Mistress of Pleasure (School of Gallantry Book 1)

Interesting idea, but the author had no idea how to present it. seriously, a Georgian raised virgin, decides in minutes at a party to bare her bottom to the gentleman with compelling eyes? In the first three pages? If I could permanently delete it from my memory that would be satisfying

This book was refreshing. I won't go into details about the story because I believe that too many details in a review ruins the book for a potential reader. That said, this is not your typical lady and gentleman trying to overcome their love while avoiding a scandal and ruining a reputation. This book is different in the fact that most everything that happens is a scandal. It's refreshingly different from other Regency novels. It was fun to read, had sexy scenes, and the characters develop as the story goes on. Many characters start out as one way, but as you read, you realize they are really different than they first appear. They have depth and will surprise you. First appearances are not always as they seem. Some have said that Edmund was weak as he gives in to his mother and does not stand up for himself. I did not find this to be much of a "problem" with him or the book. It shows he has a heart and cares what his mother thinks. He is very "strong-minded" in other areas of his life and the book. Overall, I loved the story and the fact it is so different from other novels of that time period.

A young women, the granddaughter of a French courtesan has decided she will never marry. She instead has her heart set on going to Egypt to see the great pyramids. Her life with her grandmother has been filled with people scorning her, because of her grandmother and she wants to leave England for a different life. Her grandmother has enlisted one of her friends to host a ball to introduce her granddaughter to the Aristocrats of the ton in hopes of an introduction to a man who would see past her parentage to the person she is inside.

A book hard to put down. Relaxing, funny and compelling. A book to read when all you want to do is relax. Also try the other two in the series, namely Lord of Pleasure and Lady of Pleasure by the same author.

Terrible story line, simply unrealistic! The sexual content was scattered and the main character is a virgin who tosses her virginity to a man she sees at a party...but doesn't allow him to finish the deed. Then she leads him on while she takes over a seduction class (with no experience with men or seduction). Although it was free, it was a complete waste of time!

I've read so many historical romances and I thoroughly enjoy them. Such wonderful escapism and there are some truly lovely books out there - this is not one of them. If I'm in two minds about a book I'll read the reviews and take a gamble. I don't take reviews totally seriously, we all have different tastes, but they make a good guide when trying a new author. I suppose the title should have warned me, but in this story the dialogue didn't flow, had a totally implausible storyline and just made me feel grubby! I am not a prude, I love a well written sex scene, but this was just yuk. I have deleted it from my kindle.

I enjoy romantic fiction because it is light reading which requires no great effort. This book required a huge amount of effort to finish and I shouldn't have tried so hard to do so. What is it lately with books involving virgins who somehow know all kinds of advanced sexual techniques? Is that supposed to fulfil some man's fantasy about being the first and only with a whore? Or some woman's fantasy about being a whore without the all the icky stuff? Spoiler alert: The "heroine" sees the "hero" at a party, is attracted to him, approaches him and they are on their hands and knees in about five minutes. The rest of the book is an attempt to make this romantic true love. The plot devices were ludicrous, the characters not likeable and actually rather emotionally pathetic with no strength of character. I'm getting tired of stupid behavior based on supposedly terrible trauma that is twenty years old. The main characters' (all of them) excuses for being shallow and sex obsessed are completely lame. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY, OR MORE IMPORTANTLY, YOUR TIME.

Definately worth the read.... Romantic,Mysterious,and amazingly funny. Altogether a well rounded book.My interest was peeked from chapter one and continued through the entire book. A Must read for sure.

This is actually the first book in the series "School of Gallantry" by Delilah Marvelle. Also I will make note that this was first released around 2013, which is the first time I read this book. I did find that this book for its "re-release", it has been overhaul somewhat and not just the cover has changed. I found that the story had more "scenes" .. and somewhat changed. Not to overly much, but enough to make it better. The heroine, Maybelle Maitenon grandmother is a very popular courtesan. Maybelle had not thoughts to go forward in her grandmothers shoes , but had been thinking of having tryst. Maybelle wants nothing more than that. The hero, Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, finds things are hard to stick with in his own rules. This sets the tone for their love story. This book can be read as a stand alone book so, don't worry if you are reading them out of order. I find that I really like Delilah Marvelle books and I think she writes not just the story well, but makes the love scene really good!.

