Book Review: Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publisher & Release: Grand Central Publishing, November 29, 2016

Time and setting:  Georgian, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 337 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

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?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Duke-Pleasure-Maiden-Lane-Book-ebook/dp/B01CO4AU0Y

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27240743-duke-of-pleasure

Vikki’s Musings

I’ve been a fan of the Maiden Lane series from the beginning, so when I saw this one was available on Net-Galley, I immediately requested it in exchange for an honest review. This is not my favorite book in the series, but nonetheless, enjoyable.

Duke of Pleasure is fast-paced as are most of Ms. Hoyt’s books. The first scene dropped me right into the middle of a suspenseful situation. The chemistry between Alf and Kyle fairly jumps off the page, and it only gets stronger as the story progresses.

Even though Kyle thinks Alf is a boy for part of the book, they share several steamy kisses when she is the Ghost of St. Giles. I loved it when he at last realizes Alf and the ghost are the same. He’s like a kid let loose in a candy store, physically! Now on an emotional level, it take him a little longer.

Alf’s character is a cocky, and at time, an abrasive heroine. That is not my favorite type of female, but I still grew to love her by the end of the book. She is absolutely awesome with Peter and Kit, the hero’s two little boys. They add a lot to this book.

Kyle is a good hero. He was dealt a bad hand of cards in his first marriage, and it’s no wonder he is less than enthusiastic when he finds himself attracted to Alf. His goals, motivation and conflict are very clear from the start, and his character gained my empathy right away.

If you’re a fan of historical romance, then this is a must read. I always know I’m in for a treat when I read one of Ms. Hoyt’s novels, and Duke of Pleasure is a highly enjoyable read. While this one is not my favorite of the series, it is very good and well worth my time. Happy reading!

Book Review & Release Day: Once upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt

Release day for Elizabeth Hoyt's Once upon a Moonlit Night! Be sure to follow the link below to enter the drawing for a signed copy.

Once upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt

Publisher & Release: Hachette Book Group, July 5, 2016

Time and setting: 1741, Yorkshire, England

Genre: Historical Romance/Georgian

Length:  Novella Length

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

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 . . .

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Moonlit-Night-Novella-ebook/dp/B01CDDAF88

B&N: http://bit.ly/1XkV4F0

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1XkV4F0http://apple.co/235O4w2

Google: http://bit.ly/1UMqq4a

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ZMbqoe

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29472462-once-upon-a-moonlit-night

Vikki’s Musings

When I received an invitation from the publisher to read Once upon a Moonlit Night, via Net-Galley, in exchange for an honest review, I immediately accepted. I recently read Duke of Sin and thoroughly enjoyed it, and this book’s heroine was a secondary character in that one. I had to find out what happened to the poor young woman after she escaped the Duke of Montgomery’s evil machinations!

Hippolyta Royle finds herself stranded on a country road with the hounds of hell on her heels. Fortunately, a coach appears, and the gentleman inside agrees to give her sanctuary. Although she is the wealthiest heiress in England, Matthew Mortimer mistakes her for an actress down on her luck and a woman of easy virtue.

Matthew does not believe this little beggarmaid’s tale of woe, but he is enchanted by her nonetheless, he does not have the time to become embroiled with a female no matter how attractive he finds her. After leaving her at the next coaching inn, he suddenly becomes remorseful and returns in the nick of time to save her from three thugs intent on doing her harm.

When he learns that she is indeed the woman she claims to be, and they are forced to marry, will it lead to paradise or a living hell?

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful romp across England. Hippolyta is an endearing heroine, and Matthew is a great hero. The chemistry between the pair is fantastic from the first scene and only grows stronger as the story progresses.

For a novella, there is surprising depth to both the hero and heroine, and even though their romance must move quickly, I found it believable. I think it helped that they are thrown together and have to either sink or swim.

If you enjoy Ms. Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series and read Duke of Sin, then this tale will certainly please you as much as it did me. It’s a fast read with truly delightful characters. Happy reading!

 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.

Social Media Links:

www.ElizabethHoyt.com

Twitter @elizabethhoyt 

Facebook.com/ElizabethHoytBooks

Add Once Upon a Moonlit Night to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1S30uww

Share the giveaway for a SIGNED copy of DUKE OF SIN: http://bit.ly/29dxlnQ

Book Review: Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

(Maiden Lane series)

Publisher & Release: Grand Central Publishing, May 31, 2016

Time and setting: 1741, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Georgian

Length: 360 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

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 . . .

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Duke-Maiden-Lane-Elizabeth-Hoyt-ebook/dp/B015NRKJRI

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Duke-of-Sin-Audiobook/B01DDYSLOQ/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1464706320&sr=1-1

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26804433-duke-of-sin

Vikki’s Musings

I have been a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series ever since the first one was published. When I found Duke of Sin on Net-Galley, I immediately requested it in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoy this book!

