andipants's review against another edition
4.0
I like the cross-dressing trope, and I like it even better when, as here, the guy doesn't figure it out immediately. This seems to be the case with a lot of the ones I've read lately, and I mean, what's the point if the charade lasts all of five seconds? I also liked the action and intrigue going on in the background here, although the overall pacing felt a little uneven. And while I'm not usually a big fan of the rags-to-riches storyline — how on earth is a former street urchin expected to survive and enjoy herself in high society? — the characters and situation specifics here deal with that question well enough for me. Maybe it's a little hand-wavey, but I'm always a sucker for a badass heroine that don't need no saving, thank you very much. I'll take it.
sri_savita's review against another edition
5.0
I was charmed by this even though class differences aren't really my favorite, but I was interested in Alf's character from the start of the Maiden Lane series. I don't typically love the cross-dressing in historical romance for the way that when it's employed, it doesn't actually address the character's reasons for doing so in a more nuanced and less surface way, it's usually for something just serving the plot. So this book isn't without its issues, but I really like Alf's character and her earnestness and the way she cares for the children in her life. I also liked the return of the Ghost of St. Giles lol and some characters from other books.
canadianbookaddict's review against another edition
5.0
I admit that I have not read all the books in this series (this is book eleven in the Maiden Lane series) and I do recommend you read the other books in the series before you read this book.
I very much loved this story and I love Alf and Hugh together.
The story is very well written and there isn't anything I didn't like about this book.
I give this 5 out of 5.
I very much loved this story and I love Alf and Hugh together.
The story is very well written and there isn't anything I didn't like about this book.
I give this 5 out of 5.
allingoodtime's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While they can’t all be winners, this is at least still a good read. The problem with an author giving you so many 5-star reads is you have high expectations. And, quite frankly, my problem with this book didn’t have much to do with the storyline, characters, or even the writing. I’ll explain.
A lot was changing in the language used when this book was published. Alf has been in many books and while the reader has known for a while Alf is a woman, most of the characters assume her to be a teenage boy. Within this story, it comes time for Alf to have to do some of her spying as a lady at a ball. Not to mention, before that, when Hugh realizes Alf is not what she seems, some of the language used is very heteronormative and cisnormative by today’s standards. This will most likely not bother everyone, but it was noticeable to me so kept pulling me out of the story.
When it comes to Alf and Hugh, they were an interesting match. In some ways, Alf seems much younger than Hugh when there are barely 10 years between them, yet in others, she seems to be the older of the two. Hugh is smart and strategic, but he was raised among privilege even if not in the way most dukes are raised. Alf has been on the streets for the majority of her life and so is smart and strategic in a different way. The person who took Alf under their wing when she was younger was very protective so Alf is extremely canny in some ways and totally naïve in others. They are a good mix and bring out things in the other that nobody else can.
As interesting as the Lords of Chaos storyline in this series has been, and I know there will be at least one more book dealing with them in at least a small way, I’m glad it’s being resolved. I’m not one that usually needs trigger warnings, but those are some evil dudes. I was on edge for fear of Alf as well as Hugh’s two young sons throughout this story just knowing what could happen.
One thing I really enjoyed about this story is the interplay among the various women. The author could have gone a completely different way with the Iris/Alf relationship and I appreciate that she gave them a beautiful connection instead of falling back on the jealous other woman trope. Megs also gave Alf total acceptance. These women helped Alf to see she could be herself and still find respect among those in Hugh’s social circles. I thought I’d dislike Iris due to a few comments and things in the beginning, but now I’m anticipating her story and want her to find the passion she has been without.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Kidnapping
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Duke of Pleasure
4.5 Stars
Tasked by the King to unmask the Lords of Chaos, England's most malevolent secret society, Hugh Fitzroy, Duke of Kyle, enlists the aid of Alf, the cocky young street urchin capable of ferreting out the most elusive tidbits of information. However, will Kyle still trust Alf once he learns that she is not only the Ghost of St. Giles but female to boot? Can Alf become the woman Kyle needs to destroy the Lords once and for all?
Alf's character has been developing slowly, but steadily over the past few books, and, thankfully, her romance with Hugh more than lives up to expectations.
Those familiar with Maiden Lane will know that the series deals with the harsh realities of life in the slums of Georgian London including the mistreatment and abuse of children. Thus, readers sensitive to these issues may be disturbed by the plot revolving around the Lords and their despicable proclivities. Nevertheless, Hoyt handles the topic with aplomb and the story is both intense and satisfying.
Alf and Hugh's romance is delightful. She is such an endearing mix of strength and vulnerability with her street smarts alongside her desire for love, children and family. Hugh is charming albeit somewhat oblivious when it comes to women.
The secondary character are wonderful, especially Hugh's men whose dedication and loyalty are admirable, and Lady Jordon who it could have been easy to hate if she weren't such a lovely person.
Sadly, the next book, Duke of Desire is the final installment in Hoyt's adventures inMaiden Lane, and it will a bittersweet goodbye to a fantastic series.
4.5 Stars
Tasked by the King to unmask the Lords of Chaos, England's most malevolent secret society, Hugh Fitzroy, Duke of Kyle, enlists the aid of Alf, the cocky young street urchin capable of ferreting out the most elusive tidbits of information. However, will Kyle still trust Alf once he learns that she is not only the Ghost of St. Giles but female to boot? Can Alf become the woman Kyle needs to destroy the Lords once and for all?
Alf's character has been developing slowly, but steadily over the past few books, and, thankfully, her romance with Hugh more than lives up to expectations.
Those familiar with Maiden Lane will know that the series deals with the harsh realities of life in the slums of Georgian London including the mistreatment and abuse of children. Thus, readers sensitive to these issues may be disturbed by the plot revolving around the Lords and their despicable proclivities. Nevertheless, Hoyt handles the topic with aplomb and the story is both intense and satisfying.
Alf and Hugh's romance is delightful. She is such an endearing mix of strength and vulnerability with her street smarts alongside her desire for love, children and family. Hugh is charming albeit somewhat oblivious when it comes to women.
The secondary character are wonderful, especially Hugh's men whose dedication and loyalty are admirable, and Lady Jordon who it could have been easy to hate if she weren't such a lovely person.
Sadly, the next book, Duke of Desire is the final installment in Hoyt's adventures inMaiden Lane, and it will a bittersweet goodbye to a fantastic series.
vpalmer0508's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ckayd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sabregirl's review against another edition
5.0
Just when you think the Lords of Chaos are done they aren't. Hrm, I was really interested in Alf and the Duke, but I wanted more backstory. Their stories were just glossed over. There should be more between St. John and Alf, how has the Duke of Kyle only seen his father half a dozen times if he's acknowledged and does stuff for him? Just wish there was more.
Can't wait to read the next one, I figured that it would be Iris and the Duke of Dyemore. I have a feeling this shall be interesting and he's probably trying to take down the lords of Chaos from the inside.
Can't wait to read the next one, I figured that it would be Iris and the Duke of Dyemore. I have a feeling this shall be interesting and he's probably trying to take down the lords of Chaos from the inside.