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Hachette Audio (2016), Edition: Unabridged Audiobook, Downloadable WMA/MP3 Audiofile, 11 hrs 31 mins
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: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 . . .… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member BrunetteLibrarian
Elizabeth Hoyt is back in rare form with her newest addition to the Maiden Lane series. Having been a fan of hers from her first novel, The Raven Prince, I was delighted to pick up this newest tale of love, loss, and redemption. While this book is the tenth in the series, I am ashamed to say I have
Montgomery has returned from his exile with a score to settle. Hoping to gain redemption and ruin those who had wronged him, Montgomery ventures into a seedy underbelly. Bridget Crumb, Montgomery's newest housekeeper, has secrets and her own agenda. In a world filled with intrigue and never knowing who your friends or enemies truly are, Bridget and Montgomery find kindred spirits within one another. Only Hoyt can have this mysterious Duke find common ground with a destitute, secretive housekeeper who ultimately find their happily ever after.
As I mentioned before, I had missed a few of the last novels. Boy, am I fixing this ASAP. Hoyt's worlds are just so nuanced and layered, and once you start it all just clicks. Romantic to its core, Hoyt writes unique characters, each and every time, which I adore. No cookie cutter heroine or hero, their traits and characteristics give you an insight into who they are, their motivations, and ultimately their fates. Gorgeously written as always, with plenty of sexytimes, romantic to the core, and just plain lovely, I can't recommend Duke of Sin highly enough. Just a great story, with fabulous characters, written in Hoyt's trademark wit I can't recommend this book highly enough.
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missed the last two or three, and wasn't confused at all when I picked this one up, so Duke of Sin can absolutely be read as a stand alone.Montgomery has returned from his exile with a score to settle. Hoping to gain redemption and ruin those who had wronged him, Montgomery ventures into a seedy underbelly. Bridget Crumb, Montgomery's newest housekeeper, has secrets and her own agenda. In a world filled with intrigue and never knowing who your friends or enemies truly are, Bridget and Montgomery find kindred spirits within one another. Only Hoyt can have this mysterious Duke find common ground with a destitute, secretive housekeeper who ultimately find their happily ever after.
As I mentioned before, I had missed a few of the last novels. Boy, am I fixing this ASAP. Hoyt's worlds are just so nuanced and layered, and once you start it all just clicks. Romantic to its core, Hoyt writes unique characters, each and every time, which I adore. No cookie cutter heroine or hero, their traits and characteristics give you an insight into who they are, their motivations, and ultimately their fates. Gorgeously written as always, with plenty of sexytimes, romantic to the core, and just plain lovely, I can't recommend Duke of Sin highly enough. Just a great story, with fabulous characters, written in Hoyt's trademark wit I can't recommend this book highly enough.
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Engrossing!
The Duke of Sin just wrapped me up like a fabulous gift and drew me in! Valentine Napier, The Duke of Montgomery, is wonderful decadence hiding a broken boy's heart and years of secrets. A man brought up by a depraved father whose secret society, The Lords of Chaos, excelled at the worst
His housekeeper, the prim Mrs. Crumb is hiding her own secrets. All beneath a housekeeper's dowdy robes and hideous cap. (We have met Mrs. Crumb previously, around the edges of the main story. As each novel of the series unfold, the stories of others in the series comes into play. We greet them as old friends taking on new hues.)
Echoes of Georgette Heyer and These Old Shades toll faintly. The characters of Devil and Leonie are somewhat on a par, except Valentine is so much more jaded, and his and Bridget Crumb's relationship becomes so much more explicit.
I loved the juxtaposition between the fairy tale (here, the cautionary tale of King Heartless) at the beginning of each chapter and the story. The employment of the fairytale as a lead in is superb. This use, as a foretelling of the events that follow is, put simply, just exquisite.
I am amazed at how this tool works so effectively for each story in the series. How does Elizabeth Hoyt find just the right story as an allegory for the events that unfold and yet becomes just as captivating as the main story that flows alongside? Truly a gift.
I adored this story so much that I had a solid few days of reading the Maidens Lane series from the beginning. And I kept asking myself how had I never read the series before! It's really different, and wonderful as its complexity morphs into the simplicity of selfless love conquering all.
The twists and turns in Duke of Sin really grabbed me. (Mind you that complexity is a part of all the novels). The verbal interplay between Val and Bridget as each tries to out jockey the other is appropriately barbed. The discovery of each by the other is riveting and wonderfully crafted. The coming into his humanity by Valentine is a slow recovery aided by Bridget. The sensuous relationship that develops between them is a thing of beauty.