Have you read the Fifty Shades of Grey series but found it just a bit over the top? Have you watched My Fair Lady? Are you an enlightened person? I did not specify gender in these questions because I do believe that there are some enlightened men out there.

Ok, combine all of these into a rather unique tale and you will have a good idea of what this book is about.

The story starts out innocuously enough. A grandmother who was once a celebrated demimonde, an innocent granddaughter who has struggled throughout her life to find her place in society shackled by the prejudices against her grandmother’s lifestyle choices and a Duke that has struggled to keep himself from being his father.

Maybelle is determined to be her own woman and strike out on her own to experience life in far away places where she can be herself.

Grandmother has a mind of her own and believes that her granddaughter needs more than burying herself in the sand n Egypt but knows that forbidding her will only make her more resolute.

The Duke of Rutherford knows what he title demands but the legacy left by his father is that his restraint must be maintained above all else.

These strong personalities are thrown into a situation where each is totally out of their comfort zones and into a place that they never thought they would be. At odds with what they think they know, they are forced to reassess and adapt in an ever-changing tableau to achieve what they are drawn to.

This story is so different and refreshing. It is entailed and descriptive without being overly graphic. Amazingly refreshing and funny.

The characters are entrancing and make you reluctant to put the book down.

If Ms Marvelle can produce more of these types of offbeat and witty tales she will become my new favourite author. When you find an author that really takes you on a journey it is always a pleasure. I hope to journey long and far with you.

The price of this book seems to me to be a bit too low considering how much thought, work and imagination went into it. Ms Marvelle, truly you are a marvel and I cannot wait to indulge in the rest of your tales. I am hoping that your books will keep me very busy (hopefully I do not read all of them in one sitting).

This is a fun historical read that isn’t always high on accuracy (plenty of Americanisms scattered about), but definitely maintained my interest throughout. Maybelle is pretty modern in her ideas, so if you hate that sort of heroine be warned – Maybelle is independent, forward-thinking and bold. She was raised by a French courtesan and views men accordingly. When she sets eyes on Edmund, the duke, she’s not afraid to go after what she wants.

I quite liked Maybelle. It can’t have been easy for her growing up between two worlds as she did, so it’s perfectly understandable that she’s far from missish. Her behavior when she first meets Edmund was a little strong, but he doesn’t exactly complain so it’s all fine. The further on the book went, though, the less fun I found both it and her as she constantly went over the same thoughts about not being good enough for Edmund and keeping away from him – until a ridiculous fact comes to light and suddenly it’s all fine and she must chase him down. It was just too convenient for me.

As for Edmund – I found him quite baffling. One moment he’s arrogant and stand-offish, looking down his nose and thinking only of the prestige of his name, the next he’s being completely romantic and utterly adorable. Then he’s swept away with passion and is thoroughly commanding, before descending into petulant behavior that really did not endear me to him in anyway. Baffling. I never knew how he was going to react at any given moment – he was so changeable.

The plot with Maybelle’s grandmother and the school is fun and frothy and utterly lacking in seriousness, with a few naughty moments thrown in to keep things interesting. It is all pretty ridiculous, but it’s a fun enough ride while it lasts. If you want something with a historical hint that’s also naughty and sexy in places, and never takes itself too seriously, then you should give this a try.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

