Review: No Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth Hoyt

 

No Ordinary Duchess (Greycourt #3) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: December 10th 2024 by Forever

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Lady Elspeth de Moray is on the hunt for an ancient book, rumored to be in one of the Greycourt libraries, to help once again unify the Wise Women, a group of unconventional, educated and skilled in many lethal ways.

 

Julian Greycourt is heir to the dukedom, but his tyrannical uncle is gunning for him and has kept him and his sisters under his cruel dominion since his father and mother died. However, Julian receives word that there may be proof to string his uncle up and set their family free. Uncle Augustus was a horrid man with diabolical plans, so Julian needed to find that evidence quickly!

 

Lady Elspeth’s and Julian’s searches intersect throwing them together constantly as a steady undercurrent of attraction simmers between them. There was quite the buildup and very, very spicy! Julian had some edgy desires. Lady Elspeth, with the way she was raised, wasn’t a wilting flower shocked by any of this. They were well matched!

 

No Ordinary Duchess was a great combo of suspense and romance, with heavier topics and some lighthearted humor. Elspeth was very much a positive ray of sunshine to Julian’s broody and serious demeanor. As Julian’s past is revealed this is completely understandable!  

 

I’m a big fan of Elizabeth Hoyt, her writing is beautiful, clever and very sensual! It’s been a while since she released her last book, so I was thrilled to hear about this newest installment of the Greycourt series!

4 Stars

Book Description:

From a New York Times bestselling author, the much-anticipated third novel in the Greycourt series.

Cold and brooding, Julian Greycourt, the heir to the Windemere dukedom, has always known that his uncle the duke was responsible for his mother’s death. Now he’s determined to exact revenge against his uncle—if he can find the proof. But Julian hides a secret so explosive it will destroy him if it’s ever revealed, and the duke is watching. The last thing he needs is a distractingly sensual woman whose very presence threatens to destroy his plans.

Sunny and cheerful, Lady Elspeth de Moray doesn’t know why her brother and Julian fell out all those years ago, but she can’t let the autocratic man get in the way of her mission: to retrieve an ancient family text that she believes is in one of the Windemere libraries. Locating the tome, however, proves trickier than she anticipated, and at each turn, she’s thrown together with the maddingly mysterious Julian. And the temptation to give in to her family’s greatest enemy grows stronger with each intriguing encounter…

Review: When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt

 

When a Rogue Meets His Match (Greycourt #2) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: November 10th 2020 by Forever

Pages: 360 (without bonus novella)

Source: Publisher & purchased audio copy

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

My Thoughts:

Gideon’s comes off as an uncaring rogue at first, but as the story reveals he’s anything but. His past broke my heart!  He’s longed for Messilina, watching her from afar, wanting her out of the clutches of her villainous uncle. He’s a horrid man! Don’t think we’ve seen the last of him, unfortunately.  Gideon takes on a Devil’s bargain to marry her.   

 I do love the forced marriage troupe. Messilina and Gideon are enemies-to-lovers because of it, well on Messilina’s side, anyhow, but oh!  When the lovers part begins it’s deliciously hot!

Other reasons to love this story: Lucretia’s and her sweet obsession! Cute little seven-year-old Sam. His relationship with Messillina and her puppy, a male dog named Daisy by the youngster!

I’ve been a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt for quite some time, so I was thrilled when she came out with a new series. I enjoyed this installment even more than the first book, and I don’t think it’s necessary to read the books in order. When a Rogue Meets His Match works quite well as a standalone.

I’m hoping the next book centers on Elspeth, Freya’s younger sister and kind of clueless bookworm! Well, not clueless, just a little unaware of the world. I think it could be a lot of fun pairing her with someone like Julian Greycourt, he’s so jaded. 

I alternately listened and read an e-copy. Ashford McNab did a fabulous job with the narration, both male and female voices. I listened at 1.5x.

4.5 Stars

Review: Not the Duke's Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt

Not the Duke's Darling (The Greycourt #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: December 18th 2018 by Forever

Pages: 496 (with bonus novella)

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt brings us the first book in her sexy and sensual Greycourt Series!

Freya de Moray is many things: a member of the secret order of Wise Women, the daughter of disgraced nobility, and a chaperone living under an assumed name. What she is not is forgiving. So when the Duke of Harlowe--the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downfall of her family--appears at the country house party she's attending, she does what any Wise Woman would do: she starts planning her revenge.

Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, is being blackmailed. Intent on keeping his secrets safe, he agrees to attend a house party where he will put an end to this coercion once and for all. Until he recognizes Freya, masquerading amongst the party revelers, and realizes his troubles have just begun. Freya knows all about his sins. Sins he'd much rather forget. But she's also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can't resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he'll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, Harlowe will have to earn Freya's trust-by whatever means necessary.

Features a bonus novella from New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes!

My Thoughts:

Freya was a woman of titled nobility but reduced due to a scandal involving her brother and the Greycourts. Christopher, brother’s childhood friend was also involved, and while Freya would like to set him in his place with revenge, it soon becomes apparent that Freya may not know all the details

Freya’s newest mission leads her to a house party in order to get close to Lord Randolph, a man who wants to pass a law to once again subject women to witch trials. Lord Randolph had a wife, a much younger woman, who died under questionable circumstances, and Freya wants to make sure Lord Randolph didn’t get away with murder. Little did she know that Christopher, now Duke of Harlow, would also be at this house party.  Christopher accepts the invitation to deal with a despicable man trying to blackmail him. 

As they each deal with their own challenges they can’t help but be drawn to each other. Freya, because she loved Christopher once upon a time, even though she’s angered over his part in her brother’s ruin.  Christopher can’t resist the feisty woman who pushes his every button with her sharp wit and cutting words.  Soon they’re stealing away to satisfy the fiery passion between them and I could feel the heat coming off the pages every time they came together!

I love that Freya was a strong woman, not really influenced by societal norms here.  She’s undercover, hiding the fact that she’s a duke’s daughter to get close to those who would reinstate antiquated laws in order to punish and subject woman who don’t fit into their boxed expectations.   Even though I liked Freya I was a little irritated with her actions in the end. A smart woman should use all her assets to keep safe, such as asking for backup or help when facing danger.  Going off alone isn’t the wisest thing in my opinion, especially a woman facing off with a man. Her resistance to Christopher was annoying, too, even though it was clear she loved him as he loved her.  Thankfully, these situations weren’t long and drawn out so I still really enjoyed the story. 

Elizabeth Hoyt’s historical romances are always beautifully written, sensual and captivating so I was excited to dive into her new series.  Not the Duke’s Darling was an entertaining start to what looks to be a fantastic series!  Can’t wait for the next story! 

4 Suns

Review: Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Elizabeth Hoyt

Once Upon a Christmas Eve (Maiden Lane #12.6) by Elizabeth Hoyt
Publication Date: December 5th 2017 by Forever
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

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.

My Thoughts:

Sarah St. John and Viscount Adam d’Arque have crossed paths, but it wasn’t a friendly exchange, because Sarah so clearly hated Adam on sight.  Sarah isn’t fond of rakes, gentleman who seduce and carouse without thought for the women they hurt.  But Sarah is about to get another, lovelier version of Adam as their lives are thrown together this holiday season.

Adam is accompanying his Grandmother to their yearly Christmas destination in the country, when their carriage breaks down in a storm.  They have no choice but to take shelter at the St. John’s, imposing on them during their holiday festivities, something Adam would love to avoid, but he’s worried about his beloved ailing Grandmother.  Seeing Sarah St. John again is an irritation, since she clearly despised him on their first meeting, but he’ll just have to make the best by teasing and tormenting her. As he gets to know Sarah, Adam is feels an irresistible pull towards this sweet, infuriating woman.

I just love a good antagonistic romance, and Elizabeth Hoyt makes them so much fun! There’s snips and snipes, sexual tension brewing under the surface, fun banter back in forth until Sarah and Adam realize they actually like each other. But can Sarah trust Adam with her heart?  And is Adam interested in forever?

Elizabeth Hoyt’s talent as a writer shines even in a short number of pages.  Once Upon a Christmas Eve is a steamy, chemistry filled romance in a Winter wonderland setting, perfect for the season!

4 Suns

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Review: Once Upon a Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt

Once Upon a Maiden Lane (Maiden Lane #12.5) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: November 14th by Forever Yours

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

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.

My Thoughts:

I was pleased one of the Mary’s from the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children got her own romance!

Mary Whitsun may have grown up in an orphanage, but she didn’t grow up without love thanks to Lady Caire and all the others running the home.  But still, the possibility of being a lady, and having a family sounds too good to be true, yet that’s what has happened to Mary.  Out on a day off she runs into the impossibly handsome Lord Henry Blackwell, and her life forever changes.