The Foundling Home in St Giles and its ladies as always play a huge part, as does the mysterious Ghost of St. Giles. A captivating story that held me in thrall into the wee small hours!
I am so glad to have had the chance to discover this series.
A NetGalley ARC
The Duke of Sin just wrapped me up like a fabulous gift and drew me in! Valentine Napier, The Duke of Montgomery, is wonderful decadence hiding a broken boy's heart and years of secrets. A man brought up by a depraved father whose secret society, The Lords of Chaos, excelled at the worst
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sorts of excesses involving children, ghastly bacchanalia rituals and murder. Yet don't get too sympathetic for Val or enchanted by him because he is an awful man, ruthless, and described by his housekeeper as 'deadly as a coiled adder.' Val thrives on power derived from blackmail and the secrets of others.His housekeeper, the prim Mrs. Crumb is hiding her own secrets. All beneath a housekeeper's dowdy robes and hideous cap. (We have met Mrs. Crumb previously, around the edges of the main story. As each novel of the series unfold, the stories of others in the series comes into play. We greet them as old friends taking on new hues.)
Echoes of Georgette Heyer and These Old Shades toll faintly. The characters of Devil and Leonie are somewhat on a par, except Valentine is so much more jaded, and his and Bridget Crumb's relationship becomes so much more explicit.
I loved the juxtaposition between the fairy tale (here, the cautionary tale of King Heartless) at the beginning of each chapter and the story. The employment of the fairytale as a lead in is superb. This use, as a foretelling of the events that follow is, put simply, just exquisite.
I am amazed at how this tool works so effectively for each story in the series. How does Elizabeth Hoyt find just the right story as an allegory for the events that unfold and yet becomes just as captivating as the main story that flows alongside? Truly a gift.
I adored this story so much that I had a solid few days of reading the Maidens Lane series from the beginning. And I kept asking myself how had I never read the series before! It's really different, and wonderful as its complexity morphs into the simplicity of selfless love conquering all.
The twists and turns in Duke of Sin really grabbed me. (Mind you that complexity is a part of all the novels). The verbal interplay between Val and Bridget as each tries to out jockey the other is appropriately barbed. The discovery of each by the other is riveting and wonderfully crafted. The coming into his humanity by Valentine is a slow recovery aided by Bridget. The sensuous relationship that develops between them is a thing of beauty.
The Foundling Home in St Giles and its ladies as always play a huge part, as does the mysterious Ghost of St. Giles. A captivating story that held me in thrall into the wee small hours!
I am so glad to have had the chance to discover this series.
A NetGalley ARC
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LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
I think I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could. While I've enjoyed all the books in the Maiden Lane series, Duke of Sin is just excellent.
Valentine Napier, Duke of Montgomery, has appeared in other of the books. He is a rogue of the worst sort, formed by childhood experiences. He is
Bridget is the illegitimate daughter of a member of the aristocracy who has risen in the service ranks by her merit and industry. She understands Val in a way that others don't. She doesn't cut Val any slack, which he actually likes, and is a perfect foil for him.
Val is outrageous and pretty much says and does what he wants which is part of his charm. This is Elizabeth Hoyt at her finest. The writing is just terrific. I did find the ending predictable, but the story is so good that it didn't matter. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Valentine Napier, Duke of Montgomery, has appeared in other of the books. He is a rogue of the worst sort, formed by childhood experiences. He is
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careless, witty, charming, and nude a lot. And fascinated by his new housekeeper, Bridget Crumb.Bridget is the illegitimate daughter of a member of the aristocracy who has risen in the service ranks by her merit and industry. She understands Val in a way that others don't. She doesn't cut Val any slack, which he actually likes, and is a perfect foil for him.
Val is outrageous and pretty much says and does what he wants which is part of his charm. This is Elizabeth Hoyt at her finest. The writing is just terrific. I did find the ending predictable, but the story is so good that it didn't matter. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
Bridget Crumb may be young but she's one of the most in-demand housekeepers in London. However, rather than taking up one of many fashionable offers, Bridget has chosen to work for Valentine Napier, Duke of Montgomery, an inveterate blackguard who is blackmailing Bridget's birth mother. While
I'm a bit torn on this one. I have always enjoyed Hoyt's historical romances and while this continues the same quality of writing I expect from Hoyt I wasn't particularly attached to the male lead. Val is, essentially, a sociopath and while Hoyt works hard to explain why he is the way he is it wasn't quite enough for me to feel that he was worthwhile of the female lead. Perhaps it comes from Val being the villain mastermind in a few of the previous novels but Hoyt didn't bring me over to the sympathetic side for his character.
