Review: Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Sin (Maiden Lane #10) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: May 31st 2016 by Grand Central Publishing

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

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 . . .

My Thoughts:

Valentine, the Duke of Montgomery, is hated and feared because he knows society’s secrets and uses them to blackmail and bully.  As the story progresses you see that some of his blackmailing is punishment, just and deserved, for those who would sin with impunity. At first it appears that Val has no conscience, but then you discover something that proves he has a heart, that’s not to say that he didn’t do vile things as well.  

Bridget has maneuvered herself into Val’s household as his housekeeper to extract blackmail evidence Val has against a family friend and letters that he’s been using against her own mother, an aristocrat who hid that she birthed Bridget.  Bridget was the result of an affair, so her mother never acknowledged her publically, and had her adopted out to a farming family. I thought Bridget’s mother deserved to be blackmailed.  At any rate, as Bridget gets to know Val better, she realizes that yes, he is terrible at times, but she sees the reasons behind some of his actions.  Against her better judgment Bridget starts falling for him.

Val is taken with his strong-willed housekeeper.  Bridget challenges him, wakes up some of his conscience, and foils some of his schemes. To survive his nightmare past he must take power from the terrible.  Bridget hopes he doesn’t become one of them in the process.

This is my first read from Elizabeth Hoyt, and I enjoyed her storytelling and ability to make a rake and criminal empathetic and likable. I enjoyed Bridget’s spirit and spunk, and the delightful tension between her and Val.  He was wickedly sensual with her, taking her off guard at times and it was fun to watch.  Duke of Sin showcased the darker side of Georgian England and the unfortunate nature of classes without making this a gloomy read. I think I’ll be reading the first in the series very soon!

4 Suns