• Dominating Mr. Darling

  • Scandalous Ballroom Encounters, Book 5
  • By: Victoria Vale
  • Narrated by: Simon Philips
  • Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (80 ratings)

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Dominating Mr. Darling  By  cover art

Dominating Mr. Darling

By: Victoria Vale
Narrated by: Simon Philips
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Publisher's summary

Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam is approaching her 30th year, and her umpteenth season without selecting a husband. Her elder brother is so concerned over this state of affairs that he's tripled her already obscene dowry in hopes that the coming season will finally see her leg-shackled. Opposed to the establishment of marriage to begin with, Amelia has no intention of giving up her freedom - or the taboo predilections she engages in behind closed doors. After all, what lord of the town would submit himself to a woman who enjoys subjecting her bed-mates to pain and domination for life? Since she has yet to meet such a man, Amelia contents herself with the long life of spinsterhood stretching out before her.

Michael Darling is a simple gentleman farmer, satisfied to live out his days rusticating in the country. He has no reason to run off to London searching for a bride - except for the matter of his dire financial straits. Debt has bled his coffers dry, leaving him with only one option: quickly find and wed a woman with an enormous dowry. When he encounters Lady Amelia Fitzwilliam in a gaming hell, the lady's reputation precedes her. A wager made over a card game will put her within his grasp, but the discovery of her peculiar tastes in the bedroom has him wondering if they could ever make a good match. Soon, Michael will realize that Amelia's domination appeals to him more than he would have ever dreamed, causing him to fall rapidly under her spell. However, a dark past comes with Amelia's tendencies, making her hard to woo and even harder to love. Never one to back down from a challenge, Michael sets out to untangle the convoluted puzzle Amelia presents and, hopefully, win her heart.

©2017 Victoria Vale (P)2018 Victoria Vale

What listeners say about Dominating Mr. Darling

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A scandalous and wonderful book

First, let me say that I should apologize to the author. I listened to this audio book the second it was released. Simon Phillips did a wonderful job of bringing Michael and Amelia. Instead of writing a review after listening, I put my head somewhere it didn't belong and did not review this well-written book.

This book is about a Domme, instead of a Dominant, who practices BDSM. Her brother, of Submitting to the Marquis fame, is also involved in the lifestyle, and Amelia follows in his footsteps.

Michael, a gentleman farmer, is merely looking for a wife with a big dowry to help his ailing property and keep him and his family out of the poor house. Little does he know that Amelia's brand of domination is something he craves.

You have to listen to the rest of this book, that is absolutely all of the story I'm going to tell. And you WILL NOT be disappointed. Trust me, even if you can't picture Domme's or have a skewed idea of what a female dominant is, Amelia and Michael will surprise you.

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not what i expected

Gentleman farmer, Mr Darling is wonderfully portrayed through Simon Phillips’ performance. It was a tough start though, he spoke a little too quickly and if I hadn’t already read the book I might have had to rewind a couple of times. There are times when there are breaks in the reading that you could tell that he ran out of breath before words or that may have just been the excitement of the book. Overall it’s wonderful to have one of my favorite books on audio to listen to while driving long distances or doing that morning routine of walking before work.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very entertaining story

As this was quite a different storyline for me I did wonder if I would enjoy it but I certainly did! Michael Darling was such a lovely character, the way he coped with Amelia was endearing. Some of the statements towards the end I found heart wrenching. Amelia’s behaviour was defined by her background and she needed a very special man. I enjoyed the good natured banter of the Darling siblings and Lydia is going to be one to watch! It was good to catch up with Simon and Sophie as well. Simon Phillips gave an excellent reading of this story. I loved the different voices and accents he used, particularly the Norfolk accent for Michael. The timbre of his voice makes it very easy to listen to.
I received a copy and I voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Scottish burr

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love listening to books with a British accent and absolutely love the Scottish burr. I am so glad she got a great guy. I enjoyed it very much.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mr. Darling because you just make your males sound so romantic and hot.

Have you listened to any of Simon Phillips’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to so many different men read and all I can say is he is one of my favorites.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

when she realized his mother and sister accepted her for herself.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Ms Vale does it again

once again Ms Vale delivers a great book that is funny endearing and heart breaking.
Amelia and Michael are destined for each other. Ms Vale also shows the true strength of a submissive. She dies not make Michael a weak man, but a man strong enough to submit to the needs of Amelia and be what she needs to overcome her demons.

The narrator is perfect and pleasant to listen to.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not a fan of this Reader at All

The reader was so stilted, and seems so unnatural. There were times I wondered if there was some computer generated element to how he spoke, and sounded sort of how Siri would sound responding if she was a man but worse they were some mix ups and pronunciation pronouns. I like the story. Just wish it was read better

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  • JK
  • 03-27-18

Another hit!

I have both read Dominating Mr. Darling and listened to the audible version and I loved both. I received an ARC copy (is that what you call a pre-release for audible ???) for an honest review. The narrated version is just as great as reading the book. I was on a plane to Tampa and was able to drown out the sound of crying kids with this hot book. Amelia and Michael come alive in this version. Simon even has a breath flutter for Amelia that is awesome. I don’t usually enjoy a Mistress but Victoria writes characters that are so multi-dimensional. You know why Ameila is a Mistress and why she must be in charge. Even though Michael was originally looking for someone with funds you can believe and feel the connection between them. My heart broke for Amelia at times but Michael was patient and loving and the strong man she needed. I loved Michael’s family too. They were so loving and warm. I never was a fan of audible books until I found Simon through Victoria. I love the way Victoria writes and I can sometimes close my eyes and feel like I am in that era.
Thank you Victoria.

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Great!!!

Unique and super sexy - this was perfect! Narration was really well done!


I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. The fact that I was gifted this book had no influence over my opinion of it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Learn to pronounce

Marquis is pronounced Mar - key. Valet is pronounced Val - ay. These error are very distracting, especially since both words occur so often in the story. The plot is very good, 'though the revelation is so completely foreshadowed as to be anti-climactic.. I love all the characters. Please hire a better narrator next time.

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Fantastically sensual story and reading

Gentleman farmer, Mr Darling is wonderfully portrayed through Simon Phillips’ performance. It was a tough start though, he spoke a little too quickly and if I hadn’t already read the book I might have had to rewind a couple of times. There are times when there are breaks in the reading that you could tell that he ran out of breath before words or that may have just been the excitement of the book. Overall it’s wonderful to have one of my favorite books on audio to listen to while driving long distances or doing that morning routine of walking before work.

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