Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt

Five books into her Maiden Lane series and Elizabeth Hoyt is still on top of her game!  Godric St. John married Lady Margaret to help her out of a tough situation and it seemed to fit for him.  Megs would live in the country away from him and he could continue with his nightly duties as the Ghost of St.Giles.  This works well until Megs, and part of his family, descend upon him and turn his life upside down when Megs tells him he wants a child.  Having married and lost the great love of his life, Godric is not too keen of this plan but concedes to it with a bargain of his own.  Megs being around causes new feelings to emerge, not just for himself but she also makes him confront his issues with his family.  Megs for her part, also lost the great love of her life and does not want to feel when she is with Godric but as his secrets are revealed, the true force of their relationship is tested.

I have been a huge fan of this series and I was not sure what to expect from this book but I should never have doubted.  I loved it.  Godric is strong, patient and sexy and I loved seeing his flaws come out and be played out and strengthened with the help of Megs.  Megs is full of life and happiness and is determined to have a child with her husband, no matter the cost.  I did get a bit frustrated with her during her first bedroom encounters with Godric as she had a hard time letting go of her past, yet she expected Godric to do that with his own past.  But Godric cleared up that matter quickly and I loved that!  We again get a bit of a mystery in St. Giles but it did not take away from the growing love between Godric and Megs, if anything it helped force the feelings front and center.  The St. Giles storyline is a bit similar to the previous book but it did allow up to catch up with almost all the previous couples as a result (no Mickey and Silence though).  Ms Hoyt expertly weaves in the characters for the next book, Duke of Midnight, and I already want that book now!  The love scenes are passion filled and you could really see how they helped this couple find the love that they thought they would never have again.  This is a passionate, lovely, emotional romance that is one of my favorite reads so far this year (as if there really was any doubt).  4 1/2 stars

Review copy provided by Grand Central Publishing via netgalley

Maiden Lane series
Best enjoyed in order!

Duke of Midnight Oct 15th

New Covers

Some new covers for you this week. . .

I really enjoy Cara Elliott for her super sexy fact paced books and I love the cover for her newest title, Too Dangerous to Desire.  This is book three in her Lords of Midnight series and should hit shelves November 20th.

Oh, another pretty red cover!  Cecilia Grant writes some beautiful love stores and we can expect A Woman Entangled January 29th.  It fits in beautifully with her previous covers!

Elizabeth Hoyt is always on top of my must buy list and can't wait for list and Lord of Darkness is no exception!  I like how the cover is soft but the title implies darkness...and it has a nice sexy stepback as well!  I love stepbacks :)  This one won't be out until February 26th, sob!

Miranda Neville also shared a picture of her upcoming book, The Importance of Being Wicked.  How can you not be excited about a book with that title?  She did say the cover is not yet final so that is why it is just a picture and I can't wait to see a more detailed view of it as it looks delicious :)  This one will be out November 27th.

Well, a somewhat quiet week but all books that I am eager to read!  It seems we are now on a trend for red...gold and white have made strong showings with some earlier titles.  What about you?  Looking forward to any of these titles?

Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt

Winter Makepeace is pleased to finally have a new building for his Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children but he is still a bit restless so when he hears of a 'lassie snatcher' he sets about to find out all he can and stop them.  As his alter ego, the Ghost of St. Giles, he learns what he can about the orphaned girls being forced to work in horrible conditions with no fresh air and rotten food.  As he tries to save these girls, his day job starts to give him a distraction in the form of one Lady Isabel Beckinhill.  Some members of her Ladies' Syndicate for the Benefit of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children feel that Mr. Makepeace is not an appropriate headmaster for the foundling children now that they have wealthy matrons supporting them and Isabel is chosen to teach Winter the refining points of being a gentleman.  However, as these two do not always see eye to eye, passions rise between heated banter and Winter tries to keep a rein on his inner demons and protect all the innocents of St. Giles without giving in to his desires. 

