Review: Duke of Sin ~ Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Sin
Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance
Maiden Lane Series/Book 10
Grand Central Publishing/May 31, 2016

A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH

Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . .

Ever since Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery first appeared, he's been a curiosity. He's rude, arrogant, beautiful, rich and powerful. He's also without scrupulous - blackmailing when he can, killing when he deems it necessary. I would not call him likable, only fascinating in the way predatory animals are fascinating. You want to know more about them but you don't want to get too close. Bridget Crumb had to get close, and she found out what was behind the beautiful facade.

Bridget Crumb is an appealing heroine with her practicality and hard work ethics. She didn't grow-up as a pampered lady but started working as household help when she was twelve. She is portrayed as being young (she's 26) but still able to command the household staff with great finesse. She does have a healthy unease regarding the Duke. She knows she must be careful to not be found out by the Duke when searching out his blackmail evidence. She's quite quick with her comebacks when engaging in verbal sparing with the Duke. I do think those were my favorite scenes, with Bridget and Val, sparring with words. Bridget's brilliant riposte of the Duke's parry was like watching a fencing match. Even when she stumbled under the Duke's greater expertise, Bridget still held her own.

The Duke of Montgomery is a cold, demanding aristocrat who doesn't apologize for his words or actions. I didn't find him likable at the beginning and that had not changed much by the end of the story. I liked Bridget well enough but Val didn't leave me feeling as if he had changed overly much from the first time he showed up in the series. He is fiercely protected of those he cares for, but not at all trustworthy. I'm not sure even Bridget should trust him completely.

Val loves playing with people, seeing how they will react to his games he enjoys playing so well. It wouldn't be such an issue except he plays with people's lives. You could make a argument in his favor because the people he blackmails are either doing or have done something wrong. But why should Val get to profit form other's mistakes? He did have a horrible childhood, with disgusting parents who should have been locked in a dungeon. When we find out about his childhood, that is when I felt sympathy for him. For the child he was and the reality he was forced to endure. He is justified in taking actions against those who hurt him and his sister when they were children. But does it justify all of Val's actions?

The plot is centered around Val's blackmailing and Bridget's attempts at stopping him. We do get to see some of Val's sister, Eve, the heroine in the previous book, Sweetest Scoundrel. But the hero and heroine remain the focal point as far as the relationships go. I did like seeing how Bridget's pragmatic nature warred with Val's impractical one. Val's lifestyle is filled with opulence while Bridget takes pleasure in the smaller joys. She also teaches Val to appreciate the simpler things in life. Val teaches Bridget that she is desirable, not only for her body but for her mind.

In the end, I was happy to see Val and Bridget ride off into the sunset towards their HEA but it didn't have the same impact as previous books in the series. I will say I am looking forward to the next book, The Duke of Pleasure. Love what we've seen so far of the hero and heroine.

Rating: C+

Maiden Lane Series ~

Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires
Thief of Shadows
Lord of Darkness
Duke of Midnight
Darling Beast
Dearest Rogue
Sweetest Scoundrel
Duke of Sin
Once Upon a Moonlight Night (novella)
Duke of Pleasure (November 29, 2016)

Review: Duke of Midnight

Duke of Midnight
Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance
London/1740
Maiden Lane/Book 6
Grand Central/October 15, 2013

WHEN A MASKED MAN...

Twenty years ago Maximus Batten witnessed the brutal murders of his parents. Now the autocratic Duke of Wakefield, he spends his days ruling Parliament. But by night, disguised as the Ghost of St. Giles, he prowls the grim alleys of St. Giles, ever on the hunt for the murderer. One night he finds a fiery woman who meets him toe-to-toe—and won't back down.

MEETS HIS MATCH...

Artemis Greaves toils as a lady's companion, but hiding beneath the plain brown serge of her dress is the heart of a huntress. When the Ghost of St. Giles rescues her from footpads, she recognizes a kindred spirit-and is intrigued. She's even more intrigued when she realizes who exactly the notorious Ghost is by day.

DESIRE IGNITES A DANGEROUS PASSION

Artemis makes a bold move: she demands that Maximus use his influence to free her imprisoned brother-or she will expose him as the Ghost. But blackmailing a powerful duke isn't without risks. Now that she has the tiger by the tail, can she withstand his ire-or the temptation of his embrace?

