Melissa and the Vicar

The Seducers, Book 1

Melissa Griffin is quite literally sick and tired. She's the owner of one of London's most exclusive brothels, but her failing health is telling her she can't continue to keep working at her current pace. A relaxing stay in the country is exactly what she needs. Falling for the small town's gorgeous young vicar—a virgin, no less—was never part of her plan. Their love is scandalous, forbidden . . . and everything Melissa never knew she wanted. Denying her feelings is unthinkable. Avoiding devastation when her past inevitably drives them apart? Impossible.

Magnus Stanwyck never resented his vow of celibacy . . . until meeting Melissa. As beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, the mysterious woman captures his heart in a way he never could've anticipated. No matter what stands between them, no matter the cost, he'll do whatever it takes to possess her—heart, body, and soul.

By day, they're opposites who were never supposed to be together. By night, their passion threatens to overtake them. When all is said and done, can Melissa and Magnus overcome the obstacles (and enemies) that stand between them? Or will fate deny them their happily ever after?

Contains mature themes.

©2020 Shantal M. LaViolette (P)2023 Tantor

Great book centered around a difficult reality

This author is new to me, and I’m so glad I took my chances. She has bravely confronted the sordid reality of sex trafficking in Regency England from the point of view of a “successful” brothel owner without glorifying or smoothing over such a difficult topic. By telling such a story she challenges the reader to identify with many women, men, and children who found themselves in such circumstances, and to perhaps set the stage for more compassionate understanding of victims. Even so, it is a hopeful tale, with strong characters who persevered despite the blows, and who serve as reminders that survivors have always been part of the human condition.

Fantastic read

I liked that the experienced person was the woman. The dark places this series takes is just wow. Very entertaining. I recommend the whole series.

Wow!

I was initially skeptical as I don’t like the idea of a man of the cloth being seduced, but the author wove a story of humanity and the dark side of this period of time. It was hard to listen to in some areas but brought compassion and connection to the heroine in a way I didn’t expect just reading the title description.

I will add trigger warnings for past sexual abuse, child abuse, and rape. I think the author handled the topics as well as could be while still being appropriate to the setting.