Book 2 of 2 in the Villain Duology, a Dark Regency Erotic Romance duet set in the wilds of Scotland. A quest for vengeance… searching for answers. In her, he found the perfect tool for his final revenge. His plan had been simple—coerce Lady Daphne Fairchild into an illicit affair and ruin her.
An unexpected obsession…
After thirty days and nights in his bed, Adam sends Daphne back to London a fallen woman, the final blow that will see the Fairchild family scorned by society. However, he is hard-pressed to forget the beauty of her submission, or the brief moments of peace and balance she brought his tortured existence. Despite the bad blood between their families, he is determined to possess her, to stake his claim on her beyond the thirty nights she gave him. She will fight him at every turn … which will only make the chase, and her inevitable surrender, all the better.
A choice between love and retribution…
When the consequences of Adam’s deeds begin to fall back on not only him, but Daphne, as well, he is forced to bring her under his protection. He will end this feud between his family and hers once and for all, and is determined to put her behind him when all is said and done. Yet, it becomes increasingly clear that setting her aside will not be as simple as he thought. Her heart could be his for the taking, but only if he will abandon his vendetta against her family once and for all. Will Adam choose a lifetime of peace and love with Daphne … or will the need for revenge consume him, and eventually, destroy him?
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“Not after she had hastily fled London in the dead of night, with only the clothes on her back and the meager provisions she could carry. She’d braved ruin and scandal to come here…”
Daphne Fairchild is a strong-willed lady who bothers less about frivolous society and is protective of her family. Confronting Adam Callahan for ruining her father, brother and uncle for reasons unknown she kicks aside society rules and demands answers in ways a proper lady shouldn’t. Adam puts the final nail to the Fairchild’s reputation after proposing a scandalous prosition in return for Daphne’s answers.
‘He was a rogue. A thief. A blight upon the Earth.
A villain.’
Adam was a true leacher and despicable villain. Spending 30 days in his bed is not the only lewdness she suffers but Adam spares nothing to let the society know of thr Fairchild’s downfall. Adam slowly reveals the secrets at the same time Daphne learns more about herself.
The best thing about this book is the title stands true to its name. The heroine doesn’t self-pity but I wished she was more naive. This book is less on romantic development and more on the hero and heroine engaging. The sexual situations has a modern touch, this puts me off but I can oversee this for the writing. The story ends with Daphne’s great fall from society and confronting her family, happy she is finally free of the cluches of fake comfort and Adam realises it’s not over for them.
‘You place too much hope in my goodness, little dove,” he replied. “I am not your hero.”’
I have heard it said that books should receive varied reviews. A book that gets all five stars is looked at by some readers as if the reviews are phony. Oh well. They can think what they want, because I will NEVER give this book less than five stars. Six if I could. With tails, just like eBay. Victoria Vale is the QUEEN, the absolutely QUEEN of Regency Erotica. I read erotica ALL the time. I can recognize what is hot and steamy as compared to just so-so. The term “so-so” doesn’t exist for The Dove, nor any other book this woman writes. But let me get on with the review of The Dove, shall I?
I had never read a Regency Erotic Romance until I read one of Mistress Vale’s. The Dove tops the list, not only because it is the conclusion of the Duology (combined with The Villain), but also because it contains everything a lover of erotic fiction wants. A strong, alpha male who knows exactly what he needs and what his woman needs. And a strong, courageous female, just like Daphne, who can keep up with him, not just in the bedroom, but in life. This book showcases a strong woman and an adorable bad boy that most readers won’t be able to decide on hating or loving, or both.
And steam? Mother of whatever is holy to you, this book has steam. Just like the Villain before it, be prepared for anything that Adam, Hart, Lord Hartmoor, Hunk can come up with. His imagination and his hunger for Daphne knows no limit. And her hunger is equal to his. I read a review that said that the reader wanted to slap Adam and Daphne for being so mean to each other, but that’s part of the “dark” of this romance. And I loved it. This was a slight change in Mistress Vale’s writing and I, for one, want her to go dark all the time.
