The dark, erotic duet by Victoria Vale, now in one ebook bundle! Get both full-length novels at a discounted price in one download.“Dark, gothic, and sizzling hot, The Villain is Jane Eyre meets Fifty Shades.” -NYT Times Bestselling Author Anna ZairesBook One: The VillainA heartless villain… the wilds of Scotland alone with one purpose in mind: confront the man who purposely and methodically set out to ruin the men of her family. But what he demands in exchange for answers will thrust Daphne into a world of mystery, hatred, and lust.
An indecent proposal…
Thirty days and nights in the bed of the Earl of Hartmoor … this is the price she must pay to learn the truth of the dark lord’s vendetta against her family. Yet, when she accepts the offer, Daphne never expects to find that nothing is what she thought it was, and the truth proves far harder to stomach than she ever imagined.
Book 2: The Dove
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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Tale of scorching-hot vengeance nails both the history & the heat
This is what our grandmothers’ bodice rippers would have been like if they’d have been able to get away with this kind of a dark, sexy, sharp-edged story.
It’s hard to find good erotic historical romances like this where both the history and the heat are equally strong (there are some authors who excel at it, though). Usually, it’s one or the other—where the historical aspect is great but the sexiness is fairly tame, or if a book has more graphic love scenes, it’s often at the expense of the history.
These two books successfully pull it off, combining the historical and the erotic into a wrenching tale of scorching-hot vengeance and lust that’s set in an era where men like Adam take what they want.
This world continues in following books that focus on different but connected characters (like Adam’s sister), and I hope we get some glimpses of Daphne and Adam.
Starring Lady Daphne Fairchild and Adam Callahan, Earl of Hartmoor. Revenge trope.
The Villain
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that did not have the hero’s perspective… so I was wonderfully frustrated not knowing what was on Adam’s mind. We, the readers, were kept guessing along with Daphne. I think I held my breath throughout this book. This story was dark, tragic, intense… and beautifully raw. I was like, how the heck are we going to get an HEA from this?!?! But ya gotta be patient and trust these two’s journey because it all comes together at the end…. but not without destroying all of us first!!
Adam is the perfect alpha anti-hero. His need for revenge on the Fairchild family is what has consumed him for 5 years… and Daphne is the final piece to make his victory complete. He sets out to destroy her reputation and her resistance to him. Adam is beyond delicious and everything he does to Daphne will make your jaw dropped… then fan yourself. But he also has a heart in that dark soul of his… and the glimpses of kindness we sometimes get to see, will punch us in the gut.
Daphne just wants to get to the bottom of why Adam is hellbent on destroying her family. She will do anything to save the Fairchild name… including giving her body to the enemy. But when she discovers the truth, she has to come to terms on who the villain really is. Daphne is a very strong heroine, even when she’s submitting to Adam’s demands. She’s wonderfully feisty and gives as good as she gets. I really enjoyed seeing her blossom.
For 30 days and 30 nights he owns her. With every touch Daphne is torn between hating Adam and wanting to surrender to his depravity. She’s is learning a lot about who she is with every delicious punishment Adam inflicts on her body. They both will not be the same after their time together is over.
The Dove
The adventures of Adam an Daphne continues… but 3 months later after he lets her go. And thank Goodness we now have privy to Adam’s thoughts.
During the time spent apart, Daphne has turned her back on her family and is now living independently and on her terms… until Adam shows up to mess with her tranquility. Adam is still hellbent on his revenge and Daphne is still the pawn in his little game… but he can’t deny that he wants her and means to keep her by his side. But in the end she makes him choose… her or his vendetta. And his decision might just break them both!!
THE VILLAIN and THE DOVE
Was wonderfully intense and fantastically dark. I read this duet straight through… my eyes are bloodshot and puffy from ugly crying… and I gave the most intense book hangover. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!
I can not wait to read Niall and Olivia’s story in THE BUTTERFLY!!
My star system:
5 stars: Ugly cried AF… major book hangover… characters were amazing… made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! (And these two books sent us on an emotional roller coaster) Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!
I LOVED this book duet!! My heart felt like it was wrapped in fist trying to break free. I yelled, I cried, and fell in love with the emotional pull from the characters. The playlist is a bonus!!! Which is also awesome!!!
This is not at all what I expected. The villain was not who you were lead to believe. I didn’t like that he denied his feelings for Daphne, but it all worked out in the end,
Love this book!! I couldn’t put it down!! I will definitely will read it again!!
This Adam destroyed the garden of Eden and Daphne willingly sacrificed herself. But, amazing sexing (I mean love) can win over all!