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Bridget seeks to find the material Val is holding over her mother's head, she finds herself drawn to the unpredictable Duke in spite of herself.I'm a bit torn on this one. I have always enjoyed Hoyt's historical romances and while this continues the same quality of writing I expect from Hoyt I wasn't particularly attached to the male lead. Val is, essentially, a sociopath and while Hoyt works hard to explain why he is the way he is it wasn't quite enough for me to feel that he was worthwhile of the female lead. Perhaps it comes from Val being the villain mastermind in a few of the previous novels but Hoyt didn't bring me over to the sympathetic side for his character.
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LibraryThing member B.J.O.
5 "You Are My Heart" Stars for the story and 4.5 Stars for the narration!
When you can not put down your earphones for even an hour, you know you've found a 5 Star, top-listen. This jewel of story kept me enraptured from beginning to end. At first because I thought there was no way the hero could
However, not only is Val's story intriguing but the heroine's, Bridget Crumb, is equally compelling and tragic in its own way. If you're a lover of stories were two tragic souls finally find their healing match, then the Duke of Sin is a story you will not want to miss. Moreover, for the audiobook lovers, the great narration by Ashford Mcnab makes this a great choice to experience in audiobook format.
The Duke of Montgomery's tragic past has undoubtedly shaped his wicked reputation and generally persona non grata status among London society. But Valentine learned from the best how to cultivate secrets and use blackmail to his advantage. What he never counted on was that one of his own blackmail plots would bring him square in the face with the one woman who just might cause him to question whether or not he truly has a heart.
Ashford Mcnab has a delightful voice that is easy and soothing to listen to. In that regard, I particularly adored her voice for the heroine which I thought matched her loyal, courageous and yet spirited but sweet personality perfectly. Ms. Mcnab also does a fabulous job of creating different voices for each of her characters allowing for easy differentiation without needing to rely on dialogue tags.
While Ms. Mcnab's voice was not necessarily my favorite voice for Valentine (interestingly the male voice I loved the best was Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, who happens to be the hero of the next full-length book in the Maiden Lane series, The Duke of Pleasure!) it was nonetheless generally suitable and did a good job of conveying his haughty, confident, and sinister personality while at the same time changing sufficiently enough as the story unfolds to allow the listener to believe the connection and romance between the two characters.
All in all, I highly enjoyed this romance and was stunned that Ms. Hoyt was able to weave together such a story that could make this seemingly unredeemable hero, a hero that I ultimately rooted for in the end. Now I can't wait for The Duke of Pleasure, especially given that my curiosity has been piqued with both Ashfor McNab's voicing for this hero and his the background that has been revealed about the Duke of Kyle (releasing in November 2016) and the soon to be released novella, Once Upon a Moonlight Night (releasing July 5th).
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
When you can not put down your earphones for even an hour, you know you've found a 5 Star, top-listen. This jewel of story kept me enraptured from beginning to end. At first because I thought there was no way the hero could
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ultimately be redeemed, but the more his "sins" shown through, the more hooked I became, until at last there was nothing I could do until I had gotten Valentine's (the Duke of Montgomery's) full story in the end.However, not only is Val's story intriguing but the heroine's, Bridget Crumb, is equally compelling and tragic in its own way. If you're a lover of stories were two tragic souls finally find their healing match, then the Duke of Sin is a story you will not want to miss. Moreover, for the audiobook lovers, the great narration by Ashford Mcnab makes this a great choice to experience in audiobook format.
The Duke of Montgomery's tragic past has undoubtedly shaped his wicked reputation and generally persona non grata status among London society. But Valentine learned from the best how to cultivate secrets and use blackmail to his advantage. What he never counted on was that one of his own blackmail plots would bring him square in the face with the one woman who just might cause him to question whether or not he truly has a heart.
Ashford Mcnab has a delightful voice that is easy and soothing to listen to. In that regard, I particularly adored her voice for the heroine which I thought matched her loyal, courageous and yet spirited but sweet personality perfectly. Ms. Mcnab also does a fabulous job of creating different voices for each of her characters allowing for easy differentiation without needing to rely on dialogue tags.
While Ms. Mcnab's voice was not necessarily my favorite voice for Valentine (interestingly the male voice I loved the best was Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, who happens to be the hero of the next full-length book in the Maiden Lane series, The Duke of Pleasure!) it was nonetheless generally suitable and did a good job of conveying his haughty, confident, and sinister personality while at the same time changing sufficiently enough as the story unfolds to allow the listener to believe the connection and romance between the two characters.
