Margaret Seymour is bored by the stifling constraints of society dictating her behavior as a debutante in search of a husband. Her prospects are promising by the standards of London society, yet, not one of them causes her heart to flutter, or her head to fill with scintillating, forbidden fantasies. Those feelings are reserved for Camden Rycroft, Duke of Avonleah—a man who isn’t even aware of … her existence.
While attending a scandalous Vauxhall Gardens masquerade, Margaret finds herself in the duke’s arms. His promise of a night of pleasure is tempting, but is it worth it when Avonleah is a known rake notorious for his short attention span and avoidance of marriage?
Camden Rycroft is intrigued by the masked vixen he encounters in the Gardens. After one night with her leaves him hungry for more, his desire for her turns into a fiery obsession. Despite the scandal that could ensue from their affair, he finds himself unable to extract himself from a situation destined to end in pain. When faced with losing Margaret to a potential husband, will he rise to the occasion, or risk living without her?
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This was well written Historical Romance-Erotica. The story is crafted with all the tension that comes from the confines of England social structure. Add in the steamy sexual escapades you have a tightly woven story of desire, love and wanton lust. If there is one issue and it is minor, was one part where the sex got tedious (I know weird coming from me), it stalled the romantic tension between Maggie and Camden.
I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy a historical romance with robust sexuality.
I like my romances witty and entertaining, but also wickedly erotic. It’s difficult to manage both, but Victoria Vale fits the bill. I’ve been so busy writing lately, there hasn’t been much time for reading, but I one-clicked this one after reading the blurb, and it didn’t disappoint.
Lady Seymour had done everything she could to secure Margaret’s future: a large dowry, and elegant trousseau, a presentation at court all sponsored by a Countess whose influence had secured them admitted into ballrooms of other peers and vouchers admitting them to Almacks. Her mother’s ambitions ruled her life, which meant she must attire herself in the height of fashion while remaining demure, smile prettily without showing too many teeth, and carry herself in a way befitting her status and old name. All that remained was for Margaret to find a husband. Her own hopes and dreams for herself – love, happiness, excitement, and freedom to be herself – were never taken into account.
Having just come into his title one year ago, Camden Rycroft, His Grace the Duke of Avonleah, often found himself routinely forced to feign interest in the offerings of the marriage mart. His entire life had become ruled by obligation and duty. While he had no desire to find himself leg-shackled at the end of the season, he must still appear actively in search of a bride. A single duke is a useless one, as heirs could thus not be produced to carry on the family name and titles. Along with the title of Duke came two others – Marquis of Hexthorne and Viscount of Lydmore – and the country estates and lands attached to them. Even with his titles and rank his behavior had earned him a reputation as a rake. He was the sort of man fathers wanted for their daughters, and the kind mothers warned them away from – but only so long as they could avoid ruinations while still managing to trap him into marriage.
Victoria Vale has a unique ability to paint a picture of romance filled with sexual chemistry that heats and burns until it consumes the pages and brings the reader in the flames. The ton has always dictated what was proper and accepted. But there is always hope that more will be found and that’s what Ms. Vale gives us. That shining hope and the giddiness of excitement and fulfillment of all the pleasures we seek comes to fruition. This is a series I desperately want to continue to follow.
This was my first book by the amazing Ms. Victoria Vale.
I fell in love with this fast paced, page turner and just beautiful romance!
Lady Maggie is a beautiful debutante. She knows she has to get married, but wants to do something fun and daring.
Lord Camden is absolutely gorgeous!! A rake!
One night Maggie goes goes to an adult Masquerade!!
This was such a fun beautiful romance! I love the attention to details, the narrative, the steamy love scenes. I highly recommend this happy and romantic book.
by, Sonia N. Choto