The Damsel is a standalone sequel to The Villain Duology, a Dark Regency Erotic Romance series.The Honourable Mr. Robert Stanley is heartbroken … one night in an upstairs room with her, he leaps at the chance despite her stipulation that he submit to her every whim. He wants nothing more than to lose himself and forget his pain; allowing someone else control seems a small price to pay for it. Little does he know that one night will have the power to change everything.
Lady Cassandra Lane is in a constant state of rage…
After her brutal assault at the hands of a lord, she’s had her name and reputation dragged through the mud. Her family and friends have turned their back on her, and she’s become a social outcast. In the midst of it all, the anger and fear caused by the theft of her innocence rules her existence, and Cassandra has had enough. Deciding to take control of her circumstances, she sets out to find a man with whom she can overcome her anxiety over physical intimacy. Robert Stanley seems like an ideal choice—someone she can use for her own ends and discard once she is done. However, she never anticipates that their one encounter will lead to a craving for more.
Even when she fights him, all he wants is to save her from herself …
Robert cannot understand why he responds so readily to Cassandra’s dominant nature, or the cruelty fueled by her anger. Nevertheless, he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame—despite the possibility that she will only hurt him in the end. As he falls rapidly under her spell, he begins to uncover Cassandra’s deep, dark secrets, as well as her hidden pain. Even though she pushes him away at every turn, he finds himself unable to walk away—especially when it becomes clear that one of her secrets might just be the death of her.
She doesn’t need a hero … but if she’d let him, he might just be her saving grace.
more
Ms Vale did it again! If you thought that The Butterfly ripped your guts out with the angst and longing, this one will leave you destroyed. The pain and anger that Lady Cassandra Lane has in her heart makes you wonder if she could ever look at the male species without total disgust. But there is one man who ends up saving her as she saves him. This one is a definitely her best work so far, which is saying something since even her first book was amazing.
When I finished the ARC of this book, I realized this was going to be a tough one for me to review. I’d originally thought that this was a sequel of The Villain Duology that I enjoyed so much. But that wasn’t it at all. This book was a lot more – and calling it a sequel to anything is not doing the book justice. Justice. That’s a word that applies to the heroine of this story – Cassandra. And the word I would use to describe Robert Stanley, our hero, is steadfast. But that’s enough of that for now, I will come back to them later.
Once again, the Queen of Regency Smut has written a book that combines every single technical point that can be included in a novel, and then she put the icing on the cake by adding the scenes that she loves so well, the hot, steamy, erotic scenes between Cassandra and Robert. Victoria Vale writes erotic scenes as if she were born to it. She holds nothing back, and whether you liked the idea of domination and submission when you began reading this book, the story will convince you that you should like them a little, maybe a lot, in fact you should love them. And then it goes beyond that. If you appreciate GOOD erotica, this book brings it all home. By GOOD erotica I mean honest, earthy, downright hot sex, written with emotion and charm. Because if the emotion isn’t there, then all it is, is sex. And erotica isn’t “just sex”. And erotica isn’t easy to write. That said, Mistress Vale makes it look like this is something anyone can do. Nope. Not happenin’.
Now, to the book, because I don’t need to make the author’s head swell any more than I already do when I write these reviews.
The book is a continuation of The Villain Duology, which consisted of The Villain and The Dove and the book that followed, The Butterfly. At the end of The Dove, we see the foundation upon which this book, The Damsel, was built. And in The Butterfly, we see more and more of the background of the book. But when we open the pages of The Damsel, we discover that there is far more to Cassandra Lane than we knew already. She carries the guilt, the angst, the hatred, and the PTSD (although they wouldn’t have used that term then) from the attack that we read about in The Duology. And we also met Robert Stanley there as Daphne’s boyhood admirer, and a man who believed himself in love with Daphne until he helps her chase after Hartmoor in The Dove and actually delivers her to him, despite his love for her.
Stanley is still in the throes of heartbreak (he thinks) over Daphne when he is approached by Cassandra in a pub, aptly named, The White Cock. 😉 It is then that Robert discovers what Cassandra wants from him, and we find out that he is more than willing to give it to her. But there’s much more to this story. It is a story of a man who has suffered more pain from loss than any one person should have to suffer. It is a story of a woman’s struggle to accept her past and accept the love of a man, despite thinking that she isn’t deserving. One of the reasons I have been enamored of Victoria Vale’s writing is that she hates weak women almost as much as me. And if a woman starts out weak in one of her books, she won’t stay that way for long. Her women are fierce, warriors if you will. Cassandra starts out strong and gets stronger. I loved her in this book. Absolutely loved this character. And Robert Stanley is the perfect foil for that strong woman.