Me? I love the bad boys, the badder the better. And the Earl of Hartmoor, Adam (and believe me most of my nicknames for this guy can’t be typed into an Amazon review, lol), fits the bad boy image to a “T”. He’s spent five years destroying Daphne’s family, and in The Villain we saw her agree to 30 days with him in exchange for learning what her family had done. The Villain ends where The Dove picks up. Daphne has returned to her life in London. She is by turns, shunned by the Ton and made into a curiousity to be watched and whispered about. But Daphne being Daphne doesn’t let that stop her from what she wants to do. Adam’s money allows her to live comfortably and thumb her nose at the Ton, while at the same time missing Adam’s presence in her life. And THAT is where I stop describing the book, because spoilers are not my style.
You have to read the book to get the goodies, that’s all there is to it. And goodies there are. You will NOT be disappointed in this. If your love is of erotica with a definite Regency background, this is for you. But if you, like I used to, love erotica for itself, this book will be one of your favorites also, because Adam delivers the goods. 😉 (My inner self says – does he ever).
Kudos to Mistress Vale, but also to the people in the background, because I can’t find a thing wrong with this book. If there was a typo, I didn’t spot it. If there was anything that editing missed, I didn’t see it. This book reads so easily, you’ll find yourself curled up with a cup of tea, reading into the night without realizing it.
And no, this isn’t an advertisement for the book. Yes, I am part of Mistress Vale’s ARC team, but she knows, as do most others, if I don’t like something, I’m the first one to say it. So, six stars with tails for a book well-written. And Mistress Vale, keep writing, please. I now crave my Regency Erotica as much as I crave white chocolate. 🙂
I think that I enjoyed this second book in the duality just a bit more than the first. This one was more plot driven than The Villain, which seemed more sex driven (not a bad thing!) and we got more in to the love story between the main characters.
Adam and Daphne, revenge brought them together. But not for love. He uses her for his revenge against her brother, who brutally raped his beautiful sister. This is a sad story, but also leads to more neither of them realize. This book had a great story line, characters and narrative.
I suggest you read the series, and just about all of Victoria Vale’s books!
Lovely Ending!
Yes, I was correct in my assumption that this is a follow on story from the first one in the series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
In this one we have a very satisfactory conclusion and outcome with the true villain being brought to justice and the love affair between Adam and Daphne
increasing in intensity and ending with a lovely happily-ever after.
All in all, a very interesting and readable book.
I loved part one n I love part two just as much I can’t wait for more books by this wonderful n amazing author
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I started The Dove, but the emotional roller coaster of what I got sure was not it. This story had me turning pages like a crazy person. I had to know what was going to happen next.
Adam is a man who knows what he wants and won’t let anyone take it away from him. Especially his little dove. He has a plan to get her back, even if she won’t come willingly.
Can Lady Daph really survive the gossip of the Ton? Will she be allowed to live out her life in peace and quite like she wishes.
This is one of the best book series ever! Love Victoria’s writing. She gets it right! Great sex and storyline! You will not be disappointed!
wow … sometimes the second book is a bit of a let down in a series and this was SO NOT THE CASE in this book – it was a powerful equal in most all ways and the winner with the ending. Again toe curling sex scenes, strong male and female lead, still relationship twists as well as growth in depth which made their love even stronger and a woman who knows what she wants and truly doesn’t give up – love her ‘first love’ who in the end, helps her see the truth and go after it like a heat seeking missile! Definitely on my re-read list and a new author to explore.
This book follows on from the first book in the duology The Villain which I would recommend reading first so that Adam & Daphnes’ backstory is known.
Lady Daphne Fairchild has returned to London & bought herself a small house where she spends her time retired from society. Lord Adam Callahan, Earl of Hartmoor travels to London to find his dove.
