From Publishers Weekly Hoyt captures readers' attention with the sixth installment in her 1740s Maiden Lane series. The rather silly Lady Penelope Greaves has been making eyes at Maximus Batten, the Duke of Wakefield; Maximus is more interested in Artemis, Penelope's sensible cousin, but he feels obligated to marry a titled lady. When Artemis discovers that Maximus is the masked vigilante called the Ghost of St. Giles, she blackmails him into helping get her brother, Apollo, out of Bedlam. Artemis comes to respect and care for Maximus, whose desire for her evenly matches his Batman-like quest to find the villain in St. Giles who murdered his parents years ago. The intense, yet tender love scenes are balanced with danger and suspense, as Maximus will stop at nothing to avenge his parents' murder, and Artemis risks her reputation for an affair with a man she can't marry. Richly drawn characters fill the pages of this emotionally charged mix of mystery and romance. Agent: Susannah Taylor, Richard Henshaw Group. (Oct.) Read more Review "Lord of Darkness...illuminates Hoyt's boundless imagination... readers will adore this story."―RT Book Reviews"Hoyt's writing is imbued with great depth of emotion ...Heartbreaking ... an edgy tension-filled plot."―Publishers Weekly"I adore the Maiden Lane series, and this fifth book is a very welcome addition to the series . . . [It's] sexy and sweet all at the same time . . . This can be read as a standalone, but I adore each book in this series and encourage you to start from the beginning."―USA Today's Happy Ever After Blog"Lord of Darkness is classic Elizabeth Hoyt, meaning it's unique, engaging, and leaves readers on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next book . . . an incredible addition to the fantastic Maiden Lane series. I Joyfully Recommend Godric and Megs's tale, for it's an amazing, well-crafted story with an intriguing plot and a lovely, touching romance that I want to enjoy again and again and again . . . simply enchanting!"―JoyfullyReviewed.com"Beautifully written . . . a truly fine piece of storytelling and a novel that deserves to be read and enjoyed."―TheBookBinge.com Read more See all Editorial Reviews
S**I
Strong characters, intense story!
This book was indeed my favorite of the Maiden Lane series and the most of the three (Thief of Shadows, Lord of Darkness, and this one) though each had its own charm.In Duke of Midnight, you get really and easily engaged with the characters, who are so well-driven by their fears, hopes, and desire for life. I especially loved Artemis, such a strong and confident heroine, and though she casts Maximus aside for her determination, she accedes to become his only escape and hope. Maximus, on the other hand, has never imagined to need this peculiar woman and surrenders to her passion, willing to teach her what she wants to learn about love, while she shows him that life is worth living it.As they both learn what they need to know, they must accept to open their souls to each other and remove their masks.Great story that women will surely sigh above a thousand time, excellent to read cozily at midnight...
K**N
One of my favorites
I like reading the Maiden Lane series but didn't really count myself a true fan until I read Duke of Midnight. Based on the reviews and high ratings, I know I'm not the only one. I really enjoyed Maximus and Artemis' love story, from the slow build up of their relationship to the turmoil of past mistakes and then glorious redemption. It was very creative how Ms. Hoyt made Maximus realize what was truly his heart's desire, almost like a lightning round of events that showed the man behind the title.As for Artemis, I admit I don't usually go for the martyred type of heroine, but on her, it works. Her quiet strength and resilience is admirable. I also understand why she made the decisions she did and how she carried herself the way she did....and most of all, I admire her devotion to her brother. She saved him. I think she is a fitting match to our duke.While there were some who didn't like how Maximus treated Artemis (by not considering her as duchess material), I saw it as him denying and punishing himself as atonement for past mistakes. It is not that he valued her less, but that he didn't think himself worthy of being happy and, in a way, alive. He denied his wants since the age of fourteen and his failures haunted him. And to be fair, Artemis was really difficult to "see" past the difference in rank: from her semi-scandalous family background, to her poverty and the lack of physically beauty (when compared to her cousin) and in her role as female companion, to the woman underneath...but Maximus did see her and that is to his credit and intelligence.Duke of Midnight is a lovely read...one I highly recommend. I also enjoyed Duke of Sin...because what can I say, I just love how a tortured hero can be redeemed by the love of a strong and worthy female.
M**T
Verbal sparring and igniting passion. Heady stuff, that.
Great addition to a worthy series. Artemis is a lady-companion to her bubble headed and vain cousin Penelope due to her family's dissolution and great scandal. Maximus is courting Penelope because of her beauty, wealth, social standing, and because he feels she would be the "perfect" duchess for his long family lineage and fulfill his promise to his murdered parents. Lots of intricate plotting here. More explanation of the Ghost of St Giles; some of that mystery is expounded upon, and why Maximus has taken up the sword himself. Great characters; both main and supporting. Craven is like Alfred to Maximus' Batman; and his dry, not-so-deferential dialogue is great stuff indeed. The duel between our outwardly contained yet internally combustable protagonists is a real joy to behold. Ms. Hoyt's writing is an elegant thing indeed.
M**Y
Surprised
When I started Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt, I wasn't sure I was going to like the story. It wasn't because of the story or the author. I actually adore the author. However, it was the hero, Maximus Batten, Duke of Wakefield. Don't get me wrong I love stories about Duke heroes. Come on I did a blog on my favorite Duke heroes.At the beginning Wakefield wasn't shaping out to be a fave. I didn't have a problem with his double life as the Ghost of St. Giles. I actually prefer him when he was the Ghost, because he was able to put away his autocratic self and be a decent guy. As the story progress, I was impress with Wakefield and he slowly change. I mean slowly; the guy was stubborn. Come on he was about to marry the wrong girl, because of the dukedom. Fortunately, he was able to come to his senses before he made a terrible mistake.Now Artemis Greaves, I loved her. She was loyal to her hen-witted cousin. I mean some of the things she had to do, I mean I don't know if I would be able to do them so willingly. Then again I'm stubborn. However, Artemis will fight for what she believes is right. I mean she practically takes care and fights for her brother while he's in the bedlam.Overall, I did like the story. Yes, I struggle with Wakefield, but I eventually warm to him and he did soften up in the story. I love that he met his match in Artemis. I can't wait to see what Ms. Hoyt will come up with next, and I'm sure it will be good. So, if you liked the other Maiden Lane stories, I believe y'all will enjoy Duke of Midnight.Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley
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