All in all, I highly enjoyed this romance and was stunned that Ms. Hoyt was able to weave together such a story that could make this seemingly unredeemable hero, a hero that I ultimately rooted for in the end. Now I can't wait for The Duke of Pleasure, especially given that my curiosity has been piqued with both Ashfor McNab's voicing for this hero and his the background that has been revealed about the Duke of Kyle (releasing in November 2016) and the soon to be released novella, Once Upon a Moonlight Night (releasing July 5th).
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member mom2lnb
Elizabeth Hoyt is such a masterful author, she never fails to amaze me with her stories. I absolutely love them and can’t get enough of them. Duke of Sin ended up being yet another perfect read for me from this very talented writer, and that’s not something I was completely convinced would
Valentine is a character who’s done a lot of terrible things in his life. Blackmailer, murderer, kidnapper, seducer… you name it, he’s probably done it, and he’s proud of it. Then he meets Bridget, and she begins to peel back his layers like an onion, revealing a sympathetic man underneath. Val believes himself to be a heartless cur who is incapable of love, but I knew based on his actions toward Eve that he did have a heart and could love. However, until Bridget, Eve is the only person upon whom he has bestowed that love. Otherwise, he's a masterful purveyor of information who enjoys making other people squirm and who doesn’t seem to have much concept of right and wrong. He takes what he wants when he wants and pretty much does as he pleases with little thought of the consequences. When we learn how hellish his life was growing up, it all makes sense, though. He felt so powerless for a large part of his life, that I think he needed to possess power over others in order to keep them from possibly hurting him. Also his villainous father treated him abominably as a child so that Val never grew up knowing a genuine sense of right and wrong. Yet despite that, I liked that Val did have his limits. He drew the line at raping women or molesting little boys and girls like his father and the Lords of Chaos did. He also did what was necessary to protect his sister at great personal risk. Then we see this whole other side of Val, the boyish charmer who tinkers with clockwork “toys,” who loves books and has a gigantic library, and who seems completely entranced and intrigued by his Seraphine (as he calls Bridget) and wants to understand her morality. Val knows he’s handsome and has a great body, and he isn’t afraid to flaunt it, which gives a freedom to his character I found refreshing rather than merely conceited. And then there’s his flamboyant style. His dress, his surroundings, even his speech on occasion can be overindulgent and poetic and by turns could both amuse and touch me. Everything about him is big and elaborate and fanciful, and yes, a bit self-centered, but that only added to his freeness. He honestly doesn’t care at all what other people think of him. In many ways, Val reminds me of Deadpool, because he’s a little mad yet still oddly lovable, or Loki (Elizabeth Hoyt herself has cast Tom Hiddleston as Val and I think he’s a perfect choice), because he’s a mischievous troublemaker yet still embodies a boyish charm that I couldn’t help but love in spite of him doing bad things.
Bridget is the perfect foil for Val, grounding him and giving his life purpose. The secret illegitimate daughter of a certain aristocratic lady who has been a part of the series from the beginning, Bridget was raised by a working-class foster family due to the circumstances of her birth. She knows the value of hard work and has done just that to earn the position of head housekeeper at such a young age. She genuinely enjoys her work, but she came into Val’s employ originally to use her position to seek out blackmail material he had on her biological mother and another aristocratic lady. Before meeting him in the flesh, Bridget thinks he’s a no-good low-life who only thinks of himself, but after he comes out of hiding, she begins to get to know the real man. She sees glimmers of goodness in him and wants to bring that out of him and show him there’s a different path he can take that doesn’t involve hurting people. There are times when Bridget bests Val at his own game, foiling his plots by taking away his “playthings.” At those times, I found it intriguing that Val is never truly mad at her when he catches her, because he views it as all part of the game, and if anything, he almost seems to respect her all the more for temporarily getting the upper hand. Despite Val’s protestations that he doesn’t have a heart, I adored Bridget for being perceptive enough to see that he does, as well as kind and loving enough to nurture the goodness she sees. Through her patient tutelage she genuinely makes him into a better man.
