Elizabeth Hoyt - To Desire a Devil

Reynaud St. Aubyn has spent the last seven years in hellish captivity. Now half mad with fever he bursts into his ancestral home and demands his due. Can this wild-looking man truly be the last earl's heir, thought murdered by Indians years ago?
Beatrice Corning, the niece of the present earl, is a proper English miss. But she has a No real man has ever excited her more than the handsome youth in the portrait in her uncle's home. Suddenly, that very man is here, in the flesh-and luring her into his bed.
Only Beatrice can see past Reynaud's savagery to the noble man inside. For his part, Reynaud is drawn to this lovely lady, even as he is suspicious of her loyalty to her uncle. But can Beatrice's love tame a man who will stop at nothing to regain his title-even if it means sacrificing her innocence?

Comment: This is the final installment in the Legend of Four Soldiers by author Elizabeth Hoyt, and makes the end of another series finished.

In this story we finally learn what happened to Reynaud St Aubyn, a fellow soldier and friend of the previous three protagonists, who has been the subject of some speculation throughout those other books. In truth, Reynaud was enslaved by the Indian tribe where he has been for all this time and the evidence if his death, as seen by others, was meant to deceive his friends. Now, after finally being able to escape, he is back in England and wants to get his life back and that includes his house. 

The problem is that now someone else has his title and money but he plans on doing what he can to recover what he is owned, including using the help of his "cousin" Beatrice, who has been the host for Uncle Reginald, the current earl. In fact he and Beatrice aren't related by blood, for Beatrice's parents have died and they were related to Uncle Reginald's wife. But, perhaps this situation is for the better and Reynaud has a chance to use Beatrice as a way to prove Reginald doesn't have good intentions, although he would not count on liking Beatrice so much...

To be fair, there isn't much more to this story than the actual need to see the end of a main story line and the punishment of the person responsible for the soldiers being ambushed in the colonies, which resulted in their torture and enslavement and that still affects the all now. If not for this, I cannot say this was the most spectacular story written by the author, for she has written other books I liked a lot more. Still, it made for an entertaining story and that was enough for me.

Reynaud is back to England after a gruesome experience, one that certainly left him with what we now call PTSD and this colors his actions and reactions to everything, even simple things. In fact, such a traumatic experience - we learn the severity of it as the plot moves along - would probably affect him even more than what we see, but this being a romance novel, of course he "recovers" rather quickly and the romantic interest speeds things along. It's not as if we don't see a bit of a realistic reaction to what happened to him, he is often irascible and quick to react violently, but I bet in real life, the "path to recovery" would be as simple.

The story is focused on two main elements, Reynaud's recovery and adaptation to his old/new life and the search for the traitor, the person who caused them all to been tortured. There is an expected correlation between these events now, for Reynaud's return might mean he will say or remember something which the traitor could not avoid. The goal was not to make this a real mystery investigation, for we learn who the traitor is very easily - after three books with this debate... - and when we learn why he acted that way, the explanation is incredibly simple and proof of a lack of empathy.

Since this part of the story happens in a very predictable way, the focus is often on the romance. I've found this couple, Reynaud and Beatrice, to be rather meh. They had known each other before Reynaud went to war, and we are told Beatrice would see his portrait and dream about him... Alright... this is a way for their "connection" to have more bases than what it should, and for me it wasn't enough. I mean, it was fine to see them interact and the circumstances make for a quicker than usual relationship, but even bearing this in mind, I wasn't sold on their romance. It was the type of romance that had to have the usual features of an historical romance but in a way I've found unconvincing and a bit too anachronistic.

Of course that at some point, conveniently closer to the end, they realize they are it for one another and I feel happy for them, but I didn't feel their match as something destined, if the characters had been others, the result would have been the same. It was clearly a lot more interesting to see them interact with others, to see new dynamics or the re-establishing of old ones, namely Reynaud's friendship with Jasper (hero book #2), at least it was so for me.

With their romantic relationship now an everlasting one, the traitor caught and old life habits back to their place, there isn't much more to say about these characters and where their lives might lead them to. I'm the type of reader who likes to imagine the character's lives even after the stories are finished, especially if it's a book or world I really felt part of myself, but in this case, while I feel glad things ended up good, that was pretty much it.

Grade: 7/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - To Beguile a Beast

CAN A WOUNDED BEAST . . . Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken. 

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST . . . Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle . . . and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away. 

TO TAME HIS MOST SECRET DESIRES? Beneath Helen's beautiful facade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find-a happy ever after.

Comment: This is the third installment in the Legend of Four Soldiers series by author Elizabeth Hoyt. I have nor read this series as quickly as I wished, but this book now and the next one in October will mean one more series finished.

Sir Alistair Munroe was severely wounded in the colonies and returning home was not as easy as he imagined for his damaged face and missing eye put others away. He has secluded himself in his castle writing the naturalist books he adores, but he believes love isn't for him.

Helen Fitzwilliam and her children arrive at Alistair's castle hoping to have a fresh start, away from the duke of Lister, who had Helen as mistress for years. She now wants something more for her life but knows the duke won't let her go that easily, and being so far away in Scotland would help, but she wasn't counting on Sir Alistair's refusal...still, she preservers and her children seem to adapt but what will happen if the duke finds them? And how can she resist the alluring Alistair?

Following the other stories, featuring men who were in the colonies when an ambush caused their group to be caught and tortured, here is the story of Alistair, who was not an official, but traveled with the British troops to investigate native plants and fauna of the colonies, and that means he was imprisoned as well.

His story seems to be a traditional "beauty and the best theme", which I tend to enjoy, and apart from some pace issues, I was glad enough with this story, for it's pure entertainment.

Although the author makes several references to the fact this story is set in the 18th century, the truth is that many situations are not really realistic, these stories include facts to give it strength, but the fictional parts are certainly inventive. I don't mind this tactic of writing historical romances and it makes for a very entertaining experience, especially when characters don't really behave as properly as they are supposed to, but let it be said this might seem as too obvious for some readers who prefer more suitable content.

I liked the main couple, Helen and Alistair might be easily fit into a stereotype of story but as individuals, their back stories and their personalities made for an interesting pairing. It's not a surprise that their relationship is not as proper as it should but it was fun to see them slowly opening up to one another and to see they could be happy together and be each others' strength. I like these stories when the characters realize they are, indeed, better people with the other person instead of alone for it makes the romance sweeter.