A dashing hero in a wig.  A heroine with a heart and soul as brave as any man's.  Two people who, if society is to be believed, have nothing in common.  And yet they find they have some of the most important things in common. Maximus and Artemis are truly a pair I enjoyed watching fall in love!

Artemis Greaves is a wonderful heroine!  She is brave even when scared beyond belief.  Loyal to those she loves and highly intelligent.  Her only real fault is not believing enough in herself. Sometimes I just wanted to shake her and tell her she is so much better than she gives herself credit for.  Artemis must put up with Penelope's self centered attitude and lack of common sense but she does stick up for Penelope.  I thought this said a lot about how important family was and how much Artemis cherished the little family she had left.

Maximus has no idea what to think of Artemis.  She is not like any woman he has known.  He has held the title of Duke since he was a child when his parents were murdered.  So Maximus is accustomed to everyone deferring to him.  It proved to be entertaining hearing Artemis speak her mind to Maximus and his reactions to her.  She brings out his darker, less refined side beautifully.

This series continues to deliver not only romance but suspense, action and humor.  I feel jealous of new readers to Ms. Hoyt, who have never read the Maiden Lane series.  You get the pleasure of reading it for the first time!  So if you have not read this series, what are you waiting for?

Rating: A

Maiden Lane Series ~

Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires
Thief of Shadows
Lord of Darkness
Duke of Midnight

Review: Lord of Darkness

Lord of Darkness
Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance/England/1740
Maiden Lane/Book 5
Grand Central Publishing/February 26, 2013

When Strangers In The Night

He lives in the shadows. As the mysterious masked avenger known as the Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St. John's only goal is to protect the innocent of London. Until the night he confronts a fearless young lady pointing a pistol at his head—and realizes she is his wife.

Become Lovers...

Lady Margaret Reading has vowed to kill the Ghost of St. Giles—the man who murdered her one true love. Returning to London, and to the man she hasn't seen since their wedding day, Margaret does not recognize the man behind the mask. Fierce, commanding, and dangerous, the notorious Ghost of St. Giles is everything she feared he would be—and so much more.

Desire Is The Ultimate Danger

When passion flares, these two intimate strangers can't keep from revealing more of themselves than they had ever planned. But when Margaret learns the truth—that the Ghost is her husband—the game is up and the players must surrender...to the temptation that could destroy them both.

While still trying to conquer my historical romance reading slump, I began reading Lord of Darkness and I do believe Ms. Hoyt has brought me out of the slump for good!  By the end of Lord of Darkness, I found myself anticipating the next book in this wonderful series.  What a great feeling!

Lady Margaret (Megs) has become quite bold, traveling to London and moving in with her estranged husband after spending two years alone at their country home.  Their marriage was not a love match but one made of desperation and blackmail. To say Godric is surprised to see his wife is an understatement.  He's under the assumption that she will not be staying long and once she is back in the country, he can resume his lonely life and focus on saving those of St. Giles.   Imagine his surprised when she reveals her plans.  (Nope, no spoilers.)  I loved how very matter-of-fact Megs was in her plans.  She does exhibit some shyness with Godric which is understandable since they barely know each other but otherwise she is determined to see through her plan to the end.

Godric, for his part, is almost a bit frightened of Megs.  He really doesn't know what to make of her.  He has lived a nearly self-imposed exile from life and when Megs arrives, his exile comes to an end.  He gives Megs the impression of an older gentleman with very little to recommend to a younger wife.  But Godric is good at giving false impressions.  He's not what I would considered a typical historical romance hero.  He's more subdued in his appearance and manners but once he's dressed as the Ghost, that's when he comes alive.  I think that's why it took a little longer to warm up to him, he kept himself closed off to everyone, until Megs.

The romance is the focal point with the Ghost's activities intertwined within the romance.  It's not just Godric's connection to the Ghost but Megs has a history with the Ghost as well.  This causes conflict in a relationship that seems to have little else going for it.  Even with the conflict, I enjoyed how Godric and Megs learn their preconceptions of each other are off the mark.  In the end they are pleasantly surprised at how compatible they are.  