This is the first book in the School of Gallantry series. It is a re-write/refresh of the original story published a few years ago. I have read others in this series and each are stand alone but I do recommend you read them in order because characters reappear in other books.This is Maybelle and Edmund's story. Maybelle's grandmother is a celebrated French courtesan and they live their lives on the outskirts of the British ton - shunned due to her grandmothers past. Maybelle is determined to travel to far away places where no one knows her family history. She is tired of the ridicule and cruelness and she wants to "fit in". Her grandmother; however, has other plans for her granddaughter. Maybelle meets the Duke of Rutherford, all her plans start to change. Edmund, the Duke of Rutherford has been raised to be the ultimate gentleman. But he is drawn to Maybelle because she actually makes him enjoy life when he is with her. I loved the chemistry between Maybelle and Edmund and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love and work through their insecurities and issues brought on by their pasts. This is a sexy, emotional read with plenty of moments of sweetness. I was in love with Edmund by the end of the book. It is a great read and I highly recommend it.

ARC provided by the author and publisher through NetGalley.

And here is where the School of Gallantry saga begins with a grand entrance with Delilah Marvelle's expertise.

Well known courtesan, Madame de Maitenon's beloved granddaughter, Maybelle would like no part of her grandmother's latest venture of a school for gentleman who wish to learn the art of pleasuring their women. Maybelle wants to travel to Egypt, which has endlessly held her fascination, but leaving her grandmother to her own devices may not be possible.

Maybelle assures Madame de Maitenon that she has no interest in marriage and wishes to remain free, but when Maybelle spies Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford across the ballroom floor, her interest is piqued. When Maybelle follows the gentleman out to the garden she has no idea what she's in for other than a tryst.

Edmund Worthington has been trying to repair the poor reputation his family suffered with the antics of his now deceased father. Edmund strives to perfection, but the very forward Maybelle de Maitenon is the epitome of temptation that Edmund cannot resist. With her ruination complete and public humiliation evident, Maybelle's exit is thwarted by her grandmother's collapse at the ball and the only person willing to aid is Edmund. Now his mother insists on him taking Maybelle to wife and even though it's absurd to him as she not in his class, he accepts what must be done and proposes... um, well not really well and Maybelle refuses.

With every passing hour Maybelle seems to be getting under Edmund's very skin and now he is determined to marry her. He enrolls and is accepted in the School for Gallantry, which Maybelle has taken over teaching while her grandmother recovers for her apoplexy, and the hunt is on to make the woman who would rather run from a respectable marriage than be a duchess.

MISTRESS OF PLEASURE by the indomitable Delilah Marvelle is perfection wrapped up in this passionate tale. Edmund Worthington's seemingly over-arrogant persona is quickly quashed when he meets his match with the hard-headed but desirable Maybelle. The attraction between them is so passionate, it threatens to ignite. Ms. Marvelle's secondary characters are so interesting and add so much to this tale. Delilah Marvelle is never afraid to shock one's sensibilities and push the reader to the very edge. I adore this about her. Her writing is brilliant and Ms. Marvelle has an insight that few authors have. If you have never picked up a novel by Delilah Marvelle before, this is a great place to start.

~KIMBERLY~

Originally published at Rookie Romance.

Maybelle is determined to leave behind England and fulfill her dream of working to uncover the treasures of the pyramids of Egypt. Her unconventional upbringing and family has left her independent, strong-willed and completely uninterested in relationships or love. All she really wants is to lose her virginity and move on from there. A chance meeting with the Duke of Rutherford, Edmund, soon disrupts all of her plans and could alter the course of her life forever.

I really loved Maybelle's character. She's determined and more than a bit bull-headed, but it's admirable in her since it's so unusual to see these traits in the average ton Lady. Despite her independent spirit she also has a vulnerability to her that helps to make you really understand her and her motivations.

Edmund is living his life as honourably as he possibly can after the shame of his father's debauchery. So when a young lady wants to have sex with him and move on he's shocked and determined to offer marriage to the lady he's 'ruined'. Edmund and can be very sweet, loyal and protective but he also needs to learn how to seize the moment more.
Edmund and Maybelle are really a perfect couple- not just because they have amazing chemistry, but also they balance each other out really well. Maybelle teaches Edmund to enjoy life more and relaxes him, whilst Edmund shows Maybelle what she's truly worth and that she doesn't have to settle for anything.