I especially liked Alistair, although it's not such a novelty to read about a male character wounded in the war and now thinking he isn't worthy of this or that. I actually appreciate the author didn't turn him into someone too angry that he wouldn't respect others or would accept the presence of others or that he would be on a destructive path. i liked he went inwards, that he is a recluse who studies, who still does things he likes even if he, understandably, believes others would not want his company.

Helen was probably more complex, but the way she is portrayed might not be as well done as I think the author intended. She became a mistress of a man who seduced her, but when she finally explains her story to Alistair I thought she would not come as careless as it was; things were made to seem as if she let herself be seduced even though she was naive to think the duke was honest. I'd believe this more easily of Helen were a more narcissistic character or if she had been so before, so I don't really believe her choices were that unavoidable.

Nevertheless, their roads led them to each other and, all things aside, I did like seeing them as a couple. Helen's children are also cute kids, and the situations in which they participate, almost as an instant family really made for a sweet story. Of course, it's not news that conflict would happen and this allowed us to see the characters in a different, more predictable way, but the problems are solved quickly and they get their HEA. These books aren't meant to be challenging in terms of plot, after all, but it's nice to read about people who have their deserved happiness happening.

For pleasure reading alone, this was an anticipated story which offered no big surprises, but it was still fun and entertaining, as I've said. I also like the author's style in general which certainly helps.

Grade: 8/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - To Seduce a Sinner

THE ONE THING HE CANNOT REVEAL
For years, Melisande Fleming has loved Lord Vale from afar . . . watching him seduce a succession of lovers, and once catching a glimpse of heartbreaking depths beneath his roguish veneer. When he's jilted on his wedding day, she boldly offers to be his.
TO THE ONE WOMAN HE MOST DESIRES
Vale gladly weds Melisande, if only to produce an heir. But he's pleasantly surprised: A shy and proper Lady by day, she's a wanton at night, giving him her body-though not her heart.
IS HIS DEEPEST NEED . . .
Determined to learn her secrets, this sinner starts to woo his seductive new wife-while hiding the nightmares from his soldiering days in the Colonies that still haunt him. Yet when a deadly betrayal from the past threatens to tear them apart, Lord Vale must bare his soul to the woman he married . . . or risk losing her forever.

Comment: This is the second installment in the Legend of the Four Soldiers series by author Elizabeth Hoyt. I've read the first book last year and I must say I only barely remembered the main characters, practically no idea anymore of the plot. Thankfully, there are enough references to those things in this book and that helped to get an idea about what this is all about.

This story begins with Melisande (friend of Emaline, heroine of book #1) asking Jasper, viscount Vale, in marriage, right after his engagement with another young woman is over. The lady wanted to marry someone else and Melisande saw her opportunity for she has been in love with Jasper for some time.

Jasper has to marry but his main focus has been in searching for a traitor who betrayed his military team at war in the colonies. He doesn't want to give up, hoping it can ease his guilt at having watched his friends being tortured, but it's not as easy as he imagined. Marrying Melisande proves a good distraction, though, he looks for to peel off his new wife's layers... after all, she isn't the simple mousy lady he believed her to be... 

These two have reserved personalities, despite the polite persona they show others, but will they be able to trust each other to be truly happy?

As a whole, this was as interesting and easy to read as all the other books by the author I've read so far. However, by the same comparison, it was also a little less appealing to me, because I found the main couple's dynamics to be not very intriguing and the heroine's personality a bit inconsistent.

The plot is simple, these two marry and must deal with that decision, while Melisande tries to have the life she hoped for, and Jasper is entertained with his investigations. Part of the reason why this works for so long is that the PTSD he suffers is not instantly cured by marriage and his personality was intriguing: he is a happy man on the outside, carefree and apparently not very responsible, but hides a heart of gold and a ambition to solve the mystery of who betrayed him and his friends, and why.

In fact, this aspect of the story was quite interesting, even though it seems the author wants to prolong this as far as to book #4, and there is so much delay one can endure without things looking too farcical in the end. I surely hope this doesn't end being one of those issues that could have been easily solved in one book alone... Nevertheless, what we learn is intriguing but confusing when what seemed to be one things, turns out to be related to another, and without much obvious resolution.

The romance between Jasper and Melisande is a little unlikely, considering the premise. She proposes to him, which already hard to believe, but I could go with it because of how that scene played out. My problem is with Melisande's motivation... we are told she is in love with him right on chapter 1 because she saw a considerate action of his towards someone going through a bad moment. This, along with some physical attraction, was pretty much reason enough to tell her he would be a good husband and since she was in love with him and so quickly available, she took her chance.

As a plot device, how fortuitous, but I've struggled to imagine this would be good enough. Now, I know and many readers have certainly read plenty of books with the marriage of convenience trope too, which this one sort of resembles, that this is something that can work. However, often the need to discover and fall in love with one's spouse is something to happen slowly and with wariness sometimes from both sides, even if there's practicality involved as well. I just felt that Melisande's actions made no sense.

I have this impression for a simple reason: why would a woman who doesn't have the financial nor the social need to marry act this impulsively, if she is so practical and sensible regarding all aspects of her life? I also found it hard to understand how she would feel so carefree with her physical reactions to him, especially once we learn she had been in love and engaged with someone else. I suppose this is my personal preference at hand - I like it better when a marriage of convenience is a slow discover for both at the same time, so Melisande's attitude, while surprising, felt unnecessary... why couldn't they have interacted more before deciding to marry? Socially, this could have happened.

Besides, she keeps claiming she could not tell him about her feelings as a way to protect her emotional state but this felt very childish of her and a silly plot choice.

I think the author simply wanted them close so they would be forced to help one another emotionally and being married certainly adds to this urgency, but why marrying this way, then... I think the unlikeliness of this option is harder for me to like, than if they had to be linked over the connection of their mutual friends, now married and living abroad, Samuel and Emeline.

Anyway, preferences aside, this was still engaging to read and I was looking for to see what would be shared regarding the mysterious traitor. I was also interested in seeing Jasper's reactions when Melisande would share her intimate thoughts on why marrying him, but this was less compelling.

Now, I'm way more curious about the next novel in the series, an obvious take on beauty and the beast, and with more (apparently) stimulating possible plot points to explore...

