Two Victorian Novellas to Warm you Up this Winter
In need of a quick read to warm you up this winter? Here are two novellas by historical romance master, Joanna Shupe, that will have you feeling the heat. Both are available on Kindle unlimited too!
Joanna Shupe often writes about the American gilded age. While those novels are raved about, I prefer my stories set in 19th-century England. These two novellas are set in the Victorian era with Duke MMCs and ladies of the ton. Don’t let that fool you though. They are quite scandalous.
My Dirty Duke
First up is My Dirty Duke. If you like an age gap romance, this is age gap at its steamiest. Violet is a photographer and keen observer. Unable to merely observe anymore, she decides that she must take action. She has, in fact, been pining after her father’s best friend for years, and now after becoming a woman, has decided it is time to pursue Max, the Duke of Ravensthorpe.
Max has known Violet since she was child, but has purposefully distanced himself from her after noticing her womanhood. He knows that he never wishes to marry again, he knows that it would be dishonorable to “ruin” a lady, he knows that she is too young for him, and he knows that he could never break the trust of his best friend. However, he just can’t keep himself away from his little mouse.
She makes the first move, and then the second, and after that, his control begins to unravel, thus creating a tangle of spicy passion and wholesome romance.
Sold to the Duke
Sold to the Duke begins with Lady Eliza at an exclusive auction selling herself for seven days and her virginity to the highest bidder. She has been cast out of her home by her cousin following her brother’s death and has endured years of hardship supporting her sick sister. After avoiding men’s prepositions for security over her freedom, she decides that this one time transaction would provide a new life for her and her sister.
Lucian is shocked to see his best friend’s sister at the auction. Saving her from a total creep, he bids 50,000 pounds for her virginity. This is life-changing money for Eliza, but there’s a problem. Lucian does not want to take her virginity (at least in exchange for money), but instead feels it is his honor to help her out of her situation.
Eliza refuses to take his money without completing the deal, worried that she will feel indebted to Lucian and he will feel power over her. She is determined as ever to have him honor his agreement.
Morally Grey to Morally Okay
Joanna Shupe is skilled at taking morally grey, but quite sexy, situations and changing enough details to offer readers a relief from the ick.
There is a significant age gap between Violet and Max and they met a long time ago. However, Shupe makes it clear that he has not groomed her and that he avoided her once he realized his attraction. Violet is given full agency and creates the proximity in their romance. Add on to the fact that she is 18 years old, not even the youngest debutante, and definitely a woman according to Victorian society.
In Sold to the Duke, Lucian does not bid on Eliza for sex work, but instead to prevent her from selling herself to someone else. Lucian had no plans to participate in the auction and was there to accompany his friend. The situation is also less transactional, as Eliza has felt attracted to Lucian since adolescence. He was not just a stranger.
Despite their more taboo situations, both couples have you rooting for their happily ever after fairly early in the story.
Strong FMCs and Men who can Handle Them
In both stories, the female MC is the seducer. They come on to the MCs several times despite being met with resistance. The men do not use their privilege of age or financial agreements over them. It isn’t until the men have denied their attractions many times do they give in, while feeling much guilt about doing so.
Despite being virigins, both women are in command of their sensuality. They do not care shame about their feelings and find it empowering to be able to partake in sexual experiences on their own accord.
Although the women lead the romances, the MMCs are just as commanding when they fall into temptation. There are no mild-mannered men here, at least in the bedroom. Both the men go onto champion and protect their partners. They fulfill their role as the hero alongside their queens.
Multi-dimensional FMCs
I always enjoy when FMCs have unique skills that add to the depth of a character and interesting plot points. Violet is a photographer. I learned about cameras during this era, but also appreciated some sexy picture time between her and Max. Eliza is mathematically-minded and loves to solve problems. Lucian seeks her help to sort through his neglected ledgers. He also uses her passion for math to fortify their connection.
I don’t want to give away the endings, but in both cases, the FMCs get a little extra happiness related to their interests. I love that for them.
These two novellas have made me a fan of Joanna Shupe’s work. They have great spicy scenes, but are just as steamy outside of these moments. I am definitely encouraged to leave Victorian England just to read some of her Gilded Age novels. I know they will be hot, hot, hot.
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