Title: Duke of Midnight (Maiden Lane Series Book #6)
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4.75/5 Stars
Steam Factor: Hotter than Hell, Men in Wigs are SEXY
Publish Date: October 15, 2013
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing imprint of Hachett Book Group
Book Synopsis
WHEN A MASKED MAN . . .
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 . . .
MEETS HIS MATCH . . .
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 . . .
DESIRE IGNITES A DANGEROUS PASSION
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?
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indie Bound | iTunes
Karen’s Review
Elizabeth Hoyt excels in writing sexy, powerful, romantic heroes and daring, provocative heroines in her books and has surpassed herself in her newest book The Duke of Midnight (Maiden Lane #6). I didn’t think I could love the Maiden Lane Series anymore, but I was wrong. Both the hero Maximus Batten Duke of Wakefield and the heroine Artemis Greaves ladies companion have been featured as minor characters throughout the series. I have waited with baited breath for each of their stories and to realize that they would be paired together had me over the moon. It has been a long ride to get to the sixth installment of the Maiden Lane Series, as each book gives me heart palpitations. I never know where Hoyt will lead me on one of her adventures. I do know that when it gets time to the removing of the small clothes, that the sparks will fly and only Hoyt can write the sizzle like she does for men who wear wigs and breeches.
First enter the Duke, a cold calculating highborn Member of Parliament on a mission to destroy the gin trade in England. He is the Dark Knight (Batman) 1740’s style. He saw his parents murdered when he was fourteen on the street of St. Giles, a poorer disreputable part of London. In order to gather information and seek to avenge their deaths, he became the Ghost of St. Giles. He is one of three ghosts of St. Giles and the first of the trio, who patrol St. Giles, helping the citizens and punishing the wicked. His reasons for patrolling St. Giles as selfish ones as he sees his parents’ murders as being his fault. He has survivor’s guilt.
Second. you have the Artemis Greaves ladies companion to her cousin, the richest heiress in England, Penelope Chadwick daughter of the Earl of Brightmore . Penelope has set her cap on gaining the favor and becoming the wife of the Duke of Wakefield. One major problem, the Duke has eyes for her daring cousin. Artemis is what every heroine should aspire to be; she is gutsy, forthright, daring, fearless, and smart. The opposite of poor Penelope who is narcissistic and a ninny. Penelope isn’t a bad person; she just doesn’t have any substance. Artemis is the poor relations. One that because of her lack of social standing and wealth, is on the fringe of the society she move in. She isn’t treated badly; she isn’t treated as an equal.
What I love about this book is the attraction that blooms between the stiff duke and the ladies companion; it smolders, catches fire and engulfs them both. Then there is the adventuresome plot line involving the Ghost of St. Giles. I love how Hoyt entwines the adventure into her stories. I found myself leaping along with the ghost as he jumps from rooftop to rooftop. Then add to the mix Artemis, mad brother Apollo, and the storyline takes on even more layers. I can’t wait to see where Apollo’s adventures may lead.
This is now my favorite of all the Maiden Lane Series. I honestly didn’t believe Hoyt could write a hero that would usurp Winter Makepeace in my heart, but Maximus has laid claim to it. Maybe it has something to do with guys who wear caps, have dark underground lairs, and have surly gentlemen servants that give them guff. I wonder if the Ghost of St. Giles has a symbol the residence of 1740’s London could signal him with. Hmmm, The Ghost Signal… Yes, I Loved this Book.
Find out more about the series here.
Karen’s Previous Review of the series
About the Author
The author of the New York Times bestselling Maiden Lane series and the Legend of Four Soldiers series as well as the Prince Trilogy, Elizabeth Hoyt writes “mesmerizing” (Publishers Weekly) historical romances. She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in central Illinois with three untrained dogs, two angelic but bickering children, and one long-suffering husband. Central Illinois can be less than exciting, and Elizabeth is always more than happy to receive missives from her readers. You can write to her at: P.O. Box 17134, Urbana, IL 61873.
Ms. Hoyt’s Social Media
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Review copy provided for review. Reviewer also purchased the book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher. I was not paid to read or review this book. All opinions are my own, and I was never influenced by anything or anyone.
I suppose I could ramble on with my own words of praise and an OMG You Have To Read This Book Right Now Go Buy It Immediately speech, but I’ll just say ditto – and I bought this book twice. I preordered for my nook, which I then left on an airplane in Russia, so when it downloaded (I’ve yet to figure out how to cancel a preorder) I thought I’d just go read it on the nook app on my iPad. Then someone gave me a Kindle, so my first purchase was Duke of Midnight, and my first read on the new Kindle. Excellent breaking in book, right? Love this review. Love Elizabeth’s books. I can’t wait for the next one. She’s one of my auto-buy authors. 🙂
Awesome review of an awesome book. I only wish had had the discipline or the will power to read it more slowly. I wasn’t ready for it to be over. Sigh.