Grade: 6/10

TBR Challenge: Elizabeth Hoyt - To Taste Temptation

Lady Emeline Gordon is the model of sophistication in London's elite social circles, always fashionable and flawlessly appropriate. As such, she is the perfect chaperone for Rebecca, the young sister of a successful Boston businessman and former Colonial soldier.
Samuel Hartley may be wealthy, but his manners are as uncivilized as the American wilderness he was raised in. Who wears moccasins to a grand ball? His arrogant disregard for propriety infuriates Emeline, even as his boldness excites her.
But beneath Samuel's rakish manner, he is haunted by tragedy. He has come to London to settle a score, not to fall in love. And as desperately as Emeline longs to feel this shameless man's hands upon her, to taste those same lips he uses to tease her, she must restrain herself. She is not free. But some things are beyond a lady's control . . .

Comment: Another month has gone and it's time for the TBR challenge post. The theme this month is "after the war" and I did go the easiest way by looking through the titles on my shelves and picking a story set after a war, since the protagonist had been in one. 

In this first book in a series by Elizabeth Hoyt, she takes us through the stories of four men who fought in the war between England and France in the colonies (part of the seven years's war, I suppose?). This is the story of Samuel Hartley, whose war efforts gained him some fame, because he ran and people talked he did it for cowardice. Nevertheless, he is now a wealthy man and wants to offer his sister Rebecca the possibility of a season, thus traveling to England in business and taking her with him, so she can have this chance. He meets and chooses lady Emeline Gordon, a respectful widow, to chaperone Rebecca so she can be welcomed in balls and such, not knowing Emeline would turn out to be someone he couldn't resist. 

Emeline, on the other hand, doesn't want anything to do with a man from the colonies but the more time she has to know him, the more intrigued she gets. Could it be that this is the man that makes her want to feel happiness again?

I have liked another series by this author, and while not all books were as superb, I still had a great time going through them all. I expect the same style and tone to exist here, even though the setting is slightly different.

The plot is quite simple for Samuel knows someone betrayed his comrades and himself at a certain battle. Many men died, some were captured and all who survived now must deal with the aftermath, whether it affects them physically or mentally or both. Samuel deals by running, as he did when he ran for help after some men were captured but he still has nightmares and regrets on many things. He moves next door to Emeline's house so it can be easier to move around London society, because he believes it is a fellow comrade, who happens to be a peer, the guilty one.

As he looks for clues, with the disguise of sponsoring his sister - although he does want her to have a good time and experience, perhaps find a good man - he can't help but get to know Emeline better. She seems prickly and bent on following society rules, but their interactions aren't always polite and he does enjoy bickering with her. I could see how this would make it believable they would start feeling attraction, they are opposites in many things but something about the other called them and I was looking for to see their romance develop.

Emeline does act a little standoffish at first but I could accept how she felt she had to play a role, both for society's rules and also for her own sanity in protecting her feelings. She had a good marriage, we learn, but they weren't married for long before her husband died. She also has her son to worry about and a spinster aunt who lives with her. I kind of liked Emeline's personality and her attitudes, although I understand why some readers found her too static.

As their relationship grows, Emeline and Samuel start sharing more about themselves, sometimes without noticing how much they do share, and I liked the fact some things were more due to insight than actual words, making them seem to be connected much strongly than the obvious. I particularly liked how Samuel ends up feeling good enough to share what happened to him or how he lived through war and how it affected him, for it showed how much he already trusted her.

At some point, Samuel does learn new clues about the possible traitor and when some dots are connected, I found some information to be really well done. Nothing new in terms of plot twists but interestingly done for this plot. Other situations related to this open up possibilities to the next installments and I do admit I'm looking for to read those stories too.

The end feels a bit rushed. I think the method used to bring Emeline to the point where she can't escape her feelings for Samuel anymore was a little too dramatic and not up to the vibe of the rest of the book. I think the author could have done this better, even though we had already realized they were in love. The decisions taken after their declarations weren't surprising and I feel I can believe theirs would be a relationship that could last, even if with bumps on the way.

All in all, this was a good enough read, it is up to those others by her, so for fans, this is a good novel, I think. For new readers, I also think it's a good way to have an idea of the author's style.

Grade: 8/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Once Upon a Christmas Eve

Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, really rather loathes Christmas. The banal cheerfulness. The asinine party games. And, worst of all, the obligatory trip to the countryside. His grandmother, however, loves the holiday - and Adam loves his grandmother, so he'll brave the fiercest snowstorm to please her. But when their carriage wheel snaps, they're forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he's ever met....
Sarah St. John really rather loathes rakes. The self-satisfied smirks. The sly predatory gazes. Oh, and the constant witty banter rife with double meaning. But in the spirit of the season, she'll welcome this admittedly handsome viscount into her home. But as the snowstorm rages, the Yule log crackles, and the tension rises, Sarah and Adam find themselves locked in a fiery, passionate kiss. If love is the true meaning of Christmas, it's the one gift this mismatched pair can't wait to unwrap.

Comment: This is the last installment of the successful Maiden Lane series by author Elizabeth Hoyt. After ten full length books and a few novellas or free stories in between, the author completed and ended the series with two novellas, this one the very last.

In the last story of the series we finally have a romance for Adam, viscount d'Arque, a recurrent character who played a minor part in one or two novels. His heroine is Sarah St John, sister of the hero from book #5. They have met before but Sarah considers the viscount to be a rake and she cannot stand them or how they act among respectable young ladies.

They are forced to be civil to each other when his carriage has a problem and he sees himself stranded in a somewhat rural era practically on Christmas day and with his fragile grandmother next to him. The closest house belongs to Sarah's brother, where the family is going to spend Christmas and of course the viscount, his grandmother and their servants are helped and invited to stay until the weather improves or the carriage is fixed. 

The viscount's grandmother is a little sick so they need to stay for even longer than what they had anticipated but the biggest problem is that the viscount never forgot Sarah had having her so near is not easy...

As it happened with the previous novella, I also found this one to be too short for the goal to be met. The author relies on the fact the characters are known to us from previous scenes but that alone isn't enough to sustain a well structured plot with emotional development. I mean, it can be done, I've read (very, very few) novellas where it does feel there's a beginning, middle and end but it's difficult to accomplish. I think that was quite a problem here.

Sarah and Adam are certainly a great couple and I do feel glad they managed to find happiness together not because they suit that much (I was not convinced of that) but because it's indeed nice to finish things with a HEA and a good enough closure sign; here we had two characters who were never key in any story but played an interesting secondary part so they feel like part of the group and it's good they can be together to unite the group even more. At least in the readers' imagination.

If they suit that much I couldn't really tell. She says she doesn't like rakes, he says he doesn't like prudish women but they feel attracted to one another. The author has tried to make them realize this but I don't think the romance was well succeeded, mostly because we haven't had the time to see it develop at a realistic pace. Just because they knew each other shouldn't have to mean their connection was so nevertheless.

