Review + Giveaway: Selfish Is The Heart by Megan Hart
October 5, 2010 
45 Comments
Selfish Is The Heart
by Megan Hart
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Available: October 5, 2010
Genre: Romantic Historical Fantasy
To escape an arranged marriage, Annalise Marony decides to become a Handmaiden of the Order of Solace. But she is thwarted at every turn by Cassian, a teacher of the faith, who must test her dedication. Older than most of the girls, Annalise knows that she will be expected to please a patron in pleasures of the flesh-and she is not shy about teasing Cassian. And as they both play out the game of master and student, the secrets in their souls will either tear them apart-or bind them together forever.
Reviewed by: Amy
Pleasure and purpose. This is the ultimate goal of a Handmaiden who serves in the religious Order of Solace. A Handmaiden’s greatest desire is to provide absolute solace to the Order’s patrons – satisfying the needs of the mind, spirit, and body. Selfish is the Heart by Megan Hart is the third installment of the Order of Solace series and one that explores the story of a Handmaiden in training and a callous man who teaches the art of solace, but can’t seem to find it himself.
Annalise Marony is betrothed to her childhood friend Jacquin Kirkol and she is looking for an escape. While their love is mutual for one another as friends, Annalise feels no passion for Jacquin and he is far from being sexually attracted to her. Due to their engagement being arranged by both fathers, Annalise knows that she must find a clever way to remove herself from the impending nuptials and therefore decides to become a Handmaiden in training of the Order of Solace. Annalise is intelligent, feisty, bold both in thought and action, and well versed in the faith, but has not put it to practice in many years. However, she is certain she can play the part required long enough to be able to end her pending engagement. Former Priest, now master teacher in the Order, Cassian Toquin is a man living with many demons. The greatest being the death of his twin brother, Calvis. Words unspoken. Forgiveness unsought. These are the emotions that drive Cassian to carry on with life and also shield him from allowing anyone near his mind or his heart. During her travels to the Order, Annalise encounters a man in the forest to whom she asks direction. Thinking her a privileged fool, the man purposefully sends her on the wrong path. After finally arriving and settling into the Order’s Motherhouse, Annalise soon discovers that Cassian, the man who mislead her in the woods is her assigned teacher at the Order. Both her intelligence and boldness to speak up and challenge Cassian in class infuriates and ignites him beyond reason. And, Annalise soon discovers a tortured soul in Cassian which fuels her to know him better and furthers a simmering attraction between the two. Once the attraction is finally acknowledged, both of their pasts come back to haunt them.
Megan Hart creates an imaginative, mythological world in her Order of Solace series and while the beautiful covers imply the erotica genre, it is not always the dominant tone in this fantasy/historical series. Though I have not yet read any of Ms. Hart’s contemporary novels, I can see the allure of her style of writing. Rich in emotion and depth of character, Selfish is the Heart is my favorite of the three books in the series. The intense zeal and furry that is evoked from Annalise and Cassian’s interaction caused me to feel like a third wheel who should not be privy to their heated exchanges. I was, at times, emotionally overwhelmed with Cassian’s lack of self worth and Annalise’s pursuit of tearing down his emotional blockade. But once they succumb to an intimate union, it’s as if a dam breaks and they become uninhibited in their passion for one another. The strength of Selfish is the Heart is built upon its memorable characters which makes for an intriguing and emotional read.
Favorite Quote:
“He was a discontented man. He was a brooding puzzle. He was, Annalise thought, watching him through the fringe of her lashes, delicious.”
Other books in the series:
- Pleasure and Purpose
- No Greater Pleasure
Other reviews on GoodReads
Author’s Website
Purchase Links: Amazon || Book Depository
I have an extra copy of Selfish Is The Heart to giveaway. To enter, just leave a comment on Amy’s review. Open to all. Giveaway ends October 16, winner announced soon after.
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I really need to read this author. Great review.
Wonderful review Amy. I've only read her contemps but this one sounds intriguing.