Isabel Beckinhill shocks herself when she suddenly rescues the mysterious, supposedly deadly, Ghost of St. Giles.  But just as quick as they can sew him up he is gone, leaving a lasting impression behind.  When her instructional meetings with Winter start awakening her passions, she starts to question how Winter seems to be missing when he should be present and the Ghost is around instead.   A daring escape finally forces her to confront the Ghost and together they answer questions and give into the blazing passion between them.  But with Isabel having a sad secret and Winter unable to give up being the Ghost, how will this unlikely couple find happiness?

Sigh, what a book.  Winter.  He seemed so uptight in the previous books but trust Elizabeth Hoyt to turn that all around and make a delicious, sexy, strong, loyal, protective hero.  And to top it all off... ***minor spoiler--he's a virgin!***  Swoon.  And Isabel, again I wasn't too sure about her in the previous books, but she turns out to be the perfect woman (slightly older!) woman for Winter.  I loved watching Winter wrestle with himself as he tries to protect all those that can not protect themselves in St. Giles.  As he believes that this is his life work, he knows he has no time for a wife and family but then there is Isabel at every turn, tempting him, making him question if it is right for one person to uphold all this by himself.  When he finally lets Isabel in, it is forever and he will stop at nothing to convince Isabel of that fact.  Elizabeth Hoyt has one again proven why she is on my auto buy list--she can take a woman not well liked, who seems cold and bitter (there is a side story with a young boy that is so well done) and shape her into a warm, caring, lovable heroine who will do whatever it takes to be with the man she loves.  And while Ms Hoyt is crafting this heroine, she delivers a hero who is the perfect balance, who brings the love and passion and even some daring stubbornness to meld together beautifully all while set amongst the dirty side of London, away from the balls and glitter, make you feel like you are there with them.  This is another passionate winner from the obviously talented, top of her game, Elizabeth Hoyt and I am so happy there is more to come in this Maiden Lane series!   4 1/2 stars

I received this eARC from Grand Central Publishing via netgalley.com 

Maiden Lane series
Should be read in order to avoid major spoilers

Lord of Darkness (Do not read description of book until you read Thief of Shadows!!)
Expected Jan 29th, 2013 
Duke of Midnight
Later 2013

Most Antcipated for 2012

Ok, looking into the new year here are my 5 most anticipated traditionally published books:

Thief of Shadows (out July 1st) is finally Winter's story and as he has been so mysterious and quite for the most part until now, I can't wait to see how it plays out with the seemingly opposite Isabel. Ok, fine I can't wait for the next in the series either but since that says it has a publication of Dec 31st it will have to tag on to this one (Lord of Darkness).

I have adored all of Sarah MacLeans books so far and I am sure that A Rogue By Any Other Name will be another one added to my keeper cover (I mean, look at that cover!). This one releases on February 28th and I am beyond excited that I have it from Netgalley and get to read it a bit early. But I already have my paperback copy preordered :)

I don't read too many contemporaries lately but one author that is still on my auto-buy list is the talented Julie James and we can finally get Sawyer-look-alike Kyle's story on April 3rd in About That Night.

I know this is two books but since Mad about the Earl comes out in a few days on January 3rd, I also wanted to add A Duchess to Remember which will release on June 26th. I really enjoyed Christina Brooke's first historical and can't wait to see what happens next in the Ministry of Marriage series.

And finally I have The Rogue Pirate's Bride (out Feb 7th and I will be reading soon thanks to Netgalley and Ms Galen!).  Shana Galen instantly became an auto buy author for me with Lord and Lady Spy and I know this book has been greatly anticipated since it is the third in a trilogy so I can't wait to start it.  I believe she is working on something for later in the year as well and that will be on my anticipated list as well :)

As you may have noticed I said those were my traditionally published....that is because I have a few self-published authors that I am also eagerly awaiting and here are my top choices for them:

First up is two books from Lila Dipasqua. Undone will be out April 4th and is her first book through self publishing and I love the cover. I have loved everything I have read from her so I can't wait for this one!

But perhaps the one I am most anticipating is this one. Three Reckless Wishes (Sept 5th) follows A Midnight Dance (which I LOVED and left us with a bit of a cliffhanger) so I am just itching to read this one!!

