple. So she breaks off the engagement and goes off to become a handmaiden. She does not expect she will really become one though, she figures that it will give matters at home time enough to blow over and heal so maybe she can come home.
Once at the motherhouse she finds herself studing and embracing the ways of the order. And she has met a man that facinates her. Cassian is an ex-priest who teaches one of her classes. And he does not seem to be very happy, so she has in her head to challenge him and make him smile.
Cassian has been at the motherhouse for 10 years, he has secrets for being there and he teaches class on faith, one of the new students Annalise knows more about faith than anyone else. He is not sure why she has been put in his class.
After a few weeks he asks her to help him with the class and they are getting very close. He finds himself wanting a relationship with her.
They do get very intimate.
It was a very sweet story.
Annalise goes into the Order of Solace, because she decides she does not want to marry the man she is engaged to. She loves him but as a best friend and when she sees him embracing and kissing another man she decides she is lieing to herself if she thinks the will be a happy couple. So she breaks off the engagement and goes off to become a handmaiden. She does not expect she will really become one though, she figures that it will give matters at home time enough to blow over and heal so maybe she can come home.
Once at the motherhouse she finds herself studing and embracing the ways of the order. And she has met a man that facinates her. Cassian is an ex-priest who teaches one of her classes. And he does not seem to be very happy, so she has in her head to challenge him and make him smile.
Cassian has been at the motherhouse for 10 years, he has secrets for being there and he teaches class on faith, one of the new students Annalise knows more about faith than anyone else. He is not sure why she has been put in his class.
After a few weeks he asks her to help him with the class and they are getting very close. He finds himself wanting a relationship with her.
They do get very intimate.
It was a very sweet story.
September 30, 2016
A 3.5. You have to give it to Megan Hart, she doesn't ever really re-tread the same storylines does she? As an entry in the series it offers a fresh look at what it means to give solace, and finally delves into the training and a bit into the religion behind the Order; as an individual tale it has super strong characters in Annalise and Cassian, but the overall plot is somewhat uneven, dragging a bit at the first half and wrapping up a bit too quickly at the end.
I really liked Annalise. She's strong, knows what she wants, and unlike other heroines in the series so far, begins by thinking the Order is mostly nonsense, and journeys toward faith rather than away from it, and it's nicely handled. Her relationship with Jacquin, her friend and betrothed, isn't just black & white, and adds depth to the life Annalise leaves behind.
Cassian is the classic wounded resistor. His backstory, released as it is in tiny pieces at a time, is fascinating. I would read a whole book just about his relationship with his brother and what went down between them.
The end, well - yes, it's the ending the reader wants and deserves, but it might have been nice to build up to that a bit more. Some of the other plot pieces - with Jacquin, Tansy and the Blessing kid - resolve too quickly & neatly. Overall, still a satisfying and worthwhile read, but there's so much here I can't help but wish it was all given more space to develop.
I really liked Annalise. She's strong, knows what she wants, and unlike other heroines in the series so far, begins by thinking the Order is mostly nonsense, and journeys toward faith rather than away from it, and it's nicely handled. Her relationship with Jacquin, her friend and betrothed, isn't just black & white, and adds depth to the life Annalise leaves behind.
Cassian is the classic wounded resistor. His backstory, released as it is in tiny pieces at a time, is fascinating. I would read a whole book just about his relationship with his brother and what went down between them.
The end, well - yes, it's the ending the reader wants and deserves, but it might have been nice to build up to that a bit more. Some of the other plot pieces - with Jacquin, Tansy and the Blessing kid - resolve too quickly & neatly. Overall, still a satisfying and worthwhile read, but there's so much here I can't help but wish it was all given more space to develop.
March 15, 2012
I truly love The Order of Solace series, they are poetic, beautifully written, olde-worlde and psycholgical in construct. If you buy this particular book and are looking for full blown eroticism you will be disappointed as it is much more of a psycholgical journey for both Annalise and Cassian. There are a couple of nicely done sexual encounters between Annalise and Cassian but not a lot and much later in the book. I read this book in a day and felt satisfied with the build and the ending, even though some parts including the ending were telegraphed, in my opinion. I also always enjoy the underlying homo-eroticism with these books which is subtle but still there. Annalise is a truly self confident woman and I enjoyed her character's patience, strength of charatcer and her (definitely) unselfish heart. I also liked Cassian very much, but he made it hard for people to get close, to know him. It took a while for me to warm to him, but I did. It was interesting to see the machinations of the Motherhouse, although I would have thought there would have been classes on sexually pleasing a patron as they often have to do (just a thought). Hopefully Tansy gets a book/patron down the track and this series keeps going, onwards and upwards now to Virtue and Vice.
August 21, 2011
Annalise finds herself in a bit of a predicament, she is the youngest of all of her sisters and the last one who is not married. Jacquin who is her betroved is a nice enough man, but there is a few problems! One problem being he is rooting for the other team and two being she does not love him. Annalise decides to go the Order of Solace and become a handmaiden, only to stall her upcoming nuptials to Jacquin. Once she is there she not only meets the most intriguing man Cassian, but she also falls in love with the idea of actually becoming a handmaiden. Annalise faces some very tough choices through out the story but she forever remains witty, independent, strong, and extremely intelligent. She by far is one of my favorite heroines, and Megan Hart out did herself with this historical romance. Beautifully written, and I loved it!
November 3, 2010
Enjoyable enough but the ending was flat out predictible. Mrs. Hart seems to have a problem with weak endings to her books. More than one story I've read of hers has been totally ruined by a terrible plot resolution. Her writing (for the most part) is sensuous and engaging, so I'll keep with her. Hopefully I'll be more satisfied with future stories.
September 4, 2016
Read this, not knowing it was part of a series, but was still able to follow the story along well enough. It was okay for me, not my usual cup of tea. Strange - I thought the book plodded along a little slowly, yet somehow finished up too fast, and very neatly. It helped pass the time! Not sure I'd give the others in the series a try.
October 13, 2012
To be quite honest, I didn't finish this book. It's #3 (I believe) about the Order of Solace. I enjoyed book 1 so much but struggled w/number 2. I tried to finish this book, but there was no way I could stay interesting.
April 3, 2013
2 and a bit. Pretty good, was not my favorite of the series, but it def had a different feel from the other books. IMO it had a really slow start...I was not glued to this book, unfortunately, so while it was very well written, as were the others, I could have taken a pass...
July 11, 2013
I found this book just okay until the last 75 or so pages. I didn't care for the use of what the author must have thought was old English. To me it was just annoying. So I really want to give this book 2.5 stars.
April 25, 2011
One of my favorite authors. She always delivers.
October 3, 2011
Not quite what I expected, but I really wound up liking it a lot, mostly because of Annalise, the wonderful heroine.
April 20, 2013
so my favorite!!!!
September 4, 2016
Just not gonna finish this.
September 4, 2013
This one is a bit different from the other Order of Solace novels, but gives an inside view of the training the sisters must go through in order to be a handmaiden.
February 24, 2014
I enjoyed the characters in this one, but some plot points fell short for me, including the too-neat outcome w/ her finance.
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