Since reading Artemis' story in Duke of Midnight, I've been looking forward to finding out more about her brother, Apollo, and to seeing his happily ever after unfold. As expected, Hoyt has penned another wonderful Maiden Lane novel - a fine addition to an unforgettable series. Filled with intrigue, this story involves the hunt for a murderer. Accused of once killing his friends in a tavern, Apollo Greaves, Viscount Kilbourne has been labeled a madman. Freed by his brother-in-law, he now hides away at a pleasure garden, disguised as a gardener who keeps to himself and mute from a beating he once received in Bedlam. But then he meets Lily Stump, an alluring actress who soon makes him long for more as passion begins to erupt whenever they meet. Determined to find the real villain and clear his own name, Apollo stirs up a past that risks putting Lily in danger. Lily's primary objective in life is to protect her son. But when she meets the hulking giant who works in the pleasure garden surrounding the theater where she's now living, her life is thrown into disarray. Initially, she thinks him a fool, for he plays that part well, but as she gets to know him better, she realizes that he's not at all the man he pretends to be. And as their relationship starts to evolve and she discovers that he's an aristocrat - above her in every way - she knows that their romance can't possibly last, least of all when her son's life is threatened. But since love is worth fighting for, perhaps there's a way - one that Lily and Apollo might find if they choose to work together. If you haven't read any of the other books in this series, I strongly advise starting at the beginning. There are eleven books in total so far with the next one on my list being Duke of Sin.
After reading several of the Maiden Lane books in random order, I decided that it was time to start at the very beginning. So I headed on over to Amazon and ordered the books that were missing from my collection, including Wicked Intentions. What a wonderful introduction this turned out to be! Filled with intrigue as the dashing (and somewhat mysteriously dangerous) Lord Caire searches Saint Giles for a murderer together with widowed Temperence Dews, this story contained the brilliantly crafted characters, vivid setting, and entertaining dialogue that makes Elizabeth Hoyt's novels as compelling as they are. This book features a hero who stands apart from all the rest and who is therefore sure to leave a lasting impression. And if you'd like to catch a glimpse of the tarnished Regency slums cast against the opulence of Mayfair ballrooms with startling contrast between the social classes of that time, this is the series you've been looking for!
I've enjoyed several of Hoyt's Maiden Lane novels so far, and although I know I haven't read them in order, it has quickly become one of my favorite romance series. Sweetest Scoundrel offers so much of what I love about Hoyt's writing - a grittiness that sets it apart from most other romances as she dives fearlessly into a rougher way of London life during the early 1800's, exploring a difference between class and position that's wonderfully engaging. Untitled Asa Makepeace, is the owner of Harte's Folly, a pleasure garden with a theater that he has devoted himself to rebuilding with the help of his investor, the Duke of Montgomery. But Montgomery has traveled and left his sister in charge, and she insists on knowing how Asa is spending her brother's money - indeed, she demands to go over his books. To Asa's mind, she's stubborn and annoying, reserved and standoffish. He argues with her at every turn until gradually, he gets to know her, and discovers a kind a loving woman, imprisoned by her past, and takes it upon himself to try and set her free. Eve Dinwoody, Montgomery's illegitimate sister, is shocked when her first meeting with Mr. Makepeace finds him keeping company with a nude opera singer. But, determined to know how he's spending her brother's money or cut him off, she stands her ground. Burdened by terrible memories that make her terrified of dogs and men, she shields herself behind a hard exterior, accompanied always by her loyal footman who has sworn to keep her safe from harm. But as she becomes better acquainted with Asa, temptation sneaks in. He is unlike any man she has ever met before. But can she overcome her fears and pursue the love she desires when threats begin to target the theater and she finds her life in danger? This novel offered wonderful character growth, an intriguing story between a working class scoundrel and a lady, that I found both refreshing and authentic. I cannot wait to grab another Maiden Lane novel to enjoy.
Hey everyone, An article I've written for RT MAGAZINE about the wounded hero has just been published in the July issue. The idea to examine the appeal of such a hero came to me with the upcoming release of His Scandalous Kiss. Here, a tortured soldier carrying both physical and psychological scars has given up on both love and happiness. Instead, he seeks only revenge. Until he meets a mysterious young woman at a masquerade ball, that is. Working on this article proved to be not only fun but extremely interesting. It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing Eloisa James, Elizabeth Hoyt, Mary Balogh and Valerie Bowman, all of whom have written memorable heroes with wounds galore. So I contacted them in order to get their take on why wounded heroes are so well-loved and was absolutely thrilled with their insight. If you'd like to know what they had to say, you'll have to grab a digital issue of RT Magazine HERE as I cannot share the piece myself due to copyright issues. But, what I can do, is offer a reading list of wounded hero stories for you to sink your teeth into this summer - you can click on the images to find out more. Any that you'd like to add? Just comment below :)