Sarah has had a bad experience with a rake and that has colored her views on the subject. She also gets the advice from someone she trusts that she should open herself to happiness otherwise she would end up a bitter woman.

Adam has a reputation and he has always ignored it but now he feels there isn't anyone who could trust him, Sarah especially, to be a good husband. Their personal plights and how this could unite them even further was wasted, in my opinion, in the attempt to have them share intimacy but in this case the sex scene was dispensable and didn't add much to what was already a weakly developed story.

Pity the series ends like this. Both this and the previous novella had so much going on in terms of plot and how it could be developed. I can understand the page limit but especially with known characters perhaps there was something else the author could have done. To be honest, I think she should have just written a full length book for both instead.

This not being the case, it is what it is but it could have been better. What a joy, if I think back on the whole series, it was to rad about these characters and I'll certainly re-read my favorite scenes of them all.

Grade: 6/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Once Upon a Maiden Lane

Miss Mary Whitsun is far too intelligent to fall for the rakish charms of a handsome aristocrat. But when the gentleman in question approaches her in a bookshop, mistaking her for his fiancée, Lady Johanna Albright, the flirtatious encounter only raises more questions. Could Mary, a servant raised in a St Giles orphanage, actually be Lady Joanna's long-lost twin sister? If so, Mary has been betrothed since birth—to the rakishly handsome artistocrat himself.
Henry Collins, Viscount Blackwell, is far too intrigued by Mary to let her go so easily. He's drawn to her sharp mind, indomitable spirit, and the fiery way in which she dismisses him—ladies simply don't dismiss Lord Blackwell. But as Mary makes her first hesitant steps into society, she can't help but wonder if she truly has a place in Henry's world—or in his heart.

Comment: The Maiden Lane series by author Elizabeth Hoyt is probably one of the historical romance series with more success among readers and it has extended to 12 books. The author also kindly wrote two extra novellas, to tidy up some character's fates and to allow the faithful reader some time to say goodbye. This novella is one of them and it is centered on Mary Whitsun, one of the girls raised at the orphanage that was the uniting element in several of the stories.

In this novella, we follow Mary Whitsun, who we know works for Lady Caire, heroine from book #1, and how she feels content with her lot in life. She is a servant but she is well treated, respected and is taken into consideration by her employers, a fact not many other young servants could count on.

When the story begins, she is at a book shop trying to decided if she is indeed buying a book and if so, which one it could be, since she needs to save in order to buy one and she wants to be careful with her choice. Suddenly, a man approaches and starts talking to her, something Mary doesn't want to allow because she knows how and why men talk to women like her, meaning servants, but what he says makes her think he is a lunatic. That she could be a lady or a lady's lost twin sister is quite a fantasy to make conversation. She escapes but doesn't know he has her followed and that is only the beginning...

The reality is that the idea for this story is slightly silly even though not totally impossible, especially in historical scenarios without the extra help of DNA analysis.

Mary Whitsun embodying someone lost at birth (sort of) and growing up as a servant while the rest of her family is well off could be the start of an interesting full length plot and I do think this idea had the possibilities to work because the author has two twists or huge plot moves (depending on how one sees it) in all this and I feel the end of the book wasn't as well structured as the idea merited.

The situation created by having Henry, viscount Blackwell finding Mary does seem a little too contrived. However, I wouldn't have minded if it weren't for the detail he is actually Mary's intended. Well, the intended of the lady Mary is supposed to be. I can understand why this ruse is used to explain Henry's presence in the picture and the reasons why are developed through the story but they still feel too weird. Of course this also means the romance is too quick and too superficial in my point of view. Especially since Mary had that opinion of male aristocrats regarding servants.

As for Mary's situation... well, this is obviously the center of the plot and the driving force behind the conflict. Can Mary cope with her new status? Can she let go of a life being a servant to now being a lady? What a pity this novel is so short because this had great possibilities to be developed and at the end I just felt Mary's acceptance of things was too quick. The way she slowly develops relationships with the rest of her "family" and those they interact with could have been a great way to make the comparison between both lifestyles. This is something rarely seen in serious romances or if it is, it's not always focused on the details I'd like to see, for instance Mary's lengthy consideration of her new role, of the things she doesn't know to do, the confidence she can't have, the likely backing into what she knows, perhaps a heavier bout of shyness...because Mary isn't a gold digger, I mean. She is sensitive and all a romantic lead is supposed to be like.

It was still good to see how she related well to her former employer and other female characters who have been protagonists in other books but I think the author did exploit the romance too much for sensual reasons and I think that shouldn't have mattered so much as creating the perfect environment for their relationship to be a gradual but believable one.

Of course this was I thought almost to the end of the story when a huge plot twist happens. And I was like, what? I didn't see it coming.

This made it possible for a fascinating emotional situation to arise, for some inner conflict to be developed but since there was a page limit, what a disappointment I was left with because the whole thing was practically brushed aside! 

Then, the end comes and, again!, another unusual situation happens, totally unlike what I predicted and I'm still not certain if I should feel amazed the author chose to end things like that or even more upset because I do like the fairy tale illusion in romances.

Whatever is it I can just say this story did make me think but what a terrible waste the author only got to novella size!! So much (unused) potential...

Grade: 7/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Duke of Desire

Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked-and nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him . . . only to find she may have been a trifle hasty.
Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe.
Much to Raphael's irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involves herself in his life-and bed. Soon he's drawn both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael's past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael's own demons?

Comment: This is the 12th installment of the Maiden Lane series by author Elizabeth Hoyt and it's also the last full length story. There will be two novellas to complete the series and part of me is sad to see it end, even if in the fans' hands it's always possible to revisit and re-read them.

This last full length story was quite interesting in terms of content but I have to say I'm glad there are two more novellas which I hope showcase how the beloved characters of series are doing for this one barely connected to them at all.

In this story we are able to know what happened after the end of the last book, when Raphael de Chartres, the duke of Dyemore saw the guests of the duke of Kyle's wedding leave the location and how he assumed Iris Jordan, the woman he got fascinated with at a ball, seemed to be the bride.

When this book starts, we find Iris at the hands of the lords of Chaos, having been kidnapped because of her association with the duke of Kyle, who has been a thorn of the lords' plans.