This is a new to me author. But the book sure does sound interesting. Thanks for the review!
I really love Megan Hart, and this series. Haven't read this one, and would love to get a chance!
Nice review Amy. I'm a fan of Megan Hart but I've only read her contemps. I want to try this series out eventually.
Great review Amy! I've never read Megan Hart before. I'm definitely going to have to add her to my TBR pile!!
I'd love to win this one! Read books 1 & 2 from the Order of Solace series, been waiting for this release.
jenma76 at hotmail dot com
Story sounds interesting. This is a new author for me and I love discovering new writers for my repertoire. Put my name in the pot.
Great interview, Amycakes!!!
This is an author I've been meaning to pick up foreverrrrrrrrrr.
Is this the same Megan Hart who also writes erotic romances…? I've been meaning to read this author
Smokinhotbooks said…
Is this the same Megan Hart who also writes erotic romances…? I've been meaning to read this author
Yes, KC, it is. FV loves her contemporary erotic romances and while this had erotic undertones, it is more of a historical/fantasy setting.
That was a really good review. I haven't read this author, but she has just jumped to the top of my TBR list.
great review.I'll have to check out the rest of this series
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Thanks for the review! This will now have to be on my wishlist.
lag110 at mchsi dot com
Great review. Megan's book sounds good.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot}com
Hmm… I'm interested! Sounds like a great read.
books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com
Very good review. I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
Oh cool..I've been waiting to read a review on this one.
I would love to read this book.
Please enter me!
Great review. Thanks for the giveaway!
tabbylewis at hotmail.com
I really love how this couple is tormented and the whole book seems angsty just the way I like it…
Als, if it has "heated exchanges" I know I am going to love it!
Thanks for this interview and giveaway!
I'd love to read this book!
Kelly /
I'd love to read this book. Thank you.
A really good review. I would love to read this book. Please enter me in contest.
Great review! I love Megan Hart's books and I'm glad this one is out today!
cories119[at]yahoo.com
I have not read this series. After reading this review, I really need to get these books!
kissinoak at frontier dot com
I haven't heard of this series before but it sounds intriguing. I would be interested in reading them. Thanks for the review.
I have yet to read a Megan Hart book! I would really love to read one and this one sounds good. Thanks for the giveaway!
Great review, this sounds like a really interesting book.
cwilliams127 at gmail dot com
I'm not entering this contest, but I am so going to have to break down and read one of her books!
Great review! Please enter me as well. Would really love to read this.
Hi Amy! Great review. I've never read any Megan Hart books. But this one sound downright delicious. Please enter me for the giveaway.
Oh! Man. New author to add to the list- great review. The cover looks beautiful too!
Enter me
Rexreadingrobot at gmail dot com
Yay! Hart is the bestest! I am glad you liked this book, I need to read it too!
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
I have read Megan's historicals but I don't normally read erotic novels.
However as I know the authors other books and the review confirms it is written with her normal verve, I would love to give this a try.
Please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
Oh, I always get sappy every time I read about a brooding man, now especially since he's also a puzzle – an enigma and highly delicious too
I have my fingers crossed! Thank you so much for the opportunity and the awesome giveaway, nontheless!
legally_write[at]hotmail[dot]com
Interesting post ..:x
Enter me please
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
It looks interesting.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
OOOOOooooo, a "can't touch this" type of romance. Love it!!!
Thank you for your review! I can't wait to read this book. I like the premise and love the cover!
Please enter me onlu if it is international. Thank you!
Giada M.
fabgiada (at) gmail (dot) com
Haven't got my chance to read any of Megan's books. i would love to read this !
uniquas at ymail dot com
The review is intriguing.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
Great review, this book sounds amazing
This book sounds really interesting! I'd love to read it!
vicky.vak8(at)gmail.com
Thnaks for the review. I've read the 2nd one in the series and it was interesting.
Great review …sounds like a good book ..Added on my TBB list