There are several supporting characters in Duke of Sin who will be getting their own stories in the series or who already have. Bridget’s biological family play roles, as does Hippolyta Royle, all of whom we’ve seen in several previous books. Hippolyta is one of the most sought-after heiresses in England and her story continues from where it leaves off in this book, when she becomes the heroine of the next novella, Once Upon a Moonlit Night, which will be released this month (July 2016). We’re also introduced to Hugh Fitzroy, the king’s illegitimate son and the one the crown sends to clean up problems that arise. He gets an inauspicious introduction to the street urchin, Alf, in this book. This pair will go on to become the hero and heroine of the next full-length novel of the series, Duke of Pleasure, which is due for release in November (2016). Then there are the Lords of Chaos, whom I strongly suspect Ms. Hoyt patterned after the Hellfire clubs that were popular in the Georgian era. These dissolute aristocrats engage in all manner of heinous and debauched acts, and although they suffer a setback in this book, we haven’t heard the last of them, as they become the villains of Duke of Pleasure. Ms. Hoyt is equally as masterful at creating memorable animal characters as she is with her human ones, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bridget’s little dog, Pip, who’s absolutely adorable.
I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but I can’t help it when it’s true. All of Elizabeth Hoyt’s books in her Maiden Lane series have been perfect or near-perfect reads for me, and Duke of Sin was no exception. I loved the story and the characters and think they were both expertly rendered. As usual the love scenes are sensual, steamy and creative. The romance is heartfelt and emotional. The mini fairy tale that accompanies it perfectly mirrors the main story. Everything about this book was spot-on. I couldn’t have asked for a better read and can’t wait for the next stories in the Maiden Lane series. I’m so excited to get two more yet this year. Yay!
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happen when I picked up this latest book in her Maiden Lane series. That’s because of the hero, Val. I was thoroughly intrigued by him from the moment he stepped onto the canvas several books ago, and I felt like he definitely had hero potential. But in the intervening books, he’s been a very, very bad boy who’s stirred up quite a bit of trouble for other characters I loved, not the least of which was kidnapping Phoebe, one of my favorite heroines of the series. That gave me some pause as to whether he could be convincingly redeemed. I think my skepticism stemmed from a bad reading experience with another of my favorite authors in which one of her heroes was very similar to Val, but that hero ended up pushing a lot of unpleasant buttons for me so that I never believed in his supposed redemption. So while I was eager for Val’s story, especially after we discovered in the last book what he did for his half-sister, Eve, I was also just a little trepidatious of possibly having another disappointing read. I’m happy to report that I shouldn’t have worried. As I said, Elizabeth Hoyt is a master, who totally made me fall for Val despite his villainous actions, making this book a real pleasure to read.Valentine is a character who’s done a lot of terrible things in his life. Blackmailer, murderer, kidnapper, seducer… you name it, he’s probably done it, and he’s proud of it. Then he meets Bridget, and she begins to peel back his layers like an onion, revealing a sympathetic man underneath. Val believes himself to be a heartless cur who is incapable of love, but I knew based on his actions toward Eve that he did have a heart and could love. However, until Bridget, Eve is the only person upon whom he has bestowed that love. Otherwise, he's a masterful purveyor of information who enjoys making other people squirm and who doesn’t seem to have much concept of right and wrong. He takes what he wants when he wants and pretty much does as he pleases with little thought of the consequences. When we learn how hellish his life was growing up, it all makes sense, though. He felt so powerless for a large part of his life, that I think he needed to possess power over others in order to keep them from possibly hurting him. Also his villainous father treated him abominably as a child so that Val never grew up knowing a genuine sense of right and wrong. Yet despite that, I liked that Val did have his limits. He drew the line at raping women or molesting little boys and girls like his father and the Lords of Chaos did. He also did what was necessary to protect his sister at great personal risk. Then we see this whole other side of Val, the boyish charmer who tinkers with clockwork “toys,” who loves books and has a gigantic library, and who seems completely entranced and intrigued by his Seraphine (as he calls Bridget) and wants to understand her morality. Val knows he’s handsome and has a great body, and he isn’t afraid to flaunt it, which gives a freedom to his character I found refreshing rather than merely conceited. And then there’s his flamboyant style. His dress, his surroundings, even his speech on occasion can be overindulgent and poetic and by turns could both amuse and touch me. Everything about him is big and elaborate and fanciful, and yes, a bit self-centered, but that only added to his freeness. He honestly doesn’t care at all what other people think of him. In many ways, Val reminds me of Deadpool, because he’s a little mad yet still oddly lovable, or Loki (Elizabeth Hoyt herself has cast Tom Hiddleston as Val and I think he’s a perfect choice), because he’s a mischievous troublemaker yet still embodies a boyish charm that I couldn’t help but love in spite of him doing bad things.