However, Iris is not the new duchess and Raphael, infiltrated among the lords, hoping to discover who is their new leader, can't help but save Iris and he concocts a plan that only by marrying her, can she be protected. What follows is a slow sharing of their hopes and secrets and love does seem to come forward....at least until Raphael tells Iris about his reasons to be distant and a terrible price is asked for these two to finally find peace...

Throughout the novels, there has always been some sort of issue, of secret or unlikely situation that often made it impossible for the protagonists to be together without overcoming that in order to find happiness. Most of the time, the direst of problems could be solved by love, by friendship and bravery in putting conventions aside or even managing the problems behind the scenes.

Of course the outcome was a HEA, believable or not, following the cultural/social demands of time or not but the thing is, for readers this is a romance so several fails would be overlooked for that goal.

Regarding this 12th story and considering what I just wrote, I have to say this was a book way out of sync in relation to the others because I felt the issues on the path for the HEA were too heavy and serious to have been solved by a simple HEA. I was not convinced and part of me feels the dark tone of this story was too much for the expectations created. What I mean to say is that I don't mind the fact this was a darker story but after the way all the other stories have been done, I was not expecting this one to amp up the drama so much to the point I couldn't believe love alone could have been the answer for the couple's serious issues, namely the hero's.

Don't think otherwise: I still liked this story and its overall development. However, the hero is clearly still dealing with a serious trauma and I couldn't easily believe he could choose love that easily as the epilogue claims. I can understand why, this is a romance after all, but it didn't seem to suit the usual tone of the series, which isn't a comedy but not too dark at the same time.

Besides, there are some situations during the story, of ambushes and chases and even enemies managing to have the upper hand here and there before the final revelations (I would say the big villain isn't that surprising) that caused some problems and I think some were avoidable, even for plot purposes.

As for this being part of the Maiden Lane series, the only character we see being an active part of this book that has any sort of connection to everything that happened before is the duke of Kyle, hero of the previous book. No one else. I felt this story was a little "abandoned" or not included enough in the big scheme of things. I suppose it can also be a contributing factor for this to not feel as easy to go through, as if the support system of the beloved characters is missing.

However, the biggest issue for me is definitely the hero's vulnerabilities and trauma. I mean... I do feel for him and in a contemporary story I don't think he would ever be ready to be in a relationship or to accept certain situations so easily. The end is a happy one, don't be worried, but to me it wasn't believable. Therefore, how can the romance be? Yes, the couple suits but the hero's psyche is too uncontrollable, in my POV, for it to be a good one.

This said, I do hope the last two novellas can be more alike the other books and that the series does end on a (believable) happy note.

Grade: 7/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Duke of Pleasure

Bold. Brave. Brutally handsome. Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is the king's secret weapon. Sent to defeat the notorious Lords of Chaos, he is ambushed in a London alley—and rescued by an unlikely ally: a masked stranger with the unmistakable curves of a woman.
Cocky. Clever. Courageously independent. Alf has survived on the perilous streets of St. Giles by disguising her sex. By day she is a boy, dealing in information and secrets. By night she's the notorious Ghost of St. Giles, a masked vigilante. But as she saves Hugh from assassins, she finds herself succumbing to temptation.
When Hugh hires Alf to investigate the Lords of Chaos, her worlds collide. Once Hugh realizes that the boy and the Ghost are the same, will Alf find the courage to become the woman she needs to be—before the Lords of Chaos destroy them both?

Comment: This is the 11th installment in the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt. I've been enjoying reading the books in this series and it makes me a little sad to think it's almost over.

This is the story of Alf, the recurrent boy spy we've come to see in several books helping this or that character solving some spying business or something. Alf, however, we also have learned, is actually a young woman and she has taken into herself the task of helping those in need, taking over the role of ghost of st Giles. One night she ends up helping Hugh, the duke of Kyle, a man who wants to finally end with the lord of chaos, a group of important men who caused many problems and destroyed the lives of innocents.

In the aftermath of this episode, the duke asks Alf to help him investigate and discover who the lords of chaos might be and the proximity between them makes it clear that despite having grown up in very different ways, they do have some traits in common... but would Alf want to let go of her independence to be with a man so out of her class?

This story pretty much followed the pattern of the other ones, a couple with some things in common but not at all levels somehow find a common ground. 

A common element in most of the pairings is that people from different social classes would become a couple. I liked the romance of this idea even if, realistically speaking, that wouldn't have been very accurate for the time (18th century) or, at least, not always regarding the peers and common people.

In this book things go a little far because Alf doesn't have any family, whether them being poor or not. The duke is, just looking at his title, from a different background and although his origins aren't as strict as others in some regards, he is the son of the king. I mean... I loved the fact two very different people got together and, to be honest, the difference of classes was never a huge deal in the stories but at the same time, it was a little difficult to imagine.

Or, perhaps, the story didn't focus on the right elements for this one to be so heavy on my mind throughout the novel.

I liked Alf and Hugh together, I liked how they shared a need to protect others, to seek justice, to use their strengths and intelligence to reach the goals they needed. I liked how they were different physically but that didn't stop both of them from pursuing the villains and facing them.

I liked Alf was a sweet girl along being a fierce and independent one. I liked Hugh seemed to be a bit of a brute but he was also caring and attentive to his young sons.

I liked these two people were not used to have someone truly caring for them, even romantically, but they managed to find a worthy partner and one they could trust and share things with.

However, I kind of would like to see more of Alf's position as a woman in Hugh's life, as a female in his social circle. I don't think their attraction and emotional suitability was that stressed out as it could and sexual intimacy isn't the only (nor best) way to showcase how close to one another they can be.

I guess I wished there would have been more romance, more evidence by others that Alf and Hugh are a good match. The reader knows it but it wasn't very obvious all the time.

The plot isn't complicated and I'm actually happy the biggest situation to solve seems to have been dealt with while at the same time our protagonists got to evolve as a couple and as individuals.

As expected, some clues point out about whose couple might come next.

I missed some more emotional impact from certain issues but overall, this was just as good as one might imagine. I wanted to feel even stronger feelings by everyone around so I can't say this was one of the best of the series for me. Good but there are also some wasted opportunities (in my POV).

Grade: 7/10

TBR Challenge: Elizabeth Hoyt - Once Upon a Moonlit Night

Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach's occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to escort her to safety, he's in for much more than he bargained for.
At first Matthew Mortimer doesn't believe Hippolyta's story, that she's a fabulously wealthy heiress who's been kidnapped. He assumes she's a beggar, an actress, or worse. But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking kiss, there is no turning back.

