Status Update

MV is on page 41 of 324

Yay, I love getting lost in a VH. I can already tell I'll like this one a lot better than Mask of Enchantress. I understand Holt wrote this one to try to keep up with the increasing popularity of the bodice rippers while her more clean books were beginning to be derided as out of style.

— Apr 21, 2025 08:53PM

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MV’s Previous Updates

MV is on page 321 of 324

Definitely has shades of The Secret Woman (but it's a lot better)

— May 08, 2025 05:35AM

MV is on page 298 of 324

Pretty obvious who is about to bite the dust ...

— May 07, 2025 08:55PM

MV is on page 225 of 324

And now, the redemption arc

— May 07, 2025 05:09PM

MV is on page 191 of 324

I'm sure I already know who the villain is just because Holt is predictable, and it isn't even clear there's been villainy yet. I also think it's about time for the Baron to reappear. I'm not sure I see how he will manage to redeem himself but I do have a hunch or two.

— May 06, 2025 08:13PM

MV is on page 133 of 324

"The bed was like a battlefield that night." Did the Love is a Battlefield songwriters read this book knowing they might have a smash hit for Pat Benatar the year after this came out? Lol. Anyway, this book reminds me of some of Holt's Philippa Carr novels.

— May 05, 2025 08:46PM

MV is on page 160 of 324

Hmmm ... Echoes of Beauty and the Beast?

— May 03, 2025 08:59PM

MV is on page 94 of 324

Very much enjoying this. Classic Holt.

— Apr 27, 2025 08:29PM

MV is on page 53 of 324

I already like this so much better than The Mask of the Enchantress. She seems to have returned to her usual writing style whereas something was off with Mask. Mask was also just kind of ridiculous at times. I'm relieved as I was afraid it was all downhill from here. (I'm mostly reading my remaining Holts in publication order, though I've skipped the two historicals (the "Queen" titles) for later/when I feel like it)

— Apr 22, 2025 08:26PM