I loved The Villain & the love hate relationship between Adam & Daphne but this book goes to a whole different level. Adam is consumed with guilt over Olivia, he’s tortured & intent on revenge until an incident opens his eyes to what is really important. Daphne is determined to resist Adam. The attraction between the pair of them is all consuming. Adam is a dark character but here is a gentleness that he shows for Olivia & Serena. Daphne is drawn in again but with her eyes open, Bertram is despicable & got his just desserts especially when he wasn’t helped on his way. I found it to be an engrossing, heart wrenching but yet satisfying read. The secondary characters all add to the story & I so want to know what happens to Niall & Olivia.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is s steamy hot book with Lord Adam taking revenge on the Fairchild family which means that he has taken Daphne the daughter/sister of the men of her family for thirty days where he can and will treat her anyway he chooses. When the thirty days are over he sends her away only to realize that he is not finished with her so he follows her back to London where she is apparently the bell of the ball. Can Adam get Daphne to come back to him and what will happen to his need for revenge on her family?
This is part two of the novel “The Villian”. Although the author does include some information from the first novel, this is not a standalone novel. At the end of book 1, Adam decided to go to London to claim is “little dove.” Meanwhile, Daphne (aka little dove), is trying to move forward with her life not that she has been shunned by the ton after word gets around she was Adam’s mistress. However, her strong attraction and desire for Adam continue to remind her she cannot be with just any man.
The physical chemistry between Adam and Daphne continues to burn extraordinarily hot in this second novel. Adam realizes that his desire for Daphne is something new for him and he does not want to give in to lest he appears weak or loses her like he has lost other loved ones in his life. Daphne struggles with her feelings for Adam and how Adam’s desire for revenge will impact their life together if she gives in to her true feelings for him. Both know that their relationship has shifted from a physical one to a more emotional one, however, neither one wants to readily admit the truth. As Adam and Daphne struggle with their new feelings, Daphne’s brother continues to wreak havoc in the ton in an attempt to gain the upper hand on Adam and win back his status in society. Throughout the entire novel, Adam is aggressive in pressing his will to Daphne, that I was not prepared for the ultimate sacrifice he makes at the end. The novel ends on a HEA for Adam and Daphne. I loved reading this novel and instantly read Robert’s story to see how he moves forward from his disappointment.
A complex and passionate love affair continues as Adam still seeks punishment for the man who nearly destroyed his sister. Having taken Daphne hostage for her brother’s crime, Adam’s need and feelings for her have become dependent on her acceptance of his revenge. Not for the faint of heart, this book takes the dark side with bondage, spanking and pain.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest review. This story begins three months after Daphne had left Scotland and returned to London. Still, she cannot forget Lord Adam Callahan, Earl of Hartmoor. Not only for the truths he had bestowed on her during their thirty day and thirty night agreement, nor for the 30,000 pounds he settled upon her, but for making her realize her submissive nature to his dominance. She could hardly go more than two days relieving the ache herself caused from being without him. That being said, after this much time, Adam has decided it’s time to go to London. He’s not ready for this arrangement to be over yet. If I thought the first book, The Villain was good, then this one blew me out of the water. The plot continues to run through the story, weaving and growing the further along I got. The characters are each developing and growing into themselves with all the emotional turmoil, trials and tribulations they’re going through. Even the side characters will grab you and not let go. This has been an exceptional read.
Love that wins out amazing books you can’t put them down keep them coming thank you
This story is a rollercoaster ride through the emotions and vulnerabilities of Adam and the loyalty and persistence of Daphne. You might think that Adam is forever in control of his emotions, but think again. Daphne is the mainstay in this story. I cried a lot while digesting Olivia’s trials, Adam’s understanding of his feelings, and Daphne’s love holding it all together. A beautiful story that had me tense (in a good way) throughout.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
“Such a good little dove,” he whispered
Given the intrigue presented at the end of the first book in this duet, The Villain, I was compelled to read on into this the second book, The Dove. I was even more delighted with this book than the first. To be sure…I was sufficiently delighted, entertained and found the Lord Adam Callahan, Earl of Hartmoor delectably swoon worthy in the first book. I also enjoyed the fiery, loving and passionate…but principled where it counts…heroine, Lady Daphne Fairchild.