Comment: Another year with the TBR challenge begins! It wouldn't feel right if I didn't participate in this challenge so once again here I am and hoping the books I choose can be good ones.

For January, as usual, the theme is short stories, whether in format or page count. I picked a novella by author Elizabeth Hoyt, an installment of the famous Maiden Lane series which I have been going through. Since this was next on the list, I waited on purpose to use it for this month's theme.

In this short novella, we finally have the story of Hyppolita Royle, a young heiress whose father made his fortune in India, where they lived for many years. Having recently returned to England, Hyppolita found some difficulty in being accepted by her circumstances and upbringing, if not for the dowry her father will certainly give her upon marriage. However, being sought due to her money isn't enough for romantic Hyppolita.

She also has to bear the bother caused by the duke of Montgomery, someone who showed interest in marrying her but whom she can't stand. Being blackmailed wasn't part of her life plans but that was precisely what led her to be chased by dogs one night and then rescued by a rude man in a coach. Thankfully, her fate seems to finally come around on a positive side...

Structurally speaking, of course this short story has all the necessary elements for it to be read and understood by a new reader or someone who only likes short stories.

However, to be truthfully about the plot and the enjoyment of this short story, I must say this story doesn't really make sense unless the previous books in the series have been read as well. And it's not only because of said enjoyment, although that is always a plus of course. But the reality is that some situations in this book, which will look to be superficially treated by some, only mean more with previous knowledge backing it up.

This said, one can obviously assume this short story or novella suffers a bit from what all the other countless similar short stories have in the past: not enough pages for such a complex plot. Adding the enjoyment factor, the sex scenes factor and the romance factor, then everything does seem a little rushed. However, for me, I was able to put aside some of those technical issues and just be entertained by reading about Hyppolita, a character that has always seemed reserved but friendly and I was looking for to see her find happiness.

The protagonists meet in a coach while the hero, Matthew, is traveling to his recently gained estate and title. He is now the earl of Paxton and he has returned from India too (convenient, I thought) where he was a scientist and researcher to fulfill what is expected of him. He isn't happy to help Hyppolita, thinks she is a prostitute but we can see his good character when he helps her anyway despite his thoughts. I think the way they "bonded" does seem very quick and the coincidences between their pasts and common preferences too much but I suppose in a short story, elements like these make things seem a little more acceptable and a final HEA more believable.

I liked them as a couple, actually. Yes, things happen very quickly between then, and there's a huge amount of possibilities in both of them which means a full length plot wouldn't be a wasted one to have. I understand Hyppolita never was a central character but she had good points to eventually become one and I hope she can still be seen in the stories to come.

The relationship between her and Matthew is quick but we are aware of the common traits which makes us believe they will be a good match even if we only see it superficially.

In terms of them being actively part of the overall plot, that isn't obvious at any point, except when other known characters intervene once or twice.

All things considered, this isn't the best story in the series, it was not the most fascinating for me but from the POV of someone who has liked the series as a whole and has liked knowing about all the characters, this short story was, indeed, a good addition to it. I'm just glad two more characters have found their HEA in this "universe".

Grade: 8/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Duke 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.
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.
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 . . .

Comment: This is the 10th installment in the Maiden Lane series by author Elizabeth Hoyt and when it was released it was quite hyped for fans because it features the series' anti-hero or villain (as considered by some).

In this story we finally follow Valentine Napier, the duke of Montgomery, as he finds his way into a loving relationship after all the blackmail and kidnapping and considerable anxiety he caused in other characters.

Bridget Crumb is a brilliant young housekeeper, much sought after because of her skills in governing a house and making the other servants behave properly. She has been working int he duke's house for some time and the main reason is that she is looking for the blackmail proof her employer has on some people she knows. Of course, Bridget herself hides some secrets she wouldn't want the duke to know about but he is her employer and despite her attempts, she can't help but defend him when some bad things happen.

But with so many people wronged by the duke - and despite the path in life that lead them into who they are know - can they help one another to finally be accepted by those surrounding them?

In general, I liked this story. I expected some ambiguity regarding the duke of Montgomery's past actions and how they were seen by others now but I think the author has managed a good balance between two important factors:

1) the reasons why the duke became the tough person he is and why he is so sly in his behavior and

2) how to "redeem" him in the eyes of the reader if not as much in the way the other characters deal with him.

Of course the reader will be aware of why the duke behaves like this, why he shaped his persona into someone most people wouldn't care about and even those characters part of his life who do, somehow don't see him as just misunderstood. In fact, this was probably the element I liked the best about the duke's character, the fact he never really changes and for the majority of the characters that deal with him or interact with him, he is still a person to be away from, except in a scene here and there.

The duke's past is not a good one. If this excuses his behavior now I can't say, but it does make it possible to understand him a little better.

As one could imagine, love does impact him a bit and I did feel a little sorry for him when some people he cares about showed they were disappointed in him. He does gain their favor by honest emotions and that is obviously positive for the reader to also accept him at least.

The romance isn't as spectacular as I imagined (not only for who they both are individually nor for the role they occupy in society) but I'm glad they were able to communicate and accept each other, faults and all.

Bridget is a very realistic heroine, very aware of what she is doing and the fact she thinks she wouldn't find love with the duke is what makes her more interesting for me. I'd have liked the class difference to have been addressed in a more obvious way but the focus was definitely what surrounded the duke's past and his current life.

All in all, this was a likeable story with a approachable way of looking at the character's choices and options and decisions later on. It could have been even more romantic but I'm glad enough they were able to fall in love and try their best.

Grade: 7/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Sweetest Scoundrel

Prim, proper, and thrifty, Eve Dinwoody is all business when it comes to protecting her brother's investment. But when she agrees to control the purse strings of London's premier pleasure garden, Harte's Folly, she finds herself butting heads with an infuriating scoundrel who can't be controlled.
Bawdy and bold, Asa Makepeace doesn't have time for a penny-pinching prude like Eve. As the garden's larger-than-life owner, he's already dealing with self-centered sopranos and temperamental tenors. He's not about to let an aristocratic woman boss him around . . . no matter how enticing she is.
In spite of her lack of theatrical experience—and her fiery clashes with Asa—Eve is determined to turn Harte's Folly into a smashing success. But the harder she tries to manage the stubborn rake, the harder it is to ignore his seductive charm and raw magnetism. There's no denying the smoldering fire between them—and trying to put it out would be the greatest folly of all.

Comment: This is the 9th installment in the amazing Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt and I must say the only reason why I don't devour them al in a row is so that I can have some left for longer and I can savor them for a longer period of time.