My next author that I can't wait for their self published books is Ashley March who will be writing as Elise Rome starting in the new year.  She already has six books listed in the goodreads.com system and I think she will be doing some set in the 1920s so that should be fun!  Ashley is a great author who communicates so well with her readers and I adore her for that and I can't wait to see what the new year brings us from her! :)

The Governess Affair is the start of a new series from Courtney Milan and is a novella so I hope this means we can expect at least one full length novel as well :)  Release date to be determined.


So, these are all my choices for the new year.  What are you most looking forward too?

New Cover

Sigh, look at the upcoming cover for My Lady Rival by Ashley March and due out May 1st.  So pretty!  Can't wait for this one :)

And here are a couple stepbacks for two more titles I am eagerly awaiting. First is the stepback from Tessa Dare's A Week to Be Wicked (due out March 27th) and she revealed on the Ballroom Blog she is so exicted to have a true stepback! And I agree :)

And here is the stepback for a book I am dying to read like yesterday, Thief of Shadows which doesn't come out until July...sigh.



Well, I hope you all have a wonderful holidays! I probably won't be on too much so I am just reading a few books for me and will get back to my ARCs in about a week (since once I read a book I tend to forget parts of it lol)

New Cover!

I was voting on a list on goodreads.com about the books we are most anticipating and I saw this: 

LOVE!!  She hasn't officially released this on her website and I can not wait until she does as she usually shows the step back as well and I love her hot step backs :)  This is totally one of my most anticipated reads for the coming year and I love the shade of pink that was used.  What about you?  Does it grab your attention?  And grrr...is it July yet?!?

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

Silence and Mickey.  If you have read the previous two books in Elizabeth Hoyts Maiden Lane series (Wicked Intentions and Notorious Pleasures) I need not say more as fans have been waiting for this story since our couples first life changing meeting in Wicked Intentions.  Now there is always that lingering question...can a book with so much anticipation live up to the hope readers have been clamoring for?  Oh, yes.  Yes, yes, yes.  Ms Hoyt knocked it out of the park with this one.

Mickey O'Connor, notorious river pirate, caused Silence Hollingbrook to question her love for her late husband after Mickey forced Silence to leave his palace in a state of disarray after she came to bargain back her late husbands goods from his ship that Mickey stole.  After she returns home, untouched, her husband refuses to believe her and he later dies at sea leaving a huge sense of loss upon Silence.  When a baby girl is left on her doorstep, she throws all her love into caring for little Mary Darling and when she awakens one day to find her gone she panics until she receives a note from Mickey stating that he has something she wants.  All the little pieces click into place as to who Mary Darling truly is but this is her daughter now and she knows she will do everything in her power to get him back...even if it means going back to Mickey and sacrificing her fragile reputation again.

Mickey truthfully could care less about his little daughter...her mother was just a whore and of no importance but Mickey has many enemies and his number one enemy wants the little baby to hold over Mickey's head.  And to get to Mary means the evil Vicar needs to go through Silence and that is just unthinkable to Mickey.  No women has ever gotten under his skin like Silence has from there one meeting nine months ago and he knows he must protect her at all costs and the only way to get her to stay with him, is through Mary Darling.

The transformation of Mickey O'Connor, river pirate, into a man that cares more about life than just money and power is excellent.  It didn't happen overnight, it was a gradual, very believable process.  I loved Mickey.  His demons from his past will break your heart and make you understand how and why he grew up into the man he did.  I was a bit surprised at the little twist in the middle of the book..it threw me off for a bit but it was a perfect solution that played out in the end.  And even with all the pirate jargon talk (I did have to read a bit of it out loud to make sure I was reading it right), I really fell for Mickey, pirate and all.

Silence.  I really wasn't sure how she was going to be able to handle this strong, bossy, snarly man but she surprised me.  Her 'mama bear' instincts kicked in and she stood her ground with Mickey and refused to bend to her rules.  It lead to quite a few humorous situations with Mickey roaring at her and Silence just smiling and saying no, thank you.  It sort of reminded me of  Beauty and the Beast when Belle first arrives at the Beasts castle so of course that made me smile.  But watching Silence fall in love with Mickey was delightful.  She knows it just isn't right but she again surprised me when she followed her heart instead of doing what her family asked of her at one point but then standing her ground in the end.