Bridget is the perfect foil for Val, grounding him and giving his life purpose. The secret illegitimate daughter of a certain aristocratic lady who has been a part of the series from the beginning, Bridget was raised by a working-class foster family due to the circumstances of her birth. She knows the value of hard work and has done just that to earn the position of head housekeeper at such a young age. She genuinely enjoys her work, but she came into Val’s employ originally to use her position to seek out blackmail material he had on her biological mother and another aristocratic lady. Before meeting him in the flesh, Bridget thinks he’s a no-good low-life who only thinks of himself, but after he comes out of hiding, she begins to get to know the real man. She sees glimmers of goodness in him and wants to bring that out of him and show him there’s a different path he can take that doesn’t involve hurting people. There are times when Bridget bests Val at his own game, foiling his plots by taking away his “playthings.” At those times, I found it intriguing that Val is never truly mad at her when he catches her, because he views it as all part of the game, and if anything, he almost seems to respect her all the more for temporarily getting the upper hand. Despite Val’s protestations that he doesn’t have a heart, I adored Bridget for being perceptive enough to see that he does, as well as kind and loving enough to nurture the goodness she sees. Through her patient tutelage she genuinely makes him into a better man.
There are several supporting characters in Duke of Sin who will be getting their own stories in the series or who already have. Bridget’s biological family play roles, as does Hippolyta Royle, all of whom we’ve seen in several previous books. Hippolyta is one of the most sought-after heiresses in England and her story continues from where it leaves off in this book, when she becomes the heroine of the next novella, Once Upon a Moonlit Night, which will be released this month (July 2016). We’re also introduced to Hugh Fitzroy, the king’s illegitimate son and the one the crown sends to clean up problems that arise. He gets an inauspicious introduction to the street urchin, Alf, in this book. This pair will go on to become the hero and heroine of the next full-length novel of the series, Duke of Pleasure, which is due for release in November (2016). Then there are the Lords of Chaos, whom I strongly suspect Ms. Hoyt patterned after the Hellfire clubs that were popular in the Georgian era. These dissolute aristocrats engage in all manner of heinous and debauched acts, and although they suffer a setback in this book, we haven’t heard the last of them, as they become the villains of Duke of Pleasure. Ms. Hoyt is equally as masterful at creating memorable animal characters as she is with her human ones, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Bridget’s little dog, Pip, who’s absolutely adorable.
I feel like I’ve been saying this a lot lately, but I can’t help it when it’s true. All of Elizabeth Hoyt’s books in her Maiden Lane series have been perfect or near-perfect reads for me, and Duke of Sin was no exception. I loved the story and the characters and think they were both expertly rendered. As usual the love scenes are sensual, steamy and creative. The romance is heartfelt and emotional. The mini fairy tale that accompanies it perfectly mirrors the main story. Everything about this book was spot-on. I couldn’t have asked for a better read and can’t wait for the next stories in the Maiden Lane series. I’m so excited to get two more yet this year. Yay!
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
Val and Bridget: the plot was OK, but I didn't really warm to Val. The best bit was his horror when he discovered Bridget's Christian name.
LibraryThing member bookworm2bookworm
I think this is the tenth book in this series and the one I liked the least. The reason for it is the "hero". I just couldn't like him. Not one bit.
Here's the thing. Some heroes can start off as "bad boys" and the heroine can "reform" them. But there are some that no matter how much you try to
There's just something about this man that is not just off-putting, but down right unlikable. For the life of me I don't understand why did the author feel the need to try and reform him.
At this point I've vested a lot of time in this series and I will definitely continue with it. All the books are well written and plotted, and the characters are phenomenal, except this hero.
If you've never read this author, do not start with this book. Pick any of her others and you'll love it. Not this one.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publishe
Here's the thing. Some heroes can start off as "bad boys" and the heroine can "reform" them. But there are some that no matter how much you try to
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"reform" the character just won't be reformed.There's just something about this man that is not just off-putting, but down right unlikable. For the life of me I don't understand why did the author feel the need to try and reform him.
At this point I've vested a lot of time in this series and I will definitely continue with it. All the books are well written and plotted, and the characters are phenomenal, except this hero.
If you've never read this author, do not start with this book. Pick any of her others and you'll love it. Not this one.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publishe
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LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Duke of Sin
5 Stars
Valentine Napier, Duke of Montgomery, is notorious throughout London for his shameless vanity, devious plots and debauched behavior. No one is safe from his machinations not even his housekeeper, Bridget Crumb, whose mother has fallen prey to one of Montgomery's extortion schemes.
Easily one of the best installments in Hoyt's Maiden Lane series (coming a very close 2nd to my absolute favorite - Duke of Midnight).
While the tone of the series has never been light as it deals with harsh themes and contains erotic scenes, this installment is definitely darker than most partly due to Val's behavior and partly due to the secondary plot involving the Lords of Chaos.