In this installment we have the story of Asa Makepeace, one of the brothers of the heroine from book #1 and other protagonists through the series. The heroine is Eve Dinwoody, a woman introduced very recently in the series but that readers recognize as the half-sister of one of the antagonists.

These two people couldn't be more different in temperament, in the way they see life and how to behave but they discover common ground and start to fall in love. But can they let go of fears from their pasts and give in to this new person who seems to become more and more important?

I probably repeat myself a lot when it comes to the things I say about this series and the aspects I like in these novels. But in reality, the stories are incredible and my favorite detail is as present here as I hoped for. I'm talking about the family bonds being obvious and the way characters interact between them, it's so amazing to see them part of each other's lives, as is realistic in people who would be close to one another.

The romance wasn't as romantic as I would immediately expect, since Eve had some issues to deal with and Asa isn't the most conventional of people. However, their bond felt real and of course we got to see that somehow developing because there are steps in between their interactions which lead us to believe things are changing between them in a slow pace.

It was also interesting to see how some complicated subjects were addressed in this story.

Part of this perception comes from the author's talent to let us appreciate each detail as it unfolds. I still think that Asa and Eve reach a certain intimate agreement in a slightly unrealistic manner but the romance needs to be a little fantast like, isn't that what we would want in a way, too?

The plot revolves around the improvement of Harte's Folly, a theater and pleasure garden in London. We don't have that much detail about this and I can see the goal wouldn't be so, but it would still be nice to have more scenes where the construction of this would matter and not have only scenes about it to justify some plot advance or such.

This isn't a perfect story but I admit it was easy to read, it was addictive to want to know what would happen next and of course, the HEA is sweet.

I won't go more into it, since this is a pure romance and that is certainly the focus.

We also had some clues about the next main couple and, as always, I have to say I'm curious about that story!

Grade: 8/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Dearest Rogue

Lady Phoebe Batten is pretty, vivacious, and yearning for a social life befitting the sister of a powerful duke. But because she is almost completely blind, her overprotective brother insists that she have an armed bodyguard by her side at all times-the very irritating Captain Trevillion.
Captain James Trevillion is proud, brooding, and cursed with a leg injury from his service in the King's dragoons. Yet he can still shoot and ride like the devil, so watching over the distracting Lady Phoebe should be no problem at all-until she's targeted by kidnappers.
Caught in a deadly web of deceit, James must risk life and limb to save his charge from the lowest of cads-one who would force Lady Phoebe into a loveless marriage. But while they're confined to close quarters for her safekeeping, Phoebe begins to see the tender man beneath the soldier's hard exterior . . . and the possibility of a life-and love-she never imagined possible.

Comment: This is the 8th installment in the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt and, as usual, when it comes to the books in this series, I was quite eager to go back to the world of Maiden Lane and the characters in it.

In this book we have the story of Lady Phoebe Batten, the younger sister of the heroine from book #2 and the hero from book #6.

Lady Phoebe has lived a very secluded life because, unfortunately, she is blind, an affliction that wasn't as bad a few years ago but that now is complete. In order to help her, her older brother, the duke, has found her a sort of guardian in the person of captain James Trevillian.

Those familiar with the plot of book#6 will know why this happening but it was still a surprise to see how these two people had some bickering over a situation out of their control. The truth is that with time, Phoebe has come to rely on captain Trevillian and he has come to be very protective of her. Now that Phoebe seems to be in danger of being used as a tool to control her brother, captain Trevillian must do what he can to hide and help her be out of harms' way...

As most authors do, despite this title being part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone for it has a well done structure. However, as often is said around, the experience of savoring it is much better appreciated if one reads all stories in order. There are several references and situations which gain impact if the reader has read the other installments previously.

This said, I really liked the pace and the development of this story. I never had the feeling the romance between Phoebe and the captain wasn't well thought or that it was rushed.

I actually think the author did a great job balancing their personalities and the issues they faced, both physical: she is blind and he has a lame leg which stopped him from doing the job he was so good at. Although this subject isn't stressed out nor does it seem to be the goal of this novel, I think is was subtly inserted and I've come to like them even more because they were able to trust the other with their inner thoughts regarding their difficulties.

As for the romance itself, as I expected, it was sweet at first but I'm glad to see that the intimate relationship between them was well exploited. Is it that believable considering the stations in society they both occupy? Probably not, but these romances aren't that realistic and the fun part is precisely to see how an unlikely situation develops in a romantic way and, in this aspect, I think things went out quite well.

Of course there are some less than appealing things in the plot... the fact Phoebe is kidnapped two or three times felt a little ridiculous but it was there for the sake of the story. 

Although I liked the protagonist's relationship a lot, there were some moments where it wasn't so easy to believe in their feelings.

I understand why some plot choices were included during the time James takes Phoebe to his childhood house but the villain used in this segment was too much of a cliché...even if allowed for interesting situations to be explained.

As always I really liked seeing previous characters, I liked we got references of several which always makes me feel glad the author does think of this as a continuous series. We also have scenes with the POV of other characters, which means they are clearly being set up for upcoming installments.

I liked how we got several serious issues being discussed here but not in a way that would be bored or out of context.

All in all, this was a good addition to the series and I'm very glad I'm reading about all these characters.

Grade: 8/10

Elizabeth Hoyt - Darling Beast

Falsely accused of murder and mute from a near-fatal beating, Apollo Greaves, Viscount Kilbourne has escaped from Bedlam. With the Crown's soldiers at his heels, he finds refuge in the ruins of a pleasure garden, toiling as a simple gardener. But when a vivacious young woman moves in, he's quickly driven to distraction . . .
London's premier actress, Lily Stump, is down on her luck when she's forced to move into a scorched theatre with her maid and small son. But she and her tiny family aren't the only inhabitants—a silent, hulking beast of a man also calls the charred ruins home. Yet when she catches him reading her plays, Lily realizes there's more to this man than meets the eye.
Though scorching passion draws them together, Apollo knows that Lily is keeping secrets. When his past catches up with him, he's forced to make a choice: his love for Lily . . . or the explosive truth that will set him free.

Comment: This is the 7th installment in the Maiden Lane series by author Elizabeth Hoyt. So far, I've been a fan of the series and this one was another one which hasn't disappointed, I got a story I was curious about and the author delivered.

In this book we have the story of Apollo Greaves, the twin brother of the protagonist of the previous installment.