While out shopping Lord Henry Blackwell mistakes Mary for Lady Joanna the daughter of the Earl of Angrove, but quickly realizes he’s mistaken.  This woman has spunk and life, and stirs up desires in him that Joanna never has.  Henry thinks he must have discovered the lost Angrove twin, the twin who was to be his wife. 

Mary may have been hesitant at first, but as she got to know Henry and realized he wasn’t just a pretty, spoiled aristocrat, her reservations melted.  Heat and desire spark between them every time they’re close!  Henry was lovely, so I knew Mary couldn’t help but fall for him.

There’s a little mystery and danger as someone is either out to kill Henry or Mary. They’re not sure of the intended target, but when it was all revealed I felt bad for Henry and Mary. 

Once Upon a Maiden Lane is short on pages, but rich with passion and feeling.  Elizabeth Hoyt brings her characters to life with her beautiful writing, making you feel what they feel, and always delivers a sweet, happy ending! 

4 Suns

Connect with Elizabeth Hoyt:

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Review & Giveaway: Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Desire (Maiden Lane #12) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: October 17th by Grand Central Publishing

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | TBD

About the book:

A LADY OF LIGHT

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.

A DUKE IN DEEPEST DARKNESS

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.

CAUGHT IN A WEB OF DANGER . . . AND DESIRE

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?

My Thoughts:

Iris Jordan finds herself in the middle of the Lords of Chaos latest diabolical plan when they mistake her for the Duke of Kyle’s wife and kidnap her.  Lucky for her Raphael is there, trying to infiltrate their horrid group rescues her from rape, torture, and possibly death.  These men are despicable! Unaware of Raphael’s true intentions, Iris shoots Raphael as he’s trying to get her to safety. Ooops! 

Snatching Iris away from the Lords of Chaos as his own was no easy task.  To continue the deception Raphael realizes he must marry her to keep her safe.  Which is in no way a hardship since he’s longed for Iris from afar for quite some time now.  Unfortunately, Raphael believes his tainted line must die with him and, so he plans on the marriage to be in name only. Poor Raphael. 

Iris has met Raphael before, they shared a dance and she was fascinated and maybe a little afraid of the man. Just being next to him felt dangerous and thrilling, but she never counted on marrying him!  As they get to know each other well in a short period of time, she hopes their marriage can be a love match after all.  Raphael may feel responsible for the sins of his father, but Iris has other ideas for the two of them.  She’s drawn to him and she knows he’s attracted to her even though he fights it every step of the way.  Can she dispel his fears?  Add to their dilemmas are the Lords of Chaos scheming to take them out for good.

Iris and Raphael had some obstacles to overcome with their romance, and I loved their journey!  Raphael had damage from the past, but Iris was determined to help him to see the light, and prove he was someone worthy of love and happiness. My heart ached for Raphael, so I was happy he had Iris to help with his dark times.  Raphael couldn’t resist his desire for Iris and every time they were alone they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Lusty, heated encounters between them crumbled Raphael’s resolve a little more each time.

Duke of Desire was full of passion, peril, and conflicted emotion, but wrapped up so very sweetly! I’ve read and loved the Maiden Lane series, so I’m sorry that this is the last book!  Elizabeth Hoyt’s beautiful writing made this series come alive; exciting and daring, making each book a thrilling read! I’m anxious to find out what she plans next!

4 Suns

I'm offering up a giveaway of One Book from the Maiden Lane series by Elizabeth Hoyt to one reader. From US Amazon, US Barnes & Noble or The Book Depository.  Winner's choice. The giveaway is International as long as The Book Depository ships to your country.  

Review: Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Pleasure (Maiden Lane #11) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: November 29th 2016 by Grand Central Publishing

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

IN THE ARMS OF DANGER

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.

IN THE HEAT OF DESIRE

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.

ONE KISS WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER

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?

My Thoughts:

Alf, in the face of a dismal childhood, was a spirited young woman with a zest for life.  Growing up on the streets of St. Giles could wreck anyone, but Alf has survived and kept herself safe by posing as a boy, earning her way as an informant by day and battling evil by night as the Ghost of St. Giles.  I loved her character!  Alf’s quick witted, irreverent, and a badass with swords!  Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is the first man to capture her interest, and if she isn’t careful, her heart. 

The Duke of Kyle needs information to help him thwart the Lords of Chaos, a sinister society comprised of England’s upper crust. When his investigations lead to an attempt on his life he goes to Alf for information and finds she is quite quick and clever, and immediately decides to use her in his pursuit of these horrible men.  Little does he know that Alf is a woman.