Bastard daughter of a lady, Bridget Crumb is the housekeeper to the notorious Duke of Montgomery. He’s amoral, a blackmailer, a man without a heart. Determined to foil his plan to blackmail her mother, she searches his chamber for the evidence he holds against her.

Valentine Napier is a troubled man, scarred by his childhood. He is determined to never fall in love. After all, then he would have to kill her because love kills. That was the message he learned at an early age, one he will never forget.

Their secrets should forever keep them apart, but the passion they feel for one another burns brighter than any secret. Can Bridget overlook Val’s many sins or will they drive her away?

I fell in love with Bridget’s character from the first page. She is fierce and loyal when she has very little reason to be so. I loved her passionate nature which she tries very hard to deny. She fights furiously to push away her desire for the evil duke, but her soft heart interferes when she learns what drives his atrocious behavior.

Val’s character is definitely a tortured soul, my favorite kind of hero. He is deliciously gorgeous, and Ms. Hoyt does an astonishing job of painting a clear picture for me. While he is indeed very wicked, he does have vulnerabilities. Hoyt has given me a truly flawed character, one that could be too much for some. I really worried there was no way she could ever redeem him, but she worked her magic. I became so emotionally involved and began to overlook his terrible behavior. Val is truly a villain, one that a reader will either love of hate.

Ms. Hoyt is a true master at pulling me into her story, even when I fought it. I already mentioned that Val is not an easy character to like, let alone love, but she managed it with me. Duke of Sin is fast-paced with plenty of suspense woven into the vivid Georgian setting. From the description of the costumes to the manner in which her characters speak, I felt as if I were living in this period of history. It would be easy to overlook her brilliance in this area with her incredibly compelling characters driving the story.

If you’re looking for a truly emotionally-charged story with unforgettable characters, then you will love Duke of Sin as much as I did. This entire series is a true pleasure to read and this book definitely lived up to my high expectations. Happy reading!

Retro Review:

Dearest Rogue by Elizabeth Hoyt

(Maiden Lane Series Book 8)

Published & Release Date: Hachette Book Group, May 26, 2015

Time and setting: 1741 London, England  

Genre: Historical Georgian Romance

Length: 347 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

HE CAN GUARD HER

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.

FROM EVERY DANGER

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.

BUT PASSION ITSELF

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.

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Dearest-Rogue-Maiden-Lane-Book-ebook/dp/B00NERQR8U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1432214102&sr=1-1&keywords=dearest+rogue

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21422007-dearest-rogue?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

While browsing books offered for review on Net-Galley, I found Dearest Rogue and since I had read books by Elizabeth Hoyt in the past, I requested it. This book is another fantastic addition to the wonderful Maiden Lane series. This is definitely a character-driven read, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Captain James Trevillion sustained an injury which has left him with a bad limp, causing him to resign from the 4^th dragoons. He has been hired by the Duke of Wakefield to guard his sister, Lady Phoebe because she has slowly been losing her sight for years and is now almost completely blind. Phoebe is bright, vivacious and witty with everyone, except the captain, but when he saves her from kidnapping, she changes toward him, and now looks upon him as her friend and no longer the overbearing man who keeps her from freedom.

Trevillion is fiercely attracted to the enchanting Phoebe, but knows he is too beneath her to ever have her return his regard. Yet Phoebe is far from the typical duke’s daughter. When danger strikes again, they are forced to flee London.

Can Trevillion overcome the barrier society dictates and win the heart of the sweet and innocent, yet alluring Lady Phoebe, while keeping her from harm, or will those barriers separate them for good?

What makes Dearest Rogue such a delightful read are the characters. Phoebe is easy to love. While she regrets the loss of her sight, she does not let it throw her into despair. She is determined to live a full life and gain some independence, whether her brother agrees or not. I loved her feisty attitude and her kindness to her loved ones, even her autocratic, controlling brother.

James Trevillion is a fantastic hero with all the qualities that I love. He’s honorable and kind and determined to keep Phoebe safe, even when she puts herself in danger in her bid for freedom. He earns Phoebe’s trust and admiration when they are forced to go into hiding by showing her true kindness and offering her friendship. He’s a bit of a tortured soul, and Ms. Hoyt does a fantastic job of protecting his secret without irritating me, which is a big plus.

Dearest Rogue has a bit of everything to make it an engaging read, a great romance, delightful characters and mystery. It kept me reading long into the night. I highly recommend this wonderful love story between two people who should not have fit. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I have. Happy reading!