Great story!
If you love a really hot and steamy historical romance, then grab this set of books and get reading. Make sure you have lots of time to get into them, cos I know I certainly could barely put them down!
Historicals are where my love of romance was born years ago. I read alot of contemporary romance now but there is a long list of favorite authors in the historical genre whose new releases I will always have to read. Victoria Vale is such an author and she knows how to write a story that will knock your socks off!
I had read the Villain Duology as 2 individual books previously but when I saw this as a duet, I bought them to keep and read again. There are 2 more books written in this world with different characters, so keep that in mind if you find this duet to be everything you might want in an erotic, sexy, romance with a twisty tale that will keep you on your toes!
Highly recommend!
Loved this book. Wasn’t sure there would be a HEA. Interesting secondary characters-can’t wait to read their stories!!
Loved this couple. Very steamy.
A dark, delicious, and addicting read!
—>>> I was immediately drawn into the story of Daphne Fairchild, the innocent “Little Dove,” and the passionate and intense nature of the Earl of Hartmoor, Adam, who is used to taking exactly what he wants, and what he wanted as soon as the spirited Daphne shows up late at night to his Scottish castle is HER – all of her. The first book consists of Daphne working out her dark deal with him, while Adam explains piece-meal-wise why he has targeted the members of her family with a vicious vengeance.
Book One deals with Adam claiming Daphne for himself, but he lets her go as the deal has come to an end, both invariably changed from their illicit encounter. It is not long before he chases her to London, intent on getting another taste of his Dove, but also to forward his plans, told in Book Two. However, both his vengeful plans and his unwelcome feelings towards Daphne come to a head, due to circumstances beyond his control, and he has to make a timely and soul-altering choice.
Adam is man consumed with guilt, which transforms him into a dark knight, but we understand why, eventually. Although Daphne was the recipient of his deep lust and emotions, she weathered all he gave to her beautifully and with grace and dignity. Her spirit never was one to be doused, and that is what draws Adam to her, her admirable fiery spirit, heart and goodness.
Great story, characters, and writing, but some of the sex made me really uncomfortable, and I’m not bothered by much. Recommended with reservations.
Content warning: contains multiple scenes of rape/sexual assault and eroticized choking/breath play
Books one and two of the Villain Duology. Both full lengths ending on HEA for the main couple, with next book about the secondary characters. A real page turner that holds and keeps your attention to the finish. Daphne seeks answers to why her family has been ruined by one man. Adam seeks vengeance from the family that has destroyed his stepsister. Book one takes place over thirty days spent together with Daphne submitting to Adam for a price. Book two has Daphne back in London making a life for herself. Adam does not want to let Daphne go, but he is not ready to let go of his vengeance yet either. I loved these books and the relationships in them. Wonderfully told back story and secondary characters, I can’t wait to read their stories too. This is the perfect historical romance series for adults!!
The Villian
A Villian. A Virgin. Lies. Secrets. Revenge. Because I do not want to give away the story since the excitement of reading this intense story would be diminished, I will just say, holy crap is it good. Adam and Daphne’s dancing around each other and their powerful interludes make you want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. An old castle, hidden passages and dark secrets are brought to life. I need to know how Adam is going to fix this messed up affair.
The Dove
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.
Fall in love with these two dark tales which will take you on a journey of discovery which you will love. Follow them and see where they will all end and if there can be happy ending
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good set of spicy historical romances. I liked that i was able to read both stories at once. Interesting storyline. Overall good writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked this dark romance. The stuff people will go through to get the answers, the truth, and Justice for events that have shaped them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a 2-box set and is a delightful read. It’s set in the past and the author has done a wonderful job at transporting the reader back in time and to Scotland with her use of rich descriptive words. The two main characters are both likable in their own way and it’s a blessing to have the second book there immediately after finishing the first book as I for one did not want to have to wait! This story-line is dark and there are lots of twists and turns keeping me engaged till the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two very good well written stories of dark regency, a set I enjoyed reading. Book One: The Villain and the second book is The Dove both stories are connected. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is not a nice, gentile piece of Regency fluff. Victoria Vale has given us a heart wrenchingly dark, twisted, revengeful storyline that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of emotions that may have you struggling to wrap your mind around like our main characters Lady Daphne Fairchild and Lord Adam Callahan, Earl of Hartmoor. If you’re like me and like a dark romance, then this is one that will fit the bill. Giving you characters you will love and those you’ll love to hate. It pulls you in and doesn’t let go until you read to it’s conclusion. What a spectacular story.