Robert & Cass - Here's to you and you HEA!

My goodness, where to start?
This is one of those books that I will have to listen to over and over and over...

First off, I listened and reviewed the Duology and as much as I wouldve liked to listen in order, I did not. I skipped The Butterfly because after Daph chose Adam and I heard their epilogue, I had to know what happened to the man I aptly called the true hero of the Dove, my darling Robert.

By the way, can someone send me a Robert? I'll take a brother, cousin, nephew..No? Ok. I'll tell you why I'd take one. He is just the right amount of romantic, mama's boy, bad ass, ride or die all rolled into one. I mean...jeez why dont Roberts exist in real life?

And while I'm asking, I need a homie like Cass. She's not playing games with the ton. She couldnt give two Fs about society and their fake pompous asses. She definitely took control, she persevered, and she gave as good as she got from beginning to end - Superwoman style (I have a few Millies on my team already, you know, the friend who takes you to a bar to help you reel one in, too bad they havent helped me in a big catch like Robert, though).

While there was darkness to be found in the story: PTSD, self-masochism, fear (in so many forms), death, and definitely self-loathing...there was also hope and joy and the idea that if you want to feel like you're alive, don't be afraid to jump into a frigid pond.

All in all, VV did it again. The only thing wrong is, this is where it ends. Oh, shout out to Darcy - well narrated.

3 people found this helpful

Great book and hot as heck

There are just no words for this one.. well there are, but I think I'd be censored for it!

Each time I read or listen to one of Victoria Vales books, I think "this is the best yet", until I read/listen to the next one.. So which would be for favourite of this series.. I have no idea!! But this one was sooooooo gooood! In fact, if I could use explicit language, I would.

Lady Cassandra, one of Bertrem Fairchilds abuse victims, decides to take matters into her own hands and she's calling the shots.. In no way will she ever let a man control her. After testifying in court regarding Bertrem's abuse, she's the outcast and shunned, not only by society, but by her family as well.

Robert Stanley is mending a broken heart and stumbles into a bar where nobody would know him.. Lady Cassandra spots him and decides he will be hers for the night.. Lady Cassandra has so much hurt and anger in her after her treatment from Bertrem Fairchild, that she just hates men and they will pay for what happened to her... Robert paid and big time and loved every minute of it.

Cassandra and Robert start an affair, but on Cassandra's terms only. She only wants sex, no emotional attachment.. Robert on the other hand, can't get Cassandra out of his head.

This is a different twist, where the female is the dominant and the male is the submissive, and it works perfectly for them.

Darcy Starks narration was spot on.. and I enjoyed the full book..

2 people found this helpful

Stunning and Sexy

The story is beautifully emotional as well as gorgeously erotic. The very first part of the book, the birth and early life of Robert, will leave you close to tears. The rest of the book splits its time between exquisite pain in matters of the heart and just stunningly written scenes of steamy sex. Between a man mending his own heartbreak, and a woman taking back the power that was stripped from her.

2 people found this helpful

Amazing, sensual, pleasurable!

Review of “The Damsel” the audiobook

Omg! What a story! What a drama! And what a brilliant audiobook! I couldn’t stop it! And Darcy’s voice, *swoon* Love, love and loved it! He made Robert and Cassandra come to life inside my head like never before!

Cass was more or less everything I hadn’t expected of a Vale heroine, but with Darcy’s voice and the story being told, she grew on me. I recognised some of her priggly outer layer of thorns she was wearing as protection against the world. But as the story progressed, Cass showed herself to be a strong and independent woman, with some familiar traits within the boudoir. I was so glad to follow how Cass softened, both due to her past history and her relationship with Robert.

And pretty Robert, what a mamma’s boy, but what an evolution he made throughout the story! He became a true Vale hero or lead, with a spine and a stubbornness of mind. Darcy’s voice was likely the factor which made Robert into the man I imagined in my head, especially since Robert turned out to have more layers, than first assumed.

Once again, I can only congratulate both Mistress Vale and Darcy Stark on a wonderful performance, and a masterpiece full of drama, sensuality and yet with a strong evolution of both characters.

2 people found this helpful

AWESOME!

I absolutely loved it! This series just keep getting better. I went through so many emotions with this story. I laughed, cried, swooned and became totally immersed in the BDSM. The narration was great and kept me entertained. This author does a great job with her character builds and plot. I love her style of writing and look forward to reading more of her books. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

1 person found this helpful

Great book to read .... even better to listen too

I am a HUGE fan of this book. I love the series and The Damsel was such an amazing way to end it. I'd put my Bluetooth headphones on while cleaning, working out or if I was in the car I'd connect my phone and enjoy the story. Cassandra's pain is so palpable. I loved Robert from the beginning. I loved how Victoria starts this book with the beginnings of his life....and boy did I tear up with that. I loved that his father would do anything to make his wife happy so he kept trying to give her children. Cassandra is a strong, kick ass woman who has endured hell and is become a secret warrior. I love that Robert sees her strength and lets her be who she needs to be. This story made me smile, cry, fan myself and just scream give me more!!! I really didn't want this book to end.

1 person found this helpful

Everything you could want from a story.

Oh my! What a rollercoaster of emotions I went through while listening to this story! I had always liked Robert from the previous book. He was strong enough to put others first regardless of his own feelings. Robert had experienced his own share of loss and I really felt for Cassandra, to have suffered and not to have the support of her family. Little wonder she wanted to have control over her own destiny. Robert and Cassandra were just right for each other but could Cassandra let go of her demons to realise this? This story has some very tense moments, danger and passion. An excellent audiobook that fulfills all I could want in a story. The narrator, Darcy Stark, read the story very well, bringing each scene to life. He had an easy voice to listen to.

1 person found this helpful

Not what I expected

This particular genre isn't my form of entertaining reading but nonetheless the story is well written and very well performed.
If a mild touch of BDSM is a like of yours then you'll enjoy the story. The narrator does very well; the story line is quite good and again there's just a few brief tame moments of bdsm.

Victoria Vale is the best!

The Damsel was such an amazing way to wrap up this tortured universe. Darcy Stark is by far, the BEST voice over actor in all of regency romance and erotic books. I could listen to that voice all night.
I was so happy Robert got his due at the end of this series. From the prologue to the final words in the epilogue, every character has a story worth exploring. I loved Robert’s mother’s journey also. The way pain is explored in this entire series, both emotional and physical, is just brilliant. I found myself caring so much for everyone’s happy ending. I will probably re listen to this series over and over again!

Love conquers all

Darcy does a great job with his performance of the book keeping me engaged. Victoria wrote a great book with complex characters that grew from who they thought they were into who they truly were. I highly recommend this book to anyone.