As always, Delilah's writing is in turns hilarious, sexy and sweet. The relationship between Maybelle and Edward builds steadily as the two work towards understanding each other and accepting their feelings for each other. I'm never disappointed by this author's work and I'm so happy I (finally) had a chance to read the beginning of a series that I've loved the sequels of so much.

*I received a review copy from the author for my honest opinion. Thank you!

A boring and tiring read. Ridiculous characters who behave stupidly and inconsistently all the time. The h decides to jump on the H in the garden after seeing him once at a ball. She way lays him and almost demands that he has sex with her right then and there. The H obliges till he discovers she is a virgin. Later she demands one hundred thousand pounds for one night with her. For what? She has no experience and nothing much to offer. ofcourse the H agrees. The author has written this book with a complete lack of interest and involvement. It is not worth downloading even for free.

I jumped into the School of Gallantry series with book 3 and I absolutely loved it. I followed along through the end of the series and am only just now seeing where it all began. I read this as a second edition re-release, which I understand has some differences from the original, so you may want to keep that in mind.

One of the things I really like about this series is that the books all take place in the same period of time. So even though I didn’t start with book one, with all of the events taking place concurrently, I didn’t feel like I missed anything. The series surrounds a special school for gentlemen, run by a former French courtesan. She helps them learn the art of romance and seduction. Each man needs her help for different reasons, but each ends up a hero of his own story. This book not only features one of the students, but the courtesan’s own granddaughter, Maybelle.

Growing up under the shadow of her infamous grandmother, Maybelle has never been accepted by society. She has been exposed to far more than any gently bred lady should be, yet she has never wished to exercise the sexual liberation her grandmother has fostered… until now. When she spies Edmund, the Duke of Rutherford, at a ball, she has finally found a man she actually wants to put her hands upon. She makes the first move, having no idea that Edmund is a man bound to propriety and determined to live as a gentlemen beyond temptation. Maybelle tears his resolve to ribbons.

From their very first encounter, they begin a dysfunctional dance, fueled in parts by unbridled attraction, insecurities, and emotions. There are times this really works. It’s easy to believe in the pull between them. I really felt the way Edmund warred with himself between his desire for Maybelle and his commitment to gentlemanly behavior. I also really understood Maybelle’s pain at her rejection by society and her fear that a relationship with a duke could make her more vulnerable than ever.

There were other times, though, that did not ring as true. Like how Edmund’s behavior turned on a dime, not once, but twice: first when he went from wanting nothing to do with Maybelle to wanting to marry her. Then back again. Or how a story about her grandfather’s lineage could change Maybelle’s entire outlook on the relationship. Or what they did behind a screen at a ball.

Those issues kept me from loving this one entirely –and a couple of typos pulled me out of the story once or twice. But I enjoyed this one overall, largely because I like Delilah Marvelle’s storytelling voice. The sexy times are hot and there are some good romantic moments. Lady of Pleasure is still my favorite in this series, but I am glad I picked this one up.

Rating: B/B-

Maybelle Maitenon is not considered respectable by the Ton. Her grandmother was a former courtesan and now she is setting up a School of Gallantry. Maybelle is a feisty, liberated lady who holds her chin high and will not be brought down by society. Her life is turned upside down when she meets the Duke of Rutherford. He is the model of propriety. Their attraction is immediate and powerful and leads to them being compromised in public. What happens next is pure romance. I loved the interaction between Maybelle and Edmund. They seem to be opposites in all things except for passion. She is such an unconventional woman while he does what society dictates. Their relationship made me smile and sigh. I couldn't stop reading until I found out if they get their HEA. What a fast paced and sensual story. The characters were intriguing. I especially enjoyed the men who were attending the School of Gallantry. Delilah Marvelle wrote a charming story filled with memorable characters that I cared about. This is a great beginning to this sizzling series.