It is difficult to put the extent of Val's unscrupulous, amoral and Machiavellian characterization into words, but suffice it to say that he epitomizes the classic and irredeemable villain. Nevertheless, like Bridget, it is impossible for the reader not to succumb to his allure as his darkness draws one in, takes hold and won't let go.
Bridget is Val's absolute antithesis - light to his dark, saint to his sinner, innocence to his wickedness. Yet it is precisely this clash of opposites that yields an amazingly witty and clever banter alongside an intense and potent chemistry that sizzles the pages.
The Lords of Chaos subplot, which began in the last book, continues here as more is revealed about the malevolent secret society that dominates the upper echelons of the aristocracy. These are the true villains of the piece and as bad as Val is, he will never come close to the true malevolence and evil of these men.
Overall, a fantastic story and kudos to Hoyt for taking such a diabolical character and making him so appealing without actually changing a single thing about him.
5 Stars
Valentine Napier, Duke of Montgomery, is notorious throughout London for his shameless vanity, devious plots and debauched behavior. No one is safe from his machinations not even his housekeeper, Bridget Crumb, whose mother has fallen prey to one of Montgomery's extortion schemes.
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Determined to resist Val's ruthless appeal, Bridget enters into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Duke only to realize, to her dismay, that she is not immune to his charms nor he to hers.Easily one of the best installments in Hoyt's Maiden Lane series (coming a very close 2nd to my absolute favorite - Duke of Midnight).
While the tone of the series has never been light as it deals with harsh themes and contains erotic scenes, this installment is definitely darker than most partly due to Val's behavior and partly due to the secondary plot involving the Lords of Chaos.
It is difficult to put the extent of Val's unscrupulous, amoral and Machiavellian characterization into words, but suffice it to say that he epitomizes the classic and irredeemable villain. Nevertheless, like Bridget, it is impossible for the reader not to succumb to his allure as his darkness draws one in, takes hold and won't let go.
Bridget is Val's absolute antithesis - light to his dark, saint to his sinner, innocence to his wickedness. Yet it is precisely this clash of opposites that yields an amazingly witty and clever banter alongside an intense and potent chemistry that sizzles the pages.
The Lords of Chaos subplot, which began in the last book, continues here as more is revealed about the malevolent secret society that dominates the upper echelons of the aristocracy. These are the true villains of the piece and as bad as Val is, he will never come close to the true malevolence and evil of these men.
Overall, a fantastic story and kudos to Hoyt for taking such a diabolical character and making him so appealing without actually changing a single thing about him.
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LibraryThing member WhiskeyintheJar
3.5 stars
I read this for the Rogue square for Romance Bingo.
"So you see, I must have more power. It's the only way to survive them."
I struggled with my rating for this book because I loved how Hoyt portrayed Val. She provided an understanding for why Val is the way he is, almost excusing it but
She was making love to Val. Selfishly. Because she wanted to. Because he was everything she'd been denied in life---everything she'd denied herself: laughter and wit and books and adventure. Lust and sensuality. Silks and hot baths. Warm dogs and warmer bed linen. He was sin itself and if she was a sinner for a little while, she'd pay the price and gladly.
I also liked our heroine Bridget and her calmness and ability to accept and love Val for who he is. Her presence and reactions might help change Val for the better but she doesn't force anything. Her hidden pain but drive to continue on in life regarding how her mother never really brought her into her life was tender.
While I was a big fan of Val and Bridget separately, why I struggled with my rating was because I didn't fully feel the romance between the two. The lust seemed more prominent than deeper emotions. Towards the end I started to feel it a bit more with Val opening up but I missed more engaging talks, push, and pulls. This might have been because of Bridget's position as Val's housekeeper which sets up a power dynamic; she stood up to him at times but the power balance was uneven.
There were less former characters making appearances here, some of the Caires and Alf, and a few new introductions like the Lords of Chaos and the Duke of Kyle. The Duke of Kyle has caught my eye and as a not in your face dark guy, I'm a little shocked but there is something about him that draws me. Quite excited his book is next :)
I read this for the Rogue square for Romance Bingo.
"So you see, I must have more power. It's the only way to survive them."
I struggled with my rating for this book because I loved how Hoyt portrayed Val. She provided an understanding for why Val is the way he is, almost excusing it but
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still kept him the unabashed rogue readers of the series have grown to know and almost against our will, love. Val doesn't really feel shame for his actions because his childhood was all about survival and nothing else makes sense to him. Hoyt kept him real. And naked, a lot of naked scenes ;)She was making love to Val. Selfishly. Because she wanted to. Because he was everything she'd been denied in life---everything she'd denied herself: laughter and wit and books and adventure. Lust and sensuality. Silks and hot baths. Warm dogs and warmer bed linen. He was sin itself and if she was a sinner for a little while, she'd pay the price and gladly.
