Step into the sultry, soul-stirring world of the Order of Solace, where handmaidens weave magic through connection, healing hearts and bodies in a fantasy realm pulsing with desire and redemption. Megan Hart’s erotic romance series, spanning four captivating books, blends steamy encounters with deep emotional resonance, offering readers a unique blend of Gothic intrigue and transformative love.
Unlike typical romance, the Order of Solace elevates intimacy to a sacred art, where handmaidens like Stillness, Honesty, and Determination serve patrons seeking 'absolute solace'—a nirvana-like state of peace. With its lush world-building and complex characters, this series is a hidden gem for fans craving passion with purpose.
How Order of Solace Began
Megan Hart, a versatile author known for dabbling in horror, fantasy, and romance, launched the Order of Solace in 2009 with Pleasure and Purpose. Inspired by her love for crafting emotionally rich stories, Hart envisioned a world where intimacy transcends physicality, rooted in a quasi-medieval fantasy setting. Her journalism background and knack for character-driven narratives shaped the series, which grew from a single novel into a four-book journey, concluding in 2011 with Virtue and Vice.
The Heart of Order of Solace
The series kicks off with Pleasure and Purpose, a trio of novellas introducing Stillness, Honesty, and Determination. Each handmaiden tackles a patron’s unique struggles—guilt, defiance, or addiction—using tailored acts of service, from soothing consciences to wielding whips. No Greater Pleasure follows Tranquilla, who falls for the married Lord Gabriel, navigating Gothic romance and mild BDSM amid a toxic marriage. Selfish is the Heart explores Annalise’s quest to escape an arranged betrothal through the Order, while Virtue and Vice sees Notsah, now Redemption, confronting her past with King Jarron.
Hart’s world feels vaguely European, with trains but no electricity, steeped in religious dogma that elevates the Order’s mission. Themes of redemption, sacrifice, and forbidden love intertwine with explicit scenes, balanced by emotional depth. The series’ eroticism—featuring M/F/M, D/s, and BDSM—never overshadows its focus on healing and self-discovery, making each book a journey of heart and soul.
Why Order of Solace Resonates
The Order of Solace stands out in erotic romance for its refusal to prioritize steam over substance. Fans praise Hart’s ability to craft tortured, relatable characters and unconventional love stories, earning her a loyal following. Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series has a cult appeal, with readers on platforms like Goodreads lauding its 'kinky, tortured romance' and vivid world. Its influence lies in proving erotic fiction can be emotionally profound, inspiring authors to blend sensuality with storytelling.
Hart’s fearless exploration of complex dynamics—married heroes, power imbalances, and personal flaws—challenges romance norms, making the series a bold artifact of early 2010s erotic literature. Its niche status only adds to its allure, inviting readers to discover a world where love is both thorn and flower.
- Publication Years: 2009–2011
- Number of Books: 4
- Genres: Erotic Romance, Fantasy, Historical
- Key Themes: Redemption, Healing, Forbidden Love
Grab Pleasure and Purpose and dive into the Order of Solace’s intoxicating blend of passion and heart. Let these handmaidens guide you to a world where solace is the ultimate adventure!