Virtue and Vice

Order of Solace #4

by Megan Hart

A national bestselling author introduces a woman versed in the erotic who discovers the one thing she hasn't trained for: true love.

Years ago, while lowly kitchen maid Notsah was fleeing the king's guard, she burst into the private chambers of the very man she was stealing from: Prince Jarron Bydelay. But he showed her mercy and dismissed her pursuer, Erekon, Captain of the King's Guard. Ten years later, Notsah has returned as Handmaiden to the new king. He might not remember her past, but Erekon does-and is determined to use her to get what he wants from his new king. Now, if Jarron learns her secret, she'll lose the only man she's ever loved-and if she doesn't tell him, he'll never truly love her back...

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Erotica, Historical Romance, BDSM, Erotic Romance, Historical

336 pages, ebook

First published September 6, 2011

About the author

Megan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.

--from the author's website

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here

Reviews

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series first caught my attention 13 years ago and I still think of it fondly. I only read two of the four in this series and that is remiss of me. With my new resolution to whittle away my TBRPile - 100 older ones a year, this popped back up to remind me why I love this series. When it comes to tortured kinky romance, Ms. Hart is the queen.


To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A flower is made more beautiful by its thorns.”

Notsah Mevoot, in her young age, has already experienced her share of suffering. Sold at an auction following her parent’s imprisonment, Notsah is currently serving as a kitchen slag in the Royal House of Bydelay. After five years of service, she is determined to run away and in turn steals a loaf of bread from the kitchen for her journey. Notsah’s former lover and now the leader of the guard, Erekon Kosem has discovered her thievery and is hot on her heels to catch and present her to the King for her crime. In trying to escape, Notsah rushes into a hidden room and into the presence of Jarron Bydelay, prince and heir to the throne, while he is in a compromising position. Notsah pleads for mercy from the prince seconds before she is found. Once the guards rush the room, Erekon grabs Notsah to take her for punishment, but Prince Jarron intervenes and orders Erekon to immediately take her to the King, so that Jarron can speak to his father on Notsah’s behalf. Ten years have passed and Jarron is now King of the Second Province. Notsah, now called Sister Redemption “Demi”, is a sister of the Order of Solace.

Demi has just been sent to court to provide pleasure and purpose as the personal Handmaiden to King Jarron. Jarron suffers from a disease known as Trystan’s Pox which is hereditary and passed only from male to male. It manifests itself in two ways – random, painful breakouts of blisters all over his body or eventual madness like his father now faces. Jarron believes that due to his illness and his position as King, he could never find a woman who would be accepting of him as a man and look beyond his title. Likewise, he has no intention of taking a wife or bearing children since he would most likely pass his illness on to his offspring. He is further convinced that any woman would be repulsed at his sickness and he could not withstand the pity or disgust she would exhibit.

Demi has loved Jarron from afar since that faithful night she begged for his mercy for stealing bread. Being well aware of his illness, she still longed for him, believing she would never be of worth of his affections. Now, Demi is fulfilling her greatest desire in serving Jarron, for she knows this is the only way she can be this close to him, exhibit her love for him and provide solace to his every need and desire. What Demi doesn’t count on is Erekon’s jealousy of her service as Handmaiden to Jarron. Using blackmail, Erekon demands that Demi use her influence in advising Jarron with regard to the political choices he believes are best in order to avoid war between the Provinces. In return, he vows to keep the secret of her true identity.

Megan Hart pens a poignant story of irrefutable love between two characters in this fourth installment of the Order of Solace series. Her rich allure of characters and descriptive detail of the King’s court provides a beautiful and intriguing fantasy/historical setting. Ms. Hart has an uncanny ability draw readers into the story so that they feel deeply connected to her characters. At times, my stomach churned, my body tensed and my head pounded right alongside Jarron’s during all the stress he endured. And while, part of his stress was of his own making, Jarron had a kind heart and enduring soul which caused me to ache for his happiness. Demi’s turmoil was all-consuming as well because she has loved Jarron for so long and wants him to love her back as a woman, not a Handmaiden, regardless of his illness. Jarron and Demi’s chemistry was immediate, powerful and captivated me more than all the prior novels in the series. Whether in an intense act of sexual voyeurism or deeply felt moments of adoration, both had an absolute need for the other and that raw emotion poured off the pages. Their touch, be it to soothe anxiety or to savor ecstasy, was a dominant element of their relationship which provided strength and self-confidence for Jarron as well as joy and contentment to Demi. The strength of this story is its message of love and how it is not found in perfection but usually discovered in the most flawed of human beings.


Favorite Quote:“Demi drew a harsh, shuddering breath. She tried to speak, but her voice broke on the words. He didn’t care. He wanted her broken and unable to speak, able only to cry out in wordless ecstasy. He wanted her undone at his touch.”