Overall, definitely one of my favorite historicals I have read this year.  It will grab you from the beginning and keep you flipping the pages all the way through the heart pounding ending.  And the epilogue will have you clamoring for the next book, Thief of Shadows, right away again.  Thank you Ms Hoyt for stepping up and delivering a absolutely wonderful story that will leave many smiling faces and sighing hearts in its wake and be enjoyed for years to come! 5 stars

Maiden Lane Series

Thief of Shadows Expected release July 2012
Lord of Darkness Expected release December 2012

Upcoming October historical releases

Here are some upcoming historicals being released in October! 

Oct 4th


Phew, lots of good ones being released on Oct 4th!  I know I have said it before, but grab Theresa Roamins debut, Season for Temptation,if you are a fan of fun romances (sort of like Julia Quinn).  I know I will be buying Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish as it continues her series with a great family (though it is the start of a trilogy just about the sisters, I think the brothers are separated into their own series).  I have not seen alot about Suzanne Enochs upcoming release, A Beginner's Guide to Rakes, but the little I have seen has been very positive so I am looking forward to it as well :) A Bride Unveiled is book two in a series that I have not yet tried but is on my huge mountain to read. The Accidental Courtesan is also book two in a series and while some didn't love the first one, I enjoyed it so I will be picking this one up.  And I just saw a mini review from a goodreads friend for Tis the Season to Be Sinful that has me looking forward to a delightful story in this one.  Yeah, looks like I am going for broke in about a week with all these titles!

Oct 18th



Sigh...I don't think I need to say much about this book as I have said numerous times I am dying to read this one...right now!

Oct 25th




Another book I am just dying to read right now is the last of Maya Banks Highlander series, Never Love a Highlander! Loved the last one so very eager for this one as well :) Engaged in Sin sounds like a promising book from a new to me author and a very pretty cover as well. Too Wicked to Wed is the start of a new series from Cara Elliot and as I enjoyed her past trilogy, featuring strong woman with male-dominated professions, I have high hopes for the new series.  And finally, only two historicals from Avon this month (though they do have a contemporary from one of my favorite authors, Toni Blake coming out, Holly Lane).  One being All About Seduction which is another new to me author and the premise for this one is quite interesting and I hope to get to it as I have it from Netgalley.  The last one for the month is book three in a trilogy from Sara Bennett, To Pleasure a Duke and I hope to read this one early as well as I read the first in the trilogy and enjoyed it.

So overall, another good month for historical romance fans.  What about you?  Which books are you looking forward to in October?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

 This week, my pick is a book I have been dying for for months now and it finally being released in just three more looong weeks!  The build up to this story from the previous two books in the series, Wicked Intentions and Notorious Pleasures, has had me chomping for this book since I finished the previous one months ago.  Here is the summary from Elizabeth Hoyts website:

Can a pirate learn . . . River Pirate ‘Charming’ Mickey O’Connor has lifted himself from the depths of the slums to be the King of St. Giles. Anything he wants he gets—with one exception. Silence Hollingbrook has been haunting his dreams ever since she spent a single night in his bed.
That the only true treasure . . .
Once Silence was willing to sacrifice anything to save the man she loved. Now a widow, she’s finally found peace when Charming Mickey comes storming back into her life with an offer she can’t refuse. But this time she won’t be the only one paying the price for his sins.
Lies in a woman's heart?
When his past comes back to torment him, Mickey must keep Silence safe from a merciless enemy, while wrestling with the delicious hold this widow has on his heart. And in the face of mounting danger, both will have to surrender to something even more terrifying . . . true love.

See, I read the preview in the back of the last book, something I rarely do and this is why.  It makes you want the next book now and you have to wait and wait and wait.  The chemistry between Charming Mickey and Silence is going to be off the charts, I just know it.  I can not wait to read this story and see how it all plays out.  And phew, the step back for this cover??  See. thats how I know its going to be smokin ;)  Looking forward to a delicious, hot pirate story with a strong willed woman who fall for each other in a most satisfying way from one of my favorite historical authors!  What about you?  Have you read anything by the uber-talented Elizabeth Hoyt?  Are you just dying for this book as well?