I don’t cry when I read books. It takes a powerful story and powerful characters to make me tear up. And you’ll never get me to actually cry out loud. Nope. Not happening. I love it when I’m wrong. This is the second book in two weeks that has managed to wring me out and hang me out to dry while I’m reading. The characters have gone through so much in this story that it was impossible not to feel sad when they recounted their past. So from now on, I guess I have to keep tissues nearby for Mistress Vale books also.
This book, technically, contains every single thing that a book should. It has an interesting plot which, while it isn’t going to keep you guessing as in a mystery, it will be certain to entertain you, which is why we all read books, correct? I’ve never seen a Vale character that wasn’t fleshed out well and this book is no exception. The pace was perfect for the story. I couldn’t find anything that I would complain about.
If you are a lover of Regency erotica, this book will be perfect in your collection. Read the entire Duology Set because this will be like adding the perfect Devon cream to the dessert when you get to this book. They are on my “read over and over again” list.
This woman is one of my favorite authors, not because of the erotica, which I’ve been reading since I was an older teen, but because she writes a story like my grandmother used to crochet. Not a stitch is missing and the final product is a masterpiece.
The Damsel gives us the story of two characters from THE DOVE duology – Robert and Cassandra.
Here we learn more about his background and the pain that he went through in his early years, which explains his nature .
Also we learn of the consequences of her rape and the aftermath of Bertram’s trial, that forms her character and her want for justice.
All they went through forms their characters and their nature. It turns out that what one gives is what the other one needs, and it’s thrilling, addictive even.
And what are you ready to do for the one you love – give the desired justice or even take someone’s life?
Really good written story, strong characters (hers mostly), and the sex scenes are…well scorching.
As is usual for Victoria Vale you through all kind of emotions while reading.
Every Victoria Vale book I read is better than the last one. And so far this is the best of her!
Keep the good writing coming!
I have read all of Ms. Vale’s stories and a lot of them rip out your heart and leave you in happy tears (some sad tears) and joy that comes with reading the story. I thought that would be in the case in this story with the subject matter that is so intense but that did not happen. Oh yes, there were tears but I feel the real story lies in Robert. He has endured so much and has so much love to give and when the right woman came along he was more than willing, even compelled, to love Cassandra with all of his heart. I would call Robert a beta hero and you know even romance readers sometimes need a beta hero to hold onto and root for and love. Robert you are that person.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I, Sonia Negron Choto was gifted an advanced author copy! I love Ms. Victoria Vale!
I would recommend reading the first 3 books, even though they are stand alone, but each has a slmost similar story in commom!
I loved the handsome Mr. Robert Stanley, the only living son to Baron Stanley. He was in love with his childhood sweetheart and was returning home when he decided to stop at the The Whitecock Tavern. Their he meets Lady Cassandra whom he has heard of. She propositions him and he eagerly accepts a night they both cannot forget.
Lady Cassandra was a victimof a known rapist of debutantes among others. The ton and her family ostracize her, instead comforting and supporting her. She decides to become an independent spinster. But she and Mr. Stanley cannot seem to stay away. He is good for her, because he’s in love her.
This story was so emotional for me. It has a great story line, attention to detal, and action. I enjoyes this so much I took my time reading it.
I highly recommende all of Ms. Vales books!
After losing the love of his life to another man, Robert Lord Stanley stumbles into a public house looking to drown his sorrows. The last thing he expects is to be approached with a scandalous proposition. When Lady Cassandra Lane offers him one night in an upstairs room with her, he leaps at the chance despite her stipulation that he submit to her every whim.
After her brutal assault at the hands of Bertram, Cass’ had her name and reputation dragged through the mud. Her family and friends have turned their back on her, and she’s become a social outcast. In the midst of it all, the anger and fear caused by the theft of her innocence rules her existence, and Cassandra has had enough. Deciding to take control of her circumstances, she sets out to find a man with whom she can overcome her anxiety over physical intimacy. Robert cannot understand why he responds so readily to Cassandra’s dominant nature, or the cruelty fueled by her anger.