Originally posted at http://www.fictionvixen.com/2011/09/r...

[willaful · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This reminded me of the classic A Precious Jewel, but with clit rings. It's an erotic romance between a king with a bad inferiority complex and the Handmaiden who gives him everything, even the things he thought he didn't want.

Hart writes beautifully and I enjoyed reading this very much, but there were things that niggled at me. First off, the names. Notsah Mevoot. The Shomer Melek. Erekon Kosem, the Aryon Melek. It's possible to create an alternate world without names that read like fingernails on a blackboard; thankfully, "Notsah" shortly becomes "Demi," or I don't know if I could've finished it. And what kind of world, that actually has seasons, would refer to years as seasons? Makes no sense at all.

And then there was a plot turn straight out of a Harlequin. It made thematic sense in the context of the story, but was such a cliche I couldn't help but groan.

But my biggest disappointment was that it seemed throughout that story that Jarron loved Demi mostly for filling his needs so perfectly. Although the ending tries to make up for that, I needed to see more of him appreciating her as a person for the romance to really work for me.

This was the fourth in a series, but I skipped the second and third boooks and didn't feel lost. I think it would stand alone fine.

[Bookaholics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virtue and Vice (Order of Solace) by Megan Hart
Fantasy Romance – Sept. 6th, 2011
4 stars

Virtue and Vice is the forth in the author’s Order of Solace series but can be easily read as a stand alone. This sensual book is a play on the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale with a bit of a plot twist.m

Notsah was poor and hungry. When she tried to take some bread for herself she was quickly branded a thief and betrayed by a man who had been her lover. Running away, she finds herself in the presence of the Prince. The young Prince Jarron is scarred and disfigured by the ravaging of a hereditary disease. When Notsah barges in and ‘comforts’ him, he takes pity on her and sends her away to the Order of Solace where women are trained to provide men and woman with peace by any means…

Years late Jarron has become King but is uncomfortable with his scars and the new power he wields. He applies for a Handmaiden from the Order of Solace. He is sent Sister Redemption, a woman who used to be named Notsah. Since his rescue, Notsah has dreamed of the prince and vows to serve him faithfully. But her past lover, a power hungry Queen mother and potential war cause trouble. Notsah finds herself dragged deep into politics that she wants no part of. But she may have to involve herself if she wishes to save her beloved prince. Feeling unworthy and being blackmailed by her past, will she make the decision to tell him the truth before it may be too late for their future?

This is an interesting series. For those who love book with some heat, the Handmaidens often play the role of a submissive. They try to please their patron often using sexual comfort as part of their ‘solace’ for them. However, they also have their Order to protect them from being used against their will. This book also has a neat surprise in the heroine. Notsah is an atypical heroine in that she doesn't to want to get involved in politics and has a somewhat shady past. This book also has another surprise because for the first time there appears to be a male version of the Handmaiden! The only thing that I found slowed down the story was the politics and court intrigue. Both Notsah and Jarron seem to take an unnecessarily long time debating what they should do. I wish that area had been more glossed over and the author had concentrated more time on their relationship or just not included the politics into the story at all.

A solid book in the Order of Solace series, those who like the Beauty and Beast tale and some steamy sex will find this an intriguing story.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hero has an inferiority complex which is as trying as it sounds. The heroine in this one isn't quite as sharp as her sisters in the other books. Irritating read, frustration caused by the lack of anything resembling foresight or sense in the main characters.

[Nicole Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Virtue and Vice (Order of Solace #4), by Megan Hart was not as exciting as some of her other novels. I didn’t feel connected to the characters. The book started off with a bang and then dwindled. Maybe her agent and publisher wanted another novel and that’s why this one is meh. Definitely give Megan Hart a try, her other books that are fast paced and sizzling.

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

He gave her mercy when she was young, as a Handmaiden she tries to give him solace. With many twists and turns you can't be sure how it will all end til it does

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews
5 Kisses, 2 Peppers (anal play, sex toys, public sex)

Notsah Mevoot stole a loaf of bread, and ran for her life. Looking for a place to hide from her pursuers, she stumbles into a small private room where a young man is pleasuring himself. But it’s not just any man; it’s Jarron Bydelay, prince and heir to the throne of the Second Province. The prince shows her mercy when Erekon, the captain of the king’s guard, catches up to her. The prince is afflicted with a pox that makes blisters on his face, and because of his condition, the king sheltered him when he was growing up. So as an adult, he is unaccustomed to and uncomfortable with social situations.