The story doesn't center around the orphanage as much as some of the previous books, but we do get a chance to catch up with the ladies from the orphanage committee.  One of the things I was thrilled to read was the history of The Ghost of St. Giles.  The back story is fascinating.  In the end, there was a good balance between the romance, mystery and the suspense.  It all came together in a delightful story.

If you're not familiar with the series, I would highly recommend starting from the beginning.  Hoyt does a wonderful job creating the world of St. Giles as well as the aristocratic society of 1740's London.  Lucky for me, I don't have to wait for the next book in this captivating series.

Rating: A-

Maiden Lane Series ~

Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires
Thief of Shadows
Lord of Darkness
Duke of Midnight

ARC Review: Thief of Shadows

Thief of Shadows
Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance
Maiden Lane Series/Book 4
London/1738
Grand Central Publishing/June 26, 2012

*SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS*

A MASKED MAN . . .
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he’s the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles—protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.

A DANGEROUS WOMAN . . .
Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she’s asked to tutor the Home’s dour manager in the ways of society—flirtation, double entendres, and scandalous liaisons—Isabel can’t help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar—and his lips so tempting.

A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENY
During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed . . . But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything—the Home, Isabel . . . and his life.

Absolutely Love This Series!  There, had to get that out.  Now on to the much anticipated story of Winter Makepeace and the woman who captured his heart.  Once again Elizabeth Hoyt has woven a beautifully written, suspenseful romance that brings the reader into the world of the dark and dangerous St. Giles district of 1730's London.

We first met Winter Makepeace at the beginning of the series in Wicked Intentions.  Ever since then I've been curious about this quiet, intellectual man.  He is very proper, coming off a little too stiff even for this time period.  We finally get to really know Winter and I couldn't be happier!  He is an alpha hero in beta clothing.  Winter cares deeply for the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children.  It's not just a family obligation but very dear to his heart.  I loved seeing him with the children, his patience and love for them show what a fascinating man he is.

Lady Isabel Beckinhall has made previous appearances in the series but little is know about her. She's a proper lady who tends to hide her quick wit behind her manners.  I simply adored Isabel with her intelligence and need to love and be loved.  She seems to have it all for a woman of her time period, independence and wealth but she doesn't have what she needs.  I loved Isabel's bravery and her ability to take control of a situation.  She's a bit older than Winter, six years, and more experienced.  It was a pleasant surprised to have the tables turned. 

The mystery of young orphan girls disappearing in and around St. Giles is the focus of Winter's night time ventures.  He is obsessed with not only protecting his children at the orphanage but the other children of St. Giles.  Winter has such an overwhelming desire to care for and protect it was nice to see someone take care of him when Isabel came into his life.

I found Winter and Isabel's romance charming in how Isabel was the aggressor with Winter attempting to maintain some distance.  He is very good with the word play but Isabel is certainly intelligent and able to keep up.  Their dialogue is a lovely prelude to their more intimate moments. 

There are a number of secondary characters who play into Winter and Isabel's developing relationship, all associated in one way or another to the home. I love this sense of connection the characters have, whether they be a house maid or a titled lady.  Hoyt shows how each character views the home, the Ghost and the place each of them have in society.  It's a very enlightening look at the society of the day. 

One thing I got a thrill out of was the swordplay scenes.  They were exciting and so very well written.  Hoyt makes the reader feel as if you are right there, front row to the action.  This series continues to surprise me.  Just when I think Hoyt can't top her previous book, she gives us a different type of hero who is as complex and captivating as previous heroes.  Add in the strong, intelligent heroines and you have a lovely historical romance series worth reading. 

Rating:  A

Maiden Lane Series ~

Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires
Thief of Shadows
Lord of Darkness (February 26, 2013)
Duke of Midnight (2013)

Cover Love : Thief of Shadows

Elizabeth Hoyt has posted the cover for the fourth book, Thief of Shadows, in her wonderful Maiden Lane series.
























Isn't it gorgeous! Love the colors and of course the beautiful stepback. This is one of my favorite series and I can't wait to read Thief of Shadows! Previous delightfully good books in the series are: Wicked Intentions, Notorious Pleasures and the most recent release, Scandalous Desires.

Here's the blurb but if you haven't read the previous books in the series (do it now!) then don't read any further because there are SPOILERS AHEAD.