This is the final book in the series & what a series, absorbing, enthralling & powerfully written. I’ve loved all four books. Yes the sex is hot but there is so much more to the author’s books. There is a story & there are strong characters who are very well portrayed. Both Robert & Cassandra have suffered in different ways & how they coped & survived, very differently, has shaped who they are. I loved that Millie featured & so hope that she has her own story as more of her past was revealed. A fitting finale to a stunning series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
10 stars and a standing ovation for the final book in the series. I’ve read them all and may be my favorite of the series. Cassandra has gone through SO MUCH! And Robert has had his heart broken when he realizes Daphne loves Hart not him and to find out in the beginning how much pain his family has been through. I loved that she asked for what she wanted when she went up to him in the public place (love the name of it too). Her family is a NIGHTMARE and I was so happy when Robert told her mother what he thought of her. The storyline is so good you won’t want to put the book down because you really want to find out what happens next. Of course Victoria gives you awesome plot, great characters, chemistry from the start and a great push and pull between them. I really don’t want to ruin anything but when he said there was no him without her..awww. And when Cassandra tells him why she goes to the swimming hole…que tears along with when she’s with his mom at the end! I really didn’t want this book to end. And again because I don’t want to ruin anything…I enjoyed how the solved the problem of the Masked Menance. BRAVO Victoria Vale!!!!
This is Book 4 of the novel “The Villian” series. Although the author does include backstory on both Robert and Cassandra, I think it is necessary to have read the first two books in the series to make sense of the characters and events mentioned in this novel.
Robert Stanley has just lost the love of his life to another man. To make matters worse he was the one that encouraged her to chase after the other man and then personally drove her in his coach to track her lover down. How much nicer can you get? Now he’s alone and heartbroken wondering what he is supposed to do now that he is no longer trying to save Daphne Fairchild from life.
Cassandra Lane has never had a happy life or a kind word from anyone. And that lack of affection led her directly into the path of ruin and shame. Everyone else decided how Cassandra was going to deal with her emotional distress, without any input from Cassandra. She is tired of everyone deciding her life for her and she longs to have some control. She has decided that her family and the ton are no longer going to dictate how she lives her life. She has decided the best way to get some control is through physical pleasure and letting the titled men of society know that their sins are seen and felt.
I was not sure how this novel would play out as Robert was portrayed as weak and too nice in previous novels in this series. Plus, this time period is about men being in charge and women being property. I am usually wary when historical novels take a stance that was not usual or popular for the time period. I think Ms. Vale did a great job of presenting the story of Robert and Cassandra as something new and fresh while maintaining it within the confines of society. For me, I thought of the story of Robert and Cassandra in the terms of “you never know what goes on behind closed doors”. In the privacy of their world, Cassandra and Robert created a world that made them both happy and satisfied with their mutual needs and desires. At the same time, they played by society’s rules when in public. I enjoyed seeing the changes in both characters as they learned the fine art of compromise and trust. Robert learned to advocate for himself and not live his life in constant fear of something bad happening. Cassandra appeared to learn to trust by being vulnerable to others. It was beautiful to see the transformation in these two. I fell in love with Robert and Cassandra by the end of the novel. Throughout the entire novel, I kept singing the song, “Good, Good” by Ashanti because this story reminded me of that song; “So let your man be the man when he in public. Even though behind the scenes yall be running”. In public Cassandra let Robert be the man he has to be for society’s sake, but behind closed doors, she runs it. This was the best HEA ever and I hope there is an epilogue on them at some point.
I read this well written book in 2019! I absolutely loved this book. Robert and Cassandra had what was supposed to be a chance encounter. But destiny had other plans. He became her saving grace in so many ways. She, even though has been through traumatic events, she is strong and out for vengeance. He though he was in love with another woman who broke his heart, realizes that Cassandra is his love!!
Explosive packed story, with everything good and tastefully written from the Victoria Vale!
This book is a little different but still had live and romance with steamy scenes mixed into the mix. Still a page Turner and I’m glad to have more to read on this character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The fourth book in A Villain Duology Series it is well written and well worth reading. Lady Cassandra Lane and The Honourable Mr. Robert Stanley make a scandalous proposition. She has been attacked and does not trust men any longer and he believes the woman he loves married another. I enjoyed reading all the twists and turns that they had to go through. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting Read
I thought this book was by a different author when I picked it up and did not realize that it was EROTICA.
It was interesting but not the type of book I read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bertram has finally paid with the forfeiture of his life after numerous young women came forward to testify to the sexual abuse he afflicted upon them. Cassandra, the daughter of a Duke, was one of those women and now she is trying to regain control of her life and at the same time she is seeking revenge on men of the ton who have abused women. Along the way she meets Robert and feelings she does not want to feel starts to form and she fights against them as much as she can. This is a great story and a great addition to this series. It is well written, holds your attention, keeps you wondering his long she can continue on the dangerous path she has started. There is a HEA but a lot happens before this comes about. I would highly recommend this book as a great read as you will not be disappointed.