Ten years after Notsah's run-in with the prince, his pox has cleared (though he’s still prone to breakouts, especially when he’s stressed) and he has ascended to the throne. She has changed her name to Redemption, or Demi, and has returned to court as a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace. Her role is as simple as it is complex. She is to give him everything he needs and make him happy, including sharing his bed, but it’s so much more than that. She has been extensively trained in a wide variety of areas. When she has helped him find absolute solace or when he decides it’s over, he can end their association. But he may never want it to end.

Virtue and Vice is full of passion and political intrigue. The setting is a fantasy realm, which isn’t usually my favorite sub-genre but this one is amazing. The setting and language resemble a historical romance, and there’s just enough of the unusual to set it apart as a fantasy realm. I find the whole notion of the Order of Solace intriguing, and Demi's peaceful and calm character is enjoyable to read. I also love a damaged hero, and King Jarron is fantastic. At first I was ready to diminish the severity of his illness as being glorified acne, but later found out it’s much more serious than I realized and it definitely explains his refusal to marry and beget an heir.

Megan Hart has created a rich setting, likeable characters, a fascinating plot – it’s just a really terrific book. I will absolutely be going back to read the others in the series, and if I picked up the hint correctly about the next book I can hardly wait to read that one, because it will be very interesting. Do not miss this book!

[Isabeau Delaunay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this a 3.5 or 3.75. Even though I guess it's technically classified as erotica, this is best understood as a fantasy novel with some graphic sex in it. Far more so than the other entries in the series, this book centers on political intrigue and one of the kingdoms the Order of Solace operates in. If you're into those kind of stories, you'll likely be into this one. Hart presents an intricate tale, dealing with problems of succession and then unification, all wrapped within the personal problems and quest for solace for main character Jarrod and the woman who serves him, Notsah / Redemption.

The problem is, there's something off with the pacing. It takes too long to get things started and then at the end it all seems to finish so quickly. Hart has always been one to aim for depth and complexity, so even when she stumbles somewhat, there's still so much there to enjoy. That's the case with this one, for me. Overall I really liked all four Order of Solace novels and Hart absolutely succeeds at bringing something truly unique to each.

[Silvia · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite of the books in this series. Unlike the others, the characters don't seem to grow at all until the very end. This also means that the love story doesn't make sense. I cheered for the heroine to get back together with her ex-lover throughout the whole book. They seemed to have more in common, he actually saw her for who she was, and he seemed to like her for more than her sexual services. I was so certain that this would be the twist that I actually gasped when I realized what was going to happen. And her failed birth control and giving herself the pox was an eye-rolling twist.

Sad end to a series that I had liked quite a bit.

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book from the front cover to the end of the book. Never once did this book get bogged down in cumbersome plots, repetitive wording or ridiculous inner monologues or thoughts. Once again I am in absolute awe of Megan Hart's writing style in the Order Of Solace series, it is just so beautiful and other wordly. The cast of characters are enjoyable and the main pair of Redemption and Jarron have such a good chemistry throughout the pages with some hot sex scenes made all the better for said chemistry paired with excellent writing. I hope this series continues on although my family probably don't as dinners get left uncooked and woe to you if I am interrupted prematurely whilst reading. Worth every bit of the 5 star rating.

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally like this series but this book just wasn't up to the standards of the others. I had a hard time liking Demi and Jarron. I also had a hard time buying into the whole Solace thing with them as most of their relationship was about sex and over and over we are beaten over the head that a Handmaiden isn't just about sex. The whole political aspect of the kingdoms I found to be boring and I didn't really see the need to have the conflict with the King's Lion. I hope the next one in this series is better.

[Trudy Powders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Notsah and Prince Jarron.The prince saves Notsah.Years later she comes back to the palace as "Redemption" a sister from "The Order of Solace"Her purpose is to bring solace to the prince.She is known as a Handmaiden.Jarron doesn't remember her from when they first met.She pleases him in many ways.This book is for adults only.Interesting read.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite from this series.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but predictable. These novels are falling into a set pattern. I'd like to be surprised when I read the next one.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought the main male character was a little weak.

[Abby Fick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low point of the series.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept hoping for Notsa/Erekon.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this one is officially my favorite of Hart's Order of Solace series.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could see what she was going for with the big political worldbuilding stuff but the book didn't deliver very well on it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

of the 4 this was my 2nd favorite

[Bobbi Romans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read a awhile ago. Love this entire series.

[Na7asha]

Just didn't do it for me...not a page turner, at least not the free sample portion....

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. This series never quite hit the peak I was looking for from Megan Hart.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started off...

Slow got fast then slow again but it was a good complex story with wonderfully rich characters. I'm glad I found this series. I think it's worth reading!

[Greyland Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars
this series ended on a good note.