Hugh’s been disappointed by love in the past. He had a quick, turbulent, passionate marriage that crashed and burned, and he’s scared, understandably, of another romantic disaster. But Alf is a completely different person than his late wife.  Alf’s definitely not a society woman, her talents are far less conventional:  sword fighting, information gathering and enemy evasion, right up Hugh’s alley.  They’re well matched in spite of coming from completely different backgrounds. 

I was surprised Duke of Pleasure ended being one of my favorite Maiden Lane installments since I was worried about the progression of romance with Alf disguised as a boy.  Thankfully, that wasn't much of an issue.  This installment was filled with action, adventure, danger, and romance, and I was glued to the pages!

4.5 Suns

Quick Update & Giveaway

Hi there readers! I hope all have had wonderful summer trips, lots of fun! Maybe visiting a beach like the one pictured above! 

I haven't been reviewing that much lately, just here and there so I thought I'd catch you up on some books I've enjoyed the last few weeks:

       

    

So you can see, I've been all over the place with romances, from historical to romantic suspense/mystery to PNR.  I finally broke down and read a Nalini Singh! The first of the Psy-Changeling series (I guess there's 15 out now!) and I really enjoyed it!  I listened to the audio version, courtesy of the library and the narration was excellent. Actually, most of the books you see above were audio books for me, except for Cowboy Christmas Miracle and Gone Too Deep.  

Smoke Screen (5 Stars) by Sandra Brown was better than Smash Cut (3.5 Stars) for me.  The couple in Smash Cut (or I should say, heroine) didn't fully trust or confide until the very end so that was a mark against their romance for me. Still, it's hard to beat Sandra Brown's books even when its not her best work. She is the queen of a twists!  

I'm making my way through J.R. Ward's BDB series.  Lover Unbound was good, but I had just a tinge of disappointment over how she managed to make Jane and Vishous' romance a (Highlight for Spoiler) long term, given that Jane is human when they fall in love.  I know it had to be accomplished somehow, but I didn't want that.  Oh well. I've read later books and I would've never known, just thought she was normal if I didn't read this installment, so I need to stop bitching! (End of Spoiler).

I'm continuing on with Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series and the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr and loving both! I can't get enough of the Virgin River series, where I get to visit with all my favorite couples while enjoying a new romance with each installment.  Although, I must say I wanted to smack Mel a time or two in Moonlight Road! I need to be a little more understanding because it's not like I haven't had emotions that make me a bit crazy, too! 

A Cowboy Christmas Miracle is not to be missed by anyone who loves a sexy, sweet cowboy! Carolyn Brown finishes up her Burnt Boot, Texas series with this book, and I just melted over Declan! Betsy was a feisty sweetheart, too!  You can enter the giveaway for Carolyn Brown's One Texas Cowboy Too Many HERE. 

Gone Too Deep by Katie Ruggle is my favorite in the series so far! I've been on many a backpacking trip, so I could relate to all the hard work, and "enjoy" the beauty of untouched wilderness! It was a thrilling mystery, and I loved the sweet, innocent nature of the romance. My jaw just dropped with that ending! I'm reading the next one very soon.

I have a Paperback Copy of Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh to giveaway to one lucky follower.  US & CA residents only.  Just enter the rafflecopter below:

Review: Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: August 1st 2010 by Grand Central Publishing
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

A man controlled by his desires...

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 St. Giles like the back of her hand— she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants 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 London's 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 cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control—one that may well destroy them both.

A bargain neither could refuse.

My Thoughts:

Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, and Temperance Dews are both on a mission.  Lazarus is searching for a violet killer in St. Giles, but he needs someone with knowledge of the town and connections to get the residents to talk.  Temperance Dews is just the lady and being that she needs another benefactor for the foundling home she and her brother, Winter, run he’s in a position to strike a deal. If Temperance escorts him about St. Giles, he’ll introduce her to society to obtain another benefactor.  Temperance and Winter are just about broke and with so many orphaned children depending on them, she has no choice but to accept Lord Caire’s offer.  She can’t let his scandalous reputation put her off, and if she’s quite honest, that reputation excites more than frightens her. 

Lord Caire has strong, particular cravings in the bedroom and he senses a similar hunger in Temperance, and he wants nothing more than to satisfy it. Can he get the prim and proper lady to give into what they both want and need? And can Lazarus keep Temperance safe as their investigations stir up trouble?

Elizabeth Hoyt dazzles with Wicked Intentions is definitely my favorite so far! The sensual dance between Lazarus and Temperance definitely lit me up, so wickedly hot!  The danger they stir up looking for a killer added some thrills and action, too! 

