sri_savita's review against another edition
4.0
This was really intense and a lot. I loved the last book, but I didn't really enjoy reading about another baby-driven heroine with a traumatized husband ala Godric and Meg. This is by far the darkest of the Maiden Lane series I think, for me at least. The duke's backstory is grim (cw: child abuse) as is some of the other Lords of Chaos elements of the story, so tread carefully. I did like Raphael's aunt as a character a lot.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Duke of Desire
4 Stars
On the verge of being sacrificed to the Lords of Chaos, Lady Iris Jordan seizes the opportunity to escape and shoots one of her captors. Unfortunately, the scarred villain, Raphael de Chartres, Duke of Dyemore, is actually the hero of the piece, and now his plans to infiltrate and destroy the diabolical Lords is in jeopardy. Can Raphael and Iris overcome the demons, both internal and external, to find happiness together?
Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series is on the darker side of historical romance, and this final installment deals with some of the harshest and most difficult issues to read about. Nevertheless, Hoyt handles it all with care and sensitivity.
Iris is the perfect heroine for Raphael. Her courage and perseverance in the face of his dark cynicism and heartbreakingly tortured past are admirable. The slow build up of intimacy between them, and their inevitable steamy consummation make for an exceedingly enjoyable romance.
The Lords of Chaos mystery is, however, not as intense or suspenseful as in some of the other books. The identity of the villain is obvious from the start and the final confrontation is somewhat anti-climactic although I did appreciate
In sum, a lovely ending to the series although the lack of cameo appearances by previous couples is disappointing. Looking forward to Hoyt's next project.
4 Stars
On the verge of being sacrificed to the Lords of Chaos, Lady Iris Jordan seizes the opportunity to escape and shoots one of her captors. Unfortunately, the scarred villain, Raphael de Chartres, Duke of Dyemore, is actually the hero of the piece, and now his plans to infiltrate and destroy the diabolical Lords is in jeopardy. Can Raphael and Iris overcome the demons, both internal and external, to find happiness together?
Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series is on the darker side of historical romance, and this final installment deals with some of the harshest and most difficult issues to read about. Nevertheless, Hoyt handles it all with care and sensitivity.
Iris is the perfect heroine for Raphael. Her courage and perseverance in the face of his dark cynicism and heartbreakingly tortured past are admirable. The slow build up of intimacy between them, and their inevitable steamy consummation make for an exceedingly enjoyable romance.
The Lords of Chaos mystery is, however, not as intense or suspenseful as in some of the other books. The identity of the villain is obvious from the start and the final confrontation is somewhat anti-climactic although I did appreciate
Spoiler
Raphael going to Hugh for help when he needed it.In sum, a lovely ending to the series although the lack of cameo appearances by previous couples is disappointing. Looking forward to Hoyt's next project.
ckayd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
bookwife's review against another edition
2.0
oh um I was very kind of bored. I honestly didn't like either of the characters and that surprised me. I always love a scarred hero but he didn't do anything for me.
amandalachelle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Gun violence
Moderate: Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Violence, and Rape
Minor: Suicide and Death of parent
faustin2nd's review against another edition
3.0
Sadly, this book did not rock my socks off. Why? Well, the hero was too stubborn for his own good. And don't get me wrong, there were moments where his anger, stubborness and hurt were completely justified. Trigger warning: there is some description of rape in this book. But other times? I wanted to throw a book at him.
The heroine on the other hand, was no simpering miss. And she didn't even need the hero to be interesting. She, honestly, saved the book for me. I like how the author focused on her ambition and principles as much as she focused on the hero's pain and anger. It was always refreshing to read the story from her point of view.
My lackluster feelings about this book does not mean that I do not enjoy the series as whole, but I think it's time to put this series to rest. The writing from Mz Hoyt was great, as always. And if it was not for the fact that the hero was totally unlikable, I would've been into this book more.
The heroine on the other hand, was no simpering miss. And she didn't even need the hero to be interesting. She, honestly, saved the book for me. I like how the author focused on her ambition and principles as much as she focused on the hero's pain and anger. It was always refreshing to read the story from her point of view.
My lackluster feelings about this book does not mean that I do not enjoy the series as whole, but I think it's time to put this series to rest. The writing from Mz Hoyt was great, as always. And if it was not for the fact that the hero was totally unlikable, I would've been into this book more.
ovary_lord's review against another edition
5.0
Great ending to an awesome series. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for darker historical romance with lots of angst and steam.
intensej's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 stars
An exciting historical romance with thrilling action. Lady Iris Jordan is kidnapped by members of the Lords of Chaos. She is rescued by Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore. She shoots him because he tells her that he won't let her go because it is too dangerous. They get married. You learn about his tragic past when he was sexually assaulted by his father. This book was a bit dark, but I liked the world building. The resolution at the end was good because you see Raphael defeat the current leader of the Lords of Chaos.
An exciting historical romance with thrilling action. Lady Iris Jordan is kidnapped by members of the Lords of Chaos. She is rescued by Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore. She shoots him because he tells her that he won't let her go because it is too dangerous. They get married. You learn about his tragic past when he was sexually assaulted by his father. This book was a bit dark, but I liked the world building. The resolution at the end was good because you see Raphael defeat the current leader of the Lords of Chaos.