I also liked our heroine Bridget and her calmness and ability to accept and love Val for who he is. Her presence and reactions might help change Val for the better but she doesn't force anything. Her hidden pain but drive to continue on in life regarding how her mother never really brought her into her life was tender.
While I was a big fan of Val and Bridget separately, why I struggled with my rating was because I didn't fully feel the romance between the two. The lust seemed more prominent than deeper emotions. Towards the end I started to feel it a bit more with Val opening up but I missed more engaging talks, push, and pulls. This might have been because of Bridget's position as Val's housekeeper which sets up a power dynamic; she stood up to him at times but the power balance was uneven.
There were less former characters making appearances here, some of the Caires and Alf, and a few new introductions like the Lords of Chaos and the Duke of Kyle. The Duke of Kyle has caught my eye and as a not in your face dark guy, I'm a little shocked but there is something about him that draws me. Quite excited his book is next :)
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LibraryThing member samnreader
Well, just so you all know, I started Maiden Lane for this book.
Because I'm always searching for an anti-hero, and I was told by a very trusted source this one was one to read...but first I had to get through the other 9. Anti-heroes are often these sort of brooding types though...but not Val.
Bridget's was less so, but it didn't really disappoint me. We still had a really good sense of her, but a lot of it did center around who Val was. She was savvy, hardworking, persistent and ethical. A very good strong character, but maybe a little...boring? Her story was just not as compelling to me. I didn't love her. I liked her, I just didn't go crazy for her or anything.
Val was entirely too fascinating of a character, as was the growth of their relationship, but that is where the book stumbled. I have seen complaints that it was rushed. It was. Not the beginning, but the ultimate conclusion seemed weirdly jarring. Lots happening plot-wise in the final chapters and no real time to develop.
That said, the writing was fantastic. Great passages, lots of funny moments....and a good thing I started my heroes to lick shelf because Val can't simply be a book boyfriend. Nope. Doesn't even make sense.
Because I'm always searching for an anti-hero, and I was told by a very trusted source this one was one to read...but first I had to get through the other 9. Anti-heroes are often these sort of brooding types though...but not Val.
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He's a matter-of-fact, ruthless, power-hungry, delicious, hilarious, vain, colorful anti-hero. He's stunningly damaged, so much so that his method of coping is cruelty and void of feelings. We were given a good deal of insight into his ability to care for Eve, and that moment when she told him he couldn't keep doing what he was doing and it felt a little like heartbreak was the perfect launch for his backstory and growth. His backstory was incredibly well-crafted. Bridget's was less so, but it didn't really disappoint me. We still had a really good sense of her, but a lot of it did center around who Val was. She was savvy, hardworking, persistent and ethical. A very good strong character, but maybe a little...boring? Her story was just not as compelling to me. I didn't love her. I liked her, I just didn't go crazy for her or anything.
Val was entirely too fascinating of a character, as was the growth of their relationship, but that is where the book stumbled. I have seen complaints that it was rushed. It was. Not the beginning, but the ultimate conclusion seemed weirdly jarring. Lots happening plot-wise in the final chapters and no real time to develop.
That said, the writing was fantastic. Great passages, lots of funny moments....and a good thing I started my heroes to lick shelf because Val can't simply be a book boyfriend. Nope. Doesn't even make sense.
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LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
I was not looking forward to this male lead, but Hoyt did end up making him pretty compelling.
2nd read- I gave this 4 stars the first time around, but I'm bumping it up one after reading it again. Hoyt just did a really good job writing this story to feel engaging. Even knowing what would happen I
2nd read- I gave this 4 stars the first time around, but I'm bumping it up one after reading it again. Hoyt just did a really good job writing this story to feel engaging. Even knowing what would happen I
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still enjoyed the journey very much. I feel like I have a good understanding of who these characters are, and they stand out from the vast sea of generic leads. This hero starts out quite unlikable (super vain, power hungry, kind of sociopathic), but bit by bit, just like for the heroine, we gain more insight into how he came to see the world as he does and it becomes easier to empathize with him, then before long I was rooting for each step in his character growth. The heroine comes into her own as well and I sort of feel proud of them, lol. The heroine is strong and capable without being a hothead or anything. I found how their feelings developed believable. It's kind of a dark one, but it's an interesting plot with compelling characters. Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Romance — 2017)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2016-05-31
ISBN
1478939877 / 9781478939870