I’m going to skip book two (for now) to get Silence’s (Temperance’s sister) story with Mickey in Scandalous Desires. I felt so horrible for her!

4.5 Suns

Connect with Elizabeth Hoyt:

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Release Day Launch Blitz Review & Giveaway: Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt

Once Upon a Moonlit Night (Maiden Lane #10.5) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publication Date: July 5th 2016 by Forever Yours

Purchase Links: Amazon | B & N | iBooks | Google | Kobo

About the book:

From New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt comes a delightful Maiden Lane novella that begins once upon a moonlit night—and ends wickedly, wonderfully ever after...

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.

My Thoughts:

I was eager to pick up Once Upon a Moonlit Night and find out what happed to Hippolyta Royale after escaping from the Duke of Montgomery’s clutches!  Hippolyta was purported to be the richest heiress in England and therefore a much sought after catch, but running through the muddy hills of England have made her a sodden mess.  She’s not out of danger, though, because the Duke’s men are still pursuing her.  When a carriage comes barreling by and she jumps at the chance for a ride back to London. The carriage owner is infuriating even if he is sexy as sin!

Matthew Mortimer is home after the last couple of years sailing the Indian Ocean to step into his role as Earl of Paxton. The title sounds grand, but so are the debts that accompany it.  When he comes upon Hippolyta soaked and covered in mud, he assumes she’s commoner trying to swindle him out of money, but allows her to ride with them to the next town anyhow. Her demeanor and spunk in spite of her situation intrigue Matthew and he can’t help feeling like he must protect this woman.

Little Hippolyta cleans up very well and soon Matthew can’t fight the desire and attraction brewing between them.

This was a fun, short and steamy romance! I loved the push and pull between Matthew and Hippolyta! Once Upon a Moonlit Night is novella done right: a fix of romance and HEA in a short amount of pages. This is a must for any Maiden Lane fan, but it’s not necessary to read any of the previous books to enjoy Hippolyta and Matthew’s story.

4 Suns

About the Author:

Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing "mesmerizing." She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt.

Connect with Elizabeth Hoyt:

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The lovely people of Forever Yours have generously provided a copy of Duke of Sin, where Hippolyta's story begins.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

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

Review: The Raven Prince (Prince #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

The Raven Prince (Princes #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Published November 1st 2006 by Warner Forever

There comes a time in a lady's life…

Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits.

When she must do the unthinkable…

The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

And find employment.

When Anna becomes the earl's secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his "manly" needs. Well! Anna sees red—and decides to assuage her "womanly" desires...with the earl as her unknowing lover.

My Thoughts

The Raven Prince was an enchanting historical romance that was filled with zany characters, loveable protagonists and ongoing drama that was never high handed or overdone.

Edward, Lord Swartingham, not only lost his entire family to small pox, but the deadly virus left him scarred at a very young age. After years of looking after his family’s land and carrying the sole title, he hopes to marry and have children so he may pass on his legacy.

Anna Wren has been widowed for over seven years, and she finds herself in need of taking on a job to sustain herself and her mother-in-law. When she becomes the secretary for Edward, they begin to fall in love. When Edward decides to leave for London to relieve some stress, Anna can’t bear the fact that he’ll fall into the arms of another woman. So, she calls a favor from one of her friends to get her into Aphrodite’s Grotto and under the guise of a mask she meets Edward for a night of passion.

The chemistry between Anna and Edward was absolutely off the charts! I loved how these two interacted with one another. Seeing how Anna handled Edward's moody ways with a gentle hand was absolutely endearing. I enjoyed watching the many ways Edward showed how much he cared for Anna. In return, I liked seeing Anna’s independent side, which at times gave Edward a run for his money. These two characters were a perfect pair.

In addition, The Raven Prince story at the beginning of each chapter was something I found myself looking forward to. I enjoyed how we got tidbits of this legend and how it weaved into the main story. By the final chapters, I’m glad Hoyt brought this secondary story to completion.

Anna and Edward were a lovely pair. Their chemistry felt real and their story flowed nicely. Loved how Hoyt wrapped it all up at the end. Great story with a tone of depth and layer after layer of good story-telling! Enjoyable read!!

4 Suns

Waves of Fiction 2015 Reading Challenge 

- Read a book that has won an award.

Literary Awards

All About Romance (AAR) Annual Reader Poll for Most Luscious Love Story (2007), Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (RT Award) for Sensual Historical Romance (2006)