Apollo was considered a mad man before and spent four years at Bedlam and only his sister Artemis would care about what happened to him. After the events of the previous book, Apollo is now hiding at Harte's Folly, a pleasure garden that was burned down and which some investors want to see redone, Apollo included. 

Apollo has always had an interest in gardening, therefore he works there but he is surprised one day by the presence of a little boy and a dog. Apparently, the boy and his mother and servant are living in what used to be the garden's theater and his first look at Lily, an actress in some dire circumstances is all it takes for Apollo to want to get his life back even more. Will they find happiness with some challenges to overcome first?

The author has created such an amazing world around this series. It's fascinating to know a little bit more about several characters from book to book without looking as if the secondary characters steal the focus from what matters most in a specific book. As always, I felt the same has happened here and, despite this being a perfectly finished story, it's still better read after having read the others, everything makes more sense and the sense of understanding more rewarding.

Apollo is a great protagonist. He has suffered so much, he has been wrongly accused of a crime he didn't commit but sadly can't remember details. He is now free after some situations from the previous book but he wants to get his good name back and the acknowledgment his past reputation was due to a betrayal and not from his own actions.

As one can imagine, most of the story is about Apollo's change of views, his seeking revenge but not in the sense of punishing someone, more as an attempt to make something right again.

For this he hides but it's so cute too see him having a different mind set from most aristocrats at the time. He likes to work with his hands and he is good at it.

The love interest is Lily Stump, an actress with a small son. She is generous, congenial and protective of those in her care. She feels attracted to Apollo before she knows who he is and what title he will get but her feelings are quite romantic. Of course, also she has some things in her past to hide and I did like how the author has created a situation about her. This means that, for me, the couple complements one another and they seem to be quite balanced together. 

I think their love story wasn't as intense as others, nor as "desperate", meaning, I think it wasn't done in a way we would immediately feel the angst was too much for them to reach common ground. Yes, they are from different status but their personalities and experiences bring them together quite nicely.

There are always some hints about secondary characters, machinations and secret agendas going on. Nothing too serious, but enough to make us curious.

The pace was again well done I'd say, and the way things progressed allowed for a good HEA. I just think some scenes weren't well inserted into the story and the romance could have been a little sweeter at times and not just practical.

All in all, another good story, I'm still more than eager to keep reading about this amazing group of characters.

Grade: 8/10

TBR Challenge: Elizabeth Hoyt - Duke of Midnight

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 . . .
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 . . .
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?

Comment: This is June's entry of the TBR Challenge, hosted by Wendy, the Superlibrarian. This time, the theme is Comfort Read, which can be interpreted in different ways but for me it means something we can be assured of, something we can more or less expect and trust to be good or something that simply will make us feel good and happy about what we are reading about. Depending on the reader's preferences, this can mean any genre but for me, I tend to always fall into romances where I know I'll enjoy the road towards the HEA.

Besides, I'm currently trying to go through Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series and book #6 was the next one, so i chose it because I've come to realize I absolutely love the mix of romance and world building the author presents in the series, which makes this a comfort reading for me.

In this sixth installment we have the story of Maximus Batten, the duke of Wakefield, a character we've met in previous books and Artemis Graves, a somewhat more reserved character. They come from different places in the social hierarchy but since Artemis' cousin is one of the prospective women the duke might consider as a bride, they know of one another even if they never really interacted.

However, after a silly excursion to st Giles one night, Artemis and her cousin Penelope are attacked and then saved by the Ghost of St Giles. In the process, the ghost loses a ring, which Artemis keeps and later on she comes to the realization of who the ring belongs to, thus discovering the identity of the ghost. 

Maximus only wants to finally catch the responsible for the murder of his parents but it's been a dreary and sometimes depressing endeavor. Now, he feels he is close to finally achieve his main goal but he wasn't counting on taking notice of his bride-to-be companion. But as time goes by and his life gets more and more complicated, especially after said companion tries to blackmail him, he must decide if his priorities are as easy as he always thought them to be...

This is one of those series one should read in order. Of course each story can be read as  stand alone because the plot structure is solid but there's a lot to gain from having previous information. This is why I was so eager to read this book, I've liked the little hints here and there about each protagonist and really wanted to see them together. Although their story was mostly a good one, I also admit I sort of expected even more from this one.

What I liked the best was the fact they came from different social status and I wanted to see how the author would deal with this. Rationally, I know dukes wouldn't consider companions to be possible brides but let's be honest, we read fictional historical romance for such accuracy? Of course we want things to make sense, to respect conventions and the fun part is to see how the story progresses despite those "rules". But at the same time, for me, the fantasy of the whole thing is what makes it worthwhile, I want to immerse myself in a romantic story, even if it's unlikely. 

Therefore, I expected this here and I was positively surprised the author didn't avoid the conversations they had about society's expectations, about the why of their relationship not being easily accepted...it gave the story credibility when the HEA finally happens, they weren't just silly people forgetting everything else.

However, their relationship wasn't the perfection I envisioned. I liked Artemis has secrets and a personality so I can't dislike her for being a person with feelings but having to comply with her position as a companion and her fear about the things (and person) she wanted to protect and help. I understand she knew she wouldn't have a happy, free life. But it did sort of annoy my romantic expectations she wasn't a bit more fearful about outcomes of her decisions, even if I respect her thinking on it. I wanted things to be romanticized and not as raw as they felt sometimes (I mean their choice of how to deal with the physical side of things vs people's POVs and judgment of it).

Maximus could have also done things differently, he was a serious and aware man regarding his position in life and how he should behave. I think he could have had more consideration for Artemis.

Since both protagonist have secrets, part of out perception about their falling in love is how they managed to trust the other with those secrets and why each one figured out how important those things were for the other. It's always nice to see two different people find balance and trust in one another. But even accepting some little angst about their different class stations (a trope I usually like seeing by the way), I still think that for such clever people they didn't consider some details that well and yes, that ruined part of the fun for me.

One of the best features keeps on being the appearances of characters we came to care about. It's so nice to see none of the characters live in an island, meaning, the story isn't only about them but features those who are close to them somehow.

We also have glimpses of characters who will  become future protagonists and, of course, that keeps the reader's appetite on. As always, the story felt fluid and the writing is easy to follow.

I did like this story when I think about it in general. I'd change some details though, and that's why my grade isn't bigger. But I was so eager to read this one that I feel I couldn't consider it better because of this and, now that I thought about it, the HEA was very cute but felt incomplete. I surely hope to see them again in future books, to better solidify the notion of the everlasting happiness they were supposed to hold on to.

Grade: 8/10