Sweetest Scoundrel (Maiden Lane Book 9)

I really like Elizabeth Hoyt's writing - I started with the 'Princes' series and then began the 'Maiden Lane' series. Every plot is unique, the tension is palpable, the characters deep with interesting backgrounds. BUT - the last three books, Darling Beast, Dearest Rogue and now Sweetest Scoundrel have been way off the mark for me. This latest book, Sweetest Scoundrel, was so unlike her earlier writing that I ploughed through it,waiting and waiting to be caught up in her often nightmarish, intricate plots. It never happened. I liked both the hero's and heroine's characters and their interraction - but the sex scenes were unnecessarily graphic; I don't need to have male and female genitalia described in detail. I also don't know why the first 'sex scene' in the carriage was there - this is a 34 year old man, not a teenager, and a woman who, we know, has terrible issues from her childhood, asking for more explanations and demonstrations?? Please! Then we get a similar scene in the office; I really felt it was just there for titillation, not what I want from her books. There were a lot of other situations and actions that didn't work - but I would be giving the story away if I remarked on them. Suffice to say there were plenty, and I didn't like them.The plot was so thin that I thought there must be more to come to flesh it out, but no, it plodded along and the villain was despatched neatly - and unbelievably. There was never any feeling of menace from him - and I think that is something EH has always written so well. Because I have so enjoyed the earlier books in the series, I will read the next one because we are already familiar with the hero, the Duke of Montgomery, and hope that the author pulls something better out of the hat. I believe that there are a further three Maiden Lane books in the pipeline, but I will have decide whether to read them after the next book is published.

Elizabeth Hoyt has created a wonderful backdrop for her Maiden Lane series and each book is a delight to read. Eve's and Asa's story is no exception. Asa is a really interesting, down to earth hero and at last we find out why he has been distant from his family for so long. He is driven by his passion for the garden at Harte's Folly and the theatrical entertainments that he works hard to produce. As he falls in love with Eve, he has to come to terms with his past and re-order his priorities for the future. His sensitivity to Eve reveals depths to his character that contrast strongly with the brash, hot tempered man we encounter at the beginning of the book. As for Eve, she is also a delight. She is plain, illegitimate and deeply traumatised by events in her own past, but when she loves, she loves wholeheartedly. (Who else could be so devoted to such an amoral and mercurial brother as the Duke of Montgomery? Val's book is next, thankfully, and I can't wait to see how Ms Hoyt can make a hero out of such a character!) Eve's journey is perhaps even more difficult than Asa's, but she is a lovely, courageous woman and it is heartwarming to see her blossom as these two unlikely lovers reach out for their HEA. I thoroughly recommend this book as well as all the others in the Maiden Lane series.

I've always loved Elizabeth Hoyt's writing since the first book of Maiden Lane and Sweetest Scoundrel fits in the series just perfectly.It's not dramatic and scandalous as some of the other previous books, it is what the book's title states, it's a 'sweet' tale between two people who at first glance would never be seen together as a couple. Shy Eve who's a daughter of a Duke and hot-headed Asa the owner of a pleasure garden.For me personally the love story had a modern day feel to it, these two characters had chemistry from the start even though it wasn't the best of starts, but they somehow work so perfectly together.It's a quick, easy read, but full of character and promising storylines none the less. Can't wait for Duke of Sin!

Asa is a larger than life character, fitting for a theatrical manager; he's had to face many setbacks and difficulties so he's pugnacious, loud and very vulgar. He loves women and he's declarative about it. Eve is the absolute opposite - sheltered and retiring and somewhat repressed; she's traumatised by an event in her childhood but, when she is compelled to spend time with Asa, she grows increasingly curious about love and passion and cannot resist being drawn to his unapologetic relish for the latter. She tentatively questions, he responds dramatically and lewdly. It's a heady combination. A bit raw for me but I admire the story.

Good, but Eve gets over her trauma ridiculously quickly. And the way Asa kisses her, knowing she's a survivor of sexual assault is...not great. Looking forward to the next one though!

I have all the rest of the Maiden Lane series and this is as fabulous, I shall read it several times as Asa and Eva have really got to me, the men are always what you would like for yourself and the ladies are so caring. The stories interweave so well and the families are always at the edge so you can bring them into the story but not overwhelm it.I see that there will be more stories, thank goodness.

I love these books !At last the wonderfully gruff and virile Asa meets his match in the rather prim and proper Eve Dinwoody. Great back story for Eve explaining her rather buttoned up personality and unswerving love for her brother who (up to now) seems irredeemable . I reallocate wait for Val and the delightfully named Mrs Crumbs story.

A very weak entry in the Maiden Lane series. I can put up with a bit of swearing in a period romance, but this was excessive. It felt like a very short read and both main characters seemed to change overnight, which made it unbelievable.