A MASKED MAN . . .
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he’s the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles—protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.

A DANGEROUS WOMAN . . .
Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she’s asked to tutor the Home’s dour manager in the ways of society—flirtation, double entendres, and scandalous liaisons—Isabel can’t help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar—and his lips so tempting.

A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENY
During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed . . . But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything—the Home, Isabel . . . and his life.

Thief of Shadows is set for release July 2012.

Review: Notorious Pleasures

Notorious Pleasures
Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance/London/1737
Maiden Lane/Book 2
Grand Central Publishing/February 1, 2011

From the back cover ~

Their lives were perfect . . .

Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn't bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . .

Until they met each other.

Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect - and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire - desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero's wedding nears, and Griffin's enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?

Loving this series! Two books in and I have numerous secondary characters whose books I want to read. The excerpt for the next book, Scandalous Desires, left me wanting it like yesterday. And once again Ms. Hoyt added the delicious cherry on top of the sundae by giving us the beautiful story-within-the-story called Queen Ravenhair. I love the extra fairy tale story at the beginning of every chapter. It's like getting a free gift with every purchase except this gift is something you actually want!

They say first impressions are important. You want them to be memorable, because who wants to be forgotten. When Lady Hero Batten meets Lord Griffin Reading for the first time there is no way she could possibly forget him or his beautifully muscled rear end. Their first meeting leaves Hero decidedly uncomfortable in Lord Scandalous' presence and it leaves Griffin curious about Lady Perfect. Yes, they have nicknames for each other, right from the start. While they're not affectionate nicknames they do shift to affection as they fall in love.

We first met Lady Hero in Wicked Intentions and while she didn't get much page time she left enough of an impression on me to want to know more about her. She is a very proper lady of the aristocracy, aware of her place in life. As the daughter of a duke and now the sister of a duke, Hero does everything in her power to maintain a high standard of morals and propriety. Which is why it was so fascinating to see her evolve from this paragon of virtue into a woman making mistakes and letting her heart rule her actions instead of society. And it's not only Griffin that works as a catalyst for this change but Hero's involvement with the orphanage.

Griffin is my kind of hero! He's a devil with a wicked sense of humor and a way with women. He may cultivate the reputation of a rake but he also has brilliant business skills that have kept his family in the black. Deep down he loves his family, we see this in how he treats his mother and sisters. His relationship with his brother Thomas, Hero's fiancé, is more complicated. They had a falling out years ago and now act more like acquaintances than brothers. Griffin gave me this sense of a man who would rather let the world think the worst of him than fight to show the best of him. Hero steps in and begins to change that, giving him a reason to care what she and his family think of him. Love when that happens!

The romance of Hero and Griffin runs concurrent with planning for Hero's wedding which makes for some uncomfortable situations. Once again we see the two sides of Hero - prim and proper colliding with the sensual woman hiding inside. For Griffin, he continues to encourage his rakish reputation while tackling his less-than-legal business problems. It was interesting to see Griffin try to justify his illegal business in the face of Hero's criticism. She pleads with him to stop but he sees no way to earn the money his family needs without the illegal business. It was realistic for Griffin to continue rather than instantly give in to Hero's pleas. Had he given in quickly, it would have refuted the need for the illegal business, and wealth of funds it generated.

The two secondary story lines feature Griffin's brother Thomas and Silence Hollingbrook who now runs the orphanage. Thomas was an ass, plain and simple. He displays this pompous attitude all while trying to get his former mistress back while his wedding date draws closer. I didn't care for him and cheered when Griffin knocked him on his less than perfect ass. The other story is Silence's that began in Wicked Intentions and continues with her taking over the running of the orphanage. She also has Mary Darling, the child left on her doorstep, to take care of. Silence has essentially, if not legally, adopted Mary Darling and loves her as if she were her own. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Silence after everything she's been through with still more sorrow ahead of her. She already has me impatiently waiting for her story.

The romance is steamy hot, with the chance of discovery adding to the sexual tension and excitement. Both Griffin and Hero seemed to enjoy that extra little thrill. I know I found it entertaining! Hero's rigid sense of propriety may be bent but not broken. She continues to try to do the right thing, to protect Griffin from her brother Maximus, the very powerful duke who is determined to shut Griffin's business down. The story culminates in a vicious fight, Hero in danger and Griffin realizing what's really important. Once again Hoyt delivers a delicious romance with an irresistible hero, a intriguing heroine and a cast of captivating secondary characters.

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires (November 2011)

Review: Wicked Intentions

Wicked Intentions
Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical Romance/London 1737
Maiden Lane/Book 1
Grand Central Publishing/August 2010
Goodreads First Reads

From the back cover ~

A MAN CONTROLLED BY HIS DESIRE

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows the area like the back of her hand—she cares for its children at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk…

A WOMAN HAUNTED BY HER PAST

Caire makes a simple offer—in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as a cold bargain soon falls prey to a passion neither can control—and may well destroy them both.

Elizabeth Hoyt's first book in her new series was a joy to read. Let me tell you about Temperance and Caire and Hoyt's ability to create some of the most vivid and fascinating characters with an equally imaginative plot. And the secondary characters - I'm having a hard time picking whose book I want next. Which doesn't really matter since Ms. Hoyt has already picked the character and hey, it's one that was on my list. :)

And I must also tell you about King Lockedheart. And Meg, who proves to be smarter than a king. But first, Temperance and Lord Caire, a match not made in heaven but on a dark alley in St. Giles.

Temperance Dews has a kind heart and hates to turn away any child in need. But the children of her orphanage are not the only ones in need. Temperance and her brother, Wilder who teaches, are behind on their rent and are about to be thrown out, along with the over two dozen children living there. Then salvation comes in the for of Lord Caire with a proposition for Temperance. She's desperate and I think, intrigued. She's also aware of at least some of Caire reputation. So with those two things in mind, she take him up on his offer. Temperance is really kidding herself into thinking she only wants the opportunity to find a new benefactor for the home. I think she wants to spend time with Caire and take a walk on that wild side that she's secretly fascinated with.

Lazarus Huntington, or Caire as he is often referred to, is an aristocrat but isn't exactly welcomed into the finest homes in London. I'd said he's more tolerated at best, and feared at worst. He knows it and doesn't really give a damn. Right off I liked his attitude. That "to hell with what they think" when he doesn't really like the they in questions anyway. So why should he care? Caire also has this odd affliction? I'm not sure what to call it and I'm sure it didn't have a name in 1737 but the fact is, he doesn't like to be touched. This most likely stems from his childhood and that he was raised by his nurse, away from his parents. His isolation and a tragedy in his childhood left a profound affect on Caire.

Temperance and Caire together make such a delightful odd couple! They come across as being such opposites but in actuality have quite a bit of things in common. They both have a very high sense of responsibility. Temperance lives in near poverty when really, she could have remarried and left the orphanage but she refuses to give up. Caire doesn't have to find the killer, his life is still more or less the same whether he finds the killer or not. At least, that's how it seems. But Caire does care about others, he just doesn't believe he's capable of caring or loving anyone but we see how, over the course of the book that changes. Temperance isn't of the believe that she can't love but that she's not worthy of love. She has a terrible secret that makes her feel this and affects her relationship with the people who care about her. I liked seeing how both Temperance and Caire helped each other find their own weaknesses and over come them.

If you're familiar with Ms. Hoyt's writing then you'll know she not only gives the reader an emotional love story but she gifts us with a fairytale within the main story. It comes in the form of a few paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter. I'm come to look forward to those little stories, they're like the special topping on a bowl of homemade ice cream. Delicious! This time we learn about King Lockedheart and Meg, a maid in the king's court. Lockedheart thinks he knows everything but Meg proves to him he's not as wise as he thinks and she has something to teach him. It was a sweet fairytale and a treat to read.

There was a lot going on in Wicked Intentions. There is the orphanage's need for funds. Caire's search for a killer. A mysterious "ghost" figure who appears when help is needed. And Temperance's siblings, who have some important side stories that I'd like to read more about. I think the various plots and subplots helped to keep me entertained and not bogged down or bored with any one story line. Without giving anything away, I hope we haven't seen the last of one certain character with questionable motives. He intrigued me. ;)

I was thrilled when I found out that I had won Wicked Intentions from Goodreads First Reads program. This is a wonderful start to a new series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Notorious Pleasures, due out February 2011.

Rating: A