In this book we find that Lady Daphne has been paid handsomely for her month-long virginal, sexual surrender to Lord Hartmoor as they agreed. She had come to feel that she belonged with Adam in the light of the revelations regarding his motives in pursuing the downfall of the male members of the Fairchild family, her compatibility with him in so many interests and her increasing desire for all the physical delights she finds in his arms. Dare I say she was also falling in love with him? She was summarily dismissed from Hartmoor and brought back to her father and brother in London. Feeling betrayed by both her father and brother in addition to being spurned by Adam, she set about making a home for herself and hoped to gradually find a place in London society.
It is a familiar trope that Adam, despite his resolve, could not get the lovely Daphne out of his mind…his dreams…his desires…his system. So, it’s off to London for him. He tries to tell himself he needs to go to London because he is not finished with his revenge on Daphne’s brother. A fervid dance of desire, denial, unrealized emotion and daring dreams begins as Adam pursues his singular need to own what he has claimed as “his” and to hold her close…Lady Daphne.
Frustrating Adam in his pursuit of her is Daphne’s realization that she needs more from Adam than his claim of ownership, although she enjoys all that this entails…she needs more… his fidelity and his love. Daphne also fears that her Fairchild linage will always be a barrier to true and lasting love with Adam. As she comes to truly care for him and his family, Daphne worries about Adam’s determined pursuit of revenge on her brother. Her worries are not for the fate of her brother but for the emotional and spiritual toll it is taking on Adam. Moreover, she feels like a pawn in Adam’s plans in taking vengeance out on her brother.
Ultimately, Daphne is willing to forgo all her desire for love in a traditional commitment and be whatever Adam wants if he would only choose her instead of pursuing vengeance. An explosive situation forces Adam to make his choice. Yet, his choice doesn’t exactly bring about the hoped for and longed for result. Even so…is it evident that our swoon-worthy hero finds himself overwhelmingly out-of-his-element besotted by our heroine?
The writing itself is suitably stylistic for the genre. The story is told in third-person alternating POV’s with well-written dialogue and character reflections at appropriate times contributing to a near seamless flow in the narrative. I would be seriously neglectful if I didn’t mention what a divine dirty-talker our hero Adam is… adding so much ardency to the spellbinding erotic love scenes.
Oh…it is just the right kind of “stuff” for which romance junkies live. Once again, this particular Regency era romance is peppered with the darker power-exchange elements that some (perhaps more than some? ) readers find decidedly exciting.
As for who would enjoy this duet? I’ll say it once again… you know who you are!!!
Quotes:
“Even after the mess he’d made of her life, after the things her father and brother had done, a part of her remained untouched and pure. Did she truly believe there was any good left in him—that he even had a soul worth redeeming?”
“You stupid little thing. You do not want this … my love isn’t the kind that nurtures or soothes. It’s the kind that hurts. The kind that destroys things. It’s the kind that consumes you until there’s nothing left.”
I am so glad I got to read the second half of Daphne and Adam’s story. I am sitting here with a blissful grin on my face, after all the ups and downs they went through. “The Dove” was a perfect continuation of the story, in an ever widening setting, adding Adam’s inner voice to Daphne’s. I started missing Dunnottar Castle though!! Other places and other people started to become part of their journey, but served to strengthen their resolve, ultimately leading towards that final choice: “Me, or him?”
Such a satisfying journey, especially since everyone got exactly what they deserved. And yet… there’s this need to know more. “What then?” asks this little voice at the back of my head. “What happened then?”
Victoria Vale